Experience of Mother in Taking Care of Children with Stunting at Majene Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Health officials have the role and responsibility to provide a promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative action for children who are stunted. However, in fact, the role will be taken over entirely by parents, especially the mother. Therefore, the mother's experience needs to be explored in order to know the extent of a mother's efforts in treating her child who is stunted. This research used a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through deep interviews using a questionnaire that was prepared and then the researcher recorded the process of interview. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling then proceed with snowball sampling. Then, data would be analyzed using the thematic analysis method, mothers of children who were categorized as stunting did not have clear knowledge about stunting, perfomed exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months but breastfeeding was not optimal until the children are 2 years of age, complementary feeding was not balanced because it did not contain carbohydrate, protein and fat sources, families with incomes below the minimum income experience stunted their children. Husband's support to all participants was very good in overcoming health problems that occur in children, but her husband's support was very lacking in efforts to prevent children from experiencing stunting, mothers of children who were categorized as stunting had good personal hygiene behaviors in children