Safe Drinking Water, Sanitation and Mother’s Hygiene Practice as Stunting Risk Factors: A Case Control Study in a Rural Area of Ciawi Sub-district, Tasikmalaya District, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Stunting is associated with disorders of the small intestines caused by environmental factors and poor hygiene practices. Prevention of stunting should be conducted in the first 1,000 days of life; namely, from conception until the child is two years old. This research aimed to analyze the relationship between environmental risk factors and maternal personal hygiene with the incidence of stunting in children aged 6-23 months.

METHODS: This study was conducted using a case-control design, with a total sample of 212 (106 cases and 106 controls) enrolled purposively. Data were collected through interviews using a questionnaire. The analysis used chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS: The results of multivariate analysis showed the independent variables that have a significant association on the incidence of stunting are access to safe drinking water and maternal hygiene practices. The external variables that have a significant relationship is birth length and feeding practice.

CONCLUSION: Having no access to safe drinking water, not proper sanitation, and poor maternal hygiene practices have a higher risk of stunting in children aged 6-23 months. The implications of this research include the need for increased access to a safe environment and improvement of mother’s behavior as essential efforts to prevent stunting.