<![CDATA[Stunting is a condition of growth failure in children due to chronic malnutrition, characterized by a height-for-age z-score (HAZ) of < –2 SD. This study aims to analyze the determinants of stunting in children aged 24–59 months at the UPTD Puskesmas Uluidanotae, South Nias Regency, which is the area with the highest number of stunting cases in the regency. The research method is quantitative with an analytical observational design using a cross-sectional approach. The study population consisted of 162 mothers with children aged 24–59 months, with a sample size of 115 respondents selected using a purposive sampling technique. Primary data were collected through questionnaires and observations, then analyzed using univariate, bivariate (Chi-Square), and multivariate (multiple logistic regression) analyses. The results showed that the prevalence of stunting in the study location reached 24.3%. Based on bivariate analysis, a statistically significant relationship was found between maternal education level (p=0.029), breastfeeding practices (p=0.000), and immunization status (p=0.025) with the occurrence of stunting. However, family income did not show a significant relationship (p=0.624). The multiple logistic regression test concluded that breastfeeding is the most dominant factor and serves as a protective factor against stunting (p=0.000; Exp(B)=0.142), followed by immunization status (p=0.027; Exp(B)=0.325). The maternal education variable became insignificant in the multivariate model after controlling for other health behavior variables. The conclusion of this study is that exclusive breastfeeding practices and complete basic immunization are the primary determinants of a child's linear growth status in the UPTD Puskesmas Uluidanotae working area. It is recommended that health workers strengthen lactation counseling starting from pregnancy and increase the coverage of complete basic immunization services as priority strategies to reduce stunting rates.]]>
