Media Gizi Kesmas

Analysis of the Relationship between Family Resource Factors and Community Resource Factors with the Utilization of Neonatal Services in the Working Area of Puskesmas X Surabaya

MUCHAMAD DAFFA SAIFULLAH — 2025-06-30

Background: Infant mortality is one of the priority problems in the field of maternal and child health in Indonesia until now. All health issues in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) are integrated into goal number 3. In the city of Surabaya, the total number of infant deaths has shown a decreased trend in the last 3 years, but in the number of infant deaths, including deaths within the neonatal period, the number continued to increase during 2018-2020. The target of neonatal visits in the working area of Puskesmas X Surabaya is one of the causes of the infant mortality rate during the neonatal period in the city of Surabaya having increased in 2018-2019, especially in the working area of Puskesmas X Surabaya which makes the Puskesmas rank second in the number of neonatal deaths in Surabaya in 2019.

Objectives: To analyze factors related to the use of neonatal services in the working area of Puskesmas X Surabaya.

Methods: This type of research was an analytical observational study with a quantitative approach. The design of this research used cross-sectional studies. The sampling technique used in this study was probability sampling.

Results: From the research conducted, it was shown that there was no significant relationship between family resource and community resource with the use of neonatal services by mothers of infants, judging from statistical tests using the Chi-square test, the p-value obtained was more than α=0,05.

Conclusions: The enabling characteristics of the baby's mother, such as insurance ownership, family income, husband support, family support, health worker support, and accessibility, were not related to the use of neonatal services by the baby's mother in the work area of Puskesmas X Surabaya.

Analysis of the Company Commitment to Occupational Health and Safety in Confined Space Work at Phosphoric Acid Unit Plant III PT X

Revida Nikita Melzanda — 2025-06-30

Background: In 2018, 148 workers died due to work in confined spaces. The highest number of deaths was found in tank, bin, and vat interiors work and among construction laborers. PT X has activities working in confined spaces, one of which is in the Phosphoric Acid Unit Plant III. The work is Cleaning Strainer Line Discharge P-2501 or the activity of cleaning phosphoric acid tanks.

Objectives: To analyze the commitment implemented by the company toward the occupational safety and health of workers in confined spaces in the form of tanks, especially in the Phosphoric Acid Unit Plant III of PT X.

Methods: This research was a descriptive study conducted at PT X Gresik, East Java, Indonesia using an observation method. Data analysis was conducted by comparing the procedures that have been implemented in confined space work at the Phosphoric Acid Unit of Plant III with the work instruction/procedure documents made by PT X.

Results: Based on data from Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Determining Control (HIRADC), it was known that the potential hazards in the cleaning strainer line discharge P-2501 included high-risk work and had the impact of death. The results of gas measurements in the phosphoric acid tank in the Phosphoric Acid Unit of Plant III show that the confined space used for the cleaning strainer line discharge P-2501 activity was stated to be safe to enter and work in because oxygen (O₂) was at a concentration of 20.9%, which is still in accordance with the threshold limit value (TLV) of 19.5%-23.5% and the concentration of phosphoric acid gas (HF) was still below the TLV (0.5 ppm), which is 0.0 ppm.

Conclusion: The implementation and commitment of PT X to occupational safety and health for workers in confined spaces in the form of phosphoric acid tanks in the Phosphoric Acid Unit of Plant III has been carried out properly and in accordance with the work instruction documents created and owned by the company. PT X has also carried out risk control against potential hazards in confined space work in accordance with the risk control hierarchy.

The Effect of Tengger Tribe’s Traditional Aron Rice on Blood Glucose levels 2 Hours Post-Prandial in Healthy Adult Woman

Intan Kinanti Biasnurbani — 2025-06-30

Background: In 2021, Indonesia recorded 19.5 million cases of diabetes mellitus. Women exhibit a 1.02 fold higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus when accounting for physical factors. Dietary management using the special concept (schedule, amount, and type) is an appropriate choice for diabetes mellitus patients to control blood glucose levels. Aron rice, a processed white corn variety typical of the Tengger tribe, is high in fiber and may help control blood glucose levels.

Objectives: This objective of this research is to examine the effect of Tengger tribe's special Aron rice on 2-hour post-prandial blood glucose levels in healthy adult women.

