Specific Interventions to Prevent Stunting in Children Under 2 Years after the Natural Disaster

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nutrition specific reflects most of the evidence of programmatic successes, such as improving breastfeeding. Specific intervention is an action or activity that is specifically directed at the first 1000 days of life. In general, these activities are carried out by the health sector. AIM: Study aims to analyze specific interventions for preventing stunting in children under 2 years of age in post-natural disaster areas. METHODS: This type of quantitative analytic research with a cross-sectional design conducted in Palu City central of Sulawesi Indonesia from October until November 2020. The population in this study were mothers and children under 2 years. Sampling using consecutive sampling technique with a total of 384 samples. Data analysis using a frequency distribution, height Z score table according to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. RESULTS: The prevalence of stunting in children under 2 years of age in Palu was 37.24%. The only specific intervention behavior in preventing stunting that was statistically significant was breastfeeding for up to 2 years (p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Specific interventions to prevent stunting in children under 2 years after natural disasters are breastfeeding children up to 2 years. The prevalence of stunting in children under 2 is 37.24%. To reduce stunting problems in the city of Palu Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, mothers need to be informed about the risks and assistance from local and central government.