The Effect of Environmental Sanitation on Stunting Incidence in the Working Area of Rumbia Health Center Jeneponto Regency

Abstract

Stunting remains a major public health issue in Indonesia, particularly in underdeveloped and rural areas where limited access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene contributes to poor child growth outcomes. This study aimed to examine the effect of environmental sanitation factors on the incidence of stunting among children under five in the working area of the Rumbia Health Center, Jeneponto Regency. A quantitative analytic study with a case-control design was conducted, involving 72 respondents, divided equally into 36 stunting cases and 36 healthy controls. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering various aspects of environmental sanitation. The findings revealed that several environmental factors were significantly associated with stunting. These included improper use of latrines (OR = 0.308), poor handwashing behavior (OR = 0.360), unsafe food and water management (OR = 3.000), poor household waste disposal (OR = 1.583), and ineffective wastewater disposal (OR = 0.217). Multivariate logistic regression identified poor handwashing behavior as the most dominant risk factor (OR = 3.101). These results highlight the importance of environmental hygiene and behavior in preventing growth faltering among children. To address this issue, it is crucial to implement targeted community health education programs, promote proper sanitation practices, and improve household access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Strengthening these efforts may significantly contribute to reducing stunting prevalence, especially in high-risk, low-resource communities.