<![CDATA[ABSTRACT Stunting remains a chronic nutritional problem that has a major impact on children's quality of life, both in the short and long term. This condition describes linear growth disorders due to inadequate nutritional intake over a long period of time, repeated infections, an unsupportive environment, and suboptimal parenting. This study aims to assess the factors associated with the incidence of stunting in children under the age of 24-59 months who live in Saragi Village, Pasarwajo Health Centre working area, Buton Regency. The research design used a cross-sectional approach involving 45 purposively selected toddlers. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire and height measurements. Analyses were conducted univariately, bivariately (with chi-square test), and multivariately using logistic regression. Results showed that the prevalence of stunting was very high at 77.8%. Although no statistically significant association was found between stunting and factors such as immunisation status, history of infection, and exclusive breastfeeding, there was a trend that children who were not exclusively breastfed, had not been fully immunised, or had a history of infectious diseases were more prone to stunting. In addition, socioeconomic aspects such as maternal employment and family income also contribute to the incidence of stunting. These findings suggest that stunting is a complex problem that requires a cross-sectoral response, through a community approach that focuses on nutrition education, improving access to health services, economic support, and strengthening the role of the family. Keywords: Stunting, Toddlers, Exclusive Breastfeeding, Immunization, Nutritional Status. ABSTRAK Stunting masih menjadi persoalan gizi kronis yang berdampak besar terhadap kualitas hidup anak, baik dalam jangka pendek maupun panjang. Kondisi ini menggambarkan gangguan pertumbuhan linear akibat asupan gizi yang tidak adekuat dalam jangka waktu lama, infeksi yang berulang, lingkungan yang tidak mendukung, serta kurang optimalnya pola asuh. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji faktor-faktor yang memiliki keterkaitan dengan kejadian stuntingpada anak balita usia 24–59 bulan yang berdomisili di Kelurahan Saragi, wilayah kerja Puskesmas Pasarwajo, Kabupaten Buton. Desain penelitian menggunakan pendekatan cross-sectional dengan melibatkan 45 balita yang dipilih secara purposif. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara menggunakan kuesioner terstruktur dan pengukuran tinggi badan. Analisis dilakukan secara univariat, bivariat (dengan uji chi-square), dan multivariat menggunakan regresi logistik. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa prevalensi stunting sangat tinggi, yaitu 77,8%. Meskipun tidak ditemukan hubungan statistik yang signifikan antara stunting dan faktor seperti status imunisasi, riwayat infeksi, serta pemberian ASI eksklusif, ditemukan kecenderungan bahwa anak-anak yang tidak menerima ASI eksklusif, belum diimunisasi lengkap, atau memiliki riwayat penyakit infeksi lebih rentan mengalami stunting. Selain itu, aspek sosial ekonomi seperti pekerjaan ibu dan pendapatan keluarga juga berkontribusi terhadap kejadian stunting. Temuan ini menunjukkan bahwa stunting merupakan masalah kompleks yang membutuhkan penanganan lintas sektor, melalui pendekatan komunitas yang terfokus pada edukasi gizi, peningkatan akses layanan kesehatan, dukungan ekonomi, dan penguatan peran keluarga. Kata Kunci: Stunting, Balita, ASI Eksklusif, Imunisasi, Status Gizi]]>
