International Journal of Public Health Excellence (IJPHE)

Beyond BMI: The Synergistic Effect of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Sedentary Behavior on Gut Microbiota and Systemic Inflammation in Young Adults with Early Metabolic Syndrome – A Longitudinal Cohort Study

2026-06-08T07:19:21+00:00

Background: Body mass index (BMI) inadequately captures metabolic risks driven by modern lifestyles, particularly the combination of ultra-processed food (UPF) intake and sedentary behavior. While each factor independently fosters low-grade systemic inflammation, their synergistic impact on the gut microbiota–inflammation axis in young adults with early metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains unexplored. Objective: This longitudinal cohort study examined the independent and synergistic effects of UPF consumption and sedentary behavior on gut microbiota composition and systemic inflammatory biomarkers in Indonesian young adults with early MetS over 12 months. Methods: We recruited 400 participants aged 20–30 years meeting 1–2 ATP III criteria for MetS. Dietary intake was assessed with a validated semi-quantitative FFQ with NOVA classification; sedentary time was measured via triaxial accelerometers. Gut microbiota was profiled using 16S rRNA sequencing (V3–V4 region), and hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α were quantified at baseline and 12 months. Participants were stratified into four groups by median splits of UPF energy share (%kcal) and daily sedentary time. Generalized estimating equations tested synergistic interactions on inflammation, and mediation analyses evaluated microbiota diversity pathways. Results: The high-UPF/high-sedentary group exhibited the greatest increases in hs-CRP (+1.78 mg/L), IL-6 (+2.95 pg/mL), and TNF-α (+3.12 pg/mL), with a significant multiplicative interaction (p<0.001). Shannon diversity declined most sharply in the high-UPF/high-sedentary group (−0.32), paralleled by a rise in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (+0.47). Mediation analysis showed that 31.4% of the synergistic effect on hs-CRP was mediated by loss of diversity. Conclusion: Co-occurring high UPF consumption and sedentary behavior synergistically amplify systemic inflammation partly through gut dysbiosis in early MetS, underscoring the need to target both dietary and physical activity domains beyond BMI-centric strategies

Nursing Analysis of SEFT and PC6 Acupressure in Reducing Anxiety in Stemi Patients

2026-06-11T05:52:12+00:00

Anxiety is one of the most common psychological responses experienced by patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) during hospitalization in the Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU), which may affect physiological stability and the recovery process. Therefore, supportive non-pharmacological nursing interventions are needed to help manage anxiety. This study aimed to analyze nursing practice through the application of the Spiritual Emotional Freedom Technique (SEFT) and PC6/Neiguan acupressure on anxiety levels in patients with STEMI. A case analysis was conducted on two patients with STEMI in the ICCU using a nursing care approach. The first patient received standard care combined with SEFT and PC6/Neiguan acupressure interventions, while the second patient received standard care only. Anxiety levels were measured using the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The patient who received SEFT and PC6/Neiguan acupressure experienced a reduction in anxiety level from moderate anxiety to no anxiety, while the patient who received standard care only did not show any reduction in anxiety level and remained in the moderate anxiety category. The application of SEFT and PC6/Neiguan acupressure in nursing practice was associated with reduced anxiety levels in patients with STEMI and may serve as supportive nursing therapies within a holistic nursing care approach for cardiovascular patients

The Effect of a Mobile-Based Nutrition Education Module on Improving Feeding Practices and Nutritional Status of Children under Five in Urban Slums

2026-06-16T06:19:52+00:00

Background: Inappropriate feeding practices and high malnutrition rates among children under five remain critical public health issues in urban slums, where access to nutrition information is limited. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions offer a promising platform for delivering nutrition education. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a mobile-based nutrition education module on improving feeding practices and nutritional status of children aged 6–23 months in urban slums. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design was employed. A total of 120 mother-child pairs were purposively selected and allocated into an intervention group (receiving a 12-week mobile-based module, n=60) and a control group (receiving conventional lectures and leaflets, n=60). Feeding practices (minimum dietary diversity, meal frequency) were assessed using structured questionnaires, while nutritional status was measured through anthropometry (weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height z-scores). Data were analyzed using paired t-test, independent t-test, and ANCOVA (p<0.05). Results: The intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in feeding practice scores compared to controls (p<0.001). Moreover, stunting prevalence decreased from 32% to 18%, and wasting from 15% to 7% in the intervention group, with significantly better WAZ and HAZ z-scores than the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The mobile-based nutrition education module effectively improved maternal feeding practices and child nutritional status in urban slums. This innovation offers a scalable, low-cost solution for addressing childhood malnutrition in underserved populations.

