Observational Research Design Research Articles

LITERATURE REVIEW: SENSITIVITAS OKSIMETRI NADI DALAM MENGENALI GEJALA PENYAKIT JANTUNG BAWAAN KRITIS

Early detection of Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) in newborns is crucial to the success of treatment. This underlies the need for pulse oximetry screening as the basis for establishing the diagnosis of CCHD that is not recognized on physical examination. This study aimed to analyze the accuracy of pulse oximetry as a CCHD screening method in newborns. The research method was literature review, data is obtained from the PubMed database with the keywords Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD), Newborn, Screening. The inclusion criteria are that the article is published in 2018-2023, discussing the accuracy of pulse oximetry screening, speaking English, and observational analysis research design. Articles according to the criteria were obtained 80 articles. After going through the selection process, 15 articles were selected. An analysis of 15 articles concluded that pulse oximetry has a high accuracy in assisting in the establishment of the diagnosis of CCHD, indicating the need to include it in routine screening procedures for newborns. However, it must be carried out according to regular procedures, by competent health workers, equipped with adequate facilities and it is necessary to educate prospective parents about CCHD screening during pregnancy to anticipate refusal to undergo treatment if abnormalities are found in the results of pulse oximetry.

Risks of Ecosystems’ Degradation: Portuguese Healthcare Professionals’ Mental Health, Hope and Resilient Coping

Healthcare professionals constantly face situations that reflect ecosystems’ degradation. These can negatively affect their mental health. Research suggests that hope and resilience can play an important role in this scenario, since they are related to/predict mental health in highly heterogeneous samples (considering geography, age, profession, health, etc.). In this context, the aims of the present study are the following: to characterize and explore the relationship between hope, resilient coping and mental health in Portuguese healthcare professionals. Using Google Forms, 276 healthcare professionals answered the GHQ-28, the (adult) Trait Hope Scale, and the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (retrospective, analytical observational, cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational research design). The minimum and maximum possible scores were reached, with the exception of the maximum score of GHQ-28-Total. Regarding Hope, 19.6% scored below the midpoint (M = 43.46, SD = 11.97); 29.3% revealed low resilience (M = 14.93, SD = 4.05); and the average of four of the five Mental Health scores (exception: Severe depression) indicates the probability of a psychiatric case. Hope correlated with Social dysfunction and GHQ-28-Total; resilient coping proved to be a (weak) predictor of four of the five GHQ-28 indicators (exception: Severe depression). The results support the need to promote the sample’s mental health, hope and resilient coping. They also suggest that stimulating resilient coping may contribute to improving healthcare professionals’ mental health. Prior research (e.g., on therapies to enhance hope, resilience and, thus, mental health), to which the current study contributes, supports optimism towards the necessary internal sustainability transition.

Impact of rehabilitation services on employment outcomes for individuals with physical disabilities: a propensity score matching analysis

BackgroundChoosing a suitable job and leading a fulfilling professional life is vital for individuals, regardless of disability. Governments provide rehabilitation services to promote employment for individuals with disabilities, but research on their effects is limited. This study aimed to examine the impact of rehabilitation services on employment among people with physical disabilities in South Korea using propensity score matching.MethodsThis study utilized an observational research design. Data were obtained from the 2020 National Survey of Disabled Persons, including 1,757 individuals aged 20 or older with physical disabilities. Descriptive statistics, chi-square and independent t-tests, logistic regression, and propensity score matching were employed.ResultsThe results for employment of individuals with physical disabilities showed no difference between the with rehabilitation services and the without rehabilitation services group. Based on subgroup analysis, when individuals with physical disabilities who rated their subjective health status low received rehabilitation services, it had a positive effect on employment.ConclusionsThe results of this study could serve as foundational data for future policies and educational directions concerning rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities.

