SVĀSTHYA: Trends in General Medicine and Public Health
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Exploring the impact of meditation therapy on CD4 levels in HIV/AIDS patients at Karawang hospital
Get PDFThe HIV/AIDS epidemic remains a significant global health concern, with increasing prevalence in Indonesia's Karawang Regency. People living with HIV/AIDS face numerous challenges, including a decline in immune function and CD4 T-cell depletion. While antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the primary treatment, there is a growing interest in complementary therapies to support immune function and overall well-being. This study aimed to investigate the effect of meditation therapy on CD4 levels in HIV/AIDS patients at Karawang Regional General Hospital. A quasiexperimental study with a prepost design was conducted on 15 HIV/AIDS patients with CD4 levels ranging from 200–500 cells/mm3. The participants engaged in meditation sessions twice a week, twice daily, for one month. CD4 levels were measured before and after the intervention. Demographic data were collected, and statistical analyses were performed via paired t tests (p<0.05). Most of the participants were male (80%), aged 31-37 years (46.7%), and had a vocational high school education (40%). Preintervention CD4 levels ranged from 226 to 459 cells/mm3 (mean: 334.87±57.583), whereas postintervention levels ranged from 220 to 467 cells/mm3 (mean: 340.93±62.721). A paired t test revealed no statistically significant effect of meditation therapy on CD4 levels (p=0.150). This study revealed no significant increase in CD4 levels following a one-month meditation intervention in HIV/AIDS patients. While this research does not support the use of short-term meditation therapy to increase CD4 levels in HIV/AIDS patients, it underscores the need for further investigation of complementary therapies for this population
Corticosteroids and glaucoma: How do treatments trigger ocular nerve damage? - A systematic literature review
Get PDFCorticosteroids are steroid hormone derivatives produced by the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids in the health sector have been widely utilized as anti-inflammatory agents because of their strong and rapid effects. This study aimed to identify the impact of long-term corticosteroid use on eye damage. This study uses a systematic literature review, which is guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) to the article screening process. The data of this study, in the form of demographic variables, route of administration, steroid type, comorbidities, and patient risk factors, were descriptively analyzed. As a result, 15 of the 22 articles were selected for analysis. Chronic corticosteroid administration may precipitate optic neuropathy, manifesting as glaucoma, which is characterized by progressive structural degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and concomitant visual function deterioration. The locus of primary pathological insult in glaucomatous conditions is the optic nerve head, specifically at the optic disc. This anatomical site is notable for the abrupt 90-degree angular deviation of RGC axons as they transition from the retinal nerve fiber layer to their trajectory within the optic nerve proper. The use of corticosteroids can damage ocular nerve tissue through an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) beyond 21 mmHg. This increase in IOP is due to changes in the microstructure of the trabeculum webbing, resulting in increased obstruction to the outflow of aqueous humor
Stigmatization and social discrimination of pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Kotamobagu City, North Sulawesi: A qualitative study
Get PDFTuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in developing countries such as Indonesia. In Kotamobagu city, North Sulawesi, despite being recognized as one of Indonesia's most tolerant cities, patients with TB face persistent stigmatization and discrimination. This study aimed to examine the social construction of discrimination against TB patients in Kotamobagu city, focusing on how these perceptions develop and persist. This qualitative study employed a constructivist paradigm and utilized Berger and Luckman's social construction theory. