Training of posyandu cadres and use of the PRIMAKU application to monitor child growth and development

Lenny Gannika (School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia)
Novie Homenta Rampengan (Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia)
Asep Rahman (Faculty of Public Health, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia)

Journal of Community Empowerment for Health
Vol 9, No 2 (2026)

Introduction: Monitoring the growth and development of children under five is essential for the early detection of stunting and developmental delays. However, the skills of Posyandu cadres in conducting comprehensive monitoring are still limited, especially in interpreting growth charts and assessing developmental milestones. The use of the PRIMAKU application as a digital tool has the potential to improve the accuracy and efficiency of growth and developmental monitoring.Methods: This community service program aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of Posyandu cadres through training on Stimulation, Early Detection, and Early Intervention of Child Growth and Development (SDIDTK), combined with the introduction of the PRIMAKU application. A pre–post test design was used with 40 cadres participating. Knowledge was assessed using two questionnaires on growth and development (10 items each), while skills were evaluated using an observation checklist of 13 indicators. Data analysis included t-tests and Pearson’s correlation.Results: The training resulted in a significant improvement in cadres’ knowledge of child growth (from 70 + 5.99 to 91.50 + 3.616; p = <0.001) and development (from 66.50 + 6.988 to 89.00 + 5.905; p=<0.001). Skills in using the PRIMAKU application also increased substantially, with mean scores rising from 1.35 ± 1.31 to 11.45 ± 2.17 (cohen’s=5.63), indicating an extremely large effect size. These findings indicate that combining health education, demonstration, and hands-on practice effectively enhances cadres’ competence in growth and developmental monitoring.Conclusion: SDIDTK training combined with PRIMAKU application use significantly improved the knowledge and technical skills of Posyandu cadres in monitoring early childhood growth and development. The integration of digital tools supports more accurate documentation and strengthens cadres’ roles in early detection efforts. Continued training and long-term follow-up are recommended to maintain the sustainability of these improvements.