The Indonesian Journal of Public Health

THE DETERMINANT IMPACTING FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION AMONG FAMILIES IN MALUKU, INDONESIA

Arter Eliezer Sitepu — 2025-03-30

Introduction: Consuming a minimum of 400 g of fruits and vegetables (FV) daily fulfills nutritional needs and diminishes the possibility of getting specific non-communicable diseases. In low or middle-income countries, about 80% of people consume fruits and vegetables below the WHO's recommendations, including Indonesia, where 93.6% of the population does so. In Indonesia, the annual per capita consumption of FV is only 35 kg; however, in Maluku, it is far lower at 7.78 kg per capita annually, below the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s objective of 75 kg per year. Aims: This study aims to identify the determinants that impact family behavior regarding FV consumption. Methods: This study took a cross-sectional approach. The purposive sampling chose a total of 398 families. The study employed a questionnaire that has passed validity and reliability tests, with Cronbach alpha >0.8. Results: The findings revealed that 192 (48%) respondents had enough knowledge, 253 (63.2%) had good access to fruits and vegetables, and 198 (49.5%) demonstrated good behavior. Furthermore, the chi-square test revealed that knowledge and family consumption of fruits and vegetables are correlated (p-value 0.001) as well as between FV availability and family consumption behavior (p-value 0.036). Conclusions: The study's findings serve as a road map for local governments, health institutions, and related parties seeking to ensure the availability of fruits and vegetables to meet the community's consumption demands. It also focuses on family-centered education to enhance FV consumption behavior.

SPATIAL MEMORY AND HISTOMORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES INDUCED BY SUBCHRONIC NITROCELLULOSE INHALATION IN MICE: ROLE OF DEXAMETHASONE IN THE CEREBRUM

Olubunmi Balogun — 2025-03-30

Introduction: Thinners are toxic substances used as organic solvents. Adolescents (11%) use thinners as inhalants regularly, which is linked to brain damage and learning deficits. This study looked at the effects of thinner inhalation in adult male mice and dexamethasone's anti-inflammatory effects on pyramidal neurons and glia. Aim: To investigate dexamethasone's anti-inflammatory effects on nitrocellulose inhalation. Methods: Forty mice were used; group one served as a control; group two was exposed to 1200ppm nitrocellulose in a whole-body inhalation chamber for 42 days; group three was injected with 2.5mg/kg dexamethasone twice weekly; and group four received nitrocellulose inhalation daily and dexamethasone twice weekly. Neurobehavioral study for learning and memory was conducted before sacrifice. Brains were harvested and processed for histology and biochemical activities of MDA and IL-6. Analysis of data was done using Graphpad Prism 8.4.3 with level of significance at P<0.05. Results: Indices of learning and memory in the nitrocellulose group were reduced escape latency and duration spent in the quadrant but not in the control or dexamethasone group (P=0.009). The MDA and IL-6 levels were higher in the nitrocellulose group compared to control and dexamethasone groups (P=0.02; P=0.03, respectively). Density of pyramidal neurons in layer 5 and 6 was significantly lower in the nitrocellulose treated groups compared to control and dexamethasone (P<0.0001). Conclusion: Dexamethasone reduced neuronal and glial cell damages in the pre-frontal cortex, accompanied with spatial learning and memory improvement.

DO ADOLESCENTS USE DATING APPS TO FIND SEXUAL PARTNERS? A STUDY OF MOTIVATION OF DATING APPS USE AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN INDONESIA

