Length Attainment and Stunting Prevalence of Children aged 0–24 Months Living in the Area of Clay Brick Kilns in Pagar Merbau Sub District, Indonesia

BACKGROUND: The association of air pollution with children’s health and growth has been proved.
AIM: This study aimed to assess the length attainment and stunting prevalence of children living in the areas of clay
brick kiln and non-clay brick kilns.
METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional study conducted from February to December 2020. The location of the
study was in Pagar Merbau Subdistrict, Deli Serdang District, North Sumatera Indonesia. Four villages were selected
purposively to be the location of study. The total participants were 192 families who have children aged 0–24 years
old. To assess the length attainment, the median WHO standard was determined as reference. The growth curve
of children was presented in a bubble growth chart. To determine whether the groups were comparable, pair t-tests
were applied.
RESULTS: Compared to the median WHO standard, the length attainment of boys aged 18–24 months shorter
1.1–1.9 cm and 0.8–1.9 cm (CBK vs. non-CBK, respectively), whereas for girls shorter 1.5–2.0 cm and 0.8–1.2 cm
(CBK vs. non-CBK, respectively). The difference length between non-CBK and CBK children at age 18–24 months
is 0.8–1.9 cm. Growth curves of children since born until aged 24 months were around −1SD–0SD. The prevalence
of stunting is 18.6% versus 19.8%.
CONCLUSION: The presence of clay brick kilns in villages treated children’s growth. Government should manage
the establishment of clay brick kilns in villages. Children cognitive and height of children at school age need to
investigate.