The National Health Science Journal Published by the University of the Philippines Manila Indexed in PubMed Central, SciVerse Scopus, Google Scholar, ASEAN Citation Index, Western Pacific Region Index Medicus (WPRIM) and Herdin Plus.
Enhancing Multidisciplinary Collaboration in Healthcare to Achieve SDGs during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the critical need for multidisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The crisis has shown that a fragmented approach to healthcare is insufficient in tackling global health emergencies. Instead, the integration of expertise from various disciplines—such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and biomedical research—has proven essential in developing comprehensive and effective responses. Strengthening collaboration across these fields is not only necessary for pandemic preparedness but also for building resilient healthcare systems capable of addressing future health challenges. Multidisciplinary collaboration plays a vital role in improving healthcare delivery by enhancing disease prevention, patient management, and policy development. Effective teamwork between different healthcare professionals enables a holistic approach to patient care, ensuring that medical treatments are not only scientifically sound but also socially and ethically appropriate. Research highlights that academic medical institutions that embrace cross-disciplinary collaboration are better equipped to implement innovative healthcare solutions. Similarly, integrated efforts in health education and policy-making can bridge gaps in service delivery, reduce health disparities, and strengthen community-based interventions, all of which are fundamental to achieving the SDGs. Despite its benefits, implementing multidisciplinary collaboration in healthcare faces significant challenges. A major obstacle is the lack of standardized communication systems across professions, leading to inefficiencies in decision-making and patient care. Additionally, research funding constraints and limited infrastructure hinder the development of collaborative healthcare initiatives. The pandemic has further exposed weaknesses in global data-sharing mechanisms, where the absence of real-time, accessible research has slowed down the response to emerging health threats. Addressing these barriers requires stronger institutional commitment, streamlined communication protocols, and enhanced investment in collaborative healthcare models. To optimize multidisciplinary collaboration, healthcare systems must adopt technology-driven innovations and interprofessional training programs. Digital tools such as telemedicine, electronic health records, and artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics can improve coordination and facilitate efficient information exchange between professionals. Moreover, fostering a culture of interdisciplinary education, where medical students and practitioners are trained to work in diverse healthcare teams, can enhance collaboration in real-world settings. Establishing global partnerships between universities, healthcare institutions, and policy-making bodies is also crucial in driving collaborative research and ensuring that healthcare interventions are both scientifically and socially impactful. In conclusion, multidisciplinary collaboration is a fundamental pillar in achieving the SDGs and enhancing global health resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the urgency of strengthening teamwork among healthcare professionals to develop sustainable, equitable, and effective healthcare systems. By addressing communication gaps, investing in research and technology, and fostering interdisciplinary education, we can build a more collaborative healthcare landscape. Moving forward, prioritizing inclusive, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary approaches will be key to navigating future health crises and ensuring better health outcomes for all.
Copyright (c) 2026 Utami Wahyuningsih https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Factors Affecting Self-reported Compliance to the COVID-19 Health Protocol
Background. COVID-19 is dangerous due to its ability to cause severe disease and its rapid transmission from person to person via aerosolized droplets. The government established a Task Force on Accelerating the Handling of COVID-19, macro-scale social restrictions, and health protocols. Objective. The purpose of this study was to identify compliance-related factors in following health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. The study used a cross-sectional design involving 173 respondents recruited through incidental sampling. The questionnaire consisted of four sections that investigated demographic data, knowledge of COVID-19, penalties related to health protocols, and the behavior of respondents toward the health protocols. The validity and reliability tests involving 40 respondents were conducted with the minimum r value of 0.339 and Cronbach’s alpha of 0.78, respectively. Results. More than half of the participants (51.4%) reported a good level of compliance with health protocols. There was a significant association between the level of compliance and the perception of sanctions (p = 0.000, r = 0.452). There was no relationship between demographics, health-related variables, and knowledge in adhering to health protocols (p >0.05). Conclusion. Sanctions or penalties were the main factors influencing public compliance with health protocols. To boost public compliance, health promotion efforts within the community must be intensified.
