A STUDY ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PREGNANT WOMEN CONCERNING STUNTING AT THE MIDWIFERY CLINIC

Stunting is a condition in which the height of an infant or toddler is shorter than that of other children of the same age. This condition is usually identified by the failure of growth in infants (0–11 months) and toddlers (12–59 months), which results from chronic malnutrition during the First 1,000 Days of Life. Stunting in children is a serious issue because it is associated with an increased risk of illness and death, impaired brain development, delays in motor skill development, and hindered mental growth. In North Sumatra, the stunting rate in 2021 was 25.8%, while in Pematangsiantar City, it was 15% which is below the national average of 24.4%. This study aims to describe the characteristics of pregnant mothers about stunting in the Batu Anam Health Center area, Simalungun Regency. The design of this research was descriptive with a cross-sectional design. The analysis uses univariate analysis to describe the characteristics of pregnant mothers. The population is pregnant mothers in the working area of Batu Anam Health Center from May 2024 to September 2024. The sample for this study was the whole population of 30 pregnant mothers. The results of the study showed that the majority of pregnant mothers who were aged 20-35 years (80%), the majority of pregnant mothers who had higher education (80%), the majority of pregnant mothers who were primigravida (50%), the majority of postpartum mothers who experienced tearing worked as housewives (60%), %), and the majority of pregnant mothers who have good knowledge about stunting (73.3%). The conclusion of the research above showed that most of the respondents of pregnant mothers who have good knowledge about stunting (73.3%). Keywords