Journal of Public Health and Pharmacy

Evaluation of Pharmacist-Based Services for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Indonesian Community Health Centers

2025-02-11T10:18:07+07:00

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a global epidemic that continues to rise, including in Indonesia, and it has significant impacts on public health. The role of pharmacists in providing pharmaceutical care for diabetic patients in community health centers is crucial, yet challenges in its implementation persist. However, in-depth studies on pharmacists' practice experiences in this context are still limited in Indonesia. This study aimed to explore pharmacists' experiences in implementing pharmaceutical care for diabetic patients at community health centers in Indonesia.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in community health centers in South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. Pharmacists practicing at community health centers were recruited between October and December 2023. The survey was distributed in both paper and online (Google Form) formats. The questionnaire used in the survey focused on the provision of assessment, care plan, and follow-up parameters regarding the medication of diabetic patients.

Results: A response rate of 60,3% (n=143) was obtained from pharmacists involved in this survey. Regarding the assessment parameter, the indicator of assessment patient trust was the most dominant implemented by pharmacists (93,7%) compared to other indicators. In terms of the care plan parameter, providing information on medication indications was the most dominant indicator implemented (82,9%). Meanwhile, for the follow-up parameter, the indicator of medication adherence follow-up was the most dominantly implemented by pharmacists (79,1%). Factor analysis revealed that assessment, care plan, and follow-up evaluation each constituted one composite.

Conclusion: The pharmaceutical care provided by pharmacists at community health centers for diabetic patients is still suboptimal. The factors that caused the suboptimal implementation of pharmaceutical care were resource limitations, inadequate specialized training for pharmacists, and insufficient support from the healthcare system.

Community-Based Tobacco Smoking Cessation Programmes Among Adolescents in Sarawak: Lesson Learned from Process Evaluation

2025-02-11T10:24:09+07:00

Introduction: This study evaluated the effectiveness of community-based quit-smoking interventions using the 5A’s and 3A’s modules.

Methods: The study was conducted between 2020 and 2021 in Samarahan and Asajaya District, Sarawak, Malaysia. The study included 519 participants out of 600 individuals, and both facilitators and observers evaluated the process. The process evaluation assessed various components: fidelity, dose delivered, dose received, reach, satisfaction, context, justification for intervention withdrawal, facilitator influence on sessions, and intervention feedback.

Results: The study found that most facilitators executed more than 85% of both session modules, achieving at least 75% of the objectives. Most participants of both sessions were positively and actively engaged and would recommend intervention to others. The participants reported positive feedback. However, 26.3% of participants withdrew from the second session due to inconvenient timing. The observer’s fidelity evaluations of both intervention sessions were fully implemented according to plans, achieving over 75% of their objectives. Observers acknowledged active and engaged participants during both intervention sessions and regarded all facilitators as appropriate and positive toward participants. The process evaluation showed that the interventions were administered well, and smoking adolescents demonstrated a willingness to quit smoking due to the outcomes of this intervention.

Conclusion: The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of community-based interventions for quitting smoking and highlight the importance of evaluating the process of interventions to understand their relationship with outcomes. The study’s results can inform the development and implementation of future interventions to reduce smoking incidence among adolescents.

Anemia Associated with Student Learning Achievement: Cross-Sectional Study

2025-02-11T10:28:18+07:00

Introduction: Adolescent anemia is one of the public health problems globally, including in Indonesia. Learning achievement is associated with adolescent anemia in girls. This study aims to determine the relationship between anemia and teenage girls' learning achievement at school.

Methods: The type of research was a cross-sectional study conducted in June 2022 at one of the Aliyah madrasas in Palu City. Research samples from 34 adolescent girls were taken using a simple random technique. The research variables were learning achievement, body mass index (BMI), and hemoglobin levels. Research data was collected using observation sheets, digital weight scales, height using a longboard, and hemoglobin levels using the Easy Touch Kit. The measurement of learning achievement uses the average score of student education reports based on the minimum completeness criteria (CCM) set by the school with the requirements of good (B), enough (C), and less (K). The research data analysis used a chi-square test and prevalence ratio with a confidence level (95%).

