Digital Premarital Health via KesCatin: Implementation Challenges in Pringsewu, Indonesia

Nelly Indrasari; Risneni Risneni; Amrina Octaviana; Eva Berliana; Nurlaila Nurlaila; Roslina

doi:10.56741/IISTR.jphs.001370

Authors

Nelly Indrasari Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjung Karang https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3957-6283
Risneni Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjung Karang https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0686-6357
Amrina Octaviana Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjung Karang
Eva Berliana Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjung Karang
Nurlaila Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjung Karang
Roslina Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjung Karang

Keywords:

Digital Health, KesCatin, Premarital Services, Reproductive Health, Stunting Prevention

Abstract

Stunting remains a major public health concern in Indonesia. Prevention during the premarital period is essential, as risk factors such as anemia, undernutrition, and early pregnancy (<20 years) are often established before conception. To address this, the Ministry of Health developed the KesCatin application as a digital innovation to enhance premarital reproductive health education and screening. This study aimed to explore the implementation process, challenges, and opportunities of the KesCatin application in improving digital-based premarital health services as part of stunting prevention efforts in Pringsewu District. A descriptive qualitative design was employed. Data were collected through four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving 35 cross-sector program managers and in-depth interviews with 26 brides-to-be who had used KesCatin. Data were analyzed thematically following Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework, supported by source triangulation and member checking for validation. All 5,818 prospective brides registered in January–June 2024 received digital health screening and counseling via KesCatin. However, 3.2% were anemic (Hb <12 g/dL) and 1.8% had chronic energy deficiency (MUAC <23.5 cm). Thematic analysis identified three main themes: (1) strong cross-sector collaboration, (2) improved access to reproductive health information, and (3) barriers including poor internet connectivity, limited digital literacy, and absence of offline features. KesCatin has significant potential to strengthen premarital health services and support stunting prevention. To optimize its impact, offline access, user training, and continuous monitoring are recommended.

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Author Biographies

Nelly Indrasari, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjung Karang

is a lecturer in the Department of Midwifery at the Polytechnic of Health, Ministry of Health Tanjungkarang, Indonesia. Her academic interests include midwifery education, maternal and child health, reproductive health, stunting prevention and reduction, and the development of lactation management in clinical services and health education settings. She is actively involved in professional midwifery organizations and midwifery education, as well as in research and community service activities focusing on improving the competencies of midwifery lecturers, midwives, and midwifery students. (email: nellyindrasari@poltekkes-tjk.ac.id).

Risneni, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjung Karang

is a lecturer in applied midwifery sciences at Poltekkes Tanjungkarang, Indonesia. She holds a Master’s degree in Maternal and Child Health (Reproductive Health) from Universitas Gadjah Mada. Her research focuses on maternal and child health, postpartum and reproductive health services, ethical–legal issues in midwifery practice, and communication to improve the quality of midwifery care. (email: risneni@poltekkes-tjk.ac.id).

Amrina Octaviana, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjung Karang

Amrina Octaviana is a lecturer in the Department of Midwifery at the Tanjungkarang Health Polytechnic, Ministry of Health, Indonesia. Her academic interests include midwifery education, maternal and child health, maternal and neonatal emergencies, stunting prevention and reduction, and molecular biology. She is actively involved in midwifery education, research, and community service, focusing on improving the competency of midwifery lecturers, midwives, and midwifery students. Correspondence: amrinaoctaviana@poltekkes-tjk.ac.id

Eva Berliana, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjung Karang

Eva Berliana is a lecturer in the Department of Midwifery, Ministry of Health Polytechnic, Tanjungkarang, Indonesia. Her academic interests include Midwifery Education, Health Education, Health Promotion, Reproductive Health & HIV/AIDS, and Adolescent Reproductive Health. She is actively involved in Midwifery Professional Organizations and participates in research and community service activities focused on improving the competency of Midwifery lecturers, midwives, and midwifery students. Correspondence: evaberliana@poltekkes-tjk.ac.id

Nurlaila, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjung Karang

is a lecturer in the Department of Midwifery at the Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjung Karang, Indonesia. Her academic interests include basic midwifery skills, reproductive health, and epidemiology. She is actively involved in midwifery education, research, and community service, focusing on improving the competency of midwifery lecturers, midwives, and midwifery students. (email: nurlaila@poltekkes-tjk.ac.id).

Roslina, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjung Karang

is a lecturer in the Department of Midwifery at the Poltekkes Kemenkes Tanjung Karang, Indonesia. Her academic interests include midwifery education, maternal and child health, reproductive health, psychology, and lactation management development. She is active in midwifery professional organizations and midwifery education, as well as in research and community service activities focused on improving the competency of midwifery lecturers, midwives, and midwifery students. (email: roslina@poltekkes-tjk.ac.id).

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