Stunting risk assessment: Its relationship with the life habits of West Sumatra brides-to-be

This study aims to analyze the relationship between several risk factors and the incidence of stunting in young women who are brides-to-be in West Sumatra Province. The study used a quantitative method with a survey approach to examine variables related to stunting risk, which were measured through Body Mass Index (BMI) and Upper Arm Circumference (LiLA). The independent variables analyzed included exposure to cigarette smoke (X1), the role of government assistance (X2), consumption of healthy foods and supplements (X3), and education through digital media campaigns (X4). The population in this study consisted of all adolescent girls in each district/city in West Sumatra, with the sample purposively selected, namely adolescent girls aged 10–24 years who are in the preparation stage for marriage. Data collection was carried out using survey techniques with questionnaires, followed by descriptive statistical analysis (mean, median, standard deviation). The analysis of the relationship between variables was conducted using the Pearson Product-Moment correlation technique. The results showed that all independent variables had a significant relationship with stunting risk, with very strong correlation values and significance levels below 0.05. These findings confirm that interventions on these factors, especially those related to education, government policies, and nutritional consumption, are essential in reducing the risk of stunting among brides-to-be in 19 districts and cities in West Sumatra, Indonesia. This study provides recommendations for strengthening promotive and preventive strategies based on local culture and digital approaches.