Journal of Public Health Sciences
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Determinants of Compliance of Mothers on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) Immunization at the Rural Health Units of the 5th District of Camarines Sur
Get PDFThe study examined the determinants of compliance with vaccine preventable diseases (VPD) immunization among mothers with children aged ≥1 year in the rural health units of the 5th District of Camarines Sur, Philippines. The research utilized a descriptive analytical research design employing a questionnaire to gather data. The findings reveal a diverse demographic profile among the respondents, highlighting factors such as age, civil status, religion, number of children, educational background, occupation, and family income. The study indicates a strong commitment to vaccination practices among mothers, with notable emphasis on prioritizing immunization appointments and recognizing the importance of vaccination for preventive healthcare. Factors influencing compliance include access to healthcare services, knowledge and awareness about vaccines, attitudes and beliefs, socio-economic status, and the availability of healthcare infrastructure. Religion and family monthly income emerged as significant predictors of compliance, underscoring their impact on immunization adherence. Based on the study's results, a proposed plan to enhance compliance focuses on educational campaigns, improved accessibility, personalized support, and incentives for mothers. By addressing these areas, the plan aims to increase vaccination rates and ensure effective implementation of VPD immunization programs
A Literature Review of Community-Based Interventions for Stunting Reduction in Children under Five
Get PDFStunting is a significant chronic nutritional problem in Indonesia and the world, caused by long-term malnutrition, especially in the first 1000 days of life. Community-based interventions effectively reduce stunting rates by involving the community in health promotion, providing nutritious food, environmental sanitation, and education for pregnant and lactating mothers. This narrative literature review aims to assess the effectiveness of community-based interventions in reducing stunting among children under five years old. A structured literature search was conducted using three electronic databases: PubMed, ProQuest, and Emerald Insight. The search strategy applied Boolean operators and was framed as follows: community-based intervention AND stunted. Filters included publication years 2020–2025, articles available in full text, written in English or Indonesian, and focused on children under five. The initial search yielded 628 articles. After removing 15 duplicates and excluding irrelevant studies based on population, topic, or article type, 12 articles were selected for final analysis. The results show from 12 articles, there are six articles discussed about nutrition education, three articles about supplementary food and three articles about water and sanitation hygiene. The findings show that community-based interventions, led to stunting reduction rates ranging from 15% to 25% in developing countries. This research can serve as a reference for stunting intervention policies through nutrition education, WASH (water sanitation and hygiene), and supplementary food
The Relationship Between Pre-Conception Nutritional Care Patterns and ANC Frequency with Stunting Incidence in Newborns: A Prospective Cohort Study in North Sumatra
Get PDFStunting remains a critical public health challenge in Indonesia, with North Sumatra showing particularly high prevalence rates. Pre-conception nutrition and antenatal care (ANC) frequency are potentially modifiable factors that may influence birth outcomes and subsequent growth patterns. To examine the relationship between pre-conception nutritional care patterns and ANC frequency with stunting incidence in newborns using a mixed-methods prospective cohort design in North Sumatra. A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 1,200 women of reproductive age (18-35 years) who intended to conceive, recruited from primary healthcare centers across North Sumatra. Participants were followed from pre-conception through 24 months post-delivery. Pre-conception nutritional assessment included body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), hemoglobin levels, and dietary intake patterns. ANC frequency and quality were monitored throughout pregnancy. Birth outcomes and child growth measurements were assessed at birth, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a subsample of 60 mothers to explore perceptions and experiences regarding nutrition and healthcare utilization. The overall stunting prevalence at 24 months was 28.3%, consistent with national averages. Mothers with optimal pre-conception nutrition status (adequate BMI ≥18.5 kg/m², MUAC ≥23.5 cm, hemoglobin ≥12 g/dL) had significantly lower risk of having stunted children (adjusted OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.48-0.87, p<0.01). Adequate ANC visits (≥6 visits) were associated with 18% lower risk of stunting (adjusted OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68-0.99, p<0.05). Qualitative findings revealed significant knowledge gaps regarding pre-conception nutrition importance and cultural barriers to optimal healthcare utilization. Pre-conception nutritional status and adequate ANC frequency are significant protective factors against stunting in North Sumatra. Integrated interventions targeting both pre-conception health optimization and improved ANC utilization may substantially reduce stunting prevalence
