Behavior of Program Keluarga Harapan Beneficiaries Regarding Stunting Management in Pantoloan Boya Urban Village, Tawaeli District

Abstract

Stunting remains a prominent health problem in Pantoloan Boya Subdistrict, even though this area has one of the highest numbers of  Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) recipients. This study aims to analyze the behavior of PKH assistance recipients in handling stunting using Lawrence Green's theory perspective, which includes predisposing factors, enabling factors, and reinforcing factors. The study employed a qualitative method with a case study approach. This study employs a purposive sampling technique. Informants consisted of PKH recipient mothers as primary informants, PKH companions and health cadres as key informants, and subdistrict officials as additional informants. Data collection was carried out through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis used content analysis techniques with narrative presentation.Research results indicate that the behavior of PKH recipients in handling stunting has moved in a better direction, reflected in increased visits to posyandu, breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, as well as the use of assistance for children's needs. However, predisposing factors remain the main obstacle, as mothers' knowledge about the causes, impacts, and prevention of stunting is still limited and often influenced by misconceptions such as hereditary factors. Enabling factors, such as access to health services, the presence of posyandu, pustu, and PKH support, are actually adequate, but their utilization for child nutrition has not been optimal, as some funds are prioritized for other needs. Reinforcing factors, such as family and community support, are quite visible, but there is no structured reward or incentive system to motivate families to sustainably change behavior. In conclusion, improvements in the behavior of PKH recipients in handling stunting have shown progress, but are not yet optimal due to obstacles in mothers' understanding, the utilization of assistance, and weak structured social support.