SVĀSTHYA: Trends in General Medicine and Public Health
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Front and Back Matter for Volume 2 Issue 4, July 2025
Volume 2, Issue 4, July 2025
This issue consists of 5 articles contributed by 16 authors affiliated with 12 affiliations from four countries including Indonesia (Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta, Universitas Hindu Indonesia, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Universitas Hang Tuah Surabaya, Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang, Universitas Jambi, dan Indonesian Society of Epidemiologists), United Kingdom (Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene), Timor-Leste (Epidemiological Surveillance Municipal Health Service (SMS) Bobonaro, National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL), National Institute of Public Health of Timor-Leste (INSP-TL)), Thailand (Mahasarakham University
The financial burden of COVID-19 hospitalization: A retrospective economic evaluation
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to demonstrate dynamic fluctuations across global, regional, and local contexts. These ongoing variations have substantial public health and socioeconomic consequences worldwide. This study examines the financial and demographic effects of COVID-19 hospitalizations at South Tangerang General Hospital between 2021 and 2022. A retrospective economic analysis by comparing hospitalization data from 2021 and 2022. This study evaluated key parameters, including patient demographics, duration of hospitalization, treatment costs, and funding sources, identifying significant patterns across the study period. This study revealed notable changes in patient demographics, with the predominant age group shifting from > 59 years (2021) to 19-59 years (2022; p=0.000). The percentage of females represented increased from 49.1% to 59.5% (p=0.033). Compared with 2021 admissions, hospital stays were significantly shorter, with most 2022 patients discharged within 1–5 days (p=0.000). The average treatment costs declined from 2,024 (p=0.000), primarily due to reduced nursing and medication expenses. Funding sources transitioned from near-total (99.6%) reliance on the national COVID-19 program in 2021 to 52.7% coverage by the BPJS health insurance in 2022 (p=0.000). This study revealed significant changes in COVID-19 hospitalization patterns, characterized by younger patient populations, shorter hospital stays, and lower treatment costs. The evolving financial model, which incorporates both insurance and government support, highlights the necessity of forward-looking financial strategies in healthcare systems to effectively manage future health crises. These findings underscore the adaptive capacity of the healthcare sector and the critical role of socioeconomic considerations in treatment outcomes
Risk factors for loss to follow-up in HIV care: A retrospective cohort study in Dili, Timor-Leste
Loss to follow-up (LTFU) among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is a public health challenge that reduces the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART), increases the risk of transmission, and contributes to increased mortality. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for LTFU among patients with HIV in Dili, Timor-Leste. This retrospective cohort study used secondary data from 150 HIV-positive patients at the Community Progress Association (AK-P) in Dili from 2014 to 2022. The inclusion criterion was adult patients aged ≥ 15 years who started ART with a minimum follow-up of 183 days. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, logistic regression, and Kaplan‒Meier analysis were used to identify the factors affecting LTFU. Of the 150 patients, 72% remained under care, 20.6% experienced LTFU, and 7.3% died. The majority were male (90%), with men who had sex with men (MSM) having a 40% lower risk of LTFU than female sex workers (FSW). Patients aged ≥54 years had a 21% lower risk, and married individuals had a 26% lower risk than single individuals did. High income and ART initiation were protective factors, while a CD4 count <200 cells/mm³ increased the risk of LTFU by 4.2 times, and a viral load >1000 copies/mL increased the risk by 2.79 times. Level 1 ART was associated with 97% survival at 1, 3, and 5 years, whereas level 2 ART was associated with only 3.6% survival in the first year. Sociodemographic and clinical variables influenced LTFU in HIV care in Timor-Leste.
