Household Food Insecurity and Stunting among Infants Aged ۶-۲۳ Months: A Cross-sectional Study in Indonesia

Background: Stunting is a form of malnutrition that remains a significant global health problem. Household food insecurity is associated with poor dietary diversity and contributes to inadequate nutrition in children, which is linked to higher rates of stunting. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between household food insecurity and the prevalence of stunting among infants aged ۶-۲۳ months in Jember Regency. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among ۲۱۱ families with infants aged ۶-۲۳ months using total sampling. Food insecurity levels were assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), while the infants’ anthropometric measurements were taken using a digital baby scale and a length board. Results: Of the ۲۱۱ households, ۹۲.۴% experienced food insecurity, with ۵۵.۵% facing moderate food insecurity. The incidence of stunting was categorized into two mutually exclusive groups: ۶۳% of infants were moderately stunted, and ۳۴% were severely stunted. A Chi-square test revealed a significant association between household food insecurity and stunting incidence (χ۲ = ۹.۸۵۳; p-value = ۰.۰۲۰). Compared to infants from food-secure households, those from severely food-insecure households were more likely to be stunted (OR = ۱.۷۸۲; ۹۵% CI: ۰.۵۷۵-۵.۵۲۵). However, as the confidence interval includes ۱, the risk estimate for this subgroup lacks strict statistical precision despite the overall significant association. Conclusion: Household food insecurity is associated with stunting among infants aged ۶-۲۳ months. Therefore, this study recommends that families utilize local resources to reduce dependence on expensive foods while meeting infants’ nutritional needs.

کلیدواژه ها:

Children ، Family ، Household food insecurity ، Malnutrition ، Stunting