Pendampingan Apoteker Dan Kader Kesehatan Dalam Pengelolaan Diabetes Mellitus Pada Lansia Di Desa Talang Jerinjing, Riau

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease with high prevalence in the elderly requiring sustainable self-management. Low knowledge and medication adherence among the elderly remain major challenges in disease control, especially in rural areas with limited access to health information. This Community Service Activity (PkM) aimed to improve knowledge, self-management skills, and medication adherence of elderly DM patients through pharmacist and health cadre assistance in Talang Jerinjing Village, Indragiri Hulu Regency, Riau. The implementation method consisted of three stages: (1) preparation, including coordination with the Community Health Center, village government, and health cadres, participant identification, and development of educational media; (2) core implementation, including four group education sessions, individual medication counseling through home visits, and blood glucose examinations; and (3) evaluation and reporting. The target participants were 30-40 elderly (≥60 years) DM patients. The results showed increased participants' knowledge about DM (causes, symptoms, complications, and management), improved medication adherence as demonstrated through individual counseling and medication regimen evaluation, the formation of trained village health cadres as sustainable companions, and the availability of illustrated educational leaflets as reminder media at home. This activity was proven effective in improving knowledge and medication adherence of elderly DM patients, as well as establishing a sustainable support system through collaboration among pharmacists, Community Health Centers, health cadres, and village officials. This program has the potential to become a community-based health intervention model applicable to other rural areas.