Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health (JEPH)
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Environmental Knowledge and Participation in Waste Banks: Promoting Plastic Waste Reduction in Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia
Full text linkBackground: Public awareness of environmental health in waste management is one of the causes of government problems in waste management, especially in tourist destination areas. The behavior of carrying shopping bags is one of the efforts to reduce the volume of non organic waste. The success of this behavior has many influencing factors, so the purpose of this study is to determine the factors associated with the behavior of carrying shopping bags in Borobudur District, Magelang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia.Subjects and Method: Cross sectional analytic survey research in the Borobudur District area of 374 respondents. The time of this research was in November 2023, with a random sampling technique, and the research instrument was a questionnaire. This study analyzes six independent variables , and participants in the waste bank, on the dependent variable. We used the regression test. Logistics in the final stage.Results: High knowledge of waste management (AOR= 2.43; 95% CI= 1.04 to 5.65; p= 0.040) and participate in a waste bank (AOR= 3.27, 95% CI 1.92 to 5.58; p= 0.001) increased plastic waste reduction behavior. This study showed that there was no relationship between education, gender, occupation, and participants in the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (TPS3R) Waste Management Site program on the shopping bag carrying behavior. Conclusion: High knowledge of waste management and participate in a waste bank increase plastic waste reduction behavior
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in River Sanitation: Perspectives from Riverside-Dwelling Communities in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines
Full text linkBackground: Rivers are crucial to ecosystems, providing water for drinking, agriculture, and recreation, but urbanization and industrial activities have severely degraded their quality. This study aims to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of riverside-dwelling residents regarding river sanitation, with the goal of identifying key factors influencing their understanding and behaviors related to water quality and environmental health.Subjects and Method: Employing a descriptive-correlational research design, the study involved 120 randomly selected samples from households within 200 meters of the riverbanks situated in Barangay Basalem, Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay. Data were collected over the period from June 2022 to April 2023 using validity- and reliability-tested questionnaires and analyzed through Pearson correlation coefficients. The dependent variable in the study was the sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents, while the independent variables were the respondents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to water sanitation.Results: Results showed high levels of knowledge but varied attitudes and practices. Respondents understood the risks of contaminated water but held contradictory beliefs about sanitation practices. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between age and both attitudes (p= 0.049) and practices (p= 0.049) related to river sanitation, highlighting generational differences in river sanitation behaviors.Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and improved educational programs to address knowledge gaps and promote effective sanitation practices, ultimately aiming to protect both public health and river ecosystems
Determinants of Breast Milk Donation and Use among Postpartum Women at a City Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya
Full text linkBackground: The World Health Organization advocates donor human milk as a superior substitute for newborns unable to obtain their mother’s milk. Calls have been made to scale up human milk banks to provide infants without access to mother’s milk safe donor human milk. This research sought to assess determinants of breast milk donation and the use of donor human milk among postpartum women.Subjects and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2023 at a government hospital with human milk banking facilities. A consecutive sampling technique was used to recruit a sample of 370 postpartum women admitted to the postnatal wards. A pretested interview-based questionnaire was used to obtain participants’ sociodemographic data, breastfeeding history, peri-natal characteristics, awareness of human milk banking, and other general factors that might influence acceptance to donate breast milk and the use of donated human milk. Data was analyzed using R-4.3.0 software and descriptive statistics were done for all variables. Further inferential statistics including the Chi-Square test and multivariate logistics regression were computed with a significance level set at α=0.050.Results: The mother’s willingness to donate breast milk and use donor human milk was 78.1% and 70.8% respectively. The respondent’s age (OR=0.42; 95% CI=0.19 to 0.94; p=0.035) was significantly associated with willingness to donate breast milk. Religion (OR=0.27; 95% CI=0.10 to 0.72; p =0.009) and awareness of human milk banking (OR=0.89; 95%CI= 1.07 to 3.36; p= 0.029) were significant predictors of willingness to use donor human milk.Conclusion: Human milk banking awareness was low among the study population; however, mothers are willing to donate and use donated breast milk. Age in years is significantly associated with willingness to donate while religion and awareness of human milk banking are significant predictors of use
Public Knowledge and Practices Toward Sun Exposure and Use of Sun Protection in Sibu Municipal Council Area, Sarawak, Malaysia
