CoMPHI Journal: Community Medicine and Public Health of Indonesia Journal

Understanding the Determinants of Acute Otitis Media in Children Exposed to Tobacco Smoke: A Study from an Urban Indonesian Population

Nabilla Firya Ekananda — 2025-06-30

Tobacco smoking is a pervasive global health challenge, with its by-product, secondhand smoke, negatively impacting health, especially in vulnerable populations such as children. In Indonesia, ear disorders, notably Acute Otitis Media (AOM), are common pediatric morbidities. AOM, an inflammation of the middle ear, is frequently linked to high smoking activity and, critically, exposure to tobacco smoke. This study aimed to elucidate the association between secondhand smoke exposure and AOM occurrence in children aged 0-5 years presenting at Dr. Ramelan Naval Hospital, Surabaya. Utilizing a cross-sectional observational design, data were collected from 74 eligible pediatric patients through questionnaires detailing their smoke exposure and corresponding AOM diagnoses. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between secondhand smoke exposure and AOM incidence (p<0.001), characterized by a moderate correlation coefficient (r=0.329). The findings underscore that a significant proportion of pediatric AOM cases at our institution are associated with moderate secondhand smoke exposure. This research concludes that secondhand smoke exposure is a significant risk factor for Acute Otitis Media, particularly among children aged 0-5 years, highlighting a critical need for public health interventions to reduce household smoke exposure and improve pediatric ear health outcomes.

The Influence of Social Media Exposure on Adolescent Reproductive Health Practices: Evidence from Indonesian Vocational Students

Devi Intan Lestari — 2025-06-30

Adolescents often grapple with poor reproductive health behaviors due to limited literacy and access to relevant health information, despite the potential of social media as an information source. This study aimed to analyze the association between social media access and adolescent reproductive health behaviors. Employing a quantitative, cross-sectional design, we utilized proportionate random sampling to recruit 290 tenth and eleventh-grade vocational high school students from SMK Tujuh Lima 1 Purwokerto and SMK Ma'arif NU 2 Ajibarang in Banyumas Regency, Indonesia. Data were collected via an online Google Form questionnaire, which demonstrated satisfactory validity (Pearson $r = 0.334$ ) and reliability (Cronbach's alpha $= 0.750$ ) for social media access. The majority of respondents were 16 years old (49%), female (60%), and primarily accessed reproductive health information through electronic media (22%). Interestingly, while most reported limited social media access (54%), a large proportion exhibited good reproductive health behaviors (91%). A weak but statistically significant association was found between social media access and reproductive health behaviors ( $p = 0.001$ , $r = 0.188$ ). These findings suggest that despite varying levels of social media access, other factors might be more influential in shaping adolescent reproductive health behaviors. We recommend strengthening reproductive health education through engaging and relevant social media content to better leverage its potential as an informative platform for adolescents.

Overview of Risk Factors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) at SLB Negeri 1 Makassar

firjatullah feniah Sabir — 2025-06-30

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder of the nervous system that can occur from birth or infancy. Children with ASD have difficulty developing social relationships with others. This autism condition affects social interaction, communication, and behavior that is seen before the child reaches the age of 3 years. The purpose of this study was to describe the risk factors in children with GSA at SLB Negeri 1 Makassar. This study employs a descriptive cross-sectional approach to investigate risk factors in children with GSA at SLB Negeri 1 Makassar. This research was conducted at the Makassar State SLB 1 Educational Institution from January 04 to January 24, 2023. The total number of samples in this study was 61, which fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data processing and analysis were computerized using SPSS 20.0. The majority of children had genetic factors (59.0%). The age of the father when the mother conceived the child was highest in the 29-30 year age category, and the age of the mother when she conceived the child was highest at 32-34 years. Most mothers' education was found to be at the high school level (60.7%). Almost all mothers had a history of passive smoking (90.2%). No mother had a history of exposure to pesticides, alcohol consumption, consumption of antidepressant drugs, or consumption of anti-epileptic medications. Almost all mothers had no history of preeclampsia (90.2%). Most had a history of preterm (67.0%) and LBW (55.7%). Almost all children had a history of asphyxia (95.1%). Most children had a history of febrile seizures (70.5%). Risk factors that are commonly found in children with GSA in SLB Negeri 1 Makassar are genetic history, father's age is 29-30 years and mother's age is 32-34 years, history of high school education, history of passive smoking, history of prematurity, history of LBW, history of asphyxia and history of febrile seizures.

