Improving the Health of Families of Post-Stroke Patients in Coastal Areas through Health Management for Food Security and Health Independence

Abstract

Stroke is a major degenerative disease that significantly affects patients and their families, especially in coastal communities where access to health services is limited. Post-stroke patients require continuous care, while families often struggle with low health literacy, lack of skills in self-monitoring, and reduced economic productivity, which ultimately impacts household food security. This community service program was conducted in Puger Kulon Village, Jember, from April to November 2025, involving 45 families of post-stroke patients. The intervention consisted of health education on risk factors and prevention of complications, training on the use of simple monitoring tools such as sphygmomanometers, glucometers, and cholesterol sticks, free health examinations, and nutrition education focusing on local food-based dietary management. Families were provided with educational modules, leaflets, and health monitoring cards, and supported through regular home visits and simple digital surveillance to track progress. The results indicated an improvement in family knowledge, skills, and confidence in patient care, better adherence to health monitoring routines, and greater awareness of the importance of healthy eating using locally available resources. This program demonstrates that family empowerment through education, the use of simple health technologies, and promotion of food security can strengthen independence, improve patient care, and enhance the quality of life for post-stroke patients in coastal communities.