Journal of Community Health Provision

Biological Effects of Ajwa Dates for Pre-Conception Women

Umi Tanzil Fadhila, Ida Royani, Nurfadhillah Khalid — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ajwa dates are functional foods that contain bioactive compounds and essential nutrients with potential benefits for women’s reproductive health, particularly during the preconception period. This study aimed to examine the biological effects of Ajwa dates on preconception women, focusing on their nutritional benefits, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, hormonal regulation, ovarian function, and pregnancy readiness. This study used a narrative literature review design based on secondary data obtained from scientific publications published between 2021 and 2026. Data were collected from accredited national journals, reputable international journals, scientific proceedings, and databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, DOAJ, and local open-access journal portals. The selected articles were analyzed using narrative synthesis through thematic organization, comparison between studies, conceptual synthesis, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that Ajwa dates contain phenolics, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides, dietary fiber, and other bioactive compounds that contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Several studies show that Ajwa dates may help reduce oxidative stress, improve antioxidant defense, modulate inflammatory responses, support hormonal balance, and protect ovarian function, including slowing the decline of Anti-Müllerian Hormone and influencing ovarian follicle characteristics. Ajwa dates also provide nutritional support that may improve women’s physiological readiness before pregnancy.

Platelet Analysis in Pediatric Patients with Acute Gastroenteritis at RSIA Sitti Khadijah 1 Makassar

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines with symptoms of diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, experienced for less than 14 days, with a fairly high prevalence worldwide. One of the laboratory tests carried out is routine blood, including platelet count. When inflammation occurs, platelet production will increase in response from the immune system. To analyze platelets in acute gastroenteritis (AGE) sufferers. The methods of the research is descriptive retrospective using medical record data of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) sufferers. Results showed that the age distribution of samples was grouped into three groups, namely < 2 years, 3-5 years, and 6-10 years with the main complaints of diarrhea, vomiting, and diarrhea accompanied by vomiting. The platelet count of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) sufferers is more normal, but there is an increase in platelet count in the < 2 years age group with complaints of diarrhea accompanied by vomiting. There is no relationship between platelet count and complaints of diarrhea, vomiting, and diarrhea accompanied by vomiting in acute gastroenteritis (AGE) sufferers.

Effectiveness of TikTok-Based Health Education in Improving Pregnant Women's Knowledge of Abortion Prevention: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Ruwayda, Isnawati, Yuli Suryanti — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pregnant women's knowledge regarding abortion prevention remains an important determinant in reducing the risk of maternal morbidity associated with abortion. The rapid growth of social media has created new opportunities to deliver health education through engaging and accessible platforms such as TikTok. This study aimed to analyze the effect of TikTok-based health education on pregnant women's knowledge regarding abortion prevention at Sultan Thaha Saifuddin Regional General Hospital, Tebo Regency. A quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest study was conducted at the hospital's Obstetric Clinic in February 2026. Thirty-five pregnant women were recruited using accidental sampling. Participants received standardized educational videos on abortion prevention delivered through TikTok. Knowledge was assessed using a structured questionnaire before and after the intervention. Data normality was evaluated using the Shapiro–Wilk test, and differences in knowledge scores were analyzed using the paired samples t-test with a significance level of α = 0.05. The mean knowledge score increased from 12.31 ± 2.45 before the intervention to 17.94 ± 1.61 after the intervention. The Shapiro–Wilk test confirmed that the data were normally distributed (p > 0.05). Paired samples t-test demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in knowledge, with a mean difference of 5.63 (95% CI: 4.91–6.34; p < 0.001). The intervention also showed a very large effect size (Cohen's d = 2.74). These findings indicate that TikTok-based health education is effective in improving pregnant women's knowledge regarding abortion prevention and may serve as an innovative educational strategy to strengthen health promotion within antenatal care services.

Serum Procalcitonin in Diabetes Mellitus with and Without Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Eka Fitriana, James P. Simanjuntak, Herry Hermansyah, Karnelli — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with immune dysfunction and increased susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Procalcitonin (PCT) is widely used as a biomarker of bacterial infection, but its concentrations in patients with DM and pulmonary TB remain insufficiently characterized. To compare serum PCT concentrations between patients with DM with and without active pulmonary TB. This analytical cross-sectional study included 50 patients with DM recruited from two primary healthcare centers in Jambi, Indonesia, from March to June 2025. Participants comprised 34 patients without pulmonary TB and 16 with active pulmonary TB. Serum PCT was measured using fluorescence immunoassay. Non-normally distributed PCT concentrations were summarized using the median and interquartile range (IQR) and compared using the Mann–Whitney U test.PCT concentrations were within the normal reference range (<0.05 ng/mL) in 33/34 (97.1%) patients without pulmonary TB and 13/16 (81.3%) patients with active pulmonary TB. Because measurements at or below 0.05 ng/mL were retained as thresholded values, the median (IQR) was ≤0.05 (≤0.05–≤0.05) ng/mL in both groups. No statistically significant between-group difference was identified (U = 230.000, Z = −1.857, p = 0.063). Serum PCT concentrations did not differ significantly between patients with DM with and without active pulmonary TB. Larger studies with standardized TB confirmation, assessment of treatment status and relevant confounders, and diagnostic-accuracy analyses are warranted.

