Althea Medical Journal
Not a member yet
480 research outputs found
Sort by
Students’ Perception on Ideal Age of Marriage and Childbearing
Get PDFBackground: Early-age marriage is still common in Indonesia, especially in the rural areas. There are many negative effects of the marriage; the young brides may get lower education, lower social status, minimum reproduction control, higher maternal mortality, higher domestic violence rate and others. Thus, this study is conducted to identify the students’ perception on the ideal age of marriage and childbearing.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from June to September 2013 in Jatinangor using secondary data from Jatinangor Cohort Survey Team. The data comprised two hundred and twenty students from Jatinangor Senior High School and PGRI Vocational School. A hundred and ten males and a hundred and ten females were chosen by random sampling. Questionnaires were given after the written informed consent was obtained from the students.Results: The results showed 74.55% of the students chose 19¬–24 years old as the ideal age of marriage for a woman and 68.64% students chose 25–30 years old as the ideal age of marriage for a man. Moreover, forchildbearing, 25–30 years old was chosen to be the ideal age for both man and woman. The percentage of students agreed to this was 74.55% and 54.09% respectively.Conclusions: Majority of the students agreed on 19–24 years old and 25–30 years old as the ideal age of marriage for woman and man respectively. For childbearing, 25–30 years old was concluded as the ideal agefor both genders. [AMJ.2015;2(4):591–6] DOI: 10.15850/amj.v2n4.66
Distribution of Risks for Major Osteoporotic Fracture Based on Fracture Risk Assessment Tool in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
No full textBackground: Osteoporosis has become a growing public health problem in Indonesia. A definite estimation of osteoporosis prevalence in Indonesia is not available due to the limited access of dual energy X ray absorptiometry (DXA) facilities. In 2008, the World Health Organization has developed a tool called Fracture Risk Assessment Tool to identify fracture risk based on the clinical risk factors. The study aimed to identify the risk factors of osteoporotic fracture using Fracture Risk Assessment Tool in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted from June–December 2013 in Orthopedic & Traumatology, Internal Medicine, Geriatric and Surgery polyclinics Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung to 77 respondents, aged 40–90 years, using the random sampling method. Fracture risks were calculated online, and the data obtained were analyzed and presented using frequency distribution in tables.Results: Most of the respondents had low risk for osteoporotic fracture, and only 5.19% of them had moderate risk. The main risk factors were rheumatoid arthritis (57.14%), followed by current smoking (27.27%) and prolonged glucocorticoids consumption (25.98%). The moderate risk group was females, above 60 years old and with normal BMI or underweight with risks of previous fracture, parent’s previous hip fracture, rheumatoid arthritis and prolonged glucocorticoids exposure.Conclusions: Majority of the respondents have low risk for osteoporotic fracture. It must be taken into consideration that increasing age, rheumatoid arthritis, current smoking, prolonged glucocorticoids consumption, previous fracture and parent’s previous hip fracture can cause increased risk. DOI: 10.15850/amj.v2n3.51
Mother’s Knowledge, Attitude, Practice toward Safe Water Usage and Incidence of Diarrhea in Children at Baleendah Bandung
No full textBackground: Poor environmental conditions contribute to the high incidence of diarrhea, most of those caused by unsecure water and poor health knowledge. This study was conducted to evaluate the mother’s knowledge, attitude, and practice toward safe water usage in Baleendah, Bandung.Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in Baleendah during September−October 2012, participated by 210 mothers with 12−59 months children, and using rapid survey method. This study used a questionnaire to measure the three domains, which consists of 8 questions of knowledge, 10 questions of attitudes, 16 questions of practice, and 7 questions of diarrhea. The collected data were analyzed and presented in table.Results: As much as 168 (80%) of mothers were in moderate knowledge status, 126 (60%) of mothers were in moderate attitude status. Practically, 127 (54.7%) of mothers used water from borehole/tube well. Most of the mothers (54.6%) use drinking water from refillable water store.Conclusions: Most mothers who participated have varied moderate knowledge and attitude status, and practice toward safe water usage. DOI: 10.15850/amj.v2n3.50
Relationship between Exclusive Breastfeeding and Nutritional Status of Infants Aged 12 months