Andhika Ajie Baskoro — 2025-03-30

Introduction: The existence of dating apps as a form of technological advancement has given individuals new ways to search for a romantic partner. Twenty-five percent of newlywed couples met through dating apps, while 40% of unmarried individuals were looking for partners online. Behind the search for a romantic partner through an app, some risks keep track of its users, which is associated with increased sexual activity. The use of dating apps for adolescent users should be a concern, given that, in the adolescent phase, initiation into sexual activity has become one of the frequently emerging aspects. Aims: To find out the motivation for using dating apps among adolescents aged 18-24 years old. Methods: The users’ motivation of the dating apps focuses on three aspects: Relationship Seeking, Sexual Experience, and Flirting which are categorized into low and high motivation. The study used a quantitative approach with data collection through online questionnaires on 151 respondents. This study used chi-square as its analytical tool. Result: The study showed that, of the three motivations, the motivation to find a lover was the most common among the participants. Regarding the socio-demographic characteristics, sex and the frequency of use of dating apps show significant association with sexual experience and flirting motivation. Age and region are associated with relationship-seeking and flirting motivation, respectively. Interestingly, relationship status is associated with sexual experience motivation. Conclusions: The study recommends increasing the provision of reproductive health information to minimize the risk of dating app use among adolescents.

COMPARATIVE STUDY: HEALTH RISK BEHAVIOUR IN URBAN AND RURAL INDONESIAN ADOLESCENTS

Gisely Vionalita — 2025-04-22

Introduction: In 2019, the prevalence of cigarette smoking among adolescents in Indonesia increased to 18.8%. Aim: To assess health risk behaviours among Indonesian students in both urban and rural areas. Methods: This study's survey items, were developed using items questionnaire that focuses on smoking, eating, socioeconomic status (SES), and social relationships among teenagers aged 14 to 18. The study used two separate, demographically and culturally varied school-based populations. Results: The study found that teenagers in urban areas were more likely to smoke cigarettes, whilst adolescents in rural areas were more likely to practice healthy eating habits. Significant disparities in socioeconomic level (P 0.05) and social interactions (P 0.05) were also discovered, which may have an impact on the health risk behaviours seen in teenagers. The development of focused therapies and public health initiatives to address teenage health risk behaviours will benefit from these findings. Conclusion: More study is necessary to further understand the relationship between risk factors and health behaviours in both urban and rural teenagers in Indonesia. This will make it possible to find efficient preventive techniques and plans adapted to pupils' particular environments and cultural backgrounds.

SELF-DISCLOSURE OF ADOLESCENTS AS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL FACTOR IN THE PROVISION OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH INFORMATION TO ADOLESCENTS

Tanjung Anitasari Indah Kusumaningrum — 2025-03-30

Introduction: Adolescents with all their characteristics make them are vulnerable to reproductive health problems. Parents have the responsibility to provide reproductive health information to adolescents, but 52.67% of parents have not conveyed it. Aims: This study aimed to analyze the factors that most influence parent-to-adolescent communication regarding reproductive health. Methods: This type of research uses cross-sectional, which was conducted offline in 2022 in Jrakah Boyolali Village. The population of this study was 422 parents of teenagers, and the sample was 230 parents with adolescents aged 11-19 years. The sampling technique used was proportional random sampling. Data collection was carried out using validated instruments. The independent variables were communication patterns, joint activities, and adolescents’ self-disclosure, with parents' behavior in providing reproductive health information as the dependent variable. Data analysis was carried out with multiple logistic regression tests, with a significance level of 5%. Results: The study found that adolescent self-disclosure to their parents was the most influential factor in the provision of reproductive health information by parents to their adolescent children (OR=2.537 (95% CI OR:1.423-4.522). Parents with teenagers who are less open about telling their parents can increase the risk 2.537 times of not communicating reproductive health to teenagers. Adolescents' openness to their parents can increase the closeness between parents and adolescents, making it more possible to discuss reproductive health between the two. Conclusion: Parents need to learn communication techniques with teenagers so that teenagers are not embarrassed to discuss things.

