THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY NURSING IN IMPROVING PUBLIC HEALTH IN RW.02 BANGETAYU WETAN, GENUK DISTRICT, SEMARANG CITY

Abstract

Background: Community nursing is a form of professional nursing service directed at the public through family, group and community approaches. This activity was carried out to improve the health status of residents in RW 02 Bangetayu Wetan Sub-district, especially among high-risk groups for hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).

Methods: Data were collected through observation, interviews and questionnaires administered to 60 residents of RW 02. Results: The assessment showed a prevalence of hypertension at 51.3% (32 residents), diabetes mellitus at 33.7% (17 residents), and DHF at 6.8% (5 residents). Based on these findings, five weeks of community interventions were implemented including hypertension and diabetes exercise programs, health education on hypertension, diabetes mellitus and DHF, blood pressure and blood glucose checks as well as mosquito larvae monitoring. Following the intervention, residents’ knowledge increased: hypertension (from 56% to 81%), diabetes mellitus (from 62% to 87%) and DHF (from 45% to 74%). Additionally, there was an improvement in positive attitudes and skills related to independent health practices such as regular blood pressure checks, exercise and mosquito breeding site elimination.

Conclusion: Community nursing practice in RW 02 Bangetayu Wetan was proven effective in improving residents' knowledge, attitudes and skills in promotive and preventive efforts for hypertension, diabetes mellitus and DHF.