Public Health Journal
Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026): July-September, In Progress

Comparative Effectiveness of Virgin Coconut Oil and Olive Oil on Striae Gravidarum in Pregnant Women during theSecond and Third Trimesters at TPMB Sumartini Purwakarta, 2026

Elma Yulia (Undergraduate Applied Midwifery Program Student, Politeknik Bhakti Asih Purwakarta)
Dita Humaeroh (Leucturer, Undergraduate Applied Midwifery Program Student, Politeknik Bhakti Asih Purwakarta)
Maulida Lathifah (Leucturer, Undergraduate Applied Midwifery Program Student, Politeknik Bhakti Asih Purwakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Aug 2026

Abstract

Striae gravidarum is a skin condition experienced by the majority of pregnant women, with a global prevalence of 50–70% (WHO, 2024), 70–95% in Indonesia (2025), and a preliminary survey at TPMB Sumartini Purwakarta (2026) identifying approximately 40 cases. This condition affects mothers physically, psychologically, functionally, and in terms of quality of life. Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), rich in lauric acid, and olive oil, containing oleic acid and antioxidants, are believed to help maintain skin elasticity. This study used a quasi-experimental two-group pretest–posttest design with 36 respondents (18 receiving VCO, 18 receiving olive oil). The severity of striae was measured using the Davey Score, and the data were analyzed using the Paired Samples T-Test and Independent Samples T-Test. The results showed a significant decrease in scores in both groups (p = 0.000). The mean score reduction in the VCO group was 2.00, while in the olive oil group it was 1.33. The Independent Samples T-Test showed a significant difference (p < 0.05), with VCO proving more effective. VCO was shown to be more effective than olive oil in reducing the severity of striae gravidarum; therefore, its routine use from the second trimester onward is recommended as a preventive measure to maintain skin elasticity, minimize the risk of striae, and improve the comfort and confidence of pregnant women.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

phj

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health Veterinary

Description

Public Health Journal (PHJ), merupakan jurnal ilmiah hasil kegiatan penelitian yang dialkukan dosen, mahasiswa dan masyarakat yang diterbitkan oleh CV Teewan Solutions. Jurnal ini membahas beberapa permasalahan umum dari hasil penelitian yang diimplementasikan ke masyarakat. Tujuan penerbitan jurnal ...