Factors associated with undernutrition and improvement in Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract Stunting among children under five years of age is one of the big problems in Indonesia, damaging adulthood health and work productivity. Studies on the individual and household factors of this issue had been conducted massively. Nonetheless, regional level study on the same issue is still lacking whereas it is important in understanding the problems to formulate better policies. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with stunting prevalence at the provincial level. Data for this study was obtained from the publication of the National Socioeconomic Survey 2018 and Basic Health Research 2018. Multiple linear regression was applied to analyze factors associated with stunting prevalence. There were proportion of expenditure on fish, meat, eggs and milk, tofu and tempe, fruits and vegetables (F&V), cigarettes, and energy and protein intake. Prevalence of stunting at the provincial level was very wide, from 16.2% to 37.9%. Protein adequacy was higher (106.2%) than the Recommended Dietary Allowance. Average proportion of food expenditure at provincial level was 50.1%, in each province ranging from 40.6% to 57.2%; while the highest proportion of expenditure was to purchase F&V (12.8%). The model predicted that the proportion of household food expenditure, proportion of F&V, and protein adequacy were significantly associated with stunting prevalence. Thus, policy on improving household purchasing power and food consumption behavior with balanced nutrition is the key factor in reducing the prevalence of stunting. Social protection programs such as cash transfer and food aid for low-income households should be continued with more accurate recipients.