The coverage of indicators of sensitive and specific intervention programs and prevalence of stunting under-five children: A cross-sectional study in Aceh Province, Indonesia

Background: The prevalence of stunting children under-five in Aceh Province is still high due to multiple factors, including the sub-optimal coverage of intervention programs. Aim: This study aimed at finding out the correlation between the coverage of indicators of sensitive and specific intervention programs with prevalence of stunting in Aceh. Methods: A cross-sectional design analyzed secondary data from the Indonesia nutritional status survey and program coverage data in 13 regencies/cities in Aceh Province. The dependent variable was the prevalence of stunting. Meanwhile, the independent variable covered 20 sensitive and specific intervention program indicators. We apply STATA 16 to analyze the correlation between sensitive and specific coverage and stunting prevalence. Results: The coverage of indicators of pregnant women with chronic energy deficiency (CED) receiving supplementary feeding, young children with diarrhea receiving zinc supplementation, parents taking parenting classes, and participation in the health insurance program had a significant correlation with prevalence stunting in Aceh (r = -0.57; r = -0.50; r = -0.65; and r = -0.60). Conclusion: Intervention measures to avert childhood stunting in Aceh should include strengthening supplementary feeding programs for mothers and toddlers, supplementation to prevent toddler diarrhea, and counseling parents on parenting and health insurance.