Descriptive Study of Knowledge and Stunting Prevalence in Rimba Soping Padangsidimpuan

Abstract

Background: Stunting is a chronic form of malnutrition that results in impaired linear growth and is defined as a height-for-age measurement below minus two standard deviations (<−2 SD) according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards. Maternal knowledge plays a crucial role in preventing stunting through appropriate nutritional and childcare practices during the first 1,000 days of life.

Aims: This study aimed to describe the level of maternal knowledge regarding stunting among mothers of children under five years of age in Rimba Soping Village in 2023.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive study with a cross-sectional design was conducted in Rimba Soping Village in June 2023. Total (saturation) sampling was employed, involving 23 mothers of children under five years of age. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of 20 knowledge-related questions. Descriptive (univariate) analysis was performed to summarize respondents' characteristics and maternal knowledge levels.

Results: The findings showed that most respondents were aged 22–29 years (47.8%), were housewives (91.3%), and had completed senior high school education (78.3%). The majority of mothers demonstrated good knowledge regarding stunting, with 17 respondents (73.9%), while 6 respondents (26.1%) had poor knowledge.

Conclusion: Most mothers in Rimba Soping Village had good knowledge regarding stunting. Continuous health education and nutrition promotion programs should be strengthened to improve maternal knowledge, particularly among mothers with lower educational backgrounds, thereby supporting efforts to prevent stunting among children under five.