Learn More
Breastfeeding is one of the most important foundations for infant growth and development. During lactation, mothers need sufficient nutrients to maintain their own health while producing breast milk that supports their babies’ growth. However, many mothers in low-resource communities face challenges related to milk production and nutritional status. For generations, Moringa oleifera leaves have been traditionally consumed as a natural food believed to support breastfeeding. Today, researchers are exploring whether this traditional practice has measurable scientific benefits.
This scientific article titled “Effect of Maternal Moringa oleifera Leaf Supplementation on Maternal and Infant Nutritional Status and Human Milk Output: A Pilot Single-Blinded Cluster-Randomized Trial” was published in Current Developments in Nutrition in 2025. The study was led by Suzanna L. Attia, together with Patrick M. Owuor, Silvia A. Odhiambo, Jerusha N. Mogaka, and an international research team from Kenya and the United States. The research examined whether maternal Moringa oleifera supplementation could improve breast milk production, maternal nutritional status, and infant health indicators.
A Traditional Plant with a Scientific Question
Moringa oleifera is a nutrient-rich plant containing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. In many communities, moringa leaves have been used traditionally by breastfeeding mothers because they are believed to increase milk production. However, scientific evidence is needed to understand whether these traditional practices provide measurable health benefits.
Supporting Breastfeeding Through Nutrition
The study used a randomized controlled trial approach involving breastfeeding mothers and their infants. Mothers received either moringa leaf supplementation or a control treatment, and researchers evaluated changes in milk production, milk composition, maternal nutritional status, and infant nutritional indicators.
The researchers found that mothers receiving moringa supplementation showed increased breast milk output compared with the control group after the intervention period. Among mothers practicing exclusive breastfeeding, the improvement in milk production was also observed.
Beyond Milk Production
Although moringa supplementation did not significantly change the fat and protein composition of breast milk, the study identified important biological findings in infants. Babies whose mothers received moringa supplementation showed higher levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a hormone associated with growth and development.
These findings suggest that moringa may support early-life nutrition through multiple biological pathways. However, the study also emphasizes that moringa is not a replacement for balanced diets, healthcare services, or essential micronutrient programs.
A Natural Resource for Maternal and Child Health
This research contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by supporting maternal health, breastfeeding success, and infant development. It also aligns with SDG 2: Zero Hunger through efforts to improve maternal and child nutrition using locally available food resources. Furthermore, the study supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration between researchers, health professionals, and communities.
The study demonstrates that traditional knowledge and modern science can work together. Moringa oleifera may not solve all nutritional challenges, but it represents a promising natural resource that can strengthen maternal nutrition strategies and support healthier beginnings for children.
DOI Referensi
: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2025.107568
Kontak:
Prof.dr. Veni Hadju, M.Sc., Ph.D
+62811441803
Learn More
Kehamilan tidak hanya dipengaruhi oleh asupan makanan dan perawatan klinis, tetapi juga oleh lingkungan tempat ibu tinggal. Di masyarakat pesisir, kondisi sehari-hari seperti pembuangan sampah, kualitas air, dan sanitasi rumah tangga dapat secara diam-diam memengaruhi metabolisme, imunitas, dan status gizi ibu dengan cara yang seringkali diabaikan.
Artikel ilmiah berjudul “Sanitasi dan Peradangan Sistemik Membentuk Gizi Ibu di Pesisir Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia” ini diterbitkan di Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat Universal pada tanggal 14 April 2026 .
Penelitian ini melibatkan 293 ibu hamil yang tinggal di daerah pesisir Kabupaten Takalar, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia. Dengan menggunakan desain potong lintang, penelitian ini menggabungkan penilaian sanitasi rumah tangga, pengukuran gizi, dan biomarker berbasis darah untuk memahami bagaimana paparan lingkungan berinteraksi dengan kesehatan ibu. Status gizi dinilai menggunakan lingkar lengan atas (MUAC), sedangkan anemia ditentukan melalui pengujian hemoglobin. Peradangan sistemik diukur menggunakan rasio neutrofil-limfosit (NLR), indikator aktivasi imun dan stres inflamasi yang banyak digunakan.
Ketika Sampah Rumah Tangga Menjadi Sinyal Kesehatan
Meskipun sanitasi sering dianggap sebagai masalah rumah tangga, penelitian ini mengungkapkan konsekuensi biologisnya. Wanita hamil yang terpapar praktik pengelolaan sampah yang buruk menunjukkan risiko malnutrisi dan peradangan yang jauh lebih tinggi. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa 17,7% responden mengalami defisiensi energi kronis (CED) , 14,0% mengalami anemia , dan 46,4% menunjukkan peradangan sistemik (kadar NLR tinggi) .
Peradangan: Jalur Biologis Tersembunyi
Salah satu temuan terpenting dari penelitian ini adalah peran dominan peradangan sistemik. Peningkatan NLR muncul sebagai prediktor terkuat baik untuk CED maupun anemia, meningkatkan risiko CED lebih dari enam belas kali lipat.
Dari perspektif fisiologis, peradangan kronis mengubah metabolisme zat besi, menekan produksi sel darah merah, dan meningkatkan kebutuhan energi. Ini berarti bahwa meskipun asupan makanan mencukupi, tubuh mungkin gagal memanfaatkan nutrisi secara efektif. Dalam kondisi ini, peradangan menjadi penghalang biologis tersembunyi yang menghubungkan paparan lingkungan dengan kekurangan gizi pada ibu.
Sanitasi dan Gizi: Sebuah Sistem yang Saling Terkait
Studi ini menunjukkan bahwa pengelolaan sampah rumah tangga yang buruk berkontribusi pada paparan berulang terhadap patogen, yang dapat memicu infeksi ringan dan peradangan kronis. Proses ini menciptakan siklus di mana kondisi lingkungan memengaruhi respons imun, yang pada gilirannya memengaruhi status gizi dan hasil kesehatan ibu.
Pendekatan terintegrasi ini menunjukkan bahwa nutrisi ibu tidak dapat diatasi hanya melalui suplementasi atau perbaikan pola makan. Hal ini juga membutuhkan intervensi kesehatan lingkungan, khususnya dalam pengelolaan sanitasi dan pencegahan infeksi.
Keselarasan dengan Tujuan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan
Penelitian ini memberikan kontribusi yang signifikan terhadap SDG 3: Kesehatan dan Kesejahteraan yang Baik , dengan mengatasi anemia ibu, kekurangan gizi, dan risiko kesehatan inflamasi. Penelitian ini juga selaras dengan SDG 2: Nol Kelaparan , melalui fokusnya pada kekurangan gizi pada populasi rentan, dan SDG 1: Tanpa Kemiskinan , karena sanitasi yang buruk dan kekurangan gizi terkait erat dengan kondisi sosial ekonomi rumah tangga. Lebih lanjut, studi ini mendukung SDG 4: Pendidikan Berkualitas , karena kesehatan ibu secara langsung memengaruhi perkembangan anak dan hasil belajar, dan SDG 17: Kemitraan untuk Tujuan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan , melalui penelitian kolaboratif antara lembaga akademik, petugas kesehatan, dan pemangku kepentingan masyarakat.
Referensi DOI
:
10.13189/ujph.2026.140311
Kontak:
Prof.dr. Veni Hadju, M.Sc., Ph.D
+62811441803
phunhas@gmail.com
Learn More
In many maternal health programs, providing nutritional supplements is often considered the final step in preventing anemia and improving pregnancy outcomes. Yet in reality, a more fundamental question determines success: will pregnant women actually intend to use these supplements consistently in their daily lives?
This question is addressed in a scientific article titled “Development and Psychometric Validation of a Questionnaire on Pregnant Women’s Intentions to Use Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS): A Confirmatory Factor Analysis,” published in TPM, Volume 32, Number 4, 2025 (ISSN 1972-6325) through the TPMAP journal platform. This study, conducted by Rabia Zakaria, M.Sc., Ph.D, focuses on understanding the psychological determinants behind multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) use among pregnant women.
The research involved 216 pregnant women in their second trimester, recruited from antenatal care services between January and March 2025 in Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province.
When Behavior Becomes More Important Than Medicine
Although MMS is widely recommended to prevent anemia and improve birth outcomes, its effectiveness depends heavily on human behavior. Many pregnant women do not fail because supplements are unavailable, but because psychological factors influence whether they take them consistently.
The study initially developed a 22-item questionnaire, which was refined to a validated 17-item instrument after CFA testing. These items were grouped into five psychological dimensions: perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, motivation, and intention .
How the Mind Shapes Supplement Use
Each dimension reflects how pregnant women interpret health risks and decisions in real life. Susceptibility describes whether a woman feels at risk of nutritional problems. Severity reflects how serious she perceives anemia or pregnancy complications. Benefits measure belief in MMS effectiveness, while motivation reflects internal and external encouragement. Intention represents readiness to consistently consume supplements.
The statistical analysis confirmed that most items had strong factor loadings ranging approximately from 0.53 to 0.95, indicating that the instrument reliably captures behavioral intention constructs. Reliability testing showed acceptable internal consistency, making the tool suitable for identifying pregnant women with low intention to use MMS .
From Data to Action: Why This Matters
This study reveals a critical insight: maternal nutrition programs are not only biomedical interventions but also behavioral systems. Even when supplements are provided free of cost, their impact depends on perception, motivation, and psychological readiness.
By identifying women with low intention, health workers can design more targeted interventions such as counseling, education, and behavioral nudges during antenatal care. This transforms nutrition programs from simple distribution systems into behavior-informed health strategies.
Global Relevance for Maternal Health
This research strongly contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by strengthening strategies to prevent maternal anemia and improve pregnancy outcomes. It also aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, as health literacy, perception, and behavioral understanding are key drivers of effective health education programs. In addition, it supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through integration of academic research, health services, and community-based maternal care systems.
DOI Referensi
: https://www.tpmap.org
Kontak:
Prof.dr. Veni Hadju, M.Sc., Ph.D
+62811441803
Learn More
— Why do some older adults remain mentally sharp while others gradually lose their memory and cognitive clarity? Aging is often accepted as a natural decline, but modern neuroscience reveals that this process is strongly influenced by biological signals inside the brain—one of the most important being Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein that supports neuron survival, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation.
