Changes In The Prevalence Of Stunting Among Toddlers In Papua, West Papua, And Maluku Provinces In Indonesia

Abstract

Early detection of toddler stunting must begin at a critical period of growth and development specifically in the first 1000 days of live birth, or commencing from the ninth month of pregnancy to when the child is 24 months old. Therefore, this study aims to determine changes in health and social programs in relation to the prevalence of stunting toddlers in Papua, West Papua, and Maluku Provinces. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional design and the samples included 37 respondents from different provinces. The data obtained were analyzed using the Chi-Square Statistical Test (χ²). The results showed no significant changes in the prevalence of stunting toddlers with fiscal capacity index and household low income (Q₁-Q₂). Significant changes in the low prevalence of stunting toddlers were found with a high vitamin A coverage, reduced percentage of toddlers who did not complete immunization nor have Card Towards Health (CTH)/ Mother and child health book, as well as toddlers who were not weighed periodically for six months. Based on the results, toddler stunting has become a problem from 2007 to 2018 in Indonesia. Therefore, the coverage of government health programs and the achievement of changes in the prevalence of stunting are very important for the future of children in Papua, West Papua, and Maluku provinces, Indonesia.