Effectiveness of Modelling in Stunting Intervention to Improve Teenage Mothers’ Knowledge About Exclusive Breastfeeding
Get PDFStunting remains a persistent public health problem in Indonesia, strongly associated with early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and inadequate breastfeeding practices. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is a key strategy for stunting prevention; however, adolescent mothers often face knowledge and experience barriers. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a modelling-based intervention in improving adolescent mothers’ knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding in Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi. A quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design was applied, involving 31 adolescent mothers recruited through purposive sampling. The intervention consisted of a 60-minute session, including a 30-minute educational video and a 30-minute live demonstration covering the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, breastfeeding techniques, breast care, and common breastfeeding challenges. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.612) and analyzed using paired t-tests with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results showed a significant increase in knowledge scores from pretest (mean = 5.81) to posttest (mean = 6.97), with a mean difference of -1.16 (p = 0.003), indicating improved understanding after the intervention. The findings suggest that modelling-based education integrating visual and practical components effectively enhances knowledge among adolescent mothers. Nevertheless, the absence of a control group and the small sample size limit causal inference and generalizability. These results provide preliminary evidence that modelling interventions are potentially useful pending further research in supporting exclusive breastfeeding promotion and stunting prevention program
Allergic Rhinitis among the Inhabitants of Santasi-Apire in the Ashanti Region, Ghana
Get PDFAllergic rhinitis often co-occurs with common illnesses, such as rhinosinusitis, asthma, and otitis media with effusion, which significantly contributes to the severity of these conditions and negatively impacts the individuals’ quality of life. Additionally, the pathogenesis of most upper and lower respiratory illnesses is affected by the presence of allergic rhinitis, according to the World Allergy Organization (WAO). The study aimed to assess the knowledge, prevention, and management of Allergic Rhinitis among inhabitants of Santasi-Apire in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study with a quantitative technique. The target population was inhabitants aged 15 years and above. A sample size of 100 was selected for the study using a stratified sampling method. Ethical clearance was sought from Kumasi Metropolitan and the health directorate Committee for data collection using both open and closed types of questionnaires which were structured according to the objectives of the study. Data collected were collated, compiled, and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science Software (SPSS) version 20.0 and results were presented in the form of tables and charts according to their frequencies and percentages. The study discloses that most Allergic Rhinitis cases are triggered by dust, of which rhinorrhea the most is evidenced as the sign and symptom. Inhabitants of the Santasi-Apire community know that allergic rhinitis is a life-threatening condition. However, sprinkling water, avoidance of dusty areas, smoking, and triggers of allergic rhinitis are the preventive measures used by Santasi-Apire inhabitants.
Prevalence of Malnutrition and Its Risk Factors among Under-Five Children: A Case Study in the Second Congressional District of Camarines Norte, Philippines
Get PDFMalnutrition among children under five remains a critical public health concern, impacting growth, development, and overall well-being. This retrospective cohort study was conducted to thoroughly examine the prevalence of malnutrition and its associated risk factors among children under five in the Second Congressional District of Camarines Norte. Data collection involved reviewing documents, specifically the records of 340 under-five children obtained from the Field Health Service Information System (FHSIS). These records were assessed using a guide checklist, with the data analyzed through percentage technique, prevalence rates, odds ratios, and multivariate regression analysis. Results revealed a predominance of male children, most aged 24-35 months, with parents largely employed, high school graduates, and earning household incomes of Php 5,000–10,000 per month. Mild to moderate household food insecurity was also noted, necessitating attention to prevent long-term health impacts. Low household income strongly predicted underweight status, while stunting was significantly associated with low maternal education and maternal unemployment. However, none of these factors were significant predictors of wasting. Furthermore, no significant correlation was found between malnutrition indicators (underweight, stunting, wasting) and healthcare service utilization, including routine check-ups, growth monitoring, and nutrition counseling. The study underscores the importance of targeted nutritional interventions addressing stunting and iron deficiency, coupled with strategies to improve maternal education and employment. A proposed plan has been developed to enhance the nutritional status of under-five children and reduce malnutrition prevalence through comprehensive, community-focused approaches
