Identification of dietary diversity associated with stunting in Indonesia

Abstract

Stunting has become one of the world's most discussed health topics. Dietary diversity takes on an important role in increasing the nutrition fulfilment of young children aged 6-59 months for their optimal growth. This study aims to understand the association between dietary diversity and stunting in children aged 6-59 months old in Babakan Madang subdistrict, Bogor district of West Java, Indonesia. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design and was conducted in May 2019 in Babakan Madang subdistrict. The subjects chosen for this study were 200 children aged 6-59 months, and they were selected using the probabilityproportional-to-size sampling technique. Individual dietary diversity was assessed by minimum dietary diversity with the consumption of four or more food groups out of the total seven groups. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Results: Poor dietary diversity was significantly related with stunting (p=0.023; OR=2.182; 95% CI: 1.152-4.134). In addition, age <2 years was a significant protective factor against stunting (p=0.011; OR=0.445; 95% CI: 0.246-0.806). Conclusion: The risk of stunting in children can be reduced by providing a variety of foods in their diets, which includes at least four food groups a day. There is a need to increase awareness among the population about appropriate nutrition through dietary education.

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