From Passive Listeners to Active Learners: How a WhatsApp Group Transformed Mothers’ Feeding Practices in Rural Indonesia

Despite relatively high baseline nutrition knowledge among mothers in rural Indonesia, optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices remain inconsistent a persistent “knowledge–practice gap.” This convergent mixed-methods study explores how a moderated WhatsApp-based digital community transformed maternal learning behavior and feeding practices in Sukaharja Village, Bogor. A baseline survey with 40 mothers revealed strong foundational knowledge (mean IYCF score = 76.25), yet suboptimal adherence to advanced complementary feeding practices: only 65% provided age-appropriate food textures for 10–12-month-olds, and just 61% recognized the importance of regular posyandu visits for early growth faltering detection. In response, a 6-month WhatsApp intervention was implemented, co-moderated by local posyandu cadres and a nutritionist, delivering weekly videos, infographics, and culturally relevant recipes (e.g., nasi telur wortel, bubur daun kelor). Post-intervention, in-depth interviews (n=7), participant observation, and thematic analysis of group interactions revealed a shift from passive reception to active engagement: mothers reported increased psychological safety to ask questions, greater confidence in preparing homemade meals, and higher posyandu attendance. Cadres and the local PKK chairperson confirmed enhanced peer support and service linkage. Findings indicate that the WhatsApp group functioned not as a knowledge-transfer tool, but as a social infrastructure that activated existing knowledge through peer modeling, timely reminders, and trusted moderation effectively transforming passive listeners into active learners and caregivers.