Breastfeeding Practices and Stunting: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Children Aged ۲۴-۵۹ Months in Indonesia

Background: Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem that remains a major global public health concern. Inadequate breastfeeding practices, such as delayed early initiation of breastfeeding (EIB), non-exclusive breastfeeding, and early cessation of breastfeeding, can contribute to nutritional deficits that lead to stunting.Methods: This descriptive correlational study with a case-control approach analyzed the correlation between breastfeeding practices and the incidence of stunting among toddlers aged ۲۴–۵۹ months in Jember Regency. A total of ۱۷۴ mother–toddler pairs participated, comprising ۸۷ stunted (case group) and ۸۷ non-stunted toddlers (control group). Data on breastfeeding practices (EIB, exclusive breastfeeding, and continued breastfeeding) were collected using researcher-assisted questionnaires and verified through Maternal and Child Health (KIA) books when available. Nutritional status was assessed via direct anthropometric measurements and analyzed using World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro software.Results: All toddlers in the case group were classified as stunted (۱۰۰%), with ۷۰.۱% moderately stunted and ۲۹.۹% severely stunted. Chi-square analysis showed a significant correlation between breastfeeding practices and stunting incidence. Toddlers who received EIB had ۲.۲۷۸ times greater odds of normal height (p = ۰.۰۲۲). Those exclusively breastfed had ۲.۵۵۴ times greater odds (p = ۰.۰۰۴), and those with continued breastfeeding had ۲.۵۱۴ times greater odds of normal height (p = ۰.۰۰۳).Conclusion: There is a significant association between delayed initiation of breastfeeding, non-exclusive breastfeeding, and early cessation of continued breastfeeding with the occurrence of stunting among toddlers. Strengthening breastfeeding practices from birth through two years of age, supported by families and health institutions, is essential to promote optimal growth and prevent stunting.

کلیدواژه ها:

Breastfeeding ، Continued Breastfeeding ، Child ، Early Initiation of Breastfeeding ، Exclusive breastfeeding ، Stunting