The Role of Cultural Values in Feeding Practices among Children with Stunting in Jembrana Regency: A Qualitative Approach
Dublin Core
Title
The Role of Cultural Values in Feeding Practices among Children with Stunting in Jembrana Regency: A Qualitative Approach
Subject
caregiver, cultural
characteristics,
feeding behaviors,
nutritional status,
qualitative research
characteristics,
feeding behaviors,
nutritional status,
qualitative research
Description
Introduction: Stunting remains a public health problem in Jembrana
Regency, Bali. Despite a decline in prevalence, persistent cases suggest that
cultural and nutritional factors influence feeding practices. This study
aimed to explore cultural meanings and practices shaping feeding
behaviors among children with stunting.
Methods: This study employed a qualitative approach with an ethnographic
design. The subjects of this study were 10 mothers or caregivers of
children aged 12 - 59 months with stunting, residing in Jembrana Regency,
and one healthcare worker was selected using a purposive sampling
technique. Data were collected through an in-depth interview guide, an
observation sheet, documentation, and field notes. The collected data were
then analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Data validity was
ensured through triangulation, peer debriefing, and member checking.
Results: The study identified four main themes that reflect how cultural
values shape feeding behaviors in children with stunting. These themes
include: (1) Snacks as substitutes that reduce appetite for main meals; (2)
Normalization of small body size; (3) Flexibility expressed as "as long as
the child wants to eat"; and (4) Collective caregiving culture
(allomothering).
Conclusion: Stunting in Jembrana is influenced by cultural values and
family dynamics, so effective interventions must be culturally sensitive and
target snack habits, parental misconceptions, dietary diversity, and
caregiving coordination, including the role of grandmothers, to reduce
stunting risk. Providing culturally sensitive nutrition education involving
extended family and child caregivers is necessary in nursing.
Regency, Bali. Despite a decline in prevalence, persistent cases suggest that
cultural and nutritional factors influence feeding practices. This study
aimed to explore cultural meanings and practices shaping feeding
behaviors among children with stunting.
Methods: This study employed a qualitative approach with an ethnographic
design. The subjects of this study were 10 mothers or caregivers of
children aged 12 - 59 months with stunting, residing in Jembrana Regency,
and one healthcare worker was selected using a purposive sampling
technique. Data were collected through an in-depth interview guide, an
observation sheet, documentation, and field notes. The collected data were
then analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Data validity was
ensured through triangulation, peer debriefing, and member checking.
Results: The study identified four main themes that reflect how cultural
values shape feeding behaviors in children with stunting. These themes
include: (1) Snacks as substitutes that reduce appetite for main meals; (2)
Normalization of small body size; (3) Flexibility expressed as "as long as
the child wants to eat"; and (4) Collective caregiving culture
(allomothering).
Conclusion: Stunting in Jembrana is influenced by cultural values and
family dynamics, so effective interventions must be culturally sensitive and
target snack habits, parental misconceptions, dietary diversity, and
caregiving coordination, including the role of grandmothers, to reduce
stunting risk. Providing culturally sensitive nutrition education involving
extended family and child caregivers is necessary in nursing.
Creator
Komang Srititin Agustina1* & Ketut Anom Sri Kesumawati1
Source
https://doi.org/10.37363/bnr.2025.64515
Date
27 October 2025
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Komang Srititin Agustina1* & Ketut Anom Sri Kesumawati1, “The Role of Cultural Values in Feeding Practices among Children with Stunting in Jembrana Regency: A Qualitative Approach,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 11, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/11930.