Age of Milk Introduction is a Dominant Factor of Stunting Among Toddlers Aged 24 Months in Bogor District: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Prohibition of milk promotion for children less than 3 years of age raises concerns about the possible increase of stunting among children under-five. Milk is an animal protein-rich beverage that can stimulate growth and development. This study aimed to determine the relationship between toddler’s milk intake and stunting. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2018 in Bojong Gede, Bogor District. A total of 113 mothers with toddler aged 24 months participated in this study. Five villages were selected based on the highest number of stunting among children under-five. Mothers and toddlers who came to Posyandu were taken as subjects until the required number of samples were met. Results: More than one-quarter(26.5%) of the samples were associated with stunting. There were significant differences in nutrient intake between stunted and the normal toddler and among toddlers who do not consume and consume milk. Stunted toddlers experienced a later age of milk introduction, less frequent milk consumption and a lower amount of daily milk consumption compared to the normal toddler. After controlled by type of milk consumption, the frequency of drinking milk, the protein consumption, the mother's working status and the father's education, the age of milk introduction was the dominant factor (OR = 4.1, p<0.05) associated with stunting. Conclusion: This study showed that children’s milk intake plays a significant role in preventing stunting. The age of milk introduction, as well as the frequency of daily milk consumption and the amount of daily milk consumption, are important factors to support the normal growth of children. Daily milk consumption must be considered as an important strategy in reducing the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia.