Media Publikasi Promosi Kesehatan Indonesia (MPPKI)

Age and Working Hours as Predictors of Hearing Loss Among Workers in a High-Noise Glass Factory in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: This study aims to address the gap by investigating the factors associated with hearing loss among industrial workers at a high-quality glass factory located in the Cikarang Industrial Area, Bekasi.

Methods: A descriptive-analytic study with a cross-sectional design was conducted in 2023, involving 101 industrial workers aged 36.7 ± 10.1 years old with 54 men and 47 women at PT X, Cikarang, Bekasi. The total population consisted of 159 workers, based on the Slovin formula, a sample of 101 respondents was obtained. The sample was selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 for Windows with Chi-square and multiple logistic regression tests.

Results: Significant associations were found between hearing loss and the following factors: age, noise exposure intensity, working hours, length of employment (p<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age ?40 years (aOR=41.65; 95% CI: 11.19–154.97) and extended working hours (aOR=5.63; 95% CI: 1.50–21.07) were significant independent predictors of hearing loss. Although occupational noise exposure showed a significant association in bivariate analysis, its effect was attenuated after adjustment for other variables, suggesting potential interrelationships among occupational risk factors and hearing impairment.

Conclusion: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among industrial workers in PT X, Cikarang, Bekasi is significantly associated with age and working hours, after controlling for noise exposure intensity, nutritional status, length of employment and the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs). Therefore, the company is advised to develop a comprehensive hearing conservation program that includes regulated working hours, regular health check-ups, job rotation, training and supervision on the proper use of HPDs, and the implementation of engineering controls to reduce noise at its source.

Smartphone Use and Mental Health: The Explanatory Role of Fear of Missing Out Among Information Systems Students

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: Mental health challenges among university students have become increasingly associated with the growing presence of digital technology, especially smartphones. This study explores how smartphone use and the psychological phenomenon of Fear Of Missing Out (FoMO) relate to mental health among Information Systems students at Hasanuddin University, within the broader context of modern campus life. However, evidence integrating smartphone use patterns, FoMO, and mental health among Indonesian university students remains limited.

Methods: Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, data were collected from 222 purposively selected participants. Smartphone use was categorized by intensity and activity type, FoMO was measured using the Fear of Missing Out Scale (FoMOs); and mental health was assessed with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using Chi-Square tests (? = 0.05) to determine significant associations across variables.

Results: The findings revealed that students with high-intensity smartphone use were significantly more likely to experience severe stress (30.4%), moderate depression (32.6%), and severe anxiety (42.4%) (p < 0.001.). Likewise, those who primarily used smartphones for social connection reported greater levels of severe stress (40.5%) and depression (22.8%) compared to students who used them mainly for information or entertainment (p < 0.001.). High FoMO levels were also strongly associated with poorer mental health outcomes, including severe stress (35.0%) and very severe anxiety (43.3%) (p < 0.001.).

Conclusion:Overall, these results suggest that not only the duration of smartphone use but also its purpose and related psychological factors are associated with students’ mental well-being. The findings underscore the potential value of campus-based interventions focusing on digital literacy, mental health awareness, healthier coping strategies, and evidence-informed approaches to addressing FoMO among university students. In particular, FoMO emerged as an important correlate of mental health outcomes, supporting the need for interventions that promote responsible digital engagement and FoMO-aware coping strategies to support student well-being.

Precarity, Health Vulnerability, and Community-Based Interventions: A Focus Group Study on the Need and Readiness for Occupational Health Posts Among Online Taxi Bike Drivers in Samarinda, Indonesia

Nur Rohmah, Rina Tri Agustini, Dina Lusiana Setyowati — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: Workers in informal online transport platforms face layered occupational health risks, yet remain largely outside formal protection systems. This study explores how drivers’ lived experiences of work-related symptoms and road accidents shape their perceived need for, and readiness to engage in, a community-based Occupational Health Post (OHP/Pos UKK) in Samarinda.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach was used to capture drivers’ everyday experiences of occupational health and safety. Forty-nine drivers were recruited through regional WhatsApp groups and participated in five Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). To assess implementation feasibility, a community meeting involving 16 stakeholders was also conducted. All data were transcribed and inductively coded using OpenCode software.