Analysis Of Maternal Hygiene Practices And Sanitation Knowledge On Stunting Incidence In Children Under Five At Sepatan Health Center, Tangerang Regency

Muhamarudin — 2025-06-30

Stunting remains a significant global health challenge, profoundly impacting child growth and development, defined by a height-for-age z-score below -2 standard deviations of the WHO growth standards. Substandard sanitation and poor hygiene practices substantially elevate the risk of stunting, potentially by up to five-fold. Parental involvement, especially maternal knowledge and understanding of stunting, is crucial for its prevention. This study aimed to analyze the association between maternal hygiene practices, maternal sanitation knowledge, and stunting prevalence in toddlers. We conducted a cross-sectional, observational analytic study among mothers of stunted children aged 0-5 years within the working area of Puskesmas Sepatan, Tangerang Regency, Indonesia. A total of 63 respondents completed questionnaires assessing their hygiene behaviors and sanitation knowledge. Our findings indicate that most stunted toddlers had mothers with suboptimal hygiene practices, despite their sanitation knowledge generally being in the 'good' category. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a significant association between maternal hygiene practices and stunting incidence ( $p = 0.044$ ), as well as between maternal sanitation knowledge and stunting incidence ( $p = 0.000$ ). This study concludes that both maternal hygiene practices and sanitation knowledge are significantly associated with stunting among toddlers in this Indonesian community, underscoring the critical need for targeted interventions focusing on behavioral change alongside educational initiatives to combat this pervasive public health issue.

Exploring Knowledge Gaps in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Among Pre-Clinical Students and Junior Doctors in Medical Faculty

Mirza Zaka Pratama — 2025-06-30

Understanding knowledge gaps is essential for developing more effective educational interventions that can bridge theory and practice. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge gaps in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus between pre-clinical students and junior doctors at a medical faculty. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 250 participants, divided equally between pre-clinical students and junior doctors (N=125 each). Variables such as gender, educational year, GPA, and study time were analyzed. Knowledge was assessed in five domains: pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and complications. Linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with mean knowledge scores. No significant differences in gender distribution or study time (p = 0.899, p = 0.633, respectively). However, GPA scores were significantly higher among junior doctors (p < 0.001). Pre-clinical students scored higher than junior doctors in all SLE-related domains. GPA and study time were the strongest predictors of higher scores (Beta = 0.917, p < 0.001; Beta = 0.261, p < 0.001). GPA and study time significantly contributed to SLE knowledge scores, while gender and educational year did not. These findings suggest that academic performance and consistent study habits play critical roles in mastering SLE concepts among medical trainees.

Psychological Stress and Seborrheic Dermatitis Outcomes: Insights from a Clinical Cohort in Southeast Asia

Fahridho Ramadhana Brilliant — 2025-06-30

Seborrheic Dermatitis (DS) is a chronic skin disease that often occurs in areas rich in sebaceous glands, characterized by erythematous patches, plaques, and scales. Psychological factors, especially stress, will affect sebum production and colonization of Malassezia spp being the main cause of seborrheic dermatitis. Stress can increase skin inflammation and worsen DS symptoms. The severity of DS was assessed by the Seborrheic Dermatitis Area Severity Index (SDASI), while stress was measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). PSS is designed to measure the level of stress in everyday life. SDASI scale used to assess the severity of seborrheic dermatitis. The purpose of the study was to analyze the relationship between the level of stress measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) with the severity of seborrheic dermatitis evaluated through the Seborrheic Dermatitis Area Severity Index (SDASI). The study involved 51 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collection was conducted through PSS questionnaires totaling 14 questions and SDASI assessment to measure the severity of DS. The results showed that most patients experienced very severe stress (88.2%) and the severity of severe SDASI (74.5%). The correlation between PSS and SDASI showed a p value of 0.010 (p < 0.05), which showed significant results between the level of stress with the severity of DS with correlation efficiency of 0.359..Stress can worsen the condition of seborrheic dermatitis in which an increase in PSS values is obtained.

