The effectiveness of the SIGMA app, based on clinical data and the health belief model, in the early prevention of stunting in pregnant women
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33024/min.v9i8.4398
Early Prevention Health Belief Model Pregnant Women SIGMA Application Stunting
Abstract
Background: Stunting is still a significant public health problem in Indonesia with long-term impacts on physical growth, cognitive development, and the quality of human resources. Prevention efforts since pregnancy, especially in the early trimester, have not been optimal due to the limitations of conventional education that has not been integrated with clinical data and behavior change approaches.
Purpose: To analyze the effectiveness of SIGMA Application based on clinical data and Health Belief Model in early prevention of stunting in pregnant women.
Method: A quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest control group design was conducted on pregnant women in the first trimester for four weeks. The sample was divided into an intervention group that used the SIGMA Application and a control group that received standardized education. The variables measured included knowledge, attitudes, stunting prevention behaviors based on the Health Belief Model construct, as well as clinical indicators in the form of hemoglobin (Hb), Upper Arm Circumference (LILA), and Body Mass Index (BMI). Data analysis was carried out using paired t-test, wilcoxon test, mann whitney test and independent t-test.
Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores compared to the control group (p<0.05). In addition, there was a tendency to improve clinical indicators (Hb, LILA, and BMI) in the intervention group after four weeks of application use.
Conclusion: The SIGMA application is effective as a digital health intervention in improving literacy and stunting prevention behavior in pregnant women. The integration of clinical data-driven applications and the Health Belief Model approach is recommended as an innovative strategy in maternal and child health services to support the acceleration of stunting reduction.
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