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Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) remains a major global health issue that requires serious attention. Based on the Indonesian Health Survey (Survei Kesehatan Indonesia/SKI), Indonesia’s MMR in 2022 was recorded at 195 per 100,000 live births and decreased to 189 per 100,000 live births in 2023. Although this decline indicates some progress, the figure remains far from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. Therefore, various promotive and preventive efforts are needed to reduce MMR, one of which is by improving pregnant women’s compliance in attending antenatal classes. This study aimed to examine the relationship between pregnant women’s knowledge and family support and their compliance in attending antenatal classes in the working area of Sinaboi Public Health Center. This research employed a quantitative analytic method with a cross-sectional design. The total number of respondents was 136 pregnant women. The results of the univariate analysis showed that 78 respondents (57.4%) had good knowledge, 74 respondents (54.9%) received family support, and 106 respondents (78.0%) were compliant in attending antenatal classes. The Chi-square test results indicated a significant relationship between pregnant women’s knowledge and compliance in attending antenatal classes (p-value = 0.03), as well as a significant relationship between family support and pregnant women’s compliance in attending antenatal classes (p-value = 0.02). This study is expected to serve as a reference for health workers and future researchers in enhancing education and family involvement to encourage active and regular participation of pregnant women in antenatal classes.

Stunting is a phenomenon of growth impairment experienced by infants and young children under 5 years of age, particularly toddlers aged 0–59 months. Based on Global Prevalence Data, approximately 21.9% to 22% of toddlers worldwide experience stunting. Several factors that contribute to stunting include breastfeeding and complementary feeding (MP-ASI) practices. This study aims to explore the association between experiences of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding (MP-ASI) and the incidence of stunting among children in the Kampa Community Health Center area. The method used in this study was a cross-sectional approach. The study was conducted during the period of January 8–13, 2024, at the Kampa Community Health Center, involving toddlers aged 6–59 months, with a population of 1,576 toddlers. The sample consisted of 68 mothers who had stunted toddlers, measured using a height-for-age (H/A) Z-score of less than -2 standard deviations (SD). The sampling technique applied was total sampling. Data collection was carried out using a microtoise and questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using the Chi-square method. The findings showed a significant relationship between a history of exclusive breastfeeding and the incidence of stunting with a P value of 0.00 < 0.05, as well as a significant relationship between exclusive complementary feeding (MP-ASI) and the incidence of stunting in toddlers with a P value of 0.04 < 0.05. It is recommended that health workers organize counseling classes on lactation and conduct demonstrations on how to prepare complementary foods (MP-ASI), focusing on the use of affordable local food ingredients that are rich in animal protein. In addition, continuous training for community health cadres needs to be carried out to improve early detection through accurate anthropometric measurements, so that toddlers at risk of stunting can be promptly managed.

This study examines the stigma and patterns of social support in adolescents with unplanned pregnancies in Makassar in the context of the Bugis-Makassar culture that upholds the values of siri' (honor and shame). Teen pregnancy is understood as an experience influenced by the confluence of traditional values, religious morality, and modern social demands. This study used an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach on 17 adolescent girls aged 15–19 years who experienced unplanned pregnancies in June–November 2023. Data were obtained through in-depth semi-structured interviews, recorded, verbatim transcribed, and analyzed using a six-stage science process with a focus on the experience of stigma and social support. Two main themes emerged: Living Under the Shadow of Siri': Multidimensional Stigma and Navigating Social Support in the Context of Shame. Participants experienced widespread stigma in a variety of contexts, including family (serial violations and family shame), society (moral judgments and gossip), health services (discrimination of health workers), and educational environments (bullying and exclusion). Stigma is also internalized in the form of guilt and negative identity, and is especially severe in adolescents with economic limitations. Efforts to seek support are often hampered by concerns about stigma, so adolescents engage in selective disclosure and rely more on peers. Grandma is often the most accepting source of family support. These findings underscore the need for multilevel interventions that reduce community stigma, strengthen friendly and confidential health services, and develop culturally sensitive peer support networks.

