The Effectiveness of Complementary Feeding Based on the Local Culture of ‘Upah-Upah’ in Reducing the Incidence of Stunting Among Toddlers in Padangsidimpuan City

Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem among toddlers and remains a public health priority in Indonesia. Padangsidimpuan City is predominantly inhabited by the Batak Angkola community, which has rich local wisdom, including the upah-upah tradition. Upah-upah is a traditional ritual involving the provision of nutritious food accompanied by prayers and advice at various stages of life, particularly during toddler growth. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of complementary feeding based on the local culture of upah-upah for 28 days on changes in the nutritional status of stunted toddlers based on the Height-for-Age Z-score. This study employed a quasi-experimental method using a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design. The sample consisted of 40 toddlers registered at Padangmatinggi Health Center and was divided into intervention and control groups. The results showed that the mean Height-for-Age Z-score in the intervention group increased from 79.6050 at pretest to 80.3500 after the intervention. In the control group, the mean score increased from 82.9750 to 83.0450. Statistical analysis showed a significant improvement in nutritional status following the provision of complementary feeding based on the upah-upah local culture (p = 0.007; p < 0.05). Therefore, providing complementary feeding made from local ingredients for 28 days was effective in improving the nutritional status of stunted toddlers, as indicated by an increase in the Height-for-Age Z-score. The upah-upah tradition has potential to be integrated into complementary feeding programs based on local wisdom as a promotive and preventive strategy for reducing stunting among toddlers in Padangsidimpuan