JOURNAL of HEALTH

THE APPLICATION OF THE BARTHEL INDEX IN ASSESSING THE INDEPENDENCE OF ELDERLY PATIENTS

Muhammad Ra'uf — 2025-05-26

Background: The global aging population is rising sharply. WHO data show that in 2015, 12.3% of the world's population was aged 60 or older, projected to reach nearly 22% by 2050. In Indonesia, the elderly population increased to 11.75% in 2023, from 10.48% the year before. In South Kalimantan, it reached 10.81%. In Banjarmasin, elderly residents increased from 46,888 in 2018 to 52,103 in 2020. This trend emphasizes the need to assess elderly independence, as aging leads to physical, mental, and social decline, impacting their ability to perform daily activities. The Barthel Index is a validated tool used to assess functional independence in 10 areas of daily living, including bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility. Purpose: To analyze the application of the Barthel Index in assessing the independence of elderly individuals. Method: A community service activity was conducted at Yayasan Uma Kandung Banjarmasin with six elderly participants. Assessment used the Barthel Index form through observation and interview. Scores were categorized into five levels: total, severe, moderate, slight dependence, and full independence. Results: showed that 66.66% of the elderly were fully independent, 16.67% had slight dependence, and 16.67% had moderate dependence. None were severely or totally dependent. Discussion: The findings indicate that most participants maintained functional independence. The Barthel Index proved to be a practical, objective tool for evaluating daily living abilities and identifying care needs. Its regular use is recommended to monitor functional changes and plan appropriate interventions that support aging in place and improve quality of life.

EFFORTS TO PREVENT GASTRITIS THROUGH HEALTH PROMOTION: HEALTHY EATING PATTERNS AMONG COASTAL COMMUNITIES ALONG RIVERSIDE IN BANJARMASIN

Theresia Jamini — 2025-06-05

Background: Gastritis is one of the most common digestive disorders, often caused by irregular eating patterns, consumption of irritating foods, and unhealthy lifestyles. Globally, it is estimated that more than 1.8 billion people suffer from gastritis, making it one of the most prevalent non-communicable digestive diseases. In Indonesia, the prevalence reaches 40.8% of the population, with 274,396 cases recorded nationally in health service systems. In the coastal areas along the riverside in Banjarmasin, the incidence of gastritis is also relatively high, influenced by socio-economic conditions and poor nutritional awareness. Purpose: This community service activity aimed to increase residents' knowledge of gastritis prevention through education on healthy eating habits. Method: The education was delivered using a participatory approach through interactive lectures, group discussions, and leaflet distribution to 50 participants. Results: Evaluation results showed a significant increase in participants’ knowledge scores, from an average pre-test score of 52.4 to a post-test score of 78.2 (p < 0.05). This health education proved effective due to its locally contextual approach, the support of community leaders, and the use of easily understood educational media. Discussion: These findings suggest that community-based health promotion strategies can serve as a sustainable preventive solution to reduce the incidence of gastritis. This activity also serves as a replicable model for other regions with similar characteristics to enhance community awareness of the importance of healthy eating and better lifestyle choices.

EDUCATING THE ELDERLY ON CHOLESTEROL CONTROL THROUGH HEALTHY AND LOW-CALORIE DIETARY PRACTICES

Muhammad Rauf — 2025-06-30

Background: Hypercholesterolemia is a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, especially among the elderly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 39% of adults worldwide have elevated total cholesterol levels, contributing to over 2.6 million deaths annually. In Indonesia, national health surveys indicate that around 28% of the population experiences high cholesterol, with many cases remaining undiagnosed or unmanaged. Among older adults, the prevalence is particularly concerning due to age-related metabolic changes, dietary habits, and limited access to preventive education. Despite its significant burden, awareness of cholesterol management remains low, making health education a crucial preventive measure. This community service program aimed to increase elderly participants' knowledge of cholesterol control through healthy and low-calorie dietary practices. Method: The program was conducted in RT.18, Persada Raya IV, South Kalimantan, and involved 12 elderly participants. The intervention included a pre-test, an interactive lecture session, distribution of educational leaflets, and a post-test. Topics covered included the definition, causes, signs and symptoms, types, and prevention of high cholesterol. The effectiveness of the intervention was assessed through a comparison of pre- and post-test scores. Results: The average pre-test score was 49.6%, which increased significantly to 93.8% in the post-test. A pie chart comparison also showed that the overall knowledge contribution rose from 35% to 65% following the session. Participants actively engaged in discussions, asked questions, and responded positively to the educational materials. Discussion: This program demonstrated that structured, community-based health education can significantly improve elderly knowledge regarding cholesterol prevention. Such interventions are vital for supporting healthy aging and reducing the burden of NCDs in Indonesia.

