Primary Prevention of Neglect in Children through Health Education for Adolescent Girls in West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: High cases of stunting in toddlers require an effective and efficient primary prevention model. One of the efforts that can be done is to increase the knowledge of female adolescents to prevent anemia. AIM: The aim of the study was to produce a model that can be used as primary prevention of stunting in children. METHODS: Pre-test-Post-test Group Design. This research was conducted from March to November 2019 in Talamau District, West Pasaman Regency, involving 370 female adolescents as respondents. The intervention was carried out 3 times, followed by four separate evaluations. The intervention consists of engaging the respondents with various learning activities such as interactive lectures, group discussions, video screenings, messages through WhatsApp, and demonstrations. Data analysis was performed using GLM repeated measure. RESULTS: Health education interventions on anemia prevention can improve knowledge and attitudes among female adolescents; anemia prevention got a p-value of 0.00. CONCLUSION: The primary prevention model of stunting can increase knowledge and attitudes in female adolescents. It is recommended that parents, teachers, and health workers jointly provide health education regularly to prevent anemia so that stunting cases in toddlers no longer exist.