HUBUNGAN PENDIDIKAN DAN PENGETAHUAN IBU TENTANG GIZI SEIMBANG DENGAN STATUS GIZI BALITA 24 – 59 BULAN DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS PANTAI LABU KABUPATEN DELI SERDANG

The results showed that most mothers had completed elementary school, most had poor knowledge of balanced nutrition, and the majority of children had poor nutritional status. Statistical analysis indicated a significant relationship between maternal education and children's nutritional status, as well as between maternal knowledge of balanced nutrition and children's nutritional status (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that maternal education and knowledge of balanced nutrition are significantly associated with the nutritional status of children aged 24–59 months. Continuous nutrition education through integrated health service posts and public health centers is recommended to improve mothers' understanding of meeting children's nutritional needs.