NERS NEWS — Nursing Profession students from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga conducted a health education session themed “Recognize Black Stool: Myths, Facts, and When to Be Alert” on Thursday (April 16, 2026) at IRNA 3A Graha Trimed, Universitas Airlangga Hospital. This activity aimed to improve the knowledge of patients’ families regarding melena as an important warning sign of gastrointestinal disorders.
The session was delivered through an interactive lecture and discussion, covering comprehensive topics such as the definition of melena, its causes and risk factors, signs and symptoms, differences from normal conditions, as well as management and prevention. Participants were also given the opportunity to ask questions, creating active two-way communication throughout the event.
This activity was organized by the Nursing Profession Program students of the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, Class B27, specifically Group 15 of the Medical-Surgical Nursing Clinical Rotation. The health education session took place from 09.00 AM until completion and targeted family members accompanying patients in IRNA 3A Graha Trimed.
The purpose of this session was to raise public awareness about the importance of early detection of melena and appropriate management to prevent more serious complications. It was also motivated by the fact that public knowledge regarding warning signs of gastrointestinal bleeding remains low, making health education an important promotive and preventive effort.
This activity aligns with the achievement of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, particularly in increasing public awareness and knowledge about health, as well as SDG 4: Quality Education through community health education.
Overall, the activity ran smoothly and received positive responses from participants. It is hoped that through this program, patients’ families will be able to recognize melena symptoms early and seek medical help promptly, thereby preventing severe complications.
Writer: Vina Rohmatak
Editor: Eva Khoirunnisa Adinta (Airlangga Nursing Journalist)
