Jurnal of Public Health and Tropical Diseases

Gerd and Psychiatric Disorders in 17-Year-Old Women

Tri Kartika Setyarini — 2025-12-31

Background: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a pathological condition characterized by the reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus, with typical symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation. Psychological disorders are associated with many GERD disorders. The purpose of this paper is to determine the correlation between GERD and psychological disorders, particularly depression and anxiety. Case: In this research study, a 17-year-old female complained of vomiting, nausea, heartburn, shortness of breath, and a bitter taste in the tongue. The patient felt easily fatigued, lacked enthusiasm, and lost interest in activities. Physical examination revealed general weakness, a hyperemic pharynx, and epigastric tenderness. The patient was cooperative, maintained eye contact, but was unable to maintain it, and was in a dysphoric mood and consistent affect. Endoscopy revealed hyperemia of the esophagus and stomach, suggesting chronic active gastritis. Discussion: GERD is a multifactorial disease. In this case, stress and anxiety were linked to GERD. GERD and depression share many similar neurobiological mechanisms, including the "brain-gut" axis, which plays a crucial role in both comorbidities. GERD treatment principles include lifestyle modifications and both medication and non-medication therapies. Conclusion: Chronic GERD, which can occur concurrently with or trigger psychological disorders, is certainly dangerous for patients, and further research is needed to determine effective treatment.

Road Traffic Noise Exposure Near a Hospital and Implications for Environmental Health Protection in Pekanbaru, Indonesia

Muchammad Zaenal Muttaqin — 2025-12-31

Background: Road traffic noise is a recognized environmental health stressor and may compromise comfort, recovery, and staff performance in noise-sensitive hospital environments. Objective: To quantify road traffic noise exposure near a hospital in Pekanbaru, Indonesia, assess compliance with the national benchmark for hospital areas, and examine its association with traffic density. Method: An observational field study was conducted in the hospital corridor from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. Environmental noise was measured using a sound level meter and summarized as equivalent metrics, also estimated using the Bina Marga approach and the Ministry of Environment method. Traffic volume and speed were observed and converted to density (k = q/v). Noise levels were compared with the 55 dB(A) benchmark for hospital areas, and multiple linear regression was used to explore associations between traffic indicators and noise. Results: Traffic density ranged from 255.8 to 508.6 pcu/km, with a peak of 508.6 pcu/km. Noise estimates ranged from 40.84 to 45.52 dB(A) (Bina Marga) and 51.7 dB(A) (Ministry method). All values were below 55 dB(A), indicating compliance. The regression model showed a moderate relationship between traffic indicators and noise (R² = 0.37). Discussion: Benchmark compliance does not eliminate potential cumulative impacts on vulnerable patients and staff, particularly during peak traffic. The modest explained variance indicates that non-traffic factors (e.g., vehicle mix, horn use, road surface, and meteorology) likely contribute to exposure. Conclusion: Traffic noise near the studied hospital met the Indonesian standard; however, quiet-zone management and monitoring are recommended to strengthen environmental health protection in hospital areas.

The Incidence of Neck and Upper Back Pain in Cosmetic Packaging Workers

Eka Yulia Sinta — 2025-12-31

Background: Prolonged manual handling activities increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly neck pain and upper back pain, which are common among adult workers and may negatively affect work performance and quality of life. Objective: This study analyzes the relationship between age, gender, length of service, and stretching habits with complaints of neck pain and upper back pain among packaging production workers. Method: An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 48 packaging production workers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires covering age, gender, length of service, and stretching habits. Neck pain complaints were assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), while upper back pain was measured using a comparative pain scale. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test with a significance level of 0.05. Results: The majority of workers were early adults, with a maximum age of 52 years, and the majority were male. Several workers had worked for more than five years, with the longest length of service reaching 34 years. Discussion: Neck pain complaints were significantly associated with age (p = 0.002) and gender (p = 0.048), while length of service and stretching habits were not significantly associated. Upper back pain complaints were significantly associated with length of service (p = 0.016), whereas age, gender, and stretching habits showed no significant association. Conclusion: Age and gender were associated with neck pain, while length of service was associated with upper back pain among packaging production workers, highlighting the importance of ergonomic risk management and targeted preventive interventions.

Implementation of the BREAST-EDU SMART KIT to Improve Knowledge and Breast Self-Examination Skills among Adolescents in a Tropical Area

Erien Luthfia — 2025-12-31

Background: Breast cancer remains a major public health problem among women in tropical countries, where early detection plays a crucial role in reducing morbidity. Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is an essential preventive behavior that should be introduced during adolescence. The BREAST-EDU SMART KIT is an interactive health education media designed to enhance adolescents' knowledge and practical skills in performing BSE. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of the BREAST-EDU SMART KIT in improving knowledge and BSE skills among adolescent girls in a tropical area school setting. Method: This study employed a pre-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design involving 30 female students at Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara. Knowledge and BSE skills were measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Results: All participants (100%) demonstrated improvement in both knowledge and BSE performance following the intervention. The Wilcoxon test showed a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest scores (p = 0.001; p < 0.05), indicating that the BREAST-EDU SMART KIT had a significant effect on learning outcomes. Discussion: The BREAST-EDU SMART KIT is an effective health education media for improving knowledge and Self-Breast Examination skills among adolescent girls in tropical school settings. This innovation has the potential to support early breast cancer prevention programs in public health and adolescent health promotion.

Antenatal Care Coverage in Tropical and Non-Tropical Countries: The Role of Economic and Health System Indicators

Indri Astuti Purwanti — 2025-12-31

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) coverage is a key indicator of maternal health system performance. Geographic and socioeconomic factors are often hypothesized to influence ANC utilization, yet evidence remains inconsistent. Objective: to examine the association between geographic classification (tropical and non-tropical countries), socioeconomic indicators, and health system characteristics with ANC coverage at the global level. Method: Global health data from countries with complete records were analyzed. Countries were classified by geographic zone (fully tropical, partially tropical, non-tropical) and health system indicators, including GDP per capita, health expenditure, medical doctors (physicians) density, nurse and midwife density, and hospital facility density. Descriptive statistics and comparative analysis were conducted, with mean differences, 95% CI, and p-value reported. Results: More than half (52.20%) of the countries analyzed were fully tropical, with lower ANC coverage (M = 72.95%, SD = 19.70%), though geographic classification was not significantly correlated (p = 0.588). GDP per capita was significantly associated with ANC coverage, with high-income countries showing a mean difference of 23.16 (95% CI = 6.98–39.33; p = 0.022) compared to the lowest-income countries. Physician density demonstrated a significant inverse association: countries with fewer than 23 doctors per 10,000 population had a mean difference of ANC coverage 16.84 higher (95% CI = 1.99–31.69; p < 0.001) than those with ≥44.5 doctors per 10,000 population. By contrast, nurse and midwife density (p = 0.255), health expenditure (p = 0.066), and hospital facility density (p = 0.112) were not significantly associated with ANC coverage. Conclusion: Economic capacity, rather than geographic classification or resource availability, is a significant determinant of ANC coverage. The inverse association with physician density highlights the role of workforce distribution and reliance on non-physician providers.