Participation of Informal Leaders and Support for Short Cell Phone Services for the Utilization of Posyandu to Mothers of Toddlers in the Working Area of the Sadabuan Public Health Center in Padangsidimpuan City in 2015
Introduction
The utilization of Posyandu (Integrated Service Post) is a crucial aspect of monitoring the growth and development of toddlers every month. Unfortunately, the level of monitoring of toddler growth is still far from the national target, indicating the need for maximum efforts in the use of posyandu. This study aims to investigate and analyze the role of informal leaders' participation and short service support via SMS (short message service) on the use of posyandu by toddlers in the Sadabuan Puskesmas working area of Padangsidimpuan City.
Background
Posyandu is a community-based health program that provides integrated services to mothers and children, including health check-ups, vaccinations, and nutrition counseling. The program is designed to promote the health and well-being of mothers and children, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare services is limited. However, despite its importance, the utilization of posyandu remains a challenge in many areas, including Padangsidimpuan City.
Research Methodology
This study employed a combined method, namely qualitative and quantitative. In the qualitative study, in-depth interviews were conducted with informants who are informal leaders, such as traditional leaders, clever clever, religious scholars, village heads, and representatives from youth organizations. The qualitative study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of informal leaders regarding the utilization of posyandu.
In the quantitative study, the population studied was 6,115 mothers with toddlers, from which samples were taken as many as 153 mothers through simple random sampling techniques. The quantitative study aimed to examine the relationship between informal leaders' participation and short service support via SMS on the use of posyandu.
Research Result
The results showed that 54.2% of respondents did not use the posyandu optimally. Further analysis revealed a significant influence of the participation of informal leaders (p = 0.504) and SMS service support (p = 0.044) on the use of posyandu. In this case, the participation of informal leaders has proven to be the most dominant factor with a coefficient B value of 0.504 and prevalens ratio (Rp) 1,656 (95% CI 1,040-2,636).
Discussion and Recommendations
This finding highlights the importance of the role of informal leaders in increasing public awareness and participation in the use of posyandu. Informal leaders who are recognized and respected in the community can be a bridge to educate the public about the importance of monitoring children's health, so as to encourage toddlers to be more active in using the services provided.
In addition, support through SMS services has proven to be effective in reminding mothers of toddlers about posyandu activities, which can overcome mobility and time constraints. Therefore, it is recommended for the Sadabuan Health Center to increase the participation of informal leaders through the holding of active citizens. Giving awards to villages or villages with the highest toddler weighing scope can also be a good incentive. Utilization of reminder SMS services also needs to be strengthened to provide fast and accurate information to toddlers regarding "Opening Day Posyandu".
Conclusion
The utilization of posyandu is a crucial aspect of promoting the health and well-being of mothers and children. The participation of informal leaders and short service support via SMS have proven to be effective in increasing the use of posyandu. Therefore, it is recommended for the Sadabuan Health Center to increase the participation of informal leaders and strengthen the utilization of reminder SMS services to promote the use of posyandu.
Recommendations for Future Research
Future research should focus on exploring the effectiveness of other strategies in promoting the use of posyandu, such as community-based interventions and social marketing campaigns. Additionally, research should be conducted to examine the impact of posyandu utilization on the health and well-being of mothers and children.
Limitations of the Study
This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study was conducted in a specific area, namely the Sadabuan Puskesmas working area of Padangsidimpuan City. Therefore, the findings may not be generalizable to other areas. Secondly, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and errors.
Implications for Practice
The findings of this study have several implications for practice. Firstly, the participation of informal leaders is crucial in promoting the use of posyandu. Therefore, health centers should increase the participation of informal leaders through the holding of active citizens. Secondly, support through SMS services has proven to be effective in reminding mothers of toddlers about posyandu activities. Therefore, health centers should strengthen the utilization of reminder SMS services to provide fast and accurate information to toddlers regarding "Opening Day Posyandu".
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of the role of informal leaders in increasing public awareness and participation in the use of posyandu. The participation of informal leaders and short service support via SMS have proven to be effective in increasing the use of posyandu. Therefore, it is recommended for the Sadabuan Health Center to increase the participation of informal leaders and strengthen the utilization of reminder SMS services to promote the use of posyandu.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Participation of Informal Leaders and Support for Short Cell Phone Services for the Utilization of Posyandu to Mothers of Toddlers
Q: What is Posyandu?
A: Posyandu is a community-based health program that provides integrated services to mothers and children, including health check-ups, vaccinations, and nutrition counseling.
Q: Why is the utilization of Posyandu important?
A: The utilization of Posyandu is crucial in promoting the health and well-being of mothers and children, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare services is limited.
Q: What is the role of informal leaders in promoting the use of Posyandu?
A: Informal leaders play a crucial role in increasing public awareness and participation in the use of Posyandu. They can be a bridge to educate the public about the importance of monitoring children's health, so as to encourage toddlers to be more active in using the services provided.
Q: How can informal leaders promote the use of Posyandu?
A: Informal leaders can promote the use of Posyandu by holding active citizens, giving awards to villages or villages with the highest toddler weighing scope, and providing education and awareness about the importance of monitoring children's health.
Q: What is the role of SMS services in promoting the use of Posyandu?
A: SMS services have proven to be effective in reminding mothers of toddlers about Posyandu activities, which can overcome mobility and time constraints.
Q: How can health centers promote the use of Posyandu?
A: Health centers can promote the use of Posyandu by increasing the participation of informal leaders, strengthening the utilization of reminder SMS services, and providing education and awareness about the importance of monitoring children's health.
Q: What are the limitations of this study?
A: This study has several limitations, including the reliance on self-reported data, the small sample size, and the specific area of study.
Q: What are the implications of this study for practice?
A: The findings of this study have several implications for practice, including the importance of informal leaders in promoting the use of Posyandu, the effectiveness of SMS services in reminding mothers of toddlers about Posyandu activities, and the need for health centers to increase the participation of informal leaders and strengthen the utilization of reminder SMS services.
Q: What are the recommendations for future research?
A: Future research should focus on exploring the effectiveness of other strategies in promoting the use of Posyandu, such as community-based interventions and social marketing campaigns, and examining the impact of Posyandu utilization on the health and well-being of mothers and children.
Q: What are the benefits of promoting the use of Posyandu?
A: Promoting the use of Posyandu can lead to several benefits, including improved health and well-being of mothers and children, increased access to healthcare services, and reduced health disparities.
Q: How can communities promote the use of Posyandu?
A: Communities can promote the use of Posyandu by increasing awareness and education about the importance of monitoring children's health, providing support and resources for mothers and children, and encouraging the participation of informal leaders.
Q: What are the challenges of promoting the use of Posyandu?
A: The challenges of promoting the use of Posyandu include limited resources, lack of awareness and education, and limited access to healthcare services.
Q: How can health centers overcome the challenges of promoting the use of Posyandu?
A: Health centers can overcome the challenges of promoting the use of Posyandu by increasing awareness and education, providing support and resources, and encouraging the participation of informal leaders.