Scientific Journal of Pediatrics

Overview of Worm Infections and Hemoglobin Levels in Children Living in TPA (Final Waste Disposal Site) Tamangapa Makassar, Indonesia

Ka’bah — 2024-01-02

Introduction: Children who live around TPA Tamangapa often play and do activities around the TPA. This can increase their risk of being exposed to worm eggs or larvae in the garbage. Lack of public knowledge and awareness about the dangers of worm infections. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels are an indicator of a child's nutritional status. This study aims to present an overview of worm infections and hemoglobin levels in children living in TPA (final waste disposal site) Tamangapa Makassar, Indonesia.

Methods: This study is a descriptive observational research. This study uses primary data from observations of research subjects. A total of 10 research subjects participated in this study.

Results: The results of microscopic examination of fecal samples showed that 6 were positive for worm infections and 4 were negative for worm infections. The positive results were found to be intestinal nematodes, namely Ascaris lumbricoides and Tricuris trichiura. Examination of hemoglobin levels in blood samples with the results obtained were normal in all samples.

Conclusion: The majority of subjects experienced worm infections with the worm species found being A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura. All samples showed blood hemoglobin levels within normal limits.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in Newborns: A Systematic Literature Review

Reza Agustiantwo Putra — 2024-01-03

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition in newborns involving inflammation and intestinal necrosis. A number of risk factors have been identified, which complexly interact and contribute to the development of this condition. An in-depth understanding of these risk factors has major implications for the prevention, diagnosis and management of NEC in newborns. Babies born prematurely, especially before 32 weeks' gestation, have a higher risk of developing NEC. Low birth weight, regardless of prematurity status, remains a significant independent risk factor. Imbalances in blood circulation, especially in the intestines, can increase the risk of NEC. Hypotension and other medical conditions that affect blood flow to the intestines can be potential triggers. Infection and inflammation, both systemic and local, play a central role in the development of NEC. Bacterial contamination in the digestive tract can trigger an inflammatory response that contributes to the pathophysiological process of NEC. Formula feeding, especially in premature infants, is associated with an increased risk of NEC. The importance of providing exclusive breastfeeding and introducing foods slowly to protect the newborn's intestinal health. Excessive use of antibiotics or without clear indications can change the balance of intestinal microflora and increase the risk of NEC. The importance of judicious selection and use of antibiotics to minimize negative impacts on gut health.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever in Children: An Observational Study in Batang Regency, Indonesia

Jaya Maulana — 2024-06-03

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a significant public health problem in Indonesia, including in Batang Regency. This study aims to analyze the risk factors associated with the incidence of dengue fever in children in Batang Regency, Indonesia. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 258 child subjects in Batang Regency. Data was collected through structured interviews with parents or guardians, direct observation of the home environment, and laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis of dengue fever. Data analysis included univariate, bivariate (Chi-square test), and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses to identify independent risk factors. Univariate analysis showed a relationship between the incidence of dengue fever and age, gender, parental education, parental occupation, residential density, presence of mosquito larvae in water reservoirs, habit of hanging clothes, history of mosquito bites, and nutritional status. Bivariate analysis identified several statistically significant risk factors, including high residential density (OR=2.87; 95% CI: 1.65-5.01), presence of mosquito larvae (OR=3.21; 95% CI: 1.89-5.45), habit of hanging clothes (OR=2.87; 95%CI:1.32-5.21), and history of mosquito bites (OR=2.54; 95%CI: 1.48 -4.36). Multivariate analysis confirmed that high residential density and the presence of mosquito larvae were independent predictors of dengue incidence. High residential density and the presence of mosquito larvae in the home environment are the main risk factors for the incidence of dengue fever in children in Batang Regency. Public health interventions that focus on vector control and improving environmental sanitation are critical to reducing the dengue burden in this area.

The Gut Microbiome in Early Childhood Obesity: Exploring the Role of Diet and Probiotics - An Observational Study in Palembang, Indonesia

Aleisha Wulandari — 2024-08-20

Introduction: Early childhood obesity is a growing public health concern, with the gut microbiome emerging as a potential contributing factor. Diet and probiotics hold promise in modulating the gut microbiome and potentially influencing obesity risk. This study investigated the associations between dietary patterns, gut microbiome composition, and the use of probiotics in early childhood obesity in Palembang, Indonesia.

Methods: An observational study was conducted in Palembang, involving 150 children aged 2-5 years, categorized into obese and non-obese groups based on WHO growth standards. Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day food record, gut microbiome composition was analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples, and probiotic use was documented through questionnaires. Statistical analyses, including multivariate regression and microbiome diversity metrics, were employed to explore associations.

Results: Obese children displayed significantly lower gut microbiome diversity compared to non-obese children (p < 0.05). Dietary patterns rich in processed foods and sugary drinks were associated with altered gut microbiome composition, characterized by increased abundance of Firmicutes and decreased Bacteroidetes (p < 0.01). Probiotic use was associated with improved gut microbiome diversity and a trend towards reduced obesity risk (p = 0.07).

Conclusion: This study provides evidence linking dietary patterns, gut microbiome composition, and probiotic use to early childhood obesity in Palembang, Indonesia. Promoting healthy dietary choices and considering probiotic supplementation may offer potential strategies for obesity prevention in this population. Further research is warranted to establish causality and explore the long-term impact of interventions targeting the gut microbiome in early childhood obesity.

Longitudinal Study of the Association Between Screen Time and Childhood Obesity in Singapore

Robert Eng — 2024-08-21

Introduction: Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern in Singapore. Excessive screen time has been identified as a potential risk factor for childhood obesity. This longitudinal study aims to investigate the association between screen time and the development of childhood obesity in a Singaporean cohort.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 500 children aged 6-12 years in Singapore. Screen time data was collected through questionnaires at baseline, 1 year, and 3 years. Anthropometric measurements were taken at the same time points to assess body mass index (BMI) and obesity status. Multivariate regression analysis was used to examine the association between screen time and obesity, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results: Increased screen time was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing obesity. Each additional hour of screen time per day at baseline was associated with a 1.2-fold increased risk of obesity at 3-year follow-up (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.05-1.37). The association remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, socioeconomic status, physical activity, and dietary habits.

Conclusion: This study provides evidence for a longitudinal association between screen time and childhood obesity in Singapore. Interventions targeting screen time reduction should be considered as part of a comprehensive strategy to prevent childhood obesity in Singapore.