Copyright (c) 2026 Wiwin Winarti, Sherin Alinda Zulfa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Efficacy of Telehealth in Improving Physical Activity Level in Individuals with Overweight or Obesity: A Narrative Review
Background and Objective. The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed lifestyles and reduced opportunities to exercise, leading to physical inactivity in all populations, especially the obese cohort. Luckily, telehealth may positively help people engage in physical activity. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of telehealth in increasing physical activity among people with obesity. Methods. This study is a literature review. Articles were sought from the CiNAHL, Proquest, MEDLINE, and PUBMED databases from August to September 2021 following predetermined strategies, inclusion, and exclusion criteria. The quality of the studies was appraised using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist Tools. Data Extraction was conducted using the JBI Data Extraction From for Observational/Experimental Studies. Results. Five studies were included in this literature review. Due to the heterogeneity of study designs and outcome measures, a narrative synthesis was conducted. Most of the studies used mobile apps to deliver health programs to adults with obesity. Overall, studies reported the medium to large positive effects of telehealth in improving physical activity outcomes favoring the telehealth group (Fitbit d = 0.509, 95% CI= -0.36–0.427; Pedometer d = 0.918, 95% CI= 1.467–2.464), while one study found small positive effects on energy expenditure (SenseWear d = 0.446). Conclusion. This study supports the use of mobile applications to bring a significant increase in physical activity levels in adults with obesity. Further studies evaluating telehealth with video conferences and hybrid formats are needed.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aditya Denny Pratama, SST, MFis, Triana Karnadipa, SFt, MSc, Tiara Melvi Nabilla, AMdFt https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Do Nutrition-related Knowledge and Attitudes Impact Food Handlers’ Practices in the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Case Study in Banyumas, Indonesia
Objective. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices about nutrition and hygiene sanitation in food handlers are important to provide good quality snacks for school children. The objectives of this study were to analyze the relationship between knowledge and attitudes toward nutrition with hygiene sanitation practices of food handlers around elementary schools in Banyumas, Indonesia. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 food handlers representing urban and rural areas. The sampling method used was multistage sampling. Data on demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices were collected by a structured questionnaire and thorough interview with the subject. Results. The study showed that out of the 150 subjects, 50.7% reported good nutritional knowledge, 82.7% reported good nutritional attitudes, and 75.3% reported good hygiene practices. The results showed that there was a relationship between knowledge, and attitudes, and attitudes and practices of food handlers (p <0.05) using the Spearman correlation test. There was no relationship between knowledge and practice of the subject (p >0.05). Conclusion. There was a relationship between knowledge and attitude and between attitude and practice among food handlers. Continuous nutrition education and training should be organized to strengthen food handlers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in areas that seem to be lacking.
Copyright (c) 2026 Teguh Jati Prasetyo, SGz, MSi, Izzati Nur Khoiriani, SGz, MPH, Pramesthi Widya Hapsari, SKM, MGizi, Afina Rachma Sulistyaning, SGz, MSc, Aviani Harfika, SGz, MSi, Muhammad Nur Hasan Syah, SGz, MKes https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Increased Mortality with Comorbid Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus in Hemodialysis Patients with COVID-19
Objective. The purpose of this study was to identify an association between two of the most common comorbidities of hemodialysis patients affected by COVID-19, namely hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and mortality. Methods. This research was an analytical study with a case control approach. The subjects of this study were patients undergoing hemodialysis with comorbid hypertension and diabetes mellitus who were confirmed positive for COVID-19. They were divided into two groups; the case group consisted of patients who died, and the control group consisted of patients who were living. The total number of respondents was 50. The data were taken from the status medical records of patients in two hospitals in North Jakarta. Results. There was a significant relationship between comorbid hypertension and diabetes mellitus with mortality in hemodialysis patients with COVID-19 (p = 0.014). Hemodialysis patients affected by COVID-19 with comorbid hypertension have a risk of dying that is 0.172 (odds ratio, OR) times greater than hemodialysis patients with comorbid diabetes mellitus. Conclusions. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 with dialysis-requiring chronic kidney failure and other comorbid diseases have a risk of heightened disease severity and even death. Therefore, comorbidities must be controlled in these patients.
Copyright (c) 2026 Santi Herlina, Ns, MKep, SpKepMB, Mastika Chusnul Khotimah, Skep, Afifah Arum Meylany, SKep https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Do Mass and Social Media have Roles in Preventing and Controlling COVID-19 among Adolescents in Jakarta?
