An Assessment of Srvices Provided by Health Fairs (Posyandu) in Malang, Indonesia

DOI: 10.5176/2251-3833_GHC17.40

Authors: Trang Hoang, Lorena Baccaglini, Dewi Ningsih, Chandran Achutan

Abstract: We assessed the services provided by health fairs to mothers and children (maternal and child health fairs), and health fairs for the elderly (senior health fair) in Malang, Indonesia. At eight health fairs, we administered a questionnaire to all participants. One hundred and five participants from four maternal and child health fairs, and 89 participants from four senior health fairs took part in the study. Participants (percentage [{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465}]) from the maternal and child health fairs identified the following additional services: nutritional/dietary advice (41.9{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465}), information on maintaining a safe and clean home environment (22.8{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465}), and information on contraception (22.8{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465}). For the elderly participants, their top three additional services include nutritional/dietary advice (21.9{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465}), peer socialization opportunities (20.8{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465}), and information on maintaining a safe and clean home environment (9.4{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465}). The relationships between the additional needs in the areas of nutritional and dietary habits, contraception, physical activity/exercise habits, and health education between the attendees from the maternal and child health fair versus those from the senior health fair were statistically significant. This study identified ways to improve health fairs in Malang, especially in a way that put the decisions and responsibilities in the hands of those in the community whom these services will benefit the most.

Keywords: Posyandu, Health Fair, Maternal Child, Elderly, Indonesia