Results: The results showed that anemia in adolescent girls was 67.6%. There was an association between learning achievement and anemia (?=0.034) and PR value = 0.79, 95% CI 0.00 to 1.52. There was no association between body mass index and anemia (?=0.49) and PR value = 0.54, 95% CI 0.08 to 3.7.

Conclusion: The study concluded that the percentage of anemia in adolescent girls was 67.6% and was categorized as a severe public health problem. Teenage girls who are anemic have a risk of 0.79 times having academic achievement with a grade of C. Students are expected to pay attention to adequate nutritional intake; the school facilitates regular iron supplementation intervention programs and nutrition education for vulnerable students, and health programs are integrated with the educational curriculum, health monitoring, and periodic anemia screening

Pathogenic Bacteria on Musca domestica: Identification and Antibiotic Sensitivity via MALDI-TOF

2025-02-14T09:50:40+07:00

Introduction: Flies are mechanical vectors that can transmit a variety of pathogenic bacteria, potentially causing human infections, especially in hospital settings. Rapid and accurate identification of these pathogenic bacteria, as well as assessment of their sensitivity to antibiotics, is essential for effective infection control.

Methods: Sampling of flies in temporary rubbish bins in the hospital environment. Isolation of pathogenic bacteria from fly body surface by culture method, identification of bacteria using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry technology. Antibiotic sensitivity test was conducted using Viteks 2 Compact to assess the effectiveness of therapy against the isolated bacteria. Ethical approval was obtained from Hasanuddin University Makassar.

Results: Four species of pathogenic bacteria, namely Staphylococcus sciuri, Staphylococcus xylosus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis, were successfully identified quickly and accurately using the MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry method. Staphylococcus sciuri and Staphylococcus xylosus are sensitive to Benzylpenicillin, Oxacillin, and Ciprofloxacin, although Staphylococcus sciuri shows moderate resistance to Moxifloxacin. Klebsiella pneumoniae is resistant to Ampicillin, but is effective when combined with Sulbactam, while Proteus mirabilis is generally sensitive, except for Tigecycline. These findings are relevant for infection prevention strategies in hospitals, providing more appropriate antibiotic use guidance and supporting antimicrobial resistance control programs.

Conclusion: MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry method proved effective in the rapid and accurate identification of pathogenic bacteria from flies. Antibiotic sensitivity testing is essential to determine the most effective therapy and avoid the use of less effective antibiotics.

Evaluation of Herbal Honey with Black Cumin and Curcuma xanthorriza as an Antioxidant Supplement for Stunting Prevention

2025-02-11T10:38:19+07:00

Introduction: Honey has been widely used as a nutritional supplement and medicine. Many herbal honey products are developed as nutritional supplements that are combined with SFM to make them more effective, but there are still many shortcomings due to the unpleasant taste produced, unattractive physical appearance, and high susceptibility to oxidation reactions that cause severe damage to the quality of honey, especially in the content of active substances, viscosity, and pH, which can cause the effectiveness of honey to decrease and result in product failure as nutritional supplements to treat stunting problems. We have developed an herbal honey multi-nutrient supplement that combines honey with black cumin oil and Curcuma xanthorriza extract called HBCX. Adding Curcuma xanthorriza extract and black cumin oil to honey is expected to increase honey's benefits as an antioxidant. This study aims to determine the physicochemical characteristics (pH and viscosity), heavy metal contamination content, polyphenols, and antioxidant activity.

Methods: This experimental laboratory research was conducted at the Pharmacy Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, UAD. The viscosity and pH of HBCX were observed using an Ostwald viscometer and a pH meter. Total phenol determined by Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and gallic acid standard. Determination of antioxidant activity using the DPPH method. The data are presented in a quantitative descriptive manner and matched with the SNI honey standard.

Results: The results showed that HBCX herbal honey had a higher viscosity than the sampled honey from the market but was still lower than the SNI requirements. HBCX honey has a lower pH than sample honey products from the market but still complies with national standards. HBCX honey is safe from heavy metal contamination and contains polyphenols. The antioxidant activity of HBCX honey is relatively high, with IC50=54.78 ppm.

Conclusion: HBCX has high polyphenol content, is safe from heavy metal contamination, and has sufficient antioxidant activity.

