Abstract
Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem influenced by various direct and indirect factors, including maternal knowledge of nutrition, maternal education, and family income. This study aimed to determine the relationship between family characteristics and the incidence of stunting among children aged 24–59 months in Nagari Sinuruik, within the working area of Talu Public Health Center. This study used a quantitative descriptive-analytic method with a cross-sectional design. The study was conducted from February to August 2024, with data collection carried out from June 26 to 30, 2024. The study population consisted of 85 children aged 24–59 months, with a sample of 46 respondents selected using random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using the Chi-Square test. The results showed that 26 toddlers (56.5%) experienced stunting, 28 respondents (60.9%) had poor nutritional knowledge, 28 respondents (60.9%) had a lower educational level, and 24 respondents (52.2%) had low family income. There were significant relationships between maternal knowledge and the incidence of stunting (p=0.007), maternal education and the incidence of stunting (p=0.012), and family income and the incidence of stunting (p=0.009). The study concluded that maternal knowledge, maternal education, and family income were associated with the incidence of stunting among children aged 24–59 months. Public health center staff are expected to continue monitoring the nutritional status of toddlers and improve nutrition education for mothers, adolescents, and prospective brides and grooms.
