Background: Studies have shown that stunted children are more likely to start school later, perform more poorly on cognitive functioning tests, and are more likely to drop out of school. In future, adults who are stunted as children earn 20% less than comparable adults who were not stunted and are 30% more likely to live in poverty and less likely to work in skilled labor. This study aimed to examine the life-course biopsychosocial determinantsof stunting in children under five years of agein Karawang, West Java, using a path analysis model. Subjects and Method: This was a case control study carried out inTunggakjati, Rengasdengklok, Kutawaluya, Pedes, and Medangasem community health centers, Karawang, West Java, from April to May 2018. A sample of 225 children under five was selected for this study by fixed disease sampling, consisting of 75 stunted children and 150 normal children. The dependent variable was stunting. The independent variables were maternal height, maternal middle upper arm circumference (MUAC), low birthweight (LBW), history of infection illness, maternal education, exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and family support. Child height was measured by infantometer or microtoice. The other variables were measured by questionnaire. The data were analyzed by path analysis run on Stata 13. Results: Stunting increased with LBW (b=1.64; 95% CI=0.69 to 2.59; p=0.001) and history of infection illness (b=1.80; 95% CI=0.94 to 2.67; p<0.001). Stunting decreased with maternal height ≥150 cm (b=-1.57; 95% CI=-2.43 to -0.71; p<0.001) and appropriate complementary feeding (b=-1.80; 95% CI=-2.53 to -1.08; p<0.001). Stunting was indirectly affected by maternal MUAC, maternal education, exclusive breastfeeding, and family support. Conclusion: Stunting increases with LBW and history of infection illness, but decreases with maternal height ≥150 cm and appropriate complementary feeding. Stunting is indirectly affected by maternal MUAC, maternal education, exclusive breastfeeding, and family support.

Background: Despite global efforts, stunting remains a public health problem in several developing countries. It is estimated that globally in 2016, 24% of children under age five were still stunted. Stunting during childhood can lead to reduced immunity, increased susceptibility to non-communicable diseases, impaired physical and mental development, and reduced productivity. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with stunting in children under five in Karawang, West Java. Subjects and Method: A case control study was conducted in 5 community health centers in Karawang, West Java, from April to May 2018. A sample 225 children under five consisting of 75 stunted children and 150 normal children was selected by fixed disease sampling. The dependent variable was stunting. The independent variables were maternal height, low birthweight, exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and history of infectious disease. Data on children body height were measured by infantometer or microtoise. The other data were collected by questionnaire. The data were analyzed by a multiple logistic regression. Results: The risk of stunting increased with low birthweight (OR= 4.61; 95% CI= 1.73 to 12.24; p<0.001) and history of infectious illness (OR= 4.77; 95% CI= 1.95 to 11.69; p= 0.001). The risk of stunting reduced with maternal height ≥150 cm(OR= 0.20; 95% CI= 0.08 to 0.49; p<0.001), exclusive breastfeeding (OR= 0.39; 95% CI= 0.17 to 0.88; p= 0.024), and appropriate complementary feeding (OR= 0.24; 95% CI= 0.11 to 0.54; p= 0.001). Conclusion:The risk of stunting increases with low birthweight and history of infectious illness, but reduces with maternal height ≥150 cm, exclusive breastfeeding, and appropriate complementary feeding.