Althea Medical Journal
Althea Medical Journal (AMJ) is a peer reviewed electronic scientific publication journal which is published every 3 months (March, June, September, and December). Althea Medical Journal publishes articles related to research in biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, family-community medicine, and public health.
Articles
1,068 Documents
<![CDATA[Prevalence of Hypertension and Its Relationship with Stress Levels among Medical Students in Jakarta, Indonesia ]]>
<![CDATA[Sanusi, Jesslyn Fresya]]>;
<![CDATA[Ridjab, Denio A.]]>
<![CDATA[ Althea Medical Journal Vol 12, No 1 (2025) ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran ]]>
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DOI: 10.15850/amj.v12n1.3721
<![CDATA[Background: Stress can occur in all groups, including late adolescents and university students. Repetitive and persistent exposure to stress can induce many other conditions, one of which is hypertension. Aging and the presence of risk factors could increase the prevalence of hypertension. This study aimed to determine the relationship between stress levels and the prevalence of hypertension in pre-clinical medical students.Method: This study used an analytical observational study design with a cross-sectional approach and simple random sampling of 212 pre-clinical medical students at the Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia. The measuring instrument used was the K10 questionnaire, followed by blood pressure screening. The Kruskal-Wallis test using SPSS facilitated the univariate and bivariate data analysis.Results: The majority of the 212 respondents were female (61.8%), aged ranging from 18–21 years. Stress was identified in 49.1% of respondents, with mild stress (20.3%), moderate stress (15.6%), and severe stress (13.2%). Hypertension was detected in 11.8% of respondents, with 9.4% and 2.4% as grade 1 and 2 hypertension, respectively. High-normal blood pressure was detected in 20%. There was no significant relationship between stress levels and prevalence of hypertension among these pre-medical students (p-value for systolic pressure = 0.1318 and p-value for diastolic pressure = 0.8314). Conclusion: Although there is no relationship between stress levels and hypertension in medical students, however, concerns need to be emphasized regarding prevalence of hypertension stress. Further thorough evaluation and intervention are needed to prevent future complications in future medical doctors. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle is encouraged.]]>
<![CDATA[Effectiveness of Low-Impact Aerobic Exercise to Improve Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Quality of Life in Elderly ]]>
<![CDATA[Setiawan, Cahyo]]>;
<![CDATA[Ramadhani, Alinda Nur]]>;
<![CDATA[Rahayu, Umi Budi]]>
<![CDATA[ Althea Medical Journal Vol 12, No 1 (2025) ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran ]]>
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DOI: 10.15850/amj.v12n1.3756
<![CDATA[Background: Aging is associated with declining physical health and decreased quality of life in the elderly population. In response to the rising challenges faced by the aging demographic, this study aimed to investigate the effects of low-impact aerobic exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness and overall quality of life in the elderly. Methods: A quasi-experimental study design was employed involving 42 elderly participants who underwent a three-month low-impact aerobic exercise intervention. This study was conducted in the work area of the Surakarta City Health Service from June to August 2023. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured using the Harvard Step Test, and quality of life was assessed through the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. The effect of low-impact aerobic exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life was analyzed using the non-parametric test Wilcoxon Test.Results: Most respondents were aged 60–65 years (66.7%) and female (71.5%). The study revealed a significant improvement in both cardiorespiratory fitness (p=0.025) and quality of life (p<0.000) among the elderly participants after low-impact aerobic exercise intervention.Conclusion: Low-impact aerobic exercise has an effect on increasing cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life in the elderly. This finding is expected to be one of the main therapies that can help maintain the health and well-being of the geriatric population.]]>
<![CDATA[Occurrence of Gastritis Is Related to Stress among Health Science Students ]]>
<![CDATA[Haryanik, Meilinda Alya' Putri]]>;
<![CDATA[Istiaji, Erdi]]>
<![CDATA[ Althea Medical Journal Vol 12, No 1 (2025) ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran ]]>
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DOI: 10.15850/amj.v12n1.3421