Risk Factors of Postoperative Wound Infection at Mitra Pedan Public Hospital, Klaten, Central Java Province

Hospitals are very complex health service units with various elements. This will make it easier for cross-infections to occur in patients due to germs, and viruses. These infections are known as nosocomial infections and one of them occurs as a result of surgery which is often known as postoperative wound infection. Many risk factors cause infection such as patient factors, procedure-related factors, facilities, patient preparation, intra-operative factors, and other factors (waiting time for surgery). The incidence of postoperative wound infection in the last 2 years at Mitra Pedan Public Hospital was 2.28% in 2022 and 2% in 2023 which exceeded the standard from the Ministry of Health, namely ≤ 1.5%. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors of postoperative wound infection. This research uses quantitative research with an analytical observational research design and a cross-sectional approach. The test analysis used is the chi-square test and logistic regression. The research was conducted from January to February 2024. The results from the multivariate analysis on the variable duration of hospitalization obtained a p.value of 0.045 (AOR: 4.299, 95%CI: 1.049-17.618) and the variable duration of surgery obtained a p.value of 0.001 (AOR: 8.623, 95%CI: 2.373-31.326). Conclusion: there is no relationship between sterilization of the operating room, BMI, and time of antibiotic administration with postoperative wound infections. Meanwhile, the risk factors found are the duration of the operation and the duration of hospitalization. Hospital management must pay more attention to the duration of operation and length of hospitalization to minimize the incidence of postoperative wound infections.

THE EFFECT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND TNF ALPHA TO LUNG FUNCTION ON MARBLE CRAFTSMAN

Marble craftsmen are potentially exposed to marble dust which contains about 60% silica resulting in marble craftsmen facing this hazard and possibly physiological lung disorders. In addition, this hazard will increase Tumor Necrosis Factor-a (TNF- α) levels. This study aims to analyze the effect of working period, nutritional status, and TNF-α on physiological lung disorders. study is a quantitative study with observational research type and cross sectional research design In this study, the data collection techniques used were: (1) measurement of personal river stone dust levels using a personal dust sampler of CCZG2A type; (2) measurement of serum TNF-α levels using the ELISA technique, (3) examination of lung function with MIR spirolab III; (4) collection of data on respiratory complaints using the ATS standard questionnaire as well as to obtain data on age, tenure, length of work and smoking habits; (5) measurement of nutritional status by weighing body weight and measuring height. The data obtained were then presented in the form of tables, narratives, analyzed using statistical programs. The subjects of this study were all marble craftsmen who worked in the marble household industry in Tulungagung Regency as many as 30 people with the number of samples taken as many as 26 craftsmen. The average value of %FVC in obese respondents was lower than that of respondents with normal nutritional status. This indicates a decrease in lung function conditions in obese workers.

Distribution Pattern of ELF Field Exposure Electricity Distribution Substation Portal Pole Type 20 kV Medium Voltage Network

The electricity distribution substation is one of the components of the electricity distribution system. Electrical distribution substations, especially portal pole-type electrical distribution substations, can emit ELF fields. However, people need to be aware of the health risks of ELF fields and continue to carry out various activities near electricity distribution substations. This research aims to create a distribution pattern for ELF Field and determine its safety level based on WHO thresholds. The research was conducted in the Jember Regency, particularly in Sumbersari District. This research uses a portal pole-type electricity distribution substations. The substation criteria studied were a portal pole distribution substation on a 20 kV transmission line with a transformer capacity of 160 kVA. The measurement points are 0 m below the transformer, 0.7 m, 1.4 m, 2.1 m, 2.8 m, 3.5 m, 4.1 m, and 4.9 m from the distribution substation building at a height of 1.5 m from the ground for three days at 21.00 WIB and 30 measurements were taken. The distances of these points to the transformer are 4.256 m, 4.313 m, 4.480 m, 4.745 m, 5.094 m, 5.510 m, 5.979 m and 6.490 m respectively. The type of research used is quantitative research with survey data collection techniques. The research design used was cross sectional study. Cross sectional study is a type of observational research design that collects data at one specific point in time from a sample which represents the population studied. ELF field measurements show a spherical distribution pattern with an average magnetic field intensity between 0.0358 µT and 2.91 µT and an average electric field intensity between 2.35 V/m and 16.42 V/m. The magnitude of the magnetic field and electric field measured gets smaller as the distance from the measurement point increases. According to WHO, these results are below the threshold for the general group. This research concludes that the portal pole-type distribution substation in the medium voltage network produces a safe ELF field with a spherical distribution pattern that is inversely proportional to the distance.

