PROGRAM EDUKASI PARTISIPATIF UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN DETEKSI DINI DAN PENCEGAHAN MALARIA DI DAERAH ENDEMIS - Medina Liza Lubis, Humairah; Ilham Jaya Kesuma; Silvy Claresta Febryandani; Nasha Riaulina; Rega Hamdana; Tamara Marwiyah Sitorus; M. Iqbal Prayoga; M. Rafli Karo Karo; Muhammad Rifandi; Raja Firdaus; Salsalina Dwi Arifin; Khofifah Dwi R; et al. (Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 2025)
Malaria merupakan salah satu masalah kesehatan utama masyarakat di daerah endemis Indonesia yang berdampak pada tingginya angka kesakitan, kematian dan menurunkan produktivitas masyarakat. Rendahnya pemahaman tentang deteksi dini gejala serta praktik pencegahan menjadi hambatan dalam upaya eliminasi malaria. Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini bertujuan meningkatkan kapasitas masyarakat melalui program edukasi partisipatif yang menekankan pemberdayaan komunitas. Program dilaksanakan di wilayah endemis dengan melibatkan kelompok masyarakat berisiko tinggi. Intervensi berupa penyuluhan terstruktur, diskusi kelompok, serta pelatihan praktis mengenai deteksi dini gejala malaria dan pencegahan berbasis rumah tangga. Evaluasi dilakukan melalui pre-post test dan observasi perilaku. Hasil menunjukkan peningkatan signifikan dalam pengetahuan masyarakat mengenai transmisi malaria, kemampuan mengenali gejala dini, serta praktik pencegahan, seperti penggunaan kelambu berinsektisida dan pencarian pengobatan lebih cepat. Kegiatan ini tidak hanya meningkatkan kesadaran, tetapi juga menumbuhkan kemandirian masyarakat dalam pengendalian malaria. Program edukasi partisipatif ini berpotensi mendukung keberlanjutan upaya eliminasi malaria nasional melalui penguatan peran serta masyarakat. Abstract Malaria remains a major public health problem in endemic areas of Indonesia, contributing to high morbidity, mortality, and reduced community productivity. Limited knowledge of early detection and effective prevention strategies is a key barrier to malaria control and elimination efforts. This community engagement program aimed to enhance community capacity through a participatory health education approach. The program was conducted in a malaria-endemic region by involving high-risk community groups. Interventions included structured health education sessions, participatory group discussions, and hands-on training on early symptom detection and household-based prevention practices. Evaluation was carried out using pre- and post-intervention questionnaires and behavioral observations. The program demonstrated significant improvements in community knowledge of malaria transmission, recognition of early symptoms, and adoption of preventive practices, such as consistent use of insecticide-treated bed nets and timely healthcare-seeking behavior. Beyond increasing awareness, the program fostered community empowerment and self-reliance in malaria prevention and control. The findings suggest that participatory education programs are effective and sustainable strategies to support Indonesia’s national malaria elimination agenda through strengthening community involvement.