Depok, October 5th 2023. The number of HIV/AIDS cases is increasing in Indonesia, including among teenagers. Based on the Ministry of Health’s report in 2022, 9.5 percent of HIV cases occurred in adolescents aged 15–19 years old, while 17.7 percent occurred in adolescents aged 20–24 years old. The high level of curiosity in teenagers is one of the main factors in promiscuous sexual behavior which can have an impact on HIV/AIDS infection. In an effort to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS to teenagers, providing early education to teenagers is vital.
In an effort to promote and educate reproductive health, the Community Service and Empowerment Team of the Faculty of Nursing (FIK) Universitas Indonesia (UI) created an innovative Attractive Card game inspired by wayang characters, called “RAMA SHINTA”. This attractive card can be used as teaching material by teachers to educate about preventing HIV transmission to teenagers at school.
The service team was led by Sri Yona S.Kp., M.N., PhD. with team members consisting of lecturers and students from FIK UI, namely Prof. Dra. Elly Nurachmah; M.App.Sc. DNSc; Prof. Dr. Yati Afiyanti, S.Kp., M.N.; Rita Ismail, PhD; Ananda Putri Widianingsih, Arzeti Ayu Cendekia, Azriel Bima Putra Anugrah, Clara Caroline, Rochmad Nur Ihsan, and Tika Febriyana.
“As educators, we need breakthrough health education methods for adolescents that are innovative and appropriate to the learning styles of the adolescent’s growth period. It is hoped that this activity will help increase knowledge regarding HIV prevention and adolescent reproductive health,” said Sri Yona.
As an inspiration for this attractive card innovation, it is hoped that the wayang characters, Rama and Shinta, can be an example for teenagers to avoid negative behaviors such as free sex and drugs. Rama is known as a prince who upholds truth and is wise in everything he does, while Shinta is a beautiful, patient princess. As lovers, Rama and Shinta take care of each other in their actions, are selective in finding friends or foes, are educated and wise in their relationships.
Not only does this fun game have educational value, it also hones strategic and competitive thinking skills. The way to play this card is that each participant will choose a card containing a question. There are cards worth +1 to +5, challenge cards worth +10, bonus cards and zonk cards. Each individual or group is allowed to think for 5 seconds to answer the question on the card. If you don’t answer or answer incorrectly, the card can be given to another group or individual for them to compete over.
The socialization of the “RAMA SHINTA” card innovation was carried out at the field in SMAN 1 Depok on (31/08) which was attended by 600 students and 15 teachers. This activity began with providing material related to the transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS in adolescents by Sri Yona S.Kp., M.N., PhD. Next, the participants received an explanation regarding efforts to achieve healthy adolescent behavior by Prof. Dra. Elly Nurachmah.
Meanwhile, a trial of the Attractive Card game “RAMA SHINTA” was then attended by 50 students and several teachers at SMAN 1 Depok on (07/09). During the game, students looked enthusiastic in fighting for the points on the cards. To ensure the sustainability of this innovation, the service team also distributed a set of attractive “RAMA SHINTA” cards and e-leaflets for schools, especially guidance and counseling teachers, to use in educating students regarding the prevention of promiscuous sexual behavior and the transmission of HIV/AIDS.
One of the students at SMAN 1 Depok, Raja Mulyo, said, “It’s very exciting, the game is very challenging. We also learn and remember the material that was presented last week. In my opinion, this card is very important for educating teenage students in a more exciting way. My suggestion is that the duration of the game could be longer with more varied questions because it is very exciting and creative.”
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Author: FIK UI Public Relations
Editor: Dyra Daniera
