International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS)
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The omega 3 index: a study on the Portuguese population
Get PDFThe omega-3 index (O3I) is used as a biomarker for cardiovascular disease risk. The factors affecting O3I are not fully understood. A study was conducted in a representative sample of the Portuguese population (1,126 individuals) involving blood sampling for the determination of O3I and answering a questionnaire. Participants were asked to indicate their consumption frequencies and other relevant data. The average O3I of the population was 4.82±2.30%. There was a clear increasing trend of the O3I with higher amounts of consumed seafood, achieving an O3I of ~6% with three or more weekly meals. Age was a major determinant, presenting 50-79 year old males higher O3I values than 18-49. Physical activity led to higher O3I, 5.05±2.39% vs 4.64±2.21%. Smoking caused a lower O3I, 4.38±1.97% vs 4.89±2.34%. Physical activity had a larger effect upon O3I in consumers with high seafood consumption. In elderly (>70 year old), there was an inverse relation between O3I levels and high blood pressure. This study’s findings point to the importance of changing dietary habits in the direction of increasing seafood consumption and combining these nutritional changes with a healthier lifestyle (with more physical activity and no smoking) for a higher O3I and a lower cardiovascular disease incidence
General mental health and new media literacy among Malaysian adult urbanites
Get PDFThis study investigates the multifaceted interplay of risk and protective factors influencing general mental health (GMH), focusing on the impact of external validation seeking through online interactions and the protective role of perceived social support (PSS) against GMH problems, mediated by unconditional self-acceptance (USA) and PSS with new media literacy (NML) is introduced as a moderator variable, affecting the interplay between PSS, USA, and interpersonal mattering (IPM) in predicting GMH. A moderated serial mediation model was proposed and tested with 380 purposively recruited adult urbanites from Malaysia. The results reveal that individuals with high NML perceive greater social support, leading to higher self-acceptance and mattering, enhanced GMH protection. This study highlights the critical role of NML in the digital age’s impact on GMH
Support group model for Vietnamese people affected by substance abuse and HIV/AIDS
Get PDFAs commonly seen in East and Southeast Asia, one of the major responses of the Vietnamese government to substance abuse is compulsory drug rehabilitation, which was found not very effective with a high relapse rate. Since 2000s, many people affected by substance abuse (PASA) in Vietnam started actively seeking help from group models in Buddhist temples for their substance abuse and HIV/AIDS problems. This case study aimed to examine the philosophical foundation, theoretical mechanism, implementation, and tentative outcomes of the group work model with the PASA at a Buddhist temple in the North of Vietnam. This qualitative approach study collected data from participation observation, reports collected from the temple, and 14 in-depth interviews with two monks, two rehabilitation therapists, and 10 PASA, mostly narcotic addicts, who participated in the group model in the temple. Results of the study show that PASA were self-motivated to voluntarily participate and maintain their membership in the group model. The head monk/master and his fellow monks played the role of the para-interventionists to provide comprehensive care for PASA members using Buddhist core values and philosophy in its approach. Both the para-interventionists and group members perceived their relationship with each other as equal, respectful, supportive, and therapeutic. The results provide implications for the development of new intervention models that are culturally appropriate in the unique sociocultural context of Vietnam and other countries that shared similar religious influences
Factors influencing modern contraceptive use among rural married women of reproductive age in Myanmar
Get PDFThis study aimed to identify factors associated with the use of modern contraceptive service among rural married women of reproductive age in Myanmar. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 648 married women aged 18-49 years (4 townships with the lowest contraceptive prevalence (n=316) and 4 townships with the highest prevalence (n=332). This study found that women in townships with low prevalence of modern contraceptive use were more likely to be illiterate and manual workers or farmers, to have lower education and no regular income, other religions than Buddhism, and higher number of family members and children, compared to those with high prevalence. In addition, they responded negatively to the accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability of contraceptive services, and lower satisfaction with the services. This study suggests that the Myanmar government should promote contraceptive services more aggressively for women of reproductive age in rural areas that reflect ethnic minority cultures
