THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATERNAL KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES AND STUNTING PREVENTION AMONG MOTHERS OF UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN IN THE WEST LIMBOTO COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER AREA, GORONTALO REGENCY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47918/yxvfw752Keywords:
Maternal Knowledge, Maternal Attitudes, Maternal Actions, Stunting Prevention.Abstract
Stunting remains a major public health problem due to its long-term effects on children's physical growth, cognitive development, educational achievement, and future productivity. Maternal factors, particularly knowledge, attitudes, and actions related to child nutrition and care, play an important role in stunting prevention. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between mothers' knowledge, attitudes, and actions and stunting prevention among mothers of children under five years of age in the working area of West Limboto Community Health Center, Gorontalo Regency. This study employed a quantitative analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach. The population consisted of 72 mothers of children under five years of age, and 42 respondents were selected as the sample. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through univariate, bivariate (Chi-Square), and multivariate (binary logistic regression) analyses. The results showed that most respondents were aged 26–30 years (38.1%) and had completed senior high school education (61.9%). The majority demonstrated good knowledge (92.9%), positive attitudes (85.7%), and good stunting prevention practices (52.4%). Chi-Square analysis revealed significant relationships between maternal knowledge and stunting prevention (p = 0.000), maternal attitudes and stunting prevention (p = 0.000), and maternal actions and stunting prevention (p = 0.000). Multivariate analysis indicated that maternal knowledge, attitudes, and actions simultaneously influenced stunting prevention (p = 0.000; Exp(B) = 6.000). In conclusion, maternal knowledge, attitudes, and actions are significant determinants of stunting prevention. Strengthening maternal education and promoting appropriate childcare practices are essential for improving stunting prevention efforts.
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