Open Access Health Scientific Journal

Effectiveness of Peppermint Aromatherapy to Reduce Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnant Women in The First Trimester

Neneng Winengsih — 2026-02-03

Background: Emesis gravidarum is a condition of severe nausea and vomiting in pregnant women in the first trimester that can cause serious complications such as dehydration and nutritional disorders. At the Jatibaru Health Center, Subang Regency, complaints of nausea and vomiting in the first trimester have increased, but effective non-pharmacological treatment is still limited. Peppermint aromatherapy, with its antiemetic menthol content, has been widely researched as a safe and effective therapeutic alternative to reduce these symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of peppermint aromatherapy in reducing the rate of nausea and vomiting in pregnant women in the first trimester.
Methods: The study used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest group control approach. A sample of 54 first-trimester pregnant women was divided into a treatment group (n=27) that received peppermint aromatherapy twice daily for seven days, and a control group (n=27) without intervention. Data were collected using the PUQE (Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis) Score and analyzed univariate and bivariate using Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests.
Results: The average PUQE score of the treatment group decreased significantly from 10.56 (SD=1.188) to 5.33 (SD=1.038) after the intervention (p=0.000). The control group also experienced a decrease in score from 11.04 (SD=0.759) to 9.96 (SD=0.808) (p=0.000), but this decrease was smaller than that of the treatment group. Intergroup analysis showed a significant difference in the decrease in PUQE score (p=0.000), proving the effectiveness of peppermint aromatherapy in reducing symptoms of emesis gravidarum.
Conclusion: Peppermint aromatherapy is effective in significantly reducing the rate of nausea and vomiting in pregnant women in the first trimester at the Jatibaru Health Center, Subang Regency. This therapy can be a safe and practical non-pharmacological alternative to improve the comfort of pregnant women

Effectiveness and Physical Quality Test of Ashitaba Leaf Extract Exfoliating Toner against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes

Luluk Aniqoh Meliana Putri — 2026-02-03

Background: Acne (acne vulgaris) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a complex pathogenesis, involving the sebaceous glands and excessive colonization of acne-causing bacteria. In the modern era, the trend of using natural cosmetics is gaining momentum, not only in Indonesia but also globally. An example of a plant with great potential is Ashitaba. Ashitaba leaves have antibacterial. This study aimed to observe the physical quality test and antibacterial test of ashitaba leaf extract toner against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes bacteria.
Methods: The design in this study is an experimental method, physical quality tests include, Organoleptic tests are carried out visually, the components evaluated are the smell, shape, color and texture of the preparation, pH test and viscosity test. analysis of data from the physical quality test of the Ashitaba leaf extract facial toner, the physical characteristics of the preparation, including organoleptic, homogeneity, viscosity, and pH, of all three formulas met the parameters.
Results: The toner tested against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes bacteria had the largest inhibition zone, namely with an extract concentration of 20%.
Conclusion: The toner tested against Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria with a 20% extract had the largest inhibition zone of 27.6 mm, while Propionibacterium acnes bacteria with a 20% extract had the largest inhibition zone of 27.9 mm

Investigation of the Anticancer Potential of Vernonia amygdalina Methanol Extract: A New Hope for MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Therapy

Ivan Junius Mesak — 2026-02-03

Background: MDA-MB-231 is a breast cancer cell line derived from metastatic adenocarcinoma and classified as a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype. This breast cancer subtype is highly aggressive, has a high recurrence rate, and offers limited treatment options due to the absence of estrogen, progesterone, and HER-2 receptor expression. Therefore, the development of advanced therapeutic strategies is urgently needed to inhibit the metastasis of TNBC cancer cells. This study aimed to investigate the potential of the methanol extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaves as a natural chemotherapeutic agent for metastatic breast cancer therapy, with a focus on inducing cell death through apoptosis mechanisms.
Methods: This study is an experimental research that began with the collection and identification of raw materials, followed by the preparation of simplicia, extraction processes, and phytochemical screening. Subsequently, cytotoxicity testing was conducted using the MTT assay, cell cycle analysis was performed using the PI-staining assay, and apoptosis was assessed using the Annexin V/PI-staining assay, all of which were analyzed through flow cytometry.
Results: The methanol extract of Vernonia amygdalina demonstrated a moderate cytotoxic effect with an IC₅₀ value of 109.36 µg/mL. The extract induced S-phase cell cycle arrest in a dose-dependent manner, indicating its ability to reduce cell viability by inhibiting DNA replication. In the apoptosis assay, the highest percentage of cell death (3.12%) was observed at the concentration of 54.5 µg/mL, suggesting that this dose produced the strongest apoptotic response among the treatments tested.
Conclusion: The methanol extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaves shows potential as a natural chemotherapeutic agent for metastatic breast cancer. The extract can induce cancer cell death through apoptosis, indicating its promise for further development as a supportive anticancer therapy.

