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Background and objectives: Stunting is a serious public health problem in Indonesia. Madura Island, which is inhabited by the Madurese ethnicity, had a very high stunting prevalence. The cultural factors of stunting mainly focus on food, food taboos, and early complementary feeding or prelacteal feeding practices. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the eating concept and its association with child feeding practices and stunting among the Madurese ethnic group in Indonesia. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in Sampang District, Madura Island, East Java, Indonesia. A total of 61 informants participated in this study (25 informants of in-depth interviews, 26 informants of FGDs, and 10 families in observations). Data collection consists of culture, values, and beliefs in child feeding practices that influence children's nutritional status. The analysis used was content analysis by emphasizing the meanings, themes, and concepts of eating and stunting. Results and conclusions: Stunting was considered a normal condition rather than a nutritional problem. The concept of eating is "eating rice." Eating without other dishes is acceptable as long as there is rice on the plate. This concept affects inappropriate complementary food feeding practices and malnutrition among children under five. Overall, the study contributed to the improvement of the stunting reduction program by addressing how Madurese thought about eating and stunting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children in agricultural and coastal areas are more vulnerable to malnutrition. This study analyses children's eating habits in agricultural and coastal areas. This cross-sectional study involved 384 children under five and their parents in Sampang District, East Java, Indonesia. Milk and fruit consumption was low in both areas, especially in the agricultural area. Children's eating habits differed between coastal and agricultural areas due to disparities in food availability. Increasing consumption of milk and fruits (both areas), and vegetables (coastal area) that are preferred by children and widely available will benefit children's health in both areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]