Publication Search

Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic complication resulting from hyperglycemia, which triggers oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to progressive structural and functional kidney damage. Orange peel and Aloe vera contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antifibrotic properties that may protect the kidneys from diabetes induced injury. Nanoemulsion delivery systems can enhance the bioavailability of these extracts in the body. This experimental study aimed to analyze the nephroprotective effects of orange peel and Aloe vera nanoemulsion in a diabetic nephropathy rat model, including glomerular morphology and kidney function. A post-test only control group design was used on Wistar rats divided into five groups: positive control, negative control, and three treatment groups receiving varying nanoemulsion doses. Glomerular structure was evaluated by assessing the number of glomeruli exhibiting synechiae and analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test due to non-normal data distribution, yielding p=0.2387 (p>0.05), indicating no significant differences among groups. Urea levels were elevated above normal, whereas creatinine levels remained within normal limits. Although not statistically significant, the treatment groups demonstrated nephroprotective tendencies, shown by improvements in glomerular synechiae in the diabetic nephropathy model.

This study, titled “Happiness According to Hamka and Its Relevance to Efforts to Overcome Mental Distress,” is motivated by the increasing mental strain experienced by modern society, which is reflected in rising levels of stress, anxiety, loss of life meaning, and various forms of depression. These symptoms indicate a deeper spiritual and emotional imbalance that cannot be resolved solely through clinical approaches, but requires insights from philosophical and religious thought. The purpose of this research is to reexamine Hamka’s concept of happiness and identify its relevance in supporting efforts to reduce mental distress in contemporary life. Using a qualitative-descriptive method with a library research approach, this study reviews Hamka’s key writings such as Tasawuf Modern, Falsafah Hidup, and Lembaga Budi alongside literature on psychology and mental health. Through a hermeneutic-philosophical analysis, the study finds that Hamka defines happiness as inner tranquility rooted in faith, sincerity, and spiritual connection with God, rather than material satisfaction or outward pleasures. He emphasizes that true happiness is achieved when intellect, emotion, and faith interact harmoniously, allowing individuals to manage desires, accept destiny, and uphold moral awareness. This perspective is highly relevant for addressing mental distress today, as Hamka highlights the importance of spiritual strengthening and purification of the soul as forms of internal healing capable of fostering resilience and emotional stability.

This study aims to analyze the effect of work stress and work discipline on the effectiveness of human resources (HR) in employees of the Communication and Information Service (Diskominfo) of Ciamis Regency. The effectiveness of human resources is crucial for the success of government agencies in public services and information technology management, where the optimal performance of employees is influenced by stress management and discipline levels. This study adopted a quantitative-descriptive method by distributing questionnaires to 40 respondents who were selected through random sampling techniques. The data testing included validity, reliability, and multiple linear regression analysis tests to test the relationship of independent variables (work stress $X_1$ and work discipline $X_2$) to bound variables (HR effectiveness $Y$). The results of the analysis show that work stress and work discipline simultaneously have a significant effect on the effectiveness of human resources. Partially, work stress has a negative influence, indicating that increased work stress tends to reduce the effectiveness of human resources. On the contrary, work discipline has been shown to have a positive effect, showing that the higher the employee's discipline, the more their work effectiveness will increase. Therefore, the conclusion emphasizes that increasing the effectiveness of human resources requires the implementation of effective work stress management and the establishment of a consistent work discipline culture. This effort is important to create a conducive work environment, increase productivity, and strengthen the performance of the state civil apparatus in supporting an electronic-based government system and digital public services.

This study aims to analyze the influence of entertainment content consumption on TikTok toward the stress levels of university students. TikTok has become one of the most frequently used social media platforms among young adults, offering entertainment, distraction, and emotional relief. Meanwhile, academic stress is a common issue among students due to heavy coursework, deadlines, and pressure to perform. This research uses a quantitative method with a survey distributed to 100 active university students aged 18–24 who own a TikTok account and consume entertainment content such as comedy, challenges, and viral videos. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression. The results show that the overall frequency of using TikTok for entertainment is very high (mean = 4.26), while the level of academic stress also falls into the high category (mean = 4.06). Regression analysis indicates that TikTok entertainment content significantly affects students’ stress levels (p < 0.001). Result found is positive, meaning higher TikTok usage is associated with higher stress. The significance value based on the simple linear regression coefficient table is 0.000 < 0.05, so it can be concluded that the variable Use of TikTok Entertainment Content (X) has an effect on the variable Stress Levels Among Students (Y).