<![CDATA[Background: Gastritis is among the top 10 health issues in Indonesia, with stress as the primary factor. Stress can put students at risk, leading to stress management neglect. This study aimed to find the relationship between stress and the occurrence of gastritis among students, especially those majoring in Health Sciences.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in October 2022–March 2023 on 273 Health Science students at the University of Jember, Indonesia, using a simple random sampling method. Data on suspected gastritis occurrence with stress was analysed, using the Spearman's rank correlation test.Results: The majority of respondents were female (84.2%) aged 22 years (50.2%) and were at the post-proposal seminar stage (55.7%). Stress level was moderate (41.8–46.9%). There was a relationship between the type of stress and the suspected gastritis occurrence (p<0.05). The type of stress that was strongly associated with suspected occurrence of gastritis was social-related stressor (r= 0.316).Conclusions: The study highlights the impact of stress on physical health and encourages the use of mental health services on campus to prevent and address related issues. Further studies are needed to explore other contributing factors. A better healthy lifestyle among students with health sciences background is recommended]]>
<![CDATA[Comparison between Keros and Gera Classifications on Paranasal Sinuses Computed Tomography Scan in One Teaching Hospital in Medan, Indonesia ]]>
<![CDATA[Nasution, Fingga Prahasti]]>;
<![CDATA[Daulay, Elvita Rahmi]]>;
<![CDATA[Sofyan, Ferryan]]>
<![CDATA[ Althea Medical Journal Vol 12, No 1 (2025) ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran ]]>
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DOI: 10.15850/amj.v12n1.3659
<![CDATA[Background: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a surgical procedure for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Keros and Gera classification can be used to evaluate the height and angle of the lateral lamella (LL) on computed tomography (CT) scan of the paranasal sinuses (PNS) which is the most dangerous area and at risk of injury during FESS. This study aimed to analyze the difference between Keros and Gera classifications on CT scans of PNS.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study using the results of PNS CT scans from 94 patients at Prof. Dr. Chairuddin Panusunan Lubis Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital, Medan, Indonesia for the period January–December 2022. The Keros and Gera classification of PNS CT scan were compared based on age and gender and then analyzed using the Chi-Square test. The results were significant if the p-value < 0.05.Results: The most common type of right-sided Keros classification was type 2 (54.3%) and left-sided was type 1 (56%), while the most common type of right-sided and left-sided Gera classification were type 2 (67% and 80.8%). A significant difference was found between the Keros and Gera classification types (p <0.001). The higher the Keros type did not guarantee the higher Gera type, each type of Keros could be paired with each type of Gera.Conclusions: There is a significant difference between Keros and Gera classification on the results of PNS CT scan of patients. Keros classification alone is not enough to identify the high-risk areas at the skull base, therefore, a combination with Gera classification needs to be evaluated by a radiologist to help the clinician in planning a safer FESS.]]>
<![CDATA[Family Support in Adherence to Oral Anti-Diabetic Medications among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus ]]>
<![CDATA[Hilyah, Dini]]>;
<![CDATA[Kuswinarti, Kuswinarti]]>;
<![CDATA[Ramadhanti, Julia]]>
<![CDATA[ Althea Medical Journal Vol 12, No 1 (2025) ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran ]]>
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DOI: 10.15850/amj.v12n1.3454
<![CDATA[Background: Adherence to medication is an important aspect in type 2 diabetes mellitus management. One of the factors that determine medication adherence is family support. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between family support and adherence to oral anti-diabetic medications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: This study was a quantitative, non-experimental correlational study with a cross-sectional method conducted in December 2022–January 2023 on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at the Pasirkaliki Public Health Center, Bandung City, Indonesia. The study used a minimal sampling method. Data collection analysis was performed using the SPSS program with the Chi-square test.Results: In total, 50 respondents were included, of whom the majority (n30; 60%) had good family support, whereas 17 (34%) had sufficient family support, and only 3 (6%) had poor family support. A good level of medication adherence was indicated by 39 (78%). There was a significant relationship between family support and adherence to oral anti-diabetic medications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (p=0.003).Conclusions: A good relationship between family support and adherence to oral anti-diabetic medications is crucial in enhancing quality of life and wellness among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Research related to other factors that affect adherence to oral anti-diabetic medications warrant further studies.]]>