Indonesia, as a country with a high level of disaster vulnerability, faces an increased risk of communicable diseases during the emergency response phase due to disrupted sanitation, limited access to clean water, overcrowded evacuation shelters, and weakened health services. This study aims to analyze the strategic role of health workers in health education and the prevention of communicable diseases during disaster emergency response. The method used is a literature review of relevant national and international scientific articles. The findings indicate that health workers have a multidimensional role, not only as providers of curative services but also as educators, change agents, advocates, and collaborators in promotive and preventive efforts. Effective health education, participatory risk communication, strengthened epidemiological surveillance, and the implementation of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) are key strategies to reduce the risk of communicable disease outbreaks. However, implementation in the field still faces challenges, including limited resources, cross-sectoral coordination constraints, heavy workloads, and suboptimal disaster-related policy systems and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Therefore, strengthening the capacity of health workers through training, policy support, and community-based approaches is necessary to enhance health system resilience in responding to disaster crises.

Background: The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Book plays an essential role in enhancing pregnant women's knowledge of pregnancy health and labor preparation. However, its utilization remains suboptimal, which may affect a mother's readiness for childbirth. Objective: This study aims to analyze the relationship between pregnant women's knowledge of the MCH Book and their birth preparedness at the Mamajang Health Center in Makassar in 2025. Method: This research employs a quantitative design using purposive sampling with 86 pregnant women as respondents. Data were collected using a knowledge questionnaire about the MCH Book and a birth preparedness questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using the Chi-Square statistical test. Results: The majority of pregnant women demonstrated good knowledge of the MCH Book (75.6%) and were categorized as prepared for childbirth (70.9%). Statistical testing indicated a significant relationship between pregnant women's knowledge of the MCH Book and their birth preparedness (p = 0.001). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between pregnant women's knowledge of the MCH Book and their birth preparedness at the Mamajang Health Center in Makassar. Health workers are expected to enhance education and optimization of MCH Book utilization to support birth preparedness.

Personal hygiene is an essential factor in maintaining the health and quality of life of the elderly, as aging is often accompanied by a decline in physical strength, mobility, and cognitive function that can reduce the ability to maintain personal cleanliness independently. Limited understanding of the importance of personal hygiene may increase the risk of infections, skin disorders, and other health complications, making education and awareness crucial for promoting better hygiene behavior. This study used a descriptive correlational design with a cross-sectional approach involving 204 elderly individuals residing at the Pucang Gading Elderly Social Service Home in Semarang and Wening Wardoyo Ungaran, with 135 respondents selected using a non-probability sampling technique. Data were collected using validated and reliable questionnaires measuring the level of understanding and personal hygiene practices and were analyzed using the Somers’d statistical test. The results showed that most respondents were female (60%) and aged between 70–79 years (48.9%). The level of understanding of personal hygiene among the elderly was predominantly in the moderate category (72.6%), and their personal hygiene practices were also mostly categorized as moderate (72.6%). Statistical analysis revealed a p-value of 0.000 (<0.05) with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.472, indicating a positive and significant relationship between the level of understanding and personal hygiene practices. These findings suggest that improving knowledge through continuous education and guidance from health workers is necessary to enhance awareness, independence, and hygiene behavior among the elderly.

Empowering pregnant women in their third trimester through Respectful Maternity Care-based childbirth preparation counseling is a relevant promotive and preventive strategy for improving maternal health. This counseling not only provides knowledge about the signs of labor, stages of labor, pain management options, and birth planning, but also equips mothers with an understanding of their rights in midwifery care. Childbirth preparation education often focuses solely on clinical aspects and fails to fully address the psychosocial aspects and the rights of mothers as service recipients. This has the potential to lead to an unpleasant childbirth experience and even contribute to disrespect and abuse during labor. This counseling can equip mothers with an understanding of their rights in midwifery care. With an empathetic, participatory, and woman-centered approach, pregnant women are expected to be able to recognize their needs, convey their preferences, and communicate effectively with health workers. The purpose of this counseling is to improve pregnant women's knowledge before and after being empowered in their third trimester through Respectful Maternity Care-based childbirth preparation counseling.

Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is one of the indicators of the quality of maternal and child health services in a country. Based on data from the 2024 SDKI (Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey), the maternal mortality rate decreased compared to the previous year, from 4,482 cases in 2023 to 4,150 deaths in 2024, but this figure is still far from the 2030 SDG target. In an effort to reduce maternal mortality, the government's program is the Program for Birth Planning and Complication Prevention (BPCR or P4K in bahasa), which emphasizes community empowerment in monitoring pregnant, delivering, and postpartum mothers. In its implementation, P4K still faces obstacles, one of which is the lack of knowledge among mothers and the community regarding P4K. This also occurs in RW17, Cilendek Barat Village, where many people are still unaware of P4K. Health education interventions about the importance of P4K are one of the activities carried out to increase the knowledge of mothers and the community. Participants are pregnant women, community health workers, and neighborhood association leaders. The success of the activity is measured by assessing participants' knowledge before and after the education is conducted. After education was provided, there was an 84% improvement in participants' knowledge. This activity involved community leaders, so it is hoped that it can increase knowledge and understanding of the importance of P4K.

