Publication Search

Emesis gravidarum (EG) is a common condition experienced by pregnant women, characterized by nausea and vomiting that can negatively impact the health of both the mother and the fetus. Although often considered a normal part of pregnancy, EG can significantly impact a mother's quality of life. Age factors are thought to have an effect on the level of maternal knowledge about this condition, with older mothers tending to have a better understanding than younger mothers. This study used a quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach. A sample of 30 pregnant women in the first trimester was taken using the purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using Pearson correlation tests. 60% of respondents were multigravida, and 40% of respondents (100%) were between the ages of 20 and 35. Seventy percent of people throw up more than three times a day. With an average score of 73.40 (on a scale of 50 to 90), Mother's level of knowledge showed variances in comprehension. The normality test revealed that the knowledge and age data were normally distributed. Since there was no discernible association between the mother's age and her degree of knowledge (r = 0.139, p = 0.465) according to the Pearson correlation test, other variables like education and information availability might be more important factors influencing knowledge. The age of the first-trimester pregnant women and their level of EG knowledge did not significantly correlate. Consequently, comprehensive health education is essential to enhance pregnant women's comprehension of EG, irrespective of age considerations.

Stunting is a condition characterized by a height or body length shorter than expected for a child's age, commonly referred to as being underdeveloped or dwarfed. It is a chronic nutritional problem in toddlers, influenced by various factors including socioeconomic conditions, maternal nutrition during pregnancy, birth weight and length, frequent illnesses in infants, and inadequate nutritional intake during infancy. Stunting can have long-term effects on physical and cognitive development, which makes its prevention crucial. This research aims to investigate the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the incidence of stunting in children aged 2-5 years at the Nuangan Health Center. The study employed a quantitative correlation approach with a cross-sectional design to assess this relationship. A total of 20 respondents, selected using purposive sampling, participated in the study. The research utilized a weighing scale and measuring tape as instruments for data collection. Data analysis was conducted using the Chi-Square test, which helped determine the significance of the relationship between BMI and stunting occurrence. The results revealed a statistically significant relationship (Sig = 0.027 < 0.05), suggesting that BMI is a key factor influencing the occurrence of stunting in toddlers at the Nuangan Health Center. This finding underscores the importance of monitoring BMI and addressing nutritional issues early in childhood to prevent stunting and its potential consequences on growth and development. The study highlights the need for health interventions focusing on improving maternal and infant nutrition, as well as promoting better health practices to mitigate the risk of stunting in young children.

Primary dysmenorrhea is menstrual discomfort that begins during menarche and is not associated with any underlying pelvic pathological disorders. It is a common condition that can significantly affect daily activities and lower the quality of life. The pain often associated with dysmenorrhea may be alleviated by improving blood circulation and utilizing pleasant aromas. One of the most widespread gynecological conditions, dysmenorrhea affects women of all ages and is frequently characterized by painful menstruation. Aromatherapy, particularly with lavender flowers, has been traditionally used to treat a variety of conditions including pain, postpartum depression, anxiety, and discomfort following cesarean sections. It has also been used to reduce dysmenorrhea. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 90% of women experience some form of dysmenorrhea, with 10–15% of these cases classified as severe. Pain management strategies for dysmenorrhea can be categorized into pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological methods, with aromatherapy being one of the prominent non-pharmacological techniques. This study aimed to assess the impact of lavender flower aromatherapy (Lavandula angustifolia) on the severity of dysmenorrhea in teenage females residing in Iloheluma Village, Patilanggio District, Pohuwato Regency. A quantitative, quasi-experimental approach was utilized in this research, employing a purposeful sampling method. The severity of dysmenorrhea discomfort before and after the lavender aromatherapy sessions was evaluated using the paired t-test. Of the respondents, 55% were aged 15–19 years. Prior to the aromatherapy treatment, 100% of participants reported moderate pain intensity. Following the aromatherapy session, the most common pain level reported by the participants (100%) was mild pain. These results suggest that lavender flower aromatherapy has a significant effect in reducing the severity of dysmenorrhea and can be considered an effective non-pharmacological intervention for menstrual discomfort.