Hubungan Keterampilan Literasi Awal dengan Kemampuan Bahasa Ekspresif Tingkat Kata pada Anak Usia Prasekolah di RA Sunan Ampel Al-Jauhar Ngawi

Abstract Background: The education of children of preschool age is closely related to the development of children's literacy skills. The lack of readiness of early literacy skills will affect the child's success in communicating and speaking with their environment. Based on a survey conducted by the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) released by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2019. Indonesia ranks 62nd out of 70 countries related to literacy rate, or is in the bottom 10 countries that have low literacy levels. Objectives: analyze the Corellation of Early Literacy Skills with Word-Level Expressive Language Skills in Preschool-Age Children at RA Sunan Ampel Al-Jauhar Ngawi. Methods: This study was a quantitative study using an observational analytic research design with a cross sectional approach. The sample size of this study was 32 respondents aged 3–6 years (preschool). The statistical test used in this study was the Kendall Tau test. Results: The Kendall's tau test results revealed that a significance value of 0.000 was obtained with corellation coefficient or a r value of 0.603 which means that the correlation value is strong and positive, so Alternative hypotheses is accepted. This means that there is a strong relationship between early literacy skills and word-level expressive language skills. The better the early literacy skills, the better the expressive language skills of children is, and vice versa. Conclusion: There is a strong and positive correlation between early literacy skills and expressive language skills in preschool children. Keywords: Early literacy skills, expressive language skills, preschoolers

The usage and weight of backpacks are associated with shoulder pain complaints among elementary students

Background: In recent years, backpack use has drastically increased, especially among elementary school students. This has led to an increase in musculoskeletal complaints, such as shoulder pain, due to the duration of use and the weight of the backpacks. This study investigated the correlation between the duration of use and the weight of backpacks on shoulder pain complaints in grades IV-VI elementary school students. Methods: This study employed an analytical observational research design with a cross-sectional study design. The inclusion criteria for this study were students aged 10-12 years old, using backpacks with shoulder straps, walking to and from school. In contrast, the exclusion criteria were injuries in the shoulder region. The sampling technique employed in this study was probability sampling, specifically simple random sampling. The research was conducted at Islamic Elementary School 1 and 2 in Karangasem, Bali. The sample size was calculated using the Lameshow formula, resulting in 106 samples. Results: Based on bivariate analysis using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (r), the p-value obtained was 0.000 (p< 0.05) for both independent variables, with correlation coefficients of r = 0.570 for the duration of use variable and r = 0.709 for the backpack weight variable. Based on multivariate analysis using Multiple Linear Regression in the F-test or simultaneous test, the p-value obtained was 0.000 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the research results, it can be concluded that there was a correlation between the duration of use and the backpack's weight on shoulder pain complaints, both partially and simultaneously.

Revisiting the Effect of Rapid Response on the Frequency of Reported Crimes Using an Instrumental Variable Approach

Rapid response to emergency calls for service is among the most widely adopted crime prevention strategies used by police today while practitioners, policy makers, and researchers differ on its crime prevention efficacy. Using observational research designs to examine the relationship between rapid response and crime can give the appearance that faster response times lead to more crime because larger law enforcement agencies often allocate greater patrol resources to areas with greater crime counts. An instrumental variable approach is one research design solution to this research problem. Using a pair of instruments based on characteristics of beat boundaries and counts of adjoining beats, we find average response times are unrelated to the frequency of reported violent crimes. However, we also find that quicker rapid response is tied to fewer reported property crimes, specifically burglaries and motor vehicle thefts, with additional findings suggesting incapacitation is the mechanism behind the differences.

