BACKGROUND

Stunting remains a major public health issue in Indonesia, particularly in regions like Pandeglang Regency, where prevalence rates are high. Understanding the contributing factors is essential for targeted interventions.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze factors associated with stunting among toddlers using a mixed-methods approach.

METHODS

A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted in two health centers in Banten Province from December 2021 to January 2022. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using chi-square tests (pRESULTS

There is a relationship between maternal knowledge, history of exclusive breastfeeding, history of supplementary feeding, support from health workers, and socio-economic status with the prevalence of stunting. However, the pattern of exclusive breastfeeding and seeking health services in the working areas of Bangkonol Health Center and Kaduhejo Health Center, Pandeglang Regency, is not good enough and needs to be improved. Health workers need to educate mothers with toddlers about patterns of providing complementary feeding, food preparation, and storage, and basic health practices to prevent stunting.

RESULTS

There is a relationship between maternal knowledge, history of exclusive breastfeeding, history of supplementary feeding, support from health workers, and socio-economic status with the prevalence of stunting. However, the pattern of exclusive breastfeeding and seeking health services in the working areas of Bangkonol Health Center and Kaduhejo Health Center, Pandeglang Regency, is not good enough and needs to be improved. Health workers need to educate mothers with toddlers about patterns of providing complementary feeding, food preparation, and storage, and basic health practices to prevent stunting.

Human ; Infant: 1-23 Months ; Child Preschool: 2-5 Yrs Old ; Public Health ; Prevalence ; Methods ; Indonesia ; Health ; Growth Disorders ; Comprehension

Abstract Measles has re-emerged as a significant public health threat in Indonesia, signaling gaps in immunization coverage and systemic health inequities. Following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has seen a troubling resurgence in cases. This editorial examines the current epidemiological situation, structural barriers to vaccination, and necessary strategies for elimination. In 2025, Indonesia recorded over 63,000 suspected cases, with the trend continuing into 2026. Current vaccination coverage for children aged 12–23 months stands at 73.46%, which is significantly below the 95% threshold required for herd immunity. Key barriers identified include maternal education levels, archipelagic geography, and sociocultural factors such as religious permissibility and safety concerns. Addressing the measles resurgence requires a multi-faceted approach: strengthening routine and catch-up immunization services, addressing social determinants of health, and rebuilding public trust through community engagement. Achieving high coverage is essential to prevent severe clinical complications and protect vulnerable populations.
Measles ; Measles resurgence ; Immunization coverage ; Indonesia ; Vaccine hesitancy ; Public health systems

Abstract Background: Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) encompasses cognitive, motor, and mental impairments persisting for years in ICU survivors. Despite its significance, the prevalence of PICS in Indonesia remains uncertain due to limited research and a lack of validated measurement tools. This study aims to translate and validate the PICS Questionnaire for use among ICU survivors in Indonesia. Methods: The study followed a two-phase approach: translation and evaluation. The translation phase adhered to the 10-step process of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) guidelines. The analysis phase involved 184 subjects, using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) for validation and Cronbach's α and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for reliability testing. Results: The CFA reported factor loadings (λ >0.40) for each item in its relevant domain. Fit index values indicated a good-to-acceptable fit. Internal reliability was high for the mental, physical, and cognitive domains (0.812 vs. 0.779 vs. 0.855), with Cronbach's α of > 0.70. Test-retest reliability and ICC demonstrated dependable results (>0.70) for each domain. Conclusion: The translated and validated Indonesian PICS Questionnaire demonstrates good validity and reliability. This tool will enable healthcare professionals to assess PICS among ICU survivors in Indonesia and facilitate further research on its prevalence and impact on quality of life.
Intensive Care Unit ; Quality of Life ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Factor Analysis ; Statistical ; Indonesia

Abstract Hyperkalemia (serum potassium >5.0 mEq/l) is a significant complication in patients with heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus, particularly when treated with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi). Both hyperkalemia and RAASi interruption are associated with increased cardiovascular events, hospitalizations, and mortality. This expert opinion document, developed between January and December 2024 through a systematic process, aims to establish guidance for hyperkalemia treatment in Indonesian patients with cardiorenal diseases receiving RAASi therapy, addressing the unique challenges within the Indonesian healthcare context. A comprehensive literature review of international guidelines and regional studies was conducted by a panel of 11 expert specialists (3 cardiologists, 6 internist-nephrologists, and 2 internist-cardiologists), who evaluated 29 statements covering diagnosis, monitoring, prevention, and treatment of hyperkalemia. Of the 29 statements, 26 reached consensus: 17 statements achieved very high agreement (≥90%) and 9 attained high agreement (≥67% – <90%). The agreed statements covered key areas, including potassium monitoring frequency, RAASi dose optimization strategies, dietary modifications, and treatment thresholds. Three statements regarding alternative therapeutic approaches did not receive agreement (<67%) due to limited local availability and cost considerations. Key recommendations include structured monitoring protocols for high-risk patients, strategies for RAASi dose optimization while managing hyperkalemia risk, and specific interventions adapted to local resources. This document provides a practical approach for managing hyperkalemia in Indonesian patients with cardiorenal diseases while maintaining optimal RAASi therapy, considering local Indonesian healthcare resources and constraints.
Hyperkalemia ; Cardio-Renal Syndrome ; Renin-Angiotensin System ; Indonesia