Determinants of anemia among adolescents girls in district Banggai, Indonesia
Get PDFThe problem of anemia among adolescent girl in Indonesia is still very high. Many factors cause anemia in adolescent girl. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anemia and its determinants in Banggai district. The research design was cross-sectional, with a sample of adolescent girls aged 12–18 years (n=326). Hemoglobin concentration was measured using a Hemocue hemoglobinometer. The Chi-square test and linear regression analysis were used for data analysis. The results showed that the prevalence of anemia was 48.8%, of which 44.0% had mild anemia and 48.4% had moderate anemia. From the bivariate analysis, anemia was significantly related to adolescent age, father's education, and eating habits (p<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression shows that the factors that most influence the occurrence of anemia are age OR=1.7 (95% CI OR=0.20-0.05) and eating habits OR=2.2 (95% CI OR=0.29-0.81). It was concluded that the prevalence of anemia was high in adolescent girls. Intervention steps are needed to improve the anemia status of adolescent girls in Banggai district
Striped catfish oil and turmeric extract reduces inflammation in metabolic syndrome rats
Get PDFMetabolic syndrome is a growing global health problem. Long-term treatment for metabolic syndrome causes side effects. Therefore, the use of nutraceuticals could also be considered. This study analyzed the effect of the administration of striped catfish oil and turmeric extract on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in metabolic syndrome rats. Metabolic syndrome was induced in rats by administration of high fat fructose diet (HFFD) containing 3 g pork fat (15%), 2 g duck egg yolk (10%), 15 g standard diet (75%), and 2 ml fructose (1%). Thirty rats were randomized into five groups: C1 (normal control group), C2 (metabolic syndrome control group without treatment), P1 (striped catfish oil at 0.08 ml/200 g BW/day), P2 (turmeric extract at 5.04 mg/kg BW/day), P3 (combination of striped catfish oil at 0.08 ml/200 gBW/day and turmeric extract at 5.04 mg/kg BW/day). There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in TNF-α levels and HOMA-IR in treatment groups (P1, P2, P3) compared to C2. The P3 group had the lowest TNF-α levels. Treatment groups had the same potential effect in reducing HOMA-IR. Striped catfish oil, turmeric extract, and their combination reduce inflammation and insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome rats
Exploring the role of swimming in enhancing diet-based weight loss programs for athletes
Get PDFThis study explores the synergistic effects of customized dietary strategies and aerobic exercise, specifically swimming, on achieving weight loss while preserving muscle mass in athletes. The research highlights the importance of a holistic approach to weight management, integrating personalized diet plans with tailored exercise regimens. The study segmented participants into two groups, one following a standard diet for weight maintenance and another adhering to a similar diet augmented by regular swimming sessions aimed at weight loss. Results indicate that the diet-plus-swimming group exhibited significantly greater reductions in weight and body mass index (BMI) compared to the diet-only group, suggesting that incorporating swimming enhances the effectiveness of dietary interventions. These findings emphasize the potential of combining physical activities such as swimming with dietary modifications to achieve optimal weight management outcomes, providing a comprehensive approach to athlete health management. The study also underscores the need for personalized strategies that consider individual characteristics and preferences to support sustainable weight loss and improved health outcomes
Cross-cultural adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Indonesian version of the Hill-Bone high blood pressure therapy compliance scale