Objective. This study aims to determine the role of mass and social media in the prevention and control of COVID-19 among adolescents in DKI Jakarta. Methods. This research was conducted using a cross-sectional design. The participants in this study were 228 adolescents in the DKI Jakarta area. The data were collected using a questionnaire (Google Form) and analyzed by Chi-square test using SPSS. Results. The results of the analysis showed that there was no relationship between mass and social media and COVID-19 prevention and control efforts among adolescents in DKI Jakarta (p 0.38). Adolescents perceived themselves as low risk of contracting COVID-19 so the message to prevent and control COVID-19 using mass and social media do not have impact on them. Conclusion. There is no relationship between mass and social media and the prevention and control of COVID-19 in adolescents. It is recommended to increase the knowledge of adolescents about COVID-19, especially in school health facilities.
Copyright (c) 2026 Serri Hutahaean, Nourmayansa Vidya Anggraini, Chahya Kharin Herbawani, Laily Hanifah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Burnout Syndrome in Work from Home Settings during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study
Background. Burnout is a syndrome that a worker experiences due to prolonged stress caused by work and unmanaged working conditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, workers who usually do their jobs in the office or in the field had to work from home. Increased workload, not followed by adequate support, can cause stress to workers, eventually leading to burnout. Objective. This study aimed to determine the workers’ burnout level and its associated risk factors during the second wave COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study of 145 workers using the accidental sampling method. The Translated Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT) was used and distributed online to respondents to assess the burnout level among workers. Results. Most respondents were female workers (60%), holding bachelor’s degrees (62.06%), and working in the computer and information technology industry. More than half of workers experienced burnout. Amongst them, more than a third of workers experienced a high level of burnout. Risk factors that were significantly associated with burnout were workers’ age (p = 0.009), sex (p = 0.006), working hours (p = 0.046), and secondary symptoms (p <0.001). Conclusion. Workers who work >8 hours a day, female, and younger, may be almost three times more susceptible to experiencing burnout while working from home. Gender roles may have a big impact on female workers in work from home settings. Psychological and psychosomatic complaints may also significantly contribute to burnout.
Nourmayansa Vidya Anggraini, Ns, MKep, SpKepKom
Copyright (c) 2026 Rizki Amalia, SKM, MHSc, Farahdina Bachtiar, SFT, Physio, MSc, Diah Tika Anggraeni, Ns, SKep, MKep, Nayla Kamilia Fithri, SKM, MPH, Nourmayansa Vidya Anggraini, Ns, MKep, SpKepKom https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Effect of Lemon Juice with Coconut Oil Compress in Children with Fever
Background and Objective. Fever is a condition where the body temperature is higher than normal. A body temperature that is too high can cause febrile seizures. A non-pharmacological therapy to reduce body temperature is by applying a lemon with coconut oil compress in the axilla. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of giving lemon juice with coconut oil compress in children with fever to decrease body temperature. Methods. The research design used was a pre-experimental design (one-group pre-test-post-test design). The technique used was purposive sampling. Results. The results of this study showed that there was a significant decrease in body temperature of children with fever after applying lemon juice with coconut oil compress. Conclusion. A lemon with coconut oil compress can be used as an additional therapy to reduce fever in children and can be applied at home as an initial step before using fever-reducing medications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gege Yoanda Elen Nia, Nurul Pujiastuti, PhD, SKep, Ns, MKes, Sumirah Budi Pertami, SKep, MKep, Siti Asiyah, PhD, SKep, Ns, MKes https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Anxiety and Maternal Self-efficacy among Postpartum Mothers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Background. Postpartum mothers are vulnerable to maternal mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research relating anxiety to maternal self-efficacy (MSE) in postpartum mothers in Indonesia is limited. Objective. This study aims to identify the relationship between anxiety and demographic characteristics with MSE among postpartum mothers in Indonesia. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 116 postpartum mothers in the Bekasi area, West Java using accidental sampling method. We used the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale – Research Short-Form - For use in global Crises (PSAS-RSF-C) and MSE questionnaires. We compared maternal self-efficacy and parity using the chisquared test. Odds ratio and 95% CI were computed to determine parity, educational level, and anxiety. Results. Most respondents were aged between 20-35 years (60.3%), had higher education (54.3%), did not work (65.5%), multiparous (69%), experienced anxiety (50.9%), and had good MSE (84.5%). There was a significant relationship between low educational level, primiparous, and high anxiety with poor MSE (p value <0.05, 95% CI). Meanwhile, age and work status did not have a significant relationship with MSE. Conclusion. High level of anxiety was strongly associated with poor MSE. Health workers are expected to screen and intervene to prevent anxiety and to improve MSE.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lina Ayu Marcelina, Ns, MKep, SpKepMat, Desiana Rachmawati, SKep https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Risk Factors for Rapid Growth in Undernourished Children: Analysis of Indonesian Family Life Survey
