Hardiansyah Pengarang

301 Factors Associated with Stunting in Children Aged 0–24 Months: Studies in Sukaluyu, Karawang, Indonesia (Citarum Project) Silvia Mawarti Perdana, Afrinia Ekasari Program of Nutrition, Mitra Keluarga School of Health Science, Bekasi, Indonesia Keywords: Citarum · Stunting · Under two children Background/Aims: Early life period (0–24 months old) is a golden period of growth and development that determines the quality of health later in life. Double malnutrition, including stunting, at this period, will inhibit growth and development as well as increase the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) later in life. This study was aimed to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with stunting in children aged 0–24 months old in Sukaluyu, Karawang, Indonesia (Citarum Project). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 130 children aged 0–24 months from October to November 2018 in Sukaluyu village, Karawang district, Indonesia (sector 17 of the Citarum Harum project). Data were collected by questionnaire and anthropometric assessment. Pearson’s correlation test was used to analyze the association between birth weight, early initiation of breastfeeding, breast milk, and hygiene, and a healthy lifestyle. Results: Prevalence of stunting (length/height for age z-scores < –2.0) among children was 20% (male 58%, female 42%). Factor associated with stunting among subjects was breast milk (p < 0.05), meanwhile no association was seen from birth weight, early breastfeeding initiation, and hygiene, and healthy lifestyle. Conclusions: Stunting could be prevented through exclusive breastfeeding (until 6 months old) and continued for up to 2 years by giving complementary feeding.