Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of educational media on increasing the knowledge and behavior of mothers of toddlers in preventing stunting.

Methodology: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest one-group approach. The intervention involved providing information through educational media about stunting and its prevention using the social media platform WhatsApp. Mothers were required to view the educational media 9 to 10 times under the supervision of a midwife. Following the intervention, a second measurement was conducted using the same instrument, and the results were analyzed statistically.

Results: All respondents who received substantial support from their husbands (100%) reported mild anxiety during childbirth, in contrast to those receiving less support. A statistically significant correlation was observed between husband's support and anxiety levels (p=0.00). Conclusion: Mothers' knowledge about stunting and its prevention significantly improved after receiving the intervention through educational media on WhatsApp. However, changes in mothers' behavior, such as applying their knowledge to prepare nutritious food for babies and toddlers, require stronger efforts and environmental support to ensure sustainable application in daily life.

Key words: Media, education, prevention, stunting, toddler.