Factors Influencing Maternal Participation in Posyandu Activities in Sangkrah, Surakarta: An Analysis of Socio-Demographic Determinants

Abstract

Stunting remains a critical public health issue globally, particularly in Indonesia, where efforts to reduce its prevalence are ongoing. Posyandu (Integrated Service Posts) play a pivotal role in monitoring and preventing malnutrition among children. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the factors influencing maternal participation in Posyandu activities in the Sangkrah region of Surakarta, an area with unique socio-economic and cultural characteristics. Data were collected from 156 mothers with children under five years old using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS. The findings indicated that younger mothers (<35 years) were 1.53 times more likely to actively participate in Posyandu compared to older mothers, though this was not statistically significant (p = 0.53). Higher education levels were associated with a 1.43 times increase in Posyandu attendance, but this too lacked statistical significance (p = 0.61). Employment status and the number of children were also analyzed, with working mothers and those with more than two children showing a non-significant decrease in Posyandu participation. Notably, distance to the Posyandu did not significantly affect participation rates (p = 0.73), and knowledge about Posyandu's importance did not show a statistically significant impact on attendance (p = 0.63). These results highlight the complexity of factors influencing maternal participation in Posyandu activities. The lack of statistically significant findings suggests the need for further research with larger samples and qualitative methods to better understand the barriers to active participation. Addressing these factors is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of Posyandu programs and reducing stunting rates in Indonesia.