Jurnal Bidan Cerdas (e-ISSN: 2654-9352 & p-ISSN: 2715-9965) is a national midwifery journal that publishes scientific works for midwives, nurses, academic people, and practitioners. Jurnal Bidan Cerdas managed by the Department of Midwifery published by Poltekkes Kemenkes Palu. Published 4 times a year. Welcomes and invites original research articles in midwifery with focus and scope including Birth| Pregnancy| Child & Maternal Health | Newborn| Adolescence| Family Planning| Climacterium| Midwifery Community| Education in midwifery| complementary therapy in midwifery| nutrition in pregnancy and child.
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Effectiveness of Audio-Visual Media on the Four Aspects of Complementary Feeding Education in Pregnant Women to Prevent Stunting
Background: Indonesia has the third-highest stunting rate in Southeast Asia, with inadequate of complementary feeding contributing to the issue. Enhancing pregnant women's knowledge and attitudes about proper complementary feeding is crucial, and research shows that audio-visual media is more effective for education than other formats. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of audio-visual educational media and leaflets in educating pregnant women about the four conditions (namely timely, adequate, safe, and properly fed) for giving complementary feeding. Methods: This study utilized a quasi-experimental design with a post-test-only control group. Data was collected from 40 Biromaru Community Health Center pregnant women from August to September 2023. The analysis utilized frequency distribution and the Mann-Whitney test. Results: The average knowledge (24.58) and attitude (25.88) of the audio-visual media group was higher than the knowledge (16.43) and attitude (15.13) of the leaflet media group. P value=0.02(<0.05) for the knowledge variable and p=0.01(<0.05) for the attitude variable Conclusion: Audio-visual media is more effective than leaflets in improving knowledge and attitudes about the four complementary feeding requirements to prevent stunting in pregnant women. It can serve as an alternative educational tool for health workers during pregnant women's classes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yuli Admasari, Sarliana, Linda (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Preventing Postpartum Breast Engorgement: Cabbage Leaf Compresses vs. Marmet Technique
Background: one of the common problems associated with breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding is breast engorgement until the incidence rate reaches 20%-70% in nursing mothers. Engorgement of the breasts can be prevented non-pharmacologically, namely by compressing cold cabbage leaves and the marmet technique. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of cold cabbage leaf compresses and the Marmet technique in preventing postpartum breast engorgement in normal puerperal mothers. Methods: Types of pre-experimental research with One-shot case study design namely cabbage compress (duration 30 minutes) and marmet technique given 1 time. The total sample of 30 respondents, was divided by 15 respondents in each group and sampling by non-probability sampling type of consecutive sampling. The measuring instrument uses an observation sheet containing a six-point engorgement scale (SPES). Data was analyzed using the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney test (p<0,05). Results: analysis of the effect of cold cabbage leaf compress management and marmet technique on the prevention of breast engorgement for normal puerperal mothers was obtained in cold cabbage leaf compresses p-value of 0.014 and in the marmet technique obtained p-value 0.317. The results of the analysis of the effectiveness of the two techniques were obtained with a p-value of 0.007 or <0.05. Conclusion: Cold cabbage leaf compresses were significantly more effective in reducing breast engorgement compared to the Marmet technique in the Independent Practice of Midwives (PBM) Setia of Palu City. It is recommended to use both techniques in helping to prevent breast engorgement for normal puerperal mothers.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hadriani, Niluh Nita Silfia, Hastuti Usman, Yuli Admasari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
A Rapid Review of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Implementation in Midwifery Care Services
Background: one of the common problems associated with breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding is breast swelling until the incidence rate reaches 20%-70% in nursing mothers. Swelling of the breasts can be prevented non-pharmacologically, namely by compressing cold cabbage leaves and the marmet technique. Purpose: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of cold cabbage leaf compresses and the Marmet technique in preventing postpartum breast swelling in normal puerperal mothers. Methods: Types of pre-experimental research with One-shot case study design namely cabbage compress (duration 30 minutes) and marmet technique given 1 time. The total sample of 30 respondents, was divided by 15 respondents in each group and sampling by non-probability sampling type of consecutive sampling. The measuring instrument uses an observation sheet containing a six-point engorgement scale (SPES). Data was analyzed using the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney test (p<0,05). Results: analysis of the effect of cold cabbage leaf compress management and marmet technique on the prevention of breast swelling for normal puerperal mothers was obtained in cold cabbage leaf compresses p-value of 0.014 and in the marmet technique obtained p-value 0.317. The results of the analysis of the effectiveness of the two techniques were obtained with a p-value of 0.007 or <0.05. Conclusion: Cold cabbage leaf compresses were significantly more effective in reducing breast swelling compared to the Marmet technique in the Independent Practice of Midwives (PBM) Setia of Palu City. It is recommended to use both techniques in helping to prevent breast swelling for normal puerperal mothers.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kriska Afri Juliandari, Septiana Ade Ammalia, Dewi Anggraini Padmaningtyas, Rohani, Cesa Septiana Pratiwi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Spousal Support and Its Influence on Exclusive Breastfeeding Success in Indonesian Infants: A Systematic Literature Review