Background. Children who suffer from undernutrition would grow rapidly to catch-up-growth after improvement in nutrition intake. However, this rapid growth during early life might have harmful effects on children's long-term health. Rapid growth, which is too fast, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity. Objective. To determine the prevalence and analyze the risk of rapid growth in children, particularly who experienced undernutrition in 1000 first days of life, compared to well-nourished children. Methods. This cohort study used data from the second and third waves of the Indonesia Family Life Survey (1997 and 2000). A total of 671 children aged 0 to 23 months in 1997 and 3 to 5 years in 2000 were included in this study. Rapid growth was determined as a change in length- or height-per-age and weight-per-age z-score greater than 0.67, based on WHO Child Growth Standard between years of follow-up. The anthropometric measurements were conducted by trained health workers. Children with history of low birth weight, stunting, underweight, and/or wasting were categorized as undernourished children. We used a logistic regression model to identify the risk of rapid growth in children among undernourished and well-nourished children, adjusted by characteristics of children, parents, and the household socioeconomic status. Results. The prevalence of rapid growth in length/height and weight in undernourished children was 44.56% and 35.2%, respectively. The odds of undernourished children to grow rapidly in length/height compared to well-nourished children was 6.36 (95% CI 3.94,10.26; p = 0.000) after being controlled by socio-demographic characteristics. There was a higher odd 5.7 (95% CI 3.4, 9.5; p = 0.000) of rapid growth in weight in undernourished children. The odds of rapid growth in height increased significantly in children aged 12 to 23 months and children with mothers who had lower education levels. Furthermore, the odds of rapid growth in weight-for-age increased significantly in all children whose fathers had lower education levels. Conclusion. This study adds to the evidence that there is an increased risk for rapid growth in length/height and weight in undernourished children and the risk was higher among older children aged 12 to 23 months. The study also found that maternal education was related to the risk of rapid growth in height and paternal education was strongly related to the risk for rapid growth in weight.
Copyright (c) 2026 Firlia Ayu Arini, SKM, MKM, Endang Laksminingsih, MPH, DrPH, Besral SKM, MSc, Fasli Jalal, PhD, SpGK https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Effectiveness of Assertive Therapy for Parents in Managing Adolescent Emotions
Background. Adolescents experienced significant psychosocial stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic due to movement restrictions, social isolation, and disruptions in routine, which adversely affected emotional regulation. As primary caregivers, parents play a critical role in supporting adolescents’ emotional well-being, particularly during prolonged home confinement. Assertiveness training may enhance parents’ ability to manage adolescents’ emotional responses by improving communication, emotional control, and problem-solving skills. Objective. To determine the effectiveness of assertiveness training for parents in improving their ability to manage adolescents’ emotional regulation. Methods. This study employed a quantitative quasi-experimental design with a control group. A total of 92 parents were recruited and allocated to either the intervention group (n = 46) or the control group (n = 46) using simple random sampling. The intervention consisted of assertiveness training delivered over six structured sessions, focusing on enhancing parents’ assertive communication and emotional management strategies in addressing adolescent problems. Outcome measures assessed parents’ ability to manage adolescent emotions before and after the intervention. Results. Participants ranged in age from 22 to 65 years, with the largest proportion aged 43–45 years. Most respondents were married (82.6%), had adolescent daughters (43.4%), and had attained a low educational level (80.4%). Post-intervention analysis demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in parents’ ability to manage adolescent emotions in the intervention group compared with the control group (p <0.05). An associated increase in adolescents’ emotional understanding, as perceived by parents, was also observed following the intervention. Conclusion. Assertiveness training is effective in enhancing parents’ capacity to manage adolescents’ emotional regulation. Collaboration between the Department of Health and psychiatric nursing specialists is recommended to integrate assertiveness training into community-based mental health programs. Incorporating this intervention as a core competency for psychiatric nursing specialists in community health settings may strengthen family-centered mental health services, particularly during public health emergencies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Evin Novianti, Duma Lumban Tobing, Sang Ayu Made Adyani, Chandra Triwahyudi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Effect of Online Health Education Card (KMS) on Increasing the Knowledge of Mothers of Children under Two Years Old (Baduta): An Integrated Primary Health Care Approach
Background. In Indonesia, the Kartu Menuju Sehat (KMS; Health Education Card) is a simple tool for monitoring the growth and development of children. Limited maternal knowledge of the KMS can impair accurate growth monitoring and timely interventions. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of online KMS education on the knowledge of mothers with children under two years of age. Methods. A descriptive-analytical, quasi-experimental study was conducted among 105 mothers with children under two years old at Kalisari Community Health Center, East Jakarta, from May to June 2021. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Online education was delivered via video presentations and WhatsApp discussion. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using univariate and bivariate methods, with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test at a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05). Results. The mean maternal knowledge score increased from 51.56% before education to 78.20% after education, representing a 26.64% improvement. Online KMS education had a significant effect on maternal knowledge (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Online KMS education significantly improves maternal knowledge regarding child growth and development. Health educators are encouraged to use video and WhatsApp-based interventions as alternative counseling methods to ensure continuous monitoring of children’s growth and development.