Depression Among Cervical Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Clinical and Sociodemographic Factors

zhaqirra sharond — 2025-06-30

Cervical carcinoma is a type of cancer that predominantly affects women and significantly impacts their quality of life, particularly psychological well-being. Depression is a common psychological complication experienced by cervical carcinoma patients. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of cervical carcinoma patients experiencing depression at RSPAL dr. Ramelan Surabaya in 2024. The research used a descriptive design with a retrospective approach, with data obtained from patient medical records and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaire. The analysis classified patients' depression levels into normal, mild mood disturbance, borderline depression, low depression, moderate depression, and extreme depression, while evaluating risk factors such as age, employment, and marital status. The results showed that the majority of patients were in the extreme depression category, with a percentage of 35.2%. Age-related risk factors revealed that 74.1% of patients were in the adult age group (19–59 years). Regarding employment, most patients were housewives or unemployed (68.5%). Furthermore, the majority of patients were married or previously married (85.2%). In conclusion, cervical carcinoma patients tend to experience extreme depression, particularly those in the adult age group, women who are unemployed, and those who are married. These findings are expected to serve as a reference for developing psychological intervention programs to improve the quality of life of cervical carcinoma patients

From Struggle To Strategy: Home Isolation During The Sars-COV-2 Pandemic In Meruyung, Depok, Indonesia

Rina K Kusumaratna — 2025-06-30

The Indonesian government implemented various health procedures, including home isolation, to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Despite these efforts, understanding public readiness for self-isolation is crucial. This study aimed to assess self-awareness and preparedness for home isolation during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (January-April 2020). Employing an analytical cross-sectional design, data were collected from 1169 participants (household heads, spouses, and elderly members $\geq 60$ years) in 11 sub-districts of Limo Depok, West Java, Indonesia, using a validated scoring questionnaire on internal and external perceptions of home isolation. Descriptive analysis and Fisher's Exact test ( $p < 0.05$ ) were performed. Findings revealed a predominant female participation (66% aged $\geq 60$ years), with case categories comprising 3% suspicious, 3.4% travelers, and 93.7% non-confirmation cases; 32% had comorbidities. A critical external factor was high population density, with only 19% of residential locations meeting excellent standards. Strikingly, only 20.5% of participants expressed willingness to practice home isolation. This study underscores a significant gap in the public's willingness and environmental suitability for effective home isolation. Raising awareness and empowering families to independently curb transmission are crucial. Lessons from local COVID-19 cases emphasize the vital role of collaborative management and network development among local stakeholders to enhance pandemic response strategies.

Work-Life Balance Among Informal Sector Workers: A Systematic Review of Challenges and Strategies

Alvira Choirina Afiani — 2025-06-30

Informal work is a work arrangement that, in practice, does not comply with national labor laws, leaving its workers uncertain about their legal protection, facing challenges in maintaining a consistent work schedule, and struggling to balance their work and family life. The characteristics of the informal sector, such as low and unstable wages, can also cause stress and anxiety, which in turn disrupts work-life balance or WLB. WLB can be defined as the lack of conflict or interference between work and family roles. Understanding the details about WLB on informal sector workers. A search for articles through Google Scholar yielded 12 articles related to WLB among informal workers, including online drivers, bus drivers, tailors, and farmers. The Study revealed that informal workers often face challenges in the form of long and irregular working hours, low and unstable wages, and limited legal and social protection. WLB of informal workers can be influenced by working hours, wages, health and safety of work environment, training provision or requirements, social integration, individual factors, economic and family factors, influence of technology, loyalty and attitude factors, also salary factors. In addition, there are natural conditions and job insecurity that influence WLB in the agricultural sector. Poor WLB can result in high levels of stress, decreased productivity, and increased health risks. WLB among informal workers can be caused by many factors, so more effective policy interventions are needed from the government, such as improving regulations and strengthening Pos UKK.

Air Pollution Exposure and Hemoglobin Levels in Fuel Station Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study on Occupational Health Risks

Ath.Thaariq Lustician Zarathustra — 2025-06-30

Air pollution is a recognized environmental risk factor with documented effects on hematological and immunological systems, frequently leading to reduced hemoglobin levels and the development of anemia. Hemoglobin, a crucial component of erythrocytes, facilitates oxygen and carbon dioxide transport throughout tissues. Levels below 13.5 g/dL in males and 12 g/dL in females are categorized as low. This literature review aimed to synthesize existing evidence on the role of air pollution exposure in influencing hemoglobin levels among fuel station workers. Utilizing a systematic literature search, ten relevant journal articles were identified and critically analyzed to summarize prior findings. The review consistently revealed that prolonged and continuous exposure to air pollution is likely to impair hemoglobin synthesis, leading to a decrease in hemoglobin levels among fuel station workers. In conclusion, this review demonstrates a significant role of air pollution exposure in affecting hemoglobin levels in this occupational group, highlighting a critical public health concern.