Journal of Maternal and Child Health (2026), 11(3): 148-159, Master’s Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret
The Impact of Stunting on Children's Intelligence Levels in Indonesia: An Analysis of Indonesian Family Life Survey
Raka Novadlu Cordita1,2), Hari Wahyu Nugroho1,2), Yulidar Hafidh1,2)
1)Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia
2)Dr. Moewardi General Hospital, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia
ABSTRACT
Background: Stunting reflects chronic malnutrition during early growth and may have long-term effects on cognitive development, including memory, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. This study aimed to examine the effect of stunting on children’s intelligence levels.
Subjects and Method: A prospective longitudinal analytical study was conducted using secondary data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS) IV (2007/2008) and V (2014/2015). The study included 848 children aged 0–5 years with nutritional data in IFLS IV and cognitive data in IFLS V, matched using the Personal Identification Link (PIDLINK). Stunting was defined as height-for-age z-score <-2 SD. Intelligence was measured using Raven’s Progressive Matrices (RPM). Demographic, socioeconomic, health, and sanitation variables were also analyzed. Data was assessed using independent t-tests, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression.
Results: The incidence of stunting was found to be 16.2%. The average age of children in this study was 2.83 (SD= 1.57) years, a small number of children were born prematurely (3.7%), most of them (77.6%) had complete immunization status and no history of chronic illness (60.5%), 42% children came from poor families, most children whose unemployed parents (89.4%). The cognitive scores of stunted children were lower than those without stunting (Mean= 53.1; SD= 22.55 vs. Mean= 64.8; SD= 21.38; p=0.001). Cognitive scores were also related to the child's age, parental education and occupation, economic status, and immunization. Stunting status was not significantly associated with children's intelligence. Children's intelligence levels were associated with child's age, maternal education, and paternal occupation.
Conclusion: Improving children's intelligence levels should not only focus on improving nutritional status, but also need to consider family social factors, improving parental education and the caregiving environment.
Keywords: early age children, intelligence level, stunting
Correspondence: Raka Novadlu Cordita. Department of Pediatrics, Universitas Sebelas Maret/Dr. Moewardi Hospital. Jl. Kol. Sutarto No. 132, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia. Email: rakacordita13@gmail.com.