Investigating the Impact of Drinking Water on Urban Stunting in Indonesia

This study highlights the significant role of drinking water quality in the incidence of stunting among children under five. The high prevalence of microbiological contamination in household drinking water was strongly associated with increased stunting risk. Children exposed to contaminated water were over three times more likely to experience stunting. While concentrations of heavy metals remained within safe limits, additional confounding factors including child age, history of infectious disease, low birth weight, and poor hygiene practices further exacerbated the risk. These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated public health interventions focusing on water safety, hygiene education, and early childhood care to effectively reduce stunting prevalence in urban communities.