Methods: This experimental method involved interventions with control food (pure sugar) and test food (Aron rice). The research design used a pre-test post-test one-group design. The sample consisted of 16 participants selected through purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria. The study was carried out from July to September 2024. The instruments in this study utilized the observation method of 2-hour post-prandial blood glucose measurements following the administration of control and test foods. The data were analyzed using a paired t-test to examine the effect of Aron rice on changes in 2-hour post-prandial blood glucose levels.

Results: The study findings indicate an average blood glucose level before the control food was 87.75 mg/dL, while before the test food, it was 85.88 mg/dL, with a p-value of 0.107>0.05, indicating no significant difference in fasting blood glucose levels at minute 0. After the control food, the average blood glucose level was 115.63 mg/dL, while after the test food, it was 90.00 mg/dL. There was a mean difference of 25.63 mg/dL with a p-value of 0.000<0.05, indicating a significant difference in fasting blood glucose levels in 2 hours.

Conclusion: Tengger tribe's special Aron rice affects changes on 2-hour post-prandial blood glucose levels in healthy adult women, resulting in lower levels compared to pure sugar. Aron rice can be an alternative staple food for diabetes mellitus patients as an effort to improve blood glucose control in the body.

Factors Related to Obesity in Adolescent Girls in East Jakarta

Sekar Woro Wilis — 2025-06-30

Background: According to Basic Health Research (RISKESDAS) 2018, obesity prevalence in Jakarta is higher among women. In adolescent girls, obesity can persist into adulthood, causing reproductive issues. The factors contributing to obesity include energy and fat intake, body image perception, and physical activity.

Objectives: This study analyzes the relationship between energy intake, fat intake, physical activity, and body image with obesity.

Methods: This study is quantitative research with a cross-sectional design. The research was conducted at SMAN 98 Jakarta and SMAN 105 Jakarta, involving 108 female students aged 15-18 years from April to May 2024. Data were collected using stratified random sampling and analyzed using Spearman Rank for non-normally distributed variables and Pearson for normally distributed variables. Obesity variables were measured using BMI for age (BMI/A) and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis; energy and fat intake were assessed using a 24-hour food recall instrument; body image was measured using the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire Appearance Scales.

Results: The correlation between energy and fat intake with obesity showed coefficients of r=0.035 (p=0.722) and r=0.074 (p=0.448) for body fat percentage, and r=-0.016 (p=0.869) and r=-0.034 (p=0.726) for BAZ. Physical activity correlated with obesity at r=0.197 (p=0.041) for body fat percentage and r=0.156 (p=0.107) for BAZ. Body image correlated with obesity at r=0.291 (p=0.002) for body fat percentage and r=0.309 (p=0.001) for BAZ.

Conclusion: The variables significantly associated with the occurrence of obesity are physical activity (when measured using body fat percentage) and body image. Meanwhile, the variables not associated with the occurrence of obesity are physical activity when measured by Body Mass Index for age (BMI for age), energy intake, and fat intake.

Analysis of Determinants of Pregnant Women's Compliance in Consuming Iron Supplement Tablets and Its Association with Pregnancy Anemia

Sofia Rohma — 2025-06-30

Background: The distribution of iron tablets for women in pregnancy is the government's effort to provide the iron needs during pregnancy. The level of compliance among pregnant women in taking iron supplement tablets is still insufficient. Five out of ten women in pregnancy in Indonesia experience pregnancy anemia.

Objectives: This study aims to analyze five factors that influence the compliance behavior of women in pregnancy in consuming iron tablets for pregnant women, namely intention to act (Behavior intention), social support (Social-support), accessibility of information (Accessibility of information), personal autonomy (Personal Autonomy), and the situation that allows action (Action Situation).

Methods: The study was conducted using a mixed-method design (quantitative and qualitative). The quantitative study was conducted through a questionnaire survey and analyzed using Fisher’s Exact Test, while the qualitative study was conducted through focus group discussion (FGD) with midwives and in-depth interviews with women in pregnancy and midwives. The sample consisted of 31 women in pregnancy in the working area of the Kenjeran Health Center, Surabaya. The data collection method used was purposive sampling. The independent variable in this study was the compliance behavior of women in pregnancy in consuming iron tablets, while the dependent variables were based on Snehandu B. Karr's theory, which includes behavior intention, social support, accessibility of information, personal autonomy, and action situation.

Results: The quantitative results show that the variable accessibility of information has a significant relationship (p value=0.0376) and a positive effect (p value=0.0292 and OR=1.9630) on the compliance behavior of women in pregnancy in consuming iron tablets for pregnant women.

Conclusion: There is a need to increase the accessibility of information from health cadres to pregnant women.