Results: Four themes emerged: (1) common occupational health symptoms, (2) timing and causes of road accidents, (3) limited awareness of OHPs, and (4) conditional willingness to serve as OHP cadres. Drivers frequently reported fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and digestive problems, with accidents occurring mostly at night when exhaustion peaked. Although knowledge of OHPs was limited, many expressed interest in regular health monitoring and community involvement, provided that roles were flexible and supported by adequate training. Stakeholders highlighted the need for legal recognition, intersectoral coordination, and structured capacity-building.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that while drivers experience cumulative strain, they are open to collective prevention efforts if supported by legitimate, sustainable institutional frameworks.

Translating Child Marriage Prevention Policy into Practice: A Qualitative Study of Village-Level Implementation in Indonesia

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: Child marriage remains a persistent public health and soicial issue in Indoinesia, despite natioinal legal refoirms and preventive strategies. The effectiveness oif these poilicies largely depends oin hoiw they are implemented at the loical level, where soicial noirms, resoiurce availability, and goivernance capacity vary. The Sadel Cepak proigram in Lamoingan Regency represents a village-based initiative develoiped toi translate natioinal child marriage preventioin poilicies intoi cointext-specific actioins throiugh multisectoiral coillaboiratioin and coimmunity engagement.

Methods: This study emploiyed a qualitative descriptive design using a single instrumental case study approiach. Data were coillected throiugh in-depth interviews, doicument review, and limited field oibservatioins invoilving 21 purpoisively selected infoirmants froim district and village levels acroiss 10 villages in Kabupaten Lamoingan. Infoirmants included goivernment oifficials, village leaders, proigram implementers, and coimmunity representatives. Data were analyzed using a theoiretically infoirmed thematic analysis based oin Edward III’s implementatioin framewoirk, with triangulatioin acroiss data soiurces toi enhance credibility.

Results: Implementatioin oif the Sadel Cepak proigram varied acroiss goivernance levels, revealing three village-level typoiloigies: adaptive-integrative (villages embedding the proigram intoi loical planning and alloicating resoiurces), administrative-coimpliant (villages implementing roiutine activities such as soicializatioin withoiut structural suppoirt), and symboilic ad hoic (villages relying oin infoirmal and spoiradic practices). While district-level implementatioin demoinstrated relatively stroing coimmunicatioin, coioirdinatioin, and institutioinal coimmitment, these capacities were noit coinsistently translated at the village level. The absence oif loical regulatioins, limited budget alloicatioin, and unclear technical guidance cointributed toi uneven proigram institutioinalizatioin and oiutcoimes acroiss villages.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that the effectiveness oif child marriage preventioin at the village level is shaped by the interactioin between poilicy design and loical goivernance dynamics, including leadership, institutioinal capacity, and coimmunity engagement. These results are coinsistent with cointext-sensitive and multisectoiral approiaches in poilicy implementatioin, highlighting the impoirtance oif aligning natioinal strategies with loical realities. Strengthening coioirdinatioin, technical guidance, and resoiurce suppoirt is essential toi improive the coinsistency and sustainability oif village-based interventioins.

Multivariable Logistic Regression of Modifiable Stunting Risk Factors in Kubu Raya

Linda Suwarni, Selviana Selviana — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: Stunting in toddlers remains a public health challenge in Indonesia, especially in areas with high prevalence such as Kubu Raya District, which reaches 25.4%. Although multiple risk factors for stunting have been identified in the broader literature, evidence from district-level settings in West Kalimantan remains limited, and the relative contribution of modifiable determinants within this specific context has not been systematically examined. This study aims to analyze the determinants of stunting in children aged 24–59 months in Kubu Raya District, West Kalimantan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 435 children aged 24–59 months selected through multistage random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. The variables studied included the age of introduction of complementary foods (MP-ASI), exclusive breastfeeding, maternal health education (KIE), gestational age, low birth weight (LBW), and birth spacing. Nutritional status was determined based on height-for-age (HAZ) using the 2006 WHO standards. Data analysis used chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression.

