Stunting among under-five children in remote indonesia: associations with feeding practices, immunization adherence, and safe water use

Introduction: Childhood stunting remains a major public health concern, particularly in remote areas where nutritional inadequacy, limited access to preventive health services, and unsafe household water may occur simultaneously. This study examined the associations of feeding practices, immunization adherence, and clean water use with stunting among under-five children in the Arimop Public Health Center area, Boven Digoel Regency, Indonesia. Research Methodology: An observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design was conducted in July 2026. The study population comprised 296 registered under-five children, from whom 75 children were selected using purposive sampling. Data were obtained through questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed to examine associations between the independent variables and stunting. Results: Of the participating children, 53.3% had suboptimal feeding practices, 44.0% had incomplete or non-adherent immunization, and 30.7% used household water that did not meet health requirements. Stunting was identified in 34.7% of children. Feeding practices, immunization adherence, and clean water use were each significantly associated with stunting (all p<0.001). Conclusion: Stunting among under-five children was associated with nutritional practices, preventive healthcare adherence, and household water conditions. Integrated prevention should therefore strengthen appropriate child feeding, completion of routine immunization, and access to safe household water, particularly in remote communities.