<![CDATA[Background: Malnutrition is a nutritional problem caused by an imbalance between food intake and energy and nutrient requirements, especially protein. Globally, there are 148.1 million children under the age of 5 who suffer from malnutrition, with 45.6 million of them experiencing wasting. In Indonesia, child health is a major concern because the health status of children reflects the future of the nation's development. One of the determinants of optimal nutritional status in children aged 6-24 months is the accuracy of complementary feeding. Aims: This study aims to determine the relationship between complementary feeding and the nutritional status of children aged 6-24 months in Sinunukan 1 Village, Sinunukan District, Mandailing Natal Regency in 2024. Method: This study was quantitative in nature with an analytical observational design using a cross-sectional study approach. The study population and sample involved 40 mothers with children aged 6-24 months in Sinunukan 1 Village, which were selected using total sampling technique. The instruments used included questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square statistical test. Result: The results showed that the majority of respondents (62.5%) provided complementary feeding in the appropriate category, with 47.5% of them having children with normal nutritional status. Conversely, in the inappropriate complementary feeding category (37.5%), 27.5% of children had abnormal nutritional status. The chi-square test obtained a p-value of 0.002 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between complementary feeding and the nutritional status of children aged 6-24 months in Sinunukan 1 Village, Sinunukan District, Mandailing Natal Regency in 2024. Mothers are expected to pay more attention to the appropriateness of complementary feeding so that children can avoid abnormal nutritional status problems.]]>
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