<![CDATA[Stunting is a chronic nutritional condition characterized by impaired linear growth and a low height for-age measurement. Animal-source protein supplies essential amino acids and various micronutrients that contribute to tissue formation and bone growth. This study aimed to examine the relationship between animal protein consumption and height status among toddlers in the working area of UPTD Puskesmas Rajagaluh in 2026. This quantitative analytical observational study employed a cross-sectional design. The study population consisted of 1,769 children aged 0–59 months recorded in the working area, with 95 children selected using Slovin’s formula and simple random sampling. Animal protein consumption was assessed using a semi quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ), while height status was assessed using the Height-for Age (TB/U) indicator based on WHO Z-scores. Of the 95 respondents, 47 (49.5%) had insufficient animal protein consumption, whereas 48 (50.5%) had good consumption. Based on the TB/U indicator, 30 children (31.6%) were classified as severely short, 36 (37.9%) as short, and 29 (30.5%) as normal. Pearson Chi-Square analysis demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between animal protein consumption and height status (p = 0.000; α < 0.05). These findings highlight the importance of strengthening nutrition education and developing affordable animal-source protein interventions at the community health-service level.]]>
