Evaluating the knowledge, roles, and skills of health cadres in stunting prevention: A mixed-method study in Indonesia

Faculty of Nursing Universitas Padjadjaran Advances Stunting Prevention in Indonesia Through Innovative Research

Stunting continues to challenge public health in Indonesia, impacting children’s growth and future potential. A recent mixed-method study led by Restuning Widiasih.,S.Kp.,M.Kep.,Sp.Mat., Ph.D., from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, thoroughly assessed the knowledge, roles, and skills of health cadres engaged in stunting prevention across Bangka Belitung Province.

This collaborative research brought together expertise from various institutions: the Faculty of Nursing and Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Padjadjaran, the Faculty of Social and Politics at Universitas Padjadjaran, Regional Development Planning and Research Development Agency of Bangka Belitung Islands, and the Division of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science, School of Health Sciences, IMU University, Malaysia.

Quantitative results revealed that over half of the cadres had low to very low knowledge of stunting, and qualitative interviews uncovered their perspectives and challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Observational data showed significant inaccuracies in anthropometric measurements, essential for monitoring child growth.

The study advocates for enhanced training strategies such as certification-based programs, standardized measurement tools, and web-based learning platforms. Nurses play a critical role in supporting these community health workers, ensuring accurate growth monitoring and ultimately contributing to the reduction of malnutrition.

This work directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by empowering frontline health cadres to improve child health outcomes and foster sustainable community development.

Read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.33546/bnj.3722