Adolescent Behavior in Implementing Clean and Healthy Living Practices through Local Wisdom-Based Character Education: A Cross-Sectional Study

2025-02-11T10:45:02+07:00

Introduction: Adolescence is a crucial phase for the development of lifelong health behaviours. Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS) is essential for enhancing public health, particularly among adolescents. This study focuses on the role of character education based on local wisdom in promoting PHBS among adolescents in Balaesang District, Donggala Regency.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2024, involving 150 adolescents aged 12-15 years. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and field observations. The study evaluated the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and actions towards PHBS and the impact of character education based on local wisdom. Data analysis was conducted using the chi-square test.

Results: The findings revealed significant relationships between knowledge (p = 0.004), attitudes (p = 0.001), and actions (p = 0.002) toward the implementation of PHBS. Character education based on local wisdom was found to strengthen adolescents' knowledge, attitudes, and actions, leading to improved implementation of PHBS.

Conclusion: Character education incorporating local wisdom plays a vital role in promoting clean and healthy behaviours among adolescents. Integrating cultural values with health education can effectively enhance the knowledge, attitudes, and actions of students, contributing to better public health outcomes.

Correlation of Responsive Caregiving with Child Development

2025-02-11T10:49:56+07:00

Introduction: Caregiving or parenting significantly impacts a child's growth and development. Responsive caregiving is regarded as the optimal caregiving model. Current research pertains to responsiveness and the cognitive and psychosocial development of children. However, research linking responsive caregiving to children’s development is still rarely conducted. This study aimed to determine the correlation between responsive caregiving patterns and child development.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on children aged 48 to 72 months in Bina Anaprasa kindergartens Surabaya within May 2024. Data collection was obtained through interviews and observation of interactions between caregivers and children. Responsiveness was measured using responsiveness criteria in the HOME assessment score. Child development was measured using Denver II. Denver II tests child development as general, which consist of gross-motor, language, fine motor and personal-social developments. Data analysis used a correlation test based on each variable’s scale. Ethical approval was obtained from Komite Etik RS Dr. Soetomo, and participants provided written informed consent.

Results: A total of 67 children from 4 kindergartens were included in this study. This study found 7 children (10.5%) with developmental delay. A significant relationship was found between parenting responsiveness and general child development [p=0.021; OR: 7.5 (1.31-42.76)]. If specified, fine motor development have significant relationship (p=0.006). However, there was no significant correlation between responsive caregiving and gross motor development (p=0.299), language development (p=0.060), and personal-social development (p=0.076).

Conclusion: Responsive caregiving was correlated with general child development and fine motor development. However, there was no correlation between responsive caregiving and other development parts. Although responsive caregiving is already widely recommended for optimal child growth and development, it is not routinely evaluated. We recommend routine assessment and caregiving training as early intervention. The limitation of this study is that the sample were homogeneous, and did not involve other influential variables such as nutritional intake and socioeconomic status. Further study addressing this limitation can be conducted.

The Sensitivity, Specificity and Cutoff of Physical Activity and Psychological Stress on Chronic Kidney Disease

2025-02-11T11:07:50+07:00

Introduction: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi tends to increase. CKD is a Silent Killer disease, because sufferers do not realize it early. There are many risk factors for CKD, including low physical activity and psychological stress, but their effects on CKD unclears in Kendari City. The aim of study is to analyse level sensitivity, specificity and cutoff point of physical activity and psychological stress effect on CKD in Kendari City.

Methods: This study applied a quantitative method with cross sectional study recruited 136 people who aged 17-75 years old. They were interviewed with a questionnaire and took urine samples to determine proteinuria as a biomarker of CKD, using the 24-hour urinalysis method. Data analysis used the ROC curve at a 95% confidence interval (p<0.05) was considered statistically significant.

Results: This study found that physical activity had the ability to predict CKD by 68.6% (95%CI: 59.7%-77.5%). Meanwhile, the psychological stress variable has the ability to predict CKD is 76.1% (95% CI: 64.6%-87.7%). The sensitivity and specificity of physical activity are 62.9% and 63.6% respectively. The cut-off point of physical activity is 4.25 hours per day. Meanwhile, the sensitivity and specificity of psychological stress is 71.4% and 69.6% respectively. The Cutoff points for psychological stress is 12.50 or mild stress.

