# The Feeding Patterns as a Dominant Factor in the Occurrence of Stunting in Toddlers in Ponorogo

## TL;DR

This study shows that poor feeding habits in toddlers are strongly linked to stunting in Ponorogo, Indonesia, highlighting the need for better nutrition practices.

## Contribution

The study identifies feeding patterns as a significant risk factor for stunting in toddlers, providing evidence for targeted nutritional interventions.

## Key findings

- Feeding patterns are strongly associated with stunting, with an odds ratio of 14.54.
- Immunization completeness does not significantly affect stunting risk.
- Inadequate feeding increases stunting risk in children aged 1–5 years in Ponorogo.

## Abstract

Stunting in Indonesia, caused by nutritional deficiencies from pregnancy until the age of two, remains above the WHO target despite a decrease in prevalence from 37.2% in 2017 to 21.6% in 2022. The detrimental impact of stunting on child development and the high rates in Indonesia underscore the importance of improving maternal and child nutrition to reduce this prevalence.

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of feeding patterns on the incidence of stunting in toddlers in the Ponorogo District.

This research is an analytical observational study with a case‐control study design. The sample size was calculated using the case‐control sample size formula with a 1:1 ratio, resulting in 44 cases and 44 control samples. The case samples consist of children aged 1–5 years who experience stunting in the North Ponorogo Community Health Center area. The control samples consist of children aged 1–5 years who do not experience stunting in the same area. The sampling method used is simple random sampling. Risk factor analysis uses the odds ratio (OR) value and a 95% confidence interval (CI).

There is an association between feeding patterns and the incidence of stunting, with an OR value of 14.54 (95% CI = 3.11 < OR < 67.86). There is no association between immunization completeness status and the incidence of stunting, with an OR value of 0.42 (95% CI = 0.14 < OR < 1.25).

Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between feeding patterns and the incidence of stunting in the North Ponorogo Community Health Center area. Inadequate feeding patterns significantly increase the risk of stunting.