EDUKASI DIABETES BERBASIS KOMUNITAS MENINGKATKAN PENGETAHUAN LANSIA

Community-Based Diabetes Education Improves Knowledge Among the Elderly

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases among older adults. Limited health literacy often reduces older people's ability to perform appropriate diabetes self-management, increasing the risk of chronic complications. Community-based health education has been recognized as an effective strategy to improve knowledge and self-management behaviors among individuals with diabetes.

Objective: To improve older adults' knowledge regarding Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus management through the Solusi Inspiratif Tanggap Diabetes Bersama (SITABETA) community-based education program.

Methods: This community service program employed a community-based health education approach using the principles of Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME). Twenty older adults living in KP Stangkle RT 001/RW 016, Kemiri Muka Village, Beji District, Depok City participated in the program. The intervention consisted of health education sessions, diabetic foot care demonstrations, interactive discussions, and educational leaflets. Participants' knowledge was evaluated using pretest and posttest questionnaires, and the data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages.

Results: Prior to the intervention, 50% of participants had poor knowledge, 40% had moderate knowledge, and only 10% demonstrated good knowledge regarding diabetes management. Following the intervention, the proportion of participants with good knowledge increased to 70%, moderate knowledge decreased to 20%, and poor knowledge declined to 10%. These findings indicate that community-based diabetes education effectively improved older adults' knowledge of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus management.

Conclusion: The SITABETA program effectively enhanced older adults' knowledge regarding Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus management through a community-based educational approach. This program represents the translation of research findings into community service and has the potential to become a sustainable educational model for community health programs.