JURNAL RISET KESEHATAN POLTEKKES DEPKES BANDUNG

Effect of spinach–sorghum cookie supplementation on hemoglobin concentration and maternal weight gain among pregnant women: a quasi-experimental study

Witri Priawantiputri — 2026-10-22

Background: Anemia during pregnancy remains a significant public health problem and is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including hemorrhage, preterm birth, miscarriage, and low birth weight. The development of locally sourced iron-rich supplementary foods, such as spinach and sorghum products, may help improve maternal nutritional status.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the association of spinach-sorghum cookie supplementation with changes in hemoglobin levels and body weight among pregnant women.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study using a one-group pretest–posttest design without a control group was conducted among 19 second- and third-trimester pregnant women selected through purposive sampling. Participants received 40 g/day of spinach-sorghum cookies as a supplementary snack for 14 consecutive days. Hemoglobin levels and body weight were measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the Paired Sample t-test with a significance level of 0.05.

Results: Mean hemoglobin levels increased from 11.41 g/dL before the intervention to 12.95 g/dL after the intervention (p=0.004). Mean body weight increased from 67.54 kg to 69.03 kg following the intervention (p<0.001). Spinach-sorghum cookie supplementation was associated with increased hemoglobin levels and body weight over the 14-day study period.

Conclusion: Fourteen-day supplementation with spinach–sorghum cookies was associated with increased hemoglobin levels and body weight among pregnant women, with mean increases of 1.54 g/dL and 1.49 kg, respectively. These findings suggest that spinach-sorghum cookies have potential as a locally sourced supplementary food to support maternal nutrition; however, controlled studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness.

Improving knowledge and motivation among mothers with under-five children regarding children’s oral health through canva-based video

Ratih Variani — 2026-07-20

Background: Dental caries is a common health problem among children, with a prevalence of approximately 76% in Indonesia. Data from the 2023 SKI survey indicate that the DMF-T index for children aged 3–5 years remains high, while utilization of dental health services is low (11.2%). In Kupang City, dental health education is still dominated by unengaging poster media, necessitating innovative educational media such as Canva videos.

Objective: To determine the improvement in understanding and motivation among mothers with under-five children regarding their children’s oral health through Canva videos.

Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design using a non-randomized pre-test and post-test control group design. The sample size of 84 participants was determined using the Slovin formula (5%) and purposive sampling, then divided into intervention and control groups. Data were collected via a questionnaire. Univariate analysis was applied to examine frequency distributions, while bivariate analysis was used to assess differences before and after the intervention. The Shapiro–Wilk normality test indicated that the data were not normally distributed; therefore, the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was used with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: There was a significant increase in mothers’ understanding and motivation before and after the intervention (p = 0.000), with a greater increase in the intervention group compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Canva educational videos effectively improve mothers’ understanding and motivation, making them a suitable tool for innovative and engaging dental health promotion for children.

Effectiveness of walking and prenatal yoga on stress, cortisol, and blood pressure among pregnant women at high risk of preeclampsia

Hamimatus Zainiyah — 2026-09-07

Background: Preeclampsia is associated with vascular dysfunction, sympathetic nervous system activation, and increased stress responses. Elevated pregnancy-related stress and cortisol levels may contribute to early blood pressure dysregulation preceding preeclampsia.

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a combined walking and prenatal yoga program in reducing stress, cortisol levels, and blood pressure among pregnant women at high risk of preeclampsia.

Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group study was conducted among 58 high-risk pregnant women recruited through multistage sampling with matching to ensure comparable risk factors between groups. The intervention group received a combined walking and prenatal yoga program for 12 weeks. Outcomes included pregnancy-related stress, cortisol levels, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Stress was measured using the Revised Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (NuPDQ), cortisol levels using ELISA, and blood pressure using a calibrated sphygmomanometer. Data were analyzed using Mann–Whitney U, independent t-test, Chi-square, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with p<0.05.

Results: Compared with the control group, the intervention reduced pregnancy-related stress (Δ −3.58 vs +2.34), cortisol (Δ −1.38 vs +1.33), systolic blood pressure (Δ −1.89 vs +7.41), diastolic blood pressure (Δ −5.68 vs +6.37), and MAP (Δ −5.03 vs +1.96), with all outcomes showing significant differences (p<0.05) and moderate-to-large effect sizes (ES=0.66–1.36).

Conclusion: The combined walking and prenatal yoga program effectively improved psychological and physiological outcomes and may serve as an early non-pharmacological strategy for preeclampsia prevention.

Association of serum total 25(OH)D with cardiometabolic factors among adult women

Fenti Dewi Pertiwi — 2026-09-10

Background: Vitamin D deficiency remains common among adult women in tropical settings, but its association with cardiometabolic factors is not fully characterized.

Objective: To examine the association between serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and cardiometabolic factors among adult women.

