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Inappropriate complementary feeding (MPASI) practices remain a public health concern, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life, as they contribute to the risk of growth disorders such as stunting. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between socioeconomic factors and maternal decision-making processes with complementary feeding practices based on consumer behavior theory. This study employed an observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach involving 240 mothers with children aged 6–23 months in the working area of Puskesmas Putat Jaya, Surabaya. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using the Chi-Square test. The results showed significant relationships between socioeconomic status and decision-making processes, as well as between decision-making processes and complementary feeding practices (p<0.05). Mothers with higher socioeconomic status tended to have better decision-making processes and more appropriate feeding practices. However, overall practices were not fully aligned with recommended standards. These findings indicate that improving complementary feeding practices requires not only knowledge enhancement but also strengthening maternal decision-making capacity within their socioeconomic context.

The provision of herbal-based complementary feeding (MP-ASI) has several positive impacts, including improving mothers’ understanding and skills in preparing complementary foods from local food ingredients in accordance with local customs and socio-cultural practices, thereby enabling mothers to independently continue providing local complementary feeding. This study aimed to determine the effect of training on the preparation of herbal-based complementary feeding for mothers of children under three years old on their knowledge and skills in preparing complementary feeding. This study employed a quasi-experimental research design and was conducted at Kanda Public Health Center. The population consisted of all mothers with children under three years old in the working area of Kanda Public Health Center, totaling 245 mothers. The sample size in this study was 35 respondents. The results of the analysis showed that there was a significant difference in mothers’ knowledge before and after the training on complementary feeding preparation, with a significance value of 0.000.

Stunting is a chronic nutritional disorder characterized by a child’s height being below the age-standard growth curve. One contributing factor is the mother’s knowledge regarding proper complementary feeding (MP-ASI). This study aims to determine the correlation between maternal knowledge of complementary feeding and stunting among children under five at Posyandu in the Bangetayu Health Center working area, Semarang. This research employed an analytical observational design with a case-control approach. A total of 60 respondents were selected using purposive sampling, consisting of 30 stunted and 30 non-stunted children. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Chi-Square test. The findings indicated that most mothers possessed good knowledge of complementary feeding (80%). Stunting prevalence among respondents was 41.7%. The Chi-Square test revealed a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05), demonstrating a significant relationship between maternal knowledge of complementary feeding and stunting. Mothers with poor knowledge were more likely to have stunted children compared to those with adequate understanding. These results highlight the crucial role of improving maternal nutrition knowledge to prevent stunting and support optimal child growth and development.

Low levels of maternal knowledge and appropriate nutritional practices, combined with limited continuity of nutrition education from health workers, remain significant risk factors for maternal and child health problems, including stunting. The GEMPITA Program (Gerakan Edukasi MPASI Tepat dan Aman / Safe and Appropriate Complementary Feeding Education Movement) was implemented as a community service initiative to improve nutritional knowledge, skills, and practices among families in the working area of Teratak Public Health Center. The program employed structured methods, including socialization, education, training, demonstrations, mentoring, and non-formal monitoring and evaluation. The target participants were mothers with children aged 6–24 months, as well as health workers and community health cadres. Program effectiveness was assessed using pretest posttest measurements and direct observation of behavioral changes. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in maternal knowledge regarding appropriate complementary feeding, enhanced skills in age-appropriate food preparation, and improved hygienic and nutritious feeding practices. In addition, the capacity of health workers to deliver nutrition education was strengthened. Overall, the GEMPITA Program proved effective in improving family nutrition practices and reinforcing the role of the public health center in stunting prevention through a sustainable community empowerment approach.

Stunting is a phenomenon of growth impairment experienced by infants and young children under 5 years of age, particularly toddlers aged 0–59 months. Based on Global Prevalence Data, approximately 21.9% to 22% of toddlers worldwide experience stunting. Several factors that contribute to stunting include breastfeeding and complementary feeding (MP-ASI) practices. This study aims to explore the association between experiences of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding (MP-ASI) and the incidence of stunting among children in the Kampa Community Health Center area. The method used in this study was a cross-sectional approach. The study was conducted during the period of January 8–13, 2024, at the Kampa Community Health Center, involving toddlers aged 6–59 months, with a population of 1,576 toddlers. The sample consisted of 68 mothers who had stunted toddlers, measured using a height-for-age (H/A) Z-score of less than -2 standard deviations (SD). The sampling technique applied was total sampling. Data collection was carried out using a microtoise and questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using the Chi-square method. The findings showed a significant relationship between a history of exclusive breastfeeding and the incidence of stunting with a P value of 0.00 < 0.05, as well as a significant relationship between exclusive complementary feeding (MP-ASI) and the incidence of stunting in toddlers with a P value of 0.04 < 0.05. It is recommended that health workers organize counseling classes on lactation and conduct demonstrations on how to prepare complementary foods (MP-ASI), focusing on the use of affordable local food ingredients that are rich in animal protein. In addition, continuous training for community health cadres needs to be carried out to improve early detection through accurate anthropometric measurements, so that toddlers at risk of stunting can be promptly managed.

Stunting is a major public health problem that reflects chronic malnutrition and adversely affects children’s physical growth, cognitive development, and future productivity. The first 1,000 days of life represent a critical window during which stunting develops and determines long-term health outcomes. This study aims to review evidence on the determinants of childhood stunting and the effectiveness of prevention interventions within public health policy frameworks in Indonesia.A literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed articles, policy documents, and national reports published in the last decade. The literature was analyzed to identify key risk factors, intervention strategies, and policy impacts on stunting reduc-tion.The findings show that stunting is primarily driven by inadequate dietary intake, low socioeconomic status, limited caregiver nutrition knowledge, and poor access to health and sanitation services. National data indicate a decline in stunting prevalence in Indonesia from 24.4% in 2021 to 21.6% in 2022. Evidence consistently highlights that integrated interventions targeting the first 1,000 days of life, including maternal nutrition improvement, breastfeeding promotion, appropriate complementary feeding, and multisectoral collaboration, are effective in reducing stunting.In conclusion, reducing childhood stunting requires sustained, integrated, and policy-based interventions that prioritize early-life nutrition to improve human capital and support long-term national development.