Copyright (c) 2026 Putri Permatasari, PhD, Agustina, MSc, Defshika Cahyanda Imrani, BPH https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Effectiveness of the Role of Posyandu (Community Integrated Health Services) in Reducing Stunting in Srikamulyan Village, Karawang District, Indonesia: A Qualitative Study
Background and Objective. Stunting affected 30.8 percent of children under the age of five in Indonesia in 2018, amounting to nearly eight million children. As a result, it is a very troubling issue. To combat stunting, the government has developed a variety of central and local government program interventions. Community integrated health services called Posyandu is the frontline for public health services. Volunteer staff called cadres, are the main actors, health information providers, and models of changes in healthy living behavior. Posyandu holds a strategic position to assess the magnitude of stunting problems in the community, including early detection of the most important determinants of stunting, such as nutritional intake of mothers and children, parenting style, hygiene, and sanitation. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Posyandu in reducing the incidence of stunting. Methods. This study used a qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach which aimed to describe the meaning of life experiences by several individuals, about certain concepts or phenomena, by exploring the structure of human consciousness. The researcher wants to know the meaning of these experiences by Posyandu visitors, cadres, and community leaders regarding the role of Posyandu in Srikamulyan Village in Karawang. Key informants consisted of five cadres who were active in Posyandu activities. Ordinary informants were people directly involved in the social interactions studied. Additional informants were community leaders. Results. Almost all of the informants who visited the Posyandu recognized the Posyandu's role in improving health in their own communities. Cadres who were involved in Posyandu activities have a good understanding of Posyandu. All Posyandu cadres understood what stunting was and what caused it as a result of group discussions. There were still some parents who did not want to take their children to the Posyandu because their children cried and were afraid if they were brought to the Posyandu. One of the factors that hindered the implementation of Posyandu activities in Srikamulyan Village which made the four Posyandu less effective in reducing stunting was incomplete anthropometric measuring instruments, such as body length board which was only available at the puskesmas (Public Health Center) so that only the child's weight was measured. Conclusion. All cadres had high motivation in their respective Posyandu. As for cadre knowledge, it can be categorised as good based on the results of questionnaires and group discussions. It can be concluded that the cause of stunting was the lifestyle in the community of Srikamulyan Village which has not implemented clean and healthy living behaviours such as the practice of open defecation, non-compliance of hand washing with soap, and lack of parental knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding. The role of community leaders in Posyandu activities is still less active due to the busyness of community leaders who work as farmers.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alfi Fairuz Asna, SGz, MPH, Silvia Mawari Perdana, SGz, MSi, Muhammad Nur Hasan Syah, SGz, MKes https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Use of Self-MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment) for Nutritional Status Measurement of Elderly Females in a Community-based Health Care
Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the use of Indonesian Self-MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment) as a modest and simple tool to screen the risk of malnutrition in the elderly in the community-based care setting. Methods. This formative study involved 20 females, aged 60 and above, who were chosen from a local community health post-elderly program in Depok-West Java, Indonesia. Self-MNA was administered by a health cadre and compared to Full MNA administered by a trained nutritionist as the gold standard. Results. All respondents were female, the mean age was 65.35 years (SD = 4.71), the mean BMI was 24.34 (SD = 2.87), and the mean, median, and mode of the Self-MNA score were 11.6, 12, and 13, respectively. While for the Full MNA, the mean, median, and mode score were 25.35, 25.50, and 22.50, respectively. The sensitivity of Self-MNA compared to Full MNA was 100%, while the specificity was 78.9%. Linear regression test between Self-MNA and MNA showed the r value was 0.675 showing a moderate correlation between Self-MNA and full MNA. The total Healthy Eating Index (HEI) of the respondents was 62.25 or included in the category that needed improvement. Conclusion. Self-MNA is a simple tool that can be administered independently by health cadre or family members, and has shown high level of inter tools reliability and validity compared to the full MNA as a standard. Thus, further development of app-based Self-MNA for elderly nutritional status monitoring maybe feasible.
