Family Empowerment Model In Handling Stunting And Wasting Child: A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Both stunting and wasting case, when occur in children leads into greater risk of morbidity and even mortality.  Attempt to handle those case with empowerment in family setting were numerous and shows hindrance in several aspects. This study aimed to figure out which effort has the biggest impact with most effective way to address stunting and wasting in golden period.

Method: A literature search was conducted on electronic databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Google Scholar to identify relevant published articles from 2015, to 2025. Additional articles were identified from the reference lists and grey literature

Result: This review summarizes 4 empowerment domains with the greatest influence in handling stunting and wasting at the family level. Inherent socio-economic conditions and other family characteristics are indeed significant factors, but family empowerment in terms of increasing knowledge and skills, community support, complementary food availability and agricultural support are highlighted in most studies. Long-term and sustainable interventions were emphasized in determining the most appropriate approach.

Conclusion: Family empowerment is an important strategy in dealing with stunting and wasting in children. Optimizable functions of family in those features should be dealt with concern in family characteristics.  High quality empowerment was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of childhood stunting and wasting. The findings suggest a need to incorporate targeted strategies for empowering family into child nutrition programs.