The Effect of Clark’s Angle and Body Weight on Dynamic Balance in School-Aged Children

Rizqi Nurul Inayah — 2026-02-03

Background: Foot structure and body weight are considered important factors influencing dynamic balance in school-aged children. Dynamic balance in this study was assessed using the Functional Reach Test (FRT). This study aimed to analyze Effect of Clark’s Angle and Body Weight on Dynamic Balance in School-Aged Children.
Methods: This study employed an analytical observational cross-sectional design. A total of 58 children aged 9–12 years were recruited using purposive sampling. The independent variables included Clark’s Angle of the left and right feet and body weight, while the dependent variable was dynamic balance measured using the FRT. Data analysis consisted of the Kolmogorov–Smirnov normality test and Pearson correlation analysis, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.
Results: The findings revealed a very strong positive correlation between Clark’s Angle and FRT scores for both the right foot (r = 0.808) and the left foot (r = 0.801). In contrast, body weight demonstrated a significant negative correlation with FRT (r = –0.569). An almost perfect correlation between left and right Clark’s Angle values (r = 0.994) indicated a high degree of bilateral foot morphology symmetry within the sample. Children with higher medial longitudinal arches exhibited better dynamic balance, whereas those with flat feet or higher body weight tended to show reduced dynamic balance performance.
Conclusion: Clark’s Angle is a significant predictor of dynamic balance in school-aged children, while increased body weight may adversely affect postural stability. Assessment of foot structure and body weight status should be incorporated into routine child health screening to support early intervention strategies aimed at improving motor development and balance.

The Effect of Education on the Utilization of Hypnotherapy in Antenatal and Intrapartum Care on Midwives’ Knowledge

Rima Wirenviona — 2026-02-03

Background: Hypnotherapy is a non-pharmacological approach that has increasingly been applied in midwifery care, particularly in antenatal and intrapartum services, to assist pregnant women in managing anxiety and pain and to enhance comfort during childbirth. However, the utilization of hypnotherapy in health services remains limited, partly due to insufficient knowledge and understanding among midwives regarding its concepts and applications.
Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest–posttest approach. The study was conducted among midwives providing antenatal and intrapartum care in healthcare facilities. Samples were selected using a total sampling technique. Data were collected using a questionnaire measuring knowledge related to the utilization of hypnotherapy. Data analysis was conducted using univariate and bivariate statistical analyses.
Results: The findings demonstrated an increase in the mean knowledge scores of midwives after receiving education on hypnotherapy utilization compared to before the intervention. Statistically, education on hypnotherapy utilization had a significant effect on improving midwives’ knowledge.
Conclusion: Education on the utilization of hypnotherapy in antenatal and intrapartum care significantly improves midwives’ knowledge. These findings are expected to serve as a foundation for the development of training programs and the implementation of hypnotherapy as part of comprehensive midwifery care.

Determinants of Diarrhea Self-Medication Behavior Among Urban Housewives in Bekasi, Indonesia

