Mother’s Experiences in Caring for Children with Stunting in Rural Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Stunting is a major health problem in Indonesia. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of mothers who take care of stunted children in rural Pamekasan Madura, Indonesia. Methods: This research employed a phenomenological approach and conducted in-depth interviews with 11 mothers in rural Pamekasan Madura, Indonesia, using purposive sampling. Data collection took place from June to September 2023. Results: This study presents Madurese mothers’ experiences caring for their children with stunting through two themes and five sub-themes: (a) beliefs passed down for generations: strong ancestral influence on feeding behaviors, traditional food, and traditional health-seeking behavior; and (b) insufficient resources on nutrition: a lack of time and money to provide nutrition-rich food and a lack of nutrition information. Discussion: Cultural beliefs, a lack of nutrition education, and economic barriers contribute to stunting in children. Our findings guide the design of tailored interventions for preventing stunting in Indonesian families and global communities.