Families at Risk of Stunting and the Prevalence of Stunting in Indonesia: An Ecological Study

Abstract

Stunting remains a critical public health challenge in Indonesia, impacting child growth, cognitive development, and long-term productivity. The government has prioritized interventions targeting families at risk of stunting to reduce its prevalence. This study examines the relationship between families at risk of stunting and stunting prevalence in Indonesia by an ecological study design. Data were analyzed at the district/city level using correlation analysis to assess key risk factors. The findings indicate that inadequate access to safe drinking water, poor sanitation, substandard housing, and reproductive health risks among women of reproductive age are significantly correlated with higher stunting prevalence (p<0.05). The correlation coefficients for these factors are 0.14, 0.19, 0.17, and 0.33, respectively. Furthermore, a one percent reduction in families at risk of stunting is associated with a 0.19 percent decrease in stunting prevalence (R² = 16%). These results highlight the need for comprehensive interventions addressing environmental, socio-economic, and maternal health factors. Strengthening policies that improve access to clean water, sanitation, and maternal health services is crucial to accelerating stunting reduction efforts in Indonesia. Prioritizing families at risk can enhance the effectiveness of government strategies in achieving national stunting decrease targets.