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This study examines the influence of income inequality and poverty on the prevalence of stunting in ten provinces across Sumatra Island during the 2016–2024 period. Using a panel dataset of 90 observations and applying a Fixed Effect Model, the results indicate that both income inequality—measured by the Gini Ratio—and poverty have a positive and significant effect on stunting. The Gini Ratio shows a coefficient of 1.46 (p = 0.0002), while poverty records a coefficient of 6.28 (p = 0.0140), jointly explaining 52% of the variation in stunting prevalence. Spatial analysis further supports these findings, with Moran’s I values exceeding 0.40, suggesting strong spatial autocorrelation and clustering of high-stunting regions. High-risk clusters—Aceh, Jambi, and Bengkulu—are characterized by Gini Ratios above 0.33 and poverty levels exceeding 12%, reinforcing the existence of an intergenerational poverty–stunting trap, particularly influenced by urban–rural disparities (rural 53.3% vs urban 34.9%). The study highlights that specific nutrition interventions such as supplementary feeding, micronutrient programs, and breastfeeding promotion are insufficient without accompanying structural reforms addressing economic inequality. Therefore, multisectoral convergence strategies are required, including expanded conditional cash transfers, progressive local taxation reforms, nutrition-focused social assistance, and universal basic infrastructure to accelerate stunting reduction toward the 14.2% target by 2029.

Background: Stunting remains a major public health concern in Indonesia, affecting children’s growth, development, and long-term health outcomes (Sari, 2020). Early childhood stunting can lead to cognitive delays, poor school performance, reduced productivity in adulthood, and increased risk of chronic diseases (Hapsari & Wulandari, 2019). Understanding the interaction of demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors is essential to reduce stunting prevalence and improve child health outcomes (Yuliani, 2019). Objective: This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing the incidence of stunting among children attending the Sagerat Public Health Center in Bitung City. Methods: A quantitative, observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted. Thirty children were selected using purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria such as age under five years and available anthropometric data. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied to examine the relationship between these factors and stunting incidence, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: The analysis showed that 30 children (100%) in the study were at risk of stunting based on height-for-age measurements, with 20 children (90%) confirmed as stunted and 10 children (10%) having normal height. These results suggest that maternal education, socioeconomic status, nutrition, and access to healthcare are strongly associated with stunting in this population. Conclusion: Factors such as maternal education, socioeconomic status, dietary intake, and access to healthcare significantly influence the incidence of stunting among children at the Sagerat Public Health Center. Comprehensive community-based programs are recommended to reduce stunting prevalence and improve long-term health outcomes for children.

Stunting and wasting are nutritional problems in toddlers that remain a double burden of malnutrition in Indonesia and have an impact on the quality of health and future human resource development. Monitoring the nutritional status of toddlers is generally carried out using anthropometric indicators, but the use of this data is still limited to descriptive analysis. This study aims to apply the K-Means algorithm in clustering infants vulnerable to stunting and wasting based on anthropometric indicators, so that groups of infants with different levels of nutritional vulnerability can be identified. The dataset used consists of infant data with variables of gender, age (months), height (cm), and weight (kg). The research stages included data preprocessing, encoding categorical variables, data normalization, determining the optimal number of clusters using the Elbow and Silhouette Score methods, and analyzing the characteristics of each cluster. The evaluation results showed that the optimal number of clusters was four. Each cluster has different anthropometric characteristics and distributions of stunting and wasting status, ranging from groups with relatively normal nutritional conditions, groups with a tendency toward overnutrition, to groups that are vulnerable to acute and chronic malnutrition. These clustering results provide a more comprehensive and segmented mapping of toddlers, which can be used as a basis for formulating more targeted and data-driven nutrition policies and interventions.

The Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata/KKN) implemented in Jorong Padang Rantang, Nagari Koto Tuo, Lima Puluh Kota Regency, represents a tangible contribution of university students in supporting the acceleration of stunting reduction at the local level. This community service activity focused on stunting prevention socialization targeting mothers of toddlers as the primary target group. An educational and participatory approach was employed to encourage active engagement of participants throughout all stages of the activity. The socialization materials covered the definition of stunting, its causes and impacts on child growth and development, the importance of adequate and balanced nutrition, appropriate parenting practices, and the strategic role of families during the First 1,000 Days of Life (1,000 HPK).The implementation of the activity involved cadres from the Amanah Bunda Integrated Health Post (Posyandu), village midwives, and KKN students from Universitas Negeri Padang as facilitators. The methods applied included interactive lectures, group discussions, and simple simulations related to nutritional practices and healthy parenting. The results indicated an increase in participants’ knowledge, awareness, and active community participation in early stunting prevention efforts. Furthermore, the activity strengthened the role of the Posyandu as a primary center for basic health services and community education. This community service initiative is expected to serve as a sustainable community-based intervention model that can be replicated in other areas facing similar challenges.