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding involves providing only breast milk to infants from birth to six months. Globally, 48% of infants were exclusively breastfed in 2023, with Indonesia reporting 68.6% for infants aged 0-5 months. The husband's support plays a crucial role in exclusive breastfeeding success through emotional, informational, instrumental, and evaluative support which enhance maternal comfort and extend breastfeeding duration. This study investigates the impact of spousal support on exclusive breastfeeding for infants (0–6 months). Methods: A literature review was conducted with twenty articles sourced from Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and Garuda databases. Results: The review identified that affective support, such as empathy, motivation, and encouragement, was reported in 75% of studies and strongly correlated with maternal confidence and reduced breastfeeding fatigue. Informational support such as guidance on latching techniques or resolving milk supply issues, was present in 50% of studies and was particularly impactful for primiparous mothers. Instrumental support, found in 70% of studies, included household assistance and infant care and was associated with reduced maternal stress and sustained breastfeeding. Appraisal support was also noted but less frequently emphasized. Conclusion: Emotional, informational, and instrumental support from husbands plays a pivotal role in sustaining exclusive breastfeeding. Interventions should prioritize father-inclusive education and engagement strategies to improve breastfeeding outcomes. Policymakers and healthcare providers must actively integrate paternal support components into maternal-child health programs
Copyright (c) 2025 Septi Aruani, Diniati Sukmana, Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah Adnani, Hadi Susiarno, Viktor Abiola Adepoju (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Heavy Metal Content in Breast Milk and Contributing Environmental and Maternal Factors: A Systematic Review
Background: Breast milk is an important source of nutrition for the growth and development of infants. It is highly susceptible to the accumulation of lipophilic compounds such as heavy metals. Breast milk can become a route through which infants are exposed to toxic substances like heavy metals. This study aimed to identify variations of trace elements and their associated factors contributing to the existence of trace elements in breast milk. Methods: This research employed a systematic literature review methodology utilizing PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct databases. The search strategy followed specific English keywords to align with the PRISMA Extension for Systematic Reviews guidelines. Data synthesis involved a narrative approach, summarizing the main findings and interventions outlined in the chosen studies. The included articles consisted of full-text primary research published between 2013 and 2023. To mitigate potential language bias, only publications in English were considered for inclusion. Results: Our systematic review, comprising nine articles, revealed the presence of toxic metals including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and arsenic in human milk. Associated factors contributing to this presence include food intake (such as seafood, fruit, and canned fruit), water and canned drink consumption, smoking and exposure to smoke, regional location, and medical conditions. Conclusion: Heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, aluminum, copper, chromium, mercury, and arsenic are present in breast milk, influenced by factors like diet, water consumption, smoking, regional zones, and medical conditions. These findings underscore the urgent need for public health policies to monitor environmental exposure in lactating mothers and to develop dietary guidelines minimizing toxic exposure.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aisyiah, Mohammad Zen Rahfiludin, Farid Agushybana, Dwi Sutiningsih (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Effectiveness of an Application-Based Health Promotion Program on Prenatal Yoga for Pregnant Women
