Pediomaternal Nursing Journal
Vol. 12 No. 2 (2026): VOLUME 12 NO 2 JULY 2026

Determinants of inadequate energy intake among stunted children

Sylvie Puspita (Doctor of Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
College of Health Science of Husada Jombang, Indonesia)

Irwanto (Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Yuni Sufyanti Arief (Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Widati Fatmaningrum (Department of Public Health - Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
24 Jul 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Stunting is a chronic growth disorder caused by prolonged inadequate nutrition and recurrent infections. Insufficient energy intake is a key factor contributing to impaired growth among stunted children. Objective: This study aimed to analyse the determinants associated with inadequate energy intake among stunted children and to compare these factors between tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis groups. Methods: An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 80 stunted children aged 12–59 months in Jombang Regency, Indonesia. Participants were selected using consecutive sampling from community health centers. Data on child and maternal characteristics were collected using structured questionnaires and verified with the Maternal and Child Health Handbook. Stunting status was determined using height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) based on WHO standards. Energy intake was assessed using two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls and categorized as adequate (≥80% RDA) or inadequate (<80% RDA). Data were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis test with a significance level of P-value<.05. Results: Most children were aged >24 months (68.7%), female (58.7%), and had normal birth weight (72.5%). A total of 57.5% had adequate energy intake, while 42.5% were classified as inadequate. Significant determinants of energy intake included age (P-value<.001), birth weight (P-value=.004), maternal anemia during pregnancy (P-value=.037), and antenatal care (ANC) history (P-value=.005). No significant associations were found for gender (P-value=.991) and tuberculosis status (P-value=.653). Conclusion: Inadequate energy intake among stunted children is significantly influenced by both child and maternal factors. Strengthening maternal nutrition, improving ANC utilization, and promoting appropriate feeding practices are essential to support optimal energy intake and child growth. Keywords: anemia; energy intake; growth disorders; pregnant mothers; tuberculosis

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Journal Info

Abbrev

PMNJ

Publisher

Subject

Nursing

Description

Pediomaternal Nursing Journal is a scientific media periodically published twice a year that contains scientific articles on health and nursing specifically related to the topic of child and maternity nursing. This journal as a medium for writers from students, lecturers, and researchers to be able ...