The Influence of Nutritional Action on Mother's Knowledge about Feeding and the Level of Energy, Zinc and Vitamin C Consumption of Wasting Toddlers in Purwodadi Village, Malang City

Reny Seftiani — 2025-06-30

Background: Indonesia still faces quite serious nutritional problems, especially in children, because the first five years of a child's life are very vulnerable to nutritional problems. Therefore, balanced nutritional needs for toddlers must be met properly. Nutritional problems that arise are always related to food intake factors in children. If balanced nutritional needs in toddlers are not met properly, they can experience nutritional disorders such as malnutrition.

Objectives: To analyze the effect of nutritional assistance on the knowledge of mothers of toddlers, the level of energy consumption, zinc, and vitamin C of wasting toddlers.

Methods: This study is a quasi-experimental study targeting toddlers aged 12 to 59 months. Respondents were taken using the non-probability sampling method, namely total sampling. The data collected included the knowledge of mothers of toddlers taken with a questionnaire, the level of energy consumption, zinc, and vitamin C obtained by filling out the 24-Hour Food Recall form. The study was conducted by providing intervention in the form of nutritional assistance three times within three weeks. Data analysis tests used the paired t test, Wilcoxon signed rank, independent t-test, Mann Whitney U test.

Results: Nutritional assistance on the knowledge of mothers of toddlers before and after in the treatment group (p=0.003) had a more significant effect than in the control group (p=0.011). Then the level of consumption before and after in the treatment group also had a significant effect, namely energy (p<0.001), zinc (p=0.006), and vitamin C (p=0.004). However, the level of consumption before and after in the control group did not have a significant effect, namely energy (p=0.583), zinc (p=0.366), and vitamin C (p=0.534).

Conclusion: Nutritional assistance can affect the knowledge of mothers of toddlers, consumption of energy, zinc, and vitamin C of toddlers before and after the intervention in the treatment group. Meanwhile, in the control group it only affected the knowledge of mothers of toddlers.

The Correlation between Maternal Nutrition, Toddler Feeding Patterns, and Household Economic Status on Stunted: A Case Study in Kelurahan Arjowinangun and Mergosono, Malang City

Lorenza Arinda Saputri — 2025-06-30

Background: Indonesia has a higher potential to experience an increase in stunting cases, because around 31% of children under the age of five experience stunting. The prevalence can be influenced by direct and indirect factors, from pregnancy to early childhood growth. The increasing number of stunting cases affects the quality of human resources, resulting in various significant impacts, such as declining public health, economic stagnation, poverty, and social inequality.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the correlation between maternal nutrition, toddler feeding patterns, and household economic status with stunted cases in Kelurahan (Urban Village of) Arjowinangun and Kelurahan Mergosono, Malang City.

Methods: This study employed a quantitative approach, utilizing a retrospective cross-sectional design with correlation analysis methods. As many as 60 respondents (mothers and stunted toddlers) participated in the study. Statistical analysis includes Spearman’s Rank test for bivariate analysis with a 95% significance level (p=0.05) and multiple logistic regression for multivariate analysis.

Results: Bivariate analysis revealed significant positive correlations between maternal nutrition (p=0.000), toddler feeding patterns (p=0.000), and household economic status (p=0.000) with stunted cases. Among these variables, household economic status demonstrated the strongest correlation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.617. Multivariate analysis showed that the household economic status variable had a greater chance of correlating with stunted cases by 30.989 times.

Conclusion: All three independent variables were significantly correlated with stunted, with household economic status being the strongest determinant.

Enhancing Knowledge and Attitudes: Emo Demo's Effectiveness in Breastfeeding Practices (A Pilot Study in Gili Iyang Island)

Rino Tryanto Keya — 2025-06-30

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant's life and appropriate complementary feeding are essential for child growth and development. However, the low knowledge and attitudes of mothers and caregivers on Gili Iyang Island pose a challenge in achieving optimal infant feeding practices.

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of emo-demo in improving knowledge and attitudes regarding exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding in Gili Iyang Island.

Methods: This pilot study used a pre-test-post-test design with two post-intervention measurements. Respondents consisted of 20 pregnant women and 16 caregivers. The sample was taken by total sampling. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test.

Results: The analysis showed a significant increase in the knowledge score of pregnant women after (p=0.008) and 30 days after the emo-demo activity (p=0.008). However, there was no significant change in maternal attitude (p=0.417). In the caregiver, there was a significant increase in knowledge after (p=0.003) and 30 days after the activity (p=0.003) and in the attitude of the caregivers 30 days after the activity (p=0.013).

