Core Elements of the Stunting Prevention Model to Improve Adolescents’ Quality of Life

Abstract

Background Stunting is a public health problem influenced by biological, behavioral, family, social, environmental, and health system factors throughout the life cycle. Factors such as poor reproductive health, anemia in adolescents, low health literacy, early marriage, socioeconomic conditions, and limited access to health services increase the risk of intergenerational stunting. However, adolescent-focused stunting prevention approaches as pre-pregnancy strategies are still limited. This study aims to identify core elements for developing a stunting prevention model to improve adolescents’ quality of life. Methods This is a descriptive qualitative study with an exploratory approach. The study was conducted through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with 27 purposively selected informants, including adolescents, parents, school principals, community members, health workers, community health center heads, and policymakers. Data collection was conducted until data saturation was reached, and the data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Results The analysis yielded 73 codes, 28 categories, and eight main themes: adolescent factors, family factors, social support, institutional commitment, governance, quality of health services, access to health services, and the environment. Taken together, these themes represent the key interrelated components of an adolescent-centered approach to stunting prevention, with potential pathways to improving adolescent quality of life. Conclusion Combining these eight core elements can offer a comprehensive, cross-sectoral, and life-cycle approach to supporting adolescent well-being and addressing the intergenerational risk of stunting.