DEVELOPING A PREDICTIVE MODEL OF SOCIAL COGNITIVE INFLUENCES ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Novita Intan Arovah — 2025-03-30

Introduction: Increasing physical activity levels in middle-aged and older adults is a critical public health agenda, as regular physical activity reduces morbidity, healthcare costs, and chronic disease risks by up to 90%. Developing effective physical activity programs, however, requires comprehension of factors influencing physical activity behavior. Aims: This research aimed to develop a predictive model of social cognitive influences on moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in this demographic. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 118 participants, 76% of whom were female. Social cognitive factors, which included self-efficacy, outcome expectations (physical, social, and self-evaluation), self-regulation (goal setting and planning), and social support (from family and friends) regarding physical activity, were assessed using validated self-reported questionnaires. A 7-day Physical Activity Recall interview was conducted to measure MVPA. Data were analyzed using bivariate correlations and stepwise multiple linear regressions, adjusted for sex and age. Results: All social cognitive measures showed moderate to strong correlations with MVPA (r = 0.43-0.79). The regression model, which included self-efficacy, physical outcome expectations, planning, and social support, explained 77% of the variance in MVPA. Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of strengthening these social cognitive factors to encourage more physically activity among middle-aged and older adults in Indonesia.

FAT INTAKE, NATRIUM INTAKE, AND SLEEP DURATION ARE STRONGLY ASSOCIATED WITH PRE-METABOLIC SYNDROME IN ADOLESCENTS

Farah Nuriannisa — 2025-03-30

Introduction: The prevalence of pre-metabolic syndrome components, such as abdominal obesity and elevated blood pressure, in teenagers is increasing yearly. One of the modifiable risk factors to pre-metabolic syndrome is lifestyle, including dietary intake, physical activity, and sleep duration. Based on preliminary study, 80% (12 of 15) students were found to have high blood pressure. Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between nutrition and lifestyle factors with pre-metabolic syndrome in high school students. Methods: This study was cross-sectional design with 90 adolescents as respondents. Instruments used in this study were sphygmomanometer and waist ruler to measure blood pressure and waist circumference; 3x24 hours of food record and SQ-FFQ to observe dietary intake; modified PSQI to assess sleep duration; and modified IPAQ to know physical activity score in respondents. All data were statistically analyzed with Spearman correlation test. Results: The findings of this study were fat intake, fulfillment of fat requirement (% of fat requirement), natrium intake, and sleep duration were significantly associate with pre-metabolic syndrome occurrence in adolescents (p<0.05). Coefficient correlation showed positive for fat intake, % of fat requirement, and natrium intake (respectively 0.705; 0.511; 0.854) and negative for sleep duration (-0.819). Conclusion: there are association between fat intake, fulfillment of fat requirement (% of fat requirement), natrium intake, and sleep duration with pre-metabolic syndrome in adolescents. This study findings may be used as evaluation for government nutrition programs for adolescents.

VULVA HYGIENE BEHAVIOR DETERMINED BY HEALTH LITERACY AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS

Yosi Maria Wijaya — 2025-04-22

Introduction: Teens as young as 15-24 are vulnerable to reproductive system infections due to poor teenage vulva hygiene, exacerbated by a lack of understanding of the vulva's functioning. According to estimates, teenagers worldwide report reproductive channel infections. Previous research revealed that 46% of teenagers had poor reading skills. Aim: The goal of this study is to assess the association between healthy habits and vulva cleanliness in teenage girls. Methods: The study employs quantitative approaches, with 289 responses from high school students obtained by proportionally organized random sample processes. The HLS-EU-16Q Indonesian instruments and the vulva hygiene behavior scale have been approved as reliable. Results: This study discovered a significant relationship between health literacy and vulva hygiene practices (p-value= 0.05). Furthermore, 46% of the subjects have adequate health literacy, whereas 58.8% practice intermediate vulva hygiene activities. Conclusion: Proper health literacy can impact how teenage girls clean up their vulva. Researchers propose that young women can improve their vulva hygiene by seeking information, undergoing therapy, and consulting with health care providers.

