Jurnal Pengabdian Mitra Indonesia · Nov 11, 2026
Hypertension Control Program for Older Adults: Education, Knowledge, and Behavior Change
By Siregar SMF, Maghfirah, Azzahra RD et al.
Hypertension is a major public health problem in Indonesia, particularly among older adults, whose prevalence is much higher than that of the general adult population. In Gampong Ie Lhob, 38 of 42 older adults examined at the integrated health post for older adults (approximately 90%) were at risk of or had hypertension, accompanied by cases of mild stroke suspected to be related to uncontrolled hypertension. This community service activity aimed to improve knowledge and encourage behavior change among older adults in the prevention and control of hypertension. The program combined health education using posters, hypertension exercises, and support through daily home visits for seven days. Knowledge was evaluated using 10-question pre-tests and post-tests (n = 10), while behavior was monitored using a daily checklist of ten indicators (n = 10). The mean knowledge score increased from 8.2 to 8.8 (exact Wilcoxon p = 0.031): six participants improved by one point, four remained unchanged, and none declined. The percentage of behavioral indicators met increased from 78% on day 1 to 89% on day 7, after temporarily dropping to 74% on day 4; three participants improved, six remained unchanged, and one declined. Medication adherence remained the lowest indicator (60% to 70%). Because there was no comparison group and the number of participants was small, these results are descriptive. The combination of education and repeated support through home visits appears promising, but medication adherence requires additional support from health professionals and families.