Maternal and infant nutrition practices during the first 1,000 days of life and stunting in a remote setting of south Papua, Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61099/jakespol.v1i4.542Keywords:
antenatal care, breast feeding, child nutrition, complementary feeding, stuntingAbstract
ntroduction: Stunting remains a major public health concern, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life, when adequate maternal healthcare and infant feeding practices are critical for optimal growth. This study examined the associations of antenatal care (ANC), exclusive breastfeeding, and complementary feeding practices with stunting among children under two years of age in Atsj District, Asmat Regency, South Papua, Indonesia.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 43 mothers with children aged 0–24 months in the working area of Atsj Public Health Center. All eligible participants were recruited using total sampling. Data on ANC, exclusive breastfeeding, and complementary feeding were collected using questionnaires and observation sheets. Stunting status was assessed using anthropometric measurements. Data were analyzed descriptively and using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, as appropriate, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from the reported 2×2 contingency tables.
Results: Fifteen children (34.9%) were stunted. Inadequate ANC was strongly associated with stunting (OR = 35.00; 95% CI: 3.92–312.17; p < 0.001). Children who were not exclusively breastfed had higher odds of stunting than exclusively breastfed children (OR = 6.00; 95% CI: 1.52–23.68; p = 0.008). Inadequate complementary feeding showed the strongest association with stunting (OR = 108.00; 95% CI: 10.17–1147.45; p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Inadequate ANC, absence of exclusive breastfeeding, and suboptimal complementary feeding were significantly associated with stunting. Strengthening maternal healthcare, breastfeeding support, and age-appropriate complementary feeding education should be prioritized within first-1,000-days interventions in remote communities
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