Full text linkBackground: Understanding the risks and benefits of sun exposure promotes overall health and well-being by encouraging safe sun practices. The study aims to assess the knowledge and practice of sun protection in the public towards the harmful effects of prolonged sun exposure.Subjects and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia among 302 respondents, from October to November 2023. The respondents were recruited by a convenience sampling method. Research team members interviewed the respondents by using questionnaires with the study variables were age, gender, ethnicity, education and occupations of respondence, knowledge, practice and the reasons to use sunscreen protection. The data were analyzed descriptively using frequency tables and inferential statistics with p-value.Results: More than half of the participants (56%) had average knowledge about the harmful effects of prolonged sun exposure, and 83.1% had moderate levels of sun protection practice. Most participants wore long-sleeved clothing for sun protection and practice for physical appearance, sense of vulnerability or fear, and peer pressure. The statistical results showed no significant difference in practice between different age groups, ethnic groups, education levels, or occupations, and a significant difference was found between genders.Conclusion: Targeted interventions are needed to improve sun protection practices and reduce skin damage and cancer
Assessment of COVID-19 Deaths in Botswana using the SIRD Model for the Period 2020 to 2022
Full text linkBackground: There is need for a development of a robust model framework for COVID-19 to help researchers simulate several virus transmission scenarios, assist in predicting the disease route as well as assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures. COVID-19 data with four compartmental groups, that is susceptible group, the infected group, the recovered group, and the deceased group was required to enable setting up a mathematical compartmental model called Susceptible-Infected-Recovered-Deceased (SIRD) for Botswana. This study aims to set up the SIRD model for COVID-19 in Botswana.Subjects and Method: The study took advantage of a retrospective cohort study carried out in Botswana specifically from a period ranging from 14th May 2020 to 3rd March 2022. The study population consisted of all persons who are susceptible to COVID-19 in Botswana and the sample size of this study was 2,397,240. Therefore, the variables of interest for this study were susceptible, infected, recovered as well as deceased persons. These were secondary data as reported by Botswana and recorded on the WHO website. Data for this study were analyzed using simulation methods specifically compartmental analysis.Results: COVID-19 will escalate at a very low transmission at an exponential growth rate of 0.11. The transmission of COVID-19 in Botswana will spread in the population and such spread may cause an epidemic (R0=1.13).Conclusion: The Ministry of Health and Wellness should ensure that there is slow relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions in order to avoid the reappearance of COVID-19. The Ministry of Health and Wellness should also strictly insist on COVID-19 adherence protocols mainly during the winter season as well as holidays
Knowledge and Attitude of Nigerian Women Aged 15-49 Years on the Practice of Female Genital Mutilation
Full text linkBackground: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is among the most harmful traditions that persist in many parts of the world, especially in Africa and other developing countries, including Nigeria, where the prevalence of FGM is still above 15%. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of Nigerian women of reproductive age on FGM practice and its obstetric effects.Subjects and Method: This cross-sectional study examined Abujaarea women aged 15–49 in Nyanya General Hospital, Maitama, and Asokoro District Hospital Antenatal Care (ANC). A total of 634 patients who agreed to participate in the study were selected. The assessment examined respondents' knowledge and opinions about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), sources of information, attitudes and beliefs, prevalence across three generations, and recommendations. Data was collected using Google Forms, and various statistical tests were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.Results: This study comprised 634 females, the majority of whom had post-secondary education (62.6%) and were married (96.8%), of which 29.2% were within the age group 30–34. Most of the respondents (86.3%) had previously heard about FGM. Of those interviewed, 49.5% knew FGM was practiced in their community, and 326 (51.4%) affirmed knowledge of health problems associated with FGM. The Major source of information on FGM was from parents (36.1%), followed by the media (26.1%). Two hundred and thirty-two respondents (36.6%) strongly agreed that FGM is a very harmful and inhumane practice, and a majority (91.8%) had no intention to circumcise their daughters. About 56.0% strongly agreed and recommended a campaign against FGM in school, and 53.8% strongly agreed to educate traditional birth attendants on the risk of FGM.Conclusion: This study found that the respondents had good knowledge of FGM and its obstetric effects. However, most respondents had a negative attitude towards FGM. Hence, a need for more innovative interventions towards its eradication
Factors Associated with Dyslipidemia among Workers: A Path Analysis
Full text linkBackground: The results of the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey show that 39.5% of the Indonesian population aged ≥ 15 years old have abnormal total cholesterol levels. Dyslipidemia or plasma lipid abnormalities play a major role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis on the walls of blood vessels which is the cause of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. The purpose of the study was to analyze the factors that affect dyslipidemia in workers.Subjects and Method: This study uses an analytical observational design using a cross-sectional approach. The study was conducted at the Yogyakarta Labkesmas Center in October 2024 with a total of 150 worker study subjects. The sampling technique is non-probability sampling, namely total sampling. The independent variables in this study were BMI, glucose levels, stress, and depression while the dependent variables were total cholesterol levels. Data collection was carried out using secondary data and questionnaires, the data was analyzed by path analysis.Results: Each increase of one mg/dL of glucose level (b = 0.24; CI 95%= 0.09 to 0.39; p = 0.002) and one unit of depression (b = 0.16; CI 95%= 0.01 to 0.31; p= 0.043) will be followed by an increase in total cholesterol levels. Any increase in BMI through a mediator of glucose levels and stress through a mediator of depression will be followed by an increase in total cholesterol levels.Conclusion: Total cholesterol levels increase with increased glucose levels and depression levels. Total cholesterol levels are indirectly affected by BMI through glucose level mediators and stress levels through depression mediators.
