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J Res Health Sci. 2025;25(3): e00654.
doi: 10.34172/jrhs.7450

Scopus ID: 105008311058
  Abstract View: 179
  PDF Download: 81

Original Article

Stunting Among Low-Income Families in Indonesia: Is Mother’s Employment a Risk Factor?

Ratna Dwi Wulandari 1* ORCID logo, Agung Dwi Laksono 2 ORCID logo, Yuly Astuti 2 ORCID logo, Ratu Matahari 3 ORCID logo, Nikmatur Rohmah 4 ORCID logo, Rohani Budi Prihatin 5 ORCID logo, Frima Elda 6 ORCID logo

1 Department of Health Policy and Administration, Faculty of Public Health Science, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
2 National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
3 Department of Reproductive Health, Faculty of Public Health Science, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
4 Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Muhammadiyah University of Jember, Jember, Indonesia
5 Center for Legislative Analysis of Indonesian Parliament, Jakarta, Indonesia
6 Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia
*Corresponding Author: Ratna Dwi Wulandari, Email: ratna-d-w@fkm.unair.ac.id

Abstract

Background: It is widely believed that poverty is a significant factor in causing stunting, and parental habits can also play a role. In this context, households with employed mothers are often suspected of increasing the risk of stunting in children. This study aimed to examine the role of maternal employment status in stunted children among low-income families in Indonesia.

Study Design: A cross-sectional analysis.

Methods: In general, 47021 children were investigated in this study. The children’s nutritional health and maternal work status were used as the outcome and variables, respectively. Seven control variables were evaluated, including residence type, marital status, mother’s age, education level, child age, antenatal care (ANC), and gender. Finally, a binary logistic regression analysis was employed, ensuring the validity and reliability of the results.

Results: Overall, 19.0% of Indonesian children under two from low-income households experienced stunted growth. Meanwhile, 23.5% of mothers were employed in low-income homes. Regarding nutritional status, the findings revealed that employed mothers had stunted kids, which is slightly higher than that in unemployed mothers. More importantly, it was found that unemployed mothers were 1.022 times more likely to have stunted kids than employed mothers (95% confidence interval: 1.015–1.030), underscoring the crucial role of maternal employment in child nutrition.

Conclusion: Maternal employment status played a role in having stunted children among low-income families, and unemployed mothers were a risk factor for having this type of child. Empowering unemployed mothers through job opportunities, financial support, and access to childcare and nutrition programs can help reduce child stunting in low-income families.



Please cite this article as follows: Wulandari RD, Laksono AD, Astuti Y, Matahari R, Rohmah N, Prihatin RB, et al. Stunting among low-income families in Indonesia: is mother’s employment a risk factor? J Res Health Sci. 2025; 25(3):e00654. doi:10.34172/jrhs.7450
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Submitted: 18 Aug 2024
Revision: 30 Jan 2025
Accepted: 26 Feb 2025
ePublished: 10 Jun 2025
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