Publication Details
Abstract
Objective: Stunting continues to be a critical public health challenge that impairs pediatric growth and development, disproportionately impacting developing nations. The primary objective of this research was to examine the associations between protein consumption, carbohydrate intake, and a history of infectious diseases with the prevalence of stunting among children under five years of age within the catchment area of the Ingin Jaya Public Health Center, Aceh Besar Regency, in 2024. Methods: Utilizing a cross-sectional methodology, the study enrolled 115 participants aged 0 to 59 months, selected via proportional random sampling. Dietary intake data were acquired through a 24-hour food recall protocol, while the history of infectious diseases was gathered via structured questionnaires completed by mothers or primary caregivers. Statistical evaluations were conducted utilizing Chi-Square tests and multiple logistic regression. Results: The findings indicated a stunting prevalence of 22.6% within the study cohort. Bivariate analyses demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between stunting and both carbohydrate intake (p=0.033) and a history of infections (p<0.001); conversely, protein consumption exhibited no significant association (p=0.080). Subsequent multivariate analysis determined that a history of infectious diseases was the most substantial determinant of stunting (OR=8.283; 95% CI=2.456–27.942; p=0.001), suggesting that children with prior infections possessed an over eightfold increased risk of stunted growth. Novelty: These results underscore that, within this demographic, infectious morbidity serves as a more potent prognosticator of stunting than the intake of specific macronutrients. Consequently, comprehensive strategies that synergize infection mitigation and management with the promotion of optimal nutritional intake are imperative for effective stunting alleviation initiatives.