Detection of Change Patterns in COVID-19 Deaths and the Implementation of Public Health Policies in Botswana
Full text linkBackground: At the earlier stages of COVID-19 disease, there were no pharmaceutical measures such as vaccines and medications available that could be used to either treat or reduce the spread of the virus. Countries worldwide reverted to implementing several non-pharmaceutical measures to end or at least reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. These included maintaining the physical distance of 1-2 meters in all gatherings, washing hands with soap and clean water, sanitizing hands, and wearing face masks especially when physical distancing cannot be certain. In this study, we aim to determine the change patterns or turning points in COVID-19 deaths, particularly those that occurred in Botswana.Subjects and Method: The study used a retrospective cohort study conducted in Botswana for a period ranging from the 14th May 2020 up to the 3rd March 2022. The population covered for this study comprised of all persons who were susceptible to COVID-19 in Botswana. The researcher used secondary data sourced from Botswana’s Ministry of Health and Wellness. Data for this study were statistically analysed using R software version 4.1.3 to apply the simulation methods.Results: High numbers of COVID-19 deaths in Botswana were recorded starting from week 59 to week 69 and the numbers declined from week 70 to week 75. Altogether, COVID-19 deaths in Botswana have been rising since 14th May 2020 until 3rd March 2022.Conclusion: It is important for the Government of Botswana through Ministry of Health and Well-ness to ensure that COVID-19 restrictions are slowly relaxed to avoid the recurrence of the disease. COVID-19 adherence protocols should be strictly enforced by the Ministry more especially during winter seasons as well as public holidays
Assessing the Effect of Social Capital on Depression in Adults
Full text linkBackground: Depression is a mental health problem that affects an individual's quality of life. Previous studies have shown that individuals with high social capital are less likely to experience depression. Understanding the dynamics of social capital and its impact on depression is essential for developing interventions and policies that can improve mental well-being at both the individual and community levels. This study aims to analyze the influence of structural, cognitive, and relational social capital on depression in adults.Subjects and Method: This study is a cross-sectional study carried out in Klaten, Central Java in September-October 2024. Population of 726,839 adults and a sample of 200 adults aged 19-59 years were selected using multistage random sampling. The dependent variable was depression. The independent variables were structural social capital, cognitive social capital, and relational social capital. Depression data was measured using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and other data using questionnaires. Data was analyzed using the Structural Equation Model run on STATA 13.Results: Strong social capital lowered adults' risk of depression (b= -0.39; CI 95%= -0.56 to -0.23; p= 0.001). The older you get, the lower the depression score (b= -0.17; CI 95%= -0.31 to -0.03; p= 0.018). The social capital construct in this study is positively and statistically significant by the structural social capital component (b= 0.75; CI 95%= 0.58 to 0.92; p= 0.001), cognitive social capital component (b= 0.56; CI 95%= 0.39 to 0.73; p= 0.001), and the relational social capital component (b= 0.62; CI 95%= 0.48 to 0.76; p= 0.001). The SEM model showed a good fit (Chi-square p= 0.113; RMSEA= 0.070; CFI= 0.98; TLI= 0.93; SRMR= 0.03).Conclusion: Strong social capital and increasing age lower the risk of depression in adults. The social capital construct is positively and statistically significant by the components of structural social capital, cognitive social capital, and relational social capital. This SEM model shows a good fit
Integration of Indonesian National Trauma Guideline into the Emergency Room System (Cipto Code Trauma System)
Full text linkBackground: Indonesia has enacted the national trauma guideline since 2017 and Cipto Mangun-kusumo Hospital (CMH) has applied it since 2019 through the establishment of Cipto Code Trauma. This study aimed to describe the compliance, system adherence, performance and outcome associated with the Cipto Code Trauma system.Subjects and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at CMH Emergency Room (ER) using direct observations and data from electronic health records (EHRs). Observations were performed on 106 trauma cases by convenience sampling to map clinical and non-clinical components using a checklist. We compared the implemented ER components against the 2017 national trauma guidelines, assessing the system compliance. Total sampling from EHRs was performed on 4,317 trauma patients to assess performance and outcome of Cipto Code Trauma system. The data were analyzed descriptively.Results: Observations from 106 trauma cases indicate that the Cipto Code Trauma meets all criteria from the national trauma guidelines. Performance indicators from 840 patients were achieved, including trauma team activation (87.6%), on-site multidisciplinary consultation (87.6%), time to physician assessment within five minutes (84.4%), except for length of stay under 4 hours (18.5%) and time to operating theatre within two hours (45.5%). Among the 4,317 trauma cases, the mortality rate for patients in the resuscitation category was 0.4%, while 39% of these patients were discharged directly from the ER.Conclusion: The Cipto Code Trauma at CMH has successfully integrated the Indonesian national trauma guidelines, meeting all required standards. However, further improvements are needed to enhance system adherence and performance