PERCEPTIONS OF STUNTING REDUCTION TEAMS ON SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR MATERNAL BEHAVIOR CHANGE: A HEALTH PROMOTION APPROACH IN SURAKARTA
Contributors
Hanifiya Samha Wardhani
Heni Hastuti
Endang Sutisna Sulaeman
Anak Agung Alit Kirti Estuti Narendra Putri
Resta Farits Pradana
Keywords
Proceeding
Track
General Track
License
Copyright (c) 2026 International Symposium of Public Health and International Conference of Epidemiology Public Health

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Abstract
Introduction: Stunting reduction is a central focus of the 2025 global nutrition targets and a key indicator for the Sustainable Development Goal of zero hunger. Indonesia remains among the countries with the highest stunting prevalence in Asia, with Central Java and Surakarta reporting rates above the WHO standard. Despite various government interventions, stunting prevention efforts are still predominantly institution-driven, with limited emphasis on behavioral change through health promotion. This study aimed to develop a social support model by exploring the perceptions of stunting reduction acceleration teams regarding the influence of social support on maternal behavior in Surakarta. Method: A mixed-methods approach was used, combining a cross-sectional survey of 100 team members at public health center and district levels with in-depth interviews of five representatives from different districts. The study assessed emotional, instrumental, and informational support as exogenous variables. Result: Quantitative analysis using the Spearman test revealed significant correlations between all types of social support and maternal stunting prevention behaviors (emotional ρ=0.41, instrumental ρ=0.38, informational ρ=0.44; all p<0.01). Qualitative findings indicated that instrumental support, such as direct provision of nutritious food, was perceived as the most impactful, while emotional encouragement from peers and cadres was crucial for sustaining maternal motivation. Conclusion: These results underscore the importance of strengthening social support networks through community-based health promotion strategies, such as reactivating mother support groups and training cadres for emotional support. Reinforcing these networks is essential for effective stunting reduction interventions in Surakarta and similar contexts.