Spatial analysis and factors related to stunting prevalence in Lampung province in 2024 (INSS Data in 2024)

Abstract

Background: Stunting is a growth and developmental disorder caused by chronic malnutrition and recurrent infections and is defined as a Height-for-Age Z-score (HAZ) below −2 standard deviations. Despite ongoing interventions, stunting remains a major public health problem in Indonesia. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used to identify the spatial distribution of stunting; however, spatial studies on stunting in Indonesia remain limited. Objective: This study aimed to analyze spatial patterns and factors associated with stunting prevalence in Lampung Province in 2024. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from the 2024 Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (INSS). The study population consisted of 8,964 children under five years of age, with 2,778 children included after data cleaning. Data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate, and spatial analyses. Results: The prevalence of stunting was 15.3%, while 84.7% of children were not stunted. Exclusive breastfeeding, birth weight, and maternal age were significantly associated with stunting prevalence (p<0.05). Spatial analysis showed significant associations of exclusive breastfeeding in several districts/cities, birth weight in West Coast, West Lampung, and East Lampung, and maternal age in Central Lampung. Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding, birth weight, and maternal age were associated with stunting prevalence in Lampung Province in 2024.