Determining Policy Targets for Reducing the Number of Stunted Papuan Children Under Five Years Old in Indonesia: A Secondary Data Analysis of the 2022 Indonesian National Nutritional Status Survey.

Abstract

Background: Although stunting continues to decline, it remains a problem in Indonesia, particularly in underdeveloped areas such as the Papua region. This study determined policy targets for reducing the number of stunted Papuan children under five years old in Indonesia.

Methods: This secondary analysis focused on the 2022 Indonesian National Nutritional Status Survey data. A total of 13,268 individuals under five years old were studied. Eleven independent variables were examined: province, domicile, mother's age, education, marital status, work, wealth, antenatal care (ANC), children's age, sex, early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), and nutritional status. A binary logistic regression test was employed for all examinations.

Results: The prevalence of Papuan toddler stunting was 29.8%. Two factors related to residence were classified into five types: province and residence. Four maternal demographic characteristics were associated with stunting in Papua under five years old: age, education, marital status, and employment status. All wealth statuses were more likely than the richest to be stunted under five years old. Papuan mothers without ANC were 1.150 times more likely to have stunted children under five years old (95% CI: 1.116-1.185). All children were more likely to be stunted than those aged 0-1 months. Boys were 1.318 times more likely to be stunted than girls (95% CI: 1.297-1.340). Five patients without EIBF were 1.092 times more likely to be stunted than those with EIBF (95% CI: 1.060-1.124).

Conclusion: Eleven factors were related to stunting in Papuan children: province, residence, maternal age, education, marital status, employment, wealth, ANC, age, sex, and EIBF.