Deteksi Dini dan Edukasi Hipertensi pada Remaja: Strategi Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Melalui Posyandu Remaja

Abstract

Hypertension among adolescents has emerged as a global health issue, with prevalence rates rising significantly in Indonesia, reaching 20.1% in the 18–24 age group according to the 2018 National Basic Health Survey (Riskesdas). This community service initiative aimed to enhance adolescent awareness through early detection and hypertension education at the Youth Integrated Health Post (Posyandu Remaja) in RW 04, Sukawarna Subdistrict. Participatory methods included: (1) interactive counseling using leaflets and PowerPoint presentations on hypertension pathophysiology, risk factors, and prevention; (2) blood pressure screenings for 14 adolescents; (3) demonstrations of watermelon juice preparation as a non-pharmacological therapy; and (4) development of Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) for the Youth Integrated Health Post. Pre- and post-test results revealed a 21.5% improvement in participants' knowledge of early detection and a 21.4% increase in understanding preventive measures. Notably, 92.9% of adolescents demonstrated proper self-administered blood pressure measurement techniques, while 100% committed to reducing salt and instant food consumption. The watermelon juice intervention reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 8 mmHg in 64.3% of participants. Strategic impacts included establishing a sustainable youth health cadre system and adopting the CERDIK education model (Regular Health Checks, Smoking Cessation, Physical Activity, Balanced Diet, Adequate Rest, Stress Management) into routine programs. This initiative underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach integrating biomedical, psychosocial, and local wisdom aspects in preventing hypertension among young generations. These findings align with WHO (2021) recommendations on empowering adolescents as agents of community health change.