INNOVATION IN EDUCATIONAL MEDIA AND CAPACITY BUILDING FOR CADRES AND ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN STUNTING PREVENTION: CASE STUDY INEYS PROGRAM IN EAST LOMBOK

Abstract

Background: Stunting remains a major public health challenge worldwide, with more than 148 million children under five affected globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Indonesia, despite progress in reducing prevalence, East Lombok, NTB, continues to face a high burden. Addressing stunting requires strengthening community-based programs, accurate anthropometric measurements, and improving adolescent girls' nutritional literacy to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition. Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of educational media innovations and capacity building for cadres and adolescent girls in stunting prevention through the INEYS program in East Lombok. Methods: A cross-sectional design with educational interventions was implemented in Pringgajurang Utara Village. Participants included 66 female students, 67 adolescent girls, and 21 pregnant women selected through total sampling. Interventions involved cadre training using simulation and anthropometry pocket books, adolescent and maternal education using comics, animation films, and flipcharts, as well as Hb testing, joint iron tablet (TTD) consumption, and quizzes. Data collection used pre–post knowledge tests, anthropometry skill observations, and Hb measurements. The data were analyzed descriptively and using paired t-test and Wilcoxon. Results: Cadre knowledge scores increased significantly from a mean of 64.06 (pre) to 83.65 (post), and skills improved from 61.38 to 84.74 (p < 0.001). Pregnant women's knowledge rose from 55.05 to 82.05 (p < 0.001). Among adolescent girls, 91% had normal Hb levels, and 83% committed to routine TTD consumption, although 17% remained hesitant.