Background: Sleep disturbances are reported by approximately 78% of pregnant women in the United States, a figure significantly higher than in the pre-pregnancy period. Fatigue is a common complaint among expectant mothers, particularly during the third trimester. On average, pregnant women wake up between 3 to 11 times each night, with less than 2% experiencing uninterrupted sleep. In Indonesia, the prevalence of sleep disorders among pregnant women reaches about 64%. Furthermore, 65% of pregnant women with sleep apnea tend to deliver via cesarean section, and around 42% develop preeclampsia. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of health promotion through prenatal yoga delivered via a web-based application for pregnant women. Method: A quasi-experimental method was used, employing a one-group pre-test and post-test design. The study took place in the working area of Amurang Health Center, South Minahasa Regency, from April to September 2023, involving 35 pregnant women in their third trimester. The participants were selected using accidental sampling. Data were collected through direct observation using a knowledge questionnaire (3 items) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire (7 components). Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate methods, with the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test applied for statistical testing. Results: The findings indicated a significant improvement in sleep quality among third-trimester pregnant women after participating in the prenatal yoga sessions via the web application (P-value<0.001 < 0.05). Conclusion: The promotion of prenatal yoga through a web-based platform is effective in enhancing sleep quality in third-trimester pregnant women. It is recommended that pregnant women continue practicing prenatal yoga at home twice every two weeks using the application.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sandra Tombokan, Atik Purwandari, Sjenny Tuju (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Scoping Review: WhatsApp-based Education to Increase Iron Intake to Prevent Pregnancy Anemia
Background: Pregnancy anemia is a global health problem that affects both mother and fetus. One solution to address pregnancy anemia is to increase iron intake, which can be done through various educational methods, including the use of technology platforms such as WhatsApp. This scoping review explores the academic literature on WhatsApp-based education to increase iron intake to prevent pregnancy anemia. Methods: This review used a scoping review method based on the Arksey and O'Malley framework. The literature search was conducted through several electronic databases, namely Google Scholar and PubMed by determining keywords using the PICO format, namely P (pregnancy anemia), I (WhatsApp), C (nil), O (iron supplementation) which captured articles from national and international journals, in English and Indonesian, using the PRISMA Method. Studies were selected from 2014-2024. Found in the initial search as many as 3427 articles and filtered to get 9 articles to synthesize. Results: The results of the article review obtained seven articles. The results showed that technology-based interventions, especially mobile applications and WhatsApp, were effective in improving the health of pregnant women through increased knowledge, anemia prevention practices, hemoglobin levels, and compliance with iron and folic acid consumption. Conclusion: WhatsApp-based education is effective in improving knowledge and anemia prevention practices among pregnant women.
Copyright (c) 2025 Herinawati, Ani Margawati, Sri Achadi Nugraheni, Dwi Pudjonarko (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Strengthening Application-Based Digital Health Literacy in The Prevention and Management of Stunting among Mothers with Children Under Five Years of Age
Background: The rapid advancement of information technology has significantly transformed access to health information. However, the emergence of online media as a major information channel has also brought negative consequences, such as the widespread dissemination of misinformation, particularly when not accompanied by adequate digital literacy skills. This study aimed to analyze the effect of strengthening digital health literacy among mothers with children under five years of age in preventing and managing stunting. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a two-group pre-posttest design was conducted involving 112 mothers of children under five with stunting, divided into control (n=56) and intervention (n=56) groups. Samples were selected using simple random sampling. A web-based application, Cegating, was developed and tested for usability using the System Usability Scale (SUS). Respondents’ knowledge was measured using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate approaches with SPSS software. Results: The usability test of Cegating yielded a SUS score of 89.8%. In the intervention group, the mean knowledge score increased from 62.52 (pre-test) to 64.79 (post-test) (p=0.001). In the control group, the mean score increased from 60.68 to 63.30 (p=0.029). Conclusion: Strengthening digital health literacy improved mothers’ knowledge in preventing and managing stunting. The Cegating application is feasible and effective as an educational tool to enhance health education strategies for mothers with children under five to prevent and address stunting.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dyah Noviawati Setya Arum, Masrif, Atik Ismiyati, Sumarah, Nuning Marina Pengge, Linda Nur Wahyuni (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Social Cultural Aspects During Childbirth of Coastal Community Mamuju Regency
