Midwifery Perspectives on Maternal Nutritional Barriers in Stunting-Prone Areas: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis

Authors

  • Yeni Yeni Fitrianingsih Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya
  • Nina Nirmaya Mariani Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya
  • Suratmi Suratmi Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya
  • Priyo Sulistiyono Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36568/jone.v4i3.748

Keywords:

Maternal nutrition, Stunting-prone areas, Socio-economic barriers, Mixed-methods design, Cirebon city

Abstract

Inadequate maternal nutrition during pregnancy directly triggers chronic malnutrition and stunting, severely impacting fetal development and long-term cognitive growth. This study aims to explore the socioeconomic and cultural barriers to adequate nutritional intake among pregnant women in stunting-prone urban areas and to identify integrated solutions. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was conducted in Cirebon City, Indonesia. Quantitative data from 42 pregnant women selected via purposive sampling a sample size adequate for thematic saturation in this localized context were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Concurrently, qualitative insights were gathered through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Economic constraints emerged as the primary barrier, with 64.3% of families living below the regional minimum wage. Cultural traditions, including specific food taboos and early marriage, further compromised dietary quality. While maternal nutritional awareness was moderate (71.4%), the quality of counselling provided by local health workers remained suboptimal and irregular. Maternal malnutrition in stunting-prone urban areas is deeply rooted in structural economic limitations and reinforced by cultural practices. Addressing this requires localized policy interventions that combine economic safety nets with culturally tailored nutritional education from healthcare providers.

Author Biographies

Nina Nirmaya Mariani, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya

Nina Nirmaya Mariani, SST., M.Keb. is a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Midwifery at Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya, Indonesia. She earned her Master of Midwifery (M.Keb.) degree and actively focuses her academic and community services on maternal health, prenatal nutrition, breastfeeding education, and parent readiness in early pregnancies. Her latest research explores socio-economic and cultural determinants affecting maternal wellness and stunting-prone area management. Email: nina.nirmaya.mariani@gmail.com.

Suratmi Suratmi, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya

Suratmi, SST., M.Keb., Bdn. is a lecturer and researcher in the Midwifery Department (Cirebon Campus) at Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya, Indonesia. She completed her Master of Midwifery (M.Keb.) degree and actively focuses her academic interests on midwifery technology, maternal-child health, prenatal care, and stunting prevention management in vulnerable areas. She is also involved in institutional ethics and policy development in health research. Email: suratmi@dosen.poltekkestasikmalaya.ac.id.

Priyo Sulistiyono, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya

Priyo Sulistiyono, SKM., M.Gizi. is a lecturer and researcher in the Nutrition Department (Cirebon Campus) at Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya, Indonesia. He holds a Master of Nutrition (M.Gizi.) degree and focuses his academic research on community nutrition, food security, maternal and child nutritional interventions, and stunting prevention management. He actively collaborates on mixed-methods studies examining socio-economic and dietary factors affecting vulnerable populations. Email: priyo.sulistiyono@poltekkestasikmalaya.ac.id.

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Published

2026-07-15

How to Cite

Yeni Fitrianingsih, Y., Nirmaya Mariani, N., Suratmi, S., & Sulistiyono, P. (2026). Midwifery Perspectives on Maternal Nutritional Barriers in Stunting-Prone Areas: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis. Journal of Nutrition Explorations, 4(3), 321–344. https://doi.org/10.36568/jone.v4i3.748

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 3 (2026): Agustus

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Yeni Yeni Fitrianingsih, Nina Nirmaya Mariani, Suratmi Suratmi, Priyo Sulistiyono

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