This study aims to analyze the influence of parental roles on fulfilling the nutritional needs of children aged 3–4 years at the Asmaul Husna Daycare (TPA) in Gorontalo. The study used a quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach and involved 60 parents as respondents. The role of parents was measured through their active involvement as educators, motivators, and facilitators in fulfilling children's nutritional needs. The results showed that 80% of children whose parents played an active role had good nutritional status based on normal weight for age and height for age indicators. Conversely, in the group of less active parents, only 36% of children achieved good nutritional status. The Chi-square test showed a significant relationship between parental roles and children's nutritional status (p < 0.05). The table data shows a clear disparity, with 32 well-nourished children coming from the active role group, while 14 children with poor nutritional status came from the passive role group. These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring dietary patterns, providing nutritious supplies, and collaboration between parents and the TPA in reducing the risk of malnutrition and stunting. Furthermore, parental involvement contributes to improved immunity, cognitive development, and the formation of long-term healthy eating habits. This study recommends holding nutrition workshops for parents as part of a sustainable TPA program.

Stunting is a serious problem because it impacts long-term development, preventing children from reaching their full potential, leading to lower cognitive abilities, and increasing their susceptibility to future illnesses. It also impacts both macroeconomic and microeconomic income. SSGI data from 2022 shows that the stunting rate in Central Java was 20.8%, with the highest stunting rate in Central Java Province being in Brebes Regency at 29.1% in 2022. Pandansari Village is one of the villages in Paguyangan District with the highest stunting prevalence, with 129 children in 2023. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the stunting reduction acceleration program in Pandansari Village. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method. Data collection was carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation. The focus of this study uses Budiani's effectiveness theory, namely. The results of the study are seen from five aspects, the first is the accuracy of the target in the aspect of the accuracy of the target of toddlers recorded by the posyandu cadres and village midwives so that the program is in accordance with the targets that have been previously determined and is in accordance with existing policies. Second, the aspect of program socialization where the existing program has been well socialized to program recipients through various existing activities which include stunting prevention. Third, the program objectives from this aspect, the objectives of the existing program have been effective because the stunting rate in Pandansari Village has decreased every year and also parents of toddlers have better understanding and pay more attention to healthy lifestyles for toddlers. And fourth, program supervision in this aspect, village cadres and midwives have provided regular supervision to program recipients and also provided reports to the village government, sub-district government and community health center every six months.  

The high rate of stunting in 2025 in the Labaksiu sub-district prompted the government to involve the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA) in stunting prevention efforts. This is based on the view that the process of forming a family is closely related to childbearing, so the KUA was revitalized to include stunting issues in marriage guidance materials. This study aims to examine the communication strategies used in the marriage guidance program to prevent stunting in the Labaksiu sub-district. The method used is qualitative descriptive, with data collected through in-depth interviews with six informants, consisting of three guidance facilitators, one health officer, and two program participants. The study's findings indicate that the communication strategy in the marriage guidance program for stunting prevention refers to Lasswell's theory, emphasizing the role of a competent communicator, namely a certified facilitator. The material presented covers topics on reproductive health and the development of outstanding generations, delivered in an educational and persuasive manner. The media used include modules and direct delivery by facilitators. The target of the program is prospective couples who have registered at the KUA. The impact of this program is an increase in the knowledge of prospective brides and grooms regarding the importance of preparing for a healthy family.

Early marriage remains an issue with negative impacts on the health and quality of the younger generation, particularly through the risk of stunting in children. This article discusses the results of a counseling session titled "Marriage is Not Just Legal: Legal Education on Marriage Dispensation and Its Implications for Preventing Stunting Among Students" conducted at SMA Negeri 3 Parepare. The counseling aimed to raise students' awareness about the relationship between the marriage age limit, marriage dispensation, and the health impact on children, specifically the risk of stunting. The methods used include deconstruction, brainstorming, material delivery, reconstruction, and evaluation through pre-tests and post-tests. The results show a significant improvement in students' understanding from both medical and legal perspectives. The discussion focuses on analyzing the contradictions in legal norms regarding the marriage age limit and marriage dispensation, which often cause implementation issues. This counseling emphasizes the importance of integrating legal education and reproductive health as a preventive strategy to reduce early marriage and prevent stunting. Thus, this program contributes to shaping a healthy, legally aware younger generation capable of making mature and responsible marriage decisions.

