Toddler Massage as a Supplementary Intervention in Overcoming Stunting in Children: Research from Stunting Locus Area in Gorontalo City

Fatmah Zakaria, Sri Mulyaningsih, Dwi Nur Octaviani Katili, Rizky Nikmathulhusna Ali, Mohamad Rodi Isa, Herbawati Herbawati

Abstract


Stunting defined as impaired linear growth resulting in a child’s height falling below the age-appropriate standard, remains a pressing global health concern due to its long-term implications on development and increased risk of mortality. In Gorontalo Province, Indonesia, the prevalence of stunting exceeds the national target of 23.8%, with North Gorontalo Regency reporting the highest rate at 29.3%. This study aimed to examine the effect of toddler massage on weight gain among stunted children. A quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group approach was employed, involving 32 stunted toddlers selected through purposive sampling. Participants were equally allocated into an intervention group (n=16), which received toddler massage based on standard operating procedures, and a control group (n=16), which did not receive the intervention. Body weight was measured using digital scales. The results of the paired t-test revealed a statistically significant weight gain in the intervention group (p = 0.00), whereas no significant difference was observed in the control group (p = 0.164). The findings indicate that toddler massage may contribute to weight improvement in stunted children and could be considered a supportive non-pharmacological intervention in stunting management programs.

Keywords


Stunting; Toddler massage; Weight gain; Child growth

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.14421/biomedich.2025.142.1099-1103

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Copyright (c) 2025 Sri Mulyaningsih, Dwi Nur Octaviani Katili, Rizky Nikmathulhusna Ali, Mohamad Rodi Isa, Herbawati Herbawati



Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry
ISSN 2089-6514 (paper) - ISSN 2540-9328 (online)
Published by Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University & Society for Indonesian Biodiversity.

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