cover
Contact Name
-
Contact Email
harapan@unsyiah.ac.id
Phone
+62895600103060052
Journal Mail Official
harapan@unsyiah.ac.id
Editorial Address
School of Medicine Universitas Syiah Kuala Darussalam, Banda Aceh, 23111 Indonesia
Location
Kota banda aceh,
Aceh
INDONESIA
Narra J
ISSN : -     EISSN : 28072618     DOI : https://doi.org/10.52225/narraj
Core Subject : Health, Science,
Narra J is a multidisciplinary journal and it is published three times (April, August, December) a year. The objective is to promote articles on infection, public health, global health, tropical infection, one health and diseases in tropics. Narra J publishes original research work across all disciplines of medicine and allied sciences, related to infection, public health, global health, tropical infection, one health and diseases in tropics. The journal publishes Original articles, Short Report, Review articles, and Letters to the Editor. All articles published in Narra J are peer-reviewed and published online for immediate access and citation. Narra J publishes the primary research papers, review articles, short communications and letters on topics but not limited to: Public health Global health Infection Tropical diseases One health Biomedical sciences Epidemiology and clinical epidemiology Molecular biology Environmental health Microbiology Pharmacological sciences Diseases in tropics
Articles 565 Documents
Fatigue in healthcare workers with mild COVID-19 survivors in Indonesia Sinaga, Bintang YM.; Siagian, Parluhutan; Sinaga, Joshua P.; Samodra, Yoseph L.
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 1 (2024): April 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i1.656

Abstract

Persistent symptoms after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19, known as post-COVID syndrome (PCS), presented an ongoing health burden among COVID-19 survivors, including health workers. The existence of fatigue in mild COVID-19 survivors has not been widely reported. The aim of this study was to present the symptoms of fatigue in healthcare workers who experienced mild COVID-19 and the factors associated with fatigue. A cross-sectional study was conducted at H. Adam Malik General Hospital in Medan, Indonesia, from September to December 2022, included doctors, nurses, ancillary workers, and medical support workers who experienced mild COVID-19. Fatigue was measured by a fatigue assessment scale (FAS). The assessed possible risk factors were gender, age, vaccination history, comorbid, presence of PCS, duration of PCS symptoms, and number of PCS symptoms. The chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test was used to assess the association between the incidence of fatigue and risk factors. A total of 100 healthcare workers of mild COVID-19 survivors were included. Most of them were nurses (58%), women (81%), and aged 19−30 years old (36%). The majority had incomplete vaccination history (64%), experienced PCS (71%), no comorbidities (61%), and experienced <3 months of PCS symptoms (55%). Mild to moderate fatigue was found in 23% of healthcare workers and only 1% experienced severe fatigue. No significant association was found between gender, vaccination history, and comorbidities with the incidence of fatigue. However, a significant association was observed between age (p=0.021), the presence of PCS (p=0.041), and the number of PCS symptoms (p=0.047) with fatigue incidence. Furthermore, there were significant associations between symptoms of PCS (confusion (p=0.004), insomnia (p=0.001), myalgia (p=0.035), arthralgia (p=0.028), throat pain (p=0.042), headache (p=0.042), and chest pain (p=0.011)) with fatigue. These findings can contribute to providing the necessary support for mild COVID-19 survivors and persistent fatigue.
Role of digital education through smartphones in improving knowledge among asthma patients: A preliminary study Pohan, Indah TS.; Tarigan, Amira P.; Pandia, Pandiaman; Mutiara, Erna
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 2 (2024): August 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i2.657

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder and is among the top ten causes of morbidity and mortality in Indonesia, highlighting the need for effective management strategies. This study aimed to evaluate changes in asthma knowledge levels before and after using the "Paru Sehat" smartphone application for digital education. A quasi-experimental study using a pre- and post-test design was conducted over three months at the outpatient clinic of Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital, Medan, Indonesia, among asthma patients aged over 18 years. The patients completed the Patient Asthma Knowledge Questionnaire (PAKQ) before installing the "Paru Sehat" application to establish baseline knowledge. Once a week, patients received reminders to access materials covering an asthma overview, peak flow meter use, medication differences, and management techniques. After four weeks of intervention, the participants' knowledge was reassessed using the PAKQ. Data were analyzed using either paired Student's t-test or Wilcoxon test to assess the improvement in knowledge. The results showed increases in knowledge about asthma in general, asthma triggers, and asthma diagnosis domains, with the median score in each domain rising by one point (p=0.003, p=0.001, and p=0.002, respectively). The asthma management domain exhibited the largest change, with a median increase of two points (p<0.001). The total scores increased by an average of five points (p<0.001), indicating an overall improvement in patient knowledge about asthma. The "Paru Sehat" application demonstrated significant potential in enhancing asthma knowledge across multiple domains. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effectiveness of the application in diverse populations and settings, ultimately contributing to improved asthma management and patient outcomes.
Factors associated with cognitive impairment and the quality-of-life among COVID-19 survivors working as healthcare workers Sirait, Sondang RA.; Sinaga, Bintang YM.; Tarigan, Amira P.; Wahyuni, Arlinda S.
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 1 (2024): April 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i1.658

