Utilization of Maternal and Child Health Books among Pregnant Women: Which Factors Have the Greatest Influence?

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The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) book is an important medium for improving pregnant women’s knowledge and awareness of maternal and fetal health. However, several health centers still report low MCH book ownership among pregnant women, including Kuala Lempuing Health Center (52.55%) and Anggut Atas Health Center (77.92%). This study aimed to identify factors influencing the utilization of MCH books among pregnant women and to determine the most dominant factor. This descriptive analytic study used a cross-sectional design. It was conducted from June 8 to June 18, 2025, in the working areas of Kuala Lempuing and Anggut Atas Health Centers, Bengkulu City. The study involved all 70 eligible pregnant women in their second and third trimesters through total sampling. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires, and secondary data were obtained from relevant records. The results showed significant associations between MCH book utilization and knowledge (p < 0.001), attitude (p < 0.001), and family support (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that family support was the most dominant factor (p = 0.001; OR = 10.800). These findings highlight the importance of family involvement and the role of health care providers in delivering health education and social support to optimize MCH book utilization.

Association of Sociocultural Factors and Health Literacy Levels with Cervi-cal Cancer Early Detection Among Women in Reproductive-Age Couples in the Service Area of the Laosu Community Health Center in 2025

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Background: Cervical cancer remains a major cause of death among women, particularly in settings where early detection coverage is low.

Objective: This study analyzed the association of sociocultural factors and health literacy with cervical cancer early detection among women in reproductive-age couples in the Laosu Community Health Center service area in 2025.

Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional study involved 278 respondents selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4 software.

Results: Sociocultural factors had a significant positive effect on health literacy (β = 0.323; t = 4.539; p = 0.000) and early detection of cervical cancer (β = 0.112; t = 4.962; p = 0.000). Health literacy did not significantly affect early detection (β = -0.007; t = 0.351; p = 0.726) and did not mediate the relationship between sociocultural factors and early detection (β = -0.002; t = 0.325; p = 0.745). The R-square values were 0.104 for health literacy and 0.159 for early detection, indicating limited explanatory power. Only 21 respondents (7.55%) had undergone early detection, while 257 respondents (92.45%) had not.

Conclusion: Early detection of cervical cancer remained very low. Sociocultural factors, particularly stigma and shame within the final measurement model, were more directly associated with screening behavior than health literacy. These findings indicate a knowledge-behavior gap and suggest that culturally sensitive interventions should accompany health literacy improvement to increase cervical cancer screening uptake.

Effect of Childhood Sexual Abuse on the Sexual Behaviour of Victims Among Undergraduates of the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

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Background: Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a major public health problem with long-term consequences on sexual and psychological well-being. Evidence suggests that CSA may influence later sexual behaviors, increasing vulnerability to risky sexual practices in adulthood.

Objective: This study assessed the effect of childhood sexual abuse on the sexual behaviour of victims among undergraduates of the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used among 400 undergraduates selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 22. Associations between CSA and sexual behaviors were tested using chi-square at 5% significance level.

Results: The prevalence of CSA was 26.2%. A significantly higher proportion of females experienced CSA (63.8%) compared to males (36.2%). CSA was significantly associated with risky sexual behaviors including pornography use (p = 0.006), sexual orientation (p = 0.015), and history of sexually transmitted infections (p = 0.037). Victims of CSA were more likely to engage in risky sexual and health-compromising behaviors compared to non-victims.

Conclusion: childhood sexual abuse significantly influences sexual behaviour in adulthood, increasing the likelihood of engagement in risky sexual practices among victims. Strengthening prevention programmes, counselling services, and sexual health education in universities is essential.

