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Journal of Maternal and Child Health
ISSN : -     EISSN : 25490257     DOI : -
Core Subject : Health,
Journal of Maternal and Child Health (JMCH) is an electronic, open-access, double-blind and peer-reviewed international journal, focusing on maternal and child health. The journal began its publication on July 11, 2015, and is published four times yearly. JMCH aims to improve the policy, program, service, and practice, as they impact infant, children, mother, women, adolescent, and family health.
Arjuna Subject : -
Articles 506 Documents
Effectiveness of Young Papaya Fruit Extract on Prolactin Hormone and Infant Body Weight Edining Eko Puji Kaptiyanti; Sri Sumarni; Edy Susanto
Journal of Maternal and Child Health Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026)
Publisher : Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26911/thejmch.2026.11.01.06

Abstract

Background: Breast milk is the best nutrition for infants. Successful exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life optimizes growth, cognitive development, and strengthens the infant's immune system. Prolactin, which affects breast milk production, remains a barrier to exclusive breastfeeding. One approach is to utilize natural lactagogic ingredients such as unripe papaya (Carica papaya L.). The purpose of this study was to analyze and demonstrate the effectiveness of unripe papaya extract on increasing prolactin levels and infant weight in breastfeeding mothers. Subjects and Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design with a two-group pretest-posttest design. The study location was the Danasari Community Health Center, Bojong District, Tegal Regency. Data collection was conducted from July to August 2025. The intervention group consisted of 1000 mg/day of unripe papaya extract, UHT milk, and boiled eggs for 7 days, and the control group received nursing care, UHT milk, and boiled eggs for 7 days. The dependent variables studied were prolactin hormone and infant weight, and the independent variables were unripe papaya extract, milk, and boiled eggs. Analysis techniques used were the Wilcoxon test and the Paired Sample T-Test. Results: The average prolactin hormone level in the intervention group after administration of unripe papaya extract was higher (Mean = 199.70; SD = 72.57) than before the intervention (Mean = 174.50; SD = 64.08) and was statistically significant (p = 0.002). The average infant weight in the intervention group after administration of unripe papaya extract was higher (Mean = 5631.50; SD = 987.73) than before the intervention (Mean = 5313.75; SD = 1025.04) and was statistically significant (p = 0.000). Conclusion: Administration of unripe papaya extract has been shown to be effective in increasing prolactin hormone levels in breastfeeding mothers and infant weight.
Effect of Pregnancy Classes Plus Early Warning System on Postpartum Hemorrhage Prevention and Self-Efficacy Sulistiawati Sulistiawati; Runjati Runjati; Hermien Nugraheni
Journal of Maternal and Child Health Vol. 11 No. 2 (2026)
Publisher : Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26911/thejmch.2026.11.02.01

Abstract

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage, defined as blood loss exceeding 500 ml after delivery, is a leading cause of maternal mortality in Indonesia. This condition can lead to serious consequences, including anemia, shock, and even death if not treated promptly and appropriately. Prevention efforts include educating pregnant women about early detection and preventive measures. One intervention is the implementation of pregnancy classes plus an Early Warning System (EWS) as a learning tool to improve mothers' self-efficacy and actions in preventing postpartum hemorrhage. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of pregnancy classes plus an early warning system on actions and self-efficacy in preventing postpartum hemorrhage. Subjects and Methods: This study used a True Experiment with a Pretest-Posttest with Control Group Design. The study location was the Gayamsari Community Health Center in Semarang City. Data collection was conducted from June to July 2025. The intervention group consisted of two groups: the intervention group, which received the pregnancy class with an Early Warning System (EWS), and the control group, which received a standard pregnancy class. The dependent variables studied were women's postpartum hemorrhage prevention practices and self-efficacy, while the independent variable was the early warning system (EWS) class. The analysis technique used was the Wilcoxon test. Results: Women in the intervention group reported higher postpartum hemorrhage prevention practices after the EWS class (median = 20; min-max = 13-20) compared to before the intervention (median = 10; min-max = 3-14) and was statistically significant (p <0.001). Women in the intervention group reported higher postpartum hemorrhage prevention practices after the EWS class (median = 52; min-max = 40-60) compared to before the intervention (median = 25; min-max = 20-35) and was statistically significant (p <0.001). Conclusion: The EWS class and early warning system have been shown to be effective in increasing postpartum hemorrhage prevention practices and efficacy, making them a safe and practical alternative for promotive and preventive interventions.
Effectiveness of Cau Raja (Green Grass Jelly with Red Ginger Flavor) on Blood Pressure in Pregnant Women with Hypertension Susanti Susanti; Mardiyono Mardiyono; Dina Indrati Dyah Sulistyowati
Journal of Maternal and Child Health Vol. 11 No. 2 (2026)
Publisher : Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26911/thejmch.2026.11.02.03