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that requires long-term medication adherence to prevent relapse and improve patients’ quality of life. Caregivers play a crucial role in encouraging medication adherence through emotional, informational, instrumental, and supervisory support. This descriptive quantitative study with a cross-sectional design aimed to describe caregiver support and medication adherence among schizophrenia patients at the South Denpasar Public Health Center. A total of 100 respondents, who were family members or caregivers of schizophrenia patients, were selected using a consecutive sampling technique. Data were collected through structured interviews using questionnaires and analyzed descriptively. The results showed that most caregivers provided good support (63%), particularly in accompanying patients during medication intake, actively interacting with them, and following health workers’ recommendations. Furthermore, patients’ medication adherence was mostly in the moderate (45%) and good (35%) categories. These findings indicate that caregiver support plays a significant role in improving medication adherence among schizophrenia patients. Strengthening caregiver knowledge and optimizing health education by healthcare workers are essential to further enhance adherence.

Background: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) represent a global public health challenge. The increasing number of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) cases is a serious concern worldwide. A lack of education or minimal knowledge, along with risky behavior, contributes significantly to the high STI rates, particularly among the young age group. Purposes: The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the major types of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)—namely Gonorrhea, Hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and HPV—by identifying their risk factors and determining the most effective prevention strategies. Method:The researchers employed a literature review method. The data search process was conducted systematically on Google Scholar, limiting sources only to articles available in full text and having open access. Results: The literature review concludes that the factors of knowledge, attitude, behavior, and age significantly influence an individual's risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Therefore, prevention efforts must be carried out comprehensively, encompassing promotive (awareness enhancement), preventive (prevention), curative (treatment), and rehabilitative (recovery) activities. Practically, this prevention must include sexual health education, adoption of safe sexual behavior, implementation of routine health checks (screening), and vaccination (specifically for Hepatitis B and HPV). Conclusion: Overall, controlling the spread of STIs requires active and collaborative roles from all parties—including the government, health workers, and the community. The main key to suppressing the spread and burden of STI diseases in the community is through improving appropriate sexual health education, improving access to health services, and periodic health screening.  

Nutritional status is a health condition that indicates whether or not nutrients are sufficient in the body. This is influenced by eating habits and the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Nutritional status assessment can be done by body measurements, diet analysis, or laboratory tests. This indicator shows the extent to which nutritional needs are met to support body function and growth. This study aims to determine the nutritional status of toddlers in Keude Nibong Village and the factors that influence it. The research design used a quantitative approach with a correlation method, involving 35 toddlers as samples. The results showed that most toddlers were male (52%) and most were aged 24-35 months and 48-59 months (23.7% each). A total of 29 toddlers (83%) had good nutritional status, while 6 toddlers (17%) were malnourished. The nutritional condition of toddlers was generally good, but regular monitoring by health workers and the village government through integrated health posts (posyandu) is needed. Further research is recommended to examine factors such as diet, economy, and parental education that influence children's nutritional status.

The nutritional status of toddlers is an important indicator that reflects the level of public health in a region. This study aims to analyze the nutritional status of children aged 0–5 years in Teupin Desa Teupin Gapeuh Kecamatan Tanah Pasir Kabupaten Aceh Utara. This research employed a descriptive quantitative method using secondary data obtained from health records and posyandu (integrated health post) reports. The study involved a total of 60 children under five, consisting of 33 boys and 27 girls. The findings revealed that based on the weight-for-age (W/A) index, 81.7% of children had normal nutritional status, 13.3% were undernourished, and 3.3% were severely undernourished. Based on height-for-age (H/A), 90.0% were normal, 5.0% were short, and 3.3% were very short. According to the weight-for-height (W/H) index, 83.3% were normal, 11.7% were undernourished, and 5.0% were at risk of overweight. Furthermore, the prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight were 8.3%, 11.7%, and 16.7% respectively. These results indicate that although most children have normal nutritional status, some still experience nutritional deficiencies that require special attention. Therefore, health workers and local governments need to strengthen nutrition education programs, increase community awareness of balanced nutrition, and improve monitoring of child growth to prevent malnutrition in the area