Background: Pregnancy and birth experience is essentially a social construction shaped by cultural perceptions and practices. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to identify the most common practices in their environment to improve the concept of care for the patients. This study aimed to determine the socio-cultural aspects of childbirth care in the coastal area of Mamuju (Karampuang and Beru-Beru villages), Mamuju Regency. Methods: This study use a qualitative research method with a phenomenological approach. The subjects of this study consisted of the primary informants, the mothers in labor, and supporting informants, the village midwives, shamans, and community leaders. Results: It showed that the socio-cultural aspects during childbirth were in the form of myths or beliefs related to specific behaviors and rituals. The behavior is a form of symbolic language containing the meaning of merit or to ease the labor process. From a health perspective, these myths do not have a direct negative impact on health status. However, some myths can maintain and improve maternal health if adequately supervised. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals need a synergistically and sustainably practical communication approach to change attitudes and behavior related to childbirth care with an adaptive approach while respecting the good values in every aspect of culture.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rizky Febriyanti Supriadi, Ashriady, Dina Mariana, Ajeng Hayuning Tiyas, Luthfi Agus Salim (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
PE-CARE: An Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Based Mobile Health Application to Improve Maternal Knowledge of Early Preeclampsia Detection – A Quasi-Experimental Study
Background: Preeclampsia remains a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide, yet awareness and early detection remain limited in low- and middle-income countries. While artificial intelligence (AI)-based applications have been increasingly utilized in hospital settings, their adoption in Indonesian primary care remains minimal. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an AI-based mobile health application (PE-CARE) in improving maternal knowledge on early detection of preeclampsia. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was conducted at Puskesmas Parongpong, West Bandung Regency, from February to March 2025. A total of 100 pregnant women (≤20 weeks gestation) were recruited using purposive sampling and assigned equally to the intervention (n=50) and control (n=50) groups. The intervention group used the PE-CARE application for 14 days, while the control group received conventional health education. Knowledge was assessed using a validated 15-item questionnaire. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests, complemented by effect size (Cohen’s d) and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Knowledge scores improved significantly in both groups, with a larger gain in the intervention group (mean difference 28.1; Cohen’s d=3.79, 95% CI 25.7–30.5, p<0.001) compared to the control group (mean difference 11.5; Cohen’s d=1.56, 95% CI 9.3–13.7, p<0.001). Between-group comparison of posttest scores confirmed a significant effect favoring the intervention (mean difference 21.3; Cohen’s d=4.05, 95% CI 18.8–24.8, p<0.001). Conclusion: The PE-CARE application was effective in improving maternal knowledge of preeclampsia in a primary care setting. While these findings demonstrate the potential of AI-based mobile health tools to complement antenatal education, further research is needed to evaluate long-term behavioral and clinical outcomes as well as implementation feasibility in diverse primary care contexts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Erni Hernawati, Firsha Ilvany Mutiara, Sofa Nurul Hidayati (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Flash Card-Based Education on Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Breastfeeding Techniques on Postpartum Mothers’ Motivation
Background: Postpartum changes occur in the body and mind for six weeks. This study examines how flashcard-based instruction affects maternal depression and fosters breastfeeding in postpartum mothers. Methods: The method used was quantitative research using the pre-experimental research design in one group (one-group pretest-posttest). The intensity of education on maternal depression and breastfeeding techniques using flash cards was measured through a pre-test before the intervention and a post-test after education. The sample used was 62 postpartum mothers. The method of collecting data is observation and a questionnaire. Data analysis and presentation through univariate and bivariate analysis. Results: The results indicated that the majority of postpartum moms were aged 20–35 years, possessed a senior high school education, were housewives, had many previous births, and experienced a normal delivery. The motivation to breastfeed rose markedly from a modest level in the pre-test (mean 41.58) to a much greater level at the post-test (mean 88.16). The Wilcoxon test results (p = 0.001 < 0.05) validated that educating mothers about depression symptoms and nursing procedures through flashcards significantly enhanced their motivation for exclusive breastfeeding during the first 3–14 days postpartum. Conclusion: This study concludes that there is an influence of maternal depressive symptoms and breastfeeding techniques on the motivation to provide breast milk to postpartum mothers during 3-14 days. Practical application: Midwives can use flash card-based teaching in postpartum care to improve maternal understanding, minimize depression symptoms, and motivate exclusive breastfeeding, improving maternal and infant health.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sumarni, Minarti (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Knowledge and Uptake of VIA Screening: A Case-Control Study among Women of Reproductive Age in Kendari City
