Enhancing Maternal Caregiving Capabilities Model to Prevent Childhood Stunting: A UNICEF-Inspired Model.

Introduction: The proportion of stunted children in Indonesia is slowly decreasing. In most families, a mother is responsible for child care. The quality of maternal caregiving capability influences the mother's ability to adopt appropriate childcare practices, which is essential to prevent childhood stunting. Objectives: This study aimed to develop a model to enhance maternal caregiving capabilities in preventing childhood stunting based on the UNICEF model of care. Methods: The study used an analytical observational design involving a pair of mothers and their youngest 6-23-month-old children registered at Results: The study found that maternal caregiving capabilities are influenced by child (T-stat 2.605), mother (T-stat 3,800), and household factors (T-stat 10,338). Maternal caregiving capabilities affect stunting preventive behavior in children aged 6-23 months (T-stat 2.493). Household factors were the strongest factor affecting maternal caregiving capabilities. Conclusion: Enhancing maternal caregiving capabilities model can be developed using its constituents, especially perceived physical health, psychological well-being, and decision-making. Household factors, including economic level and food security, were also important. High maternal caregiving capabilities were expected to enable mothers to improve their behavior to prevent childhood stunting (6-23 months).