The Influence Of Stunting Information On Social Media And The Intensity Of Counseling On Stunting Prevention Behavior In Mothers Who Have Toddlers In Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia

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The Influence of Stunting Information on Social Media and the Intensity of Counseling on Stunting Prevention Behavior in Mothers Who Have Toddlers in Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia

Introduction

Stunting, a chronic malnutrition problem that inhibits the growth and development of children, has become a serious issue in Indonesia. In Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra Province, this study aimed to investigate the effect of exposure to stunting information on social media and the intensity of counseling on stunting prevention behavior in mothers who have toddlers. The study employed a quantitative research approach, involving 388 respondents in Percut Sei Tuan District, who met the criteria of being mothers with toddlers, having heard information related to stunting, using social media, and having participated in counseling activities.

Background

Stunting is a significant public health concern in Indonesia, with approximately 37% of children under the age of five suffering from stunting. The problem is exacerbated by limited access to quality healthcare, inadequate nutrition, and poor sanitation. In Deli Serdang Regency, the prevalence of stunting is particularly high, with 45% of children under the age of five affected. The government and related parties have implemented various initiatives to address the issue, including the development of educational content and extension activities.

Methodology

This study employed a quantitative research approach, using multiple linear regression analysis techniques and thermoderation regression analysis (MRA) to analyze the data. The study involved 388 respondents in Percut Sei Tuan District, who met the criteria of being mothers with toddlers, having heard information related to stunting, using social media, and having participated in counseling activities. Data was collected through questionnaires that were distributed to respondents.

Results

The results of the study show that exposure to stunting information through social media and extension intensity has a significant effect on stunting prevention behavior. Exposure to stunting information through social media has an influence of 9.6%, and after being moderated by extension intensity, the effect increases to 12.3%. This suggests that social media plays a crucial role in spreading stunting information, increasing awareness and knowledge of mothers about stunting.

Discussion

The study's findings highlight the importance of social media in stunting prevention. Information that is easily accessible through social media can increase awareness and knowledge of mothers about stunting. However, social media cannot stand alone; the intensity of counseling carried out in a sustainable and structured manner can increase the effectiveness of stunting information obtained from social media. This shows the importance of an integrated approach in stunting prevention, where increasing access to information through social media is integrated with quality and continuous extension activities to achieve more optimal results.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the role of social media and counseling in preventing stunting in Deli Serdang Regency. The findings suggest that exposure to stunting information through social media and extension intensity has a significant effect on stunting prevention behavior. The study's results can inform the development of educational content and extension activities that are tailored to the needs of mothers with toddlers in Deli Serdang Regency. The study's findings can also inform the government and related parties to improve communication and education strategies related to stunting.

Recommendations

Based on the study's findings, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Development of educational content: The government and related parties should develop educational content that is interesting and easy to understand through social media, focusing on the importance of stunting prevention and the benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
  2. Improvement of extension activities: The government and related parties should improve the quality and intensity of extension activities, focusing on providing mothers with toddlers with accurate and reliable information about stunting prevention.
  3. Integration of social media and extension activities: The government and related parties should integrate social media and extension activities to achieve more optimal results in stunting prevention.
  4. Monitoring and evaluation: The government and related parties should monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of stunting prevention programs, using data and research to inform policy and program development.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

  1. Sample size: The study's sample size was limited to 388 respondents in Percut Sei Tuan District.
  2. Sampling method: The study used a convenience sampling method, which may not be representative of the larger population.
  3. Data collection method: The study used questionnaires as the primary data collection method, which may be subject to biases and limitations.