Variation in the Influence of Climate Parameters on Dengue Fever

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Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) is the highest viral infection due to its fatality in humans. Initially, dengue only occurred in the tropics and has spread to sub-tropical areas. This disease is transmitted through the bite of vector mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti, and Aedes albopictus, so the presence of these vectors is important in the spread of dengue disease. The existence of this vector is influenced by environmental conditions. Creating a suitable environment for vector mosquitoes is determined by climatic factors, especially rainfall, temperature, and humidity. Various studies have shown that these climatic factors’ influence can vary from region to region. This article discusses the variations in the influence of these climatic factors on the incidence of DHF to enrich knowledge about the epidemiology of dengue infection. This study concludes that temperature and rainfall could have a positive or negative effect on the incidence of DHF, while humidity consistently had a positive effect on the incidence of DHF. The climate factor does not stand alone and does not directly affect the process of DHF transmission. The influence appeared through the vector’s life and the virus’s multiplication in the vector’s body.

Evaluation of Brain Masses Using Magnetic Resonance Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI)

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Background: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a valuable MRI technique that provides information about tissue cellularity and helps differentiate various brain lesions.

Objective: To evaluate the role of DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in the characterization of brain masses.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based prospective study was conducted between January 2019 and May 2024 at the MRI Department of Aliaa Specialist Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. Thirty patients with suspected brain tumors on CT were included. All patients underwent conventional MRI, contrast-enhanced MRI, DWI, and ADC measurement. Histopathological confirmation was obtained in all cases.

Results: Brain lesions included gliomas, metastases, meningiomas, schwannomas, abscesses, epidermoid cysts, hemangioblastomas, and medulloblastomas. ADC values varied among lesion types, with lower values generally observed in high-grade and highly cellular tumors.

Conclusion: DWI and ADC measurements are valuable tools in differentiating brain masses, particularly in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions.

Association of Economic Status and Type of Occupation with Changes in Risky Behaviors among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Kupang City, Indonesia

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Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a major global public health problem. Changes in risky behaviors among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) play a crucial role in preventing further transmission. Socioeconomic factors, particularly economic status and type of occupation, may influence behavioral changes by affecting access to health information and services.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the association between economic status and type of occupation with changes in risky behaviors among people living with HIV/AIDS in Kupang City, Indonesia.

Methods: An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among adult PLWHA in Kupang City from August to October 2024. A total of 136 respondents were selected using non-probability consecutive sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing economic status, type of occupation, risky behaviors, and changes in risky behaviors. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation test, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: Most respondents showed changes in risky behaviors after being diagnosed with HIV. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between economic status and changes in risky behaviors among PLWHA. In addition, type of occupation was also significantly associated with changes in risky behaviors.

Conclusion: Economic status and type of occupation are significantly associated with changes in risky behaviors among people living with HIV/AIDS in Kupang City. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating socioeconomic considerations into HIV prevention and behavioral intervention programs.

Sustaining Leprosy Elimination in Sri Lanka: The Way Forward

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Background: Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) remains a public health concern in Sri Lanka decades after achieving WHO elimination as a public health problem (<1 prevalence per 10,000) in 1995. Although prevalence targets were reached, new case detection rates have remained persistently elevated, with 1,000–2,000 new cases annually and evidence of ongoing transmission, including among children. Continued disability and social stigma complicate disease control.

Objectives: To evaluate current epidemiology, control efforts, and barriers to elimination in Sri Lanka, and propose an evidence-based way forward, aligned with the WHO “Towards Zero Leprosy” Strategy (2021–2030).

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used, combining national surveillance data (Ministry of Health and Anti-Leprosy Campaign), active case finding surveys, quality of life and stigma studies, and review of global control strategies. Quantitative data on annual case detection rates by age, disability, and geographic region were compiled. A narrative synthesis of interventions and outcomes was undertaken.

Results: Sri Lanka reports approximately 1,500–2,000 new leprosy cases annually, with about 10% in children. Case detection rates fluctuate between 7 and 12 per 100,000 population. Grade 2 disability proportions (visible deformities) range from 6–8%, indicating delayed diagnosis. Active case finding in endemic districts reveals hidden disease burdens (~20/10,000 in targeted surveys). Stigma and quality-of-life impacts remain substantial. Global strategies emphasize integrated services, enhanced surveillance, and prevention of transmission, stigma reduction, and disability management.