Copyright (c) 2026 Apriningsih Apriningsih, Syahbuddin Syahbuddin, Yessi Crosita Octaria https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Determinants of Catch-up Growth in Early Childhood: A Longitudinal Study
Background. Growth failure in the first 1000 days of life can have a major impact on a child's health. Therefore, catching up on growth in early childhood is essential to prevent nutritional problems, especially stunting, as indicated by the height for age z-score (HAZ). Catch-up growth after a period of malnutrition in the first 1000 days of life can be measured as an improvement in linear growth using HAZ parameters. Objective. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence catch-up growth in early childhood based on the HAZ. Methods. This three-year cohort study used two waves of secondary data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS). Baseline data of the study were taken in 1997 when the children were 0 to 23 months old, then followed up in 2000 (at 3 to 5 years old). The study included 537 children aged 0 to 23 months in 1997. The dependent variable was catch-up growth. The independent variables were: children-related, parent-related, and household factors. We collected secondary data from the IFLS annual report book. Bivariate data analysis was performed using the Chisquared test, while multivariate analysis was performed using multinomial logistic regression. Results. There were four groups in this study: not stunted (reference group), stunted catch-up, stunted non-catchup, and late incident stunted. Bivariate analysis showed that catch-up growth, based on HAZ, was significantly influenced by birth weight (normal birth weight), head circumference (normal head circumference), maternal nutritional status (normal), and maternal height (p <0.05). After controlling for potentially confounding factors, sex (p = 0.003; 95% CI:1.43-5.93) and maternal nutritional status (p = 0.011; 95% CI:0.19-0.81) were the most influential factors on catch-up growth in early childhood. Conclusion. Children with stunting and catch-up growth are more common among males, and poor maternal nutritional status was associated with stunting and failure to achieve catch-up growth. The determining factors for the late incident and stunted non-catchup groups include head circumference, breastfeeding status, maternal height, and maternal nutritional status. The stunted non-catch-up group is also influenced by small gestational age (SGA). Therefore, it is important to regularly monitor the growth and development of children in early childhood.
Copyright (c) 2026 Avliya Quratul Marjan, Ratu Ayu Dewi Sartika, Endang Laksminingsih, Sri Redatin Retno Pudjiati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Analysis of Perceived Social Support on Bonding Attachment in Mothers Giving Birth during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Objective. Postpartum mothers need social support to promote maternal-infant bonding attachment, influencing their child's growth and development. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced changes in perceived social support and bonding attachment due to physical distancing measures and community activities restrictions. This study aims to determine the effect of perceived social support on the bonding attachment in mothers who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study on 118 consecutively sampled mothers who gave birth from June to July 2021 in Bekasi, Indonesia. This study collected data using the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Stratified analysis, based on demographic factors, was done to adjust the identified associations. We used chi-square test, lambda correlation test and Cochran's and Mantel-Haenszel’s test to analyze the data. Results. Most respondents perceived low social support (57.6%) and had low bonding attachment (65.3%) during the pandemic. Nevertheless, mothers with high perceived social support tend to have 32 times higher bonding attachment than those with low social support (OR 32.4; 95% CI 10.78, 97.35; p <0.001). There was moderate positive correlation between social support and bonding attachment (r = 0.537; p = 0.001). The association was still found between perceived social support and bonding attachment after controlling for parity (AOR: 23.63; 95% CI 7.88, 70.87) and working status (AOR: 28.90; 95% CI 9.52, 87.76). Conclusion. Perceived social support plays a significant role on bonding attachment; thus, providing sufficient support for mothers is recommended. Health promotion, counselling and psychological assistance are needed to assist mothers in adapting during the pandemic to obtain support and achieve optimal bonding attachments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dora Samaria, SKep, Ns, MKep, Lina Ayu Marecelina, Ns, MKep, SpKepMat, Lima Florensia, SKep, Ns, MKes https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0