Pengembangan Model Edukasi Keluarga dalam Pencegahan Stunting pada Masyarakat Pesisir di Kecamatan Galang Kota Batam

Abstract

Stunting remains a public health problem influenced by various factors, including knowledge, feeding practices, family support, and utilization of health services. Among coastal communities, these conditions need to be understood based on local characteristics and available food resources. This study aimed to explore family problems and needs as a basis for developing an integrated family education model for stunting prevention among coastal communities in Galang District, Batam City. A descriptive qualitative design was used, with informants selected purposively. A total of nine informants participated, consisting of six mothers with children aged 0–24 months, one stunting program coordinator, one nutritionist, and one community leader. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, observation, and literature review, and were analyzed thematically using source and technique triangulation. The findings showed that families were familiar with the term stunting, but their understanding of its causes, impacts, exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and the importance of animal-source protein remained limited. The utilization of local food, particularly fish, was not optimal, and family involvement in stunting prevention needed to be strengthened. Families required simple, practical, contextual, and continuous education through demonstrations, training, and mentoring. These findings provide a basis for developing a family education model integrating knowledge, skills, family support, local food utilization, growth monitoring, and health services for stunting prevention.