Background: Globally, stunting in children under five years old in 2022 is around 22.3% or 148 million children under 5 years old. In Southeast Asia alone, the prevalence of stunting is 26.4% or 14.4 million. Objective: This study was to determine the correlation complete basic immunization and the incidence of stunting in toddlers in the Working Area of UPT Puskesmas Batu Aji Batam City. Methods: This research is a quantitative study observational analytic design with a case control approach. The sample is 42 toddlers and using purposive sampling technique. Data collection tools use observation sheets and the chi-square test. Findings: The results of the chi square statistical test obtained a p-value of 0.005 <0.05 (OR = 6.400 (95% CI (1.654 - 24.770)). There is a significant relationship between complete basic immunization and the incidence of stunting in toddlers in the Working Area of UPT Puskesmas Batu Aji Batam City. Implication: Complete basic immunization has a significant impact on the growth and development of toddlers

Extreme poverty remains a major challenge in rural areas of Indonesia, including Nagori Bandar Manik, Pamatang Sidamanik District, Simalungun Regency. The 2025 UINSU Community Service Program (KKN) was carried out to empower local communities through various activities covering economic, educational, religious, social-environmental, and health aspects. This program employed a qualitative approach by involving active community participation in needs assessment, socialization, training, and evaluation. In the economic aspect, workshops on dishwashing liquid and herbal pesticide production were implemented as alternative household businesses. The educational sector included religious moderation through a short movie screening Mabbere, anti-bullying campaigns, ecoprint totebag training, and teaching at kindergarten, elementary, and junior high school levels. In the religious field, activities included Qur’an learning after Maghrib with children and Yasin recitals for both men and women. The social-environmental aspect was realized through community clean-up, educational boards on waste decomposition, distribution of garbage bins, and environmental awareness campaigns. Meanwhile, the health aspect focused on education about clean and healthy living behaviors, stunting prevention campaigns, and community exercise. The findings revealed improvements in entrepreneurial skills, children’s literacy, spiritual values, environmental awareness, and healthy lifestyles. The implication highlights that multidimensional community empowerment can serve as an effective strategy to reduce extreme poverty and promote sustainable village development.  

Kuala Indah Village in Sei Suka, Batubara, North Sumatra, is a coastal village whose economy relies on fisheries and aquaculture. The community is predominantly Muslim and also practices small-scale agriculture and animal husbandry. The Community Service Program (KKN) provides a platform for students to apply academic theory in real-world contexts, while also encouraging active community involvement. KKN students implement various programs, such as stunting prevention, religious moderation, skills training for poverty alleviation, and education for children and adolescents. They also play a role in increasing community participation through cultural activities and supporting local businesses by strengthening digital visibility. These initiatives support the creation of inclusive villages, providing equal access and opportunities regardless of gender, religion, or socioeconomic status. This collaborative approach reinforces the value of mutual cooperation and enriches social and educational life in the village. Through KKN, universities demonstrate their tangible contribution to village development. The success of this program underscores the importance of social inclusion and collective work in promoting sustainable development in rural areas like Kuala Indah.  

