Correlations between family characteristics and childcare in optimizing the growth of children under six years

Faculty of Nursing Universitas Padjadjaran Identifies the Family Factors Influencing Childcare for Children Under Six, Contributing to SDGs 3 and 4

A recent study led by Prof. Dra. Laili Rahayuwati M.Kes., M.Sc., Dr.PH. from the Department of Community Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, in collaboration with colleagues from the Faculty of Dentistry and other departments within the Faculty of Nursing, analyzed data from 7,651 parents of children under six across Indonesia. Data were drawn from the Performance and Accountability Survey Program (SKAP) by the National Population and Family Planning Board.

The study found significant correlations between parental education level, family health insurance status, number of toddlers and preschool-aged children, and exposure to health-related media with childcare quality. Surprisingly, parents aged 20–34 without health insurance and caring for more than two young children often demonstrated better childcare outcomes, potentially reflecting more hands-on caregiving and proactive information-seeking behaviors.

These findings contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by highlighting pathways to improve child health through informed parenting, and to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by emphasizing the role of parental learning in early childhood care. The authors suggest strengthening health education campaigns, improving access to parenting resources, and leveraging media outreach to support families in fostering optimal child growth and development.

📄 Read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21931-0