A scientific article titled “The Relationship between Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Levels and Cognitive Function in the Elderly”, published in the Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences (2024, Volume 22(1), pp. 5376–5383), DOI: 10.57239/PJLSS-2024-22.1.00395, investigates this biological connection in elderly populations in Gowa Regency, Indonesia. The study was conducted by a multidisciplinary team from Universitas Hasanuddin, involving public health and medical researchers, including Prof. Veni Hadju and colleagues, focusing on how serum BDNF levels relate to cognitive function in aging individuals .
The research used a cross-sectional design involving 64 elderly participants aged 60–75 years. Cognitive function was measured using the Indonesian version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-INA), while serum BDNF levels were analyzed using the ELISA method. This combination allowed researchers to connect biological markers directly with functional cognitive performance, providing a clearer picture of how brain aging occurs at both molecular and behavioral levels.
The Biological Signature of Memory Decline
The study revealed a strong and significant correlation between BDNF levels and cognitive performance, with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.757 (p < 0.001). Participants with higher BDNF levels consistently showed better cognitive scores, while those with lower levels were more likely to experience cognitive impairment.
Even more importantly, the study identified a diagnostic threshold: a BDNF level of ≤ 1.99 ng/mL, which predicted cognitive impairment with 82.9% sensitivity and 85.7% specificity, and an overall accuracy (AUC) of 94%. This suggests that BDNF is not only associated with cognitive decline but may also serve as a predictive biomarker for early detection of neurocognitive disorders.
When the Brain Loses Its Support System
Biologically, BDNF acts as a growth and maintenance factor for neurons, especially in the hippocampus and cortex—regions responsible for learning, memory, and decision-making. When BDNF levels decrease, synaptic connections weaken, neural plasticity declines, and memory processing becomes less efficient. This biological mechanism helps explain why aging is often accompanied by slower thinking and memory deterioration.
The study also highlights that cognitive decline is influenced by multiple factors including age, gender, education level, and occupation. These findings emphasize that brain aging is not driven by biology alone, but by the interaction between biological vulnerability and life-course conditions.
Toward Early Detection of Cognitive Aging
This research contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, particularly in promoting healthy aging and early detection of cognitive impairment. It also aligns with SDG 4: Quality
DOI Referensi
: https://doi.org/10.57239/PJLSS-2024-22.1.00395
Kontak:
Prof.dr. Veni Hadju, M.Sc., Ph.D
+62811441803
Learn More
— Why do patients still feel dissatisfied even when hospitals are well-equipped and medically competent? Is the problem always about medical quality, or is there something deeper hidden in how healthcare services are delivered and perceived?
These questions are explored in a multicenter study titled “Assessment of Strategic Healthcare Development Using Importance-Performance Analysis: A Multicenter Study of Three Sharia Hospitals in Indonesia,” published in Health Leadership and Quality of Life (2025, Vol. 4:714, DOI: 10.56294/hl2025714). The study analyzed patient perceptions across three Sharia hospitals in Indonesia, YARSI Hospital Jakarta, Sari Asih Hospital Serang, and Annisa Hospital Cikarang Bekasi to evaluate gaps between service importance and actual performance using the Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) framework .
The study involved 382 inpatients using a structured questionnaire assessing five key service dimensions: responsiveness, assurance, empathy, tangibles, and reliability. Data were analyzed using IPA mapping, categorizing hospital service attributes into four quadrants based on patient expectations and perceived performance .
When Expectations Are Higher Than Reality
Across all three hospitals, a consistent pattern emerged: patient expectations were higher than perceived service performance. The overall analysis showed an average performance score of 3.713 and an importance score of 3.839, indicating a persistent service gap in Sharia hospital care delivery .
The Critical Weak Points in Hospital Service
The IPA results revealed several service attributes placed in the “Concentrate Here” quadrant—meaning they are highly important but underperforming. These include clarity of information, responsiveness of staff, patient education, and aspects of safety and service coordination. Patients consistently rated these dimensions as essential, yet their actual experiences did not meet expectations.
In healthcare systems, these elements are not secondary they shape trust, satisfaction, and adherence to treatment. When communication is unclear or responsiveness is delayed, even high-quality clinical care may feel inadequate to patients
What Hospitals Are Doing Well
At the same time, several service dimensions performed strongly and matched patient expectations. These include medical ethics, staff professionalism, hospital access, and care coordination. These strengths indicate that foundational hospital systems are functioning well and should be maintained to preserve service quality.
However, IPA also identified areas of “possible overkill,” where performance is high but importance is relatively low. These areas suggest potential inefficiencies in resource allocation.
Beyond Medicine: A Service Strategy Problem
The study highlights an important insight: improving hospital performance is not only about increasing medical capacity, but also about aligning service delivery with patient expectations. Importance-Performance Analysis provides a strategic tool for identifying where hospitals should prioritize improvement efforts.
By focusing on high-importance but low-performance areas, hospital administrators can make targeted interventions that directly improve patient satisfaction and service quality.
Toward Patient-Centered Sharia Healthcare
This research contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by improving healthcare quality and patient safety. It also supports SDG 16: Strong Institutions, by strengthening hospital governance and service accountability. Furthermore, it aligns with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration between academic institutions and healthcare providers.
DOI Referensi
: https://doi.org/10.56294/hl2025714
Kontak:
Prof.dr. Veni Hadju, M.Sc., Ph.D
+62811441803
Learn More
– What if a simple kitchen ingredient like olive oil could influence how a mother’s body adapts during breastfeeding? Beyond its culinary use, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is increasingly studied for its role in metabolism, inflammation, and maternal nutrition—especially in lactating women who require higher energy and nutrient intake.
A published article entitled “The effect of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on fat mass and fat-free mass for breastfeeding mothers (0–24 months) in Makassar City, Indonesia”. A randomized clinical trial published in the Journal of Education and Health Promotion (Vol. 13, Article 127, 2024, DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_907_23) investigated whether daily EVOO supplementation could influence body composition—specifically fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM)—among breastfeeding mothers in Makassar, Indonesia .
The study involved 34 breastfeeding mothers aged 0–24 months, selected from the Sudiang Raya and Tamalanrea Health Centers. Participants were randomly divided into an intervention group receiving 20 ml/day of EVOO plus nutrition education, and a control group receiving nutrition education only. The intervention lasted 28 days, and body composition was measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) .
EVOO is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), particularly oleic acid, which is associated with improved lipid metabolism, cardiovascular protection, and potential regulation of body weight. In breastfeeding women, nutrition is not only about calorie intake—it directly affects body composition and the quality of breast milk produced.
What the Study Found
Interestingly, the results showed that EVOO supplementation did not produce statistically significant changes in fat mass or fat-free mass in either group (p > 0.05). However, a subtle physiological trend was observed: mothers receiving EVOO tended to maintain their body composition within the normal range, while some participants in the control group showed slight declines into lower ranges .
This suggests that EVOO may not dramatically alter body composition in the short term, but it could help stabilize metabolic balance during the demanding breastfeeding period.
Why This Matters for Maternal Health
Breastfeeding increases nutritional demands significantly, requiring additional energy, protein, and fat intake. In many cases, mothers experience shifts in body composition due to energy depletion or inadequate dietary intake. While EVOO alone was not a “transformative” intervention in this study, it highlights an important concept: dietary fat quality matters as much as quantity.
Healthy fats like MUFA may support metabolic stability, especially when combined with adequate protein intake and physical activity. This reinforces that maternal nutrition interventions should not rely on single components, but rather integrated dietary strategies.
Science Beyond the Plate
This study contributes to understanding how functional foods may support maternal health without necessarily producing immediate measurable changes. It also emphasizes that breastfeeding outcomes are influenced by complex interactions between diet, metabolism, and physiological adaptation.
Implications for Public Health
The findings align with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, particularly in improving maternal nutrition and breastfeeding support systems. Strengthening dietary guidance for lactating mothers could help prevent nutritional imbalance during postpartum recovery and lactation.
DOI Referensi
: https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_907_23
Kontak:
Prof.dr. Veni Hadju, M.Sc., Ph.D
+62811441803
Learn More
— Why do so many adolescent girls still experience anemia even when iron supplements and nutrition programs are already available in schools? Is the problem only about access to supplements, or is there something deeper related to behavior, knowledge, and dietary habits?
These questions are explored in a scientific article titled “Effect of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements and Nutritional Education Based on the ‘Aksi Bergizi’ Program on Hemoglobin Levels of Adolescent Girls,” published in Gac Méd Caracas (Vol. 132, No. 3, 2024), DOI: 10.47307/GMC.2024.132.3.9. This study was conducted by Fina Astary, focusing on adolescent girls living in boarding school environments in Indonesia .
The research involved 53 adolescent girls from boarding schools and used a pretest–posttest intervention design. Participants were given Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) combined with nutrition education based on the “Aksi Bergizi” program for a period of three months. Hemoglobin levels were measured before and after intervention using standardized clinical procedures .
When Eating Habits Become a Silent Risk
Before the intervention, anemia was still a significant problem among participants, with 31% of adolescent girls classified as anemic. Many students also showed poor dietary behavior, including skipping meals and relying more on snacks than balanced meals. This reflects a common issue in boarding school environments, where food choices are often limited and nutrition awareness is low.
After the intervention, the number of adolescents with anemia dropped significantly to 9%, showing a clear improvement in nutritional status and iron-related health outcomes .
How MMS and Education Work Together
The intervention combined two key strategies: biological supplementation and behavioral education. MMS provided essential micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, and multiple vitamins, while nutrition education sessions improved awareness about balanced diets, iron intake, and healthy eating behavior.
This dual approach is important because nutrition problems are not only caused by nutrient deficiency, but also by behavior patterns such as skipping meals and poor food choices. Education helps adolescents understand why nutrition matters, while supplementation ensures the body receives what it needs.
Stronger Blood, Better Learning Potential
The study found a statistically significant increase in hemoglobin levels, rising from 11.9 g/dL to 12.6 g/dL, with a mean increase of 0.7 g/dL (p = 0.0001) . This improvement is clinically important because hemoglobin plays a critical role in oxygen transport, energy levels, and cognitive performance.
Better hemoglobin levels mean improved concentration, reduced fatigue, and better learning capacity—key factors for adolescent development.
Why Schools Matter in Nutrition Interventions
The study also highlights that boarding schools are strategic settings for nutrition intervention because they provide structured environments where supplementation and education can be delivered consistently. However, long-term success depends on compliance, routine habits, and continuous health promotion.