BACKGROUND: Keloid, a fibroproliferative skin disorder, requires accurate scar assessment. Comprehensive evaluation using a standardized instrument from both patient and observer perspectives is essential to capture its multidimensional impact. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the generic patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) 3.0 into Indonesian for keloid assessment. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was adopted following the translation and cultural adaptation guidelines. The instrument was translated into Indonesian by certified translators and administered to 68 keloid patients and 62 dermatologists especially recruited from Pekanbaru and the surrounding areas. Content validity was assessed using the scale-level content validity index average (S-CVI/Ave), construct validity through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha, test-retest reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and external validity by correlating the observer scar assessment scale (OSAS) with the modified Vancouver scar scale (mVSS). RESULTS : The Indonesian version of the generic POSAS 3.0 demonstrated strong psychometric properties. The S-CVI/Ave was 0.97. The EFA revealed 3 factors for the patient scar assessment scale and two for the OSAS, explaining 71.25% and 73.1% of the variance, respectively. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.79–0.90 and ICC was ≥0.83. External validity was confirmed by a strong correlation with the mVSS (Spearman’s rho = 0.82, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The Indonesian adaptation of the POSAS 3.0 is a valid and reliable tool for comprehensive keloid scar assessment. Future research should explore the responsiveness to therapeutic interventions.
Indonesia ; keloid ; psychometrics ; reproducibility of results ; validation study

BACKGROUND : The Indonesian chronic disease management program (PROLANIS) was introduced to provide structured chronic disease management for hypertension and type 2 diabetes (T2D) at the primary healthcare level. This study aimed to evaluate the health-related outcomes of PROLANIS among T2D patients in the eastern border region. METHODS : This retrospective cohort study used secondary data from PROLANIS reports of all primary healthcare facilities in Atambua Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. Inclusion criteria were all T2D patients who participated in routine 6-month evaluations conducted between June 2023 and December 2023. The assessed parameters and their defined targets were body mass index (BMI) (18.5–23 kg/m²), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (<140 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (<90 mmHg), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (<7%), total cholesterol (TC) (<200 mg/dl), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (>40 mg/dl for males and >50 mg/dl for females), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (<100 mg/dl), and triglycerides (TGs) (<150 mg/dl). Wilcoxon signed-rank and paired t-tests were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS : There were 51 T2D patients included in the analyses. Of these, 84% achieved SBP and 96% achieved DBP targets. However, only 45% achieved HbA1c, and 33% achieved BMI targets. For lipid profiles, 55%, 51%, 47%, and 41% achieved TC, LDL, HDL, and TG targets, respectively. No significant differences were found between baseline and follow-up across these parameters (all p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS In the border region, while PROLANIS maintains blood pressure levels, it does not significantly improve other health-related outcomes in T2D patients. This underscores the need to strengthen program intensity, support adherence, and address contextual barriers to achieve meaningful metabolic improvements.
chronic disease ; government programs health services ; Indonesia ; primary healthcare ; type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND: Indonesia is among countries with a high incidence of multi drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) globally. In this study, we aim to determine the prevalence of silico-tuberculosis among TB patients and to investigate the association of radiographic silicosis and the role of drug supervisor as well as other socio-clinical factors, in the development of MDR-TB in Indonesia. METHODS: A hospital-based study in West Java among 148 MDR-TB patients (case) and 164 drug-sensitive/DS-TB patients (control) was conducted. Chest x-rays were evaluated by two radiologists and one NIOSH B reader according to the ILO Classification. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using structured questionnaires to collect patients' information, including the task of drug supervisor. RESULTS: Findings indicate that supportive drug supervisor reduces the risk of developing MDR-TB, but silicosis showed no significant association. Nevertheless, in this study we found that 17 cases (5.4%) had silico-tuberculosis mostly exhibited as ILO profusion 3; predominated by q shape, 52.9% with large opacities and dominated by size A. Other factors significantly associated with the risk of developing MDR-TB were marital status, low income, longer traveling time to hospital, unsuccessful previous treatment and suffering drug side effects. CONCLUSION This study reveals that one of preventive healthcare strategy to protect TB patients from developing MDR-TB is supportive drug supervisor. While, the development of MDR-TB was not significantly influenced by silicosis; however, there is a notable prevalence of silicosis as determined by chest radiography, highlighting the critical need for dust control, occupational hygiene, and health screening for high-risk populations.
Indonesia/epidemiology* ; Humans ; Silicosis/diagnostic imaging* ; Male ; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant/etiology* ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Female ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Aged ; Antitubercular Agents/therapeutic use*

