Health Promotion As Early Prevention of Hypertension in Mlati District, Yogyakarta: An Inter-Professional Collaboration of Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing Students

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is one kind of noncommunicable chronic diseases with a very high incidence rate worldwide as well as in Indonesia with various health complications. The level of primary hypertension in The Special Region of Yogyakarta, especially Sleman Regency, has been increasing recently. Consuming antihypertensive drugs alone is not enough for management of hypertension. A healthy lifestyle, both for sufferers and people at risk, plays a very important role in preventing hypertension as well as complications that may greatly reduce the quality of life. Healthy lifestyle includes physical exercises, dietary nutrition, smoking cessation, and adherence to routine blood pressure measurement. One effective way to promote healthy lifestyle to the community is by promotive and preventive activities. Methods: Community and Family Health Care – Inter Professional Education (CFHC-IPE) is one of the courses at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada which is a form of community service. The focus of its activities is promotive and preventive, including strategy to control the high incidence of hypertension in Yogyakarta. Conclusion: CFHC-IPE provides great advantages for both the community and the students. Students’ ability to build good relationships and foster trust is needed so that promotive and preventive actions can take place properly.