Abstract

Prolonged physical and mental health changes, known as post-COVID conditions (PCC), could impair the quality-of-life (QoL) of healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to identify factors that contribute to cognitive impairments and QoL among COVID-19 survivors working as healthcare workers. This cross-sectional study involved healthcare workers at Prof. Dr. Chairuddin P. Lubis Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital, Medan, Indonesia. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to assess the cognitive function, while the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire was used to evaluate the QoL. Factors associated with cognitive and QoL status were examined using Mann-Whitney and Chi-squared tests. A total of 100 COVID-19 survivors were included in the study, most of whom were female (74%), aged ≤35 years (95%), and were doctors (62%). Only 22% of the participants had a normal BMI, 93% had a history of mild COVID-19, and 54% had one comorbidity. The Overall MoCA score averaged 24.18±2.86, indicating mild cognitive impairment among the groups. The distribution of MoCA scores had similar patterns with no significant differences based on age, gender, comorbidities, BMI, COVID-19 severity, and frequency of infection. Interestingly, the number of vaccine doses received by the participants had a statistically significant associated with MoCA scores of which those receiving more than two doses had higher cognitive scores than those with only two doses (p=0.008). Based on categorized MoCA scores (normal vs cognitive impairment), none assessed factors were not significantly associated with cognitive outcomes. The WHOQOL-BREF scores ranged from 62.5 to 95.5, with a mean of 83.67±7.03. None of the assessed factors were associated with WHOQOL-BREF scores among COVID-19 survivors. These findings highlight the need for further study to explore the protective role of vaccination frequency in cognitive impairment and the factors underlying the resilience in QoL among survivors.
Norwegian scabies in human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis-infected child: A case report Wijaya, Hendri; Kollins, Fini; Lubis, Inke ND.; Pasaribu, Ayodhia P.; Evalina, Rita; Nababan, Kristo A.; Paramita, Deryne A.
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 1 (2024): April 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i1.661

Abstract

Norwegian scabies is a rare scabies with the manifestation of thick crusts of the extremities of the skin that contain eggs and mites. Several conditions in which scabies infection is easily transmitted include immunocompromised, home nursing, and severe neurological disorder. The aim of this case report was to present a thorough analysis of a comprehensive resource for the management of Norwegian scabies patients, with a specific focus on individuals who also have HIV or other immunocompromising diseases.  A 1-year-and-7-month-old boy was presented to the hospital with a chief complaint of a thick crust that he had experienced for four months. It began as a red papule in the lower extremity, then crusted and spread to the whole body. The patient kept scratching due to itching, had a recurrent fever and diarrhea for three months, and cough for one month. The patient was diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and pulmonary tuberculosis at three months, suspected to get the infection from the parents. Sarcoptes scabiei was found from microscopy examination of skin scraping. The patient received holistic treatment, including antiretroviral drugs, antituberculosis medication, scabies treatment, and malnutrition treatment. Appropriate scabies treatment aimed at peeling crusted skin, relieving itching, and increasing the patient ability to use the extremities. Comorbidity conditions caused by HIV and pulmonary tuberculosis should also be treated to optimize the outcome. The patient was discharged in good condition with sanitation education and regular follow-up at the outpatient clinic. This case highlights that Sarcoptes scabiei infestation may be a clue to an immunocompromised condition. Holistic therapy aiming to cure underlying infection, infestation and underlying nutrition and psychosocial problems must be addressed to fully cure this high-burden case.
Exploring perinatal mental health in Indonesia: A mixed-method study in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara Harahap, Ana P.; Adi, Mateus S.; Sriatmi, Ayun; Purnami, Cahya T.
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 1 (2024): April 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i1.667