Examining Eating Out Patterns among Individuals in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana
Get PDFEating out refers to consuming meals at food service establishments. Over the past decade, individuals’ eating out behavior has changed significantly. This study examined eating out patterns in Kumasi Metropolis. Guided by a positivist paradigm, a cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted with 400 respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests with SPSS. The study found that eating out was common at various urban food premises. Most respondents ate out on weekdays, with fewer doing so on weekends. Lunch was the most frequently consumed meal, and local dishes were preferred over continental cuisine. Gender, age, marital status, and education were significantly related to eating out patterns. Younger respondents favored fast food and continental meals, while older individuals preferred restaurants and chop bars serving local foods. It is recommended that food vendors target younger individuals and females with promotions and convenient meal options. Chop bars and restaurants should improve offerings and marketing to attract older and male customers. Dining establishments should also adapt menus to suit different socio-demographic preferences, such as providing both local and continental dishes to broaden their appeal
Fluid Overload and Self-Efficacy in Hemodialysis: Implications for Patient Care
Get PDFThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-efficacy and fluid overload in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The study included 96 adult patients receiving regular hemodialysis at a private hospital in Bandung, Indonesia. Self-efficacy in fluid restriction was assessed using a validated 20-item questionnaire based on Bandura’s model. Overhydration was measured using the Interdialytic Weight Gain (IDWG) index. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed, including Kendall’s Tau-b correlation test. The study revealed that 60.4% of participants had low self-efficacy, while 66.7% were classified as overhydrated. A statistically significant inverse relationship was found between self-efficacy and fluid overload (p = 0.002), suggesting that patients with lower self-efficacy were more likely to experience overhydration. Self-efficacy plays a critical role in fluid management among patients receiving hemodialysis. Strengthening self-efficacy through nurse-led behavioral interventions, standardized patient education, and digital health monitoring may enhance fluid adherence
A Descriptive Case Series on Combined Education, Breast Care, and Oxytocin Massage for Lactation Support in Indonesia
Get PDFExclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life is essential for optimal infant growth, development, and immune protection. Despite various efforts, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia remains suboptimal, often influenced by challenges related to maternal confidence, infant latch, and effective breastfeeding techniques. This exploratory case series aimed to describe short-term changes in breastfeeding outcomes following combined interventions of education, breast care, and oxytocin massage among postpartum mothers. Using a descriptive observational case series design, four postpartum mothers experiencing early breastfeeding difficulties received structured education, breast care, and oxytocin massage interventions, administered according to standardized clinical procedures. Breastfeeding outcomes, including infant latch quality, maternal positioning skills, signs of milk ejection, and maternal confidence, were assessed before and after the interventions. Preliminary observations indicated improvements across several of these parameters. However, the study’s findings are limited by its small sample size and reliance on subjective observations. As an exploratory study, these results offer initial insights but should be interpreted with caution. Further research with larger samples, control groups, and objective evaluation tools is needed to determine the efficacy and generalizability of these interventions
Occupational Safety and Health Practices of Selected Private Higher Education Institutions in the Philippines
Get PDFHigher education institutions (HEIs) are as important as other workplace settings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Health (DOH) put a premium on the safety and health of all HEI stakeholders. This research determines the occupational safety and health (OSH) practices of HEIs in Region V to assess how far they have started and implemented health and safety measures for the well-being of all employees. A descriptive–evaluative method was utilized in conducting this study. Questionnaires and documentary analysis were used as data-gathering tools. The prevalence of OSH practices was high in the six HEIs selected in Region V. There was also a significant difference in the appraisals of stakeholders, even if they rated the indicators as highly practiced. The challenges cited were least experienced by the stakeholders, specifically, regulations to ban and control dangerous products, low public awareness of OSH, recurrent fluctuations in the amount of work, and conflicting work demands. There is a need to consult employees in policy formulation to increase participation. Having adequate facilities not only protects workers from hazards but also increases workers’ productivity. Safe and adequate facilities are needed to encourage employees to go to work because they need to know that they can still attend to their personal needs while at school. Staff require information and training to operate safely without putting their health at risk