Front and Back Matter for Volume 2 Issue 5, September 2025
Volume 2, Issue 5, September 2025
This issue consists of 5 articles contributed by 23 authors affiliated with 12 affiliations from four countries including Indonesia (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Medistra Indonesia, Universitas Gorontalo, Universitas Tompotika Luwuk, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Hang Tuah Surabaya, dan Rumah Sakit Ibu dan Anak (RSIA) Pemerintah Aceh), Republic of Korea (Yonsei University), Timor-Leste (National Institution of Public Health Timor-Leste - INSP-TL
The effect of provided exercise therapy on cases Morbus Hansen type multi basilers with reactions: A case report
Hansen's disease (Leprosy) is caused by Mycobacterium leprae infection and primarily affects the peripheral nervous system. Leprosy reactions, classified as type 1 (reversal) or type 2 (erythema nodosum leprosum), significantly affect sensory, motor, and functional capacities through inflammatory processes. This study evaluated the efficacy of structured exercise therapy in managing multibacillary Hansen's disease in an acute reactional state. A single-case study methodology was employed at Sumberglagah Hospital in Mojokerto, with a focus on a female patient with a leprosy reaction exhibiting movement and functional impairment. Interventions were delivered thrice weekly on alternate days, with protocol modifications on the basis of clinical status. The assessment parameters included the visual analog scale for pain, the Barthel Index for functional status, manual muscle testing for strength, anthropometric measurements for edema, goniometric evaluation for range of motion, and the prevention of disability scale for reaction severity. The intervention increased joint mobility in the hip and knee regions and significantly reduced wrist and ankle edema. Pain levels decreased in all the measured domains. However, muscle strength, functional independence scores, and overall leprosy reaction severity did not change throughout the intervention period. The Barthel Index score was maintained at 50, indicating persistent moderate dependency. Manual muscle testing demonstrated consistent values of 3/5 for most muscle groups, with selected ankle movements maintaining 4/5 strength. This severe classification reflects significant neurological involvement, which likely constrains neuromuscular recovery within the brief intervention timeframe. Exercise therapy effectively reduces pain, increases joint mobility, and resolves peripheral edema in patients with multibacillary Hansen's disease reactions, despite its limited impact on muscle strength and functional independence within the study timeframe
Front and Back Matter for Volume 2 Issue 3, May 2025
Volume 2, Issue 3, May 2025
This issue consists of 5 articles contributed by 16 authors affiliated with 11 affiliations from Three countries, including Indonesia (Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Center of Sustainable Development Goals, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Medistra Indonesia, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah (RSUD) Sumberglagah Mojokerto, Universitas Airlangga, Universitas Syah Kuala, Dr. Zainoel Abidin Hospital, Aceh Emergency Medical Team), India (Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University), Turkey (Istanbul Medipol University
Systematic literature review on sterile injectable dates of use, stability and implications for use
Beyond-use date (BUD) is crucial for the stability of injectable preparations. However, there is a knowledge gap and a lack of information regarding BUD determination in injection preparations. Therefore, a systematic review is needed to address the BUD of injection preparations. This study aimed to provide comprehensive insights into the stability, BUD data, and associated implications for injectable preparations through a systematic literature review approach. This study employed a systematic literature review guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The inclusion criteria were research articles from national and international journals discussing the BUD of sterile injection preparations published in the last 10 years. Fourteen of the 19 articles related to BUD were selected for analysis. The analysis revealed that the stability of the 19 sterile injection preparations was significantly influenced by the characteristics of the preparation, storage conditions, and type of drug. These factors substantially affect the effectiveness and safety of drugs. Intravenous sterile injections involve several critical steps to ensure the safety and efficacy of the medications used. Adhering to BUD guidelines for intravenous injections is crucial for maintaining drug quality, which can help prevent infections or adverse reactions in patients. The stability of sterile injection preparations, which is influenced by various factors, has direct implications for BUD determination. This review highlights the importance of considering these factors when determining BUD to ensure patient safety
Organizational, environmental, and sustainability of inputs to the implementation of a smoke-free area policy: A path analysis of Makassar's health facilities
