Getting to know Stunting, causes and ways to prevent it in children

Stuntingthat ischronic nutritional problems due to lack of nutritional intake over a long period of time resulting in impaired growth in children. Stunting is also one of the causes of stunted height in children, making them lower than children their age. It is not uncommon for people to think that short stature is a genetic factor and has nothing to do with health problems. In fact, genetic factors have a small influence on a person's health condition compared to environmental factors and health services. Usually, stunting begins to occur when the child is still in the womb and becomes visible when they are two years old. Stunting has symptoms that you can recognize, for example:

• His face looks younger than his age
• Delayed body and tooth growth
• Has poor ability to focus and learning memory
• Delayed puberty
• When they are 8-10 years old, children tend to be quieter and don't make much eye contact with the people around them
• Lighter weight for a child his age

The Ministry of Health emphasizes that stunting is a major threat to the quality of Indonesian society. Not only does it interfere with physical growth, children also experience brain development disorders which will affect their abilities and achievements. Apart from that, children who suffer from stunting will have a history of poor health due to poor immune system. Stunting can also be passed on to the next generation if it is not treated seriously.

Considering that stunting is a health problem that is quite dangerous, understanding the factors that cause stunting is very important. That way, you can take preventive steps to avoid it.

Here are several factors that cause stunting that you need to know:

1. Malnutrition for a Long Time
Without realizing it, the causes of stunting can basically occur when the child is in the womb. Because, from the time they are in the womb, children may experience malnutrition problems. The reason is because the mother does not have access to healthy and nutritious food such as high protein food, which causes her baby to also lack nutrition. Apart from that, low intake of vitamins and minerals consumed by the mother can also influence the condition of fetal malnutrition. Malnutrition from the womb can also be the biggest cause of stunting in children.

2. Less effective parenting
Ineffective parenting patterns are also one of the causes of stunting in children. Parenting here is related to the behavior and practices of giving food to children. If parents do not provide good nutritional intake, children can experience stunting. Apart from that, maternal factors that are poor in nutrition during adolescence and pregnancy and poor lactation can also affect the child's growth and brain.

3. Diet
Low access to food with high nutritional value and an unbalanced diet can affect children's growth and increase the risk of stunting. This is because mothers do not understand the concept of nutrition before, during and after giving birth.

4. Not having postpartum care
After the baby is born, it is best for the mother and baby to receive postnatal care. It is also highly recommended for babies to receive breast milk directly to strengthen their immune system. Postnatal care is considered necessary to detect disorders that the mother and child may experience after delivery.

5. Mental disorders and hypertension in mothers
Ineffective parenting patterns are also one of the causes of stunting in children. Parenting here is related to the behavior and practices of giving food to children. If parents do not provide good nutritional intake, children can experience stunting. Apart from that, maternal factors that are poor in nutrition during adolescence and pregnancy and poor lactation can also affect the child's growth and brain.

6. Recurring infections
Recurrent infections in children are caused by the body's immune system not working optimally. When a child's immune system does not function well, the risk of developing various types of health problems, including stunting, becomes higher. Because stunting is a disease that is susceptible to children, it is a good idea to always ensure that your child's immunity is maintained so that they avoid infection.

7. Sanitation Factors
Poor sanitation and limited access to clean water will increase the risk of stunting in children. If children grow up in an environment with inadequate sanitation and water conditions, this can affect their growth. Low access to health services is also one of the factors causing stunting.

 

How to Prevent Stunting?

 

1. Routine inspection
During pregnancy, mothers need to have regular check-ups or examinations to ensure their weight is appropriate for their gestational age. Pregnant women should also not experience anemia or lack of blood because this will affect the fetus in the womb. This blood pressure control can be done during routine check-ups.

2. Understand the concept of nutrition
Make sure you get enough nutritional intake every day, especially during pregnancy. Understand the concept of nutrition well and apply it in parenting patterns.

3. Various menu choices
Try to always provide a varied food menu for children. Don't forget the nutrition and nutritional factors they need every day. During pregnancy and afterward, mothers also need to get good and balanced nutrition to avoid stunting problems.

4. Consume Folic Acid
Folic acid plays an important role in supporting the development of the baby's brain and spinal cord. This substance can also reduce the risk of pregnancy disorders by up to 72%. By consuming folic acid, failure in the development of the baby's organs during pregnancy can also be prevented.

5. Improve Cleanliness
Recurrent infections in children are caused by the body's immune system not working optimally. When a child's immune system does not function well, the risk of developing various types of health problems, including stunting, becomes higher. Because stunting is a disease that is susceptible to children, it is a good idea to always ensure that your child's immunity is maintained so that they avoid infection.