Mother’s Eating Behavior During Pregnancy and Family Income with Malnutrition: Stunting Prevention in Madura, Indonesia (Mother’s Eating and family Income with Stunting Prevention)

Stunting is a serious nutrition problem in children aged 24-60 months which is increasing every year in Madura Island. One of the causes of stunting is the local Madura culture that prohibits certain foods to be consumed by pregnant women even though it contains high protein. This study explained the relationship between mother’s eating behavior during pregnancy and family income with stunting prevention strategy for children aged 24 – 60 months in Madura, Indonesia. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 141 mothers in Madura Island. This study used purposive sampling technique. Structured interview-administered questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information, mothers’ eating behavior during pregnancy and stunting prevention strategy. Data were analyzed using Chi-square with a level of significance of 0.05. Mother’s eating behavior during pregnancy (p = 0.000) and family income (p=0.001) had a relationship with stunting prevention behavior. Mothers having a good eating behavior during pregnancy and family income more than 150 USD had positive stunting prevention strategies. Mothers’ eating behavior during pregnancy and family income play an important role in stunting prevention strategy. It is recommended to continue health education by health workers in collaboration with community leaders regarding stunting prevention strategies.