Conclusion: Physical activity and psychological stress variables can both be used to predict CKD in Kendari City. However, the ability of the psychological stress variable is slightly stronger than the physical activity variable. Someone who does physical activity equal to or above 4.25 hours per day is 62.9% less likely to suffer from kidney disease, compared to those whose physical activity is less than 4.25 hours per day. Thus, for someone who experiences mild psychological stress or above, they are 71.4% more likely to experience kidney disease, compared to those who are not stressed. The results of this study can contribute to the literature to determine program standards in carrying out health promotion and prevention towards controlling chronic kidney disease.

Health Seeking Behaviour During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Influencing Factors in Indonesia

2025-02-11T11:13:33+07:00

Introduction: Data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health on April 13, 2020, indicated that there were up to 4,557 positive COVID-19 cases in 34 provinces, 380 cases that recovered, and 399 cases that died. One of the transmissions of COVID-19 occurs through nosocomial infections that occur in health service institutions, namely hospitals, health centres’, or polyclinics. The significant incidence of nosocomial infection cases in the COVID-19 transmission chain raises the question of whether or not this alters community patterns around health service utilization. The objective of this research was to ascertain the community's health-seeking behavior during the COVID-19 epidemic and the elements that impact that behavior. The novelty of this research focused on the sociocultural context in Indonesia and its contributions to global discussions on pandemic health behavior.

Methods: This study used a cross-sectional survey methodology. People living on Indonesian territory make up the research's population. There were 312 participants in the study's sample. Accidental sampling was the method employed for sampling. A questionnaire is the data collection tool and using logistic regression to analysed data.

Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, 56.4 percent of people had good health seeking behavior, compared to 43.6 percent of people who had poor health-seeking behavior. Most of the respondents sought treatment at health services (99.0%), and the rest did not seek treatment at health services (1.0%). Respondents who seek medical treatment include practicing doctors (76.3%), primary health clinics (60.3%), puskesmas (59%), and hospitals (69.2%). During the COVID-19 pandemic, factors that affected health-seeking behavior were income (0.01), marital status (0.001), travel time to health services (0.029), and health-service knowledge (0.069).

Conclusion: There is a joint influence of income, marital status, travel time to health services, and knowledge of health seeking behavior during the COVID-19.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Forward Head Posture among University Students

2025-02-11T11:33:31+07:00

Introduction: Forward head posture (FHP) is a condition of misalignment in the cervical vertebrae where the cervical spine shifts towards a more anterior angle. This change induces stress on the surrounding anatomical structures, leading to comorbidities and pathology. FHP has been identified as prevalent among young adults. Various risk factors contribute to this demographic's high burden of FHP, including increased exposure to modern technologies, such as smartphones. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the prevalence of FHP among university students in our center and analysed risk factors associated with FHP.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on students of Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang. A total of 126 participants were enrolled. Diagnosis of FHP was determined by measuring the craniovertebral angle (CVA) using ImageJ. Data of risk factors was collected by questionnaire, smartphone addiction scale-short version (SAS-SV) and the neck pain disability index. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee of Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang and participants provided informed consent.

Results: The prevalence of FHP in our center was 63.5%. The mean CVA was 48±6o. We discovered that overweight or obese participants had almost 4 times the odds of developing FHP (aOR=3.899, 95%CI [1.3;11.6], p=0.014). A similar trend was also observed in participants with smartphone addiction, who were 4.5 times more likely to develop FHP (aOR=4.41, 95%CI [1.76;11.04], p=0.002). We did not observe a significant association between FHP and neck pain.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the considerable prevalence of FHP in our center, especially in those with higher BMI and addiction to smartphones. However, we advise caution in interpreting this study to a broader population of students due to its small sample size and cross-sectional design. We recommend larger longitudinal studies analysing strategic risk factors of FHP to construct a basis of policymaking for effective prevention and targeted intervention.

Teachers' and Adolescents' Perceptions of Mental Health and Character Education as Preventative Measures Against Youth Violence

2025-02-11T11:37:22+07:00

Introduction: Mental health significantly influences both adolescent emotional well-being and the likelihood of violence, as adolescents with strong mental health are better equipped to manage interpersonal conflicts and resist pressures that may otherwise lead to violence. This study explores how perceptions of mental health among teachers and adolescents contribute to emotional resilience and provide a foundation for anti-violence character development.

