The effect of education on the smart community movement for rational medication use (Gema Cermat) on self-medication knowledge levels among the community of Kampung Bali

Self-medication is frequently practiced by the community to manage various minor health complaints. However, inadequate understanding of proper medication use may result in inappropriate drug selection and use, potentially leading to health risks. The Gerakan Masyarakat Cerdas Menggunakan Obat (Gema Cermat), or Smart Community Movement for Rational Medication Use, is a program initiated by the Indonesian Ministry of Health to improve community knowledge and skills in using medicines appropriately, safely, and rationally. This study aimed to analyze the difference in community knowledge regarding self-medication before and after receiving Gema Cermat education. A pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest approach and no control group was employed. The study involved 60 respondents from Kampung Bali, West Jakarta, who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire that had undergone validity and reliability testing, while differences in knowledge were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. Before the intervention, 60 respondents (93.3%) had a poor level of knowledge, while 4 respondents (6.7%) had a moderate level of knowledge. Following the educational intervention, all respondents (100%) achieved a good level of knowledge. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test indicated a significant difference in knowledge levels before and after the intervention (p < 0.001). Therefore, Gema Cermat education can improve community knowledge regarding self-medication in Kampung Bali, West Jakarta.