KOMUNITAS SADAR TORCH SEBAGAI STRATEGI EDUKASI DAN PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT DALAM PENCEGAHAN ABNORMALITAS JANIN

TORCH-AWARE COMMUNITY AS AN EDUCATIONAL AND EMPOWERMENT STRATEGY FOR PREVENTING FETAL ABNORMALITIES

Abstract

Infeksi TORCH (Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, dan Herpes Simplex Virus) merupakan masalah kesehatan reproduksi yang berisiko tinggi menyebabkan abnormalitas janin, seperti kelainan kongenital, keguguran, dan keterlambatan tumbuh kembang. Rendahnya literasi kesehatan masyarakat, terutama di wilayah pesisir dengan akses pelayanan terbatas, menjadi tantangan utama dalam pencegahan. Program TORCH-Aware Community dikembangkan sebagai upaya penguatan kapasitas komunitas melalui edukasi dan pemberdayaan masyarakat agar mampu mengenali risiko, melakukan pencegahan, dan berperan aktif dalam menjaga kesehatan reproduksi. Kegiatan dilaksanakan di Balai Desa Karanganyar, Kecamatan Paiton, Kabupaten Probolinggo, pada bulan Juni 2025 dengan melibatkan 45 peserta yang terdiri atas perempuan usia subur, ibu rumah tangga, dan keluarga muda. Metode pelaksanaan menggunakan pendekatan community organizing yang melibatkan perangkat desa, kader kesehatan, dan dosen pendamping dalam perencanaan dan pelaksanaan. Edukasi dilakukan melalui ceramah interaktif, diskusi kelompok, pemutaran video animasi, serta distribusi leaflet dan infografis. Evaluasi hasil dilakukan melalui pre-test dan post-testserta observasi keterlibatan peserta. Hasil kegiatan menunjukkan peningkatan pengetahuan peserta lebih dari 50% dan munculnya perilaku positif seperti pemeriksaan kehamilan rutin dan dukungan keluarga terhadap kesehatan ibu hamil. Program ini efektif meningkatkan kesadaran masyarakat mengenai infeksi TORCH dan berpotensi direplikasi di wilayah lain dengan karakteristik serupa. Rekomendasi ke depan adalah perlunya keberlanjutan program melalui integrasi materi TORCH ke dalam kegiatan posyandu dan pelatihan kader desa.

Abstract

TORCH infections (Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes Simplex Virus) remain a major reproductive health problem that can cause serious fetal abnormalities, including congenital defects, miscarriage, and developmental delays. Low levels of health literacy, particularly in coastal communities with limited access to health services, increase these risks. The TORCH-Aware Community program was developed to strengthen community capacity through education and empowerment, enabling people to recognize risk factors, implement preventive measures, and play an active role in protecting maternal and fetal health. This program was implemented in Karanganyar Village Hall, Paiton Subdistrict, Probolinggo Regency, in May 2025, involving 45 participants consisting of women of reproductive age, housewives, and young families. Using a community organizing approach, local authorities, health cadres, and academic facilitators collaborated from the planning to the implementation stages. Educational activities included interactive lectures, group discussions, animated videos, and the distribution of leaflets and infographics. Program evaluation was carried out through pre- and post-tests as well as participant observation. The results showed a knowledge improvement of more than 50% across all aspects and behavioral changes such as routine antenatal care visits and increased family support for pregnant women. The TORCH-Aware Community effectively enhanced reproductive health literacy and promoted preventive behaviors. It is recommended that this program be sustained through the integration of TORCH education into village health activities and cadre training to ensure long-term impact.