Parenting functioning in stunting management: A concept analysis

Abstract

Stunting, a global issue, is the retarded growth and development of children resulting from inadequate nutrition, frequent infection, and insufficient psychosocial stimulation. It is usually an indicator of poor parenting. The role of parents is important for children’s growth, development and learning. Parenting functioning is a concept health care professionals use to describe parenting activities for the purpose of intervention. But, the health professionals and patients have different understanding on parental functioning. There is a need to have a consistent definition of parenting functioning, and therefore this study aims to analyze the concept. Walker and Avant’s method of concept analysis was used to study parenting functioning for the purpose of improving management of stunting. The attributes of parenting functioning are knowledge, competency, effort, responsibility, partnership, caring, teaching and communicating. Antecedents for parenting functioning are relationship, children’s characteristics, careful observation and vicarious experiences. The consequences are positive child-rearing practice, less psychological stress and children’s wellness. The empirical referents for parenting functioning are Keys to Interactive Parenting Scale (KIPS) and Parenting Interaction with Children: Checklist of Observations Linked to Outcomes (PICCOLO). In conclusion, this analytical concept can provide insights into nursing and public health colleagues to improve understanding of parenting functioning and to facilitate development of instrument to improve to an advance stage and to improve the stunting management.