Abstract

A significant number of postpartum mothers are at risk of experiencing perinatal mental health (PMH) due to various factors. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for PMH issues and explore the current implementation of early screening for PMH in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. A mixed-method study, cross-sectional and ethnographic approach, was conducted at Babakan Public Health Center, Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, from July to August 2023. A cross-sectional study involved 33 postpartum mothers and analyzed seven potential risk factors: age, parity, age at marriage, type of childbirth, type of family, history of adolescent mental disorder, and history of mental disorder during pregnancy. An ethnographic approach, using in-depth interviews, was utilized to gain insights regarding the implementation of PMH screening, included seven healthcare workers: six midwives and one nurse. Among the seven risk factors analyzed, only a history of adolescent mental disorder acted as risk for high PMH with an odds ratio (OR) 1.17 and p=0.03. In-depth interviews revealed a consistent lack of understanding among all healthcare workers regarding PMH screening implementation: absence of early screening, lack of knowledge regarding PMH and how to identify them, reliance solely on subjective assessments for early screening, and a lack of standardized adequate PMH management. In conclusion, the history of adolescent mental disorder could lead to the development of PMH in postpartum mothers. Current screening implementation is still lacking among healthcare workers and public health centers. Therefore, integrating various stakeholders in early PMH screening is crucial to prevent future PMH in mothers and babies.
Comparative analysis of short-chain fatty acid levels in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis rat model: Impact of high-fat high-fructose (HFHF), high fat, and Western diets Mustika, Syifa; Handayani, Dian; Rudijanto, Achmad; Santosaningsih, Dewi; Mariyatun, Mariyatun; Gatya, Mifta; Pramesi, Putrika C.; Rahayu, Endang S.; Fajar, Jonny K.
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 1 (2024): April 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i1.670

Abstract

The evidence on the role of diets in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was limited. The aim of this study was to assess the potential effects of high-fat high-fructose (HFHF), high-fat, and Western diets on the levels of SCFA. A research experiment employing a post-test-only control group design was carried out from January to April 2022. A total of 27 rats were randomly allocated to each study group. SCFA was measured two weeks after diet administration. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to analyze the differences among groups, and the effect estimate of each group was analyzed using post hoc Tukey. The concentrations of SCFAs post HFHF diets were recorded as follows: acetic acid at 54.60±10.58 mmol/g, propionic acid at 28.03±8.81 mmol/g, and butyric acid at 4.23±1.68 mmol/g. Following the high-fat diet, acetic acid measured 61.85±14.25 mmol/gr, propionic acid measured 25.19±5.55 mmol/gr, and butyric acid measured 6.10±2.93 mmol/gr. After the administration of Western diet, the levels of SCFA were 68.18±25.73, 29.69±12.76, and 7.48±5.51 mmol/g for acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, respectively. The level of butyric acid was significantly lower in HFHF diet group compared to the normal diet (mean difference (MD) 6.34; 95%CI: 0.61, 12.04; p=0.026). The levels of acetic acid (p=0.419) and propionic acid (p=0.316) were not statistically different among diet types (HFHF, high-fat, and Western diet). In conclusion, HFHF diet is associated with a lower level of butyric acid than the normal diet in a rat model.
Comparison of efficacy and safety of open and laparoscopic proximal ureterolithotomy for ureteral stone management: A systematic review and meta-analysis Maliki, Ahmad; Fitriani, Rizka; Soebadi, Mohammad A.; Djatisoesanto, Wahjoe
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 1 (2024): April 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i1.679

Abstract

Despite advances in non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques, some proximal ureteral stones with impaction require open or laparoscopic surgery. No systematic reviews or meta-analyses have compared the efficacy and safety of open proximal ureterolithotomy and laparoscopic approaches. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety between open and laparoscopic proximal ureterolithotomy for ureteral stone management. Following the PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches were conducted in five databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and ProQuest) to identify articles comparing those two surgical approaches. Operative time, blood loss, pain score, hospital stay, recovery time, and complications were collected and compared. Heterogeneity-based meta-analysis with random-effects or fixed-effects models were conducted. Two randomized controlled trials and four observational cohort studies with 386 participants met the criteria. Open surgery had significantly less time than laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (mean difference (MD): 26.63 minutes, 95%CI: 14.32, 38.94; p<0.0001). Intraoperative blood loss (MD: -1.27 ml; 95%CI: -6.64, 4.09; p=0.64) and overall complications (OR: 0.68; 95%CI: 0.41, 1.15; p=0.16) were not significantly different between two approaches. Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy reduced visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores (MD: -2.53; 95%CI: -3.47, -2.03; p<0.00001), hospital stays (MD: -2.40 days; 95%CI: -3.42 to -1.38 days; p=0.03), and recovery time (MD: -9.67 days; 95%CI: -10.81 to -8.53 days; p<0.00001). In conclusion, open proximal ureterolithotomy had less time, but laparoscopic surgery reduced postoperative pain, hospital stay, and recovery time. Both methods had comparable intraoperative bleeding and complications.
Effects of metformin and silodosin as supplementary treatments to abiraterone on human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) level in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) cells: An in vitro study Hidayatulla, Furqan; Andhika, Dimas P.; Prasetyawan, Widiyanto; Rahman, Zakaria A.; Pratama, Putu KD.; Hakim, Lukman
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 1 (2024): April 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i1.680

