<![CDATA[Stunting remains a major public health challenge, with inadequate infant feeding practices identified as important modifiable risk factors. This cross-sectional study examined the association between exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding practices, and stunting among toddlers aged 6–59 months using proportional random sampling. Data were collected through validated questionnaires and anthropometric measurements, and analyzed using chi-square and multivariable logistic regression at a significance level of 0.05. The findings showed that toddlers who did not receive exclusive breastfeeding had a significantly higher prevalence of stunting than those who were exclusively breastfed. Inappropriate complementary feeding practices, including delayed initiation, inadequate dietary diversity, and insufficient feeding frequency, were also significantly associated with increased stunting risk. Both the absence of exclusive breastfeeding and inappropriate complementary feeding remained independent predictors of stunting after adjustment for potential confounders. Exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding are essential to reduce stunting, highlighting the need to strengthen maternal nutrition education and infant feeding counseling.]]>
Copyrights © 2026