Salman Salman — 2026-02-03

Background: Self-medication is the practice of treating oneself independently. If it is done reasonably and rationally, you will get benefits, but if it is done in a bad way, there is the potential for unexpected side effects from treatment. Self-medication efforts for diarrheal diseases are often carried out by the community, considering that diarrheal diseases are included in the top 10 diseases every year in Indonesia. In 2019, Bantargebang District had the highest number of diarrhea cases, with a total of 1,610 cases. Ciketingudik sub-district had the highest number of diarrhea cases with 76 cases.
Methods: This research used a quantitative cross-sectional design involving 229 homemakers with children aged 1–5 years in Ciketingudik Village, Bantargebang District, Bekasi City. The sample was selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a valid questionnaire to measure knowledge, attitude, environmental factors, the role of health workers, and self-medication behavior for diarrhea. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis and chi-square test with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results: The results showed that most respondents were aged 26–45 years, had a basic level of education, and were not formally employed. Statistical analysis showed that age, education, and employment were not significantly associated with self-medication for diarrhea. Conversely, knowledge, attitudes, environmental conditions, and the role of health workers were significantly associated with self-medication behavior. Respondents with good knowledge, positive attitudes, supportive environments, and active involvement of health workers were more likely to self-medicate appropriately for diarrhea.
Conclusion: self-medication for diarrhea among homemakers is influenced by cognitive, behavioral, environmental, and health system factors rather than by demographic characteristics. Strengthening health education, improving environmental conditions, and enhancing the role of health workers are essential strategies for promoting safe and rational self-medication practices and reducing diarrhea-related health risks in the community.

Analysis of Elderly Anxiety on The Level of Independence at The Tresna Werdha Blitar Social Service Unit in Tulungagung

Naya Adhisa paramitha — 2026-02-03

Background: The elderly are prone to experiencing anxiety due to physical, psychological, social, and economic changes that can affect the level of independence in daily activities. This research is important to understand the relationship between anxiety and independence of the elderly in the social care environment.
Methods: This study uses a quantitative design with a cross sectional approach. The research population was all elderly at the Tresna Werdha Blitar Social Service Unit in Tulungagung, with a sample of 36 respondents using the total sampling technique. The research instruments included the GAD-7 questionnaire to measure anxiety and the Barthel ADL Index to assess the level of independence. Data analysis was carried out using the Spearman's rho test.
Results: The results showed that the majority of the elderly had a minimum level of anxiety as many as 17 respondents (47%), mild anxiety 14 respondents (39%), and moderate anxiety 5 respondents (14%). The level of independence of the elderly is mostly in the category of mild dependency as many as 22 respondents (61%). The Spearman's rho test showed a significant relationship between anxiety levels and independence levels with a value of p = 0.032 (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: These findings indicate that the lower the level of anxiety, the higher the independence of the elderly. Psychological, physical, and social anxiety management interventions need to be optimized to increase the independence of the elderly in social institutions.

Effectiveness Of Video-Based Progressive Muscle Relaxation On Pain Intensity And Sleep Quality Among Patients With Osteoarthritis

Putra Ardhana — 2026-02-03

Background: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease commonly associated with chronic pain and sleep disturbances, which significantly reduce patients’ quality of life. Persistent pain and poor sleep quality often interact bidirectionally, leading to worsening physical and psychological conditions. Therefore, effective, feasible, and non-pharmacological interventions are needed to manage pain and improve sleep quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of video-based progressive muscle relaxation on pain intensity and sleep quality among patients with osteoarthritis.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest control group design was conducted in healthcare facilities in Pontianak, Indonesia. A total of 50 patients with osteoarthritis were recruited using purposive sampling and assigned to an intervention group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 25). The intervention group performed video-based progressive muscle relaxation once daily for seven consecutive days in addition to standard care, while the control group received standard care only. Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test.
Results: The intervention group showed significantly greater reductions in pain intensity and improvements in sleep quality compared with the control group (p < 0.001). The magnitude of change in both outcomes was substantially higher in the intervention group, indicating a strong effect of video-based progressive muscle relaxation.
Conclusion: Video-based progressive muscle relaxation is effective in reducing pain intensity and improving sleep quality among patients with osteoarthritis. This intervention has important implications for nursing practice and health sciences, as it provides a practical, safe, and easily implemented non-pharmacological strategy to support self-care management in patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions

