PENDAMPINGAN PENGISIAN KMS UNTUK MEMPERKUAT DETEKSI DINI GANGGUAN PERTUMBUHAN BALITA
Abstrak: Pemanfaatan Kartu Menuju Sehat (KMS) yang belum optimal dapat menghambat pemantauan pertumbuhan balita dan penyampaian informasi pertumbuhan kepada keluarga. Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini bertujuan meningkatkan kapasitas kader dalam pengisian dan pemanfaatan KMS sebagai instrumen pendukung deteksi dini gangguan pertumbuhan serta memperkuat pemahaman ibu balita terhadap hasil pemantauan pertumbuhan. Kegiatan melibatkan 24 kader melalui pelatihan, edukasi, praktik, dan pendampingan langsung pada pelayanan posyandu. Evaluasi pengetahuan dilakukan menggunakan pre-test dan post-test yang masing-masing terdiri dari 15 pertanyaan, sedangkan keterampilan diamati selama praktik pengisian dan interpretasi KMS. Rata-rata skor pengetahuan meningkat dari 60,5% pada pengukuran awal menjadi 82% setelah kegiatan, dengan peningkatan sebesar 22,5%. Observasi selama pendampingan menunjukkan antusiasme kader dan meningkatnya pemahaman mengenai fungsi KMS dalam pencatatan serta pemantauan pertumbuhan anak. Pendekatan pendampingan berbasis praktik memberikan pengalaman langsung bagi kader dalam menerapkan KMS pada pelayanan posyandu.Abstract: Suboptimal utilization of the Growth Monitoring Card (KMS) may hinder the routine monitoring of child growth and the delivery of growth-related information to families. This community service activity aimed to strengthen cadres’ capacity to complete and utilize the KMS as a supporting instrument for early detection of growth disorders and to improve mothers’ understanding of child growth monitoring. The program involved 24 community health cadres through training, health education, practical sessions, and direct mentoring during integrated health post (posyandu) services. Knowledge was assessed using pre-test and post-test measures, each consisting of 15 questions, while practical skills were observed during KMS completion and growth-chart interpretation. The mean knowledge score increased from 60.5% at baseline to 82% after the intervention, representing an increase of 22.5%. Observations during the mentoring process indicated high cadre engagement and improved understanding of the role of the KMS in documenting and monitoring child growth. Practice-based mentoring provided cadres with direct experience in applying KMS procedures during posyandu services.