<![CDATA[Stunting is one of the chronic nutritional problems that remains a public health challenge in Indonesia. Stunting prevention should begin during pregnancy by fulfilling nutritional needs and improving mothers’ knowledge of nutritious foods. Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) are a local food source with potential for use as part of community-based nutritional interventions. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of a Moringa leaf drink program in improving pregnant women’s knowledge of nutritious foods for stunting prevention in Jati Mulia Village, Nibung Hangus District, Batu Bara Regency. This study employed a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design using pretest and posttest measurements. The sample consisted of 50 pregnant women selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire assessing knowledge of nutritious foods and stunting prevention. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analyses with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test at a significance level of α = 0.05. The results showed that the mean knowledge score of pregnant women before the intervention was 39.92, which increased to 80.58 after the intervention. Before the intervention, 42 respondents (84.0%) were categorized as having poor knowledge, whereas no respondents remained in this category after the intervention. A total of 31 respondents (62.0%) achieved the very good knowledge category in the posttest. The Wilcoxon test showed a p-value of <0.001, indicating a statistically significant difference in knowledge levels before and after the intervention. Therefore, the Moringa leaf drink program was effective in improving pregnant women’s knowledge of nutritious foods as part of stunting prevention efforts. The utilization of Moringa leaves can be further developed as an affordable, sustainable, and locally based food education approach at the community level.]]>
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