NERS NEWS — Surabaya — Group 15 of the Professional Nursing Program (B27), Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, organized a Hospital Health Promotion (PKRS) activity themed “Creating a Safe, TB-Free Environment Through Proper Cough Etiquette” on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Graha Trimed Outpatient Clinic of Universitas Airlangga Hospital. This educational session was aimed at patients and their families to enhance awareness and preventive behaviors against tuberculosis (TB) transmission through proper cough etiquette and healthy lifestyle practices.
The event was opened by the MC, Vena Melisa, who guided the program and explained the background and objectives of the session. The activity continued with material presentations delivered by Yeni Hevlin and Vina Rohmatak through interactive lectures, discussions, and demonstrations using educational posters and leaflets. The material covered the definition of TB, its causes and modes of transmission, early symptoms such as a cough lasting more than two weeks, fever, weight loss, and high-risk groups susceptible to infection.
In addition, the presenters emphasized TB prevention through the “NURSE” concept, nutrition with a balanced diet, use of masks and proper cough etiquette, regular early symptom evaluation, safe and well-ventilated home environment, and ensure completion of TB treatment, monitor household contacts, and undergo examination and immunization.. The material was delivered in a communicative manner, enabling participants to understand the importance of early detection and prevention of transmission within families and healthcare settings.
The educational session was also supervised by the clinical instructor, Ners Chandra Dwi Arie, who reinforced that everyone is at risk of contracting TB. Therefore, maintaining a strong immune system and implementing preventive measures from an early stage are essential steps. This message highlighted that TB control requires active community participation in creating a healthy and safe environment.
As part of the educational practice, the presenters also demonstrated proper cough etiquette, the correct use of masks when experiencing a cough, and proper handwashing techniques after coughing or sneezing. This demonstration aimed to enhance participants’ skills so they would be able to independently apply preventive behaviors in their daily lives.
During the activity, the session was attended by 23 participants who showed enthusiasm through various questions, such as what to do if they forget to take TB medication, whether the eating utensils of a person with TB should be separated, and many others. Through this activity, it is hoped that patients and their families will better understand the importance of being vigilant about TB, consistently practice proper cough etiquette, and actively contribute to creating a safe healthcare environment free from the transmission of infectious diseases.
Writer: Mohammad Ferdy Arrosyd
Editor: Nandyta Putri Rahmadhani (Airlangga Nursing Journalist)