<![CDATA[25-hydroxyvitamin D Serum Level and Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis in the Elderly ]]>
<![CDATA[Putri, Indira Ayu]]>;
<![CDATA[Kurniawan, Felicia]]>;
<![CDATA[Sahusilawane, Isadora Gracia]]>;
<![CDATA[Hananta, Linawati]]>
<![CDATA[ Althea Medical Journal Vol 12, No 1 (2025) ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran ]]>
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DOI: 10.15850/amj.v12n1.3723
<![CDATA[Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects the elderly, particularly in the knees. The OA may lead to chronic pain, physical limitations, depression, and significantly impact an individual's ability to participate in social, occupational, and community activities, ultimately reducing quality of life. Vitamin D has been suggested as a factor that may help reduce the risk of knee OA in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and the risk of knee OA among elderly.Methods: This cross-sectional study involved elderly residents of a nursing home in North Jakarta, Indonesia. Data was collected through interviews and physical examinations of both knees following the American Rheumatism Knee OA diagnostic criteria. Participants who met these criteria were classified as high-risk for knee OA. Blood samples were taken to measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The Chi-square test was used for bivariate analysis.Results: Of the 48 participants involved, the majority were female (64.6%) and aged between 70-79 years (47.9%). A total of 22.9% of participants were classified as 25(OH)D insufficient and 25% were deficient. Interestingly, 62.5% were at high risk of knee OA. There was a significant association between 25(OH)D levels and the risk of knee OA (p=0.031).Conclusions: The 25(OH)D serum level has a significant association with the risk of knee OA. Increasing sunlight exposure through daily outdoor activities and considering vitamin D supplementation can help mitigate the risk of knee OA, thereby improving bone health and preventing OA in the elderly.]]>
<![CDATA[Spatial Pattern Analysis of Dating Status as a Risk Factor on Adolescent Sexual Activity in Surabaya, Indonesia ]]>
<![CDATA[Qurniyawati, Eny]]>;
<![CDATA[Husnina, Zida]]>;
<![CDATA[Sari, Jayanti Dian Eka]]>;
<![CDATA[Azzahra, Asma]]>;
<![CDATA[Shabrina, Izzah Nur]]>
<![CDATA[ Althea Medical Journal Vol 12, No 1 (2025) ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran ]]>
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DOI: 10.15850/amj.v12n1.3542
<![CDATA[Background: Many adolescents misinterpret the definition of sexual activity, which is only generalized as having sex. In fact, many other activities can trigger the emergence of sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze various factors that influence the occurrence of sexual activity in adolescents.Methods: This study used a cross-sectional analytical design with non-probability sampling involving 152 active college students aged 18-24 years from Surabaya, Indonesia. Data was collected using a questionnaire about their experiences of sexual activity at a young age. The questionnaire was distributed online in July–August 2023. The data obtained was analyzed using the chi-square test and simple logistic regression. Then, Q-GIS software was used to describe data spatially. Results: Dating relationship status had an association with the occurrence of sexual activity (p-value= 0.00; OR: 8.84; 95%CI: 3.34 - 23.40). Spatial data showed that sexual activity of students in the eastern region of Surabaya City had a relatively high rate compared to other regions. Conclusion: Dating relationship status is associated with sexual activity. This study also shows that students who have ever dated and who have had sexual relations is directly proportional in each region in Surabaya. Awareness and education of adolescents about healthy sexual activities should be increased to protect them from the negative impacts of premarital sex.]]>
<![CDATA[Effect of Yoga on Depression Levels in Older People Living in Nursing Home ]]>
<![CDATA[Ghitapenny, Gabriella Astrid]]>;
<![CDATA[Lilis, Lilis]]>;
<![CDATA[Ayu, Astri Parawita]]>
<![CDATA[ Althea Medical Journal Vol 12, No 1 (2025) ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran ]]>
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DOI: 10.15850/amj.v12n1.3451
