STRATEGI KOMUNIKASI INTERPERSONAL TENAGA KESEHATAN PUSKESMAS DALAM MENANGGULANGI STUNTING DI KECAMATAN SEI TUALANG RASO, KOTA TANJUNGBALAI - Hendrita (GOVERNANCE: Jurnal Ilmiah Kajian Politik Lokal dan Pembangunan, 2025)
Stunting is a health problem that is still a major challenge in Indonesia, including in Sei Tualang Raso District, Tanjungbalai City. Health centers as health service institutions have an important role in preventing and overcoming stunting, one of which is through interpersonal communication between health workers and the community. This study aims to analyze the interpersonal communication strategies implemented by health workers at health centers in overcoming stunting in Sei Tualang Raso District. The research method used is qualitative with a case study approach. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with health workers, as well as observation and documentation. The results of the study indicate that effective interpersonal communication, based on an empathetic, educational, and persuasive approach, is the key to increasing public awareness of stunting prevention. Stunting merupakan masalah kesehatan yang masih menjadi tantangan besar di Indonesia, termasuk di Kecamatan Sei Tualang Raso, Kota Tanjungbalai. Puskesmas sebagai lembaga pelayanan kesehatan memiliki peran penting dalam pencegahan dan penanggulangan stunting, salah satunya melalui komunikasi interpersonal antara tenaga kesehatan dan masyarakat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis strategi komunikasi interpersonal yang diterapkan oleh tenaga kesehatan Puskesmas dalam menanggulangi stunting di Kecamatan Sei Tualang Raso. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Data diperoleh melalui wawancara mendalam dengan tenaga kesehatan, serta observasi dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa komunikasi interpersonal yang efektif, berbasis pendekatan empatik, edukatif, dan persuasif, menjadi kunci dalam meningkatkan kesadaran masyarakat mengenai pencegahan stunting.