12 April 2024

Stunting

According to WHO (2015), stunting is a growth and development disorder in children caused by chronic malnutrition and recurrent infections, characterized by height or length being below the standard.

Main Causes of Stunting:

• Insufficient nutritional intake to meet children's needs

• Incorrect parenting due to lack of knowledge and education for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers

• Poor sanitation in residential areas, such as insufficient clean water facilities and inadequate sanitation facilities (MCK)

• Limited access to healthcare facilities needed for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers

Impact of Stunting:
Stunting can slow down brain development, leading to long-term effects such as mental retardation, low learning abilities, and increased risks of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

Prevention of Stunting with ABCDE:
(A) Active Consumption of Iron Supplement Tablets

• Consume one iron tablet weekly for adolescent girls.

• Consume one iron tablet daily (at least 90 tablets during pregnancy) for pregnant women.

(B) Regular Pregnancy Check-ups at Least 6 Times

• Get at least 6 pregnancy check-ups, with 2 visits involving a doctor and ultrasound.

(C) Sufficient Animal Protein Intake

• Ensure daily consumption of animal protein for babies over 6 months old.

(D) Visit Posyandu Every Month

• Attend and monitor growth (weigh and measure) and development, as well as immunizations for toddlers at Posyandu every month.

(E) Exclusive Breastfeeding for 6 Months

• Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, continued until 2 years old.

Reviewed by: dr. Carissa Pratiwi

Source: Ministry of Health Health Article

Picture: freepik.com