Conclusion: Emo-demo is effective in improving the knowledge of pregnant women and their caregivers regarding exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding. However, the effect on participants' attitudes requires additional approaches for more optimal results.

Analysis of the Relationship between Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, and Nutritional Status in Adolescents

Asmulyati S. Saleh — 2025-06-30

Background: The nutritional condition of adolescents is a crucial element of their general health and development, shaped by several factors, including physical activity and sleep quality. Nutritional challenges in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) encompass both under-nutrition and over-nutrition among adolescents. According to Riskesdas data from 2018, the prevalence of malnutrition among adolescents in NTT was 25.7% for those aged 13-15 years and 26.9% for those aged 16-18 years, while the obesity rate was 16% for adolescents aged 13-15 years. This issue is further intensified by insufficient physical exercise and poor sleep. Despite the existence of several interventions targeting dietary behaviors, the correlation between these elements and nutritional health remains underexplored, particularly in NTT.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the correlation between physical activity, sleep quality, and nutritional status in teenagers aged 15 to 18 years at SMK Negeri 3 Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara. This study sought to determine the primary determinants factors affecting the nutritional status of teenagers, particularly in regions experiencing intricate dietary challenges such as NTT.

Methods: This research used a cross-sectional study design, conducted in April 2024 at SMK Negeri 3 Kupang. A total of 221 students were selected using the probability sampling technique. Physical activity was categorized into mild, moderate, and vigorous activities, assessed by the Physical Activity Level (PAL) questionnaire. Sleep quality was assessed via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while nutritional status was determined by body mass index (BMI). The correlation test was carried out using Goodman and Kruskal gamma and strengthened by the Chi-square test to compare the distribution of nutritional status in various categories of physical activity and sleep quality.

Results: This study showed no significant correlation between physical activity, sleep quality, and nutritional status, with a p-value greater than 0.05. Despite variations in exercise levels and sleep quality among groups with differing nutritional statuses, the correlation between these characteristics and nutritional status was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Physical activity and sleep quality alone are sufficient to determine adolescent nutritional health. A more holistic approach that incorporates additional aspects such as nutrition, socioeconomic status, and other characteristics, is required. Effective therapies should focus on enhancing dietary behaviors, augmenting physical activity, managing stress, and fostering improved sleep patterns to elevate adolescent nutritional status.

Comparative of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Cookies and Capsules on Hemoglobin Levels in Adolescent Girls with Iron Deficiency Anemia

Juwitriani Alwi — 2025-06-30

Background: Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) during adolescence can have serious long-term consequences, not only compromising individual health but also increasing the risk of complications during future pregnancies. Local food sources such as moringa oleifera leaves offer a promising strategy to address this issue, given their high iron content. Developing practical, acceptable forms such as cookies and capsules may provide holistic solutions for improving hemoglobin levels. Although both preparations have been shown to significantly enhance hemoglobin levels within the same intervention period, differences in their composition, production methods, and potential iron bioavailability warrant further comparison.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of moringa-based cookies and capsules in improving hemoglobin levels among adolescent girls diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia.

Method: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2024 among 53 female high school students selected through purposive sampling. Hemoglobin concentrations were measured using the Easy Touch GCHb device. Paired t-tests were used to assess changes within each group, and independent t-tests were applied to compare outcomes between groups.

Results: The study proved that the mean hemoglobin level in the moringa cookies group increased to 12.52 g/dL (p=0.002), while the capsule group showed an increase to 12.20 g/dL (p=0.001). However, no significant difference was observed between the two interventions (p=0.412).

Conclusion: Both moringa cookies and capsules effectively improved hemoglobin levels in adolescent girls with iron deficiency anemia. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in the extent of improvement between the two forms of supplementation.

Effect of Education with Cakram Asupan Makan dan Cairan Atlet towards Athlete’s Knowledge and Attitudes Related to Nutrition at SSB Baturetno

Mutiara Tri Buana Tungga Dewi — 2025-06-30

Background: Athlete performance in Indonesia is often hindered by inadequate nutrient intake. The nutritional intake of athletes is influenced by their knowledge of nutrition. The knowledge and attitudes of athletes regarding nutritional needs can be enhanced through the educational media of the Cakram Asupan Makan dan Cairan Atlet.

