PENINGKATAN PENGETAHUAN DAN PERILAKU HIDUP BERSIH DAN SEHAT PADA ANAK SEKOLAH DASAR

Abstract

Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS) is a set of behaviors practiced consciously as a result of learning that empowers individuals, families, and communities to help themselves in health and play an active role in achieving optimal health. Education about PHBS is crucial to instill from an early age, especially in elementary school-aged children, as this is the time when children are forming habits and character that will carry into adulthood. Therefore, health education in elementary schools is a key strategy in promotive and preventive efforts in public health. (Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, 2020).

A study conducted by Puspitasari, Widjanarko, and Lestari (2021) in several elementary schools in Central Java revealed that only around 43% of students washed their hands properly with soap before eating and after defecating. Meanwhile, most students did not understand the importance of maintaining personal hygiene, such as regularly trimming nails, bathing twice a day, and wearing clean uniforms. These findings indicate a gap between knowledge and practice of PHBS among school-aged children. (Puspitasari et al., 2021)

The community service activity was held on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM WIT at SD Islamiyah Tobelo, North Halmahera Regency. The topic was Improving Knowledge and Clean and Healthy Living Behaviors in Elementary School Children. Twenty-five children, one teacher, and three lecturers attended the activity. Prior to the education, most children did not understand the importance of Clean and Healthy Living Behaviors. After the education, 23 children showed increased knowledge and behaviors.