Improving Adolescent Health Literacy on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Through a School-Based Educational Seminar: A Community Service Program (LUPUS CERDAS)

Abstract

Background: Awareness of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is critically 
low among Indonesian adolescents, despite clinical evidence showing that ap
proximately 52% of pediatric cases occur between the ages of 11 and 15. This 
study evaluated the effectiveness of a health education seminar conducted dur
ing a community service program entitled “LUPUS CERDAS: Cekatan, Energik, 
Responsif, dan Sadar Sehat” in improving health literacy regarding SLE, photo
protection, and physical activity among junior high school students. 
Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test/post-test design was con
ducted at SMPN 2 Jatinangor, involving 35 students from Grades 7 to 9. Data 
were collected using a validated 20-item multiple-choice questionnaire and a 
thematic qualitative feedback form. 
Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in knowledge scores, 
increasing from a mean of 72.29 ± 12.97 to 81.71 ± 15.34 (p < 0.001), represent
ing a 13.04% gain from the baseline. Qualitatively, 57.1% of students identi
fied the pathology of Lupus as the most engaging topic due to its novelty, while 
85.7% rated the visual educational aids as "Very Helpful." Notably, the study 
identified a "Silent Knowledge Gap," with 28.6% of participants remaining un
certain about their family medical history regarding autoimmune symptoms. 
Conclusions: Targeted community service interventions are powerful tools in 
enhancing adolescent health literacy. By providing students with an evidence
based framework for understanding autoimmune triggers, these programs in
crease awareness regarding early recognition and family health communication. 
Future outreach should prioritize the integration of mental health and lifestyle 
management into school-based health curriculum.