Scoping Review: Determinants of Stunting in Children Under Five

Astaria Br Ginting — 2026-02-03

Background: Stunting in children under-five years old is a chronic nutritional problem caused by inadequate nutritional intake, maternal health, poor sanitation, and low socioeconomic conditions that have long-term impacts on children's growth and development. This study aimed to identify predictive factors for the incidence of stunting among children under five years old in Indonesia, drawing on prior studies.
Methods: This study used a scoping review approach. The PICO framework was used to search for articles and formulate research questions. The literature search was conducted using Google Scholar and the DOAJ. Data extraction for the seven eligible articles was conducted by seven individuals. Examining the article's abstract, research design, measurement techniques, data analysis, and title was the first step in the extraction phase. A tabular synthesis matrix was then constructed from the data summary to facilitate the analysis. Finally, we compared and contrasted each publication's methodology, study results, and empirical evidence from theoretical and conceptual perspectives. Of the seven articles considered for inclusion, seven reviewers extracted data.
Results: The results show that exclusive breastfeeding, drinking water quality, waste disposal, the availability of healthy toilet facilities, stunting, age, male gender, history of measles, family size, sanitation, father's occupation, provision of supplementary food, complementary feeding, maternal knowledge, and family support are significant determinants of the incidence of stunting.
Conclusion: One of the dominant factors influencing stunting in toddlers is exclusive breastfeeding.

Relationship Between Hygiene Factors and Motivation Factors With The Work Motivation Of Nurses in First-Level Health Facilities

Mhd. Latief Shihab Lubis — 2026-02-03

Background: Work motivation is one of the factors that can affect nurses in providing health services to the community optimally. Incentives and recognition are still problems related to nurses' motivation at work. This study aimed to find out the factors that affect the work motivation of nurses in the Ciputat and East Ciputat District Health Centers in 2022. This study uses a quantitative approach.
Methods: The study design in this study is Cross sectional and the total sampling method with a sample of 62 people. The distribution of the frequency of work motivation of nurses in health centers includes high work motivation of 72.6%.
Result: There is a relationship between the variables of remuneration, work environment conditions, job security/sense of security, individual relationships, recognition, work, and self-development with the work motivation of nurses at the Ciputat and East Ciputat District Health Centers in 2022. the more it will increase the motivation of nurses at work.
Discussion: It is hoped that the health center will be able to implement supervision efforts well, give awards to nurses who achieve an achievement in order to increase the motivation of nurses in work.

The Effect Of Prenatal Exercise On Sleep Quality In Pregnant Women During The Third Trimester

Marliani Marliani — 2026-02-05

Background: Prenatal exercise is believed to enhance third-trimester sleep quality in expectant mothers, promoting physical well-being and preparing them for childbirth. This study aimed to analyze the effect of prenatal exercise on sleep quality in pregnant women during the third trimester.
Methods: This study is quantitative and quasi-experimental, employing a non-randomized one-group pretest-posttest design. This research was conducted at the Marista Sinaga Midwife Practice, Simpang Talas, Siak Regency, Riau Province, in 2024. The research was conducted in June 2024. The subjects of this research were all third-trimester pregnant women who presented for treatment at the Marista Sinaga Midwife Practice; a total of 30 participants were recruited through purposive sampling. The intervention in this study was prenatal exercise. Pre-and posttests assessing sleep quality were administered before and after the prenatal exercise. Sleep quality was measured using a questionnaire. The data analysis stage began with calculating the frequency distribution of respondent characteristics and the mean sleep quality score. Data analysis used a paired t-test because the data were normally distributed.
Results: The average sleep quality score before the intervention was 3.93; after the intervention, through prenatal exercise, it increased to 8.50. Prenatal exercise significantly affected sleep quality in pregnant women in the third trimester (p = <0.001)
Conclusion: Prenatal exercise significantly affects sleep quality in pregnant women in the third trimester

Analysis Of Factors On Adolescent Mental Health in Cikulur District, Lebak Regency, Banten, Indonesia