Abstract

Background: Hypertension in pregnancy is a global health problem that can increase the risk of complications for the mother and fetus. Cau Raja is a combination of 100 grams of Green Grass Jelly (Cyclea barbata Miers) and 25 mg of dried Red Ginger (Zingiber officinale var. Rubrum), containing 24 mg of flavonoids and 107 mg of potassium. These compounds can lower blood pressure in pregnant women with mild hypertension. The purpose of this study was to prove the effectiveness of Cau Raja in reducing blood pressure in pregnant women with mild hypertension. Subjects and Methods: This study used a True Experimental and Pretest-Posttest with Control Group Design. The study location was Purwokerto Timur I Community Health Center. Data collection was conducted in November 2025. The intervention group consisted of 250 ml of Cau Raja (green grass jelly with red ginger flavor) for 14 days and a control group given therapy according to SOP. The dependent variable studied was blood pressure, and the independent variables were Cau Raja (green grass jelly with red ginger flavor) and therapy according to SOP. The analysis technique used a Paired Sample T-Test. Results: The average systolic blood pressure in the intervention group after being given Cau Raja (green grass jelly with red ginger flavor) was lower (Mean = 118.88; SD = 7.16) compared to before the intervention (Mean = 129.81; SD = 4.96) and was statistically significant (p <0.001). The average diastolic blood pressure in the intervention group after being given Cau Raja (green grass jelly with red ginger flavor) was lower (Mean = 76.50; SD = 5.36) compared to before the intervention (Mean = 83.94; SD = 4.37) and was statistically significant (p <0.001). Conclusion: Giving Cau Raja (green grass jelly with red ginger flavor) has been proven to be effective in lowering blood pressure in pregnant women with mild hypertension, so it can be used as a safe and practical non-pharmacological therapy alternative.  
Effect of Acupressure with Cardamom Massage Oil on the Severity of Common Cold in Children Aged 3-5 Years Hera Lusi Ayuandita; Arwani Arwani; Sri Wahyuni
Journal of Maternal and Child Health Vol. 11 No. 2 (2026)
Publisher : Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26911/thejmch.2026.11.02.04

Abstract

Background: The common cold is one of the most common infectious diseases in toddlers and can reduce their comfort and activity. Non-pharmacological treatments, such as acupressure, are becoming increasingly popular because they are considered safe and can enhance the immune response. Cardamom massage oil contains bioactive compounds thought to help relieve symptoms and improve immune function. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of acupressure with cardamom oil on the severity of the common cold in toddlers aged 3-5 years, based on temperature and Immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels. Subjects and Methods: This study used a true experimental design and a pretest-posttest with a control group. The study was conducted at the Purwokerto Timur I Community Health Center in November 2025. A total of 32 subjects were divided into two groups: (1) The intervention group was given acupressure intervention group with cardamom oil for 30 minutes/day for 5 days (n = 16), and (2) The control group was given control group given Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine, CTM, Paracetamol, and Vitamin C (n = 16). The dependent variables were body temperature and IgA levels. The independent variables were acupressure with cardamom oil and Dextromethorphan, Pseudo­ephedrine, CTM, Paracetamol, and Vitamin C. Body temperature is measured using a thermometer. IgA levels were measured using an ELISA kit. Data were analyzed by Paired t-tests. Results: The average body temperature in the intervention group after acupressure with cardamom oil was lower (Mean = 36.7; SD = 0.23) compared to before the intervention (Mean = 38.1; SD = 0.29) and was statistically significant (p <0.001). The average IgA levels in the intervention group after acupressure with cardamom oil were higher (Mean = 52.91; SD = 19.94) than before the intervention (Mean = 31.64; SD = 16.49) and were statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Acupressure with cardamom oil has been shown to be effective for the common cold by lowering body temperature and increasing IgA levels in toddlers aged 3-5 years.
Longitudinal Observation of Sleep and Physical Activity Behavior among Pregnant Women Summer Cannon; Melanie Hayman; Michele Lastella
Journal of Maternal and Child Health Vol. 11 No. 3 (2026)
Publisher : Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26911/thejmch.2026.11.03.02

