Promotive and Preventive Efforts of Health Workers in Reducing Stunting: A Scoping Review

Abstract

The role of health workers in increasing information related to stunting prevention and meeting the information needs of families is very important. Health promotion that is effective in preventing stunting can improve public health status. The purpose of this study is to find out the promotive and preventive efforts of health workers in reducing stunting. This study is a scoping review. Four databases were used to search the literature: PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Willey. The articles were selected using Prisma-Scr based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the critical appraisal was done using Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Ten articles that fit the objectives and criteria of the established literature study were found from 2,014 articles. The articles come from various countries: cross-sectional studies, quasi-experimental studies, case-control studies, and qualitative articles. Four themes were obtained, namely promotive and preventive efforts of health workers in pregnant women, promotive and preventive efforts of health workers in postpartum and breastfeeding mothers, promotive and preventive efforts of health workers in toddlerhood, and influencing factors. The conclusion is that promotive and preventive efforts of health workers in reducing stunting are needed, namely preventing anemia in pregnancy, nutritional counseling, exclusive breastfeeding, and feeding practices for toddlers.