Strengthening Health Literacy for Prevention and Management of Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Gedangsari, Gunung Kidul

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are diseases that are often not widely detected and recognized because generally, NCDs do not cause symptoms or complaints. This has an impact on the examination of patients where NCDS are detected to have reached the final stage. The lack of citizen’s literacy regarding non-communicable diseases due to the lack of exposure to information is crucial to follow up because it has an impact on the lack of attitudes and behavior in the prevention and management of NCDs in the Gedangsari area. Access to health services is considered to be lacking because the distance to health services is quite far, plus the geographical conditions of the area and quite steep road conditions. Economic factors and the level of education of residents are also obstacles to the access of information and health services. NCDs prevention efforts are urgently needed so that the level of public health in the Gedangsari area increases. Prevention is meant through Information Communication and Education activities about NCDs to the public. This community service aims to increase public knowledge about NCDs and how to prevent and treat them. This activity was carried out by early detection of NCDs risk factors, health checks, presentation of material about NCDs general knowledge, and NCDs modality therapy. The activities carried out were evaluated through a pre-test and post-test with a questionnaire. The results of the activity showed that there was an increase in residents' knowledge regarding NCDs by 51,2% after the activity, the implementation of NCDs screening, and NCDs modality therapy. In conclusion, this community service activity can increase citizen literacy towards NCDs. It is hoped that the community will apply the preventive and therapeutic modalities that have been taught to prevent and control NCDs