Health workers contribute up to 80% to the success of health development. For this reason, effective employee performance management is needed according to service performance for communicable and non-communicable diseases. The aim of this research is to analyze the factors that influence the performance of nurses in health services for non-communicable diseases and infectious diseases at the UPT Puskesmas Kuala, Kuala District, Langkat Regency.The research design used was an analytical survey with a cross sectional approach. The population of this study were all 31 nurses with a sample using a total sampling technique of 31 people. The data analysis used is the binary logistic regression test.The research results show that ability has a sig-p value of 0.025, attitude sig-p 0.014, learning sig-p 0.036, motivation sig-p 0.022, leadership sig-p 0.031 and work environment sig-p 0.048, which means it has an influence on nurse performance , while age sig-p 1.000 and perception sig-p 0.496 have no influence on nurse performance. Attitude is the dominant factor with an OR value of 28.446. In conclusion, ability, attitude, learning, motivation, leadership, and work environment influence nurse performance, while age and perception have no effect. Attitude is the most dominant factor influencing nurse performance.

This study aims to describe the condition of clean water access and its impact on public health in Swadaya Village. The research employed a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with household heads, community leaders, health workers, and local water managers. The findings reveal that access to clean water in Swadaya Village remains very limited. Most residents rely on dug wells and river water for daily needs, while only a small portion use water from the local water utility (PDAM) due to high installation costs and limited pipeline coverage. The water quality often decreases during the dry season, becoming cloudy, odorous, and causing skin irritation. These conditions contribute to the increasing incidence of waterborne diseases such as skin infections, diarrhea, and typhoid fever. Besides infrastructure limitations, the lack of community awareness regarding hygiene and sanitation practices worsens the situation. Although the village government has proposed clean water development programs, their implementation has been hampered by budget constraints. The study concludes that clean water problems in Swadaya Village are not only related to resource availability but also to environmental management and community behavior. Therefore, improving water infrastructure must be accompanied by community education to promote a healthy, safe, and sustainable living environment.

This study aims to analyze the influence of Innovative Work Behaviour, Upskilling, and Work Ethic on the Health Workers Performance with Intention to Stay as an intervening variable at RSUD Sumberrejo. The background of this research stems from challenges in improving service quality, high workload, and the need to strengthen competency and retention among health workers. The study employs a quantitative approach using a survey method through the distribution of questionnaires, with data analyzed using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS version 4.0. The population consists of 216 employees, and the sampling technique used is non-probability sampling, resulting in 140 respondents. The findings reveal that Innovative Work Behaviour, Work Ethic, and Intention to Stay have a significant positive effect on the performance of health workers. In addition, Innovative Work Behaviour and Work Ethic significantly influence Intention to Stay. However, Upskilling shows a positive but non-significant effect on both Intention to Stay and Performance, indicating that skill enhancement requires managerial support and motivation to contribute effectively to employee performance. Intention to Stay serves as a mediating variable in several relationships among the constructs. Strengthening innovative behaviour, work ethic, and competency development, accompanied by appropriate retention strategies, is essential for improving the performance of health workers in regional hospitals. Future studies are recommended to develop the research model by incorporating additional variables that may have stronger effects on Intention to Stay and Performance. Keywords: Innovative Work Behaviour; Upskilling, Work Ethic; Intention to Stay; Health Workers Performance

Toddler age is often called the golden period because during this period brain nerve development occurs, especially myelination, as well as a critical period. The golden period can be achieved if toddlers' nutritional needs are optimally met. On the other hand, if babies and toddlers do not get the food they need, the golden period will change into a critical period, thus disrupting their growth and development. The level of education of parents will affect the health and well-being of children, because this is inseparable from the nutritional status of children. Mothers with a high level of education will have a clearer opportunity to absorb information compared to mothers with less or no education. With a good level of education, it is hoped that a mother will be willing and able to behave well in order to improve her child's nutritional status. This Community Service activity aims to provide health education on balanced nutrition to reduce stunting in the community, especially mothers with toddlers in Desa Cangguk, Kecamatan Tanah Pasir, Kabupaten Aceh Utara. This activity used a participatory approach involving lecturers, students, health workers, and the community. The results showed an increase in public understanding and awareness of stunting prevention. It is hoped that this activity will raise public awareness about balanced nutrition for children

