The Effects of Stunting And Psychosocial Stimulus On The Development of Children Between The Age Of 2- 6 Years Old

Even as we reach a globalized era, there are issues pertaining nutrition that significantly plague the quality of human resource. One of which is the high rate of stunting or toddlers with delayed physical development. This research aims to analyze the effects of stunting and psychosocial stimulation on the development of children between the ages of 2-6 years old. This is a observational analytical research with a case control approach, on a sample of 60 children of 2-6 years old, which consists of 41 children with stunting as a case sample (19 children categorized as short and 22 children categorized as very short) and 19 children without stunting or in a normal condition as a control sample, selected through purposive sampling. The degree of stunting is assessed using Z-score indicator, calculating children physical height per age (H/A), which is then classified according to WHO standard. Meanwhile, for psychosocial stimulation, it is obtained through questionnaire filled by parents or caregivers. Children development is measured using Pre-Screening Developmental Questionnaire (Kuesioner Pra Skrining Perkembangan or KPSP). Data is analyzed using chi-square test and logistic regression. Statistically speaking, the sig. value according to chi-square test is 0,000. This value is smaller than 0,05, which can be concluded that stunting and psychosocial stimulus significantly affect child development. The result of multivariate test indicates that stunting and psychosocial stimulation variables have a significant influence on the development of a child (p<0,05). This research concludes that both stunting and psychosocial stimulation have a significant influence on the development of a child between the age of 2-6 years old.