Biological analysis of growth patterns in children aged 6–59 months: Correlation between nutritional intake and body weight status

Children under five years old (Balita) are in a critical period of growth and development, thus requiring an appropriate feeding pattern to prevent nutritional problems. A preliminary study in February 2025 also found that 17.39% of children under five experienced moderate to severe malnutrition. This study aims to determine the relationship between feeding patterns and the nutritional status of children under five in the working area of the Gedongtengen Puskesmas, Yogyakarta City. This quantitative research used a cross-sectional design with an observational analytic approach. The population consisted of mothers and children aged 6-59 months, totaling 427 individuals, with a sample of 81 respondents selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through a feeding pattern questionnaire and nutritional status measurement using the Weight-for-Age (BB/U) indicator. Analysis was performed univariately and bivariately using the Chi-Square test. The majority of respondents implemented an appropriate feeding pattern (90.1%), and most children under five had a normal nutritional status (86.4%). The statistical test results showed a significant relationship between feeding patterns and the nutritional status of children under five (p-value=0.000). The conclusion is that there is a significant relationship between feeding patterns and the nutritional status of children under five.