Methods: Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data was collected through interviews, observations, and documentation involving ten informants—six students and four teachers—selected via purposive sampling to capture varied insights.

Results: Results reveal that perceptions of mental health among both adolescents and teachers are diverse but commonly highlight the value of emotional and psychological stability. Furthermore, the role of family and early life experiences is consistently emphasized as essential in shaping mental health, affecting how adolescents manage emotions and conflicts. Findings also suggest that character traits developed from childhood and through formative experiences are instrumental in supporting an individual’s mental health and ability to respond to social stressors without resorting to violence.

Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the connection between teachers' and students' perceptions of mental health and character as a key strategy for preventing violence. The findings underscore the crucial role of collaboration among schools, families, and communities in creating a supportive environment for students' character development and mental well-being. The study’s implications highlight the necessity of comprehensive, school-based initiatives and educational policies that integrate mental health and character education. Educators are encouraged to adopt character-focused approaches, policymakers to formulate inclusive policies, and researchers to explore this issue across various socio-cultural settings to strengthen violence prevention efforts.

A Systematic Review of Maternal and Child Health Policies in Addressing Stunting: Trends and Challenges

2025-02-12T13:13:00+07:00

Introduction: Stunting, recognized as a prominent global health issue, particularly in low-income countries, arises from persistent undernutrition and frequent infections, adversely impacting children's physical development, cognitive abilities, and future economic productivity. Notwithstanding the implementation of various maternal and child health strategies designed to mitigate stunting, its incidence remains alarmingly high, exhibiting differential efficacy across diverse contexts due to obstacles in policy execution, accessibility issues, and socio-cultural influences.

Methods: This study utilized a research methodology that included a bibliometric analysis of publications retrieved from the Scopus Database relating to maternal and child health policies in reducing stunting prevalence using the keywords “maternal and child health policies” and “stunting”. The findings were directly related to the research topic, revealing a total of 154 articles published from 2004 to 2023. The criteria set emphasized articles written in English, with the data obtained exported in CSV format. VOS viewer version 1.6.17 was used for bibliometric analysis in this study.

Results: The results showed a significant increase in publications addressing the relationship between health policies and stunting prevalence. Academic discussions on policy and stunting have also increased, especially in the fields of medicine and nursing, which reveal the health impacts on stunted children. Data analysis from various studies emphasized the importance of evidence-based strategies that combine medical interventions with structural, social and economic transformation.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this review emphasizes the importance of collaboration between various sectors, including health, education, and agriculture, in addressing stunting. Policymakers should consider establishing dedicated funding streams through public-private partnerships to ensure the sustainability of stunting prevention programs. Implementing regulatory frameworks that mandate intersectoral collaboration between health, education, and agriculture sectors can enhance policy coherence and resource optimization. Furthermore, adopting performance-based incentives for local health agencies may encourage more effective policy implementation and service delivery.

Bioeffects of EM Radiation on Human Skin Health: A Theoretical SAR Analysis

2025-02-12T13:12:56+07:00

Introduction: In this modern era, electromagnetic waves are playing a crucial role in our lives. An electric field is generated around the source of electromagnetic waves like mobile phone transmission towers, radio towers, TV towers, etc., which affects human beings living around them. The sources are increasing as we are regularly using devices that emit EM waves.

Methods: to study the effects of non-ionizing EM radiation on the skin of human being, the electric field around the transmiison tower is calculated. When this external electric field incident on the body of human being, it penetrates inside the skin of human being. The penetrated electric field is calculated at different depth inside the skin. With the help of this penetrated electric field, the specif

ic absorption rate inside the skin is also calculated for various height of transmission tower. The impact of non-ionizing EM radiation on the skin is predominantly associated with thermal effects. The extent of these effects depends on the intensity, duration, and proximity of the exposure.

Results: In this manuscript, the specific absorption rate (SAR) is calculated inside the skin at the variable depth of the epidermis layer of human beings. The transmission towers of EM waves are taken at different heights. It is observed that the tower that has the minimum height produces more electric field inside the skin as compared to the longer-height tower.

Conclusion: The amount of energy absorption by the tissues of the skin is higher for the transmission tower of 50 m height. The energy absorption by the tissues may become harmful for the health of the skin.