The Relationship between Environmental Health, Children and Mothers with the Incidence of Stunting in Toddlers in the Working Area of the Puskesmas Pondok Meja.

Abstract

Introduction: Stunting remains a public health problem caused by chronic malnutrition that has not been optimally addressed. Purpose: this study aimed to analyze the relationship between environmental, maternal, and child factors and the incidence of stunting in the working area of Pondok Meja Primary Health Center, Muaro Jambi District. Methods A cross-sectional design was applied with 100 respondents selected using stratified proportional random sampling. Data were collected through interviews with questionnaires and direct observation, and analyzed using the chi-square test. Results: The prevalence of stunting was 35.6%. Factors significantly associated with stunting included latrine availability (p=0.043), access to clean water (p=0.048), housing density (p=0.009), dietary patterns (p=0.025), history of infectious diseases (p=0.025), exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.023), parenting practices (p=0.041), and socioeconomic status (p=0.048). In contrast, personal hygiene, maternal knowledge, and waste management were not significantly associated. Conclusion: Stunting among children under five is influenced by a combination of environmental conditions, maternal health, and parenting practices. Collaboration between health workers and the community is essential to optimize efforts to reduce stunting prevalence among children.