N NUTRI-PLAY: NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM THROUGH NUTRACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND PLAY-THERAPY IN IMPROVING COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF STUNTED CHILDREN IN SUNGAI RANGAS ULU

NUTRI-PLAY: PROGRAM INTERVENSI GIZI MELALUI PRODUK NUTRASEUTIKAL DAN PLAY-THERAPY DALAM MENINGKATKAN PERKEMBANGAN KOGNITIF ANAK STUNTING DI SUNGAI RANGAS ULU

Abstract

Stunting is a chronic growth and development disorder in children due to poor nutrition, repeated infections, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. This condition can impact cognitive, motor, verbal development, increase disease, and potentially increase morbidity and reduce economic productivity. Sungai Rangas Ulu Village is one of the areas with a high stunting rate of 30.5%. This program aims to intervene in child nutrition through nutraceutical products and improve the cognitive development of stunted children through play-therapy in Sungai Rangas Ulu Village. The main problem identified is the high prevalence of stunting in the Banjar Regency area, especially the riverside community in Sungai Rangas Ulu Village which is often affected by floods, so this also has an impact on the health status and fulfillment of nutrition in the family. Floods also hamper the access of the community health center in health promotion efforts and the identification of stunting in the area. The methods used in this program include making nutraceutical products, which are nutritious foods or supplements specially formulated from the local richness of purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) to meet children's nutritional needs. In addition, the program also involves a play-therapy approach in the form of a giant snakes and ladders educational game and modified traditional congklak game containing questions, challenges, and statements regarding stunting prevention and healthy hygiene behavior to stimulate children's cognitive development through various fun and educational activities. With the combination of these two approaches, it is expected that children will not only grow physically but also develop cognitively and socially. The results show a significant improvement in child development and parents' knowledge about the importance of nutritional needs and cognitive development of children. Thus, it can be concluded that the “Nutri-Play” program is very important to address and reduce the problem of stunting in the community.