Darmabakti: Jurnal Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat

Optimizing the use of personal smartphones to support safe and measurable physical activity among middle school students

2026-02-04T14:36:21+07:00

The high smartphone ownership among junior high school students in Banyumas Regency (99%) has not been matched by their use to support physical fitness. The majority of device use is limited to entertainment (games or social media), and smartphone ownership has not been fully leveraged for its functions or its role in supporting physical activity. This community service program aims to educate and train students and teachers in utilizing smartphone-based sports applications to support higher-quality physical activity. The activity was carried out in partnership with the Subject Teacher Working Group (MGMP) Physical Education, Sports, and Health (PJOK) Junior High School (SMP) Sub Rayon 06 Banyumas, involving 16 teachers and 547 students. The implementation methods included socialization, training in the implementation of the Strava (performance monitoring) and IQAir AirVisual (environmental air quality monitoring) applications, and monitoring and evaluation. The activity results showed significant behavioral changes, with 99% of participants adopting the technology. This program successfully transformed smartphones from mere entertainment devices into health-tech tools, improved students' digital literacy, and created a safe, measurable, and data-driven sports culture in the school environment.

Ruang senja: mental health education and support to improve the psychological well-being of the elderly in Tlompakan Village

2026-03-05T03:06:28+07:00

Mental health issues among the elderly in Tlompakan Krajan Hamlet are often overlooked due to various changes, such as declining physical condition, reduced social roles, loss of a partner, and limited interaction with family. These conditions trigger feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and sadness that are often suppressed. The lack of sharing spaces and low mental health literacy put the elderly at risk of social isolation and a decline in overall quality of life. In response to these problems, KKN GIAT 15 UNNES, together with the Tlompakan Village Midwife, implemented the Senja Room program as a mental health education and support program for the elderly. The methods used were interactive lectures, discussions, and experience sharing, games for recognizing emotions and reflecting on gratitude, and relaxation practices using deep breathing and butterfly hug techniques. The results of the activity showed that the elderly were present and participated in all activities; participants began to dare to share their experiences in discussions; participants were able to understand and explain the importance of maintaining mental health; and most of the elderly appeared more relaxed after the relaxation session. This program helps seniors feel more valued, less alone, and motivated to stay socially and emotionally active. The Senja Room program is expected to be the first step toward building a community that cares more about seniors' psychological well-being.

Optimizing the psychological well-being of the elderly in Sempulur Village through psychoeducation based on self-reflection and social interaction

2026-03-05T21:10:22+07:00

The increasing elderly population demands serious attention to psychological well-being, particularly in communities with limited social support. Observations in Sempulur Village indicate that many elderly people live alone, have limited social activities, and receive minimal psychological stimulation. This community service program aims to improve the psychological well-being of elderly people through a psychoeducational program based on self-reflection and social interaction. The implementation method involves several stages: needs analysis, program design, activity implementation, and evaluation. The program is implemented through participatory group activities that include healthy elderly exercise, reflection on life experiences (reminiscence), and art therapy to stimulate aspects of self- acceptance, autonomy, and purpose in life. A total of 15 elderly people (1 man and 14 women) participated in a series of programs that were evaluated through a psychological well-being survey and participatory observation. Results showed increased social participation, active involvement in group activities, and increased self-expression and a sense of meaning in life. Furthermore, this program also had a positive impact by providing a forum for psychosocial activities that can be utilized sustainably by the village community. Thus, this program contributes to improving the psychological well-being of elderly people in a community-based manner.

Collaborative efforts in the restoration of educational facilities following a hydrometeorological disaster: The 46th Latsitardanus Program at SDN 1 Tualang Cut, Aceh Tamiang

2026-04-02T15:45:39+07:00

The 46th Taruna Wreda Nusantara Integration Exercise (Latsitardanus XLVI) in 2026 is an annual national event strategically focused on the restoration of educational facilities following hydrometeorological disasters in Aceh Tamiang Regency, involving a total of 1,980 personnel, comprising 902 cadets from the Indonesian National Defense Academy (510 Military Academy cadets, 238 Naval Academy cadets, and 154 Air Force Academy cadets), 283 Police Academy cadets, 45 SSN Polytechnic cadets, 292 Universitas Pertahanan Republik Indonesia student cadets, and supported by 458 support personnel. Using an integrated crisis management approach divided into pre-implementation, implementation, and evaluation phases, this initiative prioritized the rehabilitation of Public Elementary School 1 Tualang Cut through classroom restoration, environmental cleanup, and the repair of learning facilities to foster cross-institutional collaboration and cultivate a leadership spirit focused on community service. With an effectiveness rate of 90%, this program successfully achieved its recovery targets optimally within the available timeframe, which not only strengthened the bond between cadets and the people and provided moral support to affected residents, but also equipped future officers with professional experience grounded in integrity while upholding the spirit of nationalism as public servants.

A community-based physical therapy program focused on education and therapeutic exercises to reduce pain and improve independence among the elderly at the Bhakti Luhur Tropodo Nursing Home

2026-03-25T14:57:04+07:00

This community service initiative was motivated by the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among the elderly, particularly knee pain and lower back pain, which lead to a decline in functional capacity and independence. The objectives of this initiative are to enhance knowledge, reduce pain intensity, and improve the functional abilities of the elderly through a community-based physical therapy program. The methods used included health education, demonstrations of therapeutic exercises, and individualized exercise guidance. The interventions provided consisted of strengthening and flexibility exercises such as quadriceps sets, straight leg raises, heel slides, knee extensions, and bridging, as well as exercises for low back pain such as single knee to chest and double knee to chest. Evaluation was conducted through pre- and post-tests of knowledge and pain measurement using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Results showed an increase in knowledge in the “good” category from 49% to 76%, as well as a reduction in severe knee pain from 23% to 6% and in back pain from 32% to 4%. Additionally, there was an improvement in the elderly participants’ ability to perform independent exercises, as well as an increased role for caregivers in supporting the elderly. This program effectively enhances physical, cognitive, and behavioral functioning, thereby contributing to sustained improvements in the quality of life for the elderly.