EFFECT OF AVIKASI EDUCATIONAL MEDIA ON BREASTFEEDING AND COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING SCORES AMONG INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN AGED 0–24 MONTHS

Abstract

Appropriate breastfeeding and complementary feeding during the first two years of life are essential for stunting prevention, yet evidence on combined audiovisual and flashcard education remains limited. This study evaluated the effect of AVIKASI (Audio-Visual and Smart Cards for Stunting Prevention) on maternal breastfeeding and complementary feeding scores. A randomized controlled trial with a pretest–posttest control group design was conducted from July to September 2026 among 60 mothers of children aged 0–24 months at two community health centers in Gorontalo Regency, Indonesia. Maternal knowledge and reported practices were assessed using questionnaires at baseline and after a two-week follow-up. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests. In the intervention group, breastfeeding scores increased from 62.35 to 78.60 (mean change 16.25; p < 0.001), while complementary feeding scores increased from 60.85 to 80.25 (mean change 19.40; p < 0.001). The control group showed smaller changes of 2.25 (p = 0.071) and 2.65 (p = 0.039), respectively. Between-group differences in change were 14.00 points (95% CI 10.00–18.00; p < 0.001) for breastfeeding and 16.75 points (95% CI 12.50–21.00; p < 0.001) for complementary feeding. AVIKASI demonstrated greater short-term improvements in maternal breastfeeding and complementary feeding scores than routine education. However, the findings reflect questionnaire-based outcomes over two weeks and do not establish sustained behavioral changes or improvements in child nutritional status.