Background: Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality among women in Indonesia, largely due to low uptake of early detection methods such as Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) screening. Knowledge among women of reproductive age (WRA) has been identified as an important factor associated with participation in screening. This study aimed to examine the association between knowledge level of WRA and VIA screening uptake at the BLUD UPTD Wua-Wua Public Health Center in Kendari City. Methods: A case-control design was applied involving 64 respondents, comprising 32 cases (women who had undergone VIA screening) and 32 controls (women who had not). Cases and controls were determined based on service records from the health center. Data were collected from June to August 2024 using a structured and validated questionnaire. The Chi-Square test was used for statistical analysis with a significance level of 0.05. Results: More than half of respondents (54.7%) demonstrated low knowledge. A significant association was found between knowledge level and VIA screening uptake (p<0.001). Conclusion: Knowledge level was significantly associated with VIA screening behavior among WRA. These findings suggest that strengthening awareness and educational efforts may contribute to improving participation in cervical cancer early detection programs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Julian Jingsung (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Role of Management Functions in Stunting Coverage among Nutrition Officers in Majalengka Regency
Background: Stunting remains a major public health problem in Indonesia, with persistently high prevalence despite ongoing national reduction programs. Primary healthcare centers (Puskesmas) play a frontline role in stunting prevention, yet challenges in management functions such as planning, implementation, and supervision may affect program outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2024 involving all 41 nutrition officers at Puskesmas in Majalengka Regency through total sampling. Data on planning, implementation, and supervision functions were collected using a validated questionnaire, while stunting coverage was obtained from official Puskesmas reports. Variables were categorized into “good” and “poor” based on mean scores. Statistical analysis included Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression to identify factors associated with stunting coverage. Results: More than half of respondents demonstrated poor planning (53.7%), poor implementation (51.2%), and poor supervision (61.0%). Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between all management functions and stunting coverage (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that planning (OR = 6.9; 95% CI = 1.5–31.7; p = 0.01) and implementation (OR = 5.2; 95% CI = 1.1–23.7; p = 0.03) were significant predictors, with planning emerging as the strongest factor. Conclusion: Planning and implementation functions are critical determinants of stunting program coverage at the Puskesmas level. Weaknesses in technical capacity, human resources, and cross-sectoral collaboration hinder program effectiveness. Strengthening participatory planning, enhancing community engagement, and improving supervision mechanisms are essential strategies to optimize stunting reduction efforts. Further studies with larger and more diverse samples are recommended to validate these findings.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lilis Banowati, Megi Melati Dwi Putri, Cucu Herawati, Rokhmatul Hikmat, Awis Hamid Dani, Muslimin (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Exclusive Breastfeeding History with The Incidence of Stunting in Children Aged 6-24 Months
Background: Stunting is nutritional health issues in Indonesia affecting children under 5 years. Numerous variables, including exclusive breastfeeding, can contribute to stunting. This study aims to find out the influence of history of exclusive breastfeeding to stunting in children between the ages of 6 and 24 months in the Turi Health Center working area. Methods: This study used a case-control study design and an observational-analytic sampling with a simple random sampling method. All children aged 6-24 months in Turi Health Center's toddler registration who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were listed as study subjects. There were 100 subjects with 50 subjects being cases and 50 subjects being controls. Data analysis used univariable, bivariable using Chi-square, and multivariable using logistic regression. Results: The characteristics of respondents with male and female gender had the same proportion (50%), while the children age were mostly 13-24 months old (62%). Most of respondents had a history of exclusive breastfeeding (80%) dan had never experiencing infectious diseases (58%). The findings demonstrated a significant correlation between exclusive breastfeeding history and stunting among children aged 6-24 months with a p-value of 0.012 OR 3.857 (95% CI:1.278-11.638). Conclussion: Exclusive breastfeeding is one of the keys to provide sufficient nutrients among children under five. Exclusive breastfeeding continues to be promoted to decrease the prevalence of stunting in children aged 6-24 months.or exploring other variables that influence labor progress.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sumarah, Munica Rita Hernayanti (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Implementation of The draivCare App on Maternal Health Services