Objective: To determine the effect of education using the Cakram Asupan Makan dan Cairan Atlet on athletes' knowledge and attitudes related to nutrition.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a one-group pretest-posttest design was used in this research. A total of 33 adolescent athletes aged 13-15 years from SSB Baturetno were selected as respondents using accidental sampling. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire, with interventions conducted twice a week. The Paired Sample T-test was used to analyze the pre-test and post-test I knowledge data, while the Wilcoxon Rank Test was applied for the pre-test and post-test II knowledge, as well as all tests on attitude scores.

Results: The average pre-test knowledge score is 6.61±1.903. The average post-test I knowledge score is 9.18±2.833, and the median post-test II knowledge score is 10 (range 5-14). The median pre-test attitude score is 10 (range 4-14), with median post-test I and II attitude scores being 11 (range 4-14) and 12 (range 6-14), respectively. There was an effect of education on knowledge with p1<0.001; p2<0.001; p3=0.06. There was an effect of education on attitude with p1=0.014; p2<0.001; p3=0.369.

Conclusions: There was an influence of the education using Cakram Asupan Makan dan Cairan Atlet on athletes' knowledge and attitudes towards nutrition.

Description of HbA1c Levels in Diabetes Mellitus Patients at Husada Utama Surabaya Hospital

Tika Aprilia Permatasari — 2025-06-30

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and can lead to serious health complications if not properly managed. HbA1c measurement is an accurate method for assessing glycemic control over the past 2–3 months and evaluating long-term blood glucose levels.

Objectives: To analyze the description of HbA1c levels in patients with DM at Husada Utama Hospital Surabaya.

Methods: A descriptive design with a cross-sectional approach was used. The sample consisted of 118 patients with DM who had checked their HbA1c, selected using the accidental sampling method. Secondary data were obtained from the patient's medical records recorded at Husada Utama Hospital.

Results: The results showed that 73.7% of the respondents had uncontrolled HbA1c levels (≥6.5%) with an average HbA1c value of 8.18%. The majority of uncontrolled HbA1c levels were found in the elderly (62.1%), female patients (70.1%), patients who had suffered from diabetes mellitus for ≥5 years (57.5%), and those using a combination of oral antidiabetic drugs (39.1%).

Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that most respondents with uncontrolled HbA1c levels were elderly, female, had been living with DM for ≥5 years, and were using a combination of oral antidiabetic drugs. This indicates that diabetes management still needs improvement.

The Relationship between Knowledge of the Impact of Premarital Sex and Dating Styles among High School Students at GIKI 2 Surabaya

SITI NUR HIDAYAH — 2025-06-30

Background: The current dating style of teenagers is quite worrying because it has exceeded normal limits, such as premarital sexual behavior which has impacts such as unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and even sexual violence. Lack of knowledge about the impact of premarital sex is one of the causes of sexual behavior. Reproductive Health Education as one of the efforts to provide knowledge about the impact of premarital sexual behavior on teenagers.

Objectives: To determine the relationship between knowledge of the impact of premarital sexual relations and dating style among students at SMA GIKI 2 Surabaya.

Methods: Analytical observation study with cross-sectional research design. The research sample was 60 students from 150 populations. The independent variable in this research is knowledge of the impact of premarital sex and the dependent variable in this research is the dating style of students at GIKI 2 High School Surabaya. The research was conducted in May 2022 using a questionnaire research instrument. The analysis used in this research was the Spearman rank correlation test analysis.

Results: Gender with knowledge about the impact of premarital sex has a relationship with a p-value =0.031 (<0.05) with a relationship strength of 0.279. The results of this study indicate that there is a relationship between knowledge about the impact of premarital sex and students' dating styles because p-value=0.000 (<0.05) with a relationship strength of -0.464.

Conclusions: There is a relationship between knowledge about the impact of premarital sexual relations and dating styles among students at SMA GIKI 2 Surabaya. Students who have higher knowledge do not have a risky dating style, while students who have low knowledge will have a risky dating style.Teenagers who have low knowledge should be given premarital sexual education so that they can avoid premarital sexual behavior.

A Systematic Review on BTEX Exposure on Shoe-making Industry Workers

Azeez Olawale Ojelabi — 2025-06-30

Background: Many chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX), are commonly used in the shoe industry. Because of these substances’ toxicological characteristics, workers are exposed to serious health risks.

Objectives: This article aims to systematically review BTEX exposure among workers in the shoe-making industry, focusing on associated health risks and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. It explores how occupational factors such as hand hygiene, age, job type, smoking habits, and personal protective equipment usage influence the severity of BTEX exposure effects.