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM type 2) is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by elevated blood glucose due to insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. Its prevalence continues to rise worldwide, including in Indonesia. Psychological stress is known to worsen glycemic control by activating the sympathetic nervous system and increasing cortisol levels, which can cause fluctuations in blood glucose. This case report aims to describe the effect of combining Benson relaxation techniques with warm foot soaking on blood glucose regulation in a type 2 DM patient. The subject was Mrs. M, a 52-year-old woman diagnosed with type 2 DM. The intervention was conducted for seven consecutive days and consisted of daily Benson relaxation followed by warm foot soaking for 15–20 minutes. Blood glucose levels were measured before and after each session using a glucometer and analyzed descriptively. After seven days, the patient’s blood glucose level decreased from 248 mg/dL to 186 mg/dL. She also reported improved relaxation, better sleep quality, reduced anxiety, and decreased fatigue. These findings suggest that Benson relaxation helps activate the parasympathetic response and reduce stress hormones, while warm foot soaking supports improved circulation and metabolic processes. In conclusion, the combination of Benson relaxation and warm foot soaking is a simple, safe, and effective complementary therapy to support blood glucose regulation in type 2 DM patients. This intervention can be integrated into self-care routines and community nursing practice as part of evidence-based non-pharmacological management.

Background: Mental health during pregnancy is influenced by multiple factors, including the social environment. Family support, peer interactions, and community engagement are critical determinants of psychological well-being, yet their impact local community health settings remains underexplored. Objective: This study aimed examine the influence the social environment the mental health pregnant women Tilongka Billa Community Health Center. Methods: A quantitative correlational study was conducted with 70 pregnant women selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing demographic characteristics, social support (family, peer, and community), and mental health status (Perceived Stress Scale and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale). Descriptive statistics summarized the participants’ characteristics, while Pearson Spearman correlation tests analyzed relationships between social environment factors mental health outcomes (p < 0.05). Results: The results indicated that family support had the highest mean score (4.1 ± 0.7), followed by peer support (3.8 ± 0.8) and community involvement (3.5 ± 0.9). Mental health assessments revealed moderate stress levels (18.2 ± 5.0) and mild depression risk (9.5 ± 4.3). Correlation analysis showed significant negative relationships between social support and mental health indicators, with family support exhibiting the strongest correlation with reduced stress (r = -0.48, p = 0.002) and depression (r = -0.52, p = 0.001). Conclusion: The study demonstrates that supportive social environment, particularly family and peer support, plays crucial role in reducing stress and depressive symptoms among pregnant women. Strengthening social support networks through counseling, peer groups, and community engagement programs may enhance maternal mental health and promote positive pregnancy outcomes.

This study analyzes pronunciation learning activities in the English class at SDN 060877 through direct classroom observation techniques. The research aims to understand how teachers organize pronunciation instruction, the strategies applied during learning sessions, and the level of student participation in practicing correct sounds, stress patterns, and intonation. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through on-site observations focusing on teaching procedures, interaction patterns, learning media, and students’ responses. The findings indicate that pronunciation learning is integrated into reading and speaking activities, where the teacher models sound, guides repetition drills, and provides corrective feedback. Students demonstrate varied levels of confidence, with some actively engaging in pronunciation tasks while others rely heavily on teacher prompts. Environmental factors, such as limited audio-media tools and large class size, affect the intensity and effectiveness of practice sessions. Despite these challenges, classroom interactions show that learners gradually improve their sound accuracy and rhythm through continuous modeling and peer practice. This study concludes that direct observation provides comprehensive insights into real classroom dynamics, revealing both the strengths and areas needing improvement in pronunciation teaching. Recommendations are offered to enhance instructional techniques, learning materials, and student engagement.

Mental health has become a major global issue, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly increased the prevalence of psychological disorders. Early detection of stress and other mental health problems remains a major challenge, as traditional methods are generally subjective and unable to provide real-time results. This study aims to design and test a wearable sensor based on Heart Rate Variability (HRV) as a physiological indicator for detecting stress levels. The research employed an experimental approach through the development of a wearable sensor prototype equipped with a stress detection algorithm based on HRV analysis, including both time-domain and frequency-domain parameters. The prototype was tested on 100 respondents with varying stress levels under controlled conditions. Instruments used in this study included the HRV sensor prototype, psychological questionnaires, and standard validation devices. Data were analyzed by comparing the sensor detection results with respondents’ psychological data and calculating prediction accuracy. The findings showed that the wearable sensor was able to predict stress conditions with an accuracy rate of 80%. The distribution of sensor detection results was generally consistent with psychological data, especially in the low-stress category, although slight deviations were observed in moderate and high-stress categories. These results demonstrate that an HRV-based wearable sensor can serve as a practical and non-invasive tool to monitor mental conditions in real time. The implications of this research highlight the potential of wearable technology as an innovative solution for mental health monitoring, both for individual use and as support for healthcare systems. Therefore, this study contributes to the development of adaptive and responsive health technologies in addressing global mental health challenges.