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and direct observations of 16 informants, including patients with TB, healthcare workers, family members, neighbors, and colleagues. The analysis was conducted via NVIVO 12 Plus software following a systematic thematic approach. The study revealed complex patterns of stigmatization and discrimination across familial, community, and workplace settings. Network analysis revealed interconnected stigmatization factors, with physical isolation emerging as a primary preventive reaction within families. Social distancing behaviors have been documented in both familial and workplace environments. This research identified multiple pathways through which stigmatization affects patients' lives, including social isolation, psychological impact, and treatment adherence. Fear of transmission has emerged as the primary driver of discriminatory behaviors, leading to various forms of social exclusion and workplace ostracism. TB-related stigma and discrimination in Kotamobagu manifest through complex social mechanisms that significantly affect patients' psychological well-being and treatment outcomes. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive interventions that address both the structural and interpersonal aspects of stigma, particularly in workplace and family settings
Intervention with the wellness therapy spiritual emotional freedom technique (SEFT) in cancer patients and with chemotherapy: A scoping review
Get PDFPatients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy often experience psychological and physical symptoms that affect their quality of life. The Spiritual Emotional Freedom Technique (SEFT) is a potential nonpharmacological intervention to address these issues. This study aimed to determine the effects of SEFT therapy in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. A scoping review was conducted via Google Scholar to search for articles published between 2020 and 2024 with keywords related to SEFT, cancer, and chemotherapy. Eleven articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The review analyzed 11 studies published between 2020 and 2024, focusing on the impact of SEFT on various psychological and physical outcomes. The findings consistently demonstrate that SEFT therapy significantly reduces anxiety, stress, depression, and pain levels while improving sleep quality and overall quality of life in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The therapy typically involves 10-20 min sessions conducted 2-3 times per week, consisting of setup, tune-in, and tapping phases. SEFT's mechanism of action is theorized to involve the modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and influencing neurotransmitter activity through the stimulation of acupressure points. SEFT therapy shows promise as a complementary intervention for improving the well-being of patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. It addresses both psychological and physical symptoms and potentially enhances overall quality of life. Further research should compare the effectiveness of SEFTs with that of conventional methods and evaluate its long-term impact on cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Mpox, HIV infection, and genital skin disease: triple burden, threats and challenges from an epidemiological perspective
Get PDFoai:ojs2.journal.megsci-ind.org:article/1The expansion and transformation of Mpox (MPX) disease alongside HIV and genital skin diseases has led to an increase in global morbidity and mortality in a relatively brief period. These diseases have a similar transmission pathway through sexual intercourse (mainly MSM/men-sex with males). This review aims to provide a concise, evidence-based overview of MPX, HIV, and genital skin disease coinfections, and to identify epidemiological threats and challenges. Our investigations revealed that from January 2022 to July 2023, there was a significant increase in the number of MPX cases, which reached a total of 88,600, resulting in 152 deaths across 113 countries. There have been case reports of triple-burden disease in six different areas of the world, with at least 52% of reported cases occurring in men who have had sexual activity with other men, 84.1% of whom do not use condoms and do not take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In addition, the highest number of deaths due to co-infection with MPX, HIV infection, and genital skin diseases occurred in vulnerable groups (LGBTQIA2S+), especially in men who had sex with men, up to 90.9%, and experienced an increase in the frequency of triple burden diseases to 104.9%. From an epidemiological standpoint, this condition generates several threats and challenges, including an increasing burden of infectious diseases, an increase in immunocompromised populations, an increase in overlapping risk factors, diagnostic difficulties, an increase in interactions and comorbidities, and relatively complex treatment challenges. To suppress these outbreaks and pandemics, comprehensive control and prevention should be proposed collaboratively, including collaboration with the education sector to conduct better research and investigation using one health in complex settings. Epidemiological modeling can be used in the future to accelerate the control of these diseases
Raising the flag of vigilance on Mpox outbreak in Indonesia: are we prepared?
