<![CDATA[The aim of this study was to analyze the factors associated with the nutritional status of children under five years of age in the working area of Belimbing Public Health Center, Padang City. This study employed an analytical quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 377 mothers with children aged 12–59 months, selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires covering direct factors, maternal knowledge, attitudes, practices, and underlying family factors. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. The results showed that 173 children (45.9%) had good nutritional status. A significant association was found between food intake and children's nutritional status (p = 0.010). Maternal nutritional caregiving practices were also identified as a factor that warrants attention in efforts to improve children's nutritional status. In conclusion, children's nutritional status is associated with food intake and maternal nutritional caregiving practices. Therefore, nutritional improvement efforts should focus on enhancing mothers' feeding skills, providing nutrition education, and addressing family socioeconomic conditions. Keywords: Childcare Practices, Children Under Five, Food Intake, Maternal Knowledge, Nutritional Status]]>
Copyrights © 2026