Background: Banggai Regency government collaborated with a local start-up, Draiv, to develop a health service app specialized for pregnant women, called draivCare. This study aims to evaluate the effect of draivCare utilization on maternal health services. Methods: This is a case-control method to identify the differentiation of ANC services utilization during the pregnancy period between groups. We use secondary data and conducting interview with midwives. A total 39 pregnant women who use draivCare app in their pregnancy were administered to the intervention(case) group, whereas 156 pregnant women who did not use draivCare app in their pregnancy belong to the control group. Antenatal care (ANC) frequency and components were the variables studied using chi-square. Results: The proportion of mother who received the fetal examination and the proportion of mothers who received tetanus toxoid immunization are significantly differ between groups. Despite the barriers such as android-based mobile phone ownership of the mothers, the communication between pregnant women and midwives is quite intense. Conclusion: The implementation of draivCare app has yet to affect pregnant women’s health care quality and quantity significantly. However, the intense communication between pregnant women and midwives shows a potential effect of the app on improving antenatal care.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dian Kurniasari Yuwono, Yustianty Monoarfa, Nitro Galenso (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Effectiveness of Pelvic Rocking Exercise on Primary Dysmenorrhea among Midwifery Students
Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological problems experienced by women of reproductive age, characterized by spasmodic cramps and lower abdominal pain without pathological abnormalities. This condition negatively affects academic activities, productivity, and quality of life. Pelvic rocking exercise, a simple movement using a gym ball, has been suggested to improve uterine blood flow, reduce uterine muscle contractions, and stimulate endorphin release to decrease pain intensity. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of pelvic rocking exercise on primary dysmenorrhea among undergraduate midwifery students. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a one-group pretest–posttest design was conducted involving 18 first-year midwifery students experiencing primary dysmenorrhea, selected using accidental sampling. Pain intensity was measured before and after a 15-minute pelvic rocking exercise session and analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: The mean pain intensity before the intervention was 5.77 (moderate category), which decreased to 2.44 (mild category) after the intervention. The Wilcoxon test showed a p-value = 0.000 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant reduction in pain intensity. Conclusion: Pelvic rocking exercise was proven effective in reducing primary dysmenorrhea among midwifery students. It can therefore be recommended as a non-pharmacological intervention in managing menstrual pain.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dina Raidanti, Wahidin, Siti Fathimah, Christin Jayanti (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Benson Therapy in Reducing Anxiety in Breast Cancer Patients
Background: This study aimed to examine the effect of non-pharmacological therapy, specifically progressive muscle relaxation and Benson relaxation, on anxiety levels in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is known to trigger psychological disorders, including anxiety, which can negatively affect treatment outcomes. Methods: A pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest–posttest approach was applied, involving 43 purposively selected respondents. Anxiety levels were measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). Results: The majority of respondents were aged 46–55 years, had completed high school or vocational school, were unemployed, and had undergone chemotherapy 1–6 times. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed a significant reduction in anxiety scores after the intervention. Conclussion: These findings indicate that progressive muscle relaxation and Benson relaxation are effective in reducing anxiety among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, highlighting the importance of integrating non-pharmacological interventions into supportive oncology care.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rusmiyati, Ellyzabeth Sukmawati, Dayat Trihadi, Achmad Solechan, Dias Choirun Nisa (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Coping Mechanisms and Stress Levels in the Climacteric Phase
Background: The climacteric phase is a critical transitional period often accompanied by physical, emotional, and psychosocial changes that may influence an individual’s ability to cope with stress. This study analyzed the relationship between adaptive coping mechanisms and stress levels among elderly retirees using a sequential mixed-methods design. Methods: A total of 169 respondents participated in the quantitative phase, followed by in-depth interviews with 10 key informants. Results: Fisher’s Exact Test revealed a significant association between adaptive coping and stress levels (p = 0.000; p < 0.05), while age and gender were not significant factors. Qualitative insights emphasized the vital role of social support from family, peers, and the community in strengthening adaptive coping and emotional well-being. Both findings indicates that enhancing adaptive coping and social support effectively reduces stress among older adults. Conclussion: These results highlight the need for community-based mental health initiatives and post-retirement support programs to promote resilience and improve the quality of life in the elderly.