<![CDATA[Background: Older people, especially those living in nursing homes, have a higher risk of experiencing depressive disorders. This condition may lead to decreased physical health, decreased social and cognitive function, and increased risk of suicide attempts. One intervention to help the older people overcome depression is yoga. This study aimed to assess the effect of yoga on depression level in older people living in nursing homes. Methods: This study applied a one-group pre-and post-test design. The Geriatric Depression Scale–15 (GDS-15) was used to measure depression levels. Participants were recruited from one of the nursing homes in Jakarta, Indonesia. Yoga intervention was performed directly in the nursing home 3 times a week for 9 weeks with each practice duration of 40 minutes. The paired t-test was used to evaluate the statistical difference in depression scores between pre-and post-intervention. Result: There were 29 out of a total of 68 residents were interviewed after the inclusion and exclusion study was conducted, resulting in 18 respondents who experienced depression and participated in yoga intervention. The majority respondents had mild depression (10 of 12). There was a significant difference in depression scores before and after doing yoga activities (t=11; p<0.001).Conclusion: Yoga can be an effective intervention to reduce depression among older people in nursing homes and yoga as a form of physical activity for the elderly may improve their wellness and enhance quality of life.]]>
<![CDATA[Yoga Reduces Body Shape Dissatisfaction Among Young Adults ]]>
<![CDATA[Lians, Airine Stefanie]]>;
<![CDATA[Handayani, Maria Dara Novi]]>;
<![CDATA[Dewi, Angela Shinta]]>;
<![CDATA[Lilis, Lilis]]>
<![CDATA[ Althea Medical Journal Vol 12, No 2 (2025) ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran ]]>
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DOI: 10.15850/amj.v12n2.3737
<![CDATA[Background: Body shape dissatisfaction is frequently experienced by young adults and may negatively impact mental well-being. Yoga is increasingly recognized as a non-pharmacological intervention to support body image and self-acceptance. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of yoga in reducing body shape dissatisfaction among young adults.Methods: A pre-post experimental study was conducted in 2022 among young adults experiencing body shapes dissatisfaction, selected through purposive sampling. The Body Shape Questionnaire-34 (BSQ-34) was used to measure dissatisfaction, with a total score >80 indicating dissatisfaction. Participants were randomly assigned to a yoga intervention group or a control group. The intervention group practiced Yoga Asana (posture) and Pranayama (breathing) three times per week for ten weeks via online sessions. The BSQ-34 was distributed before and after intervention. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and SPSS version 22.0. Results: A total of 477 participants from a faculty of medicine in Jakarta, Indonesia were included; 45.3% were identified as dissatisfied with their body shape. In the yoga group, the BSQ-34 score significantly decreased after the intervention (p <0.05), indicating reduced dissatisfaction. In contrast, the control group showed a slight increase in average BSQ-34 score.Conclusions: Practicing Yoga Asana and Pranayama significantly reduce body shape dissatisfaction among young adults. Therefore, yoga may serve as a healthy choice that helps improve body image and overall mental well-being in young adults.]]>
<![CDATA[Effectiveness of Cadaver Compared to Plastination as Anatomy Learning Media: Medical Student Perspective ]]>
<![CDATA[Suharto, Muhammad Ilham]]>;
<![CDATA[Hayati, Taureni]]>;
<![CDATA[Hanifah, Hanifah]]>;
<![CDATA[Mozart, Mozart]]>
<![CDATA[ Althea Medical Journal Vol 12, No 2 (2025) ]]>
Publisher : <![CDATA[Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran ]]>
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DOI: 10.15850/amj.v12n2.3790
<![CDATA[Background: Anatomy is a fundamental component of medical education, playing a pivotal role in understanding the structure and function of the human body. Cadaver-based anatomy learning remains widely used in many medical faculties; meanwhile, plastination as an alternative method, offering efficiency and practicality. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cadaver and plastination learning media in improving anatomical understanding among first-year medical students.Methods: This was a cross-sectional quantitative study with a pretest-posttest control group design conducted in November-December 2023. The study included 69 first-semester medical students from the Universitas Pertahanan, Republic of Indonesia who had not previously received musculoskeletal anatomy lectures. Participants were divided into cadaver and plastination groups. A questionnaire was distributed before and after the anatomy class. Data were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, and paired sample t-test.Results: Both cadaver and plastination groups showed a significant increase in post-test scores (p<0.05), indicating that each method effectively improved students’ anatomical understanding. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p-value=0.253), suggesting comparable effectiveness between cadaveric and plastinated teaching media.Conclusions: Cadaveric and plastinated learning media are equally effective in improving anatomical knowledge among first-semester medical students. A thorough understanding of human anatomy is essential not only for clinical competency but also for advancing knowledge related to wellness, healthy aging, and the management of degenerative diseases. ]]>
