Asupan protein hewani berhubungan dengan stunting pada anak usia 1-5 tahun di lingkungan kerja Puskesmas Nagi Kota Larantuka, Kabupaten Flores Timur

Background: Protein is an essential macronutrient that contains essential components. Protein plays a crucial role in the growth and development of children. Imbalance between protein requirements and protein intake can lead to stunting in children. Objective: To determine the relationship between animal protein intake in children aged 1-5 years who experience stunting in the working environment of Nagi Public Health Center in Larantuka City. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. Data were obtained from primary data, and questionnaires were distributed consisting of three main parts, including the characteristics of the research sample, nutritional intake of the research sample, and eating habits of the research sample. Protein intake in this study was calculated using nutritional survey. Chi-square was used as the statistical test. Comparative categorical Chi-square analysis was also performed with the independent variable of animal protein intake pattern and the dependent variable of stunting. Results: A total of 124 children who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. The results of this study showed that among all respondents who experienced stunting, 78.3% had an animal protein intake pattern of <2 times/week. This was statistically significant with a p-value <0.01 and confidence interval of 5.16-28.89. Furthermore, among all respondents who experienced stunting, 34.8% had a plant protein intake pattern of <2 times/week. This was not statistically significant with a p-value >0.01 and confidence interval of 0.651-1.809. The results of multivariate analysis with logistic regression showed that only animal protein consumption variable showed a significant association with stunting with an odds ratio (OR) of 76.6 and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 20.4-291.7. Conclusion: Animal protein intake has a greater influence on the occurrence of stunting compared to plant protein intake.