Implications for Public Health
This research strongly supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, particularly in reducing anemia among adolescent girls. It also aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, since improved nutrition directly supports learning performance. Furthermore, it contributes to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration between universities, health programs, and educational institutions.
DOI Referensi
: https://doi.org/10.47307/GMC.2024.132.3.9
Kontak:
Prof.dr. Veni Hadju, M.Sc., Ph.D
+62811441803
Learn More
In maternal healthcare, predicting the exact timing of birth is not just a technical detail. It is a life-saving decision. Yet in many low-resource settings, healthcare providers still rely on a simple but imperfect method: the last menstrual period (LMP). But how accurate is a mother’s memory of her last period—and what happens when it is wrong?
A study published in the Belitung Nursing Journal (2024), titled “Lower accuracy of estimated delivery date using last menstrual period recall…”. Conducted in Makassar by Eri Wijaya from Universitas Hasanuddin, the study used design involving 171 pregnant women. It compared EDD based on LMP recall with the actual delivery date (ADD) and analyzed how discrepancies between them were associated with childbirth complications.
When a Date Becomes a Risk Factor
The findings reveal a troubling pattern: small errors in remembering the last menstrual period can translate into meaningful clinical consequences. Women whose delivery timing differed significantly from the LMP-based estimate showed a higher risk of adverse events during childbirth.
In fact, cesarean delivery was associated with increased risk of complications compared to vaginal birth, while large discrepancies between estimated and actual delivery dates showed even stronger associations with adverse outcomes .
The Hidden Problem Behind “Simple” Pregnancy Dating
On the surface, LMP-based dating seems practical. It is cheap, easy, and widely used in primary healthcare. But pregnancy is biologically complex. Irregular cycles, ovulation variation, and memory recall errors can shift the estimated due date by days—or even weeks.
The study found that delivery often occurred about 7 days earlier than predicted on average, with extreme differences reaching more than 100 days earlier or 45 days later than expected . This wide variability shows that LMP is not just slightly inaccurate—it can be clinically misleading.
Why Timing Matters in Real Life
An incorrect estimated delivery date does more than shift a calendar. It can affect:
- When antenatal care is scheduled
- When high-risk pregnancies are identified
- When referrals and hospital preparations are made
- Whether mothers arrive at health facilities on time
These timing errors may lead to unplanned deliveries, delayed emergency response, or misclassification of preterm and post-term births.
A System, Not Just a Memory Problem
The study emphasizes that this is not only an individual memory issue but a structural healthcare limitation. Without early ultrasound access, many health systems continue relying on LMP despite its limitations.
The authors suggest that improving gestational age accuracy through early ultrasound or digital tools could significantly reduce adverse birth outcomes and improve maternal safety.
Toward Safer Birth Predictions
This research strongly aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, particularly maternal and neonatal health. It also supports SDG 9: Innovation in Healthcare Systems, highlighting the need for improved diagnostic tools in low-resource environments.
Ultimately, the study delivers a clear message: in maternal health, even a small error in time estimation can cascade into major clinical consequences. Improving how we predict birth timing is not just a technical upgrade—it is a critical step toward safer childbirth.
DOI Referensi
: https://doi.org/10.33546/bnj.3590
Kontak:
Prof.dr. Veni Hadju, M.Sc., Ph.D
+62811441803
Learn More
Pregnancy is a period when a mother’s body needs more nutrients than usual. The baby grows rapidly, blood volume increases, and the mother’s body works harder to support fetal development. One factor contributing to stunting is low birth weight, which is a result of maternal malnutrition. When important nutrients are not fulfilled, pregnant women may experience anemia, poor weight gain, low iodine status, and higher risks for unfavorable birth outcomes. This is why simple nutrition interventions during pregnancy can make a meaningful difference for both mothers and babies.
A published article entitled “The Effect of Giving Iodized Salt and Multi Micro Nutrients to Pregnant Women on the Nutritional Status of Pregnant Women in Majene Regency” discusses this issue through a study in Majene Regency, West Sulawesi, Indonesia. The article was published in Pharmacognosy Journal, Volume 16, Issue 4, pages 779–784, in 2024, by Phcogj.Com, with DOI 10.5530/pj.2024.16.129. The article history shows that it was submitted on 11 June 2024, reviewed on 16 July 2024, and accepted on 23 July 2024.
The study involved 200 pregnant women who were divided into two groups. One group received iodized salt and Multi Micronutrient Supplements, or MMS, while the control group received MMS only. The researchers measured several important indicators, including hemoglobin levels, maternal body weight, mid-upper arm circumference, urinary iodine levels, and pregnancy outcomes.
The findings showed that pregnant women who received both iodized salt and MMS experienced better nutritional improvement than those who received MMS alone. Hemoglobin levels increased from 10.51 to 12.09 g/dL in the intervention group, while the control group increased from 10.13 to 10.96 g/dL. Maternal body weight also improved more strongly in the intervention group, rising from 55.47 kg to 62.24 kg. Mid-upper arm circumference and urinary iodine levels also increased significantly in the group receiving iodized salt and MMS.
These findings are important because iodine and micronutrients have different but complementary roles. Iodine supports thyroid function, metabolism, and fetal brain development. Iron and other micronutrients in MMS help support blood formation, maternal energy, and fetal growth. When pregnant women receive both adequate iodized salt and MMS, their bodies may be better prepared to support a healthy pregnancy.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to improve maternal health, prevent anemia, and support healthier birth outcomes. It also reminds families and health workers that pregnancy nutrition is not only about eating more food, but also about choosing food and supplements that provide essential micronutrients.
In conclusion, the study shows that iodized salt combined with MMS can be a practical strategy to improve maternal nutritional status. Regular nutrition education, access to quality iodized salt, and adherence to MMS can help mothers in Majene and other communities prepare for healthier pregnancies and stronger babies.
Learn More
Pregnancy is a time when a mother’s body works harder than usual. The baby grows rapidly, blood volume increases, and the need for energy, protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins becomes higher. When these needs are not met, pregnant women may experience Chronic Energy Deficiency, or CED. This condition can be seen from low body weight gain and a small mid-upper arm circumference, known as MUAC. If not addressed, CED may increase the risk of low birth weight, premature birth, and other pregnancy complications.
A published article entitled “Giving Moringa Soy Milk on Weight Gain and Upper Arm Circumference of Pregnant Women” offers a simple local food-based solution. The article was published in KEMAS: Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat, Volume 21, Issue 2, pages 434–442, in October 2025, through the Universitas Negeri Semarang journal platform, with DOI https://doi.org/10.15294/kemas.v21i2.29036. The study examined whether moringa soy milk could improve body weight and MUAC among pregnant women with nutritional risk.
The study was conducted from February to April 2025 in the working area of Jatibaru Community Health Center, Bima City. It used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. A total of 30 pregnant women in the second and third trimesters with MUAC below 23.5 cm participated in the study. The intervention group received 250 ml of moringa soy milk every day for 28 days. This drink was made from dried soybeans, moringa flour, sugar, and water. The control group received local supplementary food from the health center program.
The results showed that moringa soy milk gave better improvements than local supplementary food alone. In the intervention group, average body weight increased from 43.86 kg to 45.86 kg, or by 2.00 kg. MUAC also increased from 21.87 cm to 22.23 cm, or by 0.35 cm. In the control group, body weight increased by 1.54 kg, while MUAC increased only 0.14 cm and was not statistically significant. This means moringa soy milk had a clearer effect on improving important indicators of maternal nutritional status.
This finding is meaningful because moringa and soybeans are familiar, affordable, and locally available food sources. Soybeans provide plant-based protein, while moringa leaves contain iron, calcium, vitamins, and antioxidants. Together, they can become a practical drink to help improve energy and protein reserves during pregnancy. This approach is especially relevant for community health centers that need acceptable and low-cost nutrition options.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to improve maternal health and reduce nutrition-related pregnancy risks. It also reminds us that local food innovation can strengthen community nutrition programs.
In conclusion, moringa soy milk may become a promising supplementary food for pregnant women at risk of CED. With further research and community support, this local drink can help mothers gain weight, improve MUAC, and support healthier pregnancies.
Reference :
DOI https://doi.org/10.15294/kemas.v21i2.29036.
Contact :
Prof. dr. Veni Hadju, M.Sc., Ph. D
+62811441803
phunhas@gmail.com
Learn More
Pregnancy is a time when a mother's body is working for two lives. During this period, blood volume increases, the baby grows rapidly, and the need for iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins increases. When these needs are not met, pregnant women can develop anemia, a condition characterized by low hemoglobin levels. Anemia may seem simple, but it can increase the risk of fatigue, low birth weight, premature birth, and other maternal and infant health problems. The global prevalence of anemia in pregnant women ranged from 5.2% to 65.7% in 2019.
A published article titled "Efficacy of Moringa Soy Milk as a Food-Based Intervention on Hemoglobin Levels in Pregnant Women with Anemia: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Gorontalo, Indonesia" provides an interesting local food solution to this problem. The article was published in The North African Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, Volume 9, Issue 20, pages 236–248, in 2025. The article was published on November 7, 2025, with DOI 10.51745/najfnr.9.20.236-248. This study examined whether Moringa soy milk could help increase hemoglobin levels in pregnant women with anemia in Gorontalo, Indonesia.
This study used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. The study involved 66 pregnant women with anemia, who were divided equally into two groups. The intervention group consisted of 33 women who received 250 ml of Moringa soy milk every morning for 30 days, along with a 60 mg iron-folic acid tablet taken at night. The control group consisted of 33 women who received local food supplements such as sweet potato, banana, mung bean porridge, and iron-folic acid tablets.
The results showed that both groups experienced an increase in hemoglobin levels after the intervention. However, the increase was stronger in the Moringa soy milk group. In this group, the average hemoglobin level increased from 9.69 g/dL to 10.61 g/dL, with a mean increase of 1.03 g/dL. In the control group, hemoglobin increased from 9.70 g/dL to 10.44 g/dL, with a mean increase of 0.73 g/dL. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant, indicating that Moringa soy milk was more effective than the local supplement combined with iron tablets.
This result is significant because Moringa leaves and soybeans are common local food sources. Moringa contains iron, vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, and antioxidants, while soybeans provide plant-based protein and other nutrients. Vitamin C can also help the body absorb iron better, making this combination beneficial for supporting blood health during pregnancy.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, specifically efforts to improve maternal health and reduce nutrition-related pregnancy risks. In conclusion, Moringa soy milk offers a practical, affordable, and culturally acceptable food-based strategy to help pregnant women increase hemoglobin levels and support healthier pregnancy outcomes.
