Complementary feeding practices and stunting among children aged 6-24 months in Banda Aceh, Indonesia
Abstract
Background: Stunting is a significant nutritional issue in Indonesia, reflecting chronic malnutrition. Key factors influencing stunting incidence include inaccuracies in complementary feeding, such as timing, texture, portion size, frequency, and variety of food. Objective: This study aims to examine Complementary Feeding Practices and stunting among children aged 6-24 Months in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 4 public health centers with the highest stunting prevalence. A total of 105 respondents were selected using proportional random sampling. Data were collected through interviews using a questionnaire on complementary feeding practices and the Individual Dietary Diversity Score (IDDS) and anthropometric measurements from maternal and child health (KIA) books. Data were analysed using the Spearman-Rank test. Results: The results showed that most children were aged 12–24 months (64.8%) and male (50.5%). The majority of mothers provided complementary foods at the appropriate age (91.4%), with appropriate texture (96.2%), appropriate frequency (55.2%), appropriate portion (66.7%), and moderate food diversity (47.6%). Spearman correlation analysis showed significant associations between stunting and texture (p=0.029; r=−0.213), portion (p=0.000; r=−0.499), frequency (p=0.000; r=−0.420), and food variety (p=0.000; r=−0.715). In this study, the time of first complementary feeding was the only factor that was not significantly related to stunting (p=0.580; r=−0.055). Conclusion: In conclusion, texture, portion size, feeding frequency, and, especially, dietary variety are significantly associated with stunting. Education on correct complementary feeding practices is needed to prevent stunting.Downloads
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