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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level
Published on: January 19, 2024
Permissive Parenting Style and Anemia Are Associated with Developmental Delays Among Under-Five Children in Bandung
Cynthia Angeline1, Rahmat Budi Kuswiyanto1, Sri Endah Rahayuningsih1
1Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung 40161, Indonesia.
Insights
Permissive parenting is linked to childhood anemia, which in turn increases the risk of developmental delay in young children. This highlights the importance of psychosocial factors in pediatric health.
Area of Science:
- Child Health
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Public Health Nutrition
Background:
- Childhood anemia is a significant global health concern impacting development.
- Biological factors are well-studied, but the role of parenting styles is largely unexplored.
- Understanding psychosocial influences is crucial for comprehensive early childhood health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between parenting styles, anemia, and developmental outcomes in children under five.
- To explore the relationship between permissive parenting and childhood anemia.
- To determine the impact of anemia on developmental trajectories in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bandung, Indonesia, with 193 children aged 6-59 months.
- Anemia was diagnosed via laboratory hemoglobin testing (≤ 11 g/dL).
- Parenting styles and child development were assessed using validated questionnaires, with statistical analysis including logistic regression.
Main Results:
- 20.2% of children were anemic, with higher prevalence in those under 24 months.
- Permissive parenting was significantly associated with higher odds of anemia (aOR = 10.31).
- Anemia was strongly linked to increased odds of developmental delay (aOR = 19.49), even after controlling for covariates.
Conclusions:
- Permissive parenting practices are associated with an increased risk of anemia in young children.
- Childhood anemia significantly elevates the risk of developmental delays.
- Integrating psychosocial assessments, including parenting styles, into pediatric care is essential for addressing anemia and developmental outcomes.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Anemia in early childhood remains a key global health issue due to its impact on growth and development. While biological determinants of anemia have been extensively studied, parenting styles remain unexplored. This study aimed to examine the association between parenting styles, anemia, and developmental outcomes among under-five children. Methods: From February to March 2026, a cross-sectional study was carried out in Bandung, Indonesia, involving children aged 6-59 months who visited the Pasirkaliki Primary Health Centre. Anemia was confirmed by laboratory testing, defined as a hemoglobin level ≤ 11 g/dL. The Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire was used to assess parenting styles, while the Pre-Screening Developmental Questionnaire was used to examine child development. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression analysis. Results: One hundred and ninety-three subjects were included in the analysis, among which 20.2% were anemic, with a significantly higher proportion among children aged below 24 months (p < 0.001). Permissive parenting was significantly more common among children with anemia and was associated with higher odds of anemia (aOR = 10.31; 95% CI: 3.92-27.10). Children with anemia had significantly higher odds of developmental delay (aOR = 19.49; 95% CI: 6.46-58.84), after adjustment for child age, maternal education, and family income. Conclusions: Permissive parenting was associated with anemia, while anemia was associated with increased odds of developmental delay in under-five children, highlighting the importance of considering not only biological but also psychosocial factors in early child health interventions.
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