Program Penyuluhan Gizi dan Sosialisasi Pencegahan Stunting sebagai Strategi Peningkatan Kesadaran Kesehatan Masyarakat di Kabupaten Garut

Abstract

Stunting remains a public health concern in Garut District, including Padasuka Village, driven by limited family knowledge of balanced nutrition, caregiving, and healthy behaviors. This community engagement program aimed to increase nutrition literacy, awareness of stunting risks, and healthy household practices among young families. We used a participatory approach with health talks, interactive discussions, and distribution of leaflets and posters at several integrated health posts (posyandu). Forty-five participants (pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and families with children under five) attended alongside village health cadres. Pre and post evaluation showed improved understanding of child nutrition adequacy, appropriate caregiving, and preventive actions against stunting; participation was active during Q&A, and cadres strengthened their capacity for ongoing support. The program effectively raised community awareness of stunting prevention in Padasuka. Continued cross-sector collaboration with village authorities and health workers is recommended to sustain and scale the benefits.