NERS NEWS – Students of the Nursing Professional Education Program, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga conducted a Hospital Health Education (Pendidikan Kesehatan Rumah Sakit/PKRS) activity themed “Understanding Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) and Their Prevention through Proper Coughing and Sneezing Etiquette” for patients and their families in Ward 503, IRNA 5A, Grha Trimed, Universitas Airlangga Hospital on Thursday, April 2, 2026. This activity aimed to enhance the hospital community’s understanding of ARI and preventive measures through a simple yet effective behavior—correct coughing and sneezing etiquette.
The health education session was delivered using lectures, discussions, and demonstrations, supported by educational media such as leaflets and posters. The material presented included the definition of ARI, its causes, signs and symptoms, preventive efforts, the concept of coughing and sneezing etiquette, the benefits of applying it, and a demonstration of the correct steps in practicing proper coughing and sneezing etiquette. This approach was selected to ensure participants not only understood the concepts but were also able to directly practice behaviors that help prevent the transmission of respiratory infections.
The activity was organized by Group 14 of the B27 Nursing Professional students from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, under the academic supervision of Dr. Lailatun Ni’mah, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep and clinical mentor Ari Kusumandani, S.Kep., Ns. The session took place from 07.45 to 08.45 WIB in Ward 503 IRNA 5A Grha Trimed, with the main target being patients and family members currently receiving care. Throughout the activity, students carried out well-coordinated roles, including moderator, presenter, facilitator, recorder, observer, documenter, and logistics team.
This activity supports:
The topic of ARI was chosen due to the still-high risk of respiratory infection transmission, particularly in environments with frequent and close interaction such as hospitals. ARI can spread through droplets expelled during coughing and sneezing; therefore, education about proper coughing and sneezing etiquette is essential in infection prevention efforts. This activity also aimed to increase awareness among patients and families to adopt clean and healthy living behaviors in their daily routines. In addition to supporting patient safety, this program contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by promoting health education and preventing infectious diseases within healthcare facilities.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by enhancing patients’ and families’ knowledge regarding ARI prevention through proper coughing and sneezing etiquette.
- SDG 4: Quality Education, through the delivery of science-based health education to the hospital community.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration between nursing professional students, academic supervisors, and healthcare staff at Universitas Airlangga Hospital.
Through this program, the students hope that patients and their families will not only understand what ARI is but will also be able to independently apply correct coughing and sneezing etiquette as a form of protecting themselves and others. Such health education initiatives are expected to continue sustainably as part of the Faculty of Nursing’s contribution to improving community health literacy, strengthening a culture of disease prevention, and supporting more promotive and preventive healthcare services.
Author: Group 14 PKRS, Nursing Professional Education Program, Batch B27
Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga
Editor: Raffa Nadiya Primatiana (Airlangga Nursing Journalist)
