The Influence of Maternal Parenting Patterns During Pregnancy and Child-Rearing on The Incidence of Stunting in West Aceh Regency: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Stunting is a condition of growth failure in toddlers due to chronic malnutrition, especially during the first 1,000 days of life. Stunting affects growth and brain development. The causes of stunting are diverse, including inadequate caregiving practices. Maternal parenting patterns during pregnancy and child-rearing play a crucial role in preventing stunting OBJECTIVE This study aims to analyze the impact of maternal parenting patterns during pregnancy and child-rearing on the incidence of stunting in West Aceh Regency METHODS This research is an analytical survey using a cross-sectional study design. The study was conducted in West Aceh Regency from September 2023 to March 2024. The study population consists of all mothers with toddlers aged 0-24 months, totaling 3,785 mothers. Using the Isaac and Michael table for sampling, a sample size of 320 mothers was selected. The sampling technique utilized was multistage random sampling. Data analysis included univariate analysis as the first step and multivariate analysis using logistic regression with a significance level of 95% (α = 0.05) as the second step RESULTS The research findings indicate that maternal parenting patterns affecting the incidence of stunting include maternal food intake during pregnancy (p=0.001; ExpB=43.601), environmental health of pregnant mothers (p=0.001; ExpB=41.250), healthcare services for pregnant mothers (p=0.001; ExpB=41.250), maternal knowledge (p=0.001; ExpB=29.561), maternal attitudes (p=0.001; ExpB=60.539), and maternal actions (p=0.001; ExpB=69.996). The parenting patterns for children aged 0-24 months affecting the incidence of stunting in West Aceh Regency include toddler food intake (p=0.001; ExpB=45.584), toddler nutritional culture (p=0.001; ExpB=49.630), healthcare services for toddlers (p=0.001; ExpB=61.174), environmental sanitation for toddlers (p=0.001; ExpB=9.330), toddler nutritional attitudes (p=0.001; ExpB=47.259), and exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.001; ExpB=160.650). CONCLUSIONS Recommendations for parents include being more attentive to pregnancy and the caregiving of children aged 0-24 months. Health services, such as the Health Office and community health centers, should implement health programs emphasizing the importance of proper parenting for pregnant mothers, as well as forming community groups focused on children's health. The West Aceh Regency government is encouraged to conduct regular monitoring of children's nutritional status and develop appropriate intervention programs related to child nutrition status. CLINICALTRIAL -