Factors Related to Stunting in Children Aged 12 to 59 Months in DIY Province during the COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Background: Stunting remains a persistent nutritional issue caused by prolonged inadequate nutrient intake, leading to unmet dietary requirements. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated access to healthcare and nutrition services, potentially affecting stunting prevalence. This study aims to identify the risk factors related to the incidence of stunting in children aged 12 to 59 months in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) Province during the COVID-19 pandemic era. Materials and Methods: This study analyzes the data from the 2021 Indonesian Nutritional Status Study (INSS) in the Yogyakarta Special Region Province (DIY) using a cross-sectional approach. A total of 2,391 toddlers aged 12 to 59 months who met the inclusion criteria were included. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess stunting prevalence and identify contributing risk factors. Results: The prevalence of stunting among children aged 12 to 59 months in DIY Province is 16.9%. Significant contributing factors include maternal education (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.08–1.81), participation in child growth monitoring at integrated health post services (posyandu) (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.05–2.59), and nutritional counseling for mothers of toddlers, which was associated with a lower risk of stunting (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.24–0.56). Conclusion: Maternal education, child growth monitoring at posyandu, and nutritional counseling are crucial factors in preventing stunting, particularly during a pandemic. More intensive policies are needed to enhance maternal access to nutritional and child health services to reduce stunting rates further.