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Althea Medical Journal
ISSN : -     EISSN : 23374330     DOI : 10.15850/amj
Core Subject : Health,
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.
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Articles 1,068 Documents
Poor Glycemic Control Correlates with Iron Deficiency Anemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Kaltsum, Talitha Imani; Pusparini, Pusparini
Althea Medical Journal Vol 10, No 2 (2023)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v10n2.2937

Abstract

Background: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) has been used extensively to diagnose and monitor diabetes mellitus (DM). Patients with type 2 DM are at risk of experiencing comorbidities and complications such as iron deficiency anemia (IDA). This study aimed to determine the correlation of HbA1c with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in type 2 DM.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 115 types 2 DM patients at a hospital in South Jakarta, Indonesia from November to December 2021. Data on HbA1c levels and IDA were obtained from medical records.  Data were analysed with the Chi-Square test and significancy at  p<0.05.Results: In total, 43 men and 72 women with type 2 DM were included, with predominantly age over 45 years (89.6%), had DM for more than ten years (55.7%), had obesity I (53.9%), and with hypertension as the most common comorbidity (65.2%). Furthermore, the patients did not smoke (64.3%), had poor glycemic control ((76.5%) and had anemia (58.3%). There was a significant relationship between HbA1c levels and IDA (p = 0.003).Conclusions: This study shows a relationship between HbA1c and IDA in type 2 DM, therefore, DM patients with poor glycemic control need to be well monitored for iron deficiency anemia. 
Perceptions of Medical Students in Bandung towards Online and Offline Learning in the Anatomy Laboratory during the Covid-19 Pandemic Mayasari, Wulan; Alsadila, Cindy Saskia; Veronica, Fifi
Althea Medical Journal Vol 10, No 2 (2023)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v10n2.2705

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) that surged throughout the world in 2019 and engulfed Indonesia in 2020 had changed many aspects of people’s activities, significantly when altering the offline anatomy laboratories to online. This study aimed to determine the perspective of medical students in Bandung regarding the learning process in online and offline anatomy laboratories during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This descriptive study had used modified questionnaires in previous research with a Likert scale. The respondents were 184 students from the 2018 or 2019 class of the Faculty of Medicine in Bandung, who participated in both online and offline anatomy laboratory learning methods. Sampling was carried out using the purposive sampling method. The data were presented in a frequency table and calculated by SPSS.  Results: Regarding ‘material understanding’, most students (57.0%) disagreed that online anatomy laboratory activities were better than offline. In terms of ‘facilities and infrastructure’, 38.0% of students disagreed that online anatomy laboratory learning facilities were more adequate than offline. On the aspect of ‘teacher's perception’, most students agreed (39.0%) that teacher’s performance was better in online anatomy laboratory activities.Conclusion: This study shows that medical students prefer to combine online and offline anatomy laboratory activities.
Prevalence and Factors associated with Anxiety among Uncontrolled Hypertensive Patients in Public Health Centers in Lhokseumawe, Aceh, Indonesia Rahayu, Mulyati Sri; Wahyuni, Sri
Althea Medical Journal Vol 10, No 2 (2023)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v10n2.2981

Abstract

Background: Patients with hypertension frequently experience intense emotions in addition to the physiological effects of the disease, which tend to increase the risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety. However, the connection between hypertension and anxiety remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with anxiety in uncontrolled hypertensive patients in public health facilities.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in four public health centers in Lhokseumawe City, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Subjects were selected using consecutive sampling. Data on sociodemographic factors and comorbid conditions were obtained. Blood pressure was recorded, and severity was classified according to the JNC-7 guidelines. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HRS-A) was used to detect anxiety in each participant. Data were analyzed using used the chi-square test.Results: Of 60 respondents, consisting of men (31.7%) and women (68.3%), 34 (56.7%) had mild anxiety, 22 (36.7%) had moderate anxiety, and 3 (5%) had severe anxiety. There was a significant association (p = 0.007) between anxiety and duration of hypertension. On the contrary, no association in age, gender, level of education, and type 2 diabetes comorbidities (p> 0.05).Conclusions: Anxiety is common among hypertensive patients in primary healthcare settings and is associated with the duration of hypertension. Primary care physicians must be on the front lines in finding anxiety disorders, and making the necessary referrals or therapy.
Reliability of RT-qPCR Pooling Method for COVID-19 Detection in Various Cycle Threshold Values Radjawali, Muhammad Fauzan Alif; Jihadah, Muti'ah; Chaidir, Lidya
Althea Medical Journal Vol 10, No 2 (2023)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v10n2.2940