Pregnancy is a natural process that many women undergo, but it is often accompanied by discomfort during antenatal visits. One of the most common symptoms during pregnancy is nausea and vomiting, known as emesis gravidarum, which typically occurs in the first trimester. Various natural remedies, such as lime extract, are believed to alleviate these symptoms. Lime, rich in essential limonin, linalool, and flavonoids, offers benefits for pregnant women by potentially relieving nausea and vomiting. Additionally, honey, when consumed during pregnancy, can support overall health and immunity. This study aims to investigate the effect of honey-lime juice (Citrus aurantifolia) on nausea and vomiting in pregnant women with emesis gravidarum at Puskesmas Murung Pudak, Tabalong Regency, South Kalimantan. The research design used a pre-experimental approach with a one-group pre-test post-test method. The intervention was administered for four consecutive days, during which the frequency of nausea and vomiting was measured on the first and fourth days. A purposive sampling technique was applied to select 30 pregnant women as participants. Data were collected through observation using the PUQE (Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea) scoring system. The analysis was conducted using the Paired T-Test, which resulted in a p-value of 0.000, indicating a significant effect with a confidence level of α = 0.05. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is a significant effect of giving honey-lime juice in reducing nausea and vomiting in pregnant women with emesis gravidarum. This finding suggests that honey-lime juice could be an effective natural remedy to alleviate pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, offering a promising alternative for managing this common pregnancy symptom.

It is crucial for individuals at all life stages—ranging from fetuses to the elderly—to receive proper nutrition for healthy development and well-being. During pregnancy, malnutrition can lead to abnormal physical development, impaired cognitive function, decreased work productivity, reduced immune resistance, and, ultimately, higher risks of illness and death. Women who maintain proper nutritional intake before conception can help prevent anemia, as the increased demand for iron during pregnancy may otherwise lead to deficiencies. This study aims to analyze the relationship between individual nutritional conditions and the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women during their second trimester in the work area of the Hikun Health Center, Tabalong Regency, South Kalimantan. The research utilized an observational analytical approach with a cross-sectional design. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted, where univariate analysis examined the distribution of individual variables, and bivariate analysis employed the chi-square method to assess the relationship between two variables. The findings indicated that non-ideal nutritional status was associated with a decrease in anemia cases by 80.0%. However, this association was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.317). The data analysis concluded that there was no significant effect between maternal nutrition and anemia levels in pregnant women at the Hikun Health Center. These results suggest that while nutritional status is a factor in anemia prevalence, other variables may also play a role, and further research is needed to explore potential contributing factors and to refine the understanding of how nutrition, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices impact anemia in pregnant women.

Complementary foods, or MP-ASI (food for babies), play a crucial role in providing essential nutrients for infants and children to meet their growing nutritional needs. The knowledge and attitude of mothers are pivotal factors influencing children's nutrition, as a lack of understanding regarding complementary feeding often leads to malnutrition. One of the primary causes of malnutrition in infants is the improper timing of introducing complementary foods, either too early (before six months of age) or too late. This study aims to analyze the relationship between mothers' knowledge and attitudes regarding the provision of complementary feeding for infants aged 6-12 months at the Ribang Health Center, Muara Uya District, Tabalong Regency, South Kalimantan. The study utilized univariate, bivariate, and chi-square tests to analyze the data. A total of 20 respondents were surveyed, with results indicating that 8 respondents (46.7%) had sufficient knowledge and a good attitude, while 14 respondents (70%) demonstrated a good attitude. The chi-square test revealed a p-value of 0.000 (<0.05) at α = 0.05, supporting the hypothesis that maternal knowledge is significantly related to the provision of complementary feeding. However, the bivariate analysis showed a p-value of 0.163, indicating no significant effect between maternal attitudes and the provision of complementary feeding. In conclusion, while there is a significant relationship between maternal knowledge and complementary feeding, the study found no significant association between maternal attitudes and the timing of complementary feeding based on statistical analysis. This study highlights the importance of improving maternal knowledge in the provision of complementary feeding to ensure proper infant nutrition

