A family-based and Posyandu-centered education program in Bangun Jaya Village, Sukamara Regency, Central Kalimantan, has significantly improved public understanding of stunting prevention. The study and community service project were conducted by Imam Munandar, Opan Setiawan, Dian Risda Ichamia, Prayoga Bayu Widya Utama, and Casimiro da Costa from the Public Health Program, Faculty of Health, Ngudi Waluyo University, and was published in 2026 in the Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Bestari (JPMB). The findings are considered important because stunting remains one of Indonesia’s major child health challenges.
The researchers explained that stunting not only affects children’s physical growth but also impacts cognitive development, learning ability, and future productivity. The condition is influenced by multiple factors, including inadequate nutrition, parenting practices, sanitation, and limited use of community healthcare services such as Posyandu.
The educational intervention was carried out through a participatory approach at a Posyandu center in Bangun Jaya Village in March 2026. A total of 40 participants took part in the activity, including pregnant women, mothers with toddlers, and Posyandu cadres. The program began with a pretest to assess participants’ initial knowledge, followed by educational sessions using visual materials and interactive discussions that connected the information to participants’ daily experiences. A posttest was then conducted to measure changes in understanding after the intervention.
The results showed a significant increase in community knowledge after the educational sessions. Participants’ average score rose from 6.9 before the intervention to 10.7 afterward. Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test produced a p-value of less than 0.001, indicating a highly significant improvement.
The participant composition included:
- 12 pregnant women, representing 30 percent of participants
- 20 mothers with toddlers, representing 50 percent
- 8 Posyandu cadres, representing 20 percent
According to Imam Munandar and the research team from Ngudi Waluyo University, the participatory approach made the educational process more effective because participants were actively involved in discussions rather than passively receiving information. This method helped community members better understand and remember the material by relating it directly to their everyday experiences.
The study also highlighted the strategic role of Posyandu cadres as intermediaries between healthcare workers and the community. Cadres with adequate knowledge can continuously disseminate health information and encourage greater public participation in Posyandu activities.
The researchers noted that the Sukamara Regency Government had previously implemented a stunting reduction assistance program in 2024 through cross-sector collaboration involving multiple regional government agencies. The program included transportation assistance, door prizes, and home visits to encourage parents to bring pregnant women and toddlers to Posyandu services. These initiatives successfully increased community participation, although attendance rates may decline after the mentoring program ends.
Based on these findings, the researchers recommended that local governments strengthen the integration of health education into routine Posyandu programs. Continuous training for Posyandu cadres and the development of educational materials tailored to local community conditions are also considered essential to maintaining long-term behavioral change.
The study demonstrates that stunting prevention cannot rely solely on medical services. Family involvement, community education, and stronger Posyandu institutions are crucial components in building long-term public health awareness. Community-based approaches like this are seen as effective strategies to support Indonesia’s national stunting reduction efforts.
Author Profiles
- Imam Munandar, M.K.M. – Public Health Program, Faculty of Health, Ngudi Waluyo University; specializes in public health and health promotion.
- Opan Setiawan – Public Health Program, Faculty of Health, Ngudi Waluyo University.
- Dian Risda Ichamia – Public Health Program, Faculty of Health, Ngudi Waluyo University.
- Prayoga Bayu Widya Utama – Public Health Program, Faculty of Health, Ngudi Waluyo University.
- Casimiro da Costa – Public Health Program, Faculty of Health, Ngudi Waluyo University.
Research Source
Munandar, I., Setiawan, O., Ichamia, D. R., Utama, P. B. W., & da Costa, C. (2026). Family-Based and Integrated Health Post (Posyandu) Stunting Prevention Strategies Through Education and Empowerment in Bangun Jaya Village, Sukamara Regency. Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Bestari (JPMB), Vol. 5 No. 4, April 2026, pp. 307–314.
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