Reference :
DOI 10.51745/najfnr.9.20.236-248.
Contact :
Prof. dr. Veni Hadju, M.Sc., Ph. D
+62811441803
phunhas@gmail.com
Learn More
Adolescence is a critical time for growth. During this period, girls need enough energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, fruits, and vegetables to support their bodies, learning ability, and future health. However, in many remote and island communities, healthy food choices are not always easy to access or practiced every day. Limited nutrition knowledge, family habits, and local food availability can influence what adolescents eat.
A published article entitled “Effects of Nutrition Education Based on Social Cognitive Theory on Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Adolescent Girls in Tanakeke Islands, South Sulawesi” provides important evidence on this issue. The article was published in the Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences, Volume 32, Issue 4, pages 224–235, in 2025, by Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, with DOI 10.21315/mjms-01-2025-014. The article was submitted on 10 March 2025, accepted on 23 May 2025, and published online on 30 August 2025.
The study focused on undernourished adolescent girls living in the Tanakeke Islands, Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi. This area represents a remote island setting where nutrition challenges can be influenced by geography, household income, food access, and education. The research used a quasi-experimental design involving four schools. A total of 88 adolescent girls completed the study after 12 weeks.
The intervention group received nutrition education based on Social Cognitive Theory. This approach does not only teach facts about healthy food. It also helps students build motivation, understand the benefits of eating better, regulate their own behavior, and receive support from their environment. The education program included role-playing, student modules, interactive sessions, and monthly education for parents. Meanwhile, the control group received nutrition leaflets from the Ministry of Health.
The results were encouraging. After 12 weeks, the intervention group showed improvements in nutrition knowledge, outcome expectations, self Adolescent nutrition is often seen as a matter of knowledge—if teenagers know what is healthy, they will eat better. However, reality in many remote Indonesian islands shows a different picture. Even when nutrition information is provided, actual dietary behavior, especially fruit and vegetable consumption, remains far below recommended levels. This gap between knowledge and behavior raises an important question: what truly drives adolescents to change what they eat?
This scientific article titled “Effects of Nutrition Education Based on Social Cognitive Theory on Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Adolescent Girls in Tanakeke Islands, South Sulawesi” was published in the Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences in 2025 (Vol. 32, Issue 4, pp. 224–235). The study was conducted by Firdaus et al., including Prof. Veni Hadju, and involved adolescent girls from undernourished populations in the Tanakeke Islands, South Sulawesi, Indonesia .
The research aimed to evaluate how nutrition education based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) influences knowledge, psychological constructs, and fruit and vegetable intake among adolescent girls living in resource-limited island settings. A total of 88 participants were involved in a quasi-experimental study with intervention and control groups over a 12-week period .
When Knowledge Alone Is Not Enough
The study began with a key observation: although adolescents were exposed to nutrition education, their baseline fruit and vegetable intake remained extremely low. This reflects a common challenge in public health nutrition—information does not automatically translate into behavior.
In the SCT framework, behavior is influenced not only by knowledge but also by self-efficacy, outcome expectations, self-regulation, and environmental support. These psychological and social factors determine whether adolescents can realistically apply what they learn in daily life.
How the Intervention Was Designed
The intervention group received a 12-week structured nutrition education program based on SCT principles. The program included interactive learning sessions, role-playing, parental involvement sessions, and self-monitoring activities. Students were also given learning modules to reinforce behavior outside classroom settings.
The control group received standard leaflet-based nutrition education from health authorities, without structured behavioral reinforcement or parental engagement .
Why Self-Efficacy Matters More Than Information
One of the most important findings of the study is the weak improvement in self-efficacy. Within SCT, self-efficacy is a core determinant of behavior change because it reflects a person’s confidence in performing a specific action.
Without strong self-efficacy, adolescents may understand what to do but still fail to act consistently. This explains why knowledge gains did not fully translate into large dietary behavior changes.
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
This study strongly contributes to:
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger, by addressing adolescent undernutrition and poor dietary diversity
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, through prevention of long-term nutrition-related health risks
- SDG 4: Quality Education, by integrating behavioral learning into school-based nutrition programs
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration between universities, schools, parents, and communities
Reference :
DOI 10.21315/mjms-01-2025-014.
Contact :
Prof. dr. Veni Hadju, M.Sc., Ph. D
+62811441803
phunhas@gmail.com
Learn More
A healthy birth begins long before a baby is delivered. During pregnancy, the mother’s body provides the nutrients that support fetal growth, organ development, and readiness for life outside the womb. When maternal nutrition is not adequate, babies may face higher risks of low birth weight, shorter birth length, premature birth, and weaker early health. This is why safe and practical nutrition support during pregnancy remains an important public health priority.
A scientific article entitled “Effect of Giving Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Extract Capsules Enriched with Royal Jelly to Pregnant Women on Birth Outcomes” discusses this issue through a study in Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. The article is listed in Gazzetta Medica Italiana - Archivio per le Scienze Mediche, under Edizioni Minerva Medica, with paper code Gazz Med Ital - Arch Sci Med-5827. The attached manuscript shows the submission date as October 7, 2024, and the article type as an Original Article. This study examined whether Moringa leaf extract capsules enriched with royal jelly, known as MRJ, could support pregnancy outcomes compared with multiple micronutrient supplementation, or MMS.
The study was conducted in two sub-districts, Batui Selatan and Moilong. It was a follow-up cohort study from a previous pregnancy intervention. Pregnant women in the MRJ group received 500 mg capsules twice a day for 90 days, while women in the control group received MMS tablets once a day. The final sample included 21 mothers in the MRJ group and 25 mothers in the MMS group. Birth outcomes were obtained from medical records, including gestational age, APGAR score, birth weight, and birth length.
The results showed that babies in both groups had generally good birth outcomes. The average gestational age was 38.95 weeks in the MRJ group and 39.52 weeks in the MMS group. The APGAR score, which reflects a newborn’s early condition after birth, was reassuring in both groups. Average birth weight was also normal, reaching 3267.38 grams in the MRJ group and 3280.00 grams in the MMS group. Birth length was 49.14 cm in the MRJ group and 48.88 cm in the MMS group. Although the differences were not statistically significant, these findings suggest that MRJ may provide birth outcomes comparable to MMS.
This finding is meaningful because Moringa is a local plant rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, iron, calcium, and vitamin C. Royal jelly also contains nutrients and bioactive compounds that may support maternal health. Together, they may become a local nutrition-based option for pregnant women.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to improve maternal and newborn health. In conclusion, Moringa enriched with royal jelly may be a promising local supplement to support healthier pregnancies and normal birth outcomes, although further research with larger samples is still needed.
Learn More
Nutrition is one of the strongest foundations for a child’s future. During the first years of life, children need enough food, diverse nutrients, and regular growth monitoring to support their bodies and brains. When feeding practices are poor, children may become underweight, wasted, or stunted. These conditions can affect learning ability, immunity, and long-term productivity. For this reason, family nutrition support is an important part of child health programs.
A published article entitled “The effect of nutritional assistance ‘Gammara’Na’ on food acceptance and nutritional status of children in South Sulawesi, Indonesia” provides important evidence on this issue. The article was published in Nutrición Clínica y Dietética Hospitalaria, Volume 45, Issue 1, pages 38–46, in 2025, with DOI 10.12873/451nadimin. The article was received on 17 October 2024 and accepted on 3 December 2024. It discusses how the Gammara’Na nutrition assistance program helped improve feeding practices and nutritional status among children in South Sulawesi.
The Gammara’Na program was designed as a community-based nutrition support strategy in stunting-prone villages. The study used a pretest-posttest design without a control group and involved 114 villages and 2,148 families. For six months, Village Nutrition Assistants, known as TPGD, provided nutrition education and counseling to families. The assistance focused on infant and young child feeding, growth monitoring, and supplementary feeding.
The findings showed encouraging changes. After the program, children’s feeding frequency increased by 12.1%. Dietary diversity increased even more, by 27.1%. Food acceptance, which reflects whether children receive meals frequently enough and consume diverse foods, improved by 25.3%. This means more families were able to provide children with better eating patterns after receiving direct assistance.
The program also showed positive effects on nutritional status. The proportion of stunted children decreased by 5.4%. Wasting decreased by 1.2%, and underweight decreased by 2.6%. Children with good food acceptance also had better nutritional Z-scores than children with poor food acceptance. This finding shows that what children eat, how often they eat, and how varied their food is can influence their growth.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to improve child nutrition and reduce stunting. It also reminds us that nutrition programs should not only distribute food, but also educate, guide, and accompany families. When parents understand children’s nutritional needs, they can make better daily feeding decisions. This approach is especially relevant for vulnerable families who need practical advice that fits local food availability and daily household routines.
In conclusion, the Gammara’Na program shows that village-level nutrition assistance can make a meaningful difference. Through counseling, home-based support, and growth monitoring, families can improve children’s diets and help them grow healthier. Strong community nutrition support can become a practical pathway to reduce stunting and build a healthier generation in Indonesia.
Reference :
DOI 10.12873/451nadimin
Contact :
Prof. dr. Veni Hadju, M.Sc., Ph. D
+62811441803
phunhas@gmail.com
Learn More
Pregnancy is a meaningful journey, but it can also bring emotional pressure. Many pregnant women experience changes in mood, sleep, energy, and confidence as their bodies adapt to pregnancy. When stress continues, it may affect both the mother and the developing baby. One biological sign of stress is cortisol, often known as the stress hormone. Managing stress during pregnancy is therefore not only about comfort; it is part of protecting maternal and infant health.
A published article entitled “Moringa Leaf Extract Capsules Enriched with Royal Jelly on Cortisol and Stress” provides important evidence about this issue. The article was published in KEMAS: Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat, Volume 20, Issue 4, pages 705–714, in April 2025, through the Universitas Negeri Semarang journal platform, with DOI https://doi.org/10.15294/kemas.v20i4.3578. This study examined whether moringa leaf extract capsules enriched with royal jelly could help reduce cortisol and stress levels among pregnant women in Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi.