Toddler Posyandu has an important role in monitoring child growth and development as well as preventing nutritional and health problems. The activeness of mothers in bringing their toddlers to Posyandu is greatly influenced by various factors, one of which is the role of health cadres. Posyandu cadres act as community mobilizers in increasing awareness and participation of mothers in toddler health programs. However, there are still many mothers who are less active in attending Posyandu, so an evaluation of the influence of the role of cadres on the activeness of toddler mothers in Posyandu activities is needed. Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between the role of cadres and the activeness of toddler mothers in attending Posyandu toddlers in the work area of Kabila Bone Health Center. Method: This study used a quantitative method with a cross-sectional design. The research sample consisted of 30 respondents selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire that assessed the role of cadres and the level of mother's activeness in attending Posyandu. Data analysis was carried out using the chi-square test with a significance level of 5% (p <0.05). Results: The results of the study showed that there was a significant relationship between the role of cadres and the activeness of mothers of toddlers in attending the integrated health post, with a p value = 0.000 (<0.05). This shows that the more active and involved the integrated health post cadres are, the higher the level of activeness of mothers in bringing their toddlers to the integrated health post. Conclusion: The role of cadres greatly influences the activeness of mothers in attending the integrated health post for toddlers.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2015 the global maternal mortality rate (MMR) reached 303,000 deaths. In Indonesia, the MMR for the same year was 305 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly higher than the national target of 75 per 100,000 live births. The top five causes of maternal death in Indonesia include hemorrhage (30.3%), hypertension in pregnancy (27.1%), infection (7.3%), prolonged labor (1.8%), and abortion (1.6%). One complication that can contribute to maternal morbidity and mortality is placental retention, a condition in which the placenta fails to be delivered within 30 minutes after childbirth. In 2016, 51 cases of placental retention were reported in the study area, raising concerns about its prevalence and contributing factors. This study aimed to determine the relationship between maternal age and the incidence of placental retention. An analytic survey method was applied using secondary data, with a total population of 398 mothers and a sample of 80 respondents selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis employed chi-square testing. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were not in the at-risk age group (61 respondents or 76.2%), and most did not experience placental retention (64 respondents or 80%). However, statistical analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between maternal age and placental retention, with a p-value of 0.001, indicating that age is a contributing factor. In conclusion, maternal age plays a significant role in the occurrence of placental retention, emphasizing the importance of adequate maternal health education, early antenatal care, and close monitoring during delivery, especially for those in high-risk age categories. Targeted interventions to address age-related risks may help reduce maternal complications and contribute to lowering the maternal mortality rate.

Implant contraception is one of the long-term birth control methods that is effective in preventing pregnancy. However, the use of implant contraception is often associated with side effects, one of which is weight gain. This weight gain can affect compliance and sustainability of the use of implant contraception in the community. Therefore, it is important to understand the relationship between the use of implant contraception and weight gain in the Bolaang Mongondow area. Objective: This study aims to analyze the relationship between the use of implant contraception and weight gain in acceptors in the Bolaang Mongondow area. Method: This study used a quantitative method with a cross-sectional design. The sample in this study were 30 respondents who were acceptors of implant contraception in the Bolaang Mongondow area. Data collection was carried out through interviews and weight measurements before and after using implant contraception. Data analysis was carried out using the chi-square test with a significance level of p <0.05. Results: The results showed that most respondents experienced weight gain after using implant contraception. Statistical analysis with the chi-square test produced a p-value = 0.009, which means that there is a significant relationship between the use of implant contraception and weight gain. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between the use of contraceptive implants and weight gain in acceptors in the Bolaang Mongondow area. This weight gain is likely caused by hormonal changes that occur due to the use of contraceptive implants. Suggestion: Further education is needed for prospective acceptors of contraceptive implants regarding possible side effects, including weight gain. In addition, health workers need to provide assistance and weight management strategies, such as education on healthy eating patterns and physical activity, to reduce the impact of contraceptive implant use.

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is one of the most valuable investments in a child’s health, growth, and intelligence, yet ensuring sufficient breast milk production can be a challenge for some mothers. The banana heart, or banana flower, is an inexpensive and easily accessible part of the banana plant traditionally used to enhance lactation. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, it is believed to support maternal health and stimulate milk production. This study aimed to determine the effect of banana heart consumption on the average increase in breast milk production among breastfeeding mothers in the Bahari Health Center Working Area. A quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group was employed, involving breastfeeding mothers divided into treatment and control groups. The treatment group consumed banana heart preparations, while the control group maintained their regular diet. Breast milk production was measured before and after the intervention. Results indicated that, before treatment, the average breast milk production in the treatment group ranged from 401–500 cc, with a mean of 496.67 cc. After consuming banana heart, production significantly increased to 801–900 cc, with a mean of 816.67 cc. In contrast, the control group’s production remained between 401–500 cc, with a mean of 453.33 cc, showing no significant change. Statistical analysis confirmed the positive effect of banana heart consumption on increasing breast milk production. In conclusion, banana heart can be considered an effective, low-cost, and locally available dietary intervention to improve lactation outcomes, supporting the practice of exclusive breastfeeding for six months. Public health initiatives could promote the use of banana heart as a natural approach for mothers experiencing lactation challenges.