The implementation of smoke-free policies in healthcare facilities represents a critical public health strategy; however, maintaining sustainable compliance remains a challenge globally. While healthcare institutions are expected to exemplify tobacco control measures, the effectiveness of smoke-free policies depends on multiple factors at the institutional and governmental levels. This study aimed to examine the influence of organizational, environmental, and sustainability factors on input indicators for smoke-free area policy implementation in healthcare facilities in Makassar, Indonesia. A quantitative correlational study was conducted across seven healthcare facilities that provide inpatient services. Using random cluster sampling, 232 healthcare workers were selected from a population of 736. Path analysis was employed to evaluate causal relationships between independent variables (organizational, environmental, and sustainability factors) and dependent variables (input indicators, including written policies, monitoring personnel, and promotional media). Data were collected through validated questionnaires and analyzed via structural equation modeling. Path analysis revealed that sustainability factors significantly influenced input indicators, particularly written policies (t statistic = 2.592, p<0.05, β=0.194). Key sustainability components, including funding stability, partnerships, organizational capacity, program evaluation, adaptation, and strategic planning, have demonstrated positive effects on policy implementation. Organizational and environmental factors had no significant impact on the input indicators. Sustainability factors emerged as crucial determinants for the successful implementation of smoke-free policies in healthcare facilities in Makassar city. Future research should investigate the barriers to policy implementation and explore additional input indicators to increase the effectiveness of smoke-free policies
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and its association with stunting in developing countries in Asia: A systematic review
Stunting is a vital health issue in developing Asian countries, where millions of individuals suffer from chronic malnutrition. Stunting not only is caused by chronic malnutrition but is also influenced by inadequate water supply, sanitation problems, and poor hygiene practices in the community. However, research on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and its association with stunting is limited, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to analyze the associations between water, sanitation, and hygiene practices and the occurrence of stunting in Asia. This article is a systematic literature review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 1,002 articles were reviewed, of which 560 were published. Additionally, articles could be selected and dropped because they had no original research. After duplicate articles were removed, 168 articles were removed. The screening and extraction results revealed 14 articles eligible for review. After the article was reviewed and read, only five articles were eligible, and only 5 articles could be reviewed because the article discussed WASH and stunting in developing countries in Asia. Inadequate WASH practices were strongly associated with stunting among children under five years of age. An insufficient water supply and access to safe drinking water contribute to this condition, as inadequate water availability can increase the risk of stunting. Additionally, groundwater unfit for consumption increases the likelihood of undernutrition, including stunting, underweight, and wasting in children. Access to improved drinking water sources is essential for reducing stunting, as households with such access report lower stunting rates. Solutions to address stunting in children under five years of age include enhancing drinking water sources, improving sanitation facilities, and promoting better hygiene practices. Local governments should provide adequate water provision and accessible drinking water
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV): A brief overview
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), discovered in 2001, is a significant respiratory pathogen in the Paramyxoviridae family that is responsible for substantial global morbidity and mortality. Despite its clinical impact, HMPV remains underdiagnosed and lacks specific treatments and vaccines. This perspective aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of HMPV as an emerging respiratory pathogen, examining its virological characteristics, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, diagnostic methods, and management approaches. This review synthesizes the current literature on HMPV, examining its virological characteristics, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, and management approaches through an analysis of peer-reviewed publications from 2001-2025. HMPV accounts for 5–10% of pediatric respiratory hospitalizations globally, with an estimated 14.2 million lower respiratory tract infections in children under five annually, resulting in 643,000 hospital admissions and 16,100 in-hospital deaths annually. The virus predominantly affects children, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised patients, who present with symptoms ranging from mild upper respiratory infections to severe pneumonia. Diagnostic advances, particularly in molecular techniques, have improved detection capabilities. Current management relies primarily on supportive care, whereas therapeutic research focuses on antiviral agents, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccine candidates utilizing novel platforms, including nanoparticle and mRNA technologies. Increased global surveillance, accelerated vaccine development, and novel therapeutic approaches are needed to address HMPV. Research priorities include understanding long-term immunity, immune evasion mechanisms, and the environmental influences on transmission. Collaborative efforts among academia, industry, public health institutions, and regulatory bodies are essential to translate scientific discoveries into effective interventions that reduce the public health burden of HMPV