The study used a single-blind randomized controlled trial design and was conducted from July to October 2023 in South Batui and Moilong Districts. A total of 61 pregnant women completed the study. The intervention group consisted of 31 pregnant women who received moringa leaf extract capsules enriched with royal jelly, while the control group consisted of 30 pregnant women who received multi-micronutrient supplements. Cortisol levels were measured using saliva samples, and stress levels were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales questionnaire.
The results showed that both groups experienced improvement after the intervention. In the moringa and royal jelly group, cortisol levels decreased from 26.61 to 19.98. Stress levels also decreased from 18.68 to 15.90. The control group also showed reductions in cortisol and stress levels. However, when the changes between the two groups were compared, the difference was not statistically significant. This means that moringa leaf extract enriched with royal jelly produced results that were almost similar to multi-micronutrient supplements in this study.
This finding is meaningful because moringa is a local plant that is already familiar in many Indonesian communities. Its leaves contain nutrients and bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, antioxidants, and gamma-aminobutyric acid, known as GABA, which may help calm the nervous system. Royal jelly also contains proteins, fatty acids, and other bioactive substances that may support the body’s response to stress and inflammation.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to improve maternal mental health and pregnancy care. It also reminds health workers that antenatal care should include not only physical examinations, but also attention to emotional well-being.
In conclusion, moringa leaf extract enriched with royal jelly may become a promising local nutrition-based option to support pregnant women experiencing stress. With regular screening, counseling, and further research, natural products like moringa may help build healthier pregnancies and healthier babies.
Reference :
DOI https://doi.org/10.15294/kemas.v20i4.3578
Contact :
Prof. dr. Veni Hadju, M.Sc., Ph. D
+62811441803
phunhas@gmail.com
Learn More
Breastfeeding is one of the first and most important sources of protection for a baby. In the first months of life, breast milk provides energy, nutrients, and immune support that help infants grow and fight infection. However, many mothers face a common concern: feeling that their breast milk is not enough. This perception can reduce confidence and may lead to early use of formula or other foods before the baby is ready.
A scientific article entitled “Potential of Moringa Leaf Extract (Moringa oleifera) Enriched Royal Jelly in Increasing Breast Milk Volume of Breastfeeding Mothers” discusses this important issue. The article is listed in Gazzetta Medica Italiana - Archivio per le Scienze Mediche, under Edizioni Minerva Medica, with paper code Gazz Med Ital - Arch Sci Med-5824. The attached PDF shows the submission date as October 7, 2024, and the article type as an Original Article. This study explored whether Moringa leaf extract enriched with royal jelly, known as MRJ, could help increase breast milk volume among breastfeeding mothers.
The study was conducted in Batui Selatan and Moilong sub-districts, Banggai Regency, Indonesia, from April to July 2024. It used an analytical observational cohort design and involved 61 breastfeeding mothers who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mothers were divided into two groups. The control group consisted of 28 mothers who consumed Multiple Micronutrient Supplement, or MMS. The intervention group consisted of 33 mothers who had consumed MRJ during pregnancy. Breast milk volume was measured after delivery during the mature milk period, between 14 days and three months postpartum. The researchers measured milk volume by comparing infant weight before and after breastfeeding.
The results showed a meaningful difference between the two groups. Mothers in the MRJ group had a higher average breast milk volume than mothers in the MMS group. The average breast milk volume in the MRJ group was 850.5 ml, while the MMS group reached 666.9 ml. The difference was statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.04. This means that Moringa leaf extract enriched with royal jelly may have potential to support higher milk production during lactation.
This finding is important because Moringa is a local plant that is familiar in many Indonesian communities. Its leaves contain nutrients and bioactive compounds such as protein, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and phytosterols, which may help stimulate milk production. Royal jelly also contains nutrients and compounds that may support maternal metabolism and immunity.
For health workers, this evidence can also enrich counseling during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to improve maternal and infant health through better breastfeeding support. In conclusion, MRJ may become a promising local nutrition-based strategy to help mothers breastfeed more confidently and support healthier babies in early life.
Learn More
Adolescence is a period of rapid growth, high curiosity, and preparation for adulthood. However, many adolescent girls still face nutritional problems, especially anemia. Anemia happens when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen properly. As a result, girls may feel tired, weak, less focused, and less ready to perform well at school.
A published article entitled “Nutrition education using video improves iron intake and dietary diversity among adolescents: a quasi-experimental study” provides an interesting solution to this problem. The article was published in Nutrición Clínica y Dietética Hospitalaria, Volume 45, Issue 2, pages 131–139, in 2025, with DOI 10.12873/452kamil. The article was received on 10 March 2025 and accepted on 20 April 2025. This study examined whether nutrition education videos could improve iron intake and dietary diversity among adolescent girls in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
The study involved 69 adolescent girls from two senior high schools. The intervention group consisted of 34 students from SMAN 11 Makassar, while the control group consisted of 35 students from SMAN 8 Makassar. The intervention group received seven nutrition education videos based on the “Aksi Bergizi” program. These videos were delivered once a week for seven consecutive weeks through WhatsApp. Meanwhile, the control group received only one educational video from the Ministry of Health about anemia prevention.
The video materials discussed practical topics such as anemia and iron, healthy breakfast, “Isi Piringku,” protein, vegetables and fruits, micronutrients, balanced nutrition, and food labeling. These topics are important because adolescent girls often have irregular eating habits, limited food variety, and low intake of iron-rich foods.
The results showed that video-based nutrition education had a positive effect. In the intervention group, average iron intake increased from 5.33 to 9.70. Dietary diversity also improved, from 2.71 to 4.06. These changes were statistically significant. In contrast, the control group did not show the same level of improvement. This means that repeated and structured video education was more effective than a single video session.
This finding is meaningful because videos are familiar, attractive, and easy to access for teenagers. When health messages are delivered through short and interesting videos, students may understand the information better and remember it longer. Nutrition education is not only about giving information; it is also about helping young people build healthier habits in their daily lives.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to prevent anemia and improve adolescent nutrition. It also supports SDG 4: Quality Education, because it shows how learning media can improve health knowledge and behavior.
In conclusion, nutrition education through video can be a simple but powerful strategy to help adolescent girls eat better, consume more iron-rich foods, and build healthier futures.
Learn More
Pregnancy is a time of hope, but it can also bring emotional pressure. Many women experience worry, fear, and stress as their bodies change and they prepare for childbirth. When anxiety continues for a long time, it may affect not only the mother’s mental well-being, but also the baby’s growth. One important biological signal of stress is cortisol, often called the stress hormone.
A published article entitled “Alleviating Pregnancy-Related Stress: The Impact of Visoy, a Soybean–Sweet Potato Supplement, on Cortisol and Anxiety Levels” provides important evidence about a food-based approach to this issue. The article was published in Universal Journal of Public Health, Volume 13, Number 4, pages 1076–1082, in 2025, through the HRPUB journal platform, with DOI 10.13189/ujph.2025.130430. This study examined whether Visoy, a supplement made from soybean and purple sweet potato, could help reduce anxiety and improve cortisol regulation among pregnant women.
The study involved 60 pregnant women aged 20–35 years who experienced mild to severe anxiety. They were divided into two groups: 30 women in the intervention group and 30 women in the control group. The intervention group consumed 80 grams of Visoy every day for 90 days, while the control group continued their usual diet without the supplement. Anxiety was measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire, while cortisol levels were measured from saliva samples using the ELISA method.
Visoy was designed as a nutrient-dense food additive. It combines soybean flour, which contains protein, iron, and isoflavones, with purple sweet potato flour, which is rich in anthocyanins, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants. These nutrients are important because they may help the body respond better to stress and support maternal health during pregnancy. This makes Visoy relevant for communities that need safe, affordable, and familiar food-based options.
The findings were encouraging. After the intervention, 93.3% of pregnant women in the Visoy group had normal cortisol levels, compared with 66.7% in the control group. The average anxiety score also decreased more strongly in the intervention group, from 11.27 to 2.13. In comparison, the control group decreased from 11.33 to 5.80. These results suggest that Visoy may help pregnant women manage both physical and emotional signs of stress.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to improve maternal mental health and pregnancy care. It also shows that local food-based innovation can become a promising non-pharmacological strategy for supporting pregnant women. For health workers, this finding can enrich education during antenatal care, especially when discussing nutrition, emotional well-being, and practical daily food choices.
In conclusion, Visoy offers a hopeful message: maternal health can be strengthened not only through medicine, but also through nutritious local foods. With further research, soybean and purple sweet potato may become part of broader prenatal care strategies to help mothers feel calmer, healthier, and better supported during pregnancy.
Learn More
A baby’s growth does not begin after birth. It starts much earlier, during pregnancy, when the mother’s nutrition helps shape the baby’s body, brain, and future health. Good nutrition during pregnancy is one of the most important foundations for preventing growth problems in early life, including poor weight gain, delayed development, and stunting.
A scientific article entitled “Effect of Moringa Leaf Extract Capsule Enriched with Royal Jelly on Growth and Development of 0–3 Months Aged Infants” discusses this important issue. The article is listed in Gazzetta Medica Italiana - Archivio per le Scienze Mediche, under Edizioni Minerva Medica, with paper code Gazz Med Ital - Arch Sci Med-5825. The attached PDF shows the submission date as October 7, 2024, and the article type as an Original Article. This study examined whether Moringa leaf extract enriched with royal jelly, known as MRJ, could support infant growth and development during the first three months of life.
The study was conducted in South Batui and Moilong Districts, Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. It followed mothers who had received nutrition supplementation during pregnancy and later observed their infants from birth to three months of age. A total of 63 mother-infant pairs were included. The intervention group consisted of 31 mothers who received MRJ, while the control group consisted of 32 mothers who received Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation, or MMS.
Infant growth was assessed using several indicators, including weight-for-age, length-for-age, and weight-for-length. Infant development was measured using a developmental pre-screening questionnaire. These indicators are important because they help describe whether a baby is growing and developing according to age.
The findings showed that both MRJ and MMS groups had generally good potential to support infant growth and development. For weight-for-age, there were significant differences between groups at one and two months, but not at birth and three months. For length-for-age and weight-for-length, most results showed no significant differences between the two groups. Infant development scores were also not significantly different between the MRJ and MMS groups.
