The Relationships between Maternal Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior with Stunting Prevention

Yustika Aprilia  Ritonga; Ivonne R.V.O.  Situmeang; Thomas  Silangit

doi:10.26911/ICPH10/Maternal/2023.33

Authors

	Yustika Aprilia Ritonga Student of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Methodist Indonesia ~ Author
	Ivonne R.V.O. Situmeang Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Methodist Indonesia ~ Author
	Thomas Silangit Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Methodist Indonesia ~ Author

Abstract

Background: Stunting is a big problem because it can result in high mortality rates, failure to thrive, cognitive and motoric problems in children, risk of obesity, and sub-optimal learning achievement. In theory, knowledge and attitude affect health behavior. This study aimed to determine the relationships between maternal knowledge, attitudes, and behavior toward stunting prevention.

Subjects and Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Bandar Khalipah Community Health Center, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra. A total of 52 mothers were selected for this study. The dependent variable was behavior toward stunting prevention. The independent variables were maternal knowledge and attitudes. The data were collected by questionnaire. The data were analyzed by Chi-square.

Results: The probability of good maternal behavior toward stunting prevention increased with good maternal knowledge (OR= 1.56; 95% CI= 0.38 to 6.38; p= 0.709) and decreased with negative attitude (OR= 0.31; 95% CI= 0.04 to 2.73; p= 0.420), but they were statistically non-significant.

Conclusion: Behavior toward stunting prevention increases with good maternal knowledge and decreases with negative attitude but they are statistically non-significant.