Relationship Between Responsive Feeding Behavior And The Incidence Of Stunting In Toddlers 6 - 36 Months

A Study in the Working Area of Saptosari Public Health Center, Gunungkidul, Indonesia

Abstract

Purpose: Stunting is still a serious health problem in Indonesia with a prevalence in Gunungkidul of 23.5%. Responsive feeding is an important part of complementary feeding and reduces risk stunting because children receive food in appropriate quantity and quality.

Method: This study employed an observational design with a case-control approach and was conducted in February 2025 in the working area of Saptosari Public Health Center. The study population consisted of 494 children aged 6–36 months. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 82 participants, divided into case and control groups. The research instrument used was the Responsive Feeding Practices Assessment Tool (RFPAT). Data analysis included univariate and bivariate analyses using the chi-square statistical test.

Finding: The majority of respondents in this study were categorized as non-low birth weight (84.1%) and were mothers who were not employed (85.4%). Most mothers had a secondary level of education (70.7%) and came from families with an income below the regional minimum wage (58.5%). There is a significant relationship to behavior responsive feeding with the incident stunting (p=0.009). On external variables, there is a relationship between birth weight (p=0.034) and mother's last education (p=0,039) with incidence stunting. Employment status and family income were not related to the incident stunting.

Novelty: There is a significant association between responsive feeding behavior and stunting in children aged 6–36 months in the working area of Saptosari Public Health Center.