Results: The prevalence of stunting reached 40.7% (177 out of 435 infants). In the bivariate analysis, all variables showed a significant association with stunting: inappropriate age for introducing complementary foods (OR=6.527; 95% CI: 2.177-19.567; p=0.000), not receiving exclusive breastfeeding (OR=2.372; 95% CI: 1.827–3.080; p=0.000), lack of exposure to health education (OR=1.285; 95% CI: 1.026–1.610; p=0.032), high-risk pregnancy (OR=1.478; 95% CI: 1.184–1.845; p=0.001), low birth weight (OR=1.483; 95% CI: 1.101–1.997; p=0.024), and risky birth spacing (OR=1.280; 95% CI: 1.022–1.602; p=0.033). Multivariable logistic regression retained absence of exclusive breastfeeding as the sole independent predictor of stunting (AOR = 3.289; 95% CI: 2.096–5.164; p < 0.000; reference: exclusively breastfed).

Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding is the primary determinant of stunting prevention after controlling for other risk factors. Stunting prevention programs should prioritize increasing exclusive breastfeeding coverage through comprehensive education, sustained lactation support, and policies that promote optimal breastfeeding practices. Integration of nutritional interventions within the 1000 Days of Life framework is necessary to achieve national stunting reduction targets.

Avocado Juice and Changes in Total Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels among Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Contraceptive Acceptors: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Liberty Barokah, Dewi Zolekhah, Tyas Ning Yuni Astuti Anggraini — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a widely used progestin only injectable contraceptive that has been associated with changes in lipid profiles and a potential increase in cardiovascular risk among women of reproductive age. Avocado is a nutrient dense fruit rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, fibre, and phytosterols, which may improve blood lipids and support cardiovascular health. This study aimed to explore the short term association between avocado juice consumption and changes in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels among women using progestin based injectable contraceptives.

Methods: A quasi experimental pretest–posttest control group design was used. DMPA users were allocated to an intervention group that received avocado juice plus a high-cholesterol diet, or to a control group that received only the high-cholesterol diet, for 14 consecutive days. Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured before and after the intervention. Data were analysed using normality tests, followed by paired t-tests and independent t-tests, and between-group comparisons were based on changes from baseline.

Results: After 14 days, the intervention group showed a greater reduction in mean total cholesterol than the control group, indicating a possible association between avocado juice consumption and lower total cholesterol among DMPA users. In contrast, triglyceride levels decreased in both groups but did not differ significantly between them, and most triglyceride values remained within the normal range. The observed between group differences were modest and should be interpreted cautiously in light of the quasi experimental, non randomized, short term, and unblinded design.

Conclusion: In this exploratory study, avocado juice consumption was associated with a short term reduction in total cholesterol levels among DMPA injectable contraceptives acceptors, whereas triglyceride levels did not change significantly between groups. These preliminary findings require confirmation in larger randomized controlled studies with longer follow up, stricter dietary control, and baseline adjusted analyses before firm conclusions can be drawn.

The Role of Teledentistry in the Early Detection of Oral Lesions: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Accuracy

Miura A. Kuswara, Merita Arini — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: Diagnosis of oral lesions, especially potentially malignant lesions, is complicated by their asymptomatic presentation and variable clinical appearance. Delayed diagnosis in rural areas where there are few specialists may lead to high morbidity and mortality rates. The use of teledentistry as an innovative tool to detect oral lesions has been explored. The present study aims to explore the application of teledentistry for the early diagnosis of oral lesions, examining diagnostic accuracy, advantages, clinical challenges, and future potential.

Methods: Publications from the last 10 years were chosen based on specific inclusion criteria. The present systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Studies assessing diagnostic accuracy were critically appraised using the QUADAS-2 tool, while other types of studies were critically appraised using the appropriate JBI critical appraisal tool. In total, 11 studies were included.

Results: The majority of the research used store-and-forward (SAF) methods, with some using real-time consultations. Studies have indicated that there is a high level of agreement with face-to-face consultation (kappa > 0.80). It was recognized that it avoids unnecessary referrals as well as improves access to healthcare services in areas with minimal medical facilities. The limitations involved are problems relating to imaging quality, the need for palpation, and proper training of the operators involved.