Abstract

The antiproliferative properties of metformin and silodosin have been observed in prostate cancer. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that the molecular pathways related to these drugs may impact the levels of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in prostate cancer cells. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of metformin and silodosin on the levels of hTERT in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) cells. The present study employed an experimental design with a post-test-only control group.  This study utilized the PC3 cell line as a model for mCRPC. A viability experiment was conducted using the CCK-8 method to determine the inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of metformin, silodosin, and abiraterone acetate (AA) after a 72-hour incubation period of PC3 cells. In order to investigate the levels of hTERT, PC3 cells were divided into two control groups: a negative control and a standard therapy with AA. Additionally, three experimental combination groups were added: metformin with AA; silodosin with AA; and metformin, silodosin and AA. The level of hTERT was measured using sandwich ELISA technique. The difference in hTERT levels was assessed using ANOVA followed by a post hoc test. The IC50 values for metformin, silodosin, and AA were 17.7 mM, 44.162 mM, and 66.9 μM, respectively. Our data indicated that the combination of metformin with AA and the combination of metformin, silodosin and AA decreased the hTERT levels when compared to control, AA, and silodosin with AA. The administration of metformin resulted in a reduction of hTERT levels in the PC3 cell line, but the impact of silodosin on hTERT levels was not statistically significant compared to AA group.
Perindopril and losartan affect ACE-2 and IL-6 expression in obese rat model Andrianto, Andrianto; Hermawan, Hanestya O.; Harsoyo, Primasitha M.; Zaini, Bagas SI.; Muhammad, Akbar R.
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 2 (2024): August 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i2.681

Abstract

Obesity has emerged as a worldwide health concern due to its increasing prevalence. Adipocytes have the ability to express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors (ACE2) and several adipocytokines. These expressions could lead to the activation of a cytokine storm, which in turn promotes the development of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of perindopril and losartan exposure on the ACE2 and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels in adipocyte cells. This study used an in vivo true experimental design utilizing a post-test-only control group. A total of 24 adult male albino rats were divided into four groups, one group served as the non-obese (negative control), while the other three groups were obese: (1) the positive control (untreated obese rats); (2) perindopril group (2 mg/kg BW/day orally for 4 weeks); and (3) losartan group (20 mg/kg BW/day for 4 weeks). Afterwards, the rats were euthanized, and the visceral fat tissue were obtained during dissection. The levels of ACE2 and IL-6 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Losartan administration in obese rats resulted in a notable elevation in ACE2 levels compared to both the perindopril group (losartan vs perindopril, p=0.011) and the positive control (p=0.004). In addition, the treatment of perindopril and losartan in obese rats resulted in a significant reduction in IL-6 levels when compared to the positive control (perindopril vs positive control, p=0.020; losartan vs positive control, p=0.002, respectively). This study provides insight into the administration of perindopril and losartan, which could suppress the pro-inflammatory (IL-6) but increase the ACE2 levels in adipose tissue.
Role of stress and physical activity on primary dysmenorrhea: A cross-sectional study Triwahyuningsih, Ria Y.; Rahfiludin, M. Zen; Sulistiyani, Sulistiyani; Widjanarko, Bagoes
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 1 (2024): April 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i1.685

Abstract

The initial physiological change in adolescent girls is the onset of menstruation. The most prevalent challenge they face regarding menstruation is primary dysmenorrhea, characterized by persistent or intermittent pelvic pain in the lower abdomen. The aim of this study was to investigate the influences of stress levels and physical activities on primary dysmenorrhea. A cross-sectional was conducted in Cirebon, Indonesia, in 2023 included young women who had never given birth (nullipara), aged 17–25 years old, had menstruated, and had no history of smoking and alcohol. The data were collected using a set of questionnaires consisting of the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) to determine primary dysmenorrhea pain, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 42 (DASS 42) to determine the level of stress and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to determine physical activity. Pearson's correlation test was used to assess the correlation between the variables (stress levels, physical activity, and dysmenorrhea). A total of 150 young women were included in the study. Moderate stress levels (23.3%) and high physical activity (90.7%) were the most prevalent categories observed among studied participants. Approximately 42% of them experienced mild dysmenorrhea pain. Our analysis indicated that stress levels and physical activities had strong positive correlations with dysmenorrhea pain levels, with r=0.782 and r=0.748, respectively, with both had p<0.001. This highlights that controlling stress could be beneficial in preventing dysmenorrhea pain among young women.