The effectiveness of applying score system in growth chart to predict stunting and improve nutritional knowledge of pre-schoolers’ mother in Indonesia.

Abstract

Background

A growth chart is widely used to monitor child growth, but not to predict stunting. Therefore, there is a high need to create a more simple growth chart. The study aimed to find out the effectiveness of the application score system in growth chart in predicting stunting and improving mothers knowledge.

Materials and Method

This study was a quasi experimental study. A total of 533 pre-schoolers aged 4–5 years old and 110 mothers were selected from forty kindergarten schools in Deli Serdang and Aceh Besar Distric. Twelve field workers were trained to conduct height measurements using the score growth chart and teaching mothers on nutrition. Data on height status was presented in six classifications. Chi-Square test was performed to test the difference of mother's knowledge before and after intervention.

Findings

Of the total 533 pre-schoolers, 22.5% were stunted and 33.1% children had been predicted to be stunted. After intervention, mothers in the intervention group were three and half times more likely to have better knowledge than mothers in the control group (85.2% vs 56.6%) and Relative Risk: 3.5 (1.5–6.5)

Conclusions

Application of the score system in growth chart was practicable in predicting stunting and improving maternal knowledge. It needs to consider applying the wall score growth chart in nutritional survey. Children under-five year old need to involve in further studies.