THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATERNAL KNOWLEDGE AND STUNTING PREVENTION BEHAVIORS AMONG MOTHERS OF CHILDREN AGED 2–4 YEARS IN GAMPING I PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER WORKING AREA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62354/jurnalmedicare.v5i4.544Abstract
Background: Stunting is a chronic growth and neurodevelopmental impairment resulting from persistent maternal-child malnutrition originating from conception through early childhood. The age bracket of 2–4 years represents a vital continuation of the golden growth period where complementary feeding, dietary variety, infection control, and parental nurturing practices directly dictate growth trajectories. Maternal nutritional knowledge is considered the foundational catalyst shaping preventive child-rearing practices.
Objective: To analyze the empirical relationship between maternal knowledge levels and stunting prevention behaviors among mothers of children aged 2–4 years in the working area of Gamping I Public Health Center, Sleman Regency. Methods: This quantitative observational study employed an analytical cross-sectional survey design conducted in February 2026 across Ambarsari and Balitaria Integrated Health Posts (Posyandu). A total sample of 85 mothers of toddlers aged 2–4 years was recruited using total sampling. Primary data were gathered via structured questionnaires adapted from validated instruments (Guttman scale for knowledge and Likert scale for prevention behaviors). Data were evaluated through descriptive univariate analysis and bivariate Spearman's rank correlation.
Results: The majority of mothers exhibited a good level of knowledge (63.5%, n = 54), while 30.6% (n = 26) demonstrated moderate knowledge and 5.9% (n = 5) low knowledge. Similarly, maternal stunting prevention behaviors were predominantly categorized as good (61.2%, n = 52), followed by moderate (25.9%, n = 22) and poor (12.9%, n = 11). Bivariate Spearman rank correlation revealed a statistically significant, moderate positive relationship between maternal knowledge and stunting prevention behavior (Spearman's rho = 0.417, p < 0.001). Among mothers possessing good knowledge, 74.1% (n = 40) consistently practiced good stunting prevention behaviors, whereas 80.0% of mothers with poor knowledge displayed poor preventive practices.
Conclusion: Higher maternal knowledge is significantly and positively associated with superior stunting prevention behaviors among mothers of children aged 2–4 years. Community health centers must reinforce continuous, interactive nutritional education to empower maternal caregiving practices.
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Keywords:
Adolescents, Child stunting, Cross-sectional study, Maternal knowledge, Prevention behavior, Toddlers 2–4 yearsReferences
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