Socioeconomic priorities and stunting in rural indonesia: A mixed-method study

Akhmad Mustofa, Nanik Suhartatik, Edi Wibowo, Muadz, Ardhea Mustika Sari, Sayit Abdulloh Al Farizi, Lintang Octaviara Pradana, Claradita Mutiara Vannessa and Ananda Mahligai Sukma

PLOS ONE, 2026, vol. 21, issue 3, 1-16

Abstract: As part of the plan to lower the stunting rate by up to 14% in Indonesia in 2024, a nutritional intervention program for stunted children was implemented in 2023. The program, which ran for four months, involved the daily administration of high-protein supplementary food to 4.9 million stunted children. However, it failed to reduce their number in some districts, including Sukodono, resulting in a high stunting rate of 20.89% (357 toddlers). The aim of this research is therefore to evaluate the major factors related to Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) inefficiencies in Sukodono by examining the socioeconomic status and lifestyle of the community, and their knowledge of healthy food. A descriptive-exploratory approach with the simple random sampling method was employed. Data were collected through structured interviews with caregivers, observations of community lifestyles, and assessments of caregiver knowledge of healthy food. As demonstrated in the results, out of the 189 participants, 7.4% earned less than IDR 1,000,000.00, implying the necessity for frugal living, especially in the spending of household income. They possessed an adequate understanding of the importance of nutritious food for child growth. 51% were male, and 24% of the parents of stunted children used no form of contraception. Additionally, the parents were relatively young: 50% of the fathers and 46% of the mothers were aged 31–40, while 46% and 49% of the fathers and the mothers respectively were senior high school graduates. Few had continued to tertiary levels, with only 7% of the mothers holding a bachelor’s degree. Efforts by the government are considered necessary to alter community behavior and lifestyles and to highlight the urgency of formal education, as caregivers’ education levels affect children’s health. The study recommendations made include educating caregivers about the significance of fulfilling children’s nutritional needs, promoting healthy feeding practices for toddlers, and better planning of the birthing process.

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0317329

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317329

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