Get PDFHypertension is a long-term condition that enables individuals to take an active role in managing their health care— inadequate adherence to medication regimens is a major factor contributing to treatment failure. We translated and updated the Hill-Bone high blood pressure therapy compliance scale for use in Indonesia, where systemic hypertension is becoming increasingly prevalent. This study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Indonesian version of the Hill-Bone high blood pressure therapy compliance scale. The descriptive cross-sectional research was conducted in East Java, Indonesia, during June and July 2021. For the purpose of selecting 144 persons who had hypertension, a convenience sample was utilized. The Hill-Bone high blood pressure therapy compliance instrument was translated from English into Indonesian using a forward-backward translation method, followed by evaluation by an expert panel and pilot testing. To assess its reliability, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient and item-total correlation were utilized. A Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value of 0.945 confirmed the adequacy of the sample for the study. Additionally, the Bartlett’s test yielded a significant result (X² = 132.41; p < 0.001), supporting the appropriateness of conducting a factor analysis. Using factor analysis, the Hill-Bone high blood pressure therapy compliance scale revealed a single factor with an eigenvalue >1 that explained 42.13% of the total variation. The Cronbach alpha coefficient of the Hill-Bone high blood pressure therapy compliance scale was 0.901. The Hill-Bone high blood pressure therapy compliance instrument has been successfully translated and tailored for the Indonesian population, with consideration of their cultural context. In order to provide an accurate prediction regarding the impact that this intervention would have on patients' adherence, the Hill-Bone high blood pressure therapy compliance scale could be of assistance
Satisfaction with health services received by patients in regional hospitals using SERVQUAL
Get PDFThe concept of patient satisfaction, which has historically been overlooked and undervalued, is gaining importance. We aimed to investigate patient satisfaction with health services at the hospital. This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2024. The study was conducted at Bima City Regional Hospital, NTB, Indonesia. The sample obtained was 437. The level of satisfaction was measured using 19 questions. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used in this study. The highest opportunity for reliability and responsiveness was found in patients aged 20–29 with OR and CI values of 1.97 (1.65–2.98) and 1.76 (1.03–2.09), respectively. For the tangibles dimension, the highest opportunity was in the age of 40-49 with OR and CI values of 1.98 (2.03–4.37). The highest OR (CI) values for each employed status namely 0.96 (0.77–1.21), 0.89 (0.67–1.18), 0.76 (0.41–1.40), 0.79 (0.51–1.70), and 0.92 (0.72–1.23). Meanwhile, at the level of education, respondents with university education had the highest opportunity value in all dimensions, with OR and Ci values of 0.84 (0.58–1.34), 1.42 (0.78–2.51), 0.51 (0.19–1.56), 0.59 (0.22–1.67), 1.45 (0.82–2.87). In conclusion, patient satisfaction with health services was influenced by age, employment status, and provider friendliness
Determinant factors of anemia prevention behavior among female adolescents in border area: a path analysis on the health belief model
Get PDFCombating anemia in female adolescents may prevent long term effects of low birth weight, malnutrition, and growth failure (stunting) in their progeny. This study aimed to path-analyze the determinants of anemia prevention behavior in female adolescents with health belief model approach. This was an observational analytical study, conducted at SMAN 3 Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, from May 7, 2024 to August 2, 2024. A total of 103 participants were selected by total sampling. The data collected by a set of questionnaires. This study revealed a direct and positive correlation between perceived threat (b = 2.43; 95% CI = 0.67 to 4.18; p = 0.007), perceived benefits (b = 1.99; 95% CI = 0.20 to 3.78; p = 0.029), perceived barrier (b = 2.74; 95% CI = 0.34 to 5.14; p = 0.025), self-efficacy (b = 1.76; 95% CI = 0.06 to 3.46; p = 0.042), cues to action (b = 1.96; 95% CI = 0.27 to 3.65; p = 0.022) and anemia prevention behavior. Knowledge is indirectly correlated to anemia prevention behavior through self-efficacy (b =2.25; 95% CI = 0.95 to 3.54; p = 0.001); perceived susceptibility is indirectly correlated to anemia prevention behavior through perceived threat (b = 2.01; 95% CI = 0.78 to 3.24; p = 0.001); perceived severity is indirectly correlated to anemia prevention behavior through perceived threat (b = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.01 to 1.81; p = 0.045). The implications of this study suggest that multifaceted interventions should be put in place that combine education, empowerment, overcoming barriers, and increasing the perceived threat and severity of anemia, all of which can improve anemia prevention behavior among female adolescents