BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – Efforts to reduce hypertension cases in the community are being strengthened through the empowerment of community-based health volunteers. Lecturers and students from the Nursing Department of Poltekkes Kemenkes Denpasar conducted a community service program titled “Optimizing the Role of Mosque Majelis Taklim Health Cadres in Early Detection and Control of Hypertension” at Sadar Mosque, Tegalwangi Gang Kenanga No. 13, Sesetan, South Denpasar, on May 23, 2026.

The program involved approximately 30 health cadres from various ‘majelis taklim’ (Islamic study groups) and aimed to enhance their ability to detect hypertension at an early stage, provide health education, and assist community members in controlling the disease, often referred to as the “silent killer.”

The initiative featured a series of activities, including health education sessions, training on proper blood pressure measurement techniques, healthy lifestyle promotion, and simulation exercises on assisting individuals at risk of hypertension.

Community service team leader, Suratiah, S.Kep., Ners., M.Biomed., said that hypertension remains one of the most common non-communicable diseases affecting communities.

“Hypertension is still one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases in society. It is particularly dangerous because it often does not cause symptoms in its early stages, leaving many people unaware of their condition,” she said.

She added that ‘majelis taklim’ groups play a strategic role due to their strong social and spiritual connections with local communities. By equipping health cadres with adequate knowledge and skills, education on the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring and healthy lifestyle practices can reach a broader segment of the population.

During the training, participants received instruction on standard blood pressure measurement techniques, identification of hypertension risk factors, implementation of a low-salt diet, the importance of regular physical activity, stress management, and adherence to treatment among hypertension patients.

In addition to the training sessions, the team provided free blood pressure screening services for ‘majelis taklim’ members attending the event. The activity also served as an initial screening effort to raise public awareness about individual health conditions.

Evaluation results showed a significant improvement in participants’ knowledge and skills in conducting hypertension screening and delivering health education to community members. The cadres also expressed their readiness to carry out regular blood pressure monitoring within their respective ‘majelis taklim’ groups.

The program aligns with broader efforts to prevent non-communicable diseases by emphasizing the importance of community involvement in improving public health awareness. Community-based health cadre empowerment is also believed to help reduce the risk of hypertension-related complications, including stroke and heart disease.

Through this initiative, Poltekkes Kemenkes Denpasar hopes to encourage more people to undergo early hypertension detection and adopt healthier lifestyles to prevent the development of chronic diseases in the future.