Analysis of Household Air Pollution and Its Association with Acute Respiratory Infection Incidence in Women Living in Rural Agro-Industrial Areas

2026-06-16T08:25:53+00:00

Introduction: Household air pollution (HAP) from solid fuel combustion remains a leading environmental health threat, yet its specific impact on women in rural agro-industrial areas, where agricultural residues are commonly used as cooking fuel, is poorly documented. This study aimed to measure HAP levels and determine their association with acute respiratory infection (ARI) incidence among women in these settings. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 women from three rural villages in an agro-industrial region. Indoor PM2.5 and carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations were monitored over 24 hours using portable air samplers. Data on ARI symptoms (cough, fever, and difficulty breathing) and household fuel use were collected via validated questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess associations. Results: Mean 24-hour PM2.5 and CO levels were 285 µg/m³ and 7.2 ppm, respectively, both far exceeding WHO safety thresholds. Biomass fuel use dominated (78%), primarily agricultural waste. ARI prevalence reached 42%. After adjusting for confounders, elevated PM2.5 was significantly associated with ARI (AOR=2.8; 95% CI: 1.6–4.9), alongside biomass fuel use and prolonged cooking time. Discussion: The strong dose-response relationship suggests that chronic exposure to high particulate matter from agricultural residues directly compromises respiratory defenses. The synergistic effect of indoor smoke and poor ventilation likely exacerbates infection risk, highlighting a overlooked occupational-exposure pattern in agrarian communities. Conclusion: Urgent interventions particularly cleaner cookstove programs and kitchen design improvements are essential to reduce the substantial ARI burden among this vulnerable population.

Effectiveness of Neem Leaves (Azadirachta indica) on Traumatic Ulcer Healing: A Literature Review

2026-06-19T08:52:34+00:00

Traumatic ulcer is the most common oral mucosal lesion encountered in dental practice, caused by mechanical, thermal, or chemical trauma. This condition causes significant pain and can impair patient quality of life. Neem leaves (Azadirachta indica) have long been used in traditional medicine as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing agents. This literature review aims to examine scientific evidence on the effectiveness of neem leaves in healing traumatic ulcers through their pharmacological mechanisms. Literature searches were conducted through PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases with keywords related to neem leaves, Azadirachta indica, traumatic ulcer, and oral mucosal wound healing. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were critically reviewed. Active compounds in neem leaves including nimbin, nimbidin, azadirachtin, quercetin, and tannins have been proven to possess anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting COX-2 and NF-κB pathways, as well as antibacterial activity against oral pathogenic bacteria. These compounds also accelerate fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis crucial in wound healing. Neem leaves have significant potential as a therapeutic agent in healing traumatic ulcers based on pharmacological evidence and preclinical studies. However, further randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to strengthen their clinical use

Systematic Literature Review : Potential of Kirinyuh Leaves ( Chromolaena Odorata ) As A Wound Treatment

2026-06-17T16:02:39+00:00

A wound is damage to body tissue that can occur due to cuts, impacts, heat, infection, or chemicals. Wounds that are not properly treated can cause infection, inflammation, bleeding, and disruption of new tissue formation. One plant that has been widely studied is the kirinyuh leaf (Chromolaena odorata). This study used the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method. Articles were searched through Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Semantic Scholar, Garuda, and Crossref for the period 2017-2025. The article selection process used the PRISMA flow through the stages of identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion. The initial search results obtained 186 articles. After removing duplicate articles, screening titles and abstracts, and full-text examination, 41 final articles were obtained that met the analysis requirements. The articles analyzed consisted of laboratory experimental studies, in vivo, in vitro, literature reviews, systematic reviews, phytochemical analysis, and GC-MS or UPLC-MS analysis. The results showed that flavonoids were the compounds most frequently found in kirinyuh leaves and were most associated with accelerated wound healing. Kirinyuh leaves have been shown to accelerate wound closure, increase collagen formation, increase angiogenesis, repair fibroblasts, and inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, MRSA, and ESBL. Burn wound research shows that N-hexane extract of kirinyuh leaves at a concentration of 30% provides a healing rate of 79% on the 21st day. Another study showed that a serum combination of kirinyuh essential oil and curcumin provides healing of diabetic wounds by 68.068%. The most commonly used dosage forms are gels, ointments, creams, serums, sprays, essential oils, and topical extracts.

