<![CDATA[Background: Stunting represents a severe global health burden, affecting over 50% of children under five worldwide. In Indonesia, it remains a pressing national health concern. According to the 2022 Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey, Yogyakarta Province reported a stunting prevalence of 16.4%, with Kulonprogo Regency contributing 15.8% of cases. The first 1000 days of life constitute a critical window for nutritional intervention, wherein parental feeding practices significantly influence childhood growth trajectories and nutritional outcomes. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the correlation between distinct parental feeding practices and stunting incidence among children aged 12-59 months in Samigaluh, Kulonprogo. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted utilizing stratified random sampling to recruit 26 respondent pairs of parents and children. Data collection incorporated a validated parental feeding practices questionnaire assessing feeding styles through structured interviews, combined with direct anthropometric measurements using standardized techniques. Statistical analysis employed chi-square tests with significance set at p<0.05. Results: The study found a high stunting prevalence of 80.8% (21/26). Democratic feeding practices were employed by 18 parents. Non-democratic practices increased the risk of stunting by 1.7 times (p = 0.014), while permissive practices doubled the risk (p = 0.0005) compared to non-permissive approaches. However, authoritarian practices showed no statistically significant association with stunting. Conclusions: Parental feeding practices exhibit a substantial correlation with stunting incidence in this community. Public health initiatives should prioritize educational interventions promoting responsive, non-permissive feeding strategies to effectively reduce stunting prevalence in this vulnerable population.]]>
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