INCREASING PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE THROUGH THE GEMA CERMAT AND DAGUSIBU PROGRAMS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ANTIHYPERTENSION DRUGS

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases in Indonesia and a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Limited public knowledge regarding antihypertensive medication management may reduce treatment effectiveness, highlighting the need for continuous health education. This community service program aims to improve the knowledge of participants in the Chronic Disease Management Program (Prolanis) regarding antihypertensive medication management through GEMA CERMAT (Smart Community Movement in the Use of Medicines) and DAGUSIBU (Get, Use, Store, and Dispose of Medicines Properly) education. The program was conducted in Mangunrejo Village, Kepanjen District, Malang Regency, involving 31 Prolanis participants. The intervention was delivered through health education using leaflets and evaluated using pre-test and post-test questionnaires. The results demonstrated that the educational intervention improved participants' understanding of proper antihypertensive medication management, including obtaining, using, storing, and disposing of medications according to the principles of GEMA CERMAT and DAGUSIBU. The educational activity also supported the implementation of the Prolanis program by enhancing participants' ability to manage hypertension therapy independently. Therefore, GEMA CERMAT and DAGUSIBU education can serve as an effective educational strategy to support hypertension control in the community.