Methods: This systematic review examined the impact of BTEX exposure on shoemaking industry workers, selecting 32 national and international articles based on keyword-based searches. Exclusion criteria included past publications, risk assessment, exposure measurement, and mitigation strategies. Inclusion criteria included publications from the past 10 years. Data extraction included BTEX exposure levels, health outcomes, and working conditions.

Results: The review highlights the health risks of BTEX exposure to shoemaking workers, including leukemia, neurological impairment, respiratory problems, and reproductive issues, emphasizing the need for improved safety protocols.

Conclusion: This review drew attention to the health risks that BTEX compounds pose to workers in the shoe industry, emphasizing the need for stronger safety regulations and enforcement as well as recommendations for future studies on safer procedures.

Analysis of the Relationship between Workload and Job Stress in Couriers: A Systematic Literature Review

Oktavia Ika Nur Winda Satriani — 2025-06-30

Background: The rapid growth of e-commerce in Indonesia has increased the demand for delivery services, primarily from online buyers and sellers. This surge elevates couriers' workload, leading to prolonged work hours and unstable conditions (extreme weather exposure, and inconsistent delivery targets), which contribute to stress. Persistent work stress negatively affects productivity, quality of life, and physical and mental health.

Objectives: To analyze the relationship between workload and job stress in couriers, and determine the relationship between external and internal factors of work stress in couriers.

Methods: This study employed a literature review method, utilizing national and international articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The selected journal articles were from research published in the last five years (2020-2025) and were sourced from databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. The data search strategy applied the PICO method (Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes) using keywords combined with Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to refine or expand the search.

Results: The results of data search through the screening stage found a total of seven articles, namely four national articles and three international articles. The results of the search for these seven articles prove that as many as 85.7% indicate a relationship between workload and work stress in couriers.

Conclusions: Based on the comparative analysis of the number of articles found and selected, there is a relationship between workload and work stress in couriers. External factors of high work demands with long working hours can cause work stress which can interfere with workers' work.

Short-Term Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Eating Behavior, Mental Health, and Obesity: A Literature Review

Tesa Rafkhani — 2025-06-30

Background: The COVID-19 crisis has heightened stress levels across the population, potentially triggering unhealthy dietary habits and contributing to weight gain. The stress experienced during this period is critical in shaping eating patterns and influencing nutritional health.

Objective: This study explores the existing literature on the connection between stress levels, dietary habits, and nutritional health among adults aged 18 to 65 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A literature review examined articles from the PubMed-Medline and Google Scholar databases, focusing on publications from 2020 to 2022. The search terms included “Eating Behavior,” “Obesity,” “Mental Health” and, “COVID-19 Pandemic.”

Results: The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased emotional eating, decreased physical activity, and higher anxiety and depression, contributing to short-term weight gain and worsened obesity.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has had notable short-term effects on eating behaviors, mental health, and obesity risk. Interventions aimed at stress management and promoting healthy lifestyle habits during lockdowns are essential to mitigate adverse nutritional and psychological consequences.

Literature Review: The Effectiveness of Apigenin Phytochemicals in Lowering Blood Pressure

Neffa Syavella Angelica — 2025-06-30

Background: High blood pressure or hypertension is a non-communicable disease, but it is one of the leading causes of death in the world. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that 46% adults suffer from hypertension and most are unaware of it. One of the treatments for hypertension is to use non-pharmacological, namely apigenin-type flavonoids. Apigenin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis activity so it has the potential to lower blood pressure with a decrease in oxidative stress.

Objective: This study aims to examine the effectiveness of apigenin on blood pressure reduction based on existing literature.

Methods: Secondary data were obtained from searching scientific articles through the PubMed and Science Direct databases within the last five years (2020-2024). After screening, four scientific articles met the criteria and could be used to continue this research.

Result: The results of the literature review reported that apigenin is a type of flavonoids that lower blood pressure by preventing blood vessels from narrowing by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Apigenin is known to have a Pthalide element that can relax blood vessels, allowing blood output from the heart to be smooth and slowly blood pressure will return to normal. Apigenin is also known to help prevent kidney damage caused by low-fat diets. Studies also show that apigenin can increase nitrate oxidation, reduce oxidative stress, and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

Conclusion: This review concluded that apigenin can be a non-pharmacological drug in lowering blood pressure by decreasing oxidative stress. In addition, apigenin can be antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial. However, the right dose to lower blood pressure still needs further research.