Healthy Practices of Mother’s Toddlers in the Household Setting Related to the Incidence of Stunting in Tasikmalaya City

Abstract

Reducing stunting has been the focus of the Indonesian government in the last 5 years. As stated in the 2020-2024 RPJMN, stunting is a national program with a national target of reducing stunting prevalence by 14% in 2024. SDKI data for 2023 shows a stunting prevalence of 21.9%. The risk factors for stunting are very complex, healthy maternal behavior in interacting with toddlers is one of the factors that needs to be considered. The purpose of this study was to analyze healthy maternal behavior in households with stunting incidents in the Kawalu sub-district of Tasikmalaya City. Healthy behaviors in this study include early breastfeeding initiation practices, exclusive breastfeeding practices,routine toddler weighing practices to integrated health posts, hand washing with soap (CTPS) practices, and toddler feeding practices. The research method used was case-control with 170 respondents (85 cases and 85 controls). The data collection process was conducted through interviews with toddler mothers using questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using the Chi Square statistical test at an alpha significance level of 0.05. The results showed a significant relationship (p <0.05) between the variables of Early Breastfeeding Initiation (IMD), exclusive breastfeeding practices, routine toddler weighing practices, mother hand washing practices with soap (CTPS), toddler feeding practices with the incidence of stunting in toddlers. Suggestions for toddler mothers to improve healthy behavior at home to prevent stunting in toddlers.