History of domestic violence among women and incidence of stunting in rural areas in Bali Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Background Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) numbers 2 and 5 aim to end all forms of malnutrition and achieve gender equality, including meeting internationally agreed targets by 2025. Objective This study aims to determine the incidence of stunting in children under five years of age raised by mothers with a history of domestic violence in rural areas of Karangasem Regency, Bali Province, Indonesia. Methods This mixed-methods study (quantitative-qualitative) involved 133 women of childbearing age with stunted toddlers in Abang I and Kubu II subdistricts. Probability sampling was used to select participants. Data were collected through self-reported questionnaires, in-depth interviews, observations, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The study was conducted from May to October 2023. Results Most respondents were aged between 20–35 years (66.17%) and had primary education (74.44%). A majority were unemployed (65.41%) and had low incomes (87.97%). All respondents had stunted toddlers. The highest incidence of domestic violence (DV) experienced was social abuse (44%), followed by economic abuse (37.59%), emotional abuse (28.6%), physical abuse (17.29%), and sexual abuse (8.3%). There was a significant relationship between income level, parenting patterns, and the incidence of stunting (p < 0.05). Conclusions The study found that stunting is prevalent among mothers who experience DV. The main theme from the thematic qualitative analysis is that women lack strong autonomy and power within the family. The recommendation is to increase women's autonomy through empowerment and entrepreneurial efforts and to screen for DV victims in basic health facilities.