Optimizing Family Food Security as An Effort to Prevent Stunting: A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Stunting in children under five is a global public health problem caused by a variety of factors, including inadequate nutritional intake patterns, poor environmental hygiene, and low family food security Optimizing food security in stunting prevention is an important strategy to ensure that every individual, especially pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children, gets adequate nutritional intake, safe, and nutritionally balanced to support optimal growth and development. The purpose of the study is to identify the optimization of the role of family food security as an effort to prevent stunting in toddlers based on a literature review.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted of 866 articles from the Science Direct, PubMed, and ProQuest databases for the period 2015–2025. The selection was carried out using the PICOS approach and inclusion criteria in the form of quantitative studies (cross-sectional, cohort, case-control, experimental) that examined food security and stunting in toddlers. A total of 37 articles were eligible and analyzed using the PRISMA guidelines.

Results: 37 journals discussed the optimization of food security and stunting

Discussion: Household food security is proven to be a key factor in the prevention of stunting in children under five. Food insecurity, especially those that cause low dietary diversity and quality of nutritional intake, contribute significantly to the occurrence of stunting. Stunting prevention strategies must include strengthening the four pillars of food security: availability, access, utilization, and stability. The most effective interventions are multisectoral approaches that combine specific nutrition interventions and sensitive interventions. National food policy needs to ensure that food security is measured at the household level, not just on national food availability.