Pangandaran, February 2, 2025 — Three lecturers from the Faculty of Communication Sciences (FIKOM) at Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD) have completed a significant study on a pressing public health issue. Titled “The Role of Community Health Cadres in Reducing Stunting Cases in Ciliang Village, Pangandaran Regency, West Java Province,” the research explores the crucial role of Community Health Cadres (CHCs) in combating stunting in rural areas.
The research was led by lecturers Ilham Gemiharto, Samson CMS, and Iwan Sukoco. The background for this study is the persistent issue of stunting in Indonesia, particularly in rural regions like Pangandaran Regency. The main objective was to investigate how CHCs in Ciliang Village contribute to improving parental nutritional knowledge, promoting balanced dietary practices, and their overall impact on reducing the prevalence of stunting.
Utilizing a qualitative case study approach, the research team conducted in-depth interviews with 50 CHCs and gathered data from 200 households with toddlers. The study focused on the effectiveness of CHC-led interventions in enhancing nutritional awareness and practices within the community.
The findings revealed that CHCs play a pivotal role. Their interventions led to a significant increase in parents’ knowledge of essential nutrition and a noticeable improvement in dietary diversity. This had a tangible impact: the stunting rate in Ciliang Village dropped significantly, from 25% to 18% in just one year. This finding serves as concrete evidence of the success of a community-based approach to addressing nutritional problems.
Despite these successes, the study also identified several challenges faced by CHCs, including cultural barriers, limited resources, and sustainability issues. Therefore, the researchers recommend the need for comprehensive training programs, adequate resources, and consistent funding to support CHC activities in the future.
This academic publication not only provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of community-based interventions but also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, the research is highly relevant to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
The article has been published in HUMANUS Jurnal Sosialhumaniora Nusantara. It is hoped that these findings will serve as a reference for policymakers to integrate CHC programs into broader health and nutrition policies, ensuring the long-term sustainability and scalability of these successful interventions.
The publication results can be accessed via the following link: http://media.unpad.ac.id/files/publikasi/2025/rpm_20250209170201_7871.pdf
Writers: Ridha Amalia, Nadziva Shaqeena, and Muhammad Ihsan Fauzul Haq
