FREQUENCY OF SEAFOOD CONSUMPTION AND LEAD (Pb) EXPOSURE TO STUNTING IN CHILDREN 24-59 MONTHS AGE IN CILINCING DISTRICT, DKI JAKARTA

Background: Pollution in Jakarta Bay is already very worrying both physical, chemical, and biological pollution. In addition to pollution that causes an increase in biological/chemical oxygen demand (BOD/COD) and a decrease in dissolved oxygen (DO), there is also chemical pollution in these waters that is quite dangerous, namely heavy metals. Lead exposure is associated with a variety of neurodevelopmental deficits in children. Children who experience food contamination and are exposed to environmental contaminants, such as metals may be particularly susceptible to neurodevelopmental delays or disorders caused by problems in brain development and other negative health impacts.Objectives: This study aims to analyze the relationship between the frequency of seafood consumption and heavy metal exposure on the incidence of stunting in children aged 24-59 months in Cilincing District, DKI Jakarta.Methods: The method used is a retrospective study with a sample of 60 children who meet the inclusion criteria.Results: The results showed a significant association between the frequency of seafood consumption and the incidence of stunting, with a p-value of 0,001. Children who frequently consume lead-contaminated seafood have a higher risk of stunting compared to children who rarely consume seafood. In addition, urinary lead levels were also associated with stunting with a p-value of 0,005. Children with urine lead levels above the median value were more likely to be stunted.Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is that the low frequency of consumption of lead-contaminated seafood and high levels of lead in children's urine contribute to the incidence of stunting in children in the study area.