Batu, October 24, 2024 – Field Lab Public Health has been successfully implemented by students from the Medical Education Study Program (PSPD) of the State Islamic University of Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang. This activity is in the form of an examination activity at the Junrejo Health Center, which aims to provide field experience to students in direct practice of health services in the community, especially at the Posyandu for Toddlers and the Elderly. This activity is part of the annual activities of the Medical Education Study Program (PSPD) of the State Islamic University of Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang, which is designed to measure the achievements of the Block learning system.

Activity Field Lab Public Health This was held in collaboration with the Junrejo Health Center, involving 50 PSPD students from the 2021 intake. Of the total students, they were divided into 3 (three) groups, each group was guided directly by Dr. Doby Indrawan, MMRS, Dr. Riskiyah, MMRS And Yossi Indra Kusuma, S.Ked., M.Med., Ed. Group 1 will conduct activities on October 10, 2024, from morning to noon, targeting adults and toddlers. Group 2 will also conduct activities on October 10, from afternoon to evening, targeting the same target group. Meanwhile, Group 3 will be held on October 24, 2024, focusing on PKK cadres.

In Groups 1 and 2, activities included anamnesis, administration, and height, weight, waist circumference, and waist circumference examinations, as well as glucose, uric acid, and cholesterol (GCU) tests. In addition, Communication, Information, and Education (KIE) activities were also conducted. In Group 1, the examination focused on children, while in Group 2, the examination performed was an EKG for adults. These activities were carried out during meetings with PKK cadres.

Group 3's activities focused on PKK cadres, specifically through outreach related to integrated health service posts (Posyandu). These Posyandu activities were organized by each neighborhood unit (RT/RW) and aimed to ensure all aspects were in place, from equipment to work programs. These presentations aimed to support the success of the Posyandu program.

Dr. Doby, one of the program's supervisors, stated that the program not only provides field experience for students but also aims to improve their capacity in health data collection. "Through this activity, students are trained to understand and identify the health conditions of toddlers and the elderly in the community," he said.

During discussions with Family Welfare Movement (PKK) cadres, several pressing health issues in the community emerged, such as low rates of early detection of breast and cervical cancer, and high incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in toddlers. One factor contributing to these low rates is a lack of public education. Many people still lack a full understanding of health issues, such as what ARI is, its causes, and the factors that trigger breast cancer. Understanding of self-examination (Sadari) is also still minimal.

The students were enthusiastic about the experience. Bryka Vian Nanggali, a 2021 PSPD student, stated that the activity not only provided new insights into community health conditions but also improved their clinical and social skills. "This activity is very meaningful for us because we can see firsthand the challenges and solutions faced by the community," she said.

Activities at the Junrejo Community Health Center are expected to have a positive impact, not only on students but also on the community as a whole. With increased health awareness and a decrease in health problems among toddlers and the elderly, this program has the potential to become a successful model for collaboration between education and healthcare.

With this step, it is hoped that students can become agents of change in improving public health, while also honing skills that will be useful in their future careers.

 

Contributors: Raina Habibatul Haq (PSPD 22), Hana Indah Chantika Pratiwi (Pharmacy 23)