Cegah Stunting Sejak Dini di Kelurahan Paringin Kota Kecamatan Paringin Kabupaten Balangan

Abstract

Stunting is a condition of impaired growth in children caused by chronic malnutrition that occurs from pregnancy until the first two years of life. This problem not only affects children’s physical growth but also has long-term impacts on cognitive development, immune system strength, and future productivity. Therefore, stunting prevention requires comprehensive efforts involving various elements of society, including adolescents as future parents and agents of change within the community. This study aims to describe and analyze the role of adolescents in stunting prevention in Paringin Kota Sub-district. This study employs a qualitative approach with data collection techniques including interviews, observation, and documentation. The informants consist of adolescents, posyandu cadres, and sub-district officials who are involved in community health activities. The results indicate that adolescents in Paringin Kota Sub-district play a strategic role in stunting prevention through increasing knowledge of balanced nutrition and reproductive health, implementing clean and healthy lifestyles, and actively participating in Posyandu Remaja activities and health education programs. Adolescents also act as information disseminators to their peers and family members regarding the importance of adequate nutrition, anemia prevention, and health readiness before marriage. However, these roles have not yet been carried out optimally. Several obstacles were identified, including limited awareness among some adolescents regarding stunting issues, a lack of continuous and structured training programs, and limited youth empowerment initiatives focused on stunting prevention. Therefore, strong support and collaboration among the sub-district government, health workers, schools, and families are essential to strengthen adolescents’ capacity through education, mentoring, and active involvement in community health programs. Through cross-sectoral synergy, adolescents in Paringin Kota Sub-district are expected to play a more effective and sustainable role in preventing stunting from an early age.