Articles

Screening, Identification, and Medical-Psychological Services for Domestic Violence Survivors in Inpatient Primary Health Centers in Kendari City

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Background: Domestic violence is a public health problem with physical, psychological, and social consequences.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the role of healthcare workers in screening, identifying, and providing medical and psychological services for domestic violence survivors at inpatient primary health centers in Kendari City.

Methods: This qualitative descriptive study used in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation involving 16 informants. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo.

Results: Screening was mainly conducted through clinical observation and trust-based communication rather than consistent use of standardized tools. Identification relied on visible injuries, recurrent psychosomatic complaints, and private anamnesis. Medical care was prioritized, while psychological support was limited by the absence of psychologists, restricted counseling rooms, and uneven training.

Conclusion: Domestic violence screening and identification at primary health centers remain reactive and insufficiently standardized. Strengthening SOPs, healthcare worker training, referral pathways, and psychological support services is needed.

Association Between Third-Trimester Maternal Anemia and Low Birth Weight: A Prospective Cohort Study at Sikumana Primary Health Center

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Background: Maternal anemia remains one of the most common complications during pregnancy and continues to pose a significant public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Reduced hemoglobin concentration during pregnancy may impair oxygen and nutrient transport from mother to fetus, potentially resulting in suboptimal fetal growth and adverse perinatal outcomes, including low birth weight.

Objective: To evaluate the association between anemia in third-trimester pregnant women and the incidence of low birth weight among newborns at Sikumana Primary Health Center.

Methods: This study employed an observational analytic design with a prospective cohort approach. A total of 50 third-trimester pregnant women and their newborns were enrolled. Maternal hemoglobin levels were measured using venous blood samples analyzed in the laboratory, while neonatal birth weight data were obtained from maternal and child health records or birth certificates. Data normality was assessed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, and the relationship between maternal anemia and birth weight was analyzed using Pearson correlation.

Results: The prevalence of anemia among third-trimester pregnant women was 36%, while the incidence of low birth weight was 40%. The most frequently observed erythrocyte morphologies were microcytic hypochromic and normocytic normochromic patterns. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between maternal anemia and low birth weight (p = 0.032), with a moderate correlation strength (r = 0.304).

Conclusion: Anemia in the third trimester of pregnancy was significantly associated with low birth weight among infants delivered at Sikumana Primary Health Center. Strengthening early detection and management of maternal anemia may contribute to improved neonatal outcomes.