In the course of a child’s growth, understanding the factors that can affect their growth is very important for parents, especially for young mothers. The causes of stunting, or stunted physical growth, are a serious concern in an effort to maintain the health and well-being of children. In this article, we will discuss seven causes of stunting that young mothers need to know to ensure that their children grow optimally and get the right care.
The History of Stunting in Indonesia
The first case of stunting in Indonesia was reported in 2007, when a health survey conducted found that the prevalence of stunting in children under five reached an alarming rate. Since then, stunting has become a serious concern in efforts to prevent and treat child health problems in Indonesia. Further research revealed that stunting is not only influenced by nutritional factors, but also by socio-economic, environmental and sanitation factors. This first case is the starting point of a joint struggle to overcome stunting and improve the welfare of children in Indonesia.
Here are the 7 main causes of stunting to watch out for:
- Lack of Nutrition
Inadequate intake of nutrients, especially protein, iron and vitamins, can significantly hinder a child’s growth and development. Young mothers need to ensure their children get enough nutritious food to support optimal growth. - Lack of exclusive breastfeeding
Exclusive breastfeeding is an important source of nutrients for infants that can help protect them from stunting. Young mothers should be empowered with information on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of their baby’s life. - Recurrent Infections
Upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhea and hookworm parasite infections can interfere with nutrient absorption and significantly stunt children’s growth. Prevention of infections and proper treatment are critical in reducing the risk of stunting. - Lack of Health Care
Limited access to health services, including adequate prenatal care and routine health check-ups of children, can lead to poor health conditions and potentially lead to stunting. - Poor Economic Conditions
Economic instability in families can hamper parents’ ability to provide nutritious food and proper healthcare to their children, increasing the risk of stunting. - Poor Sanitation
Limited access to clean water, poor sanitation, and unclean environments can increase the risk of infection and stunting in children. - Unhealthy Diet
An unbalanced diet, including consumption of high-fat foods and processed foods that are low in nutrients, can impair children’s growth and increase the risk of stunting.
By understanding the underlying causes of stunting, young mothers can take effective preventive measures to protect the health and well-being of their children. Through proper education and awareness, we can work together to tackle stunting and create a healthier future for generations to come.
Self-Prevention of Stunting
Self-prevention of stunting is an effort that can be done by individuals and communities to reduce the risk of stunting in children. One of the main steps in stunting prevention is to ensure that children receive adequate and balanced nutrition from an early age. This can be achieved by providing nutritious food, including protein, vitamins, minerals and iron that are essential for optimal growth and development. In addition, good health care, such as exclusively breastfeeding infants for the first six months of life, is also an important step in preventing stunting.
In stunting prevention efforts, it is important to have detection tools that can help identify children at risk of stunting early. One recommendation for an effective detection tool is the anthropometry kit produced by Solo Abadi. This anthropometry kit has various devices to measure physical parameters such as height, weight, and upper arm circumference, which are important indicators in identifying stunting. By using this tool regularly, parents and health workers can monitor children’s growth more accurately and take the necessary preventive or intervention measures in a timely manner.
Get this Anthropometry kit product by contacting our official Whatsapp or via E-Catalog. Claim the best price now!
Created by : Dea Ayu Permata Sari (Applied Communication, Sebelas Maret Univercity)
Read More : Solo Abadi Kirim Antropometri Kit untuk Cegah Stunting ke Dinas Kesehatan Lahat dan Sikka
