Stunting Prevention Behaviors and Local Wisdom Among the Kokoda Indigenous Community in Southwest Papua, Indonesia: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background. Stunting among Indigenous populations is shaped by the interaction of nutritional, health, social, environmental, and cultural factors. Evidence regarding stunting prevention behaviors and relevant local wisdom among the Kokoda Indigenous community in Southwest Papua remains limited. This study aimed to explore behaviors and local wisdom related to stunting prevention among the Kokoda people.

Methods. A qualitative study using a descriptive phenomenological approach was conducted in Sorong City and Sorong Regency from January to February 2025. Twenty informants were purposively selected, comprising mothers of children under two years of age, customary leaders, integrated health post cadres, health workers, policymakers, and a nutrition academic. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. Trustworthiness was strengthened through source triangulation and data collection until thematic saturation was reached.

Results. Five main themes were identified: (1) an incomplete understanding of stunting and the use of the local term Ottora Itiki; (2) social, economic, environmental, behavioral, and health-service access barriers; (3) community support through health cadres, participation in integrated health posts, and the communal value of nabusara; (4) the dual nature of local wisdom, including potentially harmful practices such as udia bibia and discarding colostrum, alongside the nutritional potential of local foods; and (5) the need for sustained support through integrated health posts, home visits, visual media, and the involvement of families and customary leaders.

Conclusions. Stunting prevention among the Kokoda people requires interventions that are not only grounded in nutrition evidence but are also responsive to local social and cultural structures. A support model that integrates health cadres, families, customary leaders, health services, and local foods may improve program acceptability and sustainability.