Psikoedukasi Menjaga Kebersihan Sebagai Langkah Pertama Mengurangi Stunting di Kabupaten Timor Tengah Selatan Psychoeducation about Keeping Hygienic Practices as the First Step to Reduce Stunting in the District of Timor Tengah Selatan

Abstract

Risks of stunting have been exclusively associated with nutrition intake. Major determinants of stunting extend beyond food consumption, yet few stakeholders focus on nutrition-sensitive interventions, including hygiene practices. This psychoeducation was conducted in a district where the prevalence of stunting is 56,8%; it aimed to improve mothers' knowledge of stunting risks and their attitudes and practices, especially regarding hygiene. A focus group discussion was conducted with local government officers, who observed increasing unwanted pregnancy cases. Pregnant teens usually do not go to Posyandu, leading to a higher risk of stunting when the child is born. Water scarcity was also cited as a major constraint on the community's ability to practice hygienic behaviour. Psychoeducation was delivered through lecture and interactive discussion with 52 participants. They understand stunting as a chronic undernutrition issue, but unhygienic practices were not recognized as a risk factor. Village Heads initiated a nutrition self-sufficiency innovation, asking community members to grow vegetables, raise livestock, and raise fish. Participants were enthusiastic, sharing their experiences in stunting prevention and gaining a more comprehensive understanding of stunting, its risk factors, and its impacts. Future psychoeducation targeting adolescents is required to prevent unwanted pregnancy, as well as broader audiences to improve knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward stunting prevention.