The Effect of Knowledge and Attitude to Implement Dysmenorrhea Exercises on Reducing Pain Scale in Midwifery DIII Students at Paluta Husada Gunungtua

2026-06-11T05:46:59+00:00

Adolescence is a phase of life between childhood and adulthood, from the age of 10 to 19 years. Adolescence is a unique stage of human development and is an important time to lay the foundation for good health. This study is a quantitative type with a pre-experimental design that uses the one group pretest-posttest design, because this study aims to compare the results of the pretest of the intervention group and the posttest of the intervention group. The sample in this study were 66 students of the D-III Midwifery Study Program level I and II of STIKes Paluta Husada. Knowledge behavior before carrying out dysmenorrhea exercises had knowledge mostly in the sufficient category and after carrying out dysmenorrhea exercises knowledge was good, and before carrying out dysmenorrhea exercises students had a negative attitude because they felt it would not affect them, but after carrying out the exercises there was a positive attitude. D-III Midwifery Study Program students at STIKes Paluta Husada Gunung Tua can play an active role in helping to reduce menstrual pain problems, especially in female students with dysmenorrhea exercises. As midwifery students, we are expected to implement our role as midwifery care providers by regularly conducting dysmenorrhea exercises to reduce and manage menstrual pain

The Influence of Accessibility Factors on The Success of Exclusive Breastfeeding in The Working Area of Portibi Public Health Center, North Padang Lawas Regency in 2026

2026-06-21T07:08:48+00:00

Breastfeeding is the best investment for biological survival and improving the health, social, and economic development of individuals and nations. Although the global breastfeeding initiation rate is relatively high, only about 40% of infants under 6 months of age receive exclusive breastfeeding, and 45% continue to receive breastfeeding until the age of 24 months (Fadlliyyah, 2019). This study is an observational study with a cross-sectional design that aims to analyze the influence of accessibility factors on the success of exclusive breastfeeding at the Portibi Community Health Center, North Padang Lawas Regency, in 2026. The study was conducted at the Portibi Community Health Center, North Padang Lawas Regency in 2026 with a total of 78 respondents. This study concluded that accessibility factors have a significant effect on the success of exclusive breastfeeding at the Portibi Community Health Center, North Padang Lawas Regency in 2026 (p-value = 0.05).

The Relationship Between Post-Acne Scars and Quality of Life Among Medical Students of FK UNAND, Padang, Indonesia

2026-06-22T09:44:14+00:00

Post-acne scars are a condition of skin layer damage due to the healing process of acne vulgaris, causing the skin to appear depressed. This condition disrupts facial aesthetics and may become permanent, thereby affecting the patient’s psychological condition and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the severity of post-acne scars and the quality of life among medical students of FK UNAND, Padang, Indonesia. This study was an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design conducted from June to December 2023. The population consisted of medical students of FK UNAND batch 2020–2022 who had acne scars. The total sample was 88 respondents selected using consecutive sampling. Data were collected using the Facial Acne Scar Quality of Life (FASQOL) questionnaire and Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ). Statistical analysis was performed using One-Way ANOVA and Fisher’s Exact Test. The results showed that most respondents were female and aged 21 years. The majority experienced mild acne scars (46.6%). The mean FASQOL score was 14.11. Most respondents felt disturbed by the presence of acne scars on their face. The DCQ results showed that 88.6% of respondents had no dysmorphic disorder features. There was no significant relationship between acne scar severity and quality of life (p=0.938) nor dysmorphic disorder (p=0.241). The study concluded that there was no relationship between the severity of post-acne scars and the quality of life among medical students of FK UNAND, Padang, Indonesia

