<![CDATA[Background: Childhood stunting remains a major public health and human development challenge in low- and middleincome countries, including Indonesia. Stunting reflects cumulative growth impairment resulting from interconnected nutritional, biological, maternal, environmental, socioeconomic, and health-system conditions. This review aimed to synthesize recent evidence on the determinants of childhood stunting and identify implications for integrated prevention across the life course. Method: A narrative review was conducted using literature published primarily between 2021 and 2026 from PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and PubMed Central, complemented by reports from WHO, UNICEF, the World Bank, and the Indonesian Ministry of Health. The review was informed by PRISMA 2020 principles and employed thematic synthesis using life-course and socioecological perspectives. Results: Evidence indicates that stunting results from interacting determinants rather than a single causal pathway. Important factors included low birth weight, prematurity, inadequate maternal nutrition and antenatal care, suboptimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding, recurrent infections, household food insecurity, poverty, low maternal education, inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene, and limited access to preventive health services. Stunting was also associated with wasting, underweight, impaired cognitive development, reduced school readiness, and adverse long-term human capital outcomes. Conclusion: Stunting prevention requires integrated and multisectoral interventions beginning before conception and extending through the first 1,000 days and early childhood. Priorities include maternal and child nutrition, optimal infant feeding, WASH, infection prevention, growth monitoring, food security, social protection, and responsive caregiving to reduce health inequities and improve child growth and development.]]>
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