These results suggest that both supplementation approaches may provide useful nutrients for mothers and infants. Moringa is known as a nutrient-rich local plant containing vitamins, minerals, iron, calcium, and other important compounds. Royal jelly also contains protein, carbohydrates, lipids, and bioactive substances. Together, they may offer a local nutrition-based option to support maternal and infant health.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to improve maternal and child health and prevent early growth problems. In conclusion, strengthening maternal nutrition during pregnancy can become an important pathway to support healthier babies. Moringa enriched with royal jelly may serve as a promising local supplement, while further research can help clarify its long-term benefits for infant growth and development.
Learn More
Teachers are often seen as role models for students, not only in learning, discipline, and character, but also in daily health habits. In schools, teachers can influence how young people understand healthy eating and active living. However, teachers themselves also face busy schedules, work pressure, and daily routines that may make it difficult to follow balanced nutrition guidelines consistently.
A published article entitled “Understanding Teachers’ Motivation and Barriers in Implementing Balanced Nutrition Guidelines in Indonesia: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective” discusses this important issue. The article was published in Media Publikasi Promosi Kesehatan Indonesia, Volume 8, Issue 9, pages 960–970, with the date of publication on 11 September 2025. The article was published by the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Muhammadiyah Palu, with DOI 10.56338/mppki.v8i9.7921. This study explored how teachers practice balanced nutrition and what barriers prevent them from fully applying healthy lifestyle recommendations.
The study used a qualitative approach through a Focus Group Discussion involving 11 teachers from a public senior high school in Makassar City, Indonesia. The discussion was guided by the ten key messages of the Indonesian Balanced Nutrition Guidelines. The researchers also used Self-Determination Theory, which explains that healthy behavior is influenced by motivation, autonomy, competence, and social support.
The findings show that teachers understood the importance of balanced nutrition, but their daily practice was still limited. Many participants consumed vegetables only once a day and relied mainly on rice as their staple food. Protein sources such as fish and tempeh were consumed, but preparation time became a common obstacle. Some teachers skipped breakfast because it was not part of their habit. Others drank water only when they felt thirsty and avoided drinking too much because they did not want to urinate frequently during work.
The study also found that social situations at school influenced eating behavior. For example, when colleagues brought fried snacks or sweet foods, some teachers felt uncomfortable refusing them because eating together was seen as a form of solidarity. Physical activity was also limited, mostly because teachers felt they had little time for structured exercise after work.
These findings show that nutrition behavior is not only about knowledge. Even educated individuals may struggle to practice healthy habits when their environment, time, motivation, and social norms do not support them. Therefore, health promotion should not only give information, but also help people build confidence, create supportive routines, and make healthy choices easier in daily life.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to prevent non-communicable diseases through healthier eating habits and physical activity. It also connects with school-based health promotion, because healthy teachers can help build healthier school environments.
In conclusion, improving teachers’ nutrition practices requires practical, realistic, and supportive strategies. When teachers are supported to eat better and live healthier, schools can become stronger spaces for health education and positive behavior change.
Reference :
DOI 10.56338/mppki.v8i9.7921
Contact :
Prof. dr. Veni Hadju, M.Sc., Ph. D
+62811441803
phunhas@gmail.com
Learn More
Caring for someone with schizophrenia is an act of love, patience, and responsibility. Yet behind this responsibility, many caregivers carry invisible emotional pressure. They may need to remind patients to take medicine, manage unpredictable symptoms, face community stigma, and still continue daily family duties. Over time, this situation can create stress that affects the caregiver’s own health and quality of life.
A published article entitled “Determinant Factors of Stress in Caregivers of Patients With Schizophrenia: Cross-Sectional Study” brings attention to this often-overlooked issue. The article was published in JMIR Formative Research, Volume 9, article e70648, in 2025, by JMIR Publications, with DOI 10.2196/70648. The article was originally published on July 3, 2025. This study explored the stress experienced by caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and identified the main factors that may increase or reduce that stress.
The study was conducted from June to August 2024 at community health centers in Labakkang District, Pangkep Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. It involved 110 female caregivers of people with schizophrenia. The researchers collected information using validated questionnaires and analyzed the data using chi-square tests and partial least squares structural equation modeling. This method helped explain how several factors, such as caregiving burden, stigma, knowledge, coping strategies, treatment nonadherence, and social support, were connected to caregiver stress.
The findings showed that caregiver stress was common. More than half of the caregivers, or 53%, experienced mild stress, while 5% experienced severe stress. Many caregivers also faced a moderate caregiving burden, challenges with patient treatment nonadherence, limited knowledge about schizophrenia, and limited access to health information. These results show that caregiving stress does not come from one single cause. It is shaped by emotional, social, and practical challenges that happen together.
Several factors were significantly related to caregiver stress, including age, education, caregiving burden, knowledge, coping strategies, treatment nonadherence, and stigma. The model also showed that caregiving burden, stigma, and limited knowledge were positively linked with higher stress. In contrast, social support had a strong protective role. This means caregivers who feel supported by family, community, and health services may be better able to manage stress.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially in improving mental health and supporting families affected by chronic mental illness. It also reminds us that mental health care should not focus only on patients. Caregivers also need education, counseling, social support, and community acceptance. For local health systems, this message is important because caregiver well-being can influence treatment continuity and patient recovery.
In conclusion, caring for people with schizophrenia requires more than personal strength. It requires a supportive environment. By reducing stigma, improving caregiver knowledge, and strengthening social support networks, communities can help caregivers stay healthy while continuing to provide compassionate care for their loved ones.
Learn More
Pregnancy is a critical period when mothers need the right nutrients to protect their own health and support the growth of their babies. One important strategy is Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation, or MMS. Unlike regular iron tablets, MMS contains a wider range of vitamins and minerals that can help reduce the risk of anemia and support better maternal and newborn health. However, supplements can only work well when pregnant women understand their benefits and use them correctly.
A published article entitled “Interpersonal Communication Training as an Effective Strategy to Optimize Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) Utilization in Preventing Maternal and Neonatal Deaths” discusses this issue. The article was published in Pharmacognosy Journal, Volume 17, Issue 4, pages 399–406, in July–August 2025, by Phcogj.Com, with DOI 10.5530/pj.2025.17.50. This study explored whether interpersonal communication training could improve midwives’ knowledge and skills in educating pregnant women about MMS.
The study was conducted in Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province, in September 2024. It involved 74 coordinating midwives and village supervisors from nine health centers. The research used a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design. This means the researchers measured midwives’ knowledge before and after the training to see whether there was improvement.
The training was designed to be practical and interactive. Midwives did not only receive classroom materials, but also participated in discussions, educational games, simulations, and direct field practice. One important part of the training was the interpersonal communication model based on listening, appreciating, and clarifying. Through this approach, midwives were trained to communicate with pregnant women in a more respectful and personal way. Instead of simply telling mothers what to do, midwives learned to listen to their concerns, respond with empathy, and explain MMS in language that is easier to understand.
The results showed a clear improvement. Before the training, the average knowledge score was 10.80. After the training, it increased to 15.23. Statistical testing showed that this increase was significant, meaning the training had a real effect on improving midwives’ knowledge. The study also found that knowledge had a direct effect on skills, showing that better understanding can help midwives communicate more effectively in practice.
This finding is important because many pregnant women may avoid supplements due to fear of side effects, misinformation, or lack of understanding. Midwives are trusted health workers, so their communication skills can strongly influence whether mothers accept and regularly consume MMS.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths and improve pregnancy care. It shows that improving health is not only about providing supplements, but also about strengthening the people who explain, guide, and support mothers.
In conclusion, interpersonal communication training is a simple but powerful strategy. By helping midwives communicate better, health services can improve MMS use, strengthen antenatal care, and contribute to safer pregnancies and healthier newborns.
Learn More
Stunting is not only a problem of height. It reflects a long process in which children do not receive enough nutrition, health care, and protection during their most important years of growth. In Indonesia, reducing stunting requires more than health services alone. It needs coordination, village leadership, community participation, and clear teamwork from the national level down to families.
A published article entitled “Barriers and Solutions to the Formation of Village Stunting Reduction Acceleration Teams (TPPS) in Batui Selatan Sub-District, Banggai District” discusses this important issue. The article was published in Community Practitioner, Volume 21, Issue 07, in July 2024, through the journal platform www.commprac.com, with DOI 10.5281/zenodo.13166261. The study explored why village-level Stunting Reduction Acceleration Teams, known as TPPS, had not yet been formed and what solutions could help villages establish them.
The study was conducted for three months, from November 2023 to January 2024, in three villages in Batui Selatan Sub-district: Ombolu, Sinorang, and Bonebalantak. These locations were selected by considering nutritional status, geographical location, and ethnicity. The research used a qualitative design involving 15 informants, including village heads, village secretaries, PKK leaders, human development cadres, stunting cadres, family assistance team coordinators, and village midwives. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using content analysis.
The findings showed that most informants had heard about TPPS. However, all informants stated that TPPS had not yet been formed in their villages. Several barriers were identified. First, village governments had not received clear technical socialization on how to form TPPS. Second, some village stakeholders believed that existing teams, such as posyandu cadres, KPM, and family assistance teams, were already enough to handle stunting programs. Third, the formation of a new team was often associated with honorariums or incentives, while village funds were limited. Fourth, human resources were also limited, especially people with experience in health-related activities.
To overcome these barriers, the researchers used a persuasive and informative approach. They explained that TPPS is not meant to replace existing teams, but to coordinate, strengthen, and evaluate stunting reduction efforts at the village level. They also clarified that TPPS membership could be voluntary and could involve people who were already active in village programs. Through this approach, TPPS was finally formed in Ombolu, Sinorang, and Bonebalantak villages.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to improve child health and reduce stunting. It also shows that health programs need strong local coordination. When village leaders, cadres, and communities understand their roles, stunting prevention can become more organized and effective.
In conclusion, forming village TPPS is not only an administrative task. It is a community strategy to protect children’s growth, strengthen village health systems, and build a healthier future generation.
Learn More
Adolescence is a time when young girls should have the energy to study, play, think clearly, and prepare for the future. However, many young girls silently struggle with anemia, a condition in which the body doesn't have enough hemoglobin to carry oxygen properly. When oxygen delivery is limited, the body may feel weak and tired, while the brain may struggle to focus and remember information.
A published article titled "Correlation Between Hemoglobin Levels, Physical Fitness, and Cognitive Scores in Adolescent Girls: A Cross-Sectoral Study in Banggai Regency, Indonesia" draws attention to this issue. The article was published in the Journal of Pharmacognosy, Volume 16, Issue 2, in March–April 2024, by Phcogj.Com. The study explored how hemoglobin levels relate to physical fitness, cognitive abilities, and memory among adolescent girls in Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.
