How Pregnant Women Perceive Stunting as a Problem for Their Children: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore the perception of pregnant women on stunting. METHODOLOGY: Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with 14 pregnant women was used for data collection in Aceh, Indonesia. Data analysis was carried out using the Inductive Content Analysis (ICA). RESULTS: This study found six themes: 1. Perceptions of pregnant women about stunting, 2. Coping responses of pregnant women regarding stunting, 3. Efforts to prevent stunting, 4. Support system in preventing stunting, 5. Role of health workers in preventing stunting, 6. local food sources to prevent stunting. CONCLUSION: The perception of pregnant women about stunting was influenced by various factors, including the level of knowledge, values, beliefs, and experience in taking care of children. Health workers and family support, especially husbands, are crucial in increasing the understanding and fulfillment of nutrition for pregnant women. Local food has high nutritional value to meet the nutrition needs of pregnant women, so it is an alternative solution to prevent stunting.

Keywords

• perception
• pregnant women