Why do teens act impulsively? A psychoneuropsychiatry review of decision making

2026-06-01T04:37:23+00:00

Adolescence is a crucial transitional phase characterized by the "Adolescent Health Paradox," a condition where adolescents are at their peak physical vitality yet experience increased morbidity and mortality rates due to high-risk behaviors. From a psychoneuropsychiatric perspective, this is caused by an imbalance in brain maturation between the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of adolescent brain development and its relationship with impulsive behavior and decision-making mechanisms. This study utilizes a literature review method by examining scientific articles from the Google Scholar, PubMed, and NCBI databases, as well as references from official institutions such as the WHO and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, primarily focusing on publications from the last ten years. The review indicates that adolescent impulsivity is a multidimensional construct involving "impulsive action" and "impulsive choice". Based on the Dual Systems Model, the limbic system (reward and emotion) develops more rapidly than the prefrontal cortex (executive control), leading adolescents to be more reactive and struggle with delaying gratification. Internal factors such as emotion regulation and resilience, as well as external factors like parental attachment and peer influence, significantly affect impulsivity levels. The clinical implications of this condition include an increased risk of mental disorders such as ADHD, Substance Use Disorder, and self-harm. Impulsive behavior in adolescents is a logical consequence of incomplete neurodevelopmental processes. Intensive guidance from parents and a supportive school environment are necessary to help adolescents develop self-control and healthy decision-making skills.

Analysis of Community Knowledge, Attitudes, and Experiences toward Preparedness for Initial Emergency Response in Karya Murni Village, Paguyaman District, Boalemo Regency

2026-06-25T15:19:43+00:00

Emergency conditions can occur suddenly in the community and require prompt and appropriate initial management before victims receive assistance from health professionals. Community preparedness is influenced by knowledge, attitudes, and experience in dealing with emergency conditions. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between community knowledge, attitudes, and experience and preparedness for initial emergency response in Karya Murni Village, Paguyaman District, Boalemo Regency. This study used a quantitative method with a correlational analytic design and a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 50 respondents selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed through univariate and bivariate analyses using the Chi-square test. The results showed that most respondents had moderate knowledge (40.0%), positive attitudes (62.0%), no experience in dealing with emergencies (56.0%), and were categorized as prepared (56.0%). The statistical test results showed that knowledge, attitudes, and experience were associated with community preparedness for initial emergency response. The most dominant factor associated with preparedness was attitude. This study concludes that community preparedness for initial emergency response is associated with knowledge, attitudes, and experience. Therefore, health education, first-aid training, Basic Life Support simulations, and community empowerment are needed to improve community readiness to provide an initial response in emergency conditions.

The effectiveness of coping innovation interventions, reframing, and sleep hygiene in the adolescent aggregate of MTs Antasari Samarinda

2026-06-21T14:48:37+00:00

Adolescents are a vulnerable age group that often experience various mental health problems, such as stress, bullying, and sleep pattern disturbances influenced by academic demands, social pressure, and the use of digital technology. These conditions may trigger maladaptive coping, risky health behaviors, and decreased adaptive capacity among adolescents. Preliminary assessment at MTs Antasari Samarinda showed that some adolescents experienced moderate to high levels of stress, were at risk of bullying, and had sleep pattern disturbances with ineffective coping patterns. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of innovative interventions involving coping strategies, reframing techniques, and sleep hygiene among adolescents at MTs Antasari Samarinda. The method used was a case study with a community nursing care approach that included assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The assessment was conducted using several instruments, namely the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Bullying and Cyberbullying Scale for Adolescents (BCS-A), Brief-COPE, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), along with interviews and observations.

The interventions included training in problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping, reframing techniques through structured counseling sessions, as well as education and implementation of sleep hygiene practices. The results showed an improvement in adolescents’ ability to manage emotions and solve problems adaptively, a reduction in bullying tendencies and negative thought patterns, and improved sleep quality after the intervention. These findings indicate that innovative coping, reframing, and sleep hygiene interventions are effective in improving adolescents’ mental health and adaptive behaviors, as well as supporting community nursing care practices in the school environment.