Intervention of Health Promotion Model Through Participatory Empowerment of Digital-Based Cadres on The Prevention Behavior of Low Birth Weight Babies (LBWB)

Abstract

Introduction: WHO data shows that 15 million babies are born with low birth weight (LBW) each year, and this number continues to rise. The challenge faced is how to improve healthy living behaviors during pregnancy and early detection of pregnancy risks. The issue of low birth weight is very serious and requires handling through strengthening promotional and preventive measures provided to pregnant women. The role of health cadres is also very important as providers of information and community mobilizers. Therefore, there is a need for effective digital-based empowerment methods for health cadres to improve preventive health behaviors against the occurrence of LBW. This research aims to analyze the effectiveness of a health promotion intervention model through the participatory empowerment of digital-based health cadres in preventing LBW incidents

Methods: A Quasi-Experimental research design with a Non-Equivalent Control Group Design involving 70 health cadre respondents (n: 35 in each intervention and control group) using Purposive Sampling technique, with inclusion criteria for cadres who are active; aged between 25 to 49 years; have at least a junior high school education; and possess a smartphone with a strong internet connection. The research instrument consists of a sociodemographic questionnaire, knowledge, attitudes, and the roles of cadres that have been tested for validity and reliability. Educational media in the form of a website-based e-module on the prevention of LBW. Test the normality of the data using the Shapiro-Wilk test and analyze the data using the Wilcoxon test, Mann-Whitney test, Paired t-Test, and Independent t-Test.

Results: The statistical test results indicate a significant effect with knowledge, attitudes, and the role of cadres showing a p-value of 0.000 (p-value<0.05); this means that the digital-based participatory empowerment model for cadres is more effective in improving the behavior of preventing LBW incidents. The Mann-Whitney test results show that the average knowledge in both groups indicates a significant difference, with a mean value of 44.21 in the intervention group being higher than the control group, which has a mean value of 26.79 (p-value=0.000). The Independent t-Test results show that there is no statistically significant difference in the average attitudes and roles of cadres between the intervention and control groups (p-value>0.05).

Conclusion: The model of participatory empowerment of cadres through digital-based training activities and cadre mentoring, along with the use of educational media in the form of e-modules, represents an innovation that can be implemented by health workers and cadres in efforts to promote health regarding the prevention of LBW incidents among pregnant women.