Community Service: Education and Health Screening for Hypertension Prevention in Bontokanang Village, Galesong District, Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
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Abstract
Hypertension remains a major global public health challenge and is a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. In rural communities, limited healthcare access and low health literacy contribute to delayed diagnosis and poor blood pressure control. Community-based education and screening programs have therefore become important strategies to improve awareness, support early detection, and encourage preventive health behaviors.
This community service program was conducted in 2026 in Bontokanang Village, Galesong District, Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, from May 23 to May 28. The program involved 57 community participants and applied a participatory community-based approach. Intervention activities included structured health education, blood pressure screening, risk factor assessment, individualized counseling, and referral services. Educational sessions focused on hypertension risk factors, healthy lifestyle modification, dietary management, physical activity, smoking cessation, and the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring.
Screening results showed that 21 participants (36.8%) were classified as prehypertensive and 14 participants (24.6%) met the criteria for hypertension. Among participants with hypertension, most had not previously undergone routine blood pressure assessment. Following the intervention, participants demonstrated improved understanding of hypertension prevention and increased awareness regarding modifiable risk factors. In addition, many participants expressed willingness to adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors, including reducing salt intake and increasing physical activity.
In conclusion, the program demonstrated that community-based education and health screening interventions can effectively improve hypertension awareness, facilitate early detection, and promote preventive behaviors in rural communities. Strengthening similar interventions through collaboration with local healthcare services may contribute to reducing the long-term burden of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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