THE ROLE OF PARENTAL STIMULATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF STUNTED TODDLERS

Abstract

Stunting remains a significant public health problem in Indonesia, including in West Bandung Regency. One of the factors that contribute to the development of stunted toddlers is the stimulation behavior provided by parents. This study aims to determine the relationship between parental stimulation behavior and the development of stunted toddlers at the Lembang Health Center. This study used a quantitative approach with a cross sectional design. The population of this study were all stunting toddlers in the Lembang Health Center work area, with a sample involving 95 respondents who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria from September 2024 - April 2025. With questioners that have been tested for validity and reliability. The results of the study after the intervention of parental stimulation showed 61 respondents (64.2%), providing stimulation that was categorized as good. The results of toddler development after the intervention showed 42 toddlers (44.2%) had development that was categorized according to the normal development stage. Statistical analysis using the chi-square test showed a significant relationship between parental stimulation behavior and toddler development (p < 0.05). These results indicate that there is a relationship between parental stimulation and toddler development.