Interventions of Low-Birth Weight Babies to Prevent Stunting: A Literature Study

Abstract

Low birth weight (LBW) is the main factor causing stunting in Indonesia. About 20% of stunting in Indonesia is caused by LBW and Indonesia occupies the fifth highest position in the world for the birth rate of babies with LBW. Furthermore, a history of LBW and stunting in children has an impact on growth and development delays, cognitive and behavioral disorders, and a high risk of suffering from degenerative disease in adulthood. Interventions on LBW can be done to improve children’s health while preventing stunting. This literature study was carried out through the search and selection of research articles about various interventions related to the condition of LBW to prevent stunting. Research articles were obtained using electronic databases such as Google Scholar, EBSCO, Research Gate, PLOS, and Science Direct with the keywords: intervention, stunting, and LBW. The inclusion criteria were articles based on research studies, full texts available in the 2016-2021 period, containing various interventions on LBW to prevent stunting. There were 5 research articles obtained. The results of the study showed that interventions on LBW to prevent stunting include increasing maternal knowledge about balanced nutrition, increasing household food security, strengthening the family economy, improving hygiene and environmental sanitation, providing mineral and vitamin-enhanced micronutrient powder, and applying the Kangaroo Mother Care. Interventions on LBW need to be carried out early to prevent stunting in the future. This is a shared responsibility of the cross-sectoral community.