Overview and Characteristics of Mothers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors in Stunting Prevention in the Working Area of Nosarara Publich Health Center

Andi  Handriyati; Zulaeyha Alhabsyi; Mardhiyah Yamani

Andi Handriyati
Zulaeyha Alhabsyi Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alkhairaat, Palu, Jl. Diponegoro 94221, Central Sulawesi
Mardhiyah Yamani Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alkhairaat, Palu, Jl. Diponegoro 94221, Central Sulawesi

Keywords: Knowledge; Attitude; Behavior; Stunting.

Abstract

Stunting is a condition of failure to thrive due to chronic malnutrition, especially in the first 1,000 days of life. In Palu City, the prevalence of stunted toddlers reached 22.1%, while in the Nosarara Health

Center working area the rate was 11.17% (170 toddlers). One of the factors that play a role in preventing stunting is the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of mothers in fulfilling nutrition and parenting. This study aims to determine the description and characteristics of the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of mothers in preventing stunting in the Nosarara Puskesmas working area. This study used a quantitative descriptive design with a cross-sectional approach. The study population was mothers who had toddlers in the Nosarara Health Center working area, with a sample size of 93 people selected using convenience sampling technique. Data collection was done through questionnaires. The results showed

that the majority of mothers had a good level of knowledge about stunting prevention (87.1%), positive attitudes (87.1%), and good behavior (86.0%). The dominant age group was 26-35 years old, with higher education (51.6%) and income above the minimum wage (30.1%) as the most groups that had good levels of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior.