PENYULUHAN BAROTRAUMA DI KAMPUNG TUA TELUK MATA IKAN NONGSA

Abstract

Barotrauma is an injury caused by pressure imbalance within air-filled cavities  (ear, sinuses, lungs, teeth, and gastrointestinal tract), commonly experienced by  traditional fishermen divers. Limited knowledge, inadequate prevention skills, and  restricted healthcare access increase health risks among coastal communities. This  community service program aimed to improve fishermen’s understanding of barotrauma  types, early symptoms, prevention, and first aid. The counseling was conducted in  Nongsa, Batam through interactive lectures, equalizing technique simulations, group  discussions, and pre-test and post-test evaluations involving 45 participants. The results  showed a significant increase in knowledge across all aspects: types of barotrauma  (42% to 91%; p=0.001), early symptoms (38% to 89%; p=0.001), prevention (35% to  86%; p=0.001), and first aid (28% to 82%; p=0.002). In conclusion, barotrauma  counseling effectively enhanced fishermen’s knowledge and awareness, and serves as  an essential promotive-preventive strategy to reduce barotrauma risk in coastal  communities.