FACTORS INFLUENCING MOTHER’S INTENTION AND BEHAVIOR TO PREVENT STUNTING: AN APPLICATION OF THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR

Abstract

Stunting refers to a condition in children where their growth and development are hindered due to prolonged inadequate nutrition, recurring infections, and insufficient stimulation. It remains a significant public health concern worldwide, including in Indonesia, where the prevalence of stunting was reported at 21.6% in 2022, with a targeted reduction to 14% by 2024. While several studies have explored various factors contributing to stunting, its causes, and consequences, there is a research gap regarding behavioral changes necessary for preventing stunting in Indonesia. This study aims to bridge that gap by investigating the factors influencing mothers' intentions and behaviors in stunting prevention, particularlyduring the critical 1000-day period of a child's life. Using a quantitative research approach, the study adopted the Theory of Planned Behavior and distributed an online questionnaire to 315 mothers aged 22 to 52 years, attending prenatal yoga classes in the country's five largest cities. The collected data underwent analysis using AMOS 24 software and Structural Equation Modeling. The study's findings underscore the significant role of Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) in influencing mothers' intentions and behaviors to prevent stunting. However, it is worth noting that the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) may not be the most suitable framework for this research, suggesting the consideration of alternative theories like the Health Belief Model or the Push-Pull Theory for future studies. It is recommended that stunting prevention programs focus not only on increasing awareness but also on improving comprehension of stunting causes and prevention methods. Moreover, these programs should allocate adequate resources and address barriers to effectively promotestunting prevention behavior.