Abstract

Background: Sleep and physical activity play critical roles in maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. However, longitudinal changes in these behaviours remain understudied. This study aimed to investigate sleep and physical activity behaviours across pregnancy using objective measures. Subjects and Method: A longitudinal observational study was conducted in Australia from January 2019 to November 2020. Pregnant women in their first trimester (≤14 weeks gestation) were recruited via Facebook using convenience sampling. Fourteen participants were continuously monitored throughout all three trimesters using wrist-worn Fitbit Charge 2 devices. Sleep outcomes included total sleep duration (hours/night) and number of nightly awakenings after sleep onset, while physical activity was measured as total daily minutes. Gestational progression (trimester and day of pregnancy) served as the independent variable. Data were analyzed using linear regression and linear mixed-effects models. Results: Sleep duration significantly declined across pregnancy (p<0.001). No significant difference was observed between the first (Mean= 6.93 hours; SD= 2.22) and second trimesters (Mean= 6.73 hours; SD= 1.94), but a marked decrease occurred in the third trimester (Mean= 4.95 hours; SD= 2.56), with an average reduction of 1.5 hours per night compared to the first trimester (p<0.001). Regression analysis confirmed a progressive daily decline in sleep duration (β=-0.013, p<0.001). Nightly awakenings averaged (Mean= 18.6; SD= 15.3) and decreased over time (β=-0.051, p<0.001). Mean daily physical activity was 114.84 minutes, predominantly light intensity (94.5%), with minimal moderate (3.78%) and vigorous activity (1.72%). Physical activity increased modestly across trimesters (p=0.046), with a significant difference of approximately 16.7 minutes per day between the first and third trimesters (p=0.040). Conclusion: Sleep duration declines progressively during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. Although overall physical activity increases, it is largely dominated by light-intensity activity, with low participation in moderate and vigorous levels. Given the importance of adequate sleep and appropriate physical activity for maternal and fetal health, these findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve sleep and promote adherence to recommended activity guidelines during pregnancy.
Risk Factors for Prolonged Hospitalization in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Pneumonia Asti Pramita Sari; David Anggara Putra; Septin Widiretnani
Journal of Maternal and Child Health Vol. 11 No. 3 (2026)
Publisher : Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26911/thejmch.2026.11.03.04

