Maternal Knowledge on Stunting Prevention During Pregnancy Among Pregnant Women in the Tanasitolo Community Health Center Working Area, Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Stunting is a major public health problem characterized by impaired linear growth resulting from chronic undernutrition, with long-term consequences for cognitive development, educational achievement, and future health. Maternal knowledge during pregnancy plays an important role in preventing stunting by promoting appropriate nutritional practices and healthy behaviors. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the level of knowledge regarding stunting prevention among pregnant women in the working area of Tanasitolo Primary Health Center, Wajo Regency, Indonesia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 187 pregnant women selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a validated and reliable questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics with frequency distributions and percentages. Results: Overall, 40.1% of respondents had poor knowledge regarding stunting prevention, while 35.8% had good knowledge and 24.1% had moderate knowledge. Respondents demonstrated good knowledge of the definition (77.5%) and signs (82.4%) of stunting. However, knowledge regarding the causes of stunting remained limited, with 47.1% of respondents categorized as having poor knowledge. Conclusions: A considerable proportion of pregnant women had inadequate knowledge regarding stunting prevention, particularly concerning the causes of stunting. These findings highlight the need to strengthen health education during antenatal care to improve maternal knowledge and support stunting prevention.