Dates and Honey in Nutritional Status in Pregnant Women: Systematic Review

Alisa Febriana Amrin, Rezky Putri Indarwati Abdullah, Asrini Safitri — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Optimal nutritional status during pregnancy is an important factor in supporting maternal health and fetal growth. In Islam, Thibbun Nabawi (Prophetic medicine) includes various natural food ingredients such as honey and dates, which are believed to have health benefits. The objective the research to analyze scientific evidence regarding the effect of dates and honey on the nutritional status of pregnant women based on the results of recent research. Methods: This study used a systematic review method with reference to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Literature was obtained from PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases in the period January–May 2026. Articles that met the inclusion criteria were observational studies, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published between 2015–2025. Data were extracted and analyzed using narrative synthesis. Results showed that Thibbun Nabawi components have the potential to improve the nutritional status of pregnant women. Date consumption is associated with increased hemoglobin levels, improved energy status, and better preparation for childbirth. Honey has a positive effect on increasing energy intake and antioxidant status, and helps reduce fatigue during pregnancy. Conclusion: Dates and honey have the potential to benefit the nutritional status of pregnant women by increasing energy intake and micronutrients, antioxidant activity, and supporting maternal health. However, more robust clinical studies are needed to determine the effectiveness, optimal dosage, and safety of using various components of Thibbun Nabawi during pregnancy.

Association of Lipid Profile, Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c), and Hypertension History with Coronary Artery Disease among Adult Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Witi Karwiti, Nasrazuhdy, Wuni Sri Lestari, Nurhayati, Yusneli, Asrori — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study aimed to examine the association of lipid profile, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and hypertension history with CAD among adult patients. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 40 adult patients undergoing cardiovascular evaluation at Abdul Manap Regional General Hospital, Jambi, Indonesia, including 20 patients with CAD and 20 participants without CAD. Demographic characteristics, lipid profile, HbA1c levels, hypertension history, diabetes mellitus status, smoking status, and body mass index were obtained from medical records and laboratory examinations. Bivariate analyses used independent t-tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, Chi-square tests, or Fisher’s exact tests, followed by multivariable binary logistic regression. Participants with CAD were older and had higher BMI, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and HbA1c levels, but lower HDL cholesterol. After adjustment, age (aOR = 1.13; p = 0.039), BMI (aOR = 1.75; p = 0.023), hypertension history (aOR = 13.71; p = 0.026), diabetes mellitus (aOR = 7.94; p = 0.044), LDL cholesterol ≥130 mg/dL (aOR = 10.49; p = 0.018), and HbA1c ≥6.5% (aOR = 9.10; p = 0.018) were independently associated with CAD. Older age, higher BMI, hypertension, diabetes, elevated LDL cholesterol, and poor glycemic control were independently associated with CAD.

Development and Validation of a Specific PCR Primer for the Detection of the Meca Gene in MRSA

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major pathogen responsible for nosocomial infections with high prevalence in Indonesia. The mecA gene encodes beta-lactam antibiotic resistance, making its specific molecular detection crucial for rapid diagnosis and infection control. This study aimed to develop and validate specific PCR primers for detecting the mecA gene in MRSA as a marker of antibiotic resistance. Laboratory experimental research was conducted at the UPH Advanced Biology Laboratory in November 2025 using certified pure MRSA isolates. DNA extraction was performed with the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit and quantified using a spectrophotometer. Primer design was carried out in silico using NCBI PrimerBLAST and BioEdit, followed by conventional PCR optimization with varying annealing temperatures. Amplification results were validated through agarose gel electrophoresis, with qualitative assessment based on DNA band intensity and sharpness. The mecA primer successfully amplified an 818-bp fragment at an optimal annealing temperature of 55.5°C, producing a single, sharp band without smearing. The negative control (S. aureus) showed no amplification, confirming primer specificity. Despite low DNA concentrations (4.5–7.6 ng/μL), amplification was consistently successful, indicating that this method is capable of reliably detecting the target gene at low DNA levels. This validated method provides an accurate molecular diagnostic tool for rapid identification of resistant pathogens. It supports epidemiological surveillance, nosocomial infection control, and early detection programs within the Indonesian healthcare system. By enabling precise detection of mecA-mediated resistance, the approach strengthens laboratory capacity for monitoring MRSA and contributes to improved public health strategies.