EFFECTIVENESS OF WHATSAPP BOT-BASED EDUCATIONAL MEDIA AND LECTURES ON INCREASING MOTHER’S KNOWLEDGE ABOUT GASTROENTERITIS IN CHILDREN

Background: Gastroenteritis is the main cause of death in children under
five years of age with symptoms of dehydration, which causes high
mortality rates. Gastroenteritis risk factors include poor hygiene, unclean
water supplies, and lack of parental knowledge. Providing health education
regarding gastroenteritis is very important to increase mother’s knowledge.
WhatsApp bot and lectures are effective media that can be used in health
education.
Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of WhatsApp bot-based
educational media and lectures in increasing knowledge of Gastroenteritis
among housewives.
Methods: The research method used was quasi-experimental using a two
group design posttest only. The research was conducted in Singosari,
Malang, using two different groups with a sample size of 50. Group 01 was
given education using WhatsApp bot media, while group 02 was given
education using lecture media. The research data was tested using the
Mann-Whitney test in SPSS version 25.
Results: The demographic data obtained shows that the average number of
respondents is (60%) not working or a housewife. The research results
show a difference between giving education using the lecture method and
WhatsApp bot media on housewives' knowledge level. Mother’s
knowledge about gastroenteritis increased after being given education
using two different media. The group using lecture media had a better
increase in knowledge than the group using WhatsApp bot media.
Conclusion: Health education regarding gastroenteritis based on lecture
media is more effective than WhatsApp bot media in increasing mothers'
knowledge about preventing gastroenteritis in children.