INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY SCIENCE (IJNMS)
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2026): VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 AUGUST 2026

FAMILY EXPERIENCES OF PREVENTING STUNTING AMONG CHILDREN UNDER TWO YEARS: A COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING PERSPECTIVE

Sarifudin Andi Latif (STIKES Amanah Makassar)
Muhammad Syafri (STIKES Amanah Makassar)
Sahdan Mustari (STIKES Amanah Makassar)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Jul 2026

Abstract

Stunting remains a major public health challenge affecting children's physical growth, cognitive development, and future productivity. Family involvement and community support are essential for effective prevention during the first 1,000 days of life. This study explored family experiences in preventing stunting among children under two years of age from a community nursing perspective in Jeneponto Regency, Indonesia. A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was employed involving 14 purposively selected participants, including 10 mothers, two community nurses, and two Posyandu health volunteers. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, field observations, and field notes, then analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged: family knowledge of stunting, family prevention practices, barriers to prevention, and community nursing support. Families practiced exclusive breastfeeding, nutritious complementary feeding, routine growth monitoring, and healthcare utilization. However, economic constraints, cultural beliefs, feeding difficulties, and limited healthcare access remained significant barriers. Family-centered community nursing interventions integrating education, empowerment, home visits, and multisectoral collaboration can strengthen sustainable stunting prevention among children under two years of age.

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