Educational Games as an Innovative Health Education Strategy for Stunting Prevention: A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Stunting is a significant public health issue in Indonesia, with a prevalence of 21.6% in 2022. It is primarily caused by chronic nutritional deficiencies, recurrent infections, and lack of psychosocial stimulation. One innovative and effective approach in stunting prevention education is the use of educational games as interactive and engaging learning tools. However, comprehensive studies on the effectiveness of educational games in the context of stunting prevention are still limited.

Methods: This study employed a literature review approach using the PCC framework (Population, Concept, Context). The population included mothers. The concept was the use of educational games, and the context was stunting prevention. Articles were sourced from databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and manual searching. Inclusion criteria included original research published in the last five years, open access, and relevance to educational games in health education

Results: Eight articles were reviewed, revealing a variety of games used, including snakes and ladders, puzzles, simulation games, board games, and mobile educational apps. Most studies reported significant improvements in participants’ knowledge and engagement after game-based interventions. Educational games were found to be more effective than conventional educational methods. Implementation challenges included limited technological access, low digital literacy, scarce resources, and the need for cultural adaptation.

Conclusion: Educational games have the potential to be effective, enjoyable, and sustainable tools for health education in stunting prevention. To maximize effectiveness, local adaptation, facilitator training, and the development of context-specific media are essential. Games not only increase knowledge but also foster active participation and interest among communities, especially mothers and adolescents, in stunting prevention efforts.