Pengaruh Penggunaan Komunikasi Digital dalam Penyuluhan terhadap Peningkatan Pengetahuan dan Perubahan Perilaku Keluarga Berisiko Stunting di Kabupaten Deli Serdang

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effect of digital communication in counseling activities on increasing knowledge and changing behavior among families at risk of stunting in Deli Serdang Regency, as well as to examine the moderating role of demographic factors such as age, education level, number of children, ethnicity, and religion. The theoretical frameworks employed in this research are Everett М. Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation Theory and Benjamin S. Bloom's Taxonomy Theory. This study uses a quantitative approach with a sample of 353 families selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using simple linear regression and moderation tests. The findings reveal that the use of digital communication in counseling (X) has a positive influence on both knowledge (Y1) and behavioral changes (Y2) among stunting-risk families in Deli Serdang Regency. The R² value for knowledge is 0.168 and for behavior is 0.143. After incorporating the moderating variables (age, education, number of children, ethnicity, and religion), the R² values increased to 0.238 for knowledge and 0.204 for behavior, indicating that these demographic factors strengthen the relationship between digital communication and the knowledge and behavior of the target families. This study underscores the importance of contextually relevant and adaptive digital communication strategies to enhance the effectiveness of stunting prevention counseling programs.