PENYULUHAN KESEHATAN TENTANG STUNTING BAGI ANAK BALITA DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS PLUS MANDIANGIN TAHUN 2025

Abstract

The toddler period is a crucial period in a child's growth and development, greatly influenced by proper and balanced nutritional intake. This community service activity aims to increase public knowledge and awareness, especially among mothers, about the importance of balanced nutrition through nutrition education and counseling. The activity was carried out on June 11, 2025, at the Mandiangin Plus Community Health Center (Puskesmas Plus) working area. The activity used leaflets as a counseling method for 15 participants. The results showed that 13 of the 15 participants experienced an immediate increase in knowledge after counseling, while the other 3 did not demonstrate optimal understanding. The material provided covered the principles of balanced nutrition, the effects of stunting, and the use of easily accessible local food ingredients. This education not only provided information but also encouraged behavioral changes and empowered mothers as family nutrition managers. These findings align with previous research showing the influence of knowledge on stunting. This activity is expected to be a concrete step in reducing the prevalence of stunting and establishing healthy eating patterns from an early age at the family level.