International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS)
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Optimization of maternal healthcare at the village level in reducing maternal mortality in Bali, Indonesia
Although maternal mortality rates in Bali have declined, the achievement remains below the government’s target, highlighting the need to strengthen the role of villages as the frontline of development. This study aims to identify alternative strategies to accelerate maternal mortality reduction by examining the supply of maternal healthcare services and the demand reflected in women’s utilization of these services at the village level. Using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to map accessibility across villages and servqual model to evaluate women’s perceptions of maternal healthcare services provided through integrated services post (posyandu) and village health post (Poskesdes), the study reveals significant disparities in accessibility across villages, particularly in Tabanan, Bangli, and Karangasem Regencies. While overall perceptions of healthcare quality are positive, the largest and most significant service quality gaps occur in tangibility and responsiveness. Based on these findings, the study recommends prioritizing villages with limited access to maternal healthcare services by ensuring health coverage for pregnant women from low-income households and guaranteeing the availability of midwives in villages through incentive schemes, while adopting community-based approaches to effectively reach migrant populations and improve their utilization of maternal healthcare services
Body dissatisfaction and body weight status perception among overweight and obese children
Children's perceptions of their weight, body image, and misjudgment of their actual body size can lead to body dissatisfaction, increasing health concerns related to childhood obesity. This cross-sectional study investigated the associations between body dissatisfaction and body weight status (BWS) perception among overweight and obese children aged 10 and 11 years. A total of 398 overweight and obese participants were selected and recruited from eleven primary schools in the state of Kedah, Malaysia. The questionnaire on body image perception was adapted from ‘The seven male and female child figure rating scale,’ and information on BWS perception was collected through a question on how respondents perceived their current BWS. The majority of children (89.4%) desired a smaller body size, and 55.5% did not perceive their BWS correctly; 50% were categorized as “underestimators,” and 5.5% as “overestimators.” There was no significant association between body size discrepancy score and age (p=0.110). However, a significant association was found between the perception of current body image and body mass index (BMI) (p<0.001). The high discrepancies between the perception of current body image and actual weight status need to be addressed, as this misperception could hinder overweight and obese children from successfully achieving a healthy body weight
The effect of psychoeducation on parents of autistic children in Malaysia
Parents have reported a lack of support from professionals in Malaysia, which results in a lack of knowledge in supporting their children, leading to negative attitudes towards their child’s condition, a lack of empowerment, and psychological problems. This study aimed to determine the effect of psychoeducation on the knowledge, attitude, empowerment, and psychological well-being of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The design of this study was true experimental design. The study focused on parents of ASD-diagnosed children aged 2 to 7 years. Nineteen parents participated and were randomly allocated to the intervention group and control group. Pre and post-tests questionnaires assessed knowledge, attitude, psychological well-being, and empowerment. Independent and paired t-tests were used for data analysis. The results showed that there were no significant differences between the control and intervention groups in their knowledge (t(17)=-.186, p=.854), attitude (t(14.9)=1.26, p=.227), psychological wellbeing (t(13.44)=.221, p=.828) and empowerment (t(15.45)=.047, p=.96). There were no significant differences in the pre and post-sessions of the knowledge (t(9)=1, p=.329), attitude (t(9) =.536, p=.605), and psychological well-being (t(9)=.67, p=.521). However, there was a significant difference in the pre and post-session parent’s empowerment (t(9)=-2.5, p=.032). These findings suggest that other interaction factors may affect the effectiveness of psychoeducation sessions in parent’s knowledge, psychological wellbeing, attitude, and empowerment
Evaluation implementation growth monitoring and promotion: a case study East Lampung district
The implementation of growth monitoring and promotion (GMP), which functions to monitor the growth and development of toddlers, is carried out by integrated service post community health volunteers (CHVs) (in Indonesia called Posyandu), allegedly has not been implemented properly. This research aimed to evaluate the implementation of GMP, its barriers, and supporting factors. The research design is concurrent mixed methods. Quantitative data collection was carried out using GMP practice observation sheets with a sample of 30 CHVs. GMP practice observations were carried out by three observers and the results were analyzed using multi facet Rasch measurement (MFRM). Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussion (FGD) with 27 informants. The research results show that GMP practices in the components of growth measurement, plotting measurement results, interpretation of growth indicators, and counseling still need to be improved. Barriers to implementing GMP are human resources, facilities, and infrastructure, lack of motivation, attitude of mothers of toddlers, inadequate capacity of CHV Posyandu, and lack of village government support. Supporting the implementation of GMP is the participation, monitoring, and role of CHVs in human development. The research concludes that the practice of implementing GMP in these four components is considered not optimal. It is recommended that Posyandu CHVs need to increase their capacity in implementing GMP so that the growth and development of children under five can be properly monitored to prevent early malnutrition and stunting
Challenges in implementing occupational health and safety in Indian information and communication technology industry
An organization's safety culture encompasses the values, perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of its members. This culture forms a shared bond among individuals within the organization, influencing every facet of life. As a result, the safety ethos of a company plays a crucial role in nurturing a more expansive safety culture in society. Key components of a safety culture include leadership commitment, occupational health and safety (OHS) policies, meticulous planning, resource management, active participation across all levels, seamless integration, regular review processes, well-defined procedures, comprehensive documentation, and effective risk management. The amalgamation of these elements contributes to cultivating a work environment where prioritizing workplace safety becomes paramount. This commitment not only enhances the safety of the workplace but also addresses a crucial aspect of social sustainability, directly linked to human well-being. This study investigates the correlation between the successful execution of an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) and the level of involvement of both internal and external stakeholders in promoting safety practices within the organization, evaluates the mediation effect of work engagement and social sustainability on OHSMS implementation and safety behavior and examines the safety standards and actual implementation of these standards in information and communication technology (ICT) industry in India
