• 
• 
• 
• 

 

The Respiratory and Tropical Diseases Research Group (RG) of the Faculty of Medicine (FK) of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) conducted a community service activity entitled "Efforts to Increase Knowledge Regarding Occupational Lung Diseases, the Dangers of Smoking, and the Use of Personal Protective Equipment for Furniture Workers at the Sambirembe Joint Business Cooperative, Kalijambe, Sragen," from Friday to Sunday (July 25-27, 2025). This community service activity took place in Sambirembe Village, Kalijambe District, Sragen Regency.

The community service activity was carried out in stages, beginning with the production of an educational video by undergraduate students of the Faculty of Medicine. The video discussed the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the safety of furniture workers. The six students were Syifa Safira Choirunnisa, Aloysia Flower Lula Utami, Agustinus Evan Wibisono, Sabrina Athiyah Nooralviani, Nouval Rifky Ananda, and Rahadian Daivandrea Airlangga Damanik.

The activity then continued with direct education covering topics such as Occupational Lung Disease, the Dangers of Smoking, and the Importance of Using PPE in the Workplace. To measure the effectiveness of the education, participants were given a pre-test before the presentation and a post-test after the event. Comparing pre-test and post-test scores indicated an increase in participants' understanding of the material.

In addition to the education, the community service team also conducted free health checks and spirometry tests to detect early lung function impairment in furniture workers. This activity was divided into several posts led by specialist doctors, PPDS Pulmonary students, and undergraduate medical students, with guidance from several lecturers from the UNS Faculty of Medicine, including Prof. Dr. dr. Yusup Subagio Sutanto, Sp.P(K)., FISR., FAPSR, Prof. Dr. dr. Reviono, Sp.P(K)., FISR, Dr. dr. Hendrastutik Apriningsih, Sp.P(K), M.Kes, FISR, and Dr. Artrien Adhiputri, Sp. P(K), M. Biomed, FISR, Dr. Brigitta Devi Anindita Hapsari, Sp.P, and Betty Suryawati, dr., M.Biomed Sci, Ph.D, Sp.MK.

Throughout the event, the participants demonstrated high enthusiasm. They actively participated in each session, from watching educational videos, taking pre- and post-tests, to engaging in direct discussions with the education team. The material presented received a positive response, as evidenced by the numerous questions asked and the dynamic discussion. The post-test results showed an increase in participants' understanding of the material, reflecting the success of the educational method used.

According to Nouval Rifky, a student who participated in the event, this activity was very beneficial for both parties: the students, who gained real-world experience working in the community, and the community, who received education about PPE and occupational lung disease.

"Working directly with the community gave us real-world experience, allowing us to relate the theory we learned on campus to real-world conditions. Furthermore, interacting with residents also enhanced our empathy and communication skills as aspiring professionals. We hope that residents will also receive education so they can better maintain their health," he explained. 

Furthermore, this activity is expected to raise awareness among furniture workers about the importance of maintaining lung health, understand the risks of exposure to hazardous materials such as wood dust and cigarette smoke, and encourage them to consistently use PPE in their daily work activities.

Public Relations of FK UNS