UPAYA PENINGKATAN PENGETAHUAN KADER DAN IBU BALITA MENGENAI PENCEGAHAN STUNTING

Abstract

The prevalence of stunting in Indonesia decreased from 24% in 2021 to 21.6% in 2022, but remains above the WHO target of 20%. In contrast to the national trend, Ciamis District, West Java, experienced an increase from 18.6% in 2022 to 25.4% in 2023. Bendasari Village, Sadananya Subdistrict, was designated as one of ten priority locations for stunting prevention and management. Preliminary studies revealed that environmental sanitation, particularly access to clean water, is a major issue. Many residents still practice open defecation, increasing the risk of diarrhea in toddlers, a known trigger for stunting. This community service activity aimed to improve the knowledge of health cadres and mothers of toddlers regarding stunting prevention. Methods included educational lectures and demonstrations of proper handwashing techniques. Evaluation through pre- and post-tests showed a significant improvement in participants’ knowledge, from 6.2% with poor knowledge in the pre-test to 31.2% with good knowledge in the post-test. These findings indicate that health education has a positive impact on increasing community knowledge, particularly among cadres and mothers of toddlers. Regular educational activities are recommended to maintain and enhance awareness, ensuring more effective and sustainable stunting prevention efforts in Bendasari Village.