SCREEN TIME ON WEEKDAY AND WEEKEND AMONG HEALTH COLLEGE STUDENTS AND THE CORRELATION TO NUTRITIONAL STATUS

Farapti Farapti — 2025-03-30

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity in Indonesia reached 21.8% in 2018 and increased by 6.4% compared to 2013. Low physical activity is known as a risk factor of obesity. College students’ activities are closely related to use of screen time. Aims: To identify the activities of screen time for assignments and non-assignments on weekdays and weekends among college student and analyze its relationship with body mass index (BMI). Methods: This study was conducted in 2018 with a cross sectional design among undergraduate students at the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia, conducted in 2018. The screen time questionnaire was adapted from Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire. The correlation between screen time duration and BMI was analysed by Spearman test. Results: The female subjects were dominant (81.1%) and 28.4% of subjects as overweight-obese. The screen time duration in non-assignment activity on weekends has a positive correlation with the nutritional status of health college students (p 0.000, r 0.49), particularly duration of social networking sites and listening to music were more significant in obese than normal. The use of smartphones takes a high part, approximately 4 hours 20 minutes both on weekdays and on weekends. Conclusion: The screen time duration in non-assignment activity on weekend was associated to nutritional status of health college students. Health college students are encouraged to reduce screen time for non-assignment activities on weekends and to use wisely several smartphone applications or social networking sites to control body weight and achieve a balanced nutritional status.

DETERMINANTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BEHAVIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN GRESIK REGENCY

Afina Puspita Zari — 2025-03-30

Introduction: Obesity is one of the global problems as declared by the WHO. In Indonesia, obesity is continuously rising over the years with 12.2% in teenagers aged >15. Therefore, physical activity is one of the prevention efforts to reduce obesity to create a healthy and prosperous life in accordance with the SDGs indicators to campaign for a healthy lifestyle and strive to achieve prosperity for the world community. Aims: This study aims to analyze the factors of physical activity behavior in high school teenagers in Gresik Regency. Method: This study implemented a quantitative approach with the cross-sectional method. The researchers obtained samples for about 360 adolescents with a stratified proportional random sampling technique. The data collection was gathered by completing online questionnaires through Google Forms. The data analysis method employed in this study was the Chi-Square test by observing the relationship in each variable. Result: This study’s result indicates a relationship between gender, social support, and supportive situations with physical activity behavior. However, the age variable demonstrates no relationship with physical activity behavior. Conclusion: Most adolescents in the Senior High Schools of Gresik Regency exhibit moderate physical activity. It means that the majority of respondents have performed physical activity within seven days. Social support, including family support, school support, and peer support, as well as the existence of supportive facilities in the environment around adolescents, can increase physical activity behavior in adolescents.

VERY LOW CALORIE DIETS AFFECT LONG TERM WEIGHT LOSS AND HEALTH OUTCOMES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Sheila Amara Putri — 2025-04-17

Introduction: In Indonesia, obesity numbers increased from 10.5% in 2007 to 14.8% in 2013 and 21.8% in 2018. Very low calorie diets (VLCD) are currently gaining popularity to reduce weight, but can lead to inadequate nutrition and potentially negative health consequences. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate VLCD effect on weight loss and overall health outcomes. Method: Data were sourced from research journal articles in databases like Crossref, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, published within the last 10 years either Indonesian or English language. Only studies involving adult subjects with minimum overweight nutrition status (BMI > 23 kg/m²) were included. Result: Ten from 1063 studies qualified the selection criteria. VLCD success in weight loss depends on treatment type, duration, physical activity, and genetics. Longer and fewer-calorie VLCDs lead to more significant weight reduction, but maintaining long-term success requires a structured weight management program. VLCD benefits include improved insulin sensitivity, reduced fat, and better heart function, but it may have temporary negative effects on metabolism, aortic elasticity, constipation, sensitivity to cold, headache, and dizziness. Conclusion: VLCDs can be an effective approach in achieving significant weight reduction and positive health outcomes, especially if combined with long-term weight maintenance programs and appropriate follow-up treatment. However, the decision to undergo VLCD should be made with wisely considering individual health conditions and in consultation with dietitian or health professionals, as there are potential side effects and factors that may influence long-term success.