This article examines the role of students of the Real Work Lecture (KKN) of the State Islamic University of North Sumatra in Stabat Lama Village in supporting community development through an integrative approach that covers three main areas, namely religious moderation, stunting prevention, and extreme poverty alleviation. The religious moderation program is carried out through Maghrib Mengaji, Gebyar Islami, and interfaith dialogue, which has been proven to strengthen tolerance and social harmony in the community. The stunting prevention program is realized through the provision of supplemental food (PMT) based on local ingredients, which is able to improve the nutritional status of toddlers while preventing the risk of new stunting. Furthermore, the community economic empowerment program is carried out through ecoprint training with eco pounding techniques that produce works of selling value and open up opportunities for environment-based businesses. The results of the activities show that the three programs complement each other and contribute to improving health, economic independence, and socio-religious harmony. The real impact of the implementation of this program is not only felt in the short term, but also provides the foundation for the development of a more independent and sustainable society. Through the active involvement of students, KKN activities succeeded in connecting academic theory with real practice in the field, so that it was able to provide contextual solutions to village problems. The empowerment carried out also emphasizes inclusive community participation, especially vulnerable groups such as housewives and toddlers, so as to provide more equitable benefits. Thus, KKN in Stabat Lama Village represents a holistic, sustainable, and relevant service model to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 2021 Indonesian Nutritional Status Survey (SSGI) shows that 1 in 4 Indonesian children suffers from stunting and 1 in 10 children suffers from malnutrition. Good nutrition is a crucial foundation for optimal growth and development, especially for those growing up in vulnerable environments. According to the WHO, stunting is a failure of growth and development experienced by children due to prolonged inadequate nutritional intake, recurrent infectious diseases, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. However, on the other hand, children who experience stunting are usually accompanied by developmental delays in various other organs, especially if malnutrition occurs during the first 1000 days of life (HPK). Stunting is defined as a child's length for age (PB/A) or height for age (H/A) that is lower than -2 standard deviations. Therefore, a child with stunting is definitely stunted, but a child who is stunted is not necessarily stunted. Stunting that occurs before a child is 2 years old is an indication of decreased cognitive abilities at a later age if not followed by adequate psychosocial stimulation, thus impacting academic or educational abilities later in life. Providing innovative education such as making moringa pudding is one way to present nutritious and creative food or drinks so that it can be accepted by kindergarten mothers who have toddlers and preschoolers. The content of moringa leaves is a food ingredient that has good nutritional value, especially for preventing stunting in children.

The prevalence of stunting globally in 2021 reached 171 million to 314 million. In Indonesia, the results of the Indonesian Nutritional Status Survey (SSGI) showed that the stunting rate in 2019 was 27.7%, in 2021 it was 24.4%, and in 2022 it was 21.4%. Child stunting is a health concern in Indonesia. Causes of stunting in children include poor nutrition, low exclusive breastfeeding rates, low birth weight (LBW), and maternal factors in providing nutrition from pregnancy to 59 months of age. Research reports that stunting is influenced by parents' lack of knowledge about balanced nutrition. Knowledge plays a vital role in the life and development of individuals and society.Purpose This study aims to determine the relationship between maternal knowledge about balanced nutrition and the incidence of stunting in toddlers in the Jambu Village area, Mlonggo District, Jepara City. Method This research is a quantitative correlational study with a cross-sectional design. The population in this study were mothers with toddlers in the Jambu Village area, Mlonggo District. The sampling technique used total sampling to obtain a sample of 34 respondents. Measurement of the level of knowledge of nutritional balance by providing questions with multiple choices of true and false and for stunting using Microtois and Anthropometric Table. Data processing using SPSS with a computer using the Spearman Rho statistical test.The results of the study showed that the majority of respondents had good nutritional balance knowledge, amounting to 16 (47.1%), while 17 (50.0%) respondents did not experience stunting.There is a relationship between maternal knowledge about balanced nutrition and the incidence of stunting in toddlers in Jambu Village, Mlonggo District, Jepara Regency.

Stunting is a nutritional problem caused by prolonged nutritional deficiencies during the critical first 1,000 days of life (HPK). This results in growth disorders in children, resulting in a lower height or shorter stature (dwarfism) than the standard for their age. Objective: To provide information to parents of toddlers about the dangers and impacts of stunting. Nutrition education is one of the main strategies in stunting prevention by providing the community with an understanding of the importance of a healthy diet. This education includes: the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and the provision of appropriate complementary foods (MPASI), the introduction of balanced nutritious foods, especially animal protein, which supports child growth, and good hygiene practices, such as washing hands before eating and maintaining environmental sanitation. The activity was carried out by providing education on stunting prevention to parents of toddlers through outreach in Marente Village, Alas District, Sumbawa Regency. The media used in this activity were leaflets distributed to parents of toddlers. Parental knowledge after receiving the educational materials provided. Parental knowledge increased, a significant increase. Before education, only 25.0% of parents had high knowledge about stunting, while after education, this increased to 77.5%.