Menstrual pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, is one of the most common reproductive health problems experienced by adolescent girls. This condition often recurs every month and can interfere with school attendance, concentration, and participation in daily activities. Many individuals choose pharmacological treatments such as analgesics to relieve symptoms. However, excessive use of pain relievers can lead to side effects, prompting interest in non-pharmacological approaches. One such approach is the consumption of pineapple juice, which contains beneficial compounds such as pectin, vitamin C, and the enzyme bromelain. Bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties, aids in muscle relaxation, and improves blood circulation, potentially reducing uterine muscle contractions that cause pain. This study aimed to determine the effect of pineapple juice consumption on reducing menstrual pain among adolescent girls. The research design used was pre-experimental with a pretest–posttest approach. The population included 121 adolescent girls who experienced menstrual pain, and the sample was obtained through accidental sampling. Pain quality was evaluated using observation sheets, while pain intensity was measured with the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), which has a validity coefficient of r = 0.90 and reliability above 0.95. Before the intervention, the majority of respondents reported a pain intensity score of 6 (46.7%), with a mean score of 5.86. Following the administration of pineapple juice, pain intensity predominantly decreased to a score of 4 (86.6%), with a mean score of 3.06. The Wilcoxon test produced a p-value of 0.000 (<0.05), indicating a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-intervention pain levels. In conclusion, pineapple juice is effective in significantly reducing menstrual pain in adolescent girls. This finding supports its potential as a simple, affordable, and natural alternative to pharmacological treatments. Further research with a control group and larger sample size is recommended to strengthen the evidence.

Gross motor and fine motor development are critical aspects of early childhood growth, yet a significant proportion of infants and toddlers continue to experience delays in these areas. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016, approximately 20–40% of infants aged 0–2 years face delays in developmental processes, with 5–25% experiencing gross and fine motor disorders. Delays in gross motor skills can reduce adaptability and creativity during the adaptation period, while delays in fine motor skills may hinder a child’s learning process. Beyond adequate nutrition provided by the mother, stimulation is an essential strategy to optimize growth and development. One promising approach is the combination of baby massage and lavender essential oil, which may offer both physical stimulation and relaxation benefits that support motor skill advancement. This study aims to determine the effect of combined baby massage stimulation and lavender essential oil application on the improvement of gross and fine motor skills in infants aged 3–12 months. A pre-experimental quantitative design with one-group pretest–posttest was applied to a sample of 40 infants. Data analysis employed the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to assess changes in motor development scores before and after the intervention. Results indicated a probability value (p-value) of 0.02 (<0.05), suggesting a statistically significant improvement in both gross and fine motor skills following the intervention. These findings highlight the potential of integrating tactile and aromatherapy-based stimulation into infant care routines to enhance motor development. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is recommended to validate these results and explore the underlying mechanisms of action.

Weight gain in contraceptive implant acceptors can have various negative health impacts, including degenerative diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and a reduced ability to carry out daily activities. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the duration of contraceptive implant use and weight gain among women of reproductive age. A quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach was applied. The study population consisted of all contraceptive implant acceptors registered at the health facility, totaling 74 respondents. The sampling technique used was random sampling to ensure representativeness. The independent variable in this research was the duration of contraceptive implant use, while the dependent variable was weight change. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test. The results revealed a statistically significant relationship between the duration of contraceptive implant use and weight gain among respondents. Specifically, the longer the duration of implant use, the higher the likelihood of experiencing weight gain. This finding supports existing evidence that hormonal contraceptive implants may cause side effects, including increased body weight. If not properly managed, such weight gain can lead to overweight or obesity, conditions that substantially raise the risk of developing metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, as well as cardiovascular diseases including hypertension and coronary heart disease. Based on these results, it is recommended that contraceptive implant users undergo regular weight monitoring to identify changes early. Additionally, health education programs emphasizing balanced nutrition and adequate physical activity should be implemented for women using hormonal contraceptives. Health care providers are encouraged to deliver comprehensive counseling prior to implant insertion, ensuring that potential side effects and preventive measures are clearly explained. Such proactive steps will help women make informed decisions and maintain optimal health while using contraceptive implants.