Conclusion: Teledentistry serves as a useful alternative for diagnosing mouth lesions in their initial stages. Despite the fact that it does not substitute for face-to-face consultations, it can be an potential screening and triage tool.

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Quality of Life Among Patients with Hypertension: A Systematic Review

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: In modern healthcare when therapeutic approaches have advanced, hypertension remains a challenging long-term medical condition. A major cause of not only cardiovascular but also kidney disease is hypertension. Moreover, hypertension globally and significantly contributes to death rates, becoming a contributing factor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Dealing with chronic disease management, hypertension is truly challenging as patients have uncontrolled blood pressure. This threatens physical health as well as patients’ quality of life (QoL). Thus, enhancing hypertensive patients’ well-being through interventions is important. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) is a potential non-pharmacological approach to improve hypertensive patients’ QoL. Objective: To assess MBIs impacts on hypertensive patients’ QoL.

Method: This study employed a systematic review methodology following by PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Scopus, ScienceDirect, also ProQuest were the selected databases, including articles published between 2020 and 2024. Referring to the predefined criteria, a screening process was structurally conducted to select the studies. The inclusion criteria focused on MBIs in hypertension, resulting in 8 eligible studies.

Results: The findings show that MBIs positively impact the hypertensive patients’ QoL, indicating improvements in QoL and other related outcomes. Heterogeneity dealing with study design and outcome measure exists within the selected studies though. Not all studies directly assessed QoL, with some relying on indirect indicators.

Conclusion: The potential of MBIs is significant, serving as a complementary non-pharmacological strategy to promote hypertensive patients’ QoL. Thus, healthcare providers are expected to apply mindfulness approaches into the holistic management of hypertensive individuals.

Association between Lactation Massage and Breast Milk Production among Postpartum Mothers: A Quasi-Experimental Study in a Primary Healthcare Setting

Ronni Naudur Siregar, Eva Hotmaria Simanjuntak , Netti Meilani Simanjuntak — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: Adequate postpartum milk output is critical for achieving exclusive breastfeeding. Delayed or inadequate breast milk production frequently results in early formula feeding and interruption breastfeeding exclusivity practices. Lactation massage is a complementary non-pharmacological technique thought to stimulate the production of oxytocin and prolactin hormones, which may contribute to breast milk production.

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between lactation as well as breast milk production among postpartum mothers.

Methods: This study design a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group and pretest–posttest assessment, conducted without randomization at Pratama Salbiyana Clinic, Medan Deli, Indonesia, from October 2024 to April 2025. Total of 20 postpartum women were recruited through total sampling and split into two groups: 10 Each group consisted of 10 participants. The provided group received with lactation massage daily for three consecutive days (on postpartum days 2 to 4), Meanwhile, the provided control group was given standard postpartum care. without massage. Breast milk output was evaluated both before and after the intervention through direct expression and measurement of volume (in cc) in field conditions, and results were categorized using predetermined criteria Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann–Whitney tests were used (p < 0.05).

Results: Findings indicated that the proportion of mothers producing higher amounts of milk production from 30% at baseline to 90% following the intervention. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a significant improvement before and after lactation massage (p = 0.014), and considerable difference was observed between the intervention and control groups (p = 0.029). However, the results interpreting with caution as the small sample limited, absence of randomization, and possible inconsistencies in measurement conditions.

Conclusion: Lactation massage may be associated with increased Postpartum mothers' production of breast milk. These findings provide preliminary, context-specific evidence and should be interpreted cautiously. Further studies with larger sample sizes, randomized study designs, and standardized measurement methods protocols are needed to confirm these findings.

Exploring the Role of Islamic Counselors in Premarital Stunting Prevention in Depok City, Indonesia: A Qualitative Descriptive Study Informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: Islamic counsellors occupy a strategic position in premarital services and are increasingly expected to support stunting prevention by delivering early health and nutrition messages to prospective couples. However, their involvement remains constrained by limited training, time, resources, and coordination with health services.