Methods: This secondary cross-sectional analysis used baseline screening data collected in Bogor City, Indonesia, from 29 August to 20 September 2025 before a vitamin D3 clinical trial. Using purposive sampling, 85 nonpregnant, nonlactating, premenopausal women aged 19 to 49 years with complete data were included. Serum total 25(OH)D was measured by VIDAS 25 OH Vitamin D Total using enzyme-linked fluorescent assay. Fasting capillary lipid profiles included total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, and LDL-C. Spearman correlation was the primary bivariate analysis. Multiple linear regression with HC3 robust standard errors modeled natural log-transformed serum total 25(OH)D, with total cholesterol as the exposure and age and waist-to-hip ratio as covariates.

Results: Serum total 25(OH)D was <20 ng/mL in 92.9% of participants and <10 ng/mL in 60.0%; the median was 8.95 ng/mL. Total cholesterol was inversely associated with serum total 25(OH)D (ρ = −0.293, p = 0.006) and remained associated in the adjusted model (B = −0.0027, robust SE = 0.0009, p = 0.005).

Conclusion: A large proportion of this purposively sampled group had low vitamin D status. Total cholesterol showed a weak inverse association with serum total 25(OH)D, but the cross-sectional design does not establish causality.

Effect of the combination of oketani massage and the marmet technique on breast milk volume among postpartum mothers

Dewi Yuliana — 2026-10-08

Background: Adequate breast milk production during the early postpartum period is essential for successful exclusive breastfeeding. However, delayed lactation and insufficient milk volume are common. Evidence regarding the effectiveness of combining Oketani massage and the Marmet technique remains limited.

Objective: To analyze the effect of combined Oketani massage and the Marmet technique on breast milk volume among postpartum mothers.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a nonequivalent control group design. Thirty postpartum mothers were recruited through consecutive sampling and assigned to an intervention group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). The intervention group received Oketani massage and the Marmet technique twice daily for three days, while the control group received standard breastfeeding care. Breast milk production was measured as the volume of milk expressed using a breast pump or manual expression before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests.

Results: Mean milk volume increased from 42.6 mL to 78.3 mL in the intervention group and from 44.1 mL to 52.7 mL in the control group. The mean difference between groups after the intervention was 25.6 mL (95% CI: 16.01–35.19). Significant increases were observed in the intervention group (p<0.001), and significant differences were found between groups after the intervention (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The combination of Oketani massage and the Marmet technique significantly increased breast milk volume among postpartum mothers compared with standard breastfeeding care.

Interpretation of staining results using sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan l.) as an eosin substitute in hematoxylin eosin staining

Mega Raya — 2026-10-21

Background: An important stage in histopathological examination is the tissue staining process where the staining technique uses Hematoxylin Eosin. Eosin as a dye component is carsinogenic and poses a risk to health and the environment if used in the long term. Sappan wood containing brazilin has the potential to be developed as a natural alternative to eosin

Objective: This study aims to determine the interpretation of staining results using sappan wood as a substitute for eosin in hematoxylin eosin staining

Methods: This study is an experimental study with an intact Group Comparoson design consisting of two treatment groups, namely staining using eosin and sappan wood. Data analysis was carried out using the Chi square test. This study was conducted at the Barokah Palembang anatomical pathology laboratory on March 16-17, 2025.The population taken was histological tissue preparations in this study werw 32 sampels calculated using the Federer formula.

Results: staining using eosin with 100% very good quality of preparation, for staining using sappan wood the quality of preparation is not good 6.3%, less good 50% and good quality 43.8%. The results of the statistical test obtained p = 0.000 < 0.05 this indicates a significant difference between the results of staining using eosin and sappan wood filtrate

Conclusion: Sappan wood staining has the potential as a natural dye to replace eosin in Hematoxylin-Eosin staining.

Protective effects of red ginger extract (RG) on oxidative stress markers in a zebrafish model of gestational diabetes mellitus

Dhania Nugrahaning Purwasuyitno — 2026-10-26

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) results from pregnancy-induced insulin resistance and increases oxidative stress, marked by decreased Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and elevated Malondialdehyde (MDA). Current therapies, including Insulin and Metformin, have limitations during pregnancy. Red ginger extract (RG) (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum) contains antioxidant compounds and may reduce oxidative stress.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effect of red ginger extract (RG) on SOD and MDA levels in zebrafish larvae as hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress relevant to GDM.

Methods: This study used a true experimental laboratory design with a post-test only control group approach conducted from January to April 2026 at the Pharmacology Laboratory. A total of 450 zebrafish embryos were allocated into five groups consisting of three biological replicates of embryos each (90 embryos/group): a control group, 3% glucose, and three treatment groups receiving red ginger extract (RG) at 5, 10, and 15 µg/mL. Hyperglycemia was induced from 2–72 hpf, and SOD and MDA levels were measured at 6 dpf using ELISA.

