Increasing awareness of stunting risks and self-efficacy in children among stunting resilient families in Indonesia: a quasi-experimental study

Stunting poses an urgent public health challenge with long-term consequences for child development. Despite various national initiatives in Indonesia, stunting persists due to limited awareness and low caregiving efficacy at the household level. This study evaluates the "Stunt Resilient Family" intervention model, designed to enhance family awareness of stunting risks and improve caregiving efficacy for stunted children. Employing a one-group pre-test/post-test design, data were collected from 77 families in the Nusa Penida 1 Community Health Center area. Statistically significant improvements were found in family awareness across key demographics-adolescents, pregnant women, toddlers-as well as in caregiving efficacy (p < 0.05). Family efficacy, defined as the confidence and capability of caregivers to provide adequate care for stunted children, improved notably. These results suggest that community-based, family-centered education can effectively address stunting and may be adapted for broader implementation across similar contexts in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).