Maternal and nutritional factors associated with early childhood development in rural Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Nutritional status during childhood and maternal knowledge are priority health issues. This study aimed to examine the predictive value of nutritional status and maternal knowledge on the mental and psychomotor development in toddlers.
Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 106 mother-child pairs. Nutritional status was assessed using Z-scores, while maternal knowledge was categorized using a validated questionnaire. Child development data were measured using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition. Data were analysed using binary logistic regression to determine the adjusted odds ratio (AOR).
Result: The findings indicated that both nutritional status and maternal knowledge were significant predictors of delays in child  development. Children with stunting had increased odds of psychomotor developmental delay (AOR = 12.1) and mental developmental delay (AOR = 7.6). Moreover, mothers with poor knowledge were significantly associated with increased odds of child psychomotor delay (AOR = 5.3).
Conclusion: Both child nutritional status (stunting) and maternal knowledge were significant predictors of psychomotor delay. These findings suggest that addressing physical growth deficits and enhancing maternal awareness are equally critical to mitigating child developmental risks.