UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) students participating in 67th KKN (Community Service Program) with the Posyandu (Integrated health service post ) Plosolor Village, Plosoklaten subdistrict, Kediri Regency, held a dissemination on stunting issues entitled Parenting Stunting. This dissemination presented direction and assistance from Ari Setiyarini AMdKeb, the local midwife, on Friday, January 20, 2023.

Ari explained stunting is a growth and development disorder in children under five. Common symptoms of stunting in children include lower body height than normal growth. The causes are malnutrition, chronic infection, and lack of stimulation.

She continued that toddlers under two years still have a high probability of getting out of stunting status. On the other hand, if a toddler is more than two years old, it will be more challenging to get out of stunting status.

“The problem is always about (toddler’s) diet which is difficult to regulate, even though the mother has tried her best,” she explained.

Malnutrition is the main cause of stunting. Therefore, Ari emphasized that adding nutrition to children is the most effective way to overcome stunting. One of the nutrients that must be fulfilled is vegetable and animal protein.

“A mother must be enthusiastic, no matter how she has to add nutrition to her baby,” she said.

“Children’s activities such as jumping, swimming (in a correct way), and all activities at home must be added,” she added.

It was noted that out of the six villages in Pranggang Health Center jurisdiction, two villages has the highest stunting cases, Punjul Village and Pranggang Village. Meanwhile, Ploso Lor Village is still included in the low category for stunting cases. Ploso Lor Village has 31 toddlers participating in the stunting program, with four toddlers aged 0-2 years.

To help overcome the number of stunting cases in Ploso Lor Village, the Pranggang Community Health Center, through posyandu implemented the ‘Kulatih Buka Mata’ curriculum to reduce stunting rates. The curriculum is part of the Pranggang Community Health Center’s innovative program, Siap Intervensi Bayi dan Anak Stunting Orang Tua Bahagia Anak Sehat Intelek dan Kreatif (SIBAKSOASIK).

“Every month, there are materials and speakers, we thought the program through on how to convey it. There are immunizations, hygiene, nutrition, and breastfeeding, so every month is different,” she said.

Author: Muhammad Ichwan Firmansayah