Community Empowerment Strategies for Stunting Prevention in Biduk-Biduk Health Center Catchment Area, Berau Regency

Upaya Pencegahan Stunting berbasis Pemberdayaan Masyarakat di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Biduk-Biduk, Kabupaten Berau

Abstract

Stunting remains a major challenge to human resource development, particularly in coastal areas with limited access to health services. This study aims to analyze community empowerment–based strategies for stunting prevention in the Biduk-Biduk Health Center catchment area, Berau Regency. Data were collected through field observations, interviews with health workers, posyandu cadres, community leaders, and a review of local nutrition and health records. The findings reveal that stunting prevention programs were effectively implemented through nutrition literacy improvement among mothers and toddlers, adolescent education on anemia and reproductive health, utilization of local food resources, rational use of medicines and cosmetics, and the promotion of clean and healthy living behaviors. Major challenges included low public awareness, heterogeneous levels of understanding, and limited intervention time. Nevertheless, synergy among students, health workers, village authorities, and community members successfully enhanced active participation and fostered community self-reliance in health maintenance. In conclusion, a participatory education approach combined with cross-sectoral collaboration proved effective in reducing stunting risks while strengthening health resilience in coastal communities.