Effects of Family Income and Maternal Education on the Risk of Low Birth Weight

Background: LBW babies are still a problem, especially in developing countries. Family income and maternal education are factors that influence health service outcomes, including preventing low birth weight babies. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of family income and maternal education on the risk of low birth weight babies. Subject and Methods: Observational analytical research design with a cross sectional approach. The sampling technique is random sampling. The research was conducted in Blora Regency, Central Java with a sample size of 200 mothers with newborn babies. The dependent variable is low birth weight. The independent variables consist of exposure to cigarette smoke, maternal age, family income, pos pelayanan terpadu strata and maternal education. The study instrument used was a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using path analysis with STATA 13. Result: The results of the path analysis explain that the risk of low birth weight babies is directly influenced by family income and this influence is statistically significant. Pregnant women with high family income have a risk of giving birth to babies with low birth weight 0.5 times compared to low family income (OR= 0.52; 95% CI= 0.27 to 1.00; p= 0.050). There was no significant effect of pos pelayanan terpadu strata or exposure to cigarette smoke on the risk of babies with low birth weight (LBW). Family income is influenced by the mother's education and this influence is statistically significant. The higher the mother's education, the higher the family income (OR= 2.35; 95% CI= 1.32 to 4.21; p = 0.004). There is a relationship between maternal age and maternal education and this relationship is statistically significant. Older mothers on average had lower education (OR= 0.43; 95% CI= 0.24 to 0.77; p = 0.004). Conclusion: There is a direct influence between family income, pos pelayanan terpadu strata and exposure to cigarette smoke on the risk of LBW babies. There is an indirect effect between maternal education on family income, and maternal age on maternal education.

Analysis of Behavioral Factors in the Use of Traditional Medicine: Observational Study in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Traditional medicine has long been used by the people of Yogyakarta, Indonesia as an alternative treatment to modern medicine. Various factors influence traditional medicine use, including psychological factors such as attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. This research aims to determine the factors that influence the use of traditional medicine among the people of Yogyakarta Indonesia using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). This research was conducted using an analytical observational research design with a cross-sectional design. Data was collected from 110 respondents living in Yogyakarta who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The research instrument is a questionnaire that refers to the TPB construct which has been tested for validity and reliability. Data analysis was carried out using logistic regression statistical tests and Pearson correlation tests. The results of the analysis show that attitudinal factors and perceived behavioral control partially contribute to the intention to use traditional medicine, while the subjective norm construct does not contribute. Attitudes and perceived behavioral control are important factors that influence the intention to use traditional medicine among Indonesian people. This suggests that interventions that focus on increasing positive attitudes and perceived behavioral control can increase the use of traditional medicine.

Correlation of Academic Stress with Internet Addiction in Students Junior High School Class VIII (Observational Study at SMP Islam Al Azhar 14 Semarang)

Academic stress is a situation where students are unable to meet academic demands and perceive these demands as a nuisance or threat. A person’s academic stress is influenced by one factor, namely internet addiction. This research aims to determine the relationship between academic stress and internet addiction in Class VIII Middle School Students. This research uses an analytical observational research design with a cross sectional approach. The research sample was taken using a proportional sampling technique, totaling 68 students in class VIII of Al Azhar Islamic Middle School 14 Semarang who met the inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria were class VIII students who were willing to fill out the questionnaire completely. The questionnaires used were Gadzella’s Students Life Stress Inventory and Young’s Internet Addiction Test. Data analysis used Spearman correlation. In calculating internet addiction scores, the majority were found to be in the moderate category at 50 students (73.5%). In the academic stress score, it was found that the majority of academic stress was in the moderate category for 44 students (64.7%). The results obtained from the Spearman rho statistical test, r = 0.674 and p = 0.000 (p<0.05). There is a significant relationship between academic stress and internet addiction with a strong relationship. The direction of the positive relationship shows that the more academic stress, the more it will cause internet addiction.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 08 No. 02 Apr’24 Page: 147-150