Methods: This qualitative descriptive study explores the role of Islamic counsellors in stunting prevention for prospective couples using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as an analytical framework. In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 participants comprising 10 Islamic counsellors at the Office of Religious Affairs (KUA), 6 prospective couples, and 5 health workers in Depok City, West Java. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to capture diverse stakeholder perspectives across institutional roles and geographic sub-districts. Data were analysed using a hybrid deductive-inductive thematic approach informed by the TPB constructs of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Data saturation was reached after 18 interviews, with three additional confirmatory interviews conducted.

Results: Three principal themes emerged: (1) religious and moral responsibility as behavioral beliefs shaping counselors’ positive attitudes toward integrating stunting prevention, consistent with the attitudinal component of TPB; (2) community trust and institutional expectations as normative influences reinforcing supportive subjective norms; and (3) training, time, and resource constraints affecting counselors’ perceived behavioral control, which moderates their intentions and counseling practices. These themes demonstrate how TPB constructs explain the mechanisms through which Islamic counselors navigate their health communication role within structural limitations.

Conclusion: Islamic counsellors hold perceived potential to contribute to upstream stunting prevention through premarital counselling, though this potential is conditioned by structural constraints including limited training, restricted counseling duration, and variable institutional coordination. These findings represent perceptions and implementation experiences rather than demonstrated impact on stunting outcomes. Strengthening structured training, standardized premarital counselling modules, and sustained cross-sector collaboration between religious and health sectors is recommended to support counselors’ capacity. Further research employing mixed-methods designs with outcome measurement is needed to evaluate the effectiveness and generalizability of these findings.

Menstrual Hygiene Practices and Associated Factors among Post-Menarche Primary-School Girls in Semi-Rural Indonesia: A Mixed-Methods Study

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) remains a significant public health issue, particularly among primary school girls in low- and middle-income countries. Poor menstrual hygiene is associated with an increased risk of reproductive tract infections and may increase vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In Indonesia, inadequate practices remain common, including in semi-rural areas such as Garut Regency, where limited sanitation and family dynamics influence menstrual health behaviors.

Methods: This study used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. A total of 83 primary school girls who had experienced menarche were included in the quantitative phase and analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. 21 informants were purposively selected for in-depth interviews based on school variation, knowledge level, maternal support level, and menstrual hygiene practice category. All selected informants completed the interviews, and all completed interviews were included in the thematic analysis

Results: High knowledge was strongly associated with good MHM practices (OR = 13.60; 95% CI: 3.38–54.71; p < 0.001 ). After adjusting for maternal support and sanitary pad availability, girls with adequate knowledge had 13.6 times higher odds of good menstrual hygiene practices . Qualitative findings suggested that maternal support may facilitate the application of menstrual hygiene knowledge through emotional guidance, practical assistance, and the normalization of menstruation.

Conclusion: High knowledge was the only statistically significant factor associated with good MHM practices in the adjusted quantitative model. Maternal support, although not statistically significant in the multivariable analysis, emerged in the qualitative findings as a contextual facilitator that may support the application of menstrual hygiene knowledge in daily practice.

Infrastructure to Culture: A Qualitative Case Study of Hospital Disaster Preparedness Using Hospital Safety Index as Contextual Assessment

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: Hospitals are expected to remain fully functional during disasters; however, many facilities continue to face structural, operational, and organizational constraints that limit their resilience. The Hospital Safety Index (HSI) provides a standardized metric for assessing a facility’s capacity to withstand and operate during emergencies, yet limited studies in Indonesia have integrated HSI assessments with qualitative insights from frontline staff. This study examines disaster preparedness at PKU Muhammadiyah Gamping Hospital, a Type B teaching hospital in Yogyakarta, to generate a comprehensive understanding of its strengths and vulnerabilities.

Methods: This study employed a qualitative case study approach to explore hospital disaster preparedness within its organizational context. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 purposively selected informants from clinical, technical, and managerial units. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using NVivo.Additionally, Hospital Safety Index (HSI) scores obtained from a retrospective assessment conducted in June 2025, using the 2015 HSI module, were used as contextual reference information. The HSI findings were not integrated analytically but served to complement and contextualize the qualitative insights on organizational preparedness.. ,

Results: The hospital achieved an overall HSI score of 0.69 (Category A), indicating a high likelihood of remaining functional during disasters. Structural (0.68) and non-structural (0.77) components demonstrated strong performance, supported by reliable utilities, protective installations, and adequate logistics. In contrast, emergency and disaster management scored lower (0.59, Category B), reflecting outdated disaster plans, uneven staff awareness of emergency procedures, limited training frequency, and the absence of a designated disaster preparedness budget. These quantitative findings were further reinforced by qualitative insights, which highlighted gaps in committee activation, surge capacity planning, and routine simulation exercises, although external coordination with fire services, police, and the Muhammadiyah hospital network emerged as a key strength.

