Factors Associated with Maternal Behavior in Nutritional Parenting of Toddlers in Karangasem Regency

Introduction Toddlerhood is a critical period for growth, and inadequate nutrition during this stage may lead to stunting and developmental delays. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with maternal nutrition behavior using the Health Belief Model (HBM) framework. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kesimpar Village, Karangasem, Bali, involving 60 mothers with toddlers using total sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires measuring six HBM constructs: perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. Maternal behavior in nutritional parenting was the dependent variable. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation test. Results The majority of mothers had high perceived susceptibility (95%) and moderate perceived severity (98%), yet no significant associations were found for these constructs (p = 0.135 and p = 0.534, respectively). Perceived benefits (p = 0.012), perceived barriers (p = 0.018), and self-efficacy (p = 0.000) were significantly associated with maternal behavior. Mothers with strong beliefs in the benefits of proper nutrition, low perceived barriers, and higher self-efficacy demonstrated better feeding practices. Conclusions Maternal nutrition behavior is influenced more by belief in benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy than by perceived risk or external cues. Interventions should emphasize empowering mothers through practical support and confidence-building strategies to improve toddler nutrition.