EDUCATION ON LABORATORY EXAMINATION RESULTS FOR HEALTH CADRES IN AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING

Abstract

Public understanding of laboratory test results remains low, often leading to misunderstanding, unnecessary anxiety, or, conversely, delays in seeking medical care. Health cadres (kader kesehatan) play an important role as a bridge between health facilities and the community, yet not all cadres are adequately equipped to explain simple laboratory results to residents. This community service activity aims to improve the knowledge and ability of health cadres in reading and explaining basic laboratory test results (hemoglobin levels, blood glucose, cholesterol, and simple liver/kidney function) to the community. The activity was carried out through interactive health education, discussion, and simulated reading of sample laboratory results, complemented by knowledge evaluation before and after the activity (pre-test and post-test). The results showed an improvement in the knowledge and understanding of health cadres in reading laboratory results. This activity is expected to enhance community health literacy in a tiered manner through the active role of health cadres.