Jakarta, October 24, 2024 - Living a healthy and productive life is the dream of every individual, including the people of Jakarta's north coast. However, various health problems, especially non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus, are major challenges that often hamper productivity. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are often referred to as “silent killers” in Indonesia as many sufferers are unaware of their condition. These can lead to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. According to the latest data, the prevalence of hypertension in Indonesia is 30.8%, while diabetes mellitus reaches 11.7%. Both contribute greatly to the level of disability in society.

The Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing (MSN) of the Faculty of Nursing Sciences, University of Indonesia (FoN UI) together with a team of lecturers and students from the MSN specialization master program and the MSN specialist nurse program of FoN UI carried out a community service activity entitled “Healthy and Productive Living for Jakarta Coastal Communities” at the Cilincing TPI (Fish Auction Place), North Jakarta. The event involved collaboration with the North Jakarta Food Security, Marine, and Agriculture (KPKP) Office and the Cilincing Village Government, with support from the FoN UI Graduate Student Association (HMP). The activity, which consisted of counseling, health checks, and counseling, aimed to increase health awareness and education in coastal communities, which often have limited access to health information and services.

TPI Cilincing was chosen as a location for community service by the Faculty of Nursing, University of Indonesia (FoN UI) for several reasons. First, the area is a fostered area of FoN UI, which reflects the faculty's commitment to make a real contribution to improving the health of the local community. According to information from the local lurah, this village is often used as a place for health data collection, which indicates that there is an urgent need for health interventions in this area.

Second, TPI Cilincing faces many health problems, ranging from basic to more serious. During health checks and interviews with the local community, it was revealed that public awareness about the importance of maintaining health is still low. Many residents do not understand the risks of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus, so they often do not realize their health condition until it is too late. Thus, this community service activity aims to increase health knowledge and awareness among the Cilincing community, as well as provide the necessary health checks to prevent further illness.

This activity not only aims to provide education, but also to collect data that can be used for further research, so as to create more targeted interventions in improving public health in TPI Cilincing.

Dean of the UI Faculty of Nursing, Agus Setiawan, S.Kp., M.N., D.N., emphasized the importance of preventive and educational efforts for vulnerable communities. “As an educational institution, we are committed to not only developing nursing science but also making a real contribution to public health. This community service aims to help Cilincing residents recognize risk factors for dangerous diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, and adopt a healthier lifestyle. We believe, with the right education, people can be more active in maintaining their health,” she said.

In this counseling, the Faculty of Nursing UI highlighted the various risk factors that lead to increased cases of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. In general, hypertension is triggered by an unhealthy diet, such as high consumption of salt and cholesterol, which are found in fast food and salty snacks. Lack of physical activity is also a major factor, especially among coastal communities who tend to have a less active lifestyle. In addition, poorly managed stress and smoking exacerbate the risk of hypertension. Without control, hypertension can lead to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure, so prevention education is important for the community.

On the other hand, diabetes mellitus also has similar risk factors. A diet rich in sugar and simple carbohydrates, such as in sugary drinks and fast food, contributes to uncontrolled elevation of blood sugar levels. Lack of exercise, obesity and heredity also increase the risk of diabetes, which if not managed properly, can lead to complications such as visual impairment, nerve damage, and kidney and heart problems. “Diabetes cannot be completely cured, but sugar levels can be regulated by being disciplined in eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress. Avoid foods with high sugar, and increase water consumption to keep the body hydrated,” explained Yulia, S.Kp., M.N., Ph.D., a lecturer at the Department of MSN FoN UI who also provided education.

Through the implementation of a healthy lifestyle, people are encouraged to make prevention efforts in a practical way. Dr. I Made Kariasa, S.Kp., MM, M.Kep., Sp.Kep.MB, a lecturer at the Department of MSN FoN UI, explained the CERDIK approach as a guide to prevent hypertension, namely regular health checks, eliminating cigarette smoke, diligent physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate rest, and managing stress. This approach is delivered in simple yet meaningful language to help people remember the practical steps in maintaining their heart and blood vessel health.

The enthusiasm of Cilincing residents in this activity shows the high need for health services and education that can be accessed directly by the community. After the counseling session, residents had the opportunity to have a health check-up, including blood pressure, blood sugar level, cholesterol, and uric acid. These check-ups help people understand their health conditions and provide an idea of the actions that need to be taken. One resident, Rokani, expressed her appreciation for this activity, “This activity is very useful, I know my blood pressure and blood sugar. Thank you FoN UI for the education, now we know better what to do,” she said.

With this community service activity, the Faculty of Nursing UI hopes that the coastal communities of North Jakarta, especially in the Cilincing area, will increasingly understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle and be able to independently control the risk of non-communicable diseases. The Faculty of Nursing UI is optimistic that this activity will not only provide short-term benefits, but also encourage people to make a healthy lifestyle part of their daily routine, creating a healthier and more productive society.