PENATALAKSANAAN HIPERTENSI DENGAN TERAPI TERTAWADI DESA TEBAT IJUK DILI

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Hypertension is a chronic health problem frequently encountered in rural communities and poses a risk of serious complications if not managed appropriately. In addition to pharmacological therapy, non-pharmacological approaches that are accessible, affordable, and applicable to the community are needed, one of which is laughter therapy. This study aims to determine the effect of laughter therapy on reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients in Tebat Ijuk Village, Dili, in 2025. The research method used is a nursing management study with a pre-experimental approach using a one-group pretest–posttest design. The sample consisted of hypertensive patients who met the inclusion criteria. Laughter therapy was administered structurally over several sessions within a specific period. Blood pressure measurements were conducted before and after the intervention using standard measurement tools. The results showed a decrease in the average systolic and diastolic blood pressure after the administration of laughter therapy. Laughter therapy is proven to provide a relaxation effect, reduce stress, and improve the body's physiological responses that contribute to blood pressure reduction. The conclusion of this study is that laughter therapy can be used as an effective and applicable non-pharmacological nursing intervention in the management of hypertension in rural communities. It is suggested that laughter therapy be incorporated as a promotive and preventive program in public health services.