Education on Non-Pharmacological Therapy and the Use of Natural Ingredients for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease at Sultan Agung 3 Islamic High School in Semarang

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and requires prevention efforts starting in adolescence. School-based health education is an important strategy for increasing understanding of cardiovascular disease prevention through non-pharmacological approaches and the use of natural ingredients. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of education on changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of students at Sultan Agung 3 Islamic High School in Semarang. The design used a one-group pretest–posttest with 40 students as respondents. The intervention included interactive lectures, educational videos, discussions, and demonstrations on the use of herbal ingredients for heart health. Analysis used a paired t-test. The results showed a significant increase in knowledge (4.40 ± 1.35 to 8.55 ± 1.36; p < 0.001), attitude (25.35 ± 4.07 to 38.85 ± 4.40; p < 0.001), and behavior (26.55 ± 3.62 to 38.30 ± 4.76; p < 0.001). Education was proven to be effective in increasing students' awareness and readiness to adopt a healthy lifestyle and utilize natural ingredients as a preventive measure against cardiovascular disease. This program is recommended to be implemented continuously in school health unit activities.