Results: The 3% glucose group exhibited reduced SOD and increased MDA levels compared with controls. Red ginger extract (RG)at all doses tended to increase SOD levels, although the differences were not statistically significant. MDA levels were significantly reduced in all treatment groups, with the most optimal effect observed at a dose of 10 µg/mL. SOD and MDA levels showed a significant negative correlation with moderate strength.

Conclusion: Red ginger extract (RG) may serve as a potential complementary antioxidant agent.

The effect of combined alternate nostril breathing exercise and lemon aromatherapy inhalation on blood pressure in hypertensive patients: a quasi-experimental study

Husni Husni — 2026-10-26

Background: Hypertension is a non-communicable disease known as a silent killer because it often presents without symptoms until reaching a severe stage. According to WHO (2022), approximately 1.28 billion adults worldwide suffer from hypertension.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of alternate nostril breathing exercise (ANBE) combined with lemon aromatherapy inhalation on blood pressure among hypertensive patients in the working area of Puskesmas Jembatan Kecil, Bengkulu City.

Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test with control group design. A total of 34 respondents were selected using purposive sampling and divided into an intervention group (n=17) and a control group (n=17). The intervention group received ANBE and lemon aromatherapy inhalation twice daily for 4 consecutive days with a duration of 5–15 minutes per session, while the control group received slow deep breathing with the same frequency. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test.

Results: The intervention group showed an average decrease in systolic blood pressure of 17.18 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure of 15.47 mmHg, while the control group experienced decreases of 7.35 mmHg systolic and 6.94 mmHg diastolic. Statistical analysis showed p=0.001 (p<0.05), indicating a significant effect of the intervention on reducing blood pressure.

Conclusion: The combination of ANBE and lemon aromatherapy inhalation was effective in reducing blood pressure and can be used as an independent non-pharmacological therapy for hypertension.

The effect of mindful breathing on anxiety and emotional well-being among community-dwelling adults

Elisa Adelia do Carmo — 2026-10-27

Background: Anxiety is a maladaptive response commonly found in urban communities and can diminish emotional well-being. The rising prevalence of mental health issues necessitates simple yet effective non-pharmacological interventions.

Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of a single session of mindful breathing intervention on anxiety levels and emotional well-being among community-dwelling adults in Padasuka Village, Cimahi City, Indonesia.

Methods: This study employed a pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest approach conducted from February to March 2026. The sample consisted of 40 respondents aged 22–57 years, selected through purposive sampling. The mindful breathing intervention was conducted for 20 minutes. Anxiety levels were measured using the GAD-7 instrument, and emotional well-being was assessed using the WHO-5. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and Effect Size calculation.

Results: The Wilcoxon test showed a significant decrease in anxiety scores (p < 0.001) from a mean of 9.35 to 3.43, with all respondents (100%) showing a decrease. Emotional well-being increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 68.40 to 89.70, with 92.5% of respondents showing improvement. The effect sizes were 1.98 for anxiety and 1.43 for emotional well-being.

Conclusion: A single session of mindful breathing was associated with changes in anxiety scores and emotional well-being among community-dwelling adults. These findings provide preliminary evidence of potential benefit; however, the one-group pretest-posttest design without a control group does not allow causal conclusions regarding intervention effectiveness.

Effect of green coconut water kombucha on hematological parameters among adolescents with mild anemia

Bastian Bastian — 2026-10-27

Background: Anemia remains a major public health problem in Indonesia, particularly among adolescent girls. Mild anemia is often overlooked despite its negative effects on learning ability, concentration, productivity, and quality of life.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effect of green coconut water kombucha on the hematological profile of adolescents with mild anemia.

Methods: This pilot study used a quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design without a control group. Of 30 adolescents screened, 12 aged 17–21 years with hemoglobin levels of 10.0–11.9 g/dL met the inclusion criteria, and all were enrolled (total sampling of eligible participants). Participants consumed 150 mL of green coconut water kombucha daily for 14 days. White blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), and platelet (PLT) counts were measured before and after the intervention. Normality of the paired differences was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, and the paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied accordingly.

Results: All parameters increased after the intervention. Mean Hb increased from 10.52 ± 0.36 to 12.03 ± 1.13 g/dL and HCT from 31.55 ± 1.08% to 36.10 ± 3.40% (both p < 0.001; paired t-test), and WBC from 6.63 ± 1.50 to 7.46 ± 1.41 ×10³/µL (p = 0.007). RBC showed a small increase (median 4.65 to 4.79 ×10⁶/µL; p = 0.037; Wilcoxon) that was sensitive to one participant with a large individual change. PLT increased (median 307.5 to 324.0 ×10³/µL; p = 0.002) with wide inter-individual variation.

Conclusion: Within the limits of an uncontrolled pilot design, green coconut water kombucha showed potential to support improvement in hematological parameters, particularly Hb and HCT, in adolescents with mild anemia. These findings are preliminary and do not establish a causal effect; randomized controlled trials with larger samples, longer intervention periods, and control of dietary iron intake are needed.