Vivi Silawati — 2026-02-05

Background: Adolescents generally have good physical and mental health. However, due to various disturbances, they are vulnerable to mental health issues. Mental health has become a global issue, including in Indonesia, affecting nearly 350 million people worldwide (WHO, 2023). Objective: To examine the influence of body weight, psychological resilience, emotional state, self-confidence, academic performance, and social support on adolescent mental health.
Methods: This study used a descriptive approach with an ex post facto design. The sample consisted of 89 respondents. Data were collected using a questionnaire, and multiple linear regression analysis was employed.
Results: Among the adolescents surveyed, 12 (13.5%) had abnormal mental health, 19 (21.3%) were classified as borderline, and 58 (65.2%) had normal mental health. Regarding body weight, 14 (15.7%) were underweight, 59 (66.3%) had normal weight, and 16 (18%) were overweight. Psychological resilience levels were low in 14 respondents (15.7%), moderate in 46 (51.7%), and high in 29 (32.6%). Emotional state analysis showed that 13 respondents (14.6%) had abnormal emotional conditions, 19 (21.3%) were borderline, and 57 (64%) were normal. Self-confidence levels were low in 12 respondents (13.5%), moderate in 72 (80.9%), and high in 5 (5.6%). In terms of academic performance, 74 (83.1%) had adequate grades, 12 (13.5%) had good grades, and 3 (3.4%) had excellent grades. Social support was low for 11 respondents (12.4%), moderate for 69 (77.5%), and high for 9 (10.1%). All variables showed statistically significant results (p-value: 0.000 < 0.05), indicating a relationship between body weight, psychological resilience, emotional state, self-confidence, and social support with adolescent mental health among middle school students in Cikulur District. Among these factors, emotional state exhibited the strongest correlation with mental health, as evidenced by a Pearson correlation value of 0.980.
Conclusion: The study indicates that body weight, psychological resilience, emotional state, selfconfidence, and social support are significantly related to adolescent mental health. Recommendations: Adolescents should enhance their social interactions and engage in positive activities within their environment. Additionally, they should set clear goals for their future aspirations

The Effectiveness of the “Father-Supportive Breastfeeding” Program on Readiness of Breastfeeding Mothers

Sri Rezeki — 2026-02-05

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (ASI) during six month First life still become standard gold in nutrition baby who is not replaced by products whatever. Globally, the latest data show There is increase, number exclusive breastfeeding still 48%, which means more from half babies in the world do not get right optimal nutrition. Failure in exclusive breastfeeding play a role to height number death baby consequence infection channel respiratory and diarrheal diseases in low- income countries low and middle.
Methods: Type of research This is observational with cross-sectional design. sample with use total sampling technique. Sample data obtained through questionnaire. Research carried out in Bangun Rejo Village with with sample is all fathers who have baby age 6–12 months with total number of 40 people. Sampling technique sample using total sampling. Instrument study in the form of questionnaire closed which has been tested validity and reliability. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test with level significance 0.05
Results: Based on table on can seen the majority of 16 respondents (40%) were less Ready breast-feed with good breastfeeding fathers and minorities readiness breast-feed as many as 7 respondents (17.5%) with beastfeeding father is good. Statistical test results with using the chi square test, obtained result 0.014 < α = 0.05, can concluded There is effectiveness of the “Father-Supportive Breastfeeding” Program on readiness Mother breastfeeding. Important factors that influence success breastfeeding is one of them is readiness a mother. Readiness Mother for the breastfeeding process, attitudes and behavior Mother is part from maturity Mother in decide as well as prepare before provide exclusive breastfeeding.
Conclusion: Father-Supportive Breastfeeding Program effective in increase success of exclusive breastfeeding in mothers breastfeeding, so that father involvement through support emotional, informational, and instrumental evidence contribute to increasing success Mother in maintain exclusive breastfeeding until baby aged six month. Father's support plays a role important in increase breastfeeding self-efficacy mother, reduce stress during the postpartum period, as well as create environment conducive family for practice breastfeeding. A program that is special targeting capable fathers strengthen the role of the father as an integral part of system support breastfeeding, not only as companion passive, so that impact evident in behavior breast-feed Mother.

Disaster Resilience Analysis in Vulnerable Groups Through Contingency Planning And Community-Based Emergency Services in the Martubung Region Medan City, North Sumatra Province, 2026

Nurmalina Hutahaean — 2026-02-05

Background: Vulnerable groups are at high risk of being impacted by disasters and therefore require increased resilience through contingency planning and community-based emergency services. This study aimed to analyze changes in vulnerable groups' knowledge regarding disaster resilience before and after community-based contingency planning and emergency education interventions.
Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design with analytical research using a pretest–posttest design without a control group. The sample consisted of 32 vulnerable group respondents in the Martubung area. The instrument was a knowledge questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted descriptively and comparatively.
Results: The research also showed that participants experienced an increase in knowledge during the post-test. The pre-test results showed that the majority of respondents had insufficient knowledge (87.5%). After the intervention, there was an increase in knowledge, with 46.9% of respondents categorized as good and sufficient, respectively.
Conclusion: Community-based contingency planning and emergency services effectively increase the knowledge of vulnerable groups in disaster preparedness and resilience