Socialization and Production of Natural Hand Sanitizer from Lemongrass Stems (Cymbopogon citratus) to Promote Hand Hygiene Awareness in Konda Satu Village

Abstract

Hand hygiene is an essential aspect of preventing the spread of infectious diseases, particularly in rural areas where access to sanitation facilities remains limited. This community service activity aimed to enhance the awareness and practical skills of residents of Konda Satu Village in maintaining hand hygiene through educational outreach and training on the production of natural hand sanitizer using lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) stalks. Lemongrass was selected because it contains essential oils with active compounds such as citronellal, citronellol, and geraniol, which possess antibacterial properties. The activity employed several methods, including educational sessions, hands-on demonstrations of natural hand sanitizer production, and an assessment of community knowledge using pre- and post-activity questionnaires. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and interest in using natural hand sanitizers, with the level of understanding increasing from 52% to 88%. The activity not only successfully increased community awareness of the importance of hand hygiene but also empowered residents to utilize locally available resources in a sustainable manner.