In Indonesia, stroke is the leading cause of illness and death among the elderly. Dietary habits, especially fatty food intake, have been identified as changeable risk factors. Nonetheless, there is a scarcity of national data on this relationship among older Indonesian adults. This study sought to investigate the relationship between fatty food intake and stroke occurrence in elderly Indonesians, utilizing data from the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (Survey Kesehatan Indonesia or SKI). This cross-sectional study was performed using secondary data from SKI 2023, encompassing 97,339 participants aged 60 years and above. The primary outcome was whether a stroke diagnosis was present (yes/no) and the key independent variable was the consumption of fatty foods (yes/no). Additional variables considered were age, gender, education, marital status, employment, residence, and alcohol use. Weighted descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were conducted using STATA 14.1, with sampling weights applied. The stroke prevalence among elderly participants was 3.2%. The bivariate analysis revealed a significant association between fatty food consumption and stroke (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that elderly individuals who avoided fatty foods had a notably reduced risk of stroke (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.45–0.58, p < 0.001). Alcohol consumption also had a protective effect (OR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.12–0.43, p < 0.001). There is a significant association between fatty food consumption and stroke among the elderly population in Indonesia. Public health strategies encouraging healthier eating habits could potentially lower the stroke risk in this susceptible group

Chronic and degenerative diseases have a profound effect on patients' overall well-being, often accompanied by psychological distress such as anxiety and chronic stress. While pharmacological treatments are commonly used, they may have limitations, including accessibility issues and side effects, which have prompted interest in non-pharmacological interventions. This scoping review aims to systematically map and synthesize the empirical evidence on the physiological and psychological effects of the 4-7-8 breathing technique, a structured slow-breathing method that involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds. The review adhered to PRISMA-ScR guidelines and included 15 studies published between 2013 and 2024. These studies examined diverse populations and employed various methodological approaches. The findings were categorized into five major themes: (1) the 4-7-8 technique's effectiveness in reducing stress and anxiety, (2) improvements in cardiovascular markers such as heart rate variability and blood pressure, (3) its adaptability in both clinical and community-based multimodal interventions, (4) its preventive benefits for healthy individuals, and (5) its impact on parasympathetic activity via vagal pathways, enhancing autonomic regulation and emotional stability. The technique is supported by both theoretical and empirical evidence, positioning it as an accessible, low-cost psychoregulatory intervention. The results suggest that the 4-7-8 breathing technique could play a key role in holistic nursing care, health education, and public health promotion strategies, offering a simple yet effective approach to managing stress, improving mental health, and enhancing cardiovascular health. Future studies could explore long-term benefits and its integration into more diverse health interventions.

Rapid population growth is a major challenge in Indonesia, despite the ongoing implementation of the Family Planning (KB) program. Among the various contraceptive methods introduced, the Intrauterine Device (IUD) has proven to be an effective long-term solution. However, maternal interest in using the IUD remains relatively low, posing a challenge to achieving optimal family planning outcomes. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing maternal interest in choosing IUDs at Biontong Health Center. The study employed an observational design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 35 respondents were selected using a total sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire that assessed various factors influencing IUD use, including knowledge, gravida status, and previous family planning experience. The results revealed that 57.1% of respondents were not interested in using IUDs, while 42.9% expressed interest. Several significant factors were found to influence maternal interest, particularly the level of knowledge and gravida status. Specifically, respondents with better knowledge about IUDs were more likely to be interested in using them, with 63.6% of those with good knowledge expressing interest, compared to 30.0% with sufficient knowledge and only 35.7% with poor knowledge. Additionally, gravida status also played a significant role, with those who had previous pregnancies showing more interest in IUD use. In conclusion, maternal knowledge and pregnancy experience are key factors influencing interest in IUD use. To increase the adoption of IUDs as a long-term contraceptive option, it is essential to improve education and counseling efforts aimed at increasing public understanding of the benefits and safety of IUDs.

Stunting is a medical condition that significantly affects children's growth and development, resulting in long-term impacts on physical health, cognitive abilities, and productivity in adulthood. The problem often begins during pregnancy and early life, when nutrition and health care play a critical role in determining a child's developmental trajectory. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the prevalence of stunting among toddlers in the operational area of the Dolodou Health Center UPTD and two key maternal and perinatal factors: chronic energy deficiency (CED) in pregnant mothers and low birth weight (LBW). A cross-sectional design was applied using a quantitative research approach. The study population consisted of all mothers with toddlers in the Dolodou Health Center area, and 31 respondents were recruited using a total sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaires to gather information on maternal nutrition history, pregnancy conditions, and child anthropometric measurements. Chi-square statistical analysis was used to examine the relationships between variables. The results revealed a significant association between stunting and maternal CED status (p = 0.024), indicating that children born to mothers with chronic energy deficiency were at a higher risk of experiencing stunting. Additionally, children with a history of LBW were found to be more likely to suffer from stunting compared to those with normal birth weight. These findings underscore the importance of preventive measures during pregnancy, including nutritional monitoring, dietary supplementation, and health education to prevent both CED and LBW. In conclusion, addressing maternal nutritional health before and during pregnancy, along with continuous monitoring of child growth, is crucial to reducing stunting prevalence. Collaborative efforts between health workers, families, and the community are essential to ensure adequate nutrition and promote healthy development in children.

