Assessment of Community Health Volunteers’ Knowledge on Family Medicinal Plants (TOGA) in Nagari Salimpek, Alahan Panjang, West Sumatra

Abstract

Nagari Salimpek is a village located in the Alahan Panjang District, West Sumatra. Currently, three Family Medicinal Plants (Tanaman Obat Keluarga or TOGA) gardens are active in the area, cultivating species such as Javanese ginseng, ginger, and others. There are ongoing efforts to develop Nagari Salimpek into a model village for herbal cosmetics. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge among posyandu (integrated health service post) community health volunteers in Nagari Salimpek regarding TOGA. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising questions related to the cultivation and use of TOGA. Responses were tabulated and analyzed descriptively. A total of 17 respondents participated in the study, all of whom were female. The largest age group was those over 50 years old (29.4%). The majority of respondents had an educational background at the elementary or high school level (70.4%). The most common occupation among participants was housewife (64.7%). Additionally, most respondents reported owning the land used for cultivating Family Medicinal Plants (TOGA) (64.7%). The findings showed that 70% of posyandu community health volunteers had a good level of knowledge regarding TOGA. To further enhance awareness and understanding, it is recommended that regular educational programs and counseling sessions be conducted, focusing on the importance and health benefits of TOGA.