Articles

Effectiveness of Health Education in Improving Pregnant Women’s Knowledge of Triple Elimination Screening for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B

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Background: Triple elimination screening for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B among pregnant women is a strategic program in maternal and child health services to prevent intrauterine and mother-to-child transmission. The success of this program is determined not only by the availability of testing services but also by pregnant women’s level of knowledge regarding the benefits, procedures, and timing of triple elimination screening.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of health education in improving pregnant women’s knowledge of triple elimination screening for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.

Methods: This study used a pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest approach. The study sample consisted of 196 pregnant women. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire to assess pregnant women’s knowledge. Respondent characteristics were analyzed descriptively. Knowledge was assessed before and after health education using a score ranging from 0 to 100. Differences in mean scores were analyzed using the paired sample t-test with a significance level of 0.05.

Results: Most respondents were aged 20-35 years (144 respondents; 73.5%), came from Gulak Galik Village (91 respondents; 46.4%), were unemployed (182 respondents; 92.9%), and underwent screening in the first trimester (150 respondents; 76.5%). Triple elimination screening results showed no reactive HIV or syphilis cases, whereas reactive HBsAg was found in 4 respondents (2.0%). The mean knowledge score increased from 57.59 ± 10.11 before education to 81.02 ± 11.11 after education.

Conclusion: There was a statistically significant difference in mean knowledge scores based on the paired sample t-test (t = 49.37; p < 0.001).

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.

Barriers and Facilitators to Cervical Cancer vaccination Among Young Females in Chennai: A Cross-Sectional KAP Study

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Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papilloma virus (HPV). It is one of the most common cancers in women, especially in low- and middle-income countries. While most HPV infections resolve naturally, some persist and can lead to cervical cancer over time.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of young women in Chennai regarding cervical cancer, screening, and prevention, and to identify barriers and facilitators influencing participation in screening programs.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2024 among 222 young females, aged 13 and above.. A semi-structured questionnaire assessed their KAP towards cervical cancer. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and Bloom’s taxonomy was applied to categorize knowledge and attitude. Chi-square tests were used to determine statistical significance, with a p-value < 0.05.

Results: Although 78.2% of participants were aware of cervical cancer, knowledge of preventive measures was low—only 25.2% knew about the HPV vaccine, and 44% understood the correct Pap test frequency. Attitudes toward screening were mostly positive, with 73.2% agreeing that free screening reduces cervical cancer risk. However, actual preventive practices were limited—only 9% had undergone a Pap smear, and 10% had received the HPV vaccine. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in KAP between groups (p > 0.05), except for medical students, who demonstrated significantly higher knowledge levels.

Conclusion: Despite positive attitudes toward cervical cancer screening, there were notable gaps in knowledge and preventive practices among young women in Chennai. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions, particularly on HPV vaccination and routine screening, to bridge these gaps.

Potential Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

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For many years, cancer has affected the global population from an economic, social and political point of view and, in most cases, it is a malignant tumor with serious consequences for patients. The objective of this study is to answer the potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia. Therefore, this is an exploratory, descriptive bibliographic study with a qualitative approach. The data were collected from a bibliometric survey carried out during a study of scientific production on the proposed topic from 2013 to 2023. After searching for articles, 210 articles were found on the PubMed platform, and no results were found for the key suggested by word in other databases. Among the 210 articles, 28 articles were selected for review. In this way, we seek to analyze which biomarkers have been addressed in the last 10 years in the scientific literature, thus aiming to demonstrate possible targets for new research. We divide our research into genes that are promising biomarkers for diagnosis and/or prognosis and the role of miRNAs as biomarkers.

Development of Screening Instruments for Detection of Neglect in the Elderly with Cardiovascular Disorders

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Neglect in the elderly, if not addressed, will cause serious problems, especially in the elderly who have cardiovascular problems. This study aims to develop an instrument that detects neglect of the elderly with cardiovascular disorders at home. This study uses Research and Development research design. The population is all families with elderly and elderly who experience cardiovascular disorders in the working area of the Nanggalo Health Center, Padang. Data were collected using questionnaires to the elderly families and guided interviews with the elderly. The results of the questionnaire development obtained 42 questions that can be used to detect neglect of the elderly with cardiovascular disorders at home.

Comparison of Mobility Behavior of Children from a Physical Education Kindergarten with Children from a Regular Kindergarten

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Mobility in the sense of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health ICF-CY is an important prerequisite for participation in everyday life. The present study aims to show to what extent a movement promotion program in kindergarten has an effect on mobility behavior. Methods: The sample consists of 46 boys and 34 girls (age 4.51 ± .98 years) from one regular and one physical education kindergarten. The MobiScreen 4-6 was performed. Group differences were examined using a t-test, and multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the effects of the predictors kindergarten affiliation, age, sex, born premature, sports club membership, and number of sports hours in the club. Results: Total time shows a strong multiple coefficient of R = .75 with an explained variance of R² = .57; total score also shows strong values of R = .59 and R² = .35. Age and sports club membership are the strongest predictors for both variables. Conclusions: Since raw values are analyzed for total time and score, the high influence of age is obvious. The effect of sports club membership indicates that the children may be better supported in their free time than in the concept of physical education kindergarten. Therefore, the concept of the physical education kindergarten should be reviewed and standardized.