Utilization of Clean Water as Risk Factors for Cases of Stunting Toddlers

Abstract

Introduction: Stunting continues to pose a significant public health problem in Indonesia, with a particular impact on children under the age of five. In addition to nutritional factors, environmental sanitation, particularly the application of clean water for food and utensil hygiene, has been pinpointed as a possible contributor. Objective: The objective of this research was to investigate the correlation between access to clean water and stunted growth in young children living in low-income families. Method: A cross-sectional study employing a quantitative approach was conducted in a Taguig, engaging 89 mothers of toddlers ranging in age from 24 to 59 months. Participants were chosen using a straightforward random sampling method. Data were gathered using a set of predefined questionnaires and anthropometric assessments. Nutritional status was determined by the World Health Organisation's height-for-age Z-scores. Chi-square tests were conducted for statistical analysis, with a p-value threshold of less than 0.05 being considered statistically significant.Result: Among the 89 toddlers, 40 (44.9%) were classified as healthy and 49 (55.1%) were identified as stunted. Out of children from households with income below 1 million IDR, 28 of them (70%) were of normal stature, whereas 33 (67.3%) were stunted. Clean water was not being optimally used for washing and sanitizing feeding and drinking utensils that were being used by toddlers who were stunted. The statistical link between income and stunting was not found to be significant at a p-value greater than 0.05.Conclusion: Clean water use, especially for feeding equipment given to toddlers, is crucial for preventing stunting in children. Income levels alone were not strongly linked to a significant association, but hygiene practices tied to water use are still very important. Stunting reduction efforts should therefore include WASH interventions in conjunction with nutritional programs.