PENINGKATAN PENGETAHUAN IBU TENTANG PENCEGAHAN STUNTING MELALUI EDUKASI DIGITAL BERBASIS WHATSAPP GROUP

Abstract

This community service activity was motivated by the persistently low level of maternal knowledge regarding stunting prevention, a major risk factor affecting child growth. WhatsApp group-based education was chosen as an alternative method for health promotion due to its flexibility and accessibility. The activity was conducted over a two-week period involving mothers of toddlers in the target community. The method consisted of periodic and interactive delivery of digital materials via text messages and images. The evaluation showed a significant improvement in mothers' knowledge levels, with the proportion of those in the "poor" category decreasing from 70% to 7% after the intervention, while the "good" category increased from 17% to 80%. A paired t-test analysis confirmed that this improvement was statistically significant (p < 0.001). However, some participants remained in the "moderate" category, likely due to personal factors such as limited time, household workload, and lack of family support. This activity demonstrated that WhatsApp-based education is effective in enhancing maternal knowledge, but its success is strongly influenced by both environmental and personal conditions. More intensive mentoring and contextual approaches are recommended for future implementations.