RISK FACTORS OF THE INCIDENCE OF MALNUTRITION IN MADURESE AND JAVANESE TODDLERS Ade Rusliana Firdaus 3720167281499 ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Nutrition is one of the most important factors affecting the growth of individuals or society. Nutrition problem in toddlers is currently one of the health problems in Indonesia that has not been resolved, namely malnutrition. Culture has the effect of differing views on family eating habits. The problem that will be examined in this study is the extent of differences in factors that influence the incidence of malnutrition in Madurese and Javanese toddlers. METHOD: This type of research was an observational analytic study with a case control design. A total of 100 samples were selected by cluster random sampling, 50 in Madurese and 50 in Javanese. Data collection was carried out with weight and interview. Data processing with univariate and bivariate analysis using Chi-square test. RESULT: In the Madurese and Javanese, low maternal knowledge was related to the nutritional status of children under five. Madurese 88% of malnourished children under five had low knowledge with a value (P value = 0,000). Whereas in Javanese 40% of mothers with a value (P value = 0,000). The parenting both of ethnic also had a relationship with the children’s nutritional that affects the nutritional status of children. Ethnic Madurese who had low parenting as much as 70% with a value (Pvalue = 0,000). Whereas for Javanese as much as 86% with a value (Pvalue = 0,000). CONCLUTION.Risk factors related to the incidence of malnutrition toddlers in Madurese and Javanese are maternal knowledge and parenting. KEYWORDS: Javanese, Madurese, malnourished, Toddlers.