AWARENESS OF RISKY SOCIAL INTERACTIONS AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS: PROTECT YOURSELF, PROTECT YOUR FUTURE

Muhammad Rauf — 2025-06-30

Background: Adolescents are a vulnerable group in the context of social development, particularly regarding risky behaviors such as premarital sex, substance abuse, and exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to recent national data, approximately 30% of STI cases in Indonesia occur among individuals aged 15–24, most of whom are unmarried. The lack of adequate knowledge, parental supervision, and values-based education contributes significantly to adolescents’ susceptibility to these risks. Therefore, early and structured sexual health education is essential to equip adolescents with the awareness and knowledge necessary to protect themselves. Method: This community service program was conducted at SMPN 10 Banjarmasin, targeting 38 seventh-grade students. The intervention involved a health education session on the dangers of risky social interactions and STIs. Educational methods included interactive lectures, group discussions, and the distribution of informative leaflets. Students' knowledge was assessed using pre- and post-tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Results: The average pre-test score was 77.37%, which significantly increased to 94.74% in the post-test—reflecting a 17.37 percentage point improvement. All students met the passing threshold (≥60%) after the session. Additionally, the number of students achieving a perfect score of 100% rose from 4 to 17, indicating strong comprehension and retention of the material. Discussion: The results confirm that interactive, age-appropriate health education effectively enhances adolescent knowledge and awareness. The use of participatory methods promoted student engagement and facilitated meaningful learning. This program reinforces the value of early school-based interventions in preventing risky behaviors and promoting adolescent reproductive health.

CORRELATION BETWEEN SNACKING HABITS AND DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS IN SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN

Ricky Prawira — 2025-07-02

Background: School-age children spend a significant portion of their day at school. Due to the high intensity of school activities, they often feel hungry more frequently, prompting them to purchase snacks. They are typically drawn to foods that are visually appealing in terms of color, taste, and packaging, often without considering the potential health effects. As a result, these children frequently suffer from digestive issues caused by harmful microorganisms such as those leading to diarrhea and typhoid fever or by toxic chemical substances that can pose serious health risks. Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between snacking habits and the occurrence of digestive disorders among school-age children at an elementary school in Palembang. Method: This study employed an analytical survey with a cross-sectional design, using purposive sampling as the sampling technique, and involved a total of 72 respondents. Discussion: Data were collected using questionnaires. The results of the Chi-square test showed a p-value of 0.000, which is less than the significance level of α = 0.05, indicating a significant relationship between snacking habits and the incidence of digestive disorders. Additionally, it was found that 34 children (47.2%) had unhealthy snacking habits, while 38 children (52.8%) demonstrated healthy snacking habits. Regarding digestive health, 38 children (52.8%) experienced digestive disorders, whereas 34 children (47.2%) did not.

THE EFFECT OF RANGE OF MOTION (ROM) EDUCATION USING AUDIOVISUAL MEDIA ON THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF FAMILIES OF STROKE PATIENTS IN THE WORKING AREA OF KUIN RAYA PUBLIC HEALTH CENTER, BANJARMASIN

Muhammad Ra'uf — 2025-07-04

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, including in Indonesia. Rehabilitation through Range of Motion (ROM) exercises is essential to prevent post-stroke complications. Family involvement in home care plays a crucial role; however, there are still limitations in the knowledge and attitudes of family members regarding its implementation. This study aimed to determine the effect of ROM education using audiovisual media on the knowledge and attitudes of family members of stroke patients in the working area of Kuin Raya Public Health Center, Banjarmasin. Method: This study employed a pre-experimental design with a quantitative approach using a one-group pretest-posttest model. A total of 35 family members of stroke patients were selected through purposive sampling based on specific inclusion criteria. Data were collected using structured questionnaires on knowledge and attitudes, and analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Results: The results showed a significant difference in the knowledge (p = 0.001) and attitudes (p = 0.001) of the family members before and after receiving ROM education through audiovisual media. Discussion: ROM education using audiovisual media was proven effective in improving the knowledge and attitudes of stroke patients’ family members. This intervention is recommended to be implemented in health services as part of a family-based stroke rehabilitation education program.