Maternal Parenting Practices as a Socio-Cultural Determinant of Stunting and Motor Development among Toddlers in Jeneponto Regency

Abstract

Stunting is a chronic nutritional condition that can impair physical growth and motor development in early childhood, with maternal parenting practices considered an important factor influencing its occurrence. This study aimed to examine the association between maternal parenting practices, stunting, and motor skill development among children aged 24-59 months at Bontomate’ne Community Health Center, Jeneponto Regency, Indonesia. A quantitative cross sectional design was employed involving 44 children selected through purposive sampling. Maternal parenting practices were assessed using a structured questionnaire, nutritional status was
determined based on height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ), and motor development was evaluated using the Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST). Associations between variables were analyzed using Fisher’s Exact Test. The findings showed that most mothers demonstrated sufficient parenting practices, accounting for 42 children (95.5%), while good parenting practices were
identified in only 2 children (4.5%). Of the total participants, 43 children (97.7%) were classified as stunted. A significant association was found between maternal parenting practices and stunting (p = 0.045). Stunting was also significantly associated with delayed motor development (p = 0.035), with severely stunted children showing a greater tendency to experience delays in motor skills. These findings indicate that maternal parenting practices are associated with the risk of stunting, which is subsequently related to motor development in young children. Therefore, early interventions integrating parenting education and nutritional support are important to prevent stunting and promote optimal growth and motor development during early childhood.