Stunting remains one of the health problems in Indonesia. Let's get to know what stunting really is. What are the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods for stunting in children?

What is Stunting?

Stunting is a chronic growth disorder in children caused by long-term malnutrition. Typically, stunted children are shorter in stature compared to their peers of the same age. A child who persists with this condition tends to have lower learning abilities and is more susceptible to diseases.

What are the Causes of Stunting?

The main cause of stunting is long-term (chronic) malnutrition. Some conditions that lead to malnutrition in children include:

• Maternal malnutrition or infections during pregnancy

• Lack of exclusive breastfeeding

• Poor quality of complementary feeding (MPASI)

• Children suffering from conditions that hinder nutrient absorption, such as cow's milk allergy

• Children suffering from chronic infections, such as tuberculosis or worm infestations

• Children with congenital conditions, such as congenital heart disease or thalassemia.

Symptoms of Stunting

The symptoms of stunting are generally noticeable when a child is around 2 years old. The signs and symptoms that a child is experiencing stunting include:

• Shorter height compared to peers of the same age

• Inconsistent weight gain

• Delayed developmental milestones compared to peers

• Lack of energy for play

• Frequent fatigue

• Vulnerability to infections, especially frequent illnesses.

Prevention Methods

Preventive measures to avoid child stunting include:

• Ensuring proper nutrition during pregnancy

• Providing exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to 6 months of age

• Offering healthy complementary feeding with adequate protein

• Monitoring a child's growth

• Maintaining a clean environment.

Author: Ade Irma Suryani (Supervisor of Laboratory Quality at PRAMITA Clinical Laboratory Branch on Jl. Prof. Dr. HM. Yamin No. 92A-92E Medan)