EDUKASI TENTANG CARA MENGENALI KEASLIAN OBAT PADA MASYARAKAT DI CIPUTAT – TANGERANG SELATAN

Abstract

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Background: The lack of public understanding regarding how to recognize the authenticity of medicines remains a serious health issue. This condition increases the risk of circulation and use of counterfeit or illegal medicines, which impacts both safety and therapeutic effectiveness. Objective: To improve community knowledge and skills in distinguishing genuine and counterfeit medicines, as well as to foster a critical and cautious attitude before consuming medicines. Method: The activity was carried out using a participatory approach, consisting of several stages: preparation, material development, health education sessions, discussions, practical exercises on medicine identification, and evaluation through a short quiz. Results: The education provided proved effective in enhancing community understanding of the differences between legal and illegal medicines, the meaning of packaging symbols, and the importance of reading labels and BPOM registration numbers before purchasing medicines. Participant responses were very positive, as shown by their enthusiasm during the question-and-answer session and the evaluation quiz results. Conclusion: Education on recognizing the authenticity of medicines is effective in improving community medicine literacy. Such activities should be implemented continuously and expanded in scope to ensure more people are protected from the dangers of counterfeit medicines.

                                                ABSTRAK

Latar Belakang : Kurangnya pemahaman masyarakat mengenai cara mengenali keaslian obat masih menjadi permasalahan serius di bidang kesehatan. Kondisi ini meningkatkan risiko peredaran dan penggunaan obat palsu maupun ilegal, yang berdampak pada keselamatan dan efektivitas terapi. Tujuan : Untuk Meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan masyarakat dalam membedakan obat asli dan palsu, serta menumbuhkan sikap kritis dan waspada sebelum mengonsumsi obat. Metode : Kegiatan dilaksanakan dengan metode partisipatif, meliputi tahapan persiapan, penyusunan materi, penyuluhan, diskusi, praktik pengenalan obat, serta evaluasi melalui kuis singkat. Hasil : Edukasi yang diberikan terbukti meningkatkan pemahaman masyarakat mengenai perbedaan obat legal dan ilegal, arti simbol pada kemasan, serta pentingnya membaca label dan nomor BPOM sebelum membeli obat. Respon peserta sangat positif, terlihat dari antusiasme dalam sesi tanya jawab dan hasil evaluasi berupa kuis. Kesimpulan : Edukasi tentang cara mengenali keaslian obat efektif dalam meningkatkan literasi obat masyarakat. Kegiatan ini perlu dilaksanakan secara berkelanjutan dan diperluas jangkauannya agar semakin banyak masyarakat terlindungi dari bahaya obat palsu.