Parental Awareness, Understanding, and Factors of Stunting among Preschool Children

Norhaini Majid; Mohd Ramadan Ab Hamid; Muhammad Fazlin Musa; Suryanto Suryanto

doi:10.21834/e-bpj.v9i30.6220

Authors

Norhaini Majid Centre for Nursing Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
Mohd Ramadan Ab Hamid Centre for Dietetics Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
Muhammad Fazlin Musa Centre for Nursing Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
Suryanto Suryanto Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v9i30.6220

Keywords:

Stunting, Awareness, Understanding, Children

Abstract

Undernutrition, including stunting, is a global issue, with significant prevalence in Asia, including Malaysia. Stunting, characterized by low height-for-age in children under five, is a critical health concern. This study focused on parents in Puncak Alam, Selangor, to assess their awareness and understanding of stunting factors. Using a cross-sectional quantitative approach with 137 participants, the study found that most parents had a good awareness and understanding of stunting. Parental education emerged as a key factor influencing understanding. These findings can guide policymakers and health professionals in reducing stunting and improving children's health in Malaysia.

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