Factors Associated with Stunting Among Children Aged 0–23 Months in Coastal Communities of Balatan, Philippines

Stunting remains a major public health concern, particularly among children during the first 1,000 days of life, when growth and development are strongly influenced by nutritional, environmental, maternal, and socioeconomic conditions. This study assessed the factors associated with stunting among children aged 0–23 months in the coastal communities of Balatan, Philippines. It described caregiver and child characteristics, assessed environmental, maternal, socioeconomic, child-feeding, and immunization-related factors, and determined whether these factors differed according to children’s stunting status. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used among 142 caregivers of children aged 0–23 months. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and the Kruskal–Wallis test. Most caregivers were young adults, living with partners, high school graduates, unemployed, and from low-income households. Most children were aged 12–23 months, male, and had normal birth weight. Environmental, maternal, socioeconomic, child-feeding, and immunization-related indicators were generally rated favorably. However, no statistically significant differences were found in these factors according to children’s stunting status (p>0.05). These findings suggest that stunting in the study area is shaped by complex and interconnected determinants that may not be fully explained by caregiver-reported measures alone. Strengthening integrated maternal, nutrition, feeding, sanitation, immunization, and child health services during the first 1,000 days remains essential.