Association between Complementary Feeding (MP-ASI) Type and Stunting Status among Children Aged 24-59 Months: A Cross-Sectional Study

Irwan , Muhammad
Paliling, Novita
Sastriani
Yuliani, Eva
Evawaty
Adhisty, Weny Anggraini

Omni Health Journal
Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026): July

Background: Stunting remains a major public health problem and reflects chronic undernutrition that impairs children's physical growth and development. Appropriate complementary feeding (MP-ASI) is essential for meeting the nutritional requirements of children during the critical growth period and may influence stunting status. Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between the type of complementary feeding (MP-ASI) and stunting status among children aged 24-59 months in Bonde Village, Pamboang District. Methods: A quantitative analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 92 mothers with children aged 24-59 months. Participants were selected using purposive sampling based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. The association between MP-ASI type and stunting status was analyzed using the Chi-square test, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: Of the 92 children included in the study, 52 (56.5%) were classified as stunted. Local MP-ASI was the most frequently reported type of complementary feeding (44.6%). A statistically significant association was found between MP-ASI type and stunting status (p < 0.001). Compared with children receiving local MP-ASI, higher odds of stunting were observed among children receiving manufactured MP-ASI (OR = 6.22; 95% CI: 2.28-16.98) and a combination of local and manufactured MP-ASI (OR = 9.33; 95% CI: 2.26-38.51). Conclusion: A significant association was identified between the type of complementary feeding (MP-ASI) and stunting status among children aged 24-59 months in Bonde Village, Pamboang District. Given the cross-sectional nature of the study, the findings should be interpreted as associations rather than causal relationships. Further studies incorporating potential confounding factors are recommended to better understand the relationship between complementary feeding practices and child growth outcomes.