Health maternal educational and occupational factors associated with stunting among under-five children: Evidence from Minggir Health Center

¹ Midwifery Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Aisyiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
² Nursing Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Aisyiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: andrisholihah@unisayogya.ac.id

Abstract

Stunting remains a major public health concern in Indonesia, where maternal socioeconomic factors are frequently linked to child nutritional outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 94 mother-child pairs at the Minggir Health Centre. Maternal education and employment status were obtained through structured questionnaires, while children's nutritional status was determined using anthropometric measurements following WHO standards. Statistical analyses were carried out with Chi-square and logistic regression tests to assess associations. The prevalence of stunting reached 50%. Most mothers had low educational attainment (83%) and were not formally employed (67%). No significant association was found between maternal education and stunting (p = 0.583) or between maternal employment and stunting (p = 0.327). Logistic regression confirmed that neither factor served as a predictor of stunting incidence. Maternal education and employment were not significantly associated with stunting in this population. These results suggest that other determinants, such as family income, feeding practices, diet quality, sanitation, and access to health services, may play a more influential role. Strengthening multisectoral and community-based interventions is essential to reduce stunting.