Effects of family-based nursing interventions on mothers' knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy related to stunting prevention in Indonesia: A quasi-experimental study.

The study used a non-randomized, quasi-experimental design with convenience sampling, which introduces selection bias and limits causal inference. The sample size was small (60 participants) and drawn from a single district, limiting generalizability. The study measured only maternal psychosocial outcomes (knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy) and did not assess actual child growth or nutritional status. The intervention focused solely on mothers, excluding other influential caregivers like grandparents who often participate in feeding decisions in this cultural context. The questionnaires were developed by the research team and, while validated, have not been widely tested in diverse populations.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The work was supported by a Universitas Indonesia research grant, but the funder had no role in study design, data collection, analysis, or manuscript preparation.

Do not conclude that this intervention reduces child stunting. The study measured only maternal knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy, not child growth outcomes. Improved maternal confidence is a promising intermediate step, but it does not guarantee that children will grow better or that stunting rates will fall.