The Relationship of Mother's Knowledge of Early Stimulation With fine motor development in children Toddler Age (1-3 Years) at the Health Center Central City of Gorontalo City

Abstract

Fine motor development in toddlers can be delayed if they do not get the right stimulation from an early age. However, there are still many mothers who have limited knowledge about the importance of early stimulation so that the provision of stimulation is not optimal in daily life. This study aims to determine the relationship between maternal knowledge about early stimulation and fine motor development in toddler children (1–3 years) at the Puskesmas Kota Tengah, Gorontalo City. The research method used is quantitative with an analytical observational design through a cross-sectional approach. The study population amounted to 88 mothers and toddlers  who were taken using purposive sampling techniques. The research instrument used a questionnaire on maternal knowledge about early stimulation and a Pre-Screening Developmental Questionnaire (KPSP). Data analysis was carried out univariate and bivariate using the Chi-Square test. The results showed that most mothers had poor knowledge about early stimulation as many as 45 respondents (51.1%), and most toddler-age children   experienced doubtful fine motor development as many as 52 children (59.1%). The results  of the Chi-Square  test showed that there was a relationship between maternal knowledge of early stimulation and fine motor development in toddlers (1-3 years) with p-value = 0.001 (p < 0.05). The results of this study are expected to encourage health workers to increase education to mothers about the importance of early stimulation by utilizing the services of the health center in the child growth and development section and using the KIA book at home as a guide for stimulation and monitoring of fine motor development according to the child's age.