The Understanding of Stunting on Cognitive Development in Adolescence

Abstract

Background: Stunting, a condition characterized by impaired growth and development due to poor nutrition, is a serious issue that can have lifelong consequences. Unfortunately, it often stems from complex socio-economic problems that can make it difficult to address. Although prevention efforts are currently aimed at the general public, they overlook an important group: teenagers. Adolescents should be educated about stunting as part of their marriage preparation, as this can help prevent the condition in future generations.

Methods: This study was conducted using a cross-sectional design and Rasch analysis utilized an online platform which was distributed to a total of 165 participants. These individuals spanned a wide range of ages, falling between the ages of 15 and 45, and they resided in a total of 21 different cities and regencies throughout Indonesia.

Results: Demographic factors like city, gender, and educational background have a significant impact on an individual's awareness of stunting. As per research, women tend to have a better understanding of cognitive stunting than men. Moreover, people with tertiary education have the highest level of awareness regarding this issue, scoring at 1.54 Logit. Individuals with high school and vocational education backgrounds also demonstrate a decent level of comprehension towards stunting, with 1.53 and 1.39 Logit scores. 

Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of implementing stunting prevention measures in schools for adolescents. Educating young people about the importance of proper nutrition means we can work towards a future where stunting is no longer a significant health issue.