The Effectiveness of Cartoon Video and Comic Media on the Knowledge and Skills of Adolescent Cadres in Detecting Adolescent Nutritional Status

Nutritional problems among adolescents remain a major public health challenge in Indonesia, as reflected by the high prevalence of anemia, undernutrition, stunting, and obesity. Limited knowledge and skills of adolescents in detecting nutritional status further exacerbate this condition. Educational efforts using media tailored to adolescent characteristics are essential to improve nutrition literacy. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of cartoon video and comic media in improving the knowledge and skills of adolescent cadres in detecting nutritional status in Sukamaju Village, Muaro Jambi Regency. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a two-group pretest-posttest design. A total sample of 30 adolescents was selected using stratified random sampling and then divided into the cartoon video group and the comic group. Data were collected using a knowledge questionnaire and a skill observation sheet for anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference, and waist circumference). Data were analyzed using paired t-test or Wilcoxon test to examine differences before and after the intervention, and the Mann-Whitney test to compare the effectiveness of both media. The results showed a significant increase in adolescents’ knowledge and skills after the intervention in both groups (p = 0.001). The average skill score increased from 8.29 to 21.43 after the intervention with comic media, while knowledge improved more in the cartoon video group, with a median of 12 compared to 9 in the comic group. In conclusion, cartoon video media was more effective in improving knowledge, whereas comic media was more effective in enhancing skills for detecting nutritional status. Keywords: Educational Media, Knowledge, Skills, Adolescent Cadres, Nutritional Status Detection