Permissive Parenting Style and Anemia Are Associated with Developmental Delays Among Under-Five Children in Bandung District, West Java, Indonesia

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.