Empowering Posyandu Cadres to Improve Community-Based Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major public health problem with increasing prevalence worldwide, including in Indonesia. Limited public awareness of risk factors, prevention, and early detection contributes to delayed diagnosis and increased complications. This community empowerment program aimed to improve the knowledge and capacity of community members and Posyandu cadres regarding T2DM prevention and early detection through health education and community-based screening. The program was conducted at Kertapati Primary Health Center, Palembang, on 25 and 31 October 2025, involving approximately 50 participants. The intervention consisted of educational lectures, interactive discussions, pre-test and post-test assessments, and health screening, including random blood glucose and waist circumference measurements. Program effectiveness was evaluated by comparing participants' knowledge before and after the intervention. The mean knowledge score increased from 50.58 before the intervention to 77.55 after the intervention, representing a 53.3% improvement. The mean random blood glucose level was 152.5 mg/dL, while the mean waist circumference was 95.05 cm, indicating the presence of metabolic risk factors among participants. This program effectively improved participants' knowledge and awareness of T2DM prevention and early detection. Community empowerment through Posyandu cadres represents a feasible and sustainable strategy for strengthening diabetes prevention at the primary healthcare level.