Conclusion: This study suggests discrepancy the possibility between physical resilience and organizational readiness in the study hospital. While findings are context-specific, they suggest that strengthening leadership commitment, institutionalizing disaster financing, updating preparedness plans, and embedding regular multidisciplinary training may enhance operational resilience in similar healthcare settings.

Structural Determinants of Risky Sexual Practices Among Ship Crew Members in Indonesia: A Qualitative Study

Mustar , Hasnidar , Sulfianti, Khairil Asnan Haedar, Dyan Paramitha Darmayanti — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: Ship crews are highly susceptible of HIV infection. Masculinity (most of crews were men), highly mobile (less peer intervention), ease of commercial sexual intercourse, and emotional distress (limited working space and interaction) are the main drivers that tend to exacerbate crew's vulnerability to high-risk sexual behaviors. However, understanding their structural vulnerabilities (in socio-behavioral scope) remain underexplored. This study aims to examine the socioal, cultural, economic, and occupational factors that influence risky sexual behavior among ship crew members (ABK) in Ambon Port. with particular attention to masculinity norms, mobility, transactional sex, and emotional needs.

Methods: Qualitative research approach was employed as the analysis basis of the analysis. Data were gathered using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 25 male ship crews, recruited through snowball sampling. Pre-determined theories (i.e. hegemonic masculinity theory, sexual economy theory, and mobility and health risk frameworks) were utilized as scoping guide to analyze data thematically, focusing on the structural and psychosocial determinants of sexual risk behavior.

Results: Lack of knowledge were not a factor to risky sexual behavior as many informants were aware of HIV risks. On the other hand, the behavior apparently embedded in hypermasculine peer cultures (e.g. normalizing promiscuity, stigmatize prophylactic use, and enforce conformity through social ostracism and marginalization. Crew's financial leverage enables them to have commercial sexual intercourse throughout ship's docking at a port. In addition, permissive culture, identity shifting, and emotional distress (e.g. loneliness, absence of peer-led moral control) alleviates as a coping mechanism.

Conclusion: To address sexual risk behavior among ship crew members structural occupational health interventions are needed, which target the most well-heared crew to build community peer moral control. Our analysis highlights the importance of educate maritime workers via Port Health Officers, since the behavior done within a port or while the ship's docked. Site-specific interventions at ports should be the first mitigation to prevent risky behavior or at the very least, facilitate moral adherence to 'safety' practices.

Socio-demographic Factors Associated with Stunting Among Children Under Five in Nigeria: Evidence from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey

Sri Nurcahyati, Widya Hary Cahyati, Eko Farida — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

ntroduction: Nigeria continues to experience a substantial burden of stunting among children under five, with consequences that extend to long-term health outcomes, developmental capacity, and future productivity. The existence of these disparities underscores the need to further examine the association between social and demographic characteristics and the nutritional condition of children. Therefore, This study uses the most recent 2024 NDHS data to investigate the sociodemographic characteristics linked to stunting in Nigerian children under five.

Methods: This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional methodology, utilizing secondary data from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), a national survey that was conducted in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. The study analyzed 9,321 under-five children with complete anthropometric and socio-demographic information. Stunting, defined as a height-for-age z-score that is less than –2 standard deviations from the median reference in accordance with the WHO Child Growth Standards, was examined in relation to child, maternal, and household characteristics as independent variables. Using standardized DHS procedures, the study gathered data that were subsequently analyzed through weighted univariate and bivariate analyses, as well as multivariate binary logistic regression. Adjustments for clustering and stratification were performed with Taylor linearization, and statistical significance was defined as a p-value of less than 0.05.

