PROVIDING EDUCATION ON NUTRITIONALLY AWARE FAMILY BEHAVIOR AS AN EFFORT TO PREVENT STUNTING

Abstract

Stunting remains a chronic nutritional problem with long-term impacts on human resource quality, particularly during the critical period of child growth. Limited family knowledge regarding balanced nutrition behaviors, especially the implementation of Nutrition-Conscious Family (KADARZI) practices, contributes significantly to this condition. This community engagement activity aimed to improve mothers’ knowledge of KADARZI as a family-based stunting prevention effort in Jati Village, Sidoarjo Regency. The method applied was health education using a community empowerment approach with a pre and post education design. The participants were mothers of children under five who received nutrition counseling, interactive discussions, and guided assistance on KADARZI principles. Knowledge levels were assessed using questionnaires administered before and after the educational intervention. The results showed an increase in mothers’ knowledge levels following the KADARZI education compared to the baseline condition. Active community participation during the program indicated positive acceptance of the empowerment activities. KADARZI-based education effectively enhanced family understanding of appropriate nutrition practices and has the potential to support sustainable stunting prevention. This activity can serve as a practical and replicable community engagement model for similar settings.