EFEKTIVITAS EDUKASI GIZI DALAM MENINGKATKAN PERILAKU IBU BALITA TENTANG PENCEGAHAN STUNTING DI DESA PANDAK, KABUPATEN SRAGEN

Abstract

Stunting is still a health priority in Indonesia and has an impact on children's physical growth, cognitive development, and long-term health. Although the national prevalence shows a downward trend, the achievement of the 2020-2024 RPJMN target has not been optimal so more effective nutritional intervention is needed, especially at the family level. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of nutrition education in improving the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of toddler mothers related to stunting prevention in Pandak Village, Sragen Regency. The study used a quasi-experimental design with one group pretest-posttest on 30 purposively selected toddler mothers. Instruments include questionnaires of knowledge (15 item), attitudes (10 item), and practices (10 item) for which validity and reliability have been tested. Educational interventions are conducted through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. Analysis of the data using the Wilcoxon test. The results showed a significant improvement in all variables after the intervention: the average knowledge score of 60 ± 8,5 to 85 ± 7,.2 (p = 0,000), the average attitude score of 65,2 ± 9,1 to 82,3 ± 6,8 (p = 0,001), the average practice score of 62,4 ± 10 to 84,7 ± 8,1 (p = 0,000). The pre-test and post-test took place on the same day. The measurement of practice in this study is self-reported. The proportion of categories both in knowledge, attitude, and practice increases meaningfully. This study concluded that nutrition education is effective in improving stunting prevention behavior in toddler mothers and is recommended to be implemented continuously in posyandu activities.