Health education and routine blood pressure measurements as efforts for early detection of hypertension among older adults in a nursing home

ABSTRACT: Hypertension is a non-communicable disease whose prevalence continues to increase, particularly among older adults. This condition often goes undetected at an early stage because of a lack of knowledge and access to health examinations. The objective of this community service activity was to increase older adults' knowledge about hypertension and conduct early detection through routine blood pressure measurements at the nursing home. The methods used were health education and direct blood pressure measurements in 45 older adults. Evaluation was conducted through pre-test and post-test using a questionnaire consisting of 15 multiple-choice questions, as well as direct observation. The results of the activity showed a 68.9% increase in older adults' knowledge after health education, and 28 of 45 participants (62.2%) were found to have blood pressure above normal, including 15 individuals (33.3%) classified as having stage 1 hypertension and 7 individuals (15.6%) as having stage 2 hypertension. This activity successfully encouraged older adults' awareness of the need to have their blood pressure checked regularly and adopt healthier lifestyles.Abstract: Hypertension is a non-communicable disease with a continuously increasing prevalence, particularly among the elderly. This condition is often undetected due to a lack of knowledge and limited access to health services. The purpose of this community service activity was to increase the elderly's knowledge about hypertension and to conduct early detection through routine blood pressure examinations at the Rumah OMA Muslim Elderly Home in Depok. The methods used were health education and direct blood pressure measurements involving 45 elderly participants. Evaluation was conducted through pre-test and post-test using a questionnaire consisting of 15 multiple-choice items, as well as direct observation. The results showed a 68.9% increase in participants' knowledge after the health education session. Furthermore, 28 out of 45 participants (62.2%) were found to have blood pressure above normal, including 15 individuals (33.3%) classified as stage 1 hypertension and 7 individuals (15.6%) as stage 2 hypertension. This activity successfully encouraged the elderly to monitor their blood pressure regularly and adopt healthier lifestyles.