Is adolescent health a priority program? A qualitative study on the stunting prevention program in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Objectives: In Indonesia, the Weekly Iron Folic Acid (WIFA) supplementation program has been running since 2016 to prevent anemia and stunting in the future. The Healthy Adolescents Stunting Prevention program (Remaja Sehat Cegah Stunting, known as the "RS Centing" program) in Gresik Regency, Indonesia, has been effective in increasing adolescent understanding of stunting prevention. The prevalence of stunting in Gunungkidul Regency remains high and has reached 22.2 %, exceeding the national target of 14 %. This study aims to analyze whether adolescent health is a priority in the stunting prevention program in Gunungkidul Regency.

Methods: This study uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion (FGDs) with participants selected by purposive sampling. The respondents in this study comprised 10 officials from the PKPR (adolescents health care services), the local health department, and the Satgas stunting (stunting task force).

Results: The results of the study revealed that three main themes emerged from the in-depth interviews and the FGD, namely: (1) Program implementation; (2) barriers to program implementation; and (3) suggestions.

Conclusions: Program implementation is still constrained by the lack of adequate funding and human resources, as well as weak monitoring, evaluation, and program continuity.