ERGONOMIC AWARENESS SURVEY: EXAMINING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN PREVALENCE AND CONTRIBUTING FACTORS AMONG DENTAL PROFESSIONAL IN A SAMPLE OF INDIAN POPULATION

Background: Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is a serious workplace hazard for dental professionals. Efforts have been made to investigate the prevalence of MSDs and risk factors in various Indian regions. However, these are primarily tied to workplace risk factors and overlook the impact of lifestyle and ergonomic awareness as risk factors for MSP in dentists. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of MSP among dental professionals and its associated work, lifestyle, and awareness-related risk factors. Material and methods: A cross-sectional observational research design were conducted among dental professionals working in the clinical facilities. The snowball sampling technique was employed to choose participants. The data collection tool was administered via a Google Form survey. Categorical variables were reported as frequency and percentage. Chi-square was applied with a P-value <0.05 as significant. Results: 120 dental practitioners were enrolled in the study. 53.3% of participants reported having work-related MSD. Male professionals had a greater incidence (55.6%) than their female counterparts (48.7%). The most commonly reported specific discomforts were back/neck pain (18.3%), isolated neck pain (15.8%), and back pain (12.5%). The number of hours worked each day (p=0.001), type of activity (p=0.022), work stress (p=0.001), and ergonomics in the curriculum (p=0.039) differed significantly between male and female participants. Medical problems (p=0.001) and their types (p=0.022), dental support during practice (p=0.005), and ergonomics in the dental curriculum (0.005) varied significantly among age groups. Conclusion: There is a significant prevalence of work-related MSP among Indian dentists, particularly in males over 40 years age. Factors such as physical activity, stress levels, co-existing medical conditions, and exposure to ergonomic education may influence the prevalence of MSDs. Thus, there is a need for continuing education programs and advocating for more comprehensive training in ergonomic practices to mitigate the risk of MSDs among dental professionals.

Hubungan Kualitas Tidur dengan Kadar Hemoglobin pada Remaja Putri Alumni Angkatan 25 di Sekretariat Pondok Pesantren Darul Salam Kota Singkawang

The need for sleep in a person is a basic need which, if not fulfilled properly, will cause several health problems. Anemia is a condition where hemoglobin levels are below normal. To determine the relationship between sleep quality and Hemoglobin levels of female adolescents’ alumni of class 25 Darul Salam Islamic Boarding School, Singkawang City. This study used an observational analytic research design with a cross-sectional approach. Results: The research was conducted in March - May 2023 on 30 respondents by means of a questionnaire. The study was conducted in March. The results of this study showed that there was a significant relationship between sleep quality and hemoglobin levels (p = 0.043). Conclusion: 9 girls (30%) had normal hemoglobin levels, while 21 girls (70%) had below normal hemoglobin levels

TAILR (Nursing-Sensitive Events and Their Association With Individual Nurse Staffing Levels) Project: Protocol for an International Longitudinal Multicenter Study.

