PHARMACOLOGY, MEDICAL REPORTS, ORTHOPEDIC, AND ILLNESS DETAILS

Identification of Active Compounds from Sambung Nyawa Leaves (Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr) as Potential Natural Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Agents

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Diseases caused by oxidative stress and inflammation are global health problems that encourage the search for alternative treatments from natural materials. Grapevine leaves (Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr.) have long been empirically used, but scientific validation of their potential is still limited. The objective of this research is to identify and describe the active substances in sambung nyawa leaves and assess their effectiveness as natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. The study involves conducting laboratory experiments, starting with the extraction of sambung nyawa leaves using 96% ethanol solvent through a maceration process. The extract obtained is then analysed for its phytochemical composition. The antioxidant activity is evaluated using the DPPH method to determine the IC_₅₀ value. On the other hand, the anti-inflammatory properties are tested in male Wistar rats following the induction of rat hind paw edema with 1% carrageenan, using extract doses of 75, 150, and 300 mg/kgBW. The findings indicate a 13.4% yield from the extraction process. The phytochemical analysis reveals the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenols, and steroids/triterpenoids. The antioxidant test results show a moderate level of activity with an IC₅₀ value of 89.26 µg/mL. In the anti-inflammatory test, the 150 mg/kgBW dose demonstrates the highest efficacy with a 52.00% reduction in edema, comparable to the positive control triamcinolone (55.00%). In summary, the ethanol extract of sambung nyawa leaves exhibits promising potential as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, indicating its suitability for further development as a botanical pharmaceutical ingredient.

Implementation of the Family Planning Program at a Public Health Centre in a Rural Area

Frety Salma Annisa*, Salianto, Rapotan Hasibuan — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Short-term contraceptive methods are predominantly used by 79.2% of participants, while long-term methods account for only 1.0%, far below the RPJMN target of 28.39%. This study aims to assess the implementation of the family planning program at Health Center Rantau Panjang Kiri, focusing on contraceptive preferences and influencing factors. This study employed a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Informants included the head of the health center, the person in charge of family planning services, family planning counseling, and reporting, as well as family planning participants and non-participant couples of reproductive ages. Analysis involved data reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that the implementation of the family planning program at the Rantau Panjang Kiri Health Center went well. However, communication remains a challenge, as some residents lack understanding and counseling is not consistently provided across all villages. Resources including human resources, facilities, and funding are considered adequate. Implementers show positive attitudes, and the bureaucratic structure follows standard operating procedures. In conclusion, the family planning program has been implemented effectively. In terms of communication, some community members still lack a clear understanding of the program. Regarding resources, the program benefits from trained personnel, adequate facilities, and sufficient financial support. The disposition of the implementing staff is generally positive, as indicated by the minimal number of public complaints. From the bureaucratic perspective, the program is carried out in line with established Standard Operating procedures and fragmentation.

Community Diagnosis Report on Reducing New Cases of Toddler Malnutrition Through Primary Health Care Interventions

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to reduce the number of new cases of malnutrition in the working area of Kresek Primary Health Center by identifying priority locations, analyzing main causes, formulating short-term solutions, and evaluating the results of interventions that have been implemented. A mini survey was conducted for data collection, followed by community problem analysis using the ‘Blum’ paradigm, then problem priorities were determined using the Delphi method. The root causes of problems were identified using a fishbone diagram. Based on the Blum paradigm, lifestyle was identified as the main problem. Interventions were carried out in the form of pre-test, post-test, and counseling on nutrition as well as training on food creation and balanced nutrition menu planning. Pre-test results showed <70 scores for 24 (80%) participants. Post-test results ≥70 were obtained by 30 (100%) participants. The activity results were declared successful because >80% of participants obtained scores ≥70. The results obtained from food creation training and balanced nutrition menu planning for toddlers showed that all participants were able to practice properly and correctly. The cause of increased new cases of malnutrition in the working area of Kresek Primary Health Center is lifestyle factors. Counseling is expected to increase knowledge of malnutrition and balanced nutrition in toddlers so that malnutrition cases can be resolved and prevented.

Factors Affecting Community Participation in the Use of Health Services in Primary Care

Wanda Aulia Oktapianti*, Nadya Ulfa Tanjung, Rapotan Hasibuan — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The main problem in this study is the low participation of the community in utilizing health services at the Bandar Baru Health Center, Deli Serdang Regency, even though facilities and programs are available. Barriers such as difficult access to transportation, low ownership of health insurance, and inappropriate perceptions of the disease are the main inhibiting factors. The purpose of this research is to examine the various factors that impact the involvement of the community in utilizing health services at the health center. Utilizing a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional framework, the study gathered a sample of 96 participants using accidental sampling methods. The collected data underwent analysis through the chi-square test to determine the association between independent and dependent variables. The findings indicated a notable correlation between accessibility (p=0.001), ownership of health insurance (p=0.031), and perception of diseases (p=0.014) with the utilization of health services. Conversely, factors such as age, gender, education, occupation, and the presence of health professionals did not display a significant relationship (p>0.05). The implications of this study indicate the importance of community-based interventions to improve physical and financial access to health services and public health education. These interventions need to involve cross-sectors and consider local cultural factors so that the use of health services becomes more equitable and sustainable.

Evaluation of Rational Antibiotic Use (RAU) in Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) Patients in the ICU Using the Gyssens Criteria

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, often requiring intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. Patients with CVA are at high risk for secondary infections, which commonly lead to the use of antibiotics. This study aimed to evaluate the patterns and rationality of antibiotic use in CVA patients treated in the ICU of a regional hospital using the Gyssens method. A retrospective observational study was conducted involving 30 CVA patients who received antibiotics during their ICU stay. Data collected included patient demographics, comorbidities, types of antibiotics used, route of administration, combination patterns, and evaluation of prescription rationality based on the Gyssens criteria. The most frequently used antibiotic class was third-generation cephalosporins (60%), with ceftriaxone being the most prescribed (46.7%). All antibiotics were administered intravenously. Combination therapy was used in 20% of cases. Based on Gyssens categorization, only 33.3% of prescriptions were considered rational (category 0). The remaining 66.7% were irrational, including delayed initiation or discontinuation (13.3%), incorrect dosing (16.7%), unnecessarily broad-spectrum (10%), and no indication (6.7%). The study highlights a substantial proportion of irrational antibiotic use in ICU CVA patients, mainly due to suboptimal timing, dosing errors, and unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotics. These findings underline the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and routine rationality assessments to ensure optimal antibiotic use and patient outcomes.