Back pain is one of the most common complaints experienced by pregnant women, especially during the third trimester of pregnancy. This discomfort is generally caused by physiological and biomechanical changes in the body, such as an increase in body weight, a shift in the center of gravity, and hormonal changes that affect muscle and joint flexibility. If not managed properly, back pain can reduce mobility, interfere with daily activities, and impact the quality of life of pregnant women. One safe and non-pharmacological method to reduce back pain is prenatal massage therapy. This study aimed to determine the effect of prenatal massage on reducing back pain among pregnant women in the third trimester at Primary Health Care (PHC) Bulango. This research used a pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest–posttest approach. The sample consisted of 30 pregnant women in their third trimester who were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was carried out using observation and interviews with a numerical pain rating scale administered before and after the prenatal massage intervention. The massage sessions were performed following standardized prenatal massage procedures focusing on the lower back area. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test with the assistance of SPSS software. The results showed a statistically significant difference in back pain scores before and after the intervention, with a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05). This finding indicates that prenatal massage effectively reduces back pain in third-trimester pregnant women. Based on these results, prenatal massage can be recommended as a safe, non-invasive, and beneficial complementary therapy to improve maternal comfort during pregnancy. Incorporating prenatal massage into routine antenatal care could enhance the overall well-being and quality of life of expectant mothers.

Optimal breast milk production is essential for supporting infant health and development, especially during the first months of life. One non-pharmacological method that has been shown to help increase breast milk production is oxytocin massage. This technique stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin, which plays a vital role in triggering the let-down reflex, thereby facilitating the flow of milk from the mammary glands. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between oxytocin massage and breast milk production among postpartum mothers at Mopuya Community Health Center. This research employed an observational analytical design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 25 postpartum mothers were recruited as respondents using purposive sampling. Data collection was conducted through surveys and direct observations, followed by statistical analysis using Kendall’s tau_b non-parametric correlation test. The results showed a strong and statistically significant correlation between oxytocin massage and breast milk production, with a correlation coefficient of 0.699 and a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05). This indicates that mothers who received regular oxytocin massage tended to have better milk production compared to those who did not. The findings highlight oxytocin massage as an effective, simple, and safe non-pharmacological intervention that can be implemented in maternal and child health services to support breastfeeding success. Given its benefits, healthcare providers, especially midwives and lactation counselors, are encouraged to educate and train postpartum mothers in oxytocin massage techniques. Further research with larger sample sizes and varied settings is recommended to strengthen evidence and explore long-term impacts on breastfeeding duration and infant growth.

Attendance management is an essential component in educational institutions, companies, and organizations to monitor the presence and punctuality of participants. Traditional attendance systems, such as manual signatures or identification cards, are prone to various issues including human error, time inefficiency, and identity fraud. To address these challenges, this study aims to develop a smart attendance system using facial recognition technology based on Python and the OpenCV library. The system is designed to automatically detect and recognize faces in real time using a webcam or camera module. It employs computer vision techniques to capture facial images, extract unique features, and match them against a stored database of registered participants. Once the face is verified, the system records the attendance along with a timestamp, ensuring data accuracy and security. The development process involved several stages, including image acquisition, preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification. OpenCV was utilized for image processing tasks, while Python provided the programming framework to integrate all components. To enhance recognition accuracy, the system applied techniques such as histogram equalization for lighting normalization and Haar Cascade classifiers for initial face detection. An experimental evaluation was conducted under various conditions, including different lighting environments and facial orientations. The results demonstrated that the system achieved an accuracy rate of 96% under normal lighting conditions, with only a small decrease in performance under dim or uneven lighting. These findings indicate that the system is reliable for practical applications, especially in controlled environments. Conclusion: The Python-based facial recognition attendance system offers a more efficient, secure, and accurate alternative to conventional attendance methods. Future improvements may include the integration of deep learning models to enhance recognition robustness in diverse real-world scenarios.