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a Mindfulness -based psychotherapy intervention in reducing academic stress levels experienced by college students. The study used a pretest–posttest design without a control group, involving 10 active college students purposively selected based on moderate to high levels of academic stress. The intervention was implemented over two days and included reflective exercises and guided experiences focused on the application of the seven Mindfulness  principles according to Kabat-Zinn (2015): non-judgment using personal standards, patience, a beginner's mind, trust, effortlessness, acceptance, and letting go. Data were collected using an academic stress scale that measures four aspects: coursework pressure, demands for satisfactory grades, time management for studying, and social support. Data were analyzed quantitatively using a paired-samples t-test. The results showed a significant decrease in academic stress levels from an average score of 73.1 to 58.5, indicating that this intervention was effective in helping students manage academic stress more consciously, calmly, and adaptively. This condition suggests that psychotherapy intervention through Mindfulness  training can be a strategy to support students' psychological well-being in academic environments. Keywords: Mindfulness , academic stress, psychotrophic intervention, students

The prevalence of hypertension in the elderly continues to increase and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Anxiety, which is often experienced by the elderly, also plays a role in worsening hypertension through activation of the sympathetic nervous system and increased stress hormones. This study aims to determine the relationship between anxiety levels and the incidence of hypertension in the elderly at the Kuta Alam Community Health Center in Banda Aceh City. The study used a quantitative method with a cross-sectional analytical design. The study population consisted of 145 elderly people with hypertension, with a sample of 59 people selected through a purposive sampling technique. The study was conducted from April 28 to May 8, 2025. Anxiety levels were measured using the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) questionnaire, and blood pressure was measured using a digital sphygmomanometer. Data analysis was carried out univariately and bivariately using the Chi-square test. The results showed that the majority of respondents experienced panic anxiety (39.0%) and Grade III hypertension (44.1%). There was a significant relationship between anxiety levels and the incidence of hypertension in the elderly (ρ = 0.000; ρ < 0.05). In conclusion, anxiety influences the severity of hypertension, so psychological aspects need to be considered in elderly health services at the Kuta Alam Community Health Center.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease that not only causes physical disorders, but also has an impact on the patient's psychological condition, especially increased stress levels. Unmanaged stress can worsen medical conditions, decrease adherence to treatment, and negatively impact the patient's quality of life. Social support is known to have an important role as a protective factor in helping patients cope with psychological burden. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between social support and stress levels in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The research design used was descriptive correlation with a cross-sectional approach, involving [number of respondents] patients selected with the [mention sampling technique]. The research instrument used a validated social support questionnaire and stress scale. The data were analyzed by the Pearson/Spearman correlation test according to the data distribution. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between social support and stress levels in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (p < 0.05), with a negative correlation direction, which means that the higher the social support received by the patient, the lower the level of stress experienced. These findings confirm the importance of the role of family, health workers, and the social environment in supporting patients to manage stress and improve quality of life. This study recommends the need for social support-based interventions in diabetes management programs in health services.

This study aims to determine the contribution of self-efficacy to teachers' work stress at SLB Negeri 1 Harau, the only public special school in Harau District. Teachers at SLB face complex challenges in dealing with students with special needs, which has the potential to cause work stress. The study used a quantitative approach with a correlational method to test the relationship between self-efficacy and work stress. The research population is all teachers at SLB Negeri 1 Harau as many as 20 people, with a total sampling technique. The research instrument was in the form of a questionnaire on self-efficacy and work stress which was compiled based on the Likert scale. The results of the analysis showed a correlation value of 0.795** with df = 18 and r table = 0.443, which means that there is a significant and strong relationship between self-efficacy and work stress. The regression test using SPSS version 29 produced an Fcount of 21.974 > a Ftable of 3.28, so that H₀ was rejected and Hₐ was accepted. These findings show that self-efficacy contributes significantly to teachers' work stress. Teachers with high levels of self-efficacy tend to have better ability to manage work pressure and respond to learning challenges positively. This research provides important implications for the development of psychological intervention programs and self-efficacy improvement training for educators in an inclusive education environment.

Oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and chromatin instability are usually associated with male infertility and undermine the sperm DNA integrity. Recently, Vitamin K₂ (menaquinone) became a bioactive compound whose regulation action can be found in both apoptosis and transcriptional signaling. This study examines how Vitamin K₂ can be protective in the regulation of apoptotic pathways and stability in sperm chromatin by an integrative experimental and in silico analysis. Vitamin K₂ levels, DNA fragmentation level of infertile men's serum and semen samples (Aniline Blue), and the expression levels of apoptosis-associated genes (BAX, BCL-2, and CASP-3) in the samples were examined by qRT-PCR. The characterization of Vitamin K₂ binding affinity to apoptotic proteins was done using dynamics simulations. Findings showed that high levels of Vitamin K₂ had a significant positive correlation with reduced levels of DNA fragmentation and good control of apoptotic genes with reduced BAX and CASP-3 and increased expression of BCL-2. In general, the results indicate Vitamin K₂ as a potential regulator of sperm death and chromatin integrity that provides new therapeutic understanding on how male infertile patients can be treated.

Student mental health is an important issue in higher education, yet many students remain reluctant to utilize counseling services. Several factors are suspected to influence students’ willingness to participate in counseling, including stress levels, social support, public stigma, and self-stigma. This study aimed to determine the relationship between stress level, social support, public stigma, and self-stigma with students’ intention to engage in mental health counseling. The research used a quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 202 first-year nursing students from Campus I of Poltekkes Kemenkes Semarang were selected using a total sampling technique. The research instrument was a questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability, and data were analyzed using Spearman’s rho correlation test. The results showed that most students had a moderate level of stress (52.8%), adequate social support (58.1%), moderate public stigma (53.7%), and moderate self-stigma (55.3%). Students’ willingness to seek counseling was also in the moderate category (63.4%). Statistical analysis indicated a significant relationship between stress level (p=0.000), social support (p=0.002), public stigma (p=0.000), and self-stigma (p=0.000) with the intention to engage in mental health counseling. These findings highlight the importance of promotive and preventive approaches from educational institutions to enhance students’ awareness and access to mental health counseling services.

Pregnancy can trigger a maturity crisis that can cause stress. Stress in pregnant women is related to stress during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. The purpose of this study was to examine factors related to stress levels in pregnant women facing childbirth. This type of research was an analytical survey with a cross-sectional approach conducted in the Lubuk Buaya Community Health Center Work Area from April 25 to May 7, 2022. The population was all pregnant women who visited the Lubuk Buaya Community Health Center Work Area in Padang in 2022, totaling 178 people, with a sample of 64 people, using an accidental sampling technique. Data were collected using a questionnaire with a validity analysis result of r>0.267 and a reliability test with a Cronbach's Alpha value>0.7. They were processed manually, using univariate and bivariate analysis with the chi-square test. The results of the study showed that 26.6% experienced moderate stress, 37.5% had poor family support, 37.5% had poor husband support, 40.6% had trauma, 46.9% had a personal readiness level in the unprepared category, and 46.9% had a heavy activity level. There is a relationship between family support and stress levels, there is a relationship between husband support and stress levels, there is a relationship between traumatic experiences and stress levels, there is a relationship between personal readiness levels and stress levels, and there is a relationship between activity levels and stress levels.

Fasting as a spiritual and health practice has been practiced for thousands of years in various religious and cultural traditions around the world. In the last decade, researchers have shown increasing interest in the health aspects of fasting, not only from a physiological but also a psychological perspective. This phenomenon is interesting to study further, especially in the context of modern society which often faces stress, anxiety, and various mental disorders. The approach used in this study was a qualitative approach with a literature study method that analyzed in depth various reference sources related to the mental impact of fasting. The results of the review of several studies show that fasting has been proven to have an effect on mental health because it has a significant impact on overall mood improvements, with reduced anxiety levels and increased feelings of calm. Furthermore, another important aspect of mental health is cognitive function, which includes attention, concentration, memory, and executive function. It was found that cognitive alertness is generally maintained during short- to medium-term fasting, but begins to decline after longer fasting durations. Fasting also has an impact on extraordinary psychological resilience and good mental health despite advanced age. Researchers attribute this extraordinary mental resilience to the consistent practice of long-term fasting, which may have induced significant neuroplastic and psychological adaptations.

