Enhancing coastal women’s capacity in Medan through healthy coconut balm production for menstrual pain management and reproductive health

Abstract

[Bahasa]: Perempuan pesisir kerap menghadapi keterbatasan akses informasi dan layanan kesehatan, termasuk dalam penanganan dismenore yang sering dianggap wajar sehingga kurang ditangani optimal. Temuan awal di Kesatuan Perempuan Pesisir Indonesia (KPPI) Medan menunjukkan sebagian besar anggota belum memahami solusi non-farmakologis dan masih bergantung pada obat kimia atau praktik tradisional sederhana. Program pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini bertujuan meningkatkan literasi kesehatan serta membekali keterampilan praktis produksi melalui edukasi partisipatif yang memperkenalkan produk berbahan alam lokal, yaitu Healthy Coconut Balm. Metode pelaksanaan meliputi ceramah, diskusi interaktif, pemutaran video tutorial, pelatihan langsung pembuatan produk, serta pre-test dan post-test untuk menilai efektivitas kegiatan. Hasil menunjukkan peningkatan skor rata-rata pengetahuan dari 19,33 menjadi 27,85 meskipun tidak signifikan secara statistik (p=0,078), namun tetap relevan secara praktis. Selain itu, seluruh peserta berhasil mempraktikkan pembuatan produk dengan antusiasme tinggi. Uji organoleptik menunjukkan penerimaan yang cukup baik terhadap aroma, warna, tekstur, dan sensasi hangat balsam. Inisiatif ini tidak hanya meningkatkan kapasitas perempuan pesisir dalam menjaga kesehatan reproduksi secara alami, tetapi juga membuka peluang ekonomi kreatif berbasis bahan lokal. Dalam jangka pendek, kegiatan ini terbukti meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan produksi sederhana, sementara dalam jangka panjang berpotensi mendorong kemandirian ekonomi melalui komersialisasi produk herbal. Program ini turut mendukung penguatan kapasitas komunitas dan agenda pembangunan berkelanjutan di bidang kesehatan, kesetaraan gender, dan kemandirian ekonomi.

Kata Kunci: Balsem herbal, dismenore, kesehatan reproduksi, pemberdayaan masyarakat, perempuan pesisir

[English]: Coastal women often face limited access to health information and services, particularly in managing dysmenorrhea, which is frequently considered a normal condition and therefore inadequately addressed. Preliminary findings at the Indonesian Coastal Women’s Association (KPPI) in Medan indicate that most members have limited knowledge of non-pharmacological solutions and still rely on chemical medications or simple traditional practices. This community service program aimed to improve health literacy and provide practical production skills through participatory education by introducing a local natural-based product, namely Healthy Coconut Balm. The implementation methods included lectures, interactive discussions, video tutorials, hands-on training in product preparation, and pre-tests and post-tests to evaluate program effectiveness. The results showed an increase in the average knowledge score from 19.33 to 27.85, although it was not statistically significant (p = 0.078), it remained practically relevant. In addition, all participants successfully practiced product production with high enthusiasm. Organoleptic tests indicated good acceptance in terms of aroma, color, texture, and warming sensation. This initiative not only enhanced coastal women's capacity to maintain reproductive health through natural approaches but also opened opportunities for creative economic activities based on local resources. In the short term, the program improved participants’ knowledge and basic production skills, while in the long term, it has the potential to promote economic independence through the commercialization of herbal products. Furthermore, this program supports community capacity building and sustainable development goals in health, gender equality, and economic empowerment.

Keywords: herbal balm, dysmenorrhea, reproductive health, community empowerment, coastal women