Abstract
Objective Stunting is the impaired growth and development children experience from chronic
malnutrition and repeated infection that cause long-term damage. Malnutrition for
a long time will affect the shape and composition of bones and teeth, making children
more vulnerable to dental health problems. Preschoolers with sufficiently active consumption
can choose the food they like delightful foods so that it can increase the risk of
caries. Based on data from the Bandung City Health Office in 2019, 161 toddlers (25.43%)
in Sukawarna Village experienced stunting. This study analyzed the relationship between
eating behavior and caries experience in stunting children in Sukawarna Village, Sukajadi
District.
Materials and Methods This study uses a quantitative descriptive research method with a secondary data
analysis approach from the documentation of the Universitas Padjadjaran Academic Leadership
Grant data with the title “Aspects of jaw growth-development and family approach in
early detection and prevention of stunting.” Sampling used purposive sampling specifically
for preschool children with a sample size of 80 respondents. The data obtained will
be processed and then analyzed using the Spearman Rank correlation statistical test.
Results Sixty-three percent of respondents have poor eating behavior, and the majority (80.35%)
have cavities due to caries (decay). Spearman Rank correlation coefficient is −0.145
and significance is 0.0983.
Conclusion Overall eating behavior is related to the caries experience in stunting children.
Consumption of cariogenic foods influences the caries experience.
Keywords
caries experience - eating behavior - preschool - stunting