The current education system is facing a crucial dilemma: the intensifying focus on cognitive achievement amidst the specific challenges faced by Generation Z. Junior high school students aged 12–15, who are digital natives, are at risk of reduced social interaction and mental health issues due to high screen time. Addressing this urgency, this study aims to describe the strategic role of dance arts education in shaping character and creativity, and to identify implementation solutions at SMP Negeri 1 Wonogiri. This descriptive qualitative study utilized 8 students active in dance as primary subjects, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings indicate that dance arts, through an embodied learning approach based on physical movement, is highly effective in cultivating character. Values such as discipline, which is transferred from the punctuality required in practice to general school life , collective responsibility , and self-confidence that overcomes social awkwardness, grew significantly. Furthermore, dance reinforces authentic cooperation and cultural appreciation. In terms of creativity, the activity encourages movement exploration, improvisation, and creative problem-solving. Psychologically, dance practice functions as a positive coping mechanism that effectively lowers adolescent stress levels. Although constraints exist, such as limited instructional time (80 minutes per week) , adaptive solutions like strengthening extracurricular activities and the peer tutoring system are being implemented. This research concludes that dance arts education is an essential and strategic medium for developing holistic competencies, including the 4Cs (Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication) and the Profil Pelajar Pancasila.

Regular exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving immune system function, especially in female athletes who experience hormonal and physiological stress during training. This review article aims to explain the effects of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on humoral immune parameters and stress hormone responses in female athletes compared to inactive women. Based on the results of various studies, moderate and consistent physical activity can increase levels of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) and strengthen immune protection. On the other hand, high-intensity or excessive exercise can increase cortisol and ACTH levels, potentially suppressing immune function temporarily. Research findings also show that female athletes have a better immune profile compared to inactive women, as indicated by increased natural killer cell activity and lymphocyte proliferation. However, excessive exercise can lead to immunological imbalance. Therefore, moderate-intensity exercise and well-planned training programs are proven to maintain endurance and prevent the risk of immune decline. This review is expected to broaden the understanding of sports immunology and women's health.

University students frequently face various academic demands, such as coursework, research, field practice, and examinations. These pressures may lead to psychological stress that can trigger anxiety. If not properly managed, anxiety can negatively affect academic performance, social interactions, and students’ psychological well-being. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the intensity of Qur’an recitation and the level of anxiety among students. This research employed a quantitative descriptive design involving 103 students from the Department of Psychology, Padang State University as participants. The sampling technique used was nonprobability sampling with a purposive sampling approach. The instruments consisted of the Qur’an Reading Intensity Scale adapted from Pradika (2014) with a reliability coefficient of 0.721, and the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale with a reliability coefficient of 0.829. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s product-moment correlation test. The findings revealed a significant negative correlation between the intensity of Qur’an recitation and students’ anxiety levels (r = -0.801; p = 0.000 < 0.05). This indicates that the more frequently students read the Qur’an, the lower their anxiety levels, and vice versa. Categorization results further showed that most students had a high intensity of Qur’an recitation (42.7%) and experienced low to moderate levels of anxiety (78.7%). These results reinforce previous studies suggesting that spiritual practices such as Qur’an recitation can serve as an effective spiritual coping strategy to foster tranquility, regulate emotions, and strengthen resilience in facing academic stressors. Therefore, Qur’an recitation can be recommended as a complementary approach to maintaining students’ mental health in higher education settings.

This study aims to describe the level of anxiety, stress, and depression in women undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) program and to see the distribution of psychological disorders based on sociodemographic characteristics and the stage of IVF program undertaken. The design of this study was descriptive quantitative with purposive sampling technique on 28 women who were undergoing IVF cycles in infertility clinics in Yogyakarta Special Region. Data were collected online through a questionnaire containing Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) instruments. Descriptive analysis showed that most respondents experienced moderate anxiety (42%), mild stress (38%), and mild depression (36%). The analysis also showed that sociodemographic characteristics, such as age older than 35 years, non-working employment status, and low education, had a higher tendency towards psychological disorders. In addition, certain phases of IVF, such as the waiting phase after embryo transfer, appeared to be associated with increased levels of anxiety and stress. This study emphasizes the importance of more intensive psychological support, especially for women who are in the more stressful stages of IVF, as well as for those with sociodemographic risk factors that increase their vulnerability to psychological disorders.