Medical emergency services demand swift and precise action; however, medical personnel are often hindered by the risk of criminalization resulting from unintended outcomes. Although Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health mandates the provision of assistance, the regulation has not yet provided explicit criminal protection for good-faith rescuers, thereby triggering the practice of defensive medicine. This study aims to examine the implementation of the Good Samaritan Law (GSL) concept as an alternative legal protection for health workers. The research methods employed are juridical-normative and juridical-empirical, utilizing statutory, comparative, and case approaches. The findings indicate that current regulations, including Article 531 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) and Law No. 17/2023, have limitations as they emphasize the obligation to assist rather than the protection of the rescuer. In comparison, the international GSL concept offers a standard of "limited immunity," which explicitly protects rescuers from civil and criminal liability, provided the actions are performed without gross negligence. The impact of implementing GSL in Indonesia is projected to provide stronger legal certainty than existing regulations, reduce the psychological burden on medical personnel in emergency situations, and encourage social solidarity without the fear of unnecessary lawsuits. The study concludes that the adoption of GSL is an urgent legal reconstruction to ensure the professional protection of health workers in Indonesia.

This study aims to analyze hematocrit values ​​using a micro method with capillary blood samples in pregnant women with anemia at the Sidodadi Kisaran Barat Community Health Center. This study is a descriptive study with a cross-sectional approach involving 15 pregnant women as respondents. Data collection was carried out through hematocrit laboratory examinations and data collection of respondent characteristics. The results showed that 60% of respondents had hematocrit levels below normal values, while 40% of respondents had hematocrit levels within normal limits. Low hematocrit levels in pregnant women are influenced by several factors, including age, education level, employment status, and level of knowledge about anemia during pregnancy. This condition has the potential to increase the risk of pregnancy complications if not optimally managed. Therefore, it is recommended that health workers continue to increase educational efforts regarding anemia prevention, the importance of regular pregnancy check-ups, and encourage pregnant women to maintain a balanced nutritional consumption pattern and adequate iron intake to support maternal and fetal health.

This study discusses the role of the Kupang City Council in carrying out its supervisory function on gender-responsive maternal and child health policies, with a case study focus on Oebobo District. The background of this study stems from the high maternal and child mortality rates and the suboptimal implementation of Kupang City Regulation No. 7 of 2013. This study uses a qualitative approach with interview, observation, and documentation techniques, and involves informants from DPRD members, health workers, posyandu cadres, and community leaders. The results show that the DPRD, particularly through Commission IV, has carried out its supervisory function through regulatory support, budget allocation, program evaluation, and field visits. Some of the programs supervised include Free Nutritious Meals (MBG), strengthening Posyandu, and basic health services at Puskesmas. However, the effectiveness of supervision still faces various obstacles, including the lack of female representation in the DPRD, strong patriarchal culture, lack of socialization of local regulations, weak cross-sector coordination, and low community participation. The conclusion of this study confirms that the success of gender-responsive maternal and child health policies is greatly influenced by the capacity of the DPRD in oversight, political and budgetary support, and community involvement.

This study aims to analyze the influence of Innovative Work Behaviour, Upskilling, and Work Ethic on the Health Workers Performance with Intention to Stay as an intervening variable at RSUD Sumberrejo. The background of this research stems from challenges in improving service quality, high workload, and the need to strengthen competency and retention among health workers. The study employs a quantitative approach using a survey method through the distribution of questionnaires, with data analyzed using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS version 4.0. The population consists of 216 employees, and the sampling technique used is non-probability sampling, resulting in 140 respondents. The findings reveal that Innovative Work Behaviour, Work Ethic, and Intention to Stay have a significant positive effect on the performance of health workers. In addition, Innovative Work Behaviour and Work Ethic significantly influence Intention to Stay. However, Upskilling shows a positive but non-significant effect on both Intention to Stay and Performance, indicating that skill enhancement requires managerial support and motivation to contribute effectively to employee performance. Intention to Stay serves as a mediating variable in several relationships among the constructs. Strengthening innovative behaviour, work ethic, and competency development, accompanied by appropriate retention strategies, is essential for improving the performance of health workers in regional hospitals. Future studies are recommended to develop the research model by incorporating additional variables that may have stronger effects on Intention to Stay and Performance.