Images that speak: meaning-making in constructing a stunting module

BACKGROUND: Stunting is a serious problem with long-term impacts on individual lives, including the future of a nation. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Indonesia, substantial efforts have been undertaken to address this issue. However, geographic disparities often hinder the effectiveness of behavior change interventions through health education. Despite these challenges, there is significant potential to adopt local approaches by integrating them with the arts. OBJECTIVE: To explore and elucidate the role of the arts in composing and creating modules as health education materials on the topic of stunting. METHODS: The module was developed using a local-based approach. Local understandings of stunting were gathered through interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), then integrated into visual images and text. This integration was structured according to learning objectives to produce systematic, easily understandable, and contextually relevant module materials. RESULTS: A 29-page module was developed based on five learning objectives: (1) definition of stunting, (2) signs of stunting, (3) impacts of stunting, (4) causes of stunting, and (5) prevention of stunting. The composition of the module adapted field-based information, influencing both the textual presentation and the visual illustrations. CONCLUSIONS: The arts provide a comprehensive approach to explaining stunting through collaboration with local perspectives and anthropological techniques. The findings have implications for health promotion, health education, and the development of strategies to address stunting.