Nursing-sensitive events (NSEs) are common, accounting for up to 77% of adverse events in hospitalized patients (eg, fall-related harm, pressure ulcers, and health care-associated infections). NSEs lead to adverse patient outcomes and impose an economic burden on hospitals due to increased medical costs through a prolonged hospital stay and additional medical procedures. To reduce NSEs and ensure high-quality nursing care, appropriate nurse staffing levels are needed. Although the link between nurse staffing and NSEs has been described in many studies, appropriate nurse staffing levels are lacking. Existing studies describe constant staffing exposure at the unit or hospital level without assessing patient-level exposure to nurse staffing during the hospital stay. Few studies have assessed nurse staffing and patient outcomes using a single-center longitudinal design, with limited generalizability. There is a need for multicenter longitudinal studies with improved potential for generalizing the association between individual nurse staffing levels and NSEs. This study aimed (1) to determine the prevalence, preventability, type, and severity of NSEs; (2) to describe individual patient-level nurse staffing exposure across hospitals; (3) to assess the effect of nurse staffing on NSEs in patients; and (4) to identify thresholds of safe nurse staffing levels and test them against NSEs in hospitalized patients. This international multicenter study uses a longitudinal and observational research design; it involves 4 countries (Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, and Iran), with participation from 14 hospitals and 61 medical, surgery, and mixed units. The 16-week observation period will collect NSEs using systematic retrospective record reviews. A total of 3680 patient admissions will be reviewed, with 60 randomly selected admissions per unit. To be included, patients must have been hospitalized for at least 48 hours. Nurse staffing data (ie, the number of nurses and their education level) will be collected daily for each shift to assess the association between NSEs and individual nurse staffing levels. Additionally, hospital data (ie, type, teaching status, and ownership) and unit data (ie, service line and number of beds) will be collected. As of January 2024, the verification process for the plausibility and comprehensibility of patients' and nurse staffing data is underway across all 4 countries. Data analyses are planned to be completed by spring 2024, with the first results expected to be published in late 2024. This study will provide comprehensive information on NSEs, including their prevalence, preventability, type, and severity, across countries. Moreover, it seeks to enhance understanding of NSE mechanisms and the potential impact of nurse staffing on these events. We will evaluate within- and between-hospital variability to identify productive strategies to ensure safe nurse staffing levels, thereby reducing NSEs in hospitalized patients. The TAILR (Nursing-Sensitive Events and Their Association With Individual Nurse Staffing Levels) study will focus on the optimization of scarce staffing resources. DERR1-10.2196/56262.

Hubungan Status Gizi Dengan Gangguan Siklus Menstruasi Pada Remaja Putri SMAN 13 Makassar

Nutritional status affects the menstrual cycle. If a woman with a nutritional status is thin, fat tissue which is also a source of low estrogen will produce low estrogen, causing disruption to the menstrual cycle by looking at the relationship between nutritional status and menstrual cycle disorders in young women at Sman 13 Makassar. This research uses an observational analytical research design with a cross-sectional approach. Purposive sampling was used to determine the sample size. The data analysis technique uses the chi square test and ordinal regression

Patient factors associated with novel EAR-Q appearance, psychosocial, and social scales: A cross-sectional study and regression analysis

IntroductionThe EAR-Q is a rigorously validated patient-reported outcome measure, which evaluates ear appearance and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with congenital or acquired ear conditions. The aim of this study was to conduct an exploratory analysis to examine the factors associated with EAR-Q appearance and HRQL scale scores. MethodsIn this study, 862 participants, aged 8–29 years, with congenital or acquired ear conditions, completed the EAR-Q as part of an international field-test study. Patients responded to demographic and clinical questions as well as the EAR-Q. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to determine factors that were significant predictors for the scores on the EAR-Q Appearance, Psychological, and Social scales. ResultsMost participants were men (57.4%), awaiting treatment (55.0%), and had a microtia diagnosis (70.4%), with a mean age of 13 (±4) years. Worse ear appearance scores (p < 0.02) were associated with male gender, microtia, no history of treatment, ear surgery within 6 months, unilateral involvement, and greater self-reported ear asymmetry. Decreased psychological scores (p < 0.01) were associated with increasing participant age, no treatment history, recent ear surgery, and dissatisfaction with ears matching or overall dissatisfaction. Lower social scores (p ≤ 0.04) were associated with no treatment history, those awaiting surgery, ear surgery within the last 6 months, bilateral involvement, and self-reported ears matching or overall appearance. ConclusionThis analysis identified patient factors that may influence ear appearance and HRQL scale scores. These findings provide evidence of patient factors that should be adjusted for when undertaking future observational research designs using the EAR-Q in this patient population.