Copyright (c) 2025 I’ien Noeraini, Dayat Trihadi, Ellyzabeth Sukmawati, Danny Putri Sulistyaningrum, Achmad Solechan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Effect of Feeding Counseling and Massage Therapy on HAZ and WAZ Scores in Stunted Toddlers
Background: Stunting remains a major nutritional problem influenced by inadequate feeding practices during early childhood. This study examined the effect of feeding counseling and massage therapy for feeding difficulties on the nutritional status of stunted toddlers. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group was conducted among 40 stunted toddlers aged 24–59 months in Semarang City. The intervention group received feeding counseling and massage therapy for three months, while the control group received standard care. Nutritional status was assessed using Weight-for-Age Z-score (WAZ) and Height-for-Age Z-score (HAZ). Results: The intervention led to a significant improvement in HAZ scores (p < 0.001), indicating a positive trend in linear growth, while WAZ scores showed no significant change. Conclussion: These results suggest that feeding counseling combined with massage therapy for feeding difficulties may support linear growth among stunted toddlers. However, the small sample size and short intervention period limit the generalizability of these findings.
Copyright (c) 2025 Qomariyah, Desi Soraya, Ellyzabeth Sukmawati (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Effectiveness of the Combination of Oxytocin Massage with Baby Massage towards Increasing Breast Milk Production
Background: Postpartum mothers in Indonesia are encountering significant challenges with breastfeeding, resulting in a high rate of early discontinuation due to low milk production. However, the combined therapy of oxytocin massage for mothers and baby massage has demonstrated substantial effectiveness in increasing breast milk production. This innovative approach holds significant promise for preventing stunting in newborns and aligns with the government's efforts to reduce stunting rates. This study aims to combine therapy for mothers and babies, especially oxytocin massage stimulation, together with infant massage, to increase breast milk production. Methods: The study was designed as a quasi-experimental study and included two groups of participants: the experimental group and the control group. The study involved a total of 48 participants, with 24 in each group, and used blocked randomization as the sampling technique. The study measured the increase in breast milk production and conducted an analysis using the Independent sample t-test. Results showed that the experimental group given oxytocin massage with baby massage obtained significant results on increasing breast milk production compared to the control group, with an average difference of 9,917 cc. The independent t-test produced a p-value of 0.001; these results prove that there is a significant difference between the experimental group and the control group. Oxytocin is crucial for transferring breast milk from mother to baby, and baby massage increases the frequency of breastfeeding, stimulating the hormone prolactin to produce breast milk. This intervention can be recommended to postpartum mothers, families as a form of support or to health workers to improve the achievement of exclusive breastfeeding.
Copyright (c) 2025 Elisabeth M. F. Lalita, Dwi Wahyu Sulistyowati, Amelia Donsu, Niluh Nita Silfia, Dian Pratiwi, Agnes Montolalu, Olfie Sahelangi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The Role of 'Bundo Kanduang' Women's Group in Early Detection of High-Risk Pregnancy in Tanah Datar
Background: West Sumatra Province is the only region in Indonesia that adheres to the matrilineal system. An influential community leader in West Sumatra is the women's group 'Bundo Kanduang'. A preliminary study found an increase in problematic pregnancies in Tanah Datar District, West Sumatra. This study aims to determine the role of the 'Bundo Kanduang' women's group in efforts to increase knowledge, attitudes, and family roles in the early detection of high-risk pregnancies Method: This study used a quasi experiment pre-post test study design with control group design in Tanah Datar 2024. The population was the husband/family of pregnant women and the total sample was 22 people. Univariate analysis included frequency distribution of knowledge, attitude, and family role. Bivariate analysis used the Mann-Whitney U Test to analyze differences between the control and intervention groups. Results: There was an increase in knowledge scores and family roles in early detection of high-risk pregnancies. Statistical test results showed that there were differences in knowledge (0.001) and family roles (0.004) between the control and intervention groups with a p-value <0.05. Conclusion: The 'Bundo Kanduang' women's group has successfully improved knowledge and family roles. However, there was no significant difference in attitude, so further research is needed.
Copyright (c) 2025 Devi Syarief, Afrizal, Delvi Hamdayani (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0