This cross-sectional study involved 139 adolescent girls aged 12–18 from 13 junior and senior high schools in Banggai. Hemoglobin levels were measured using HemoCue, physical fitness was assessed through VO2max prediction using the Bleep Test, cognitive function was measured using the Culturally Fair Intelligence Test, and memory was assessed using the Intelligenz Structure Test. These measurements allowed the researchers to see not only whether the girls were anemic, but also how hemoglobin might relate to daily performance.
The findings were significant. Overall, 58.3% of the students were anemic. Most had mild anemia, while some had moderate anemia. The average hemoglobin level was 11.6 g/dL. The study also found that hemoglobin was positively associated with physical fitness and memory. Girls with higher hemoglobin levels tended to have better VO2max scores, meaning their bodies can use oxygen more effectively during physical activity. Hemoglobin was also significantly associated with memory scores, suggesting that better blood health can support better learning capacity.
This makes sense in everyday life. Hemoglobin acts like a delivery system, carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, including the muscles and brain. When hemoglobin levels are low, the body receives less oxygen. As a result, girls may tire more easily during exercise and may have difficulty concentrating in class.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, specifically efforts to improve adolescent health and prevent nutrition-related problems. It also reminds schools, families, and health workers that anemia prevention is not just about avoiding disease. It is also about helping girls stay active, focused, confident, and ready to reach their potential.
In conclusion, increasing hemoglobin levels among adolescent girls is an investment in their future health, education, and productivity. Regular checkups, nutrition education, iron-rich foods, and school-based health programs can help girls grow healthier, learn better, and live stronger lives. These steps are simple, but their impact can last for years.
Learn More
Adolescence should be a time of energy, learning, and preparation for the future. However, for many girls, this period can be interrupted by anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy hemoglobin to carry oxygen. The symptoms may look simple, such as tiredness, weakness, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating, but the impact can affect school performance, physical fitness, productivity, and future pregnancy health.
A published article entitled “Determinants of anemia among adolescents girls in district Banggai, Indonesia” highlights this important issue. The article was published in the International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS), Volume 14, Number 2, pages 1008–1014, in June 2025, through the IJPHS/IAESCore journal platform, with DOI 10.11591/ijphs.v14i2.23992. This study examined how common anemia is among adolescent girls in Banggai District and what factors are most closely related to it.
The study used a cross-sectional design and involved 326 adolescent girls aged 12–18 years from junior and senior high schools in South Batui and Moilong Districts, Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi. Hemoglobin levels were measured using a HemoCue hemoglobinometer, while information on sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, and eating habits was collected using questionnaires and anthropometric measurements.
The findings show that anemia remains a serious public health problem among adolescent girls in Banggai. Almost half of the respondents, or 48.8%, were anemic. Among those with anemia, 44.1% had mild anemia, 48.4% had moderate anemia, and 7.5% had severe anemia. The average hemoglobin level was 11.2 g/dL, indicating that many girls were below the normal threshold.
The study also found that age and eating habits were the strongest determinants of anemia. Girls aged 15–18 years had a higher risk of anemia than younger girls. This may be related to rapid growth, menstruation, and increased need for iron and other nutrients during late adolescence. Eating frequency also mattered. Girls who ate only twice a day were more at risk than those who ate three times a day. This shows that anemia is not only a medical issue, but also a daily nutrition issue shaped by family routines, food availability, and adolescent behavior.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to improve adolescent health and prevent nutritional problems before they affect future mothers and children. It also reminds schools, families, and health workers that adolescent girls need regular nutrition education, healthy eating habits, and access to iron-rich foods. School-based programs can become an important entry point for screening, counseling, and encouraging girls to eat balanced meals every day.
In conclusion, anemia among adolescent girls in Banggai needs serious attention. Simple actions such as improving meal frequency, strengthening school-based health education, and monitoring hemoglobin levels can help girls grow healthier, learn better, and prepare for a stronger future.
Learn More
Early childhood is a short but decisive window for building a healthy future. In the first two years of life, toddlers need close growth monitoring, balanced food intake, and support from people around them. However, many mothers still face challenges in understanding growth charts, choosing nutritious foods, and responding early when a child’s weight or length does not increase as expected. This is where community health volunteers, known in Indonesia as Posyandu cadres, can play an important role.
A published article entitled “The Effect of Posyandu Cadre Guidance on Mothers of Toddlers on the Nutritional Status of Toddlers in Luwuk Banggai District, South Batui District, Central Sulawesi Province” discusses this issue through a community-based intervention. The article was published in the Journal of Neonatal Surgery, Volume 14, Issue 28s, pages 676–682, in 2025. The article is available through the Journal of Neonatal Surgery platform and examines whether guidance from Posyandu cadres can help improve the nutritional status of toddlers aged 6–24 months in South Batui District, Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi.
The study used a quasi-experimental design with intervention and control groups. Sixty mothers of toddlers participated, with 30 respondents in each group. The intervention group received assistance from trained Posyandu cadres, while the control group received only the first stage of cadre training without intensive mentoring. The programme was conducted in six villages from August to October 2024. Cadres were trained and then involved in supporting mothers, especially in monitoring growth and encouraging better nutrition practices for toddlers.
The findings show that cadre guidance made a meaningful difference. Toddlers in the intervention group experienced an increase in average body weight from 8.54 kg to 8.98 kg. Their average body length also increased from 72.20 cm to 72.63 cm. More importantly, the weight-for-length indicator improved significantly in the intervention group, showing better nutritional progress compared with the control group. These results suggest that mothers may benefit when cadres do more than weigh children; they also need to guide, educate, and accompany families.
This result is important because Posyandu cadres are close to the community. They understand local conditions, meet mothers regularly, and can deliver health messages in a familiar way. When cadres are equipped with proper knowledge and mentoring skills, they can become a bridge between health workers and families. Their role can help mothers recognize nutrition problems earlier and improve daily feeding practices at home.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to improve child health and prevent malnutrition. It also shows that strengthening community-based health services can create practical solutions using existing local resources.
In conclusion, Posyandu cadre guidance is a simple but powerful strategy. By empowering cadres and supporting mothers, communities can help toddlers grow healthier and build a stronger foundation for Indonesia’s future generation.
Learn More
Malnutrition in toddlers is not only a matter of being underweight. It is a serious health problem that can affect growth, immunity, learning ability, and even survival. When a child does not receive enough nutrients, the body may not grow properly, making the child more vulnerable to infection and delayed development. For this reason, finding simple, affordable, and locally available foods is an important step in improving child nutrition.
A published article entitled “Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract and Egg on Weight and Height Increase in Malnourished Toddler” discusses this issue through a nutrition intervention in Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. The article was published in Kesmas: Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat Nasional (National Public Health Journal), Volume 19, Issue 1, in 2024. The journal is available through the Universitas Indonesia ScholarHub platform. Based on the attached PDF, the article focuses on how Moringa leaf extract and eggs may help increase body weight and height among malnourished toddlers.
The study was conducted from July to October 2023 in Moilong District and South Batui District, Banggai Regency. It used a true experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. A total of 60 toddlers aged 6–59 months with poor nutritional status participated in the study. The intervention group received 500 mg of Moringa leaf extract per day plus one chicken egg weighing 45 grams, while the control group received one chicken egg weighing 45 grams per day. The intervention was carried out for 12 weeks.
The findings showed that both groups experienced significant improvements in body weight and height after the intervention. In the intervention group, toddlers gained an average of 2.06 kg in body weight and 1.57 cm in height. In the control group, toddlers gained an average of 1.76 kg in body weight and 0.90 cm in height. Although the increase was higher in the group receiving Moringa leaf extract and eggs, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant.
These findings are meaningful because Moringa and eggs are familiar foods for many Indonesian families. Moringa leaves contain protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, calcium, iron, and amino acids that support growth and body function. Eggs are also a high-quality source of animal protein, which is essential for muscle, bone, and brain development. Together, these foods offer a practical nutrition option that can be promoted in community-based health programs.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to improve child health and reduce the burden of malnutrition. It shows that local foods can contribute to better nutrition when used consistently and supported by health education.
In conclusion, Moringa leaf extract and eggs may help improve the growth of malnourished toddlers. This local food-based approach can become an accessible strategy to support healthier children and build a stronger future generation.
Learn More
A healthy baby does not begin at birth. Growth starts much earlier, during pregnancy, when the mother’s body provides oxygen, nutrients, and protection for the fetus. When nutrition during pregnancy is not adequate, babies may face a higher risk of being born too early, having low birth weight, or experiencing other health problems. This makes maternal nutrition an important public health issue, especially in communities where access to diverse and nutritious food may still be limited.
A published scientific article entitled “Effect of Moringa Oleifera Plus Royal Jelly Capsules in The Gestation Age and Placenta Weight of Newborns in Indonesia” provides useful evidence on this issue. The article was published in Pharmacognosy Journal, Volume 16, Issue 5, September–October 2024, by Phcogj.Com, with DOI 10.5530/pj.2024.16.192. This study explored whether capsules containing Moringa oleifera plus royal jelly, known as MRJ, could help support gestational age and placental weight among newborns in Indonesia.
The study was conducted in Banggai District, Central Sulawesi Province. It involved 160 pregnant women from two sub-districts. One group received MRJ capsules, while the comparison group received Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation, or MMS. Both groups consumed one capsule or tablet every day for six months. Researchers monitored the mothers regularly and measured pregnancy outcomes after delivery, including gestational age and placental weight.
Moringa is a familiar plant in many Indonesian communities. Its leaves contain important nutrients, including iron, vitamins, calcium, fiber, and natural antioxidants. Royal jelly is also known for its nutritional value. Together, these ingredients may offer a local and non-pharmacological option to support pregnancy health. In this study, no pregnant women reported side effects such as allergies or diarrhea, showing that the intervention was well tolerated.
The results showed that the average gestational age in both groups was similar, around 39 weeks. This is a positive finding because babies born around this period are generally considered mature and have better readiness to live outside the womb. However, the MRJ group showed a higher average placental weight than the MMS group. The average placental weight in the MRJ group was 507.62 grams, while in the MMS group it was 464.19 grams. After considering maternal body mass index, this difference remained significant.
