Determinant factors influencing stunting prevention behaviors among working mothers in West Java Province, Indonesia: a cross-sectional study

Background: Stunting, a condition in which children fail to achieve their expected height for age, is a significant public health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The nutrition and caring practices of mothers and children during the first 1000 days of life determine the ability of a child to develop, learn, and thrive; however, mothers who work may not be able to ensure that their child is receiving adequate nutrition in the early stages of life. This study aimed to identify the determinants of working mothers’ stunting prevention behavior, including individual factors, work-related stress, well-being, knowledge, and attitudes toward the behavior of working mothers in supporting the prevention of stunting in West Java Province, Indonesia. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design with a total sample of 225 working mothers in 78 offices mapped in Bandung city, Bekasi city, Bekasi Regency, Karawang Regency, West Bandung Regency, and Sumedang Regency in West Java Province, Indonesia. The inclusion criteria were as follows: working mothers aged 18 and above who reside and work in 6 cities/regencies of the study, have at least one child under the age of 5 years, and have consented to participate. The questionnaire consisted of demographic data and health characteristics, as well as questionnaires on knowledge, attitudes, work-related stress, well-being, and stunting prevention behavior. The data were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression. Results: Among the 19 variables, two determinant factors influence stunting prevention behavior among working mothers in West Java Province, Indonesia. These factors are working mothers’ well-being (OR 3.30, P < 0.001) and knowledge about stunting prevention (OR 2.79, P < 0.001). A low level of well-being among working mothers increases the risk of poor stunting prevention behavior by 3.30 times. Similarly, insufficient knowledge about stunting prevention increases this risk by 2.79 times. The interplay between well-being and knowledge may improve mothers’ stunting prevention behavior. Conclusions: Working mothers’ well-being and knowledge of stunting prevention affect their stunting prevention behavior. This study is the first in Indonesia to explore the determinant factors of stunting prevention behavior among working mothers. Working mothers should receive special attention from the government regarding their rights to improve their well-being and knowledge related to their health. Further research should adopt longitudinal and intervention-based designs, include other caregivers, and explore diverse geographic and employment settings. Research on workplace and policy-level support systems is also recommended to inform more comprehensive strategies for improving child health outcomes.