Conclusions: While past efforts successfully reduced prevalent leprosy, sustained transmission persists. Achieving elimination of transmission and zero disability requires strengthened surveillance, integrated health services, intensified contact tracing with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), stigma reduction programs, and regionally tailored interventions. A roadmap toward elimination by 2035 is proposed, aligning national targets with WHO guidance.

The Relationship of a Balanced Diet with Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar in Patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Urang agung Sidoarjo Village

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Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) causes metabolic disorders related to a pathological condition characterized by an increase in glucose concentration in the bloodstream beyond a set threshold (hyperglycemia). Hyperglycemia often accompanies metabolic syndrome especially involving hypertension which can worsen complications in people with diabetes. One effective way to control blood sugar and blood pressure levels is by implementing a balanced diet. There are 50 people with T2DM in the village of Urang Agung Sidoarjo with an increase of 1-3 people every month. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between a balanced diet with blood pressure and blood sugar levels measured by the GOD-POD method. This research is a quantitative study using chi-square analysis. tional. The study sample of 44 people was taken with purposive sampling technique. The results showed that blood sugar levels were significantly associated with blood pressure, especially systole in patients with T2DM. In addition, a balanced diet was also found to be significantly related to blood sugar levels, but not significantly related to blood pressure.

The Relationship Between Worm Infection and Nutritional Status of Elementary School Students in the Working Area of the Nulle Public Health Center

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Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections remain a neglected public health problem in tropical regions, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. These infections predominantly affect school-aged children and may contribute to impaired nutritional status. The working area of the Nulle Public Health Center is located in South Central Timor Regency, an area known to have a high prevalence of chronic malnutrition, highlighting the need to evaluate factors associated with nutritional problems.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of worm infection, nutritional status, and the association between worm infection and nutritional status among elementary school students in the working area of the Nulle Public Health Center.

Methods: This study employed a descriptive-analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 263 elementary school students were selected using cluster random sampling. Data collection included a risk-factor questionnaire, microscopic stool examination using 1% Lugol solution and eosin, and anthropometric assessment for nutritional status. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate methods. Fisher’s exact test was applied with a significance level of p<0.05.

Results: The prevalence of worm infection was 4.6% (12 out of 263 students). The most common helminth species identified was Ascaris lumbricoides (83.3%), followed by Trichuris trichiura and mixed infections (8.3% each). Nutritional status was predominantly normal (61.6%), followed by undernutrition (21.3%), severe malnutrition (13.3%), and overnutrition (3.8%). Among students with positive worm infection, the majority were classified as severely malnourished. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between worm infection and nutritional status (p<0.05).

Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between worm infection and nutritional status among elementary school students in the working area of the Nulle Public Health Center.

Effect of Black Garlic Extract on Aspirin-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

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Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, are widely used but are associated with gastric mucosal injury through inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and oxidative stress mechanisms. Black garlic, a processed form of Allium sativum, has been reported to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may provide gastroprotective effects. Objective: To evaluate the effect of black garlic extract on aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). Methods: This experimental laboratory study used a posttest-only control group design. Male Wistar rats were allocated into a negative control group, a positive control group receiving aspirin, and three treatment groups administered black garlic extract at doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg body weight. Aspirin was administered orally at 104 mg/kg body weight for seven days to induce gastric mucosal injury, followed by seven days of black garlic extract administration in the treatment groups. Gastric tissues were collected for histopathological examination, and epithelial injury was assessed using the Barthel Manja scoring system. Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests.

Results: Histopathological evaluation demonstrated gastric mucosal epithelial injury in the positive control group, predominantly in the form of desquamation and erosion. Administration of black garlic extract was associated with reduced severity of mucosal injury, with progressive improvement observed at higher doses. The group receiving 200 mg/kg body weight showed no detectable gastric mucosal lesions. A significant difference in gastric mucosal injury was observed among groups (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Black garlic extract exhibited a protective effect against aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury in Wistar rats, with the highest dose demonstrating the most favorable histopathological outcome.