Future Research Directions

Future research should build on the study's findings, exploring the following research directions:

  1. Longitudinal study: A longitudinal study should be conducted to examine the long-term effects of exposure to stunting information through social media and extension intensity on stunting prevention behavior.
  2. Qualitative study: A qualitative study should be conducted to explore the experiences and perceptions of mothers with toddlers in Deli Serdang Regency regarding stunting prevention.
  3. Comparative study: A comparative study should be conducted to compare the effectiveness of different stunting prevention programs in Deli Serdang Regency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the role of social media and counseling in preventing stunting in Deli Serdang Regency. The findings suggest that exposure to stunting information through social media and extension intensity has a significant effect on stunting prevention behavior. The study's results can inform the development of educational content and extension activities that are tailored to the needs of mothers with toddlers in Deli Serdang Regency. The study's findings can also inform the government and related parties to improve communication and education strategies related to stunting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Stunting Prevention in Deli Serdang Regency

Q: What is stunting, and why is it a concern in Deli Serdang Regency?

A: Stunting is a chronic malnutrition problem that inhibits the growth and development of children. In Deli Serdang Regency, the prevalence of stunting is particularly high, with 45% of children under the age of five affected. Stunting can lead to long-term health problems, including reduced cognitive ability, lower educational attainment, and increased risk of chronic diseases.

Q: What is the role of social media in stunting prevention?

A: Social media plays a crucial role in spreading stunting information, increasing awareness and knowledge of mothers about stunting. Exposure to stunting information through social media has an influence of 9.6% on stunting prevention behavior, and after being moderated by extension intensity, the effect increases to 12.3%.

Q: What is the importance of counseling in stunting prevention?

A: Counseling is essential in stunting prevention, as it provides mothers with toddlers with accurate and reliable information about stunting prevention. The intensity of counseling carried out in a sustainable and structured manner can increase the effectiveness of stunting information obtained from social media.

Q: How can mothers with toddlers in Deli Serdang Regency prevent stunting?

A: Mothers with toddlers in Deli Serdang Regency can prevent stunting by:

  1. Increasing access to information: Mothers can access information about stunting prevention through social media and extension activities.
  2. Improving nutrition: Mothers can ensure that their children receive a balanced diet, including essential nutrients for growth and development.
  3. Seeking counseling: Mothers can seek counseling from healthcare professionals and extension workers to receive accurate and reliable information about stunting prevention.
  4. Monitoring growth: Mothers can monitor their children's growth and development, seeking medical attention if they notice any signs of stunting.

Q: What are the benefits of stunting prevention programs in Deli Serdang Regency?

A: Stunting prevention programs in Deli Serdang Regency can have several benefits, including:

  1. Improved health outcomes: Stunting prevention programs can lead to improved health outcomes for children, including reduced risk of chronic diseases and improved cognitive ability.
  2. Increased educational attainment: Stunting prevention programs can lead to increased educational attainment for children, as they are better equipped to learn and develop.
  3. Economic benefits: Stunting prevention programs can have economic benefits, as children who are well-nourished and healthy are more likely to contribute to the economy in the long term.

Q: What are the challenges of stunting prevention programs in Deli Serdang Regency?

A: Stunting prevention programs in Deli Serdang Regency face several challenges, including:

  1. Limited access to information: Some mothers in Deli Serdang Regency may not have access to information about stunting prevention, making it difficult for them to take action.
  2. Limited resources: Stunting prevention programs in Deli Serdang Regency may face limited resources, including funding and personnel.
  3. Cultural and social barriers: Stunting prevention programs in Deli Serdang Regency may face cultural and social barriers, including traditional practices and social norms that may hinder the effectiveness of the programs.

Q: What can be done to improve stunting prevention programs in Deli Serdang Regency?

A: To improve stunting prevention programs in Deli Serdang Regency, the following actions can be taken:

  1. Increase access to information: Efforts can be made to increase access to information about stunting prevention, including through social media and extension activities.
  2. Improve resources: Efforts can be made to improve resources, including funding and personnel, to support stunting prevention programs.
  3. Address cultural and social barriers: Efforts can be made to address cultural and social barriers, including through community engagement and social marketing campaigns.

Conclusion

Stunting prevention is a critical issue in Deli Serdang Regency, and addressing it requires a comprehensive approach that involves social media, counseling, and community engagement. By increasing access to information, improving nutrition, seeking counseling, and monitoring growth, mothers with toddlers in Deli Serdang Regency can prevent stunting and ensure that their children grow and develop to their full potential.