Socialization of the Potential of Acupressure in Reducing Anxiety in the Elderly in Hobong Village, Jayapura Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Anxiety is a common feeling experienced by the elderly, especially due to changes that occur in their lives. Situations such as retirement, loss of a life partner, health problems, and physical limitations can trigger persistent feelings of anxiety. Acupressure is a technique that originates from ancient Chinese medical traditions, which involves applying pressure to specific points on the body using the fingers or special tools. The potential of acupressure in reducing anxiety in the elderly in Hobong Village, Jayapura Regency, Indonesia, is an interesting topic to be explored. The implementation of community service is carried out through 3 stages of the implementation process, namely preparation, implementation, and evaluation. As many as 100 respondents participated in counseling on the potential of acupressure in reducing anxiety in the elderly. There is an enhancement of knowledge score among respondents after being given counseling about the potential of acupressure in reducing anxiety in the elderly, with p <0.05. The results of the study also showed that there was an increase in attitudes and behavior in choosing acupressure therapy modalities after the counseling process was carried out, with p <0.05. Socialization activities are effective in increasing aspects of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of the elderly in Hobong Village, Jayapura Regency, Indonesia, in choosing the modality of acupressure therapy to reduce anxiety.