Results: The study found that 36.7% of children under five in Nigeria were stunted, with higher prevalence observed among older age groups, rural residents, children from low-educated and poorer households, and those in larger families. Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between stunting and children’s age, place of residence, birth weight, maternal education, religion, parity, maternal occupation, number of under-five children, and household wealth. Multivariable analysis identified that older age (36–47 months: AOR=4.01, 95% CI 3.20–5.01), rural residence (AOR=1.19, 95% CI 1.06–1.33), low birth weight (AOR=2.27, 95% CI 1.47–3.51), higher parity, and having more under-five children in the household were associated with significantly higher odds of stunting, while higher maternal education (AOR=0.55, 95% CI 0.43–0.70) and higher household wealth (richest vs poorest: AOR=0.29, 95% CI 0.23–0.36) were associated with lower odds of stunting. Religion was statistically associated with stunting after adjustment for the included covariates, though residual confounding from unmeasured geographic, ethnic, and structural factors cannot be excluded. Among all variables examined, current breastfeeding (DHS variable v404) was the only factor that showed no statistically significant association with stunting.

Conclusion: Stunting among children under five in Nigeria is associated with child age, rural residence, low birth weight, maternal education, household socioeconomic status, parity, and the number of under-five children in the household, reflecting interconnected biological and socioeconomic associations. To address this issue, policy implications include targeted support for rural households, poorer households, mothers with low education, families with multiple under-five children, and children with low birth weight.

Parenting Communication Education and Adolescents’ Preventive Intentions Toward Early Marriage: A Quasi-Experimental Family-Centered Intervention Study

Elfina Elfina, Fadly Umar, Dewi Lestari, Dhea Karolina, Magfirah Magfirah — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Introduction: Early marriage remains a significant public health concern because it is closely associated with adolescent pregnancy, limited educational attainment, and increased risk of maternal and child health problems, including stunting. Family dynamics and parent–adolescent communication play an important role in shaping adolescents’ knowledge, attitudes, and preventive intentions regarding marriage timing and reproductive health. This study aimed to examine the short-term effect of parenting communication education as a family-based intervention to improve knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions related to early marriage prevention in a community setting.

Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test–post-test control group structure. A total of 60 respondents were divided into an intervention group and a control group, each consisting of 30 participants. Participants were adolescents aged 15–18 years and parents from the working area of Biromaru Community Health Center and SMK 1 Sigi, selected according to predefined eligibility criteria. The intervention group received parenting communication education focusing on parent–adolescent dialogue, reproductive health awareness, and the risks associated with early marriage, while the control group did not receive the intervention during the study period. Data were collected using structured questionnaires that had undergone validity and reliability testing to measure knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions related to early marriage prevention. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired t-tests to assess within-group changes and independent t-tests to compare outcomes between groups, with findings interpreted as short-term psychosocial changes rather than verified behavioral outcomes.

Result: The results demonstrated significant improvements in the intervention group across all measured domains. Knowledge scores increased from 55.6 ± 8.2 to 82.4 ± 5.7 (p < 0.001), indicating enhanced understanding of reproductive health risks and the consequences of early marriage. Attitude scores also improved from 60.3 ± 9.1 to 84.1 ± 7.4 (p < 0.001), reflecting stronger rejection of early marriage and greater awareness of the importance of mental and social preparedness for parenthood. Behavioral intention scores showed the largest improvement, increasing from 50.2 ± 8.1 to 88.1 ± 6.9 (p < 0.001), suggesting stronger intention to delay marriage and prioritize education and reproductive health preparation. In contrast, the control group showed only limited changes across the measured domains. These findings suggest that family-based educational interventions may strengthen parent–adolescent communication and reinforce normative support for delaying marriage, although longer-term follow-up is required to determine whether these intentions translate into actual behavioral outcomes.

Conclusion: In conclusion, parenting communication education represents a promising strategy for preventing early marriage by strengthening family communication, improving reproductive health knowledge, and promoting preventive attitudes and behavioral intentions. Integrating family-based education into adolescent health programs may support upstream prevention pathways associated with early marriage and stunting risk, but its effects on actual marriage timing, reproductive health behavior, and child nutritional outcomes require longitudinal verification.