Get PDFBackground: Exclusive breastfeeding has a high nutrient content to fulfill the nutritional needs of infants aged 0−6 months. The aim of this study was to describe thenutritional status of infants aged 12 months and to determine the relationship of exclusive breastfeeding and nutritional status of infants aged 12 months in Pos Pelayanan Terpadu (Posyandu) Cipacing Village Jatinangor.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out to 102 mothers with infants aged 12 months in Posyandu Cipacing Village from September to October 2013. The infants’ body weight were weighed with weight scales which had been calibrated and the body length were measured with the Seca 210 baby length measuring mat, then the mother was interviewed with a questionnaire which had been validated to inquire about the exclusive breastfeeding history. The Fisher exact test was used to assess relationship between both variables.Results: There were 81.3% of infants with good nutritional status and 83.3% of infants who did not get exclusive breastfeeding. The analysis test showed that the p-value of relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and nutritional status was 0.458 with odds ratio 3.343.Conclusions: Most of the infants are in good nutritional status although they do not get exclusive breastfeeding. Consequently, there is not a significant relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and nutritional status. [AMJ.2015;2(4):534–40] DOI: 10.15850/amj.v2n4.63
Correlation between Six-Minutes’ Walk Test and Quality of Life in Heart Failure Patients
Get PDFBackground: The problem of heart failure patient relates with reduced functional capacity and eventually leads to declined quality of life (QoL). Improved QoL may not relate to better functional capacity since QoL is influenced by patient’s expectation to the on-going treatment. This study was conducted to investigate the correlation between six-minutes’ walk test (6MWT) as a measure for functional capacity and QoL of heart failure patient in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital.Methods: This cross sectional study involved 32 patients who were on planned visit at the outpatient clinic of Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung from September to October 2013. Subjects were chosen using consecutive sampling. The correlation of 6MWT and QoL assessed using modified Minnesota Living and Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) was analyzed through Pearson’s correlation test.Results: There was a significant correlation between distance covered in 6MWT and QoL (r=-0.354, p<0.05).The mean of six-minute walk distance was 277.96 (±42.17) and mean of QoL score was 33.41 (±7.88). In accordance with the findings in previous studies, this study revealed correlation between the distance obtained in 6MWT and the QoL score in heart failure patient.Conclusions: There is correlation between 6MWT and quality of life in outpatients with heart failure at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital. [AMJ.2015;2(4):469–73] DOI: 10.15850/amj.v2n4.62
Green Tea and its Effect on Hemostasis Measured by Thrombelastography
Get PDFBackground: Increasing health problems may come from changes in lifestyle including stressful lifestyles, high calorie diets, and lack of physical activity. Those may also lead to an increase occurrence of abnormal hemostasis. Green tea has been well known for its many benefits, including its antithrombotic effect. The aim of this study was to determine whether the consumption of green tea actually affects hemostasis and to measure changes in hemostatic parameters after its consumption.Methods: A preliminary explorative study was conducted on 3 healthy female subjects aged between 21 to 22 years old for 8 weeks from October to November 2012 in Jatinangor, Sumedang, Indonesia. The subjects were subjected to initial thrombelastography analysis and started drinking green tea twice a day after meals. The solution was made by steeping a teabag in 250ml water of 70°C for 2 minutes. After 8 weeks, another thrombelastography analysis was performed to the subjects. Results: Pre- and post-intervention results of the analysis were averaged and compared according to the parameters. The results of this study showed prolonged R (Reaction-time) and K (K-time), decreased α (angle) and MA (Maximum Amplitude), and increased LY30 (lysis at 30 minutes), showing an overall reduction in coagulability. Conclusions: The consumption of green tea twice a day for 8 weeks affects hemostasis with hemostatic parameters measured by thrombelastography show differences before and after consumption.Keywords: Green tea, hemostasis, thrombelastographyDOI: 10.15850/amj.v2n1.42
Solanum muricatum Aiton Juice as A Hepatoprotective Agent in Wistar Rats Induced With Carbon Tetrachloride
Get PDFBackground: Liver participates in various metabolic processes in human body. Exposures to toxins such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) results in hepatocyte destruction and release the cell contents. Enzymes such as serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) were used as a parameter to diagnose liver damage. Pepino (Solanum muricatum Aiton) contains antioxidants that protect liver from hepatoxicity. The aim of this experiment is to determine the effect of pepino in protecting the hepatocyte from hepatotoxic effect of CCl4.Methods: A total of 16 Wistar rats used as the subject were divided into Control and Therapeutic Group. The Control group was induced with CCl4 but was not given pepino juice. Meanwhile, the Therapeutic Group was given pepino juice for 10 days. For induction of hepatotoxicity, CCl4 10% was given at a dosage of 2.0 ml/kg intra-peritoneal. Each Wistar rat in Therapeutic Group was given 1.0 ml of 300 g/ml pepino juice via oral feeding. Spectrophotometer with adjusted wavelength of 340 nm was used to measure SGPT level of the Wistar rats and statistical T-test was used to analyze the data.Results: Wistar rats in Therapeutic group showed a larger decrease (6898.9 IU/L–79.1 IU/L) in SGPT level compared to the Control group (6469.8 IU/L–418.5 IU/L). The SGPT level of the Wistar rat in Therapeutic group reached normal baseline (50 IU/L–150 IU/L). The significance of the experiment was supported by the T-test, P-value <0.05Discussion: Pepino juice had antioxidants that protect the hepatocyte of Wistar rats from free radicals. The synergistic action of antioxidants and hepatocyte regeneration of Wistar rats in Therapeutic group caused a decrease in SGPT level. Therefore, the experiment concluded that pepino juice at the dosage of 300 g/ml has hepatoprotective effect.Key words: Carbon tetrachloride, hepatotoxicity, Pepino, Solanum muricatum Aiton, SGPT DOI: 10.15850/amj.v2n4.48
