Influence of Grandparenting at Risk on Obesity in Toddlers in Urban Areas: A Socio- Ecological Analysis

Indonesia is facing the burden of double malnutrition, with an increasing prevalence of obesity in toddlers in urban areas, which overlaps with the phenomenon of grandparenting consequences. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of grandparenting on the risk of obesity in toddlers in Bengkulu City. The design used was a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design with 50 respondents. Phase quantitative and 15 informants phase Qualitative. Parenting patterns were measured using the G-PSDQ, and nutritional status was assessed using the WHO BB/HB z-score, which was analyzed using Multiple Logistic Regression and Thematic Analysis. Results: Prevalence of obesity reached 58% with a permissive parenting style (66%). Multivariate analysis shows that permissive parenting increases the risk of obesity 8.4 times (OR=8.4; 95%CI: 2.1-35.0; p=0.003), and screen time >2 hours/day increases the risk 6.3-fold (OR=6.3; 95%CI: 1.5-27.3; p=0.015). Findings from qualitative research reveal perceptions of "fat is healthy," emotional feeding practices, and the use of gadgets as a feeding strategy. Conclusion: The permissive parenting style of grandparents is a determinant of toddler obesity, mediated by excessive screen time. Interventions on obesity must involve grandparents through educational programs on nutrition, including those for the elderly, to change cultural perceptions and feeding practices.