Peningkatan Pengetahuan dan Pelatihan Pembuatan Spray Saliva Herbal “Maloemia” untuk Mengatasi Xerostomia Pada Komunitas Lansia Adiyuswa Gereja HSPMTB Kota Tangerang

Sari

ABSTRAK

Xerostomia atau mulut kering merupakan keluhan yang sering dialami lansia akibat proses degeneratif, penyakit sistemik, serta penggunaan obat-obatan jangka panjang. Kondisi ini dapat menurunkan kualitas hidup karena menyebabkan kesulitan makan, berbicara, dan meningkatkan risiko karies serta infeksi rongga mulut. Komunitas Lansia Adiyuswa Gereja HSPMTB Kota Tangerang secara rutin menjalankan pemeriksaan kesehatan umum, namun edukasi mengenai kesehatan gigi dan mulut, khususnya xerostomia, belum pernah dilakukan secara khusus. Tujuan kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan komunitas lansia mengenai xerostomia dan kesehatan rongga mulut lansia serta memberikan keterampilan pembuatan spray saliva herbal alami “Maloemia” (Madu Aloe vera untuk Xerostomia). Kegiatan dilaksanakan melalui penyuluhan, demonstrasi cara menjaga oral hygiene, dan pelatihan hands-on pembuatan spray saliva herbal berbahan alami kepada komunitas lansia ini. Evaluasi dilakukan menggunakan pre-test dan post-test terhadap materi edukasi yang diberikan. Hasil kegiatan menunjukkan peningkatan pemahaman peserta mengenai xerostomia, dampak penggunaan obat jangka panjang terhadap rongga mulut, terlihat dari adanya peningkatan pengetahuan melalui pre dan post test sebesar 28.9% (p=0,00). Peserta juga mampu mempraktikkan pembuatan spray saliva herbal “Maloemia” secara mandiri menggunakan bahan sederhana yang mudah diperoleh. Penyuluhan dan pelatihan pembuatan spray saliva herbal “Maloemia” terbukti efektif meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan anggota Komunitas Lansia Adiyuswa dalam upaya promotif dan preventif kesehatan rongga mulut lansia. 

Kata Kunci: Saliva Buatan, Aloe Vera, Madu, Lansia, Xerostomia.

ABSTRACT

Xerostomia or dry mouth is a common complaint among older adults caused by degenerative processes, systemic diseases, and long-term medication use. This condition may reduce quality of life by causing difficulties in eating and speaking, as well as increasing the risk of dental caries and oral infections. The Adiyuswa Elderly Community of HSPMTB Church Tangerang routinely conducts general health check-ups; however, oral health education, particularly regarding xerostomia, has never been specifically adressed. The objective of this community service activity is to improve the knowledge of this community members regarding xerostomia and oral health in older adults, as well as to provide practical training in preparing a natural herbal saliva spray “Maloemia” (Honey Aloe vera for Xerostomia). This programme was conducted through educational counseling, good oral hygiene procedure demonstrations, and hands-on training in preparing a natural herbal saliva spray for the elderly community. Evaluation of this programme was carried out by conducting pre-test and post-test questionnaires on the educational materials provided. The evaluation showed that this programme improved the participants’ understanding regarding oral health, the effects of long-term medication use on oral health, and xerostomia. This reflected by an increase in knowledge scores of pre-test to post-test by 28.9%. Participants were also able to independently prepare the “Maloemia” herbal saliva spray using simple and easily accessible ingredients. In addition to improving oral health knowledge, the activity also provided opportunities for community-based creative economic empowerment. Educational counseling and hands-on training in the preparation of the “Maloemia” herbal saliva spray effectively improved the knowledge and skills of Adiyuswa Elderly Community Tangerang in promotive and preventive oral healthcare for older adults. 

Keywords: Saliva Substitute, Aloe Vera, Honey, Elderly, Xerostomia.