Factors Related to Father’s Behavior in Preventing Childhood Stunting Based on Health Belief Model

Abstract

Childhood stunting is still a significant public health burden in Indonesia. Fathers' engagement in childcare could improve a child's health and help to prevent stunting. This study aimed to analyse factors related to the father's behaviour in preventing childhood stunting based on Health Belief Model. This study was used a correlational study design with a cross-sectional approach. This study involved 199 fathers who had children under five years old, recorded at Puskesmas (Public Health Center) Maronggela, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Samples were taken using the cluster random sampling technique. The independent variables were the father's perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefit, perceived barrier, cues to action, and self-efficacy regarding childhood stunting and its prevention. The dependent variable was the father's behaviour in preventing childhood stunting. The questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were then analysed using the Spearman Rho Test with a level significance of 95% (α < 0.05). The statistical analysis showed that perceived susceptibility (p = 0.023; r = 0.161) and cues to action (p = 0.004; r = 0.204) correlated with the father's behaviour in preventing childhood stunting, while perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy did not correlate. The current study suggests that fathers' behaviour to prevent stunting among children under five years was related to their perception of an illness and the cues that can trigger their decision-making process. These findings can be used to arrange health promotion programs to improve fathers' behaviour and engagement in childcare to prevent childhood stunting.