Background: Indonesia is amongst the top 10 countries with the highest prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) at 10.8%. However, the distinguishable features of T2DM in Indonesia remain obscure. Therefore, the DISCOVER study aimed to describe the characteristics of T2DM patients, associated vascular complications and treatment in Indonesia. Methodology: DISCOVER study is a multi-country, multicenter, prospective, cohort study over 3 years. In the present study, the data were collected from 13 sites from clinical practice, hospitals and public health facilities in Indonesia. Results: A total of 221 subjects were recruited with a mean age of 55.6 ± 9.8 years and body mass index (BMI) of 26.4 ± 4.4 kg/m2. Over 40% of patients had hypertension and/or hyperlipidemia. The mean duration of T2DM was 58.3 ± 62.0 months while the mean HbA1c levels was 9.2 ± 2%. In total, 82.4% completed the study within a 36-month follow-up period. BMI remained elevated i.e., >25 kg/m2. A significant reduction was observed in HbA1c levels as compared to baseline (9.2 ± 2% to 8.1 ± 1.8%). T2DM-associated microvascular complications such as peripheral neuropathy, albuminuria and chronic kidney disease were observed in 17.2%. Macrovascular complications including coronary artery disease and heart failure were seen in 26.2% of patients. We also found that more than 70% of patients were on metformin and/or sulfonylurea. Conclusion The features of patients with T2DM in Indonesia were high BMI, with hypertension and hyperlipidemia as co-morbidities. Metformin and sulfonylureas were the most common treatment. HbA1c reduction during follow-up did not reach recommended target. Thus, early detection and intervention using available glucose-lowering medications and aggressive management of risk factors and complications are essential to improve outcomes of diabetes management in Indonesia.
diabetes type 2 ; vascular complications ; Indonesia

Introduction: Depression is one of the mental illnesses that affect adolescents worldwide. This study analysed the factors associated with depressive symptoms among adolescents in Indonesia. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey 2014. The sample included 3,603 adolescents aged 10-19 years. Data were analysed using logistic regression statistical tests. Results: Of the adolescents, 29.1% had depressive symptoms. The bivariate analysis showed that sex, region, economic status, chronic illness history, sleep quality, smoking habit, and personality type were associated with a higher probability of depressive symptoms among the adolescents. Conclusion A history of chronic diseases contributes the most to the occurrence of depressive symptoms among adolescents. To reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases associated with depression, the Indonesian government must make preventive efforts through early detection among young people.
Depression ; Adolescent ; Indonesia

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of frailty and its determinants, especially in relation to chronic disease and lifestyle among elderly individuals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 278 individuals aged 60 years and over living in Jakarta. All participants underwent assessment, including medical history-taking, physical examination and blood tests for the sugar level and lipid profile. Frailty was assessed using the Frailty Instrument for Primary Care of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. All data were analysed using the chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of pre-frailty and frailty among the older adults was 40.6% and 28.8%, respectively. Female sex, lack of exercise, presence of cardiovascular diseases and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level were associated with pre-frailty and frailty. Education for <9 years was associated only with frailty. After adjustments for all covariates, female sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.07–3.60; AOR=3.93, 95% CI=1.87–8.24), lack of exercise (AOR=14.81, 95% CI=5.07–43.26; AOR=49.48, 95% CI=16.20–151.09) and presence of cardiovascular diseases (AOR=5.32, 95% CI=1.40–19.20; AOR=6.06, 95% CI=1.63–22.56) were associated with pre-frailty and frailty. Meanwhile, education for <9 years (AOR=1.97, 95% CI=1.05–3.69) and high LDL-C level (AOR=3.52, 95% CI=1.14–10.88) were associated with frailty. Conclusion Exercise, early screening and intervention for cardiovascular diseases and maintenance of lower LDL-C levels may prevent and slow the progression of frailty.
Frailty ; Aged ; Aging ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Exercise ; Indonesia