Determinants of Stunting and Innovations for Stunting Reduction among Children Under Two Years of Age in Central Sulawesi

Authors

  • Amsal Amsal Poltekkes Kemenkes Palu
  • Fahmi Hafid Universitas Airlangga Surabaya
  • Zainul Zainul Poltekkes Kemenkes Palu
  • Amsal Amsal Central Sulawesi Provincial Health Office, Palu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36568/jone.v4i3.780

Keywords:

Children, Central Sulawesi, Innovations, Under Two Year, Stunting

Abstract

Central Sulawesi is one of the Indonesian provinces with the highest stunting prevalence. Based on the 2024 Indonesian Nutritional Status Survey (SSGI), the stunting prevalence in Central Sulawesi reached 26.1%, substantially higher than the national average of 19.8%. This study aimed to analyze the determinants of stunting and identify innovations that have been effective in reducing stunting prevalence among children under two years of age (baduta) across 13 districts/cities in Central Sulawesi. An ecological study design was applied using secondary data analysis of the 2021 and 2024 SSGI datasets, complemented by documentary review of regional innovation programs. The results revealed substantial variation in stunting prevalence between districts/cities, ranging from 16.5% in Tojo Una-Una to 36.9% in Buol in 2024. The main determinants of stunting included young maternal age at pregnancy, low coverage of the sixth antenatal care visit (K6), suboptimal iron-folic acid supplement consumption, high rates of early marriage, and poor dietary diversity among children under two. Districts with the sharpest declines in stunting, such as Tojo Una-Una (-12.8 points), Parigi Moutong (-9.4 points), and Sigi (-7.7 points), implemented innovations based on cross-sectoral collaboration, utilization of local food resources, and digital reporting. It is concluded that convergent, participatory, and data-driven interventions are more effective in reducing stunting than fragmented sectoral approaches.

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Published

2026-08-20

How to Cite

Amsal, A., Hafid, F., Zainul, Z., & Amsal, A. (2026). Determinants of Stunting and Innovations for Stunting Reduction among Children Under Two Years of Age in Central Sulawesi . Journal of Nutrition Explorations, 4(3). https://doi.org/10.36568/jone.v4i3.780

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 3 (2026): August

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Copyright (c) 2026 Amsal Amsal, Fahmi Hafid, Zainul Zainul, Amsal Amsal

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