Abstract

Background: Reverse Transcriptase Quantitative Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) is a standard method to detect SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19 disease, albeit expensive for some laboratory settings. The pooling test is widely used for large-scale screening to speed up the turn-around time and reduce the cost of the RT-qPCR. However, the pooling test involves mixing a certain number of specimens which theoretically increases the possibility of false-negative results. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the pooling test compared with the non-pooling test in different Ct values as a surrogate for viral load.Methods: RT-qPCR was performed in three groups of samples: non-pooling (individual samples), pooling of 5 samples and 11 samples, with various ranges of Ct value in the respective group: x<25 (n=4); 25<x<30 (n=5), x<30 (n=16), and negative sample (n=5). Agreement and kappa values were calculated. Four of twenty-five individual samples resulted in false-negative after pooling.Results: By taking all samples without applying the cut-off value to the calculation, the agreement in pooling of 5 samples was 0.86 (Kappa 0.31) and of 11 samples was 0.64 (Kappa 0.96). When the cut-off value of Ct<37 was applied, percent agreement and kappa were 1.00, respectively, for both pooling methods.Conclusions: Pooling up to 11 samples shows high concordance with RT-qPCR with individual samples with Ct<37. Interpreting pooling results in a very low viral load (Ct≥37) must be considered due to the increased possibility of inconclusive results.
Clinicopathological Characteristics of Cervical Carcinoma with Pelvic Lymph Node Metastases in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung 2013-2021 Sri Rejeki, Henny; Suryanti, Sri; Yantisetiasti, Anglita; Mantilidewi, Kemala I.; Winarno, Gatot Nyarumenteng Adhipurnawan
Althea Medical Journal Vol 10, No 2 (2023)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v10n2.2776

Abstract

Background: Carcinoma of the cervix is the most common gynecological malignancy, which ranks first among carcinomas in Indonesia. Lymph node metastasis is a risk of recurrence, affecting survival and therapy. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinicopathological characteristics of cervical carcinoma with pelvic lymph node metastasis that had undergone radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung.Methods: This study used a cross-sectional retrospective descriptive study. Data on the clinical stage I-II cervical cancer patients with pelvic lymph node metastasis were collected  from the archives of the pathological anatomy  laboratory during period from 2013 to 2021. Data were presented in percentage.Results: There were 64 data patients, and the most common age of cervical carcinoma ranged from 40 to 50 years old (52%), the most common stage was stage II (66%), and the most frequent histopathological type was squamous cell carcinoma (70%). The highest degree of differentiation was moderate differentiation (50%). There was no difference in tumor size between sizes <4 cm and ≥4 cm.Conclusion: The cases of cervical carcinoma at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung are treated with radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy. The patients generally aged between 41–50 years old, stage II, and squamous cell carcinoma with a moderate degree of differentiation.
Penile Length of Prepubertal Children in Surabaya Susiana, Okta Margarita; Yuliawati, Tri Hartini; Purwanto, Bambang; Rezano, Andri; I’tishom, Reny
Althea Medical Journal Vol 10, No 3 (2023)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v10n3.3094

Abstract

Background: Early recognition of phallic size abnormalities is essential to identify underlying endocrine and genetic disorders. Parents are concerned regarding their son’s penis length, especially obese and short-stature boys. This study aimed to investigate the factors of penile length in prepubertal boys aged 9-11 in Surabaya.Methods: A cross-sectional analytic observational study was conducted between October and November 2021 during the community services program of the Andrology Study Program, Universitas Airlangga. One hundred forty-eight healthy boys aged 9-11 years were enrolled in this study. Penile parameters and anthropometric measures were recorded. Data were analyzed with Spearman Rho’s formula to correlate the variables studied.Results: The average penile lengths and penile circumference of the penis were 6.3±1.4 and 5.2±1.0 cm, respectively. This study found two boys with micropenis (1.35%) with normal and overweight body mass index (BMI). The penile length was positively correlated with height but not with BMI.Conclusion: Androgen and growth hormones significantly influence penile length. Children with abnormal BMI tend to have smaller penile sizes, associated with increasing androgen aromatization.
Relationship between Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of the Use of Face Mask with Acne among Health Workers at General Hospitals in Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia Rifdayani, Dinda; Hidajat, Dedianto; Istikharoh, Umu
Althea Medical Journal Vol 10, No 3 (2023)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v10n3.2918

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the coronavirus a global emergency transmitted by droplets. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks can help lower the  viral infection risk. However, prolonged use of PPE can cause skin lesions and aggravate acne. Acne that develops because of the usage of masks is called mask acne (maskne). Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of health workers regarding the use of face masks can help minimize the occurrence of maskne. This study aimed to assess the relationship between knowledge, attitude ,and practices of the use of face masks with  mask acne among health workers in general hospitals in Mataram City, Indonesia.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional analytic observational study involving health workers from type b and c general hospitals in the city of Mataram, specifically the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Hospital and the Mataram University Hospital. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and practice of using masks, then analyzed using Lambda test.Results: In total, 104 respondents were included, of whom 39.4% (n=41) had good knowledge, 35.6% (n=37) had a good attitude towards the use of masks, and 25.0% (n=26) had good practice. Interestingly, 42.3% (n=44) had experienced maskne. Lambda test showed that a relationship between knowledge, attitude, and practices towards the usage of masks and the incidence of maskne (p = 0.014; p = 0.000; p = 0.006).Conclusion: There is a relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practice of health workers regarding the usage of masks with the prevalence of mask acne at the general hospitals type b and c in the Mataram City. This study implies  is that health workers can prevent the occurrence of mask acne, which can make the work of health workers more difficult.
Diagnostic Value of Coproantigen for Detection of Giardia Infection in Stunted Children Octoviani, Fanny Anggraeni; Kurniawan, Agnes; Sari, Ika Puspa; Fauziah, Nisa; Faridah, Lia; Adrizain, Riyadi
Althea Medical Journal Vol 10, No 3 (2023)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v10n3.2860