Abstract

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a common malignancy in children, particularly those aged 2-5 years. Disease-related immunosuppression and chemotherapy side effects increase the risk of infection. Pneumonia is the foremost common complication amid chemotherapy in children with ALL. Length of hospitalization is an indicator of pneumonia severity, but there is insufficient evidence to determine the risk factors for prolonged of hospitalization in pediatric patients with ALL. The objective of this study was to analyze the risk factors for prolonged of hospitalization in pediatric pneumonia patients with ALL.   Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 50 pediatric ALL patients with pneumonia aged 1 month to <18 years. Patients diagnosed with Covid-19, discharged from the ward at their own request, incomplete medical record documentation, and those who died during treatment were excluded. Proposed risk factors for prolonged of hospitalization include neutropenia, anemia, malnutrition, time of diagnosis, complications, and antibiotic type. Data analysis used chi-square/Fisher exact test and binary logistic regression.   Result: Most patients were ≥6 years old (64%) with a mean of age 7.4 years, male (60%), had anemia (74%), and were malnourished (56%). Neutropenia was found in 38% of patients, more than half were in the induction chemotherapy phase, and the majority were in the high-risk stratification (82%). The mean of hospitalization was 13.94 days. Patients reaching hospital was promptly in most subjects (62%), antibiotics were used according to WHO standards (72%), the majority had no complications (96%), and showed positive culture results (86%) with the most common type of microorganism was Klebsiella pneumoniae (20%).   Conclusion: Nutritional status and duration prior to seeking care were independent risk factors for prolonged of hospitalization in pediatric patients with pneumonia and ALL. The predictive power of duration prior to seeking care was more dominant than nutritional status. 
Predictors of Primary Postpartum Haemorrhage in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Ekiti State, Nigeria: A Facility-Based Analytical Study Gbenga Damilola Akinlua; Omolola Ajayi Alao; Olaogun Oluwole Dominic; Olufunke Temiloluwa Oso; Olusola Peter Aduloju; Temitope Omoladun Okunola; Richard Akindele Akinyoade; Oluwayomi Samson Gbenga
Journal of Maternal and Child Health Vol. 11 No. 3 (2026)
Publisher : Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26911/thejmch.2026.11.03.05

Abstract

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in LMICs. Identifying context-specific predictors in tertiary facilities supports targeted prevention, early detection, and timely first-response care bundles consistent with contemporary guidance.Subjects and Method: This prospective facility-based analytical cohort study evaluated associations between socio-demographic characteristics, antepartum risk factors, and labour events with occurrence of PPH among 308 parturients at Ekiti State University Teaching hospital. Bivariate associations were assessed using chi-square tests, and independent predictors were modelled using binary logistic regression with adjusted odds ratios (aOR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p-values interpreted at α=0.05.Results: Thirty women developed PPH (9.7%) at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital. Also, ethnicity was the only socio-demographic factor associated with PPH (p=0.047). Obstetric and intrapartum variables showed strong associations. In multivariable analysis, gravidity 3–4 (aOR 8.15; p=0.001), parturients who have been pregnant more than four times (aOR 59.40; p<0.001), grand multiparity (aOR 16.875; p<0.001), fetal macrosomia (aOR 12.63; p<0.001), uterine fibroids (aOR 2.95; p=0.024), antepartum haemorrhage (aOR 22.91; p<0.001), prolonged labour (aOR 13.65; p<0.001), labour duration >12 hours (aOR 15.33; p=0.003), perineal tear (aOR 10.43; p<0.001), birthweight >4.0 kg (aOR 13.02; p<0.001), and accumulation of ≥2 or ≥3 risk factors (aOR 5.00 and 43.81; p=0.010 and <0.001) independently predicted PPH.Conclusion: In this tertiary hospital cohort, PPH risk was driven primarily by high gravidity/parity, placental-bleeding antecedents, macrosomia, and labour duration/trauma variables. Therefore, risk-factor triggered preparedness and objective early detection with rapid bundled response are warranted for high-risk parturients.
The Impact of Stunting on Children's Intelligence Levels in Indonesia: An Analysis of Indonesian Family Life Survey Raka Novadlu Cordita; Hari Wahyu Nugroho; Yulidar Hafidh
Journal of Maternal and Child Health Vol. 11 No. 3 (2026)
Publisher : Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26911/thejmch.2026.11.03.01

