COMMUNITY NURSING CARE THROUGH HEALTH EDUCATION TO IMPROVE MOTHERS' KNOWLEDGE ABOUT STUNTING PREVENTION

Abstract

Background:Stunting remains a public health problem in Indonesia related to chronic malnutrition, recurrent infections, suboptimal parenting patterns, and limited maternal knowledge. Community-based health education is needed to improve maternal understanding and support early stunting prevention. Objective: This study aims to describe the implementation of community nursing care through health education in improving maternal knowledge about stunting prevention. Method: The study used a descriptive method with a case study approach on six mothers with children aged 0 to 59 months in the Kedungmundu Community Health Center working area. Subjects were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through interviews, observations, questionnaires, documentation, and pre-test and post-test measurements. Education was provided through lectures, discussions, questions and answers, and leaflets. Data analysis was conducted descriptively by comparing the level of knowledge before and after the intervention. Results: Before education, all participants had a low level of knowledge with a pre-test score of 40% to 50%. After the intervention, there was an increase in understanding of the definition and risk factors of stunting, the First 1,000 Days of Life, exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, animal protein, immunization, growth monitoring, sanitation, and clean and healthy living behaviors. Three participants achieved a post-test score of 90%, while all participants were able to explain the main strategies for stunting prevention. Conclusion: The implementation of community nursing care through health education increased mothers' knowledge about stunting prevention and strengthened family readiness in implementing prevention efforts within the family environment.