Abstract:From Fieldwork to Policy Insight: Longitudinal Review of Environmental Health Practices in Gianyar, Bali (December 2021 June 2025) Background:Environmental sustainability is a key determinant of public health. In rapidly developing areas like Gianyar, Bali where tourism and urbanization are accelerating maintaining a healthy environment presents critical challenges. Since December 2021, students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Warmadewa, have conducted fieldwork in community health centers (Puskesmas), focusing on environmental health. This study synthesizes findings from 50 student-led projects conducted through June 2025 to identify environmental health risks, practices, and policies in Gianyar’s primary healthcare settings. The aim is to inform evidence-based strategies for promoting sustainable environmental health. Methods:A longitudinal synthesis was carried out using data from 50 student field studies over 3.5 years. These involved environmental risk mapping, waste management assessments, sanitation audits, and interviews with healthcare workers and community members. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data, while descriptive statistics summarized quantitative findings. Stakeholder consultations were held to validate insights and assess policy relevance. Results:Common issues identified included improper waste segregation (78% of Puskesmas), irregular sanitation practices (61%), and low environmental health literacy in surrounding communities. Improvements were noted following student-led interventions such as health promotion activities and community education. Collaboration between students, health officers, and local government supported minor policy revisions, especially in waste management protocols. Conclusion:Sustained student engagement in community-based environmental health efforts has provided valuable insights and contributed to incremental policy change. The Gianyar experience illustrates how academic-community partnerships can support environmental sustainability in primary health care. This model may be applicable to similar regions across Southeast Asia.
Keywords: Climate Change and Planetary Health, Environmental health, sustainability, public health policy, community-based learning