HUBUNGAN INDEKS MASSA TUBUH DENGAN KUALITAS HIDUP PADA PASIEN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS DI PUSKESMAS BOTANIA BATAM

Background: The problem of nutritional status is closely related to a person's quality of life. Because if someone can achieve a good quality of life, then his life will lead to prosperity. Quality of life is the result of a person's benchmark in health status which is influenced by social, economic and cultural backgrounds. A good quality of life can direct us to opportunities to be free from various diseases, including Rheumatoid Arthritis. Methods: This study took an observational analytic research design with an approach cross sectional. This research was conducted at the Puskesmas Botania Batam in August 2023. The sample in this study was 60 respondents. By sampling technique is the accidental sampling. To find out the relationship between Body Mass Index and Quality of Life, the data analysis used was a test Pearson Chi Square. Results: Out of a total of 60 respondents, the majority of respondents had obesity BMI I as many as 21 respondents (34%), and the least number was obesity BMI II as many as 4 respondents (7%). Respondents with a good quality of life were 27 respondents (45%), while those with a bad quality of life were 33 respondents (55%). QThere is a relationship between Body Mass Index and Quality of Life with a p value of 0.002 (p &lt;0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the higher/lower a person's BMI, the poorer their quality of life is.

Birth Spacing and Parents’ Physical and Mental Health: An Analysis Using Individual and Sibling Fixed Effects

An extensive literature has examined the relationship between birth spacing and subsequent health outcomes for parents, particularly for mothers. However, this research has drawn almost exclusively on observational research designs, and almost all studies have been limited to adjusting for observable factors that could confound the relationship between birth spacing and health outcomes. In this study, we use Norwegian register data to examine the relationship between birth spacing and the number of general practitioner consultations for mothers’ and fathers’ physical and mental health concerns immediately after childbirth (1–5 and 6–11 months after childbirth), in the medium term (5–6 years after childbearing), and in the long term (10–11 years after childbearing). To examine short-term health outcomes, we estimate individual fixed-effects models: we hold constant factors that could influence parents’ birth spacing behavior and their health, comparing health outcomes after different births to the same parent. We apply sibling fixed effects in our analysis of medium- and long-term outcomes, holding constant mothers’ and fathers’ family backgrounds. The results from our analyses that do not apply individual or sibling fixed effects are consistent with much of the previous literature: shorter and longer birth intervals are associated with worse health outcomes than birth intervals of approximately 2–3 years. Estimates from individual fixed-effects models suggest that particularly short intervals have a modest negative effect on maternal mental health in the short term, with more ambiguous evidence that particularly short or long intervals might modestly influence short-, medium-, and long-term physical health outcomes. Overall, these results are consistent with small to negligible effects of birth spacing behavior on (non-pregnancy-related) parental health outcomes.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOFT DRINK CONSUMPTION AND CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN MUHAMMADIYAH PALEMBANG HOSPITAL

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is one of several non-communicable diseases that have seen an associated increase in mortality over the past two decades. The causes of decreased kidney function are due to several factors, including a history of hypertension, cardiovascular history, family history of CKD, history of drinking preserved beverages, colored beverages, and other chemicals, and older age groups. Consuming soft drinks is associated with diabetes, hypertension, and kidney stones as risk factors for chronic kidney disease. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the frequency of soft drinks and chronic kidney disease at the Muhammadiyah Palembang Hospital. The sample of this study was 47 cases and 47 controls with an analytic observational research design with a case-control approach. This study used questionnaires and medical record data at the Palembang Muhammadiyah Hospital. Sampling used a consecutive sampling technique. The results showed that 61.7% of CKD patients and 55.3% of control subjects consumed soft drinks. The types of soft drinks consumed by CKD patients and control subjects were soft drinks with added sweeteners (100.0%). The results of the Pearson Chi-square test showed a value of p=0.644 (p&gt;0.05). This study concluded that there is no relationship between the frequency of soft drinks and chronic kidney disease.