Nutritional intake and breastfeeding practices as determinants of growth and motor development among children aged 6–24 months in rural Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v78.118835Keywords:
Calcium intake, motor development, rural children, stuntingAbstract
Background: Stunting remains a persistent public health problem in Indonesia, particularly in rural areas.
Objective: To examine the association between nutrient intake and breastfeeding practices with stunting and motor development among children aged 6–24 months in rural Indonesia.
Methods: An unmatched case–control study was conducted involving 70 stunted and 70 non-stunted children. Nutrient intake was assessed using a single 24-hour dietary recall and compared with age-specific Recommended Dietary Allowances. Stunting was defined as height-for-age z-score (HAZ) < −2 SD based on WHO standards. Motor development was assessed using a standardized screening tool. Associations were analyzed using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression. Sensitivity analysis excluding low birth weight infants was also performed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: In bivariate analysis, inadequate calcium intake showed the strongest association with stunting (OR = 4.76; 95% CI: 2.33–9.72), followed by inadequate energy and protein intake. In multivariable analysis, inadequate calcium intake remained independently associated with stunting (aOR = 12.01; 95% CI: 3.23–44.60; p < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis excluding low birth weight infants attenuated the estimate but the association remained significant (aOR = 8.4; 95% CI: 2.6–27.1). For motor development, inadequate calcium intake (aOR = 2.77; 95% CI: 1.23–6.22; p = 0.014) and non-exclusive breastfeeding (aOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.05–5.14; p = 0.037) were independently associated with suspected motor delay.
Conclusion: Inadequate calcium intake was independently associated with both stunting and suspected motor delay among children aged 6–24 months in this rural setting.
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