Dental health among adolescents in Kosovo, investigating risk factors and prevalence trends
Dental caries remains a critical public health issue among children in Kosovo, caused by a complex interplay of dietary habits that contribute to the deterioration of oral health. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries in adolescents aged 12 to 16 years and to identify associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 120 students from elementary schools in the Suhareka municipality, who underwent clinical oral examinations and completed self-administered questionnaires between January and June 2023. The caries prevalence was quantified using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index. Statistical analysis, performed using SPSS 26.0, demonstrated a significant association between dietary behaviors and caries incidence, with higher consumption rates correlating with increased DMFT scores. ANOVA and Fisher’s post hoc tests were utilized to assess variables impacting caries progression, while the Chi-square test of independence was applied for intergroup comparisons. The status of permanent dentition was systematically evaluated through the DMFT index, with results interpreted within a 95% confidence interval. Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting enamel resilience were explored, with an emphasis on developing targeted strategies to prevent dental deterioration and enhance oral health among adolescents. The outcomes of this study offer valuable insights for improving pediatric oral health in Kosovo and provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and healthcare professionals to formulate effective preventive strategies and public health interventions in similar demographic contexts
Organizational and leadership factors affecting the quality of nurse performance in hospitals
The purpose of this study was to analyze organizational and leadership factors that affect the quality of nurse performance in hospitals. A cross-sectional study in 162 respondents conducted at Universitas Airlangga Hospital in May-June 2021. Variable organizational factors (resources, rewards, work structure, and design), leadership factors (competence, job meaning, autonomy, and impact), and the quality of nurse performance were measured using a questionnaire that had been modified by the researcher and declared valid (r table=0.351-1.000) and reliable (0.919-0.980), the data were then analyzed using logistic regression. Organizational factors consisting of resources (p=0.001), rewards (p=0.012), structure (p=0.029), and work design (p=0.013) showed a significant relationship with the quality of work, as well as organizational factors consisting of competence (p=0.043), job meaning (0.035), autonomy (0.021) and impact (0.025). The strongest results are shown in the quality of nurse resources. Improving the quality of performance of nurses must pay attention to organizational factors and influencing leadership factors, with the most dominant factor being the quality of nurse resources
Aerobics research in China: characteristics, hotspots, and evolution visualized
This study utilizes CiteSpace software to visually analyze 679 core journal papers from the CNKI database, exploring the landscape of aerobics research in China. It aims to identify influential authors and institutions while elucidating the evolution of research focus from its early stages to current trends. The primary objective is to explore the characteristics of aerobics research, including hot topics, evolving frontiers, and key developments. By examining titles, keywords, abstracts, and other materials, CiteSpace software provides insights into the scientific knowledge graph, emphasizing influential authors and institutions in aerobics research. The findings reveal a notable shift in focus from early public teaching to current emphasis on competitive aerobics, physical education, and athlete transitions. The research field has expanded to encompass diversified topics, showcasing continuous depth in empirical and theoretical investigations. Three distinct periods are identified in research frontiers: early, middle, and recent stages, each with unique directions and emphases. The study recommends a multi-disciplinary integrated development approach in aerobics research, emphasizing enriched teaching and competition visions, improved regional integration policies, and a comprehensive display of the field’s research and development status. Acknowledging evolving trends and diversification will contribute to a holistic understanding and continued advancement of aerobics research
Influence of community factors on formal care use among older Chinese adults
Community plays a pivotal role in older adults' well-being and long-term care issues. This study investigates how community factors, including community support and social participation, with self-assessment of health as an intervening variable, influence the use of formal care. Further, how a community contributes to older adults' well-being has also been discussed. Data was collected from older adults (men 150, women 150, age>60 y/o) and was analyzed by using structural equation modeling (SEM). This study used health as an intervening variable to investigate community factors' influence on formal care use. The results find a significant negative influence of social participation and self-assessment of health on the use of formal care. While community support was not found to influence the use of formal care significantly, both community support and social participation could negatively influence the use of formal care by positively influencing the self-assessment of health. Cohabitation has also been found to influence community support significantly positively. In China, where formal care still needs to be more developed, reducing over-reliance on formal care follows Chinese cultural values and economic considerations. Moreover, older people living alone need to be attended to by the community
Psychological distress and coping responses among occupational safety and health competent post-COVID-19 era in Malaysia
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health challenges have emerged, highlighting the need to identify psychological distress and coping strategies, particularly among occupational safety and health (OSH) competent persons. This is a cross-sectional study measuring stress, anxiety, and depression levels while exploring coping mechanisms among OSH professionals in Malaysia during the COVID-19 recovery phase, using DASS-21 and Brief-COPE questionnaires. The findings indicate that chronic illness increases the risk of depression (p=0.005) and stress (p=0.047). Higher income is associated with greater risks of depression (p<0.001) and stress (p<0.001). Monthly expenses exceeding budget limits heighten the risk of depression (p<0.001) and anxiety (p=0.024). Conversely, older age decreases the risk of both depression (p<0.001) and stress (p=0.001). Caring for family members affected by COVID-19 reduces depression (p<0.001) and stress (p<0.001). Having more monthly savings decreases the risk of depression (p<0.001) and anxiety (p=0.017). The study reveals that stress individuals prefer emotional focus coping (p=0.006). Addressing these factors is crucial for mitigating psychological distress among OSH professionals