: From Campus to Village: 138 Public Health Students Descend on Desa Lama, Pancur Batu, to Map Health Issues Based on Data

Students from the UNPRI Faculty of Health Sciences conduct public health surveys, data collection and analysis, environmental observations, and interviews with residents and village officials to identify health risk factors and draft a village health prob

Pancur Batu — The Faculty of Health Sciences at Universitas Prima Indonesia (UNPRI) reaffirms its commitment to producing outstanding, professional, and highly competitive Public Health graduates through the implementation of Field Learning Experience (PBL) based on real community needs.

A total of 138 students from the Undergraduate Public Health Study Program were officially deployed to Desa Lama, Pancur Batu District, Deli Serdang Regency, on Thursday (15/1/2026). This activity aims to objectively identify and map community health issues through comprehensive and measurable field data.

The implementation of PBL serves as a strategic vehicle for UNPRI Faculty of Health Sciences students to integrate theoretical knowledge with direct field practice. The students were welcomed by the Head of Desa Lama, Mr. Nizar Laksamana Tarigan, along with village officials and hamlet heads, in a collaborative atmosphere reflecting the synergy between the academic world and the community.

The student handover process was assisted by representatives from the UNPRI Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr. Rapael Ginting, SKM., M.Kes. and Dr. Hartono, SKM., M.Kes., ensuring all activities adhere to academic standards, professional ethics, and community service principles.

Comprehensive Family Health Data Collection

During the PBL implementation, students collected family health data using broad-spectrum structured questionnaires. The data collection included the socio-economic conditions of families, such as education levels, types of employment, and average household income, which are closely linked to public health standards.

Additionally, students conducted epidemiological data collection on both communicable and non-communicable diseases experienced by family members in the past month. Maternal and Child Health (MCH) aspects were a primary focus, including toddler ownership, basic immunization status, exclusive breastfeeding practices, and family participation in Family Planning (KB) programs. Equally important, students identified Nutrition-Conscious Family (KADARZI) behaviors, such as weight monitoring habits and the use of iodized salt at the household level.

Sanitation and Settlement Environment Inspection

As part of promotive and preventive approaches, students also conducted household environmental health inspections. Inspections covered the ownership and condition of latrines, the distance between clean water sources and fecal waste storage, and the physical quality of dug well water based on color, taste, and odor parameters. Students also evaluated Waste Water Drainage Systems (SPAL) and household waste management systems, which play a vital role in preventing environment-based diseases.

Strengthening Academic and Community Synergy

The UNPRI Faculty of Health Sciences hopes this PBL activity will not only serve as a field learning tool for students but also provide tangible benefits to the residents of Desa Lama through an accurate, data-based health problem map. All collected data will be systematically analyzed as a basis for targeted public health intervention planning, while strengthening the collaboration between higher education institutions and village governments.

Through this PBL, students sharpen not only academic competencies but also communication skills, social empathy, and professionalism as future public health workers ready for the job market. As one of the best Health Sciences Faculties in Medan, UNPRI remains committed to delivering quality education oriented toward academic excellence and community contribution, supporting SDGs 4, SDGs 17.

Want to join a health campus that prioritizes real practical experience? Visit the official UNPRI website at: www.unprimdn.ac.id.

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