Penguatan Praktik Responsive Feeding melalui Pemberdayaan Kader dan Ibu Balita sebagai Upaya Pencegahan Stunting - Fitria Nurwulansari; Elfira Nurul Aini; Ahdatul Islamiah (Universitas Malahayati Lampung, 2026)
ABSTRAK Permasalahan gizi anak masih menjadi isu utama di Indonesia, di mana ibu memegang peran penting dalam pembentukan kebiasaan makan anak sejak dini. Prinsip Responsive Feeding (RF) yang direkomendasikan oleh WHO dan UNICEF menekankan pentingnya interaksi positif dan kepekaan ibu terhadap tanda lapar dan kenyang anak. Desa Popoh merupakan salah satu wilayah dengan prevalensi tinggi balita gizi kurang, pendek, dan berat badan rendah di area kerja Puskesmas Wonoayu. Pada tahun 2023 masih ditemukan 26 balita dengan berat badan kurang (9,8%) dan 12 balita dengan gizi kurang (4,5%), serta peningkatan jumlah balita pendek menjadi 13 anak. Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan, sikap, dan praktik responsive feeding ibu balita melalui pemberdayaan kader di Desa Popoh, Kecamatan Wonoayu, Kabupaten Sidoarjo. Intervensi dilakukan terhadap 21 kader dan 20 ibu balita menggunakan strategi Komunikasi, Informasi, dan Edukasi (KIE) terpadu yang mencakup edukasi, simulasi, dan Small Group Discussion (SGD). Hasil kegiatan menunjukkan peningkatan pengetahuan sebesar 92% (berdasarkan nilai rata-rata post-test) dan peningkatan keterampilan sebesar 87%. Selain itu, tercapai komitmen bersama antara kader dan ibu balita dalam penerapan praktik responsive feeding sebagai upaya pencegahan stunting. Dukungan berkelanjutan dari tenaga kesehatan diperlukan untuk menjaga keberlanjutan praktik responsive feeding di tingkat keluarga dan memastikan kader tetap berperan aktif dalam memberikan edukasi kepada masyarakat. Kata Kunci: Kader, Responsive Feeding, Flashcard, Buku Saku. ABSTRACT Nutritional problems among children remain a major concern in Indonesia, where mothers play a crucial role in shaping healthy eating habits from an early age. The Responsive Feeding (RF) principle recommended by WHO and UNICEF emphasizes positive interaction and maternal sensitivity to children’s hunger and satiety cues. Popoh Village is among the areas with the highest prevalence of underweight, stunted, and malnourished toddlers in the Wonoayu Health Center region. In 2023, there were still 26 underweight toddlers (9.8%), 12 malnourished children (4.5%), and an increase in the number of stunted toddlers to 13. This community engagement program aimed to enhance the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers of toddlers through cadre empowerment in Popoh Village, Wonoayu District, Sidoarjo Regency. The intervention involved 21 cadres and 20 mothers using an integrated Communication, Information, and Education (CIE) strategy, including educational sessions, simulations, and Small Group Discussions (SGD). The results demonstrated an increase in knowledge by 92% (based on the average post-test score) and improvement in skills by 87%. Furthermore, the activity fostered collective commitment among cadres and mothers to apply responsive feeding practices as a strategy to prevent stunting. Sustained support from healthcare workers is essential to maintain cadre engagement and strengthen the implementation of responsive feeding within families and communities. Keywords: Cadres, Responsive Feeding, Flashcard, Pocket Book.