The Use of Effective Sentences in Health Promotion Posters by Pharmacy Students

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of sentences in health promotion posters designed by pharmacy students using Google Sites. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, the research focuses on 45 digital posters created by students of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Muhammadiyah University of Riau. Data was collected through poster documentation and limited interviews, then analyzed based on Tarigan's (2008) principles of effective sentences, which include unity of ideas, word economy, structural coherence, diction accuracy, and logical clarity. The results indicate that most posters excelled in unity of ideas (84.4%) and diction accuracy (73.3%), reflecting students' ability to convey core messages and choose appropriate vocabulary. However, challenges were observed in word economy (46.7%) and logical clarity (53.3%). Common issues included unnecessary word repetition, the use of technical terms without explanation, and assumptions about the audience's prior knowledge. This suggests that while students can develop scientifically accurate content, adapting language for a general audience remains an area for improvement. These findings highlight the need to simplify scientific language into more accessible communication without losing informational accuracy. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of balancing verbal and visual effectiveness, as health posters must be both attention-grabbing and easy to understand. Therefore, it is recommended that pharmacy students receive training in concise writing and audience analysis, particularly in the context of health promotion targeting the general public. This study has limitations, including a sample limited to one institution and the lack of behavioral impact measurement from the posters. Thus, further research is recommended to combine linguistic analysis with empirical testing, such as audience comprehension surveys or field experiments. Moreover, developing interdisciplinary training modules integrating health content with popular communication strategies could serve as a long-term solution to enhance the effectiveness of health promotion materials among pharmacy students. By providing a critical evaluation of student work, this study not only identifies areas for improvement but also opens opportunities for innovative pharmacy education that is more responsive to public health communication needs.

Keywords: Effective Communication, Health Promotion, Pharmacy Students, Poster Design, Sentence Structure