A Predictive Model for Stunting Risk in Infants Using Health Belief Model Constructs and Feeding Indicators

Aims: Stunting in children under five remains a critical public health problem in Indonesia, particularly in rural areas where access to optimal complementary feeding practices and health literacy are limited. This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive model to identify infants aged ۶-۱۲ months at risk of stunting using maternal behavioral determinants and feeding indicators. Instrument & Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on ۴۰۱ mother–infant dyads in Kabupaten Bone, Indonesia. The model incorporated constructs from the health belief model, including perceived severity, benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action in feeding, based on WHO/UNICEF criteria (minimum dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency, and minimum acceptable diet). Structural equation modeling was applied to test direct and indirect pathways to risk classification. Findings: Feeding practices were the strongest direct predictor of stunting risk (β=۰.۵۳۷; p<۰.۰۰۱). Barriers indirectly increased risk by negatively affecting feeding behavior. The model demonstrated an acceptable fit (standardized root mean square residual=۰.۰۶۱) and explained substantial variance in the primary outcomes (R²=۰.۸۲۵ for intention, ۰.۵۲۶ for feeding practices, and ۰.۵۴۲ for risk). Conclusion: Maternal beliefs and behavioral intentions highly influence complementary feeding practices, which in turn reduce the risk of stunting in infants.

کلیدواژه ها:

Health belief model ، Growth Disorders ، weaning ، Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ، Risk assessment