Description of Posner Schlossman Syndrome Patients in Bandung, Indonesia during the Period of August 2009 to July 2011
Get PDF Background: Posner-Schlossman Syndrome (PSS) is also known as Glaucomatocyclitic Crisis. It is a non–genetic, often misdiagnosed, and rare disease characterized by recurrent unilateral episodes of markedly elevated intraocular pressure which occurs simultaneously with mild inflammation of the uvea. The underlying cause of this disease is still unknown. This syndrome usually affects those who are 20 to 50 years old. The aim of this study was to perform a descriptive study on subjects diagnosed with PSS at the National Eye Centre Cicendo Eye Hospital Bandung Indonesia. Methods: The method used was a descriptive study carried out on subjects diagnosed with PSS at the National Eye Centre Cicendo Eye Hospital Bandung, Indonesia during the period of August 2009 to July 2011.Results: Of 31 patients, 19 (61.3%) female patients participated in the study, 12 (38.7%) aged 31–40 years, 9 (29.0%) had recurrences. All (100%) complained of blurred vision, 24 (77.4%) with accompanying vision of rainbow halo surrounding light in, and 22 (71%) had headache. A total of 27 (87.1%) patients suffered from the disease unilaterally. After treatment, 17 (54.8%) patients’ visual acuity improved and 20 (64.4%) patients’ intraocular pressure (IOP) were in normal range. Conclusions: PSS mostly affects females. The most prevalent age range is 31–40 years. Most are affected unilaterally. All of them present with the symptom of blurred vision. Visual acuity and IOP are in normal limit after treatment.Keywords: Eye vision, Posner Schlossman Syndrome, National Eye Centre Cicendo Eye HospitalDOI: 10.15850/amj.v2n1.421
Undernutrition Affects the Occurence of Acute Respiratory Infections in Children under Five Years Old in Cipacing Rural
Get PDFBackground: Millennium Development Goals’ (MDGs) aims to decrease mortality in children will be achieved if the cause ofmortality include ARIs is eliminated. Acute respiratory infections are influenced by some factorssuch as nutritional status. The objective of this study was to analyze the correlation between nutritional status andthe occurrence of ARIs in children.Methods: This study used retrospective cohort approach during October─November 2012. One hundred and ten mothers with children under five years old with different nutritional status were randomly selected and then asked about their history of respiratory symptoms. Data were analyzed using chi square test.Results: About 66 under five children (60%) with good nutrition status had ARIs occurrence of <7 times and 5 children (4.5%) had ARIs≥7 times. In children with undernutrition, about 30 children (27.3%) had ARIs<7 times and 9 children (8.2%) had ARIs≥7 times. Bivariate analysis result showed that there was a correlation between nutritional status with the occurrence of ARIs in under five children (p<0.05).Conclusions: Acute respiratory tract infections are often experienced by undernutrition children. This study strengthens the essential to correct nutritional status to prevent the infections in children. DOI: 10.15850/amj.v2n3.49
Comparison of Functional Capacity using Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Pharmacological Therapy on ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients
Get PDFBackground: Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a shift manifestations pattern of ischemic myocardium. Revascularization either with Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) or pharmacological therapy is an optional treatment for ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome (STEACS) patients. The aim of the study was to compare the functional capacity using six-minute walking test on STEACS patients who underwent Primary PCI or pharmacological therapy.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from September to October 2012 to 35 STEACS patients who were treated after two years. The samples were obtained from the list of patients at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients diagnosed as STEACS, cooperative and not experiencing cognitive disturbance. The exclusion criteria were STEACS patients with unstable angina or myocardial infarct in the last month, stable exertional angina, and pregnant women. The patients underwent 6 minutes walking test,VO2max was measured using theCalahin and Cooper formula, then Metabolic Equation Task (METs) was calculated. Data were analyzed by unpaired T-test.Results: There were 19 Primary PCI and 16 pharmacological therapy patients. The average of age between the two groups was distributed evenly. Most of the STEACS patients were male, had a college/academic degree and were retired. Patients treated with pharmacological therapy had higher average of VO2 max and METs than patients with Primary PCI. There was no significantly differences of METs between those groups (p>0.05)Conclusions: There were no significantly differences of functional capacity in STEACS patients treated with Primary PCI or Pharmacological therapy. [AMJ.2015;2(1):162–6