THE EFFECT OF GROUP GUIDANCE WITH THE MIND MAPPING METHOD ON INCREASING THE KNOWLEDGE OF FERTILE AGE COUPLES IN EFFORTS TO PREVENT STUNTING

Abstract

Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem that is a public health challenge in Indonesia, especially in children under five years of age. Stunting prevention needs to be started early, especially in fertile couples, who have an important role in preparing the health conditions of mothers and children. This study aims to analyze the effect of group guidance with the mind mapping method on increasing the knowledge of fertile couples in preventing stunting. The research method used was a quasi-experiment with one group pretest-posttest design using a control group. The subjects of the study consisted of 34 fertile couples selected by purposive sampling. The intervention group was given group guidance using the mind mapping method, while the control group was given conventional guidance. Knowledge measurements were carried out before and after the intervention using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis used the Wilcoxon test. The results showed that there was a significant increase in the knowledge of fertile couples regarding stunting prevention in the intervention group compared to the control group. A better understanding of the importance of nutritional intake, health care during pregnancy, and newborn health management indicates this increase in knowledge. Group guidance with the mind mapping method has proven effective in helping participants organize information visually and improve their memory. Thus, this method can be recommended as an innovative educational approach in efforts to prevent stunting.