Get PDFIn the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has become acutely aware of the devastating impact of infectious diseases on public health, economies, and societies. As we gradually recover from the aftermath of COVID-19, another potential threat looms on the horizon, mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. The recent surge in mpox cases worldwide has prompted health authorities to sound an alarm, and Indonesia, as a populous nation with a complex healthcare system, must ask itself: Are we prepared for this emerging challenge?. The question "Are we prepared?" may not have a simple yes or no answer. Instead, it should serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance, adaptation, and continuous improvement in public health systems. As we navigate this new health challenge, the true measure of Indonesia's preparedness is its ability to respond swiftly, effectively, and equitably to protect the health and well-being of all citizens
Multifactorial determinants of adolescent stunting in West Java, Indonesia: A cross-sectional analysis among students aged 13–15 years
Get PDFStunting in adolescents remains a significant public health concern, with far-reaching implications for physical and cognitive development that extend into adulthood. This condition, characterized by a height below minus two standard deviations (-2 SD) from the WHO median growth standard, stems from chronic malnutrition and inadequate growth during critical developmental periods. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the incidence of stunting among adolescents aged 13–15 years at SMP Negeri 2 Cikarang Barat in 2022. A descriptive analytical study using a cross-sectional approach was conducted from March to June 2022. This study employed total sampling and recruited 34 adolescents who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected via validated questionnaires and standardized anthropometric measurements. Statistical analysis included univariate descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis via the chi-square test (α = 0.05). The analysis revealed significant associations between the incidence of stunting and several factors, including nutritional patterns (P = 0.027), birth weight (P = 0.046), birth length (P = 0.048), breastfeeding history (P = 0.048), immunization status (P = 0.050), and family income (P = 0.027). The predominant characteristics of the study population were female sex (67.6%), unfulfilled nutritional patterns (70.6%), low birth weight (64.7%), and short birth length (67.6%). Additionally, 67.6% reported a nonexclusive breastfeeding history, and 70.6% came from low-income families. This study identified multiple significant factors associated with adolescent stunting, emphasizing the complex interplay between early-life factors, nutritional patterns, and socioeconomic conditions. Maternal age at delivery, height, education, and employment status were not significantly associated. These findings suggest a need for comprehensive interventions targeting both nutritional and socioeconomic factors to address adolescent stunting effectively
Front and Back Matter for Volume 1 Issue 3, November 2024
No full textVolume 1, Issue 3, November 2024
This issue consists of 5 articles contributed by 24 authors affiliated with 9 affiliations from three countries, including Indonesia (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Medistra Indonesia, Universitas Hindu Indonesia, Indonesian Society of Epidemiologists, Universitas Hang Tuah, Universitas Nusa Cendana, Ende General Hospital), United Kingdom (Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene), and Pakistan (Sarhad University of Sciences and Information Technology (SUIT), University of Science and Technology Bannu)
Exposure to electromagnetic waves for reducing brain health: A bibliometric analysis
Get PDFExposure to electromagnetic waves has been reported to have an adverse impact on human brain health. Various claims have revealed the impact of long-term exposure to electromagnetic waves clinically and nonclinically, but there are no comprehensive studies that explain the effects of electromagnetic wave exposure on human brain health. This study aimed to identify the effects of electromagnetic wave exposure on human brain health. Using a meta-synthesis approach and bibliometric analysis. A total of 271 articles from Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed were screened to obtain 148 terms and analyzed descriptively. The findings from 2004–2024 articles that met the selection criteria resulted in 10 major clusters, 903 networks and 4,020 network strengths. The terms "1800 MHz mobile phone”, "900 MHz”, "acute exposure”, "assessment”, "behavior”, "bioeffect”, "biological effect”, "biological tissue”, "blood brain barrier”, "cell phone radiation”, "cellular phone”, "cellular telephone”, "central nervous system”, "child”, "chronic exposure" and others were most studied. Increased use of electronic devices and wireless technology significantly affects information processing and storage; disrupts synaptic communication and neuronal signaling; causes cognitive decline; disrupts the integrity of the blood‒brain barrier; and causes hypersensitivity through disruption of monoamine neurotransmitter metabolism, decreased dopamine levels, norepinephrine and epinephrine levels, 5-hydroxytryptamine "serotonin", excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters and acetylcholine esterase (AChE). The increased use of electronic devices and wireless technology significantly affects brain performance and health. Thus, it is important to minimize the effects of exposure to electromagnetic waves
Front and Back Matter for Volume 1 Issue 1, July 2024
No full textVolume 1, Issue 1, July 2024 This issue consists of 5 articles contributed by 23 authors affiliated with 13 affiliations from five countries including Indonesia (Universitas Airlangga, Universitas Hindu Indonesia, Indonesian Society of Epidemiologists, One Health Laboratory Network, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Universitas Padjadjaran, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Medistra Indonesia), United States (Universitas of Michigan), United Kingdom (University College London), Timor Leste (Serviçu Municipal da Saúde de Bobonaro), and Nigeria (University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State University)