Apoteker Cilik Membangun Generasi Melek Obat Sejak Bangku Sekolah Dasar

Abstract

The community service program titled “Apoteker Cilik: Membangun Generasi Melek Obat Sejak Bangku Sekolah Dasar” (Little Pharmacist: Building a Drug-Literate Generation from Elementary School) was implemented at UPT SDN 13 Perupuk with the aim of increasing students’ understanding and awareness of the safe and rational use of medicines. This program utilized an interactive educational approach through visual media, educational games, and role-play simulations that actively involved 56 sixth-grade students. The materials included the introduction of the pharmacist profession, types and functions of medicines, correct usage and storage methods, and identification of expired or unsafe drugs. The results showed a significant improvement in students’ knowledge and attitudes after participating in the program. Students were able to correctly explain the pharmacist’s role, identify various drug forms, describe proper medication use, and recognize characteristics of unsafe drugs. The interactive learning approach proved effective in enhancing engagement, comprehension, and health awareness among elementary students. This finding highlights that health education designed in an enjoyable and participatory manner can serve as an effective strategy to cultivate early drug literacy and responsible health behavior. Despite its success, the activity was limited to a single school and lacked standardized quantitative instruments for knowledge measurement. Future programs are recommended to expand implementation to more schools, involve teachers and parents, and apply pre-test and post-test evaluations. The development of a thematic Little Pharmacist learning module is also suggested to ensure sustainability in promoting a drug-literate, healthy, and responsible young generation.