Riset Informasi Kesehatan

Policy brief evaluation of exclusive breastfeeding program to improve infant health

2026-02-01T11:49:03+07:00

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia has yet to meet the 80% target set by WHO and the Ministry of Health. Coverage improved from 52% in 2017 to 66.1% in 2020 and reached 70.7% in 2022, but overall progress remains modest. Although national policies mandate exclusive breastfeeding, implementation is hampered by shortages of trained counselors, limited facilities, and cultural preferences for early formula feeding. Compared with neighboring countries, Indonesia is in the middle range, performing better than some but still behind regional leaders. To accelerate progress, stronger human resources, consistent workplace support, and greater community engagement are required to achieve national goals and contribute to global child health targets.

Method: This study applied a literature review approach using the Google Scholar database. The initial search identified 3,080 articles, and after screening, only five studies (2020–2024, Indonesian language, full text, involving breastfeeding mothers) met the inclusion criteria. The selection stages were described with a PRISMA diagram.

Results: Analysis showed that the most frequently reported barrier was the shortage of breastfeeding counselors, appearing in four of the five studies. Additional challenges included limited facilities, cultural habits such as early use of formula, and insufficient support from families and workplaces.

Conclusion: The study concludes that limited breastfeeding counselors and weak family and workplace support are the main barriers, requiring stronger human resources and cross-sectoral collaboration.

Analysis of malaria control program implementation at the Riau Provincial Health Office

2026-02-01T11:49:00+07:00

Background: The emergence of malaria outbreaks (Extraordinary Events/KLB) in certified elimination areas in Riau Province highlights persistent programmatic challenges. This study aims to assess the implementation of the malaria control program at the Riau Provincial Health Office, identify key barriers, and propose recommendations to enhance program effectiveness.

Method: This study used a qualitative descriptive design with data collection through in-depth interviews, field observations, and analysis of related documents. Data analysis was carried out using a problem-solving cycle approach and Fishbone diagrams to identify the root causes of the problem.

Results: Showed that the main obstacles in program implementation included low public awareness, limited budget, suboptimal policy implementation, and inadequate cross-sector coordination. The recommendations produced include increasing cross-sector collaboration, technical training for program holders, forming budget policy, intensive education and active community involvement, also strengthening sanitation infrastructure.

Conclusion: The malaria control program in Riau Province requires a sustainable strengthening strategy to maintain malaria elimination status, especially with a community-based approach and increased multi-sector coordination.

Mental health impacts of early marriage on mothers caring for stunted toddlers

2026-02-01T11:48:58+07:00

Background: Stunting remains a significant health concern, both nationally and globally. One of the factors contributing to stunting is early marriage. This not only impacts the physical condition of the mother and child, but also impacts the mother’s mental health, especially in caring for stunted toddlers.

Objective: This study aims to explore the subjective experiences of mothers who married at an early age and understand the mental health impacts they experience in caring for stunted children in Tanjung Gunung in 2025.

Method: This study employed a qualitative approach using a phenomenological design. The total number of participants was six, consisting of four mothers who were involved in early marriage, one village head, and one head of the community health center (Puskesmas).

Results: The results of this study revealed seven main themes that collectively describe the experiences of mothers who entered marriage at an early age. Theme 1: Reasons for early marriage show that such marriages often occur due to accidental circumstances, economic factors, and the influence of love at a young age. Theme 2: changes in roles after marriage highlights the rapid transition young women face as they take on responsibilities as wives and mothers. Theme 3: challenges after marriage, identifies economic hardship as the main difficulty in managing household needs. Theme 4: pressure from psychological and emotional problems, indicates that mothers often experience stress and emotional strain due to limited coping abilities and a lack of support. Theme 5: child development and growth, reveals that children of young mothers are more prone to malnutrition and stunting. Theme 6: social support in dealing with mothers’ mental health emphasizes the crucial role of emotional and family support in maintaining mental well-being. Theme 7: The meaning of early marriage for mothers shows that some mothers feel regret, while others find hope and personal growth from their experience. Overall, these themes illustrate that early marriage presents both social and emotional challenges, affecting the personal, psychological, and family aspects of young mothers’ lives.

Conclusion: Early marriage has complex impacts on the lives of young mothers, encompassing psychological, social, and economic aspects. Young women who marry at an early age experience rapid role transitions, emotional pressure, and challenges in meeting family needs while supporting their children’s growth and development. However, some of them can find positive meaning and hope through these experiences. Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of psychosocial support, reproductive health education, and economic empowerment for adolescents and young mothers as both preventive and curative measures to minimize the negative effects of early marriage.

Indonesian radiology research metrics and their alignment with the sustainable development goals

2026-02-01T11:38:06+07:00

Background: Radiology is one of the most dynamic and essential fields in modern medicine. However, few studies have systematically examined the development trends, terminology, and contributions of Indonesian radiology literature to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study aims to analyze bibliometric trends and the alignment of Indonesian radiology research with the SDGs from 2015 to mid-2025.

Method: This study utilized a bibliometric review with assistance by three main tools: Bibliometrix R Package, VOSviewer, and SDGs Mapper.

