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FORMOSA NEWS - Malang - A team of health researchers from Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang has launched a community-based preventive healthcare initiative to combat the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases and low health awareness in Indonesia. Led by Siti Rofida alongside Engrid Juni Astuti, Nailis Syifa, Tiwuk Herawati, Eis Sofina Adelia, and Emalia Jihan Fakhrunisa, the Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang research team integrated a comprehensive social health screening program with the formal inauguration of a local Nutrition House (Rumah Gizi). Conducted on February 14, 2026, in the Lowokwaru district, this field study highlights how grassroots civil organizations can successfully bridge formal healthcare gaps and improve local health literacy.

The Challenge of Silent Health Threats in Indonesia
Public health management in Indonesia faces persistent challenges, characterized by a rising prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases, family nutritional imbalances, and a widespread lack of early health detection practices among citizens. Medical experts increasingly advocate for community-centered, promotive, and preventive healthcare strategies as the most sustainable way to improve long-term public health outcomes. To address these silent health threats, the researchers from Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang collaborated with the Aisyiyah women's organization, specifically the Lowokwaru Branch Leadership (PCA Lowokwaru). Civil society organizations like Aisyiyah possess deep social roots, making them uniquely capable of introducing modern health screenings through trusted, culturally accepted community frameworks. By launching the Nutrition House facility, the team created a strategic venue to deliver direct education and immediate diagnostic services to the local population.

Simple Framework for Community Health Screening
The methodology designed by the Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang research group relied on a direct, non-invasive screening framework to gather immediate baseline health metrics from 28 local participants. This cohort included regional branch leaders, assembly members, local school principals, and community organizers. The medical screening process focused on three key diagnostic pillars:
  • Anthropometric Status: Measuring weight and height to calculate each participant's Body Mass Index (BMI) using the standard mathematical formula of body weight divided by the square of height.
  • Cardiovascular Health: Conducting digital blood pressure monitoring to identify underlying risks of hypertension.
  • Metabolic Function: Performing random blood glucose tests using rapid point-of-care devices to check for signs of diabetes mellitus.
Following the clinical measurements, the Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang team immediately utilized the individual diagnostic data to conduct an interactive educational seminar titled "Proper Nutrition for Healthy Elderly," ensuring the clinical findings were translated into practical lifestyle advice.

Key Findings Reveal High Overweight and Hypertension Rates
The data collected during the February 2026 screening event revealed critical insights into the metabolic and cardiovascular health profile of the community participants:
  • Demographic Breakdown: The participant group was highly localized and predominantly female, consisting of 27 women and 1 man. According to the Ministry of Health age classifications, the majority fell into the elderly category (61–75 years) at 43%, followed by middle-aged adults (46–60 years) at 36%, and younger adults at 21%.
  • Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity: The calculated Body Mass Index metrics showed that only 43% of the participants maintained a normal weight. Alarmingly, 36% of the tested individuals were classified as overweight, and an additional 18% met the clinical criteria for obesity.
  • Cardiovascular Trends: While 57% of the cohort demonstrated normal blood pressure readings, a substantial group of 18 participants suffered from chronic hypertension. However, the researchers noted that all 18 individuals were already under active medical supervision, keeping their conditions controlled. Within this hypertensive group, approximately 14% also exhibited an obese BMI.
  • Low Diabetes Detection: The random blood glucose testing yielded highly positive results for the cohort, with 96% showing normal blood sugar levels. Only one participant was identified as having diabetes mellitus, and that individual was already receiving monthly routine medical care.
Real-World Impact and the Role of the Nutrition House
The successful deployment of this health program demonstrates how localized medical facilities can reshape public health infrastructure. The newly inaugurated Nutrition House in Lowokwaru is designed to function as a permanent, sustainable hub for family nutrition monitoring, education, and early disease intervention. In addition to serving as an educational resource for families with toddlers and elderly members, the Nutrition House will operate a social enterprise model by preparing and distributing healthy, nutritionally balanced meal options to the general public. According to the Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang researchers, combining simple diagnostic screenings with community-led nutritional services effectively removes traditional barriers to healthcare access, fostering independent preventive actions among homemakers and families. Highlighting the structural value of the initiative, corresponding author Engrid Juni Astuti of Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang emphasized that direct interaction between university health workers and the public enables an immediate knowledge transfer that permanently elevates local health literacy.

Author Profile
Siti Rofida, M.Farm., Apt. is a senior lecturer and researcher at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang. Her academic work specializes in clinical pharmacy, community healthcare delivery, and preventive pharmacological education.
Engrid Juni Astuti, S.A.P., M.A.P. is a faculty member at Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang, specializing in public administration, community empowerment strategies, and the management of regional healthcare initiatives.

Source
Siti Rofida bersama Engrid Juni Astuti, Nailis Syifa, Tiwuk Herawati, Eis Sofina Adelia, dan Emalia Jihan Fakhrunisa. Promoting Preventive Care: Social Health Screening during the Nutrition House Inauguration. Asian Journal of Community Services (AJCS). Vol. 5, No. 6 2026, Halaman 309-316
DOI : https://doi.org/10.55927/ajcs.v5i6.28
URL: https://journalajcs.my.id/index.php/ajcs