The placenta is often called the baby’s lifeline in the womb. It helps deliver oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus. A healthier placenta may support better fetal growth and reduce the risk of adverse birth outcomes.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially the effort to improve maternal and newborn health. It shows that local nutrition resources, when tested scientifically, can contribute to safer pregnancies and healthier births. Although further research is still needed, Moringa oleifera plus royal jelly offers a promising pathway for strengthening maternal nutrition and protecting the next generation in Indonesia.
Learn More
Every baby’s growth begins long before birth. During pregnancy, the mother’s body becomes the first home, food source, and protection system for the developing baby. When a pregnant woman does not receive enough nutrients, the baby may face a higher risk of low birth weight, poor growth, and other health problems after delivery. For this reason, improving maternal nutrition is one of the most important steps in building a healthier generation.
A published article entitled “Effect of Moringa Leaves Podwer Enriched with Royal Jelly on the Anthropometric Measurements of Neonates in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia” highlights this important issue. The article was published in the International Journal of Medical Toxicology & Legal Medicine, Volume 27, Number 5, in 2024, through the journal platform ijmtlm.org, with DOI 10.47059/ijmtlm/V27I5/028. This study examined whether Moringa oleifera leaves enriched with royal jelly, known as MRJ, could support newborn growth among pregnant women in Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Moringa is already familiar in many Indonesian communities. It is often planted around houses and is known as a nutrient-rich local plant. Its leaves contain protein, vitamins, calcium, iron, and natural antioxidants. Royal jelly is also known for its nutritional potential. When combined, these two ingredients may provide a natural and practical supplement to support pregnancy health.
The study involved 160 pregnant women who were divided into two groups. The intervention group received two MRJ capsules every day, while the comparison group received one Multiple Micronutrient Supplement, or MMS, tablet every day. The intervention was carried out for six months. Researchers then measured the newborns’ birth weight, birth length, head circumference, and chest circumference.
The results showed that babies born to mothers who consumed MRJ had a higher average birth weight than those in the MMS group. The average birth weight in the MRJ group was 3174.81 grams, while the MMS group was 3073.40 grams. This difference remained significant even after the researchers considered maternal body mass index. Meanwhile, babies in the MMS group had a slightly longer average birth length. Head circumference and chest circumference were relatively similar between the two groups.
These findings show that local nutrition-based supplementation may become an important part of maternal and child health efforts. Birth weight is not just a number; it reflects how well a baby grows in the womb and may influence health in early life. By using local resources such as Moringa, communities may have more accessible options to support healthier pregnancies.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to improve maternal and newborn health. It also shows that scientific research can transform local food knowledge into evidence-based public health innovation.
In conclusion, Moringa enriched with royal jelly offers a promising non-pharmacological approach to support newborn growth. Further studies are still needed, but this research gives an important message: healthier babies can begin with better nutrition for mothers.
Learn More
Early childhood is a golden period for growth. At this age, children need enough energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals to build strong bodies, active minds, and better immunity. When toddlers do not receive diverse and nutritious foods, they can become undernourished. This condition may make them more vulnerable to illness, slow growth, and long-term developmental problems.
A published article entitled “Effect of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Extract and Egg Feeding on Diet in Undernourished Toddlers” highlights a simple local nutrition approach. The article was published in Community Practitioner, Volume 21, Issue 06, in June, through the journal platform www.commprac.com, with DOI 10.5281/zenodo.12205214. The study focused on undernourished toddlers in Moilong and Batui Selatan sub-districts, Banggai District, Indonesia.
The research used a true experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. A total of 60 toddlers aged 6–59 months completed the study. The intervention group received 500 mg of Moringa leaf extract per day and one egg weighing 45–50 grams per day. The control group received one egg per day. The intervention was carried out for three months, and the children’s diet was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire.
The findings showed that adding Moringa leaf extract to egg feeding improved several parts of the toddlers’ diet. In the intervention group, the score for animal side dishes increased from 1.10 to 1.57. The score for vegetables and fruits also increased from 1.57 to 1.87. These improvements were statistically significant. Meanwhile, staple foods and plant-based side dishes did not show significant changes. This means that the combination of Moringa and eggs had a stronger effect on improving diet quality, especially in foods that provide important nutrients for growth.
This result is meaningful because both Moringa and eggs are familiar and accessible in many Indonesian communities. Moringa leaves contain protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can support child health. Eggs are also a high-quality source of animal protein and are relatively easy to prepare for young children. When combined, they may become a practical nutrition strategy for families, health workers, and community-based nutrition programs.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to improve child health and reduce undernutrition. It also connects with the broader goal of building healthier communities through local food resources. Instead of relying only on expensive or hard-to-access products, communities can use familiar foods that are already part of daily life.
In conclusion, the study shows that Moringa leaf extract combined with eggs may help improve dietary patterns among undernourished toddlers. With proper education, regular monitoring, and family support, this simple local food approach can contribute to healthier children and a stronger future generation.
Learn More
Adolescence is a time of rapid growth, learning, and preparation for adulthood. For girls, this period requires enough nutrients to support body development, school performance, and future reproductive health. One of the most common nutrition problems in this age group is anaemia, a condition that can make girls feel weak, tired, less focused, and more vulnerable to health problems.
A published article entitled “The intervention of moringa leaf tea in the ‘Nutritious Action’ programme on the nutritional status and haemoglobin levels in adolescent girls” discusses a school-based nutrition solution for this issue. The article was published in Nutrición Clínica y Dietética Hospitalaria, Volume 46, Issue 1, pages 318–324, in 2026, with DOI 10.12873/461nawaliah. The study was conducted among adolescent girls in Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.
This research compared two approaches in the “Aksi Bergizi” or Nutritious Action programme. The intervention group received 2.5 grams of moringa leaf tea once a week for 12 weeks. The control group received one Multiple Micronutrient Supplement tablet once a week for the same period. Nutritional status was assessed using BMI-for-age Z-scores, while haemoglobin levels were measured using capillary blood samples.
The results showed that moringa leaf tea produced stronger improvements than the micronutrient supplement group. After 12 weeks, the moringa leaf tea group had a greater increase in nutritional status, with a mean change of +1.15 SD, compared with +0.50 SD in the control group. Haemoglobin levels also increased more in the moringa leaf tea group, rising by +1.6 g/dL, while the supplement group increased by +0.9 g/dL. These findings indicate that moringa leaf tea had a meaningful effect on improving adolescent girls’ nutritional condition and blood health.
This result is important because moringa is a local plant that is easy to find in many Indonesian communities. Moringa leaves contain iron, vitamin C, protein, folic acid, and other nutrients that help support haemoglobin formation. Vitamin C also helps the body absorb iron better, making moringa leaf tea a promising natural option to help prevent anaemia.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to improve adolescent health and reduce anaemia among girls. It also shows that school-based nutrition programmes can use local food resources as practical and sustainable solutions.
Beyond individual health, this finding also encourages schools, health workers, and families to value local food wisdom. By turning moringa into a regular school nutrition option, communities can support anaemia prevention using resources that are familiar, available, and culturally acceptable.
In conclusion, moringa leaf tea may become an affordable and effective local nutrition strategy for adolescent girls. When combined with health education and regular school-based programmes, this simple drink can help build healthier, stronger, and more productive young women in Indonesia.
Learn More
Breastfeeding is one of the first protections a baby receives in life. During the first six months, breast milk provides complete nutrition, supports growth, strengthens immunity, and helps protect infants from diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia. Yet, many mothers struggle to maintain exclusive breastfeeding because they worry that their milk is not enough. This concern often leads to early introduction of formula or other foods.
A published article entitled “Moringa oleifera Leaf Supplementation during Pregnancy Improves Six-Month Breastfeeding Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Banggai, Indonesia” provides valuable evidence on this issue. The article was published in Universal Journal of Public Health, Volume 13, Number 5, pages 1170–1180, in 2025, through the HRPUB journal platform, with DOI 10.13189/ujph.2025.130508. The study examined whether Moringa oleifera leaf supplementation enriched with royal jelly during pregnancy could improve breastfeeding success six months after childbirth.
The research was conducted in South Batui and Moilong subdistricts, Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. It followed mothers who had participated in a previous double-blind randomized controlled trial during pregnancy. The intervention group received one capsule of Moringa Royal Jelly, or MRJ, every day from the second trimester until delivery. Each capsule contained 490 mg of dried Moringa leaf powder and 10 mg of royal jelly. The control group received a multi-micronutrient supplement, known as MMS. At six months postpartum, 88 mothers and infants were included in the follow-up analysis.
The findings showed that mothers in the MRJ group had better breastfeeding outcomes. Exclusive breastfeeding at six months was higher in the MRJ group, reaching 52.4%, compared with 32.6% in the MMS group. Although this difference was not statistically significant, the breastfeeding success score was significantly higher among mothers who consumed MRJ. The MRJ group reached an average score of 95.00, while the MMS group reached 90.71.
This result is important because breastfeeding success is not only about producing milk. It also reflects the baby’s comfort after feeding, feeding frequency, the mother’s confidence, and signs that the baby is satisfied. Moringa is a local plant known for its rich nutrients, including iron, calcium, vitamin C, protein, fiber, and bioactive compounds. It is also traditionally recognized as a natural galactagogue, meaning it may help support breast milk production. Because Moringa grows in many Indonesian communities, this approach is also practical, familiar, and easier to connect with local maternal health programs.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to improve maternal and infant health. In conclusion, Moringa enriched with royal jelly may become a promising local nutrition strategy to help mothers breastfeed successfully. With further support from health workers and community programs, this natural intervention can contribute to healthier mothers, stronger babies, and better early-life nutrition in Indonesia.
Learn More
Early childhood is a short but decisive window for building a healthy future. In the first two years of life, toddlers need close growth monitoring, balanced food intake, and support from people around them. However, many mothers still face challenges in understanding growth charts, choosing nutritious foods, and responding early when a child’s weight or length does not increase as expected. This is where community health volunteers, known in Indonesia as Posyandu cadres, can play an important role.
A published article entitled “The Effect of Posyandu Cadre Guidance on Mothers of Toddlers on the Nutritional Status of Toddlers in Luwuk Banggai District, South Batui District, Central Sulawesi Province” discusses this issue through a community-based intervention. The article was published in the Journal of Neonatal Surgery, Volume 14, Issue 28s, pages 676–682, in 2025. The article is available through the Journal of Neonatal Surgery platform and examines whether guidance from Posyandu cadres can help improve the nutritional status of toddlