NERS NEWS – Students of the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, Group 2 Class A2 Batch 2023, conducted a Project Based Learning (PjBL) activity titled “PEDULI: Family Empowerment in Therapy and Management of Diabetes Mellitus in the Elderly” on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at RT 12 RW 05 Jl. Mojokidul No. 56. This activity aimed to improve knowledge and enhance the role of families in supporting the management of Diabetes Mellitus in the elderly through health education and complementary therapy, under the supervision of lecturers from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga.
The activity began with a pre-test to measure participants’ initial level of knowledge regarding Diabetes Mellitus. This was followed by health education covering the definition, risk factors, signs and symptoms, complications, and the importance of regular blood glucose control. The education also emphasized the role of families in empowering the elderly, including support in dietary management, medication adherence, and routine health monitoring. The activity continued with a demonstration of complementary therapy in the form of diabetic foot exercise, guided directly by the students, consisting of simple, safe movements that can be performed independently at home.
The methods of delivery were varied, including simple presentations, interactive discussions, and educational media such as PowerPoint slides and leaflets. During the question-and-answer session, participants actively engaged by asking various questions related to Diabetes Mellitus management and elderly care at home. As a closing, the activity ended with a post-test, which showed an improvement in participants’ understanding, followed by an ice-breaking session, distribution of door prizes for the most active participants and game winners, and a group photo session as documentation of the activity.
This activity involved students from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, Group 2 Class A2 Batch 2023, with Laili Nurfaiza Niswa Alfira as the project leader, and was supervised by lecturers Dr. Joni Haryanto, S.Kp., MSi., Tiyas Kusumaningrum, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep., and Sylvia Dwi Wahyuni, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep. The activity was carried out on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in the community of RT 12 RW 05 Jl. Mojokidul No. 56, targeting elderly individuals and their families.
This activity was motivated by the high prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus as a chronic disease requiring long-term management, especially among the elderly population. The “PEDULI” program aims to strengthen the role of families in supporting therapy and self-management of Diabetes Mellitus at home. In addition, this activity represents a tangible contribution by students in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, through family-based promotive and preventive efforts.
“This activity is expected to enhance family understanding and involvement in caring for elderly individuals with Diabetes Mellitus, so that their quality of life can be maintained optimally,” said Laili Nurfaiza Niswa Alfira as the project leader. Through this activity, it is hoped that the community, especially families of the elderly, will be able to apply the knowledge gained sustainably in their daily lives. This program reflects the active role of nursing students as educators and community empowerers in improving public health status, while also strengthening the contribution of educational institutions in achieving the SDGs.
Author: Laili Nurfaiza Niswa Alfira
Editor: Raffa Nadiya Primatiana (Airlangga Nursing Journalist)
