The Impact of Nutrition Education Programs on Parents' Knowledge and Feeding Practices for Young Children
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Abstract
Introduction: Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) is one of the key components during the First 1000 Days of Life, which plays a crucial role in preventing stunting and growth disorders. However, inappropriate IYCF practices are still common due to the lack of parental knowledge and behavior. Nutrision education is an effective strategy for improving understanding and ensuring the correct implementation of IYCF practices.
Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effect of nutrition education on improving mothers ' knowledge and behavior regarding IYCF practices.
Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest approach. The population consisted of all mothers of toddlers in Candirejo Village, West Ungaran, totaling 39 participants. The sample included 28 mothers with children aged 6–24 months, selected using purposive sampling. The intervention consisted of nutrision education sessions on IYCF through interactive lectures and discussions. Data were collected using knowledge and behavior questionnaires and analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test.
Results: Before the intervention, most mothers had a moderate level of knowledge (64.3%), while 35.7% had a good level of knowledge. After the intervention, all mothers showed good knowledge (p < 0.001). In terms of behavior, before the intervention, 64.3% of mothers demonstrated good behavior, and 35.7% were poor behavior, whereas after the intervention, all mothers exhibited good behavior (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Nutrition education significantly improved mothers' knowledge and behavior in IYCF practices. These findings highlight the importance of continuous and community-based nutrition education as a promotive and preventive effort to reduce stunting and improve child nutrition during the First 1000 Days of Life.
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References
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