<![CDATA[Background: Poor dietary diversity among young children is a major contributing factor to stunting. Children's feeding practices are influenced by local cultural practices and health workers.Objective: To determine the relationship between local culture and the role of health workers in promoting dietary diversity among children under five years of age in Lhokseumawe City. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 385 children under five years of age in Lhokseumawe City and was conducted from February to March 2026. Participants were selected using a non-proportional stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire to assess the local culture, cultural values, and the role of health workers. A 24-hour dietary recall was used to evaluate the dietary diversity of the children. The research instruments were tested for validity and reliability and deemed suitable for use. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test with a 95% confidence level. Results: Most children achieved adequate dietary diversity (73.8%), were characterized by less supportive local cultural practices (52.7%), and had good involvement of health workers (62.1%). Significant associations were found between local culture (p = 0.001; OR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.41–3.66) and the role of health workers (p = 0.001; OR = 3.78; 95% CI: 2.35–6.08) and children's dietary diversity. Children living in environments with less supportive local cultural practices were 2.2 times more likely to have low dietary diversity, while those who did not receive adequate support from health workers were 3.7 times more likely to have low dietary diversity.Conclusion: Local culture and health workers’ roles are significantly associated with dietary diversity in children under five. Strengthening nutrition education and counseling that are culturally sensitive may contribute to improving children's feeding practices and dietary diversity]]>
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