Improving the Knowledge of Poskestren Cadres about Microbiology-Based Tuberculosis Screening (Sputum Smear) Through Education at Al Jihad Islamic Boarding School in Surabaya

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is still a public health problem in Indonesia. Poskestren cadres play an important role in supporting early TB detection through educational activities and screening in pesantren environments. Therefore, efforts are needed to enhance the capacity of cadres through empowerment activities. Objective: To find out the changes in Poskestren cadres' knowledge about tuberculosis screening based on microscopic sputum smear examination after being given education at Al Jihad Islamic Boarding School in Surabaya. Method: Community service activities were carried out through education and interactive discussions attended by 50 Poskestren cadres at Al Jihad Islamic Boarding School in Surabaya. Knowledge evaluation was conducted using pre-tests and post-tests with a knowledge questionnaire as the instrument. Knowledge changes were analyzed descriptively in 5 participants who had complete pre-test and post-test data. Results: The evaluation results for the 5 participants showed that the average score of the knowledgeKnowledge went up from 86 on the pre-test to 94 on the post-test, an increase of 8 points, or about 9.3%. The minimum score rose from 70 to 90, while the maximum stayed at 100. Two participants improved their scores, while three held onto the high scores they got on the pre-test. No one’s score went down after the education. In short: Education on TB screening based on microbiology (sputum smear) boosted knowledge for participants who had complete evaluation data. A cadre empowerment activity with 50 participants could help strengthen Poskestren cadres’ ability to support early TB detection in the pesantren community.