MATERNAL KNOWLEDGE OF EARLY STIMULATION AND DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING OUTCOMES AMONG STUNTED AND NON-STUNTED TODDLERS

Abstract

Early childhood development is influenced by nutrition, health, caregiving, and opportunities for age-appropriate stimulation (World Health Organization, 2020). This study examined the association between maternal knowledge of early stimulation and developmental screening outcomes and compared developmental outcomes between stunted and non-stunted toddlers. A quantitative analytic study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 125 mother–toddler pairs in the working area of Balaiselasa Public Health Center, Pesisir Selatan Regency, Indonesia. Maternal knowledge was assessed using a structured questionnaire, developmental status was screened using the Kuesioner Pra Skrining Perkembangan (KPSP), and stunting was determined from length/height-for-age according to age and sex. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Chi-Square test. Moderate maternal knowledge was found in 59 mothers (47.2%). Developmental screening outcomes were appropriate in 68 toddlers (54.4%), questionable in 48 (38.4%), and deviant in 9 (7.2%). Maternal knowledge was associated with developmental screening outcomes (χ²=10.187; df=4; p=0.037; Cramer’s V=0.202). Stunting status was also associated with developmental category (χ²=6.279; df=2; p=0.043). Because some expected cell counts were below five, the chi-square findings should be confirmed using an exact or Monte Carlo test. The findings support integrated maternal education, developmental screening, growth monitoring, and nutritional follow-up in primary health services.