Analysis of Risk Factors for Stunting in Klaten Regency: Correlation Study and Factor Analysis

Abstract

Stunting remains a major public health problem in Indonesia, affecting children's growth and cognitive development. Despite various interventions, the stunting prevalence in Klaten Regency increased from 15.8% in 2021 to 18.2% in 2022. This study aims to analyze the risk factors associated with stunting and identify the most dominant contributing factors. This is a quantitative correlational study conducted in 9 stunting-locus health centers in Klaten, Central Java. A total of 300 children aged 2-3 years were selected using Proportional Stratified Random Sampling. Data were collected through anthropometric measurements, structured questionnaires, and interviews. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between risk factors and stunting incidence. Eleven risk factors were identified, with four significant factors: parenting, socio-economic status, sanitation, and nutritional intake. Among these, parenting and sanitation were the most dominant factors (Eigenvalues = 1.876 and 1.171). Poor sanitation increased the risk of infections, while inadequate parenting affected breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and child stimulation. A multisectoral approach is required to address stunting, focusing on parenting education, sanitation improvement, nutrition interventions, and economic empowerment to achieve Indonesia’s 14% stunting reduction target by 2024.