FACTORS INFLUENCING THE INCIDENCE OF STUNTING IN TODDLERS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The number of children who are underweight for their age is the first of six goals set by the 2025 Global Nutrition Targets. This is also an important step in achieving SDG 2, which aims to end world hunger. Stunting is a linear growth disorder brought on by chronic malnutrition. Undernourishment contributes to the global death toll among children under the age of five. The objective is to identify the factors that contribute to under-five shortness in developing nations. The researchers used a literature review approach, reading selected publications written in Indonesian and English on the topics of "stunting in toddlers," "factors that cause stunting in toddlers in developing countries," and "risk factors for stunting in Asia." The search that led to the selection of the articles evaluated in this literature review was conducted using the PRISMA method. A birth weight of less than 2,500 grams, receiving additional meals, a mother's lack of education, a low household income, and poor sanitation were all found to increase the risk of a child developing stunted growth in early childhood. Low birth weight (LBW), maternal education, household income, and the lack of access to proper sanitation and hygiene were all found to be significant risk factors for stunting in this research of toddlers.