Abstract

Background: Stunting reflects chronic malnutrition during early growth and may have long-term effects on cognitive development, including memory, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. This study aimed to examine the effect of stunting on children’s intelligence levels. Subjects and Method: A prospective longitudinal analytical study was conducted using secondary data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS) IV (2007/2008) and V (2014/2015). The study included 848 children aged 0–5 years with nutritional data in IFLS IV and cognitive data in IFLS V, matched using the Personal Identification Link (PIDLINK). Stunting was defined as height-for-age z-score <-2 SD. Intelligence was measured using Raven’s Progressive Matrices (RPM). Demographic, socioeconomic, health, and sanitation variables were also analyzed. Data was assessed using independent t-tests, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression. Results: The incidence of stunting was found to be 16.2%. The average age of children in this study was 2.83 (SD= 1.57) years, a small number of children were born prematurely (3.7%), most of them (77.6%) had complete immunization status and no history of chronic illness (60.5%), 42% children came from poor families, most children whose unemployed parents (89.4%). The cognitive scores of stunted children were lower than those without stunting (Mean= 53.1; SD= 22.55 vs. Mean= 64.8; SD= 21.38; p=0.001). Cognitive scores were also related to the child's age, parental education and occupation, economic status, and immunization. Stunting status was not significantly associated with children's intelligence. Children's intelligence levels were associated with child's age, maternal education, and paternal occupation. Conclusion: Improving children's intelligence levels should not only focus on improving nutritional status, but also need to consider family social factors, improving parental education and the caregiving environment.
Association Between Hypertension in Pregnancy and Neonatal Head Circumference at Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia Annisya Fitria; Andhika Trisna Putra; Irfan Dzakir Nugroho
Journal of Maternal and Child Health Vol. 11 No. 3 (2026)
Publisher : Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26911/thejmch.2026.11.03.03

Abstract

Background: Hypertension during pregnancy remains a major obstetric complication that contributes significantly to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This condition may lead to uteroplacental insufficiency, resulting in impaired fetal growth and development. Neonatal head circumference is commonly used as an indicator of intrauterine brain growth; however, evidence regarding its association with hypertension in pregnancy is still limited. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between hypertension in pregnancy and neonatal head circumference at Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta. Subjects and Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia. The study included 80 mother–newborn pairs selected using purposive sampling from medical records between 2023 and 2025. The independent variable was hypertension in pregnancy. The dependent variable was neonatal head circumference. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and presented as odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p-values.  Results: There was no significant association between hypertension in pregnancy and neonatal head circumference (OR = 1.485; 95% CI = 0.429 to 5.143; p = 0.531). High BMI was significantly associated with hypertension in pregnancy (OR= 4.636; p = 0.003). Conclusion: Hypertension in pregnancy was not significantly related to neonatal head circumference. However, maternal nutritional status was significantly associated with hypertension in pregnancy.
Longitudinal Association Between Birth Weight, Birth Length, and Linear Growth in Early Childhood Sari Dwi Jayanti; Hanum Ferdian; Annang Giri Moelyo; Andhika Trisna Putra
Journal of Maternal and Child Health Vol. 11 No. 2 (2026)
Publisher : Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.26911/thejmch.2026.11.02.06

Abstract

Background: Linear growth in early childhood is a vital indicator of health and largely determined by birth weight and length. The influence of birth size diminishes with age, yet the timing of this decline remains unclear in Indonesian children. This study aims to examine the influence of birth weight and birth length on linear growth among Indonesian children under five years of age and to determine the age at which these factors no longer play a significant role in body height. Subjects and Method: A retrospective cohort design was used, including a total of 2,287 children aged 0–60 months in Kayong Regency, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, by the year 2023-2024. Birth weight and length data were collected retrospectively from Child Health Books, and height-for-age z score (HAZ) was measured at the time of the study descriptive statistics were used to summarize the basic characteristics of the cohort. Results: The linear regression results demonstrated that both birth weight and birth length had a significant association with HAZ in 0-60 months of age. However, this association diminished markedly with age. The effect of birth weight and birth length on linear growth status (HAZ) is more objective statistical interpretation up to 30–36 months of age. These comparisons suggest that while the statistical influence of birth weight and birth length on HAZ diminishes around 30–36 months, the biological effects of early growth constraints may persist beyond this threshold, particularly in environments where nutritional recovery or healthcare access is limited. Conclusion: The influence of birth anthropometric, particularly birth weight and birth length, on children’s linear growth, measured by height-for-age Z-score (HAZ), is strongest during early life and gradually decreases with age.