Abstract

Background: Giardiasis is a protozoa infection caused by Giardia intestinalis, which commonly infects children, impairing children’s growth, development, and cognitive function. Standard diagnosis is carried out by microscopic examination of stool. This study aimed to evaluate coproantigen examination in stunted children compared to microscopic examination.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on stools collected from a survey among stunted children in Bandung in 2019. Stools were preserved in 10% formaldehyde and kept at -20oC until used. Direct microscopy examination with 2% lugol solution and coproantigen ELISA test using Giardia Cryptosporidium (combo test) coproantigen test kit were performed in Parasitology Laboratory Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia.Result: A total of 99 stools originated from stunted children aged 2-6 years. with boys predominant (52.5%). Microscopic examination showed that 12.1% (12/99) of the children were harboring intestinal parasites, such as the protozoa Giardia intestinalis, Blastocystis spp, and Entamoeba coli (E. coli). Giardia was the primary infection (9.1%), of which single Giardia infection (n = 8) and mixed infection of Giardia and Blastocystis spp (n = 1).  Interestingly, coproantigen examination resulted in 6 positive samples, and 4 samples agreed with the microscopy result. With a sensitivity of 44.4% and a specificity of 97.7%. The positive and negative predictive values were 66.7% and 94.7%, respectively.Conclusion: A moderate prevalence of Giardia in stunted children in Bandung regency has been observed. The combo coproantigen test method has high specificity and is suitable for use as a confirmation test to exclude Giardia infection.
Presence of Multidrug Resistance (MDR) Escherichia coli in the Citarum River located in Greater Bandung Area, Indonesia Megantara, Imam; Muhtado, Azmi Raffi; Pradini, Gita Widya; Goenawan, Hanna; Sylviana, Nova
Althea Medical Journal Vol 10, No 3 (2023)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v10n3.2765

Abstract

Background: One of the main problems of the Citarum River is the contamination of E. coli due to livestock activities, washing toilets, and industry. In addition, irrational use of antibiotics in the community and livestock can increase E. coli resistant strains to antibiotics. This study aimed to identify the presence of multidrug resistance (MDR) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) E. coli strains in Citarum river clusters, namely industrial, livestock, and residential clusters.Methods: This was a descriptive study. A sample of 100 mL surface water from each Citarum cluster. Culture, antibiotic sensitivity test, and PCR to identify blaCTX-M-15 gene carriers of ESBL E. coli were carried out in the sample.Results: There were 37 isolates of E. coli, with 24% of these isolates showing MDR properties, which can be found in industrial, livestock, and residential clusters at 13%, 8%, and 3% respectively. The most E. coli-resistant antibiotics found in these samples were ampicillin (45%), followed by tetracycline (37%), and azithromycin (29%). The PCR examination did not find the blaCTX-M-15 gene carrying ESBL properties in all three Citarum river clusters.Conclusion: The presence of E. coli isolates in each Citarum river cluster suggests the occurrence of river pollution due to animal, human or industrial waste.  Therefore, it is necessary to make better government regulations regarding sanitation and education for the surrounding community regarding the importance of keeping the river clean.
Pregnant Human Myometrial 1-41 Cell Viability Test on Vitamin D Administration Aziz, Muhammad Alamsyah; Krisnadi, Sofie Rifayani; Handono, Budi; Setiabudiawan, Budi
Althea Medical Journal Vol 10, No 3 (2023)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v10n3.2750

Abstract

Background: Preterm labor is one of the universal causes of perinatal mortality worldwide. One of the causes of preterm labor is uterine muscle integrity problems. Some mechanistic studies show insight into vitamin D activity’s possible role in the injured muscle. This study aimed to determine whether vitamin D can increase muscle cell viability.Methods: This experimental research used human smooth muscle uterine myometrium cell line pregnant human myometrial (PHM) 1-41. The cells were cultured for 24 hours in hypoxia condition, then incubated with several doses of vitamin D. The PHM1-41 cell viability was measured using spectrophotometry. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS 24.0. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The result showed that the minimum level of muscle cell viability after vitamin D incubation was with 300 nM administration, and the maximum level was after 10nM (88.57%+4.48 and 96.21%+2.13 respectively).Conclusions: Vitamin D at a specific dose can improve cell availability. The optimal dose to improve cell viability is 10 nM. 

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