The Effect of Nutritional Education Through Digital Media on Mothers Behaviour Regarding Nutritional Intake of Under-five Children in Sukadana Village Ciamis Regency

Abstract

Introduction: Malnutrition among under-five children remain major public health concern in Indonesia. Inadequate feeding practice, low dietary diversity, and low intake of animal source food (ASF) was reported as a determinant factor that contribute to this problem. ASF which contains essential nutrients, is needed for optimal growth and development. However, the level of knowledge and behavior that support ASF intake is still not optimal, even though it has been supported by conventional nutrition education programs. Hence, this study aims to investigate the effect of nutritional education through digital media on parent behaviour regarding ASF intake. Methods: This quasi-experimental study, using a pre-posttest design, was conducted on 150 respondents selected through stratified purposive sampling. Nutritional education was provided through digital media, and changes in parental behaviour before and after the intervention were assessed using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlational analysis, with a paired t-test to evaluate the intervention effectiveness. Results: Nutritional education through digital media significantly improved parents' behavior regarding ASF intake for under-five children (p = 0.000), with most parents achieving the good behavior criteria after intervention (84.0%). Conclusion: Digital media can be an effective tool to increase parent' understanding and awareness of the importance of ASF intake. Integrating digital media into nutrition promotion programs is essential for personalized education and community engagement in stunting prevention. Future development should address accessibility, digital literacy, and broader public health integration.