Results: The results reveal fluctuating publication trends and a general decline in annual citation rates. Atom Indonesia emerged as the most prolific source, while the Bali Medical Journal has shown increased contributions in recent years. The most productive author was Oscandar F., followed by Yusra, noted for cross-institutional collaboration. Universitas Indonesia led in publication volume, and the article by Saktiawati et al. (1) received the highest citations. The United Kingdom was the most frequent international collaborator. Key thematic focuses included “tuberculosis,” “diagnostic imaging,” and “thorax radiography,” with emerging topics such as “orthopedics” and “cancer risk.” Notably, 83.2% of SDG-related publications contributed to SDG 3, underscoring the centrality of health issues in national radiology research.

Conclusion: In sum, this study offered a comprehensive overview of the Indonesian radiology research landscape and its relevance to sustainable development goals.

Clinical characteristics of tuberculosis patients at Simpang Kawat Public Health Center, Jambi

2026-02-01T11:49:02+07:00

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria transmitted through the air. Based on World Health Organization (WHO) data in 2023, it is estimated that around 8.2 million of the world's population will suffer from TB. Based on the 2023 Indonesian health profile, the prevalence of new TB cases in Indonesia is 821,200 cases. In Jambi province, the highest TB prevalence is in Jambi City, approximately 209 per 100,000 population. This study aims to determine the clinical characteristics of TB patients at a Simpang Kawat Public Health Center, Jambi.

Method: This was retrospective cross-sectional study using descriptive method at the Simpang Kawat Public Health Center in Jambi City. A total of TB patients was 60 patients. Secondary data was collected from medical records.

Results: The results showed that the majority of TB patients consisted of 40-59 year (35%) age group, male (68.3%), employed (55%), married (73.3%), new cases (80%), first category treatment (100%), smokers (68.3%), and no comorbidities (73.3%).

Conclusion: This study show that most of TB patients in public health center was sensitive TB patients with no comorbidities.

Strengthening Indonesia’s adolescent anemia policy: a systematic review of global practices

2026-02-01T11:49:05+07:00

Background: Anemia is a persistent public health challenge in Indonesia, particularly among adolescent girls, with prevalence reaching 48.9% in 2018. Despite school-based iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation programs, major implementation challenges remain.

Objective: To evaluate the implementation of IFA policies for adolescents in Indonesia and to identify global strategies that can strengthen national anemia prevention efforts.

Method: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, focusing on studies published between 2019 and 2024. PubMed, Google Scholar, and official Ministry of Health sources were searched using predefined eligibility criteria. Data from eligible studies were synthesized using thematic analysis. Search strings included terms such as: “iron and folic acid supplementation” OR “iron–folic acid” OR “IFA”, combined with “adolescent” OR “school-age girls”, and “policy” OR “program implementation” OR “coverage” OR “adherence”.

Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Four main barriers to effective IFA implementation were identified: (1) low adherence due to side effects and misconceptions; (2) logistical weaknesses in tablet distribution; (3) limited stakeholder engagement; and (4) lack of robust monitoring systems. Evidence from other countries shows that school-based education, digital monitoring, and community involvement can improve coverage and compliance.

Conclusion: Indonesia’s IFA policy needs strengthening in both structural and behavioral domains. Integrating education, digital tracking, and peer involvement into existing school-based programs may enhance adherence and long-term sustainability.

Lotion formulation from ethanol extract of Pedada leaves (Sonneratia caseolaris) as an antioxidant

2026-02-01T11:48:56+07:00

The relationship between knowledge and healthy lifestyle behaviors in preventing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the productive age group

2026-02-01T11:48:57+07:00

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to have account for nearly 74% of all global deaths, and in Indonesia, these conditions to have show a prevalence of 34.1% among individuals in their productive age.

Method: This cross-sectional study to have examined how knowledge relates to healthy lifestyle behaviors in the prevention of NCDs, applying purposive sampling to have select 112 respondents between 19 and 50 years old.

Results: The findings to have indicated that most respondents were female (76.8%), highly educated (82.1%), and students (51.8%). Their knowledge level was mostly categorized as adequate (72.3%), whereas their lifestyle practices to have tended to fall into the unhealthy category (42%).

Conclusion: There was no significant relationship between knowledge and healthy lifestyle behaviors (p=0.055), confirming the knowledge-behavior gap phenomenon and indicating the need for a comprehensive behavior change communication approach that goes beyond conventional information transfer.

Clinical characteristics of hypertension patients at Simpang IV Sipin Public Health Center, Jambi City

2026-02-01T13:47:47+07:00

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and remains a significant challenge in morbidity, mortality, and disability among diabetic patients. This study aims to identify the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of hospitalized DFU patients at Raden Mattaher General Hospital, Jambi.

Method: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Raden Mattaher General Hospital, Jambi, Indonesia. A total of 31 patients data were collected from the medical records of DFU patients hospitalized at Raden Mattaher General Hospital in 2022. The variables observed were age, sex, residence, comorbidities, type of DM, random blood glucose levels (RBG), amputation rate, mortality, and length of stay (LOS).

Results: The mean age of DFU patients was 55.6 ± 12.6 years, with females accounting for the majority (67.7%). Most patients lived outside Jambi City (74.2%), with more than one comorbidity (48.4%). All patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus (100.0%) with RBG level of 303.8 ± 205.8 mg/dL (mean±SD), amputation rate (19.4%), mortality rate (12.9%), and the mean LOS was 10.3 ± 6.9 days.

Conclusion: This study indicates that most DFU patients have multiple comorbidities and poorly controlled blood glucose levels, which contribute to a higher risk of amputation, mortality, and prolonged hospitalization.