Malnutrition is a condition in which the body does not receive enough essential nutrients, such as protein, vitamins, calories, and minerals, which causes various health problems, especially wasting and stunting, making it a serious concern in children. According to the Basic Health Research, the prevalence of malnourished children in Indonesia remained stable at 17.8% between 2016 and 2017 but decreased to 13.8% in 2018. This case study focuses on a 23-month-old girl from Kuala Keureuto Village, who was observed for three weeks through home visits in 2025. The diagnosis of malnutrition was made in accordance with national guidelines outlined in the Indonesian Minister of Health Regulation No. 2 of 2020, regarding child anthropometric standards. Anthropometric measurements showed that the child's height was 78.3 cm and her weight was 8.8 kg. Based on these measurements, her nutritional status was assessed as follows: A height/age Z-score between -2 and -3 SD indicates stunting, a weight/age Z-score between -2 and -3 SD indicates underweight, while a weight/age Z-score below -2 SD and a BMI/age Z-score below -2 SD are considered well-nourished. After confirming the diagnosis, the patient received nutrition education, supplemental feeding, appetite-stimulating supplements, and growth monitoring. In addition, analyses were conducted to identify factors influencing her condition, concluding that the malnutrition observed in this 23-month-old patient was influenced by parenting behavior, parental knowledge, medical history, incomplete immunizations, and environmental factors.

Central Java Province targets a 16% reduction in stunting by 2023, with the prevalence having been reduced from 31.2% in 2018(Riskesdas, 2018) to 20.8% in 2022 (SSGI). The causes of stunting in Central Java include a lack of knowledge about balanced nutrition, proper parenting, and lack of access to proper drinking water and sanitation. This study aims to determine the implementation of the Central Java Provincial Health Office strategy in reducing stunting rates. The study used a qualitative design with descriptive methods and in-depth interviews, involving samples from the Health Office, TP-PKK, and Head of Puskesmas through snowball sampling techniques. The results showed that implementation at the Puskesmas level has not been optimal, with low community participation. Semarang City has many stunting reduction programs, in contrast to Brebes Regency. The overall provincial target has been achieved, but operational funding constraints hinder optimal program implementation.

Stunting is a major public health problem that has long-term impacts on the quality of human resources, affecting physical growth, cognitive development, and socio-economic outcomes. The Indonesian government has identified the acceleration of stunting reduction as a national priority, requiring cross-sector collaboration and active community participation. This article aims to describe the implementation and outcomes of a Community Service Program (Community Service) based on a collaborative approach to support stunting reduction efforts in Kelurahan Laksamana. The program employed a participatory method through health education, interactive discussions, and partnership strengthening among the community, health workers, and educational institutions. The results indicate an increased level of community awareness and understanding regarding stunting, the importance of routine health check-ups, and the role of families in stunting prevention. Furthermore, the program strengthened partnerships and enhanced community trust in local health services. This community service activity contributes positively to building collective awareness and serves as a strategic initial step toward sustainable stunting reduction at the local level.

Stunting remains a significant health problem in rural areas, particularly due to the lack of father involvement in child care. The “Bapakku Hebat” program initiated by the Omben Health Center emerged as a breakthrough to strengthen the role of fathers in stunting prevention efforts through family health posts. This study adopted a qualitative descriptive approach to investigate the implementation, effects, and barriers of the program. The research findings indicated an increase in father involvement in health post activities, nutrition counseling, and child health monitoring. The program successfully reduced the prevalence of stunting risk by 10% in a year by increasing health post coverage and changing family behavior in providing nutrition. Key driving factors included inter-sectoral collaboration with village governments, health cadres, and farming communities that strengthened social networks and local resources. However, challenges remain, such as budget constraints, a lack of male cadres, and the influence of cultural norms that consider childcare as a woman’s responsibility. The “Bapakku Hebat” program shows that active father involvement can increase family awareness of the importance of fulfilling children’s nutrition. These findings emphasize the importance of gender-sensitive family health policies and cross-sectoral support to ensure the sustainability of the program. This research is expected to be a reference for other regions in implementing similar innovations to reduce the prevalence of stunting and improve the quality of child care. Furthermore, the success of the "My Great Father" program also demonstrates the importance of a community-based approach in public health interventions. The direct involvement of community leaders, religious leaders, and farmer groups in the program's outreach and implementation has proven effective in building a sense of ownership and increasing active community participation, particularly among fathers.

Improving child health remains a key priority within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in efforts to prevent stunting in Indonesia. As information-seeking behavior shifts from conventional to digital platforms, social media has emerged as a significant channel for health education. This study aims to analyze the digital communication strategies employed by health influencers, specifically the Instagram account @mizaafrizal, in educating young mothers on child nutrition. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through content observation, in-depth interviews, and literature review. The findings indicate that Dr. Miza applies persuasive communication strategies based on active interaction, the use of relatable and friendly language, and the presentation of information supported by scientific evidence. His credibility as a medical professional, combined with an approachable and educational communication style, enhances message reception among young mothers. These results emphasize the role of health influencers as change agents in raising public awareness and understanding of child nutrition issues, contributing positively to digital-based health promotion efforts in Indonesia.