"Doc, is my child short or not, is this what is called stunting? I'm worried, doc."
The rise of stunting cases has made many patients come to pediatricians for growth consultations. A person's growth is influenced by ethnicity, genetics, hormones, psychosocial conditions, nutrition, chronic disease, and the environment. It is better if we first understand what stunting is and what causes it. Children with short stature are not always stunted, but stunting is definitely short stature. Then what is the meaning of stunting itself?
Stunting is a condition of short stature, where a child's height is not the same as the average standard of child's height according to his age, which is caused by chronic nutritional disorders. In short, they are the same age but much different in height. Nutritional disorders can be caused by providing insufficient nutritional intake. Several factors underlie this are poor economic status, lack of knowledge, and/or an increased need, such as in cases of severe infections, premature births, severe allergies, etc.
This stunting condition is closely related to brain development disorders if not treated quickly. The priority of children's development up to the age of 2 years or the first 1000 days of life, is based on the rapid development of the brain in that period. As much as 45% of under-five deaths are related to malnutrition and the impact can last a lifetime resulting in poor quality of life, reduced productivity, intellectual and social disturbances, and decreased achievement.
The final goal is how we can form a generation that is GENIUS, as was explained during National Children's Day, namely to form children who are agile, empathetic, brave, superior and healthy. Early anticipation and prevention efforts that can be done include:
- Regular check-ups in early pregnancy, providing good & balanced nutrition, avoiding pollution and cigarette smoke
- Exclusive breastfeeding and immunization according to schedule (IDAI recommendation 2017)
- Provision of complementary foods consisting of carbohydrates, animal protein (chicken, eggs, fish, meat to meet the body's amino acid needs) and fat.
- Monitor growth and development of children regularly according to IDAI recommendations, namely once a month for ages <12 months, once every 3 months for ages 1-3 years, once every 6 months for ages 3-6 years, and once a year for ages 6 -18 years. Monitoring uses the 2008 WHO curve by assessing nutritional status (weight for height/length) and height for age.
- Setting bedtime and sufficient physical activity so that growth hormone can work and survive optimally in the body.
- Check your child's growth and development regularly at the nearest health facility.
This article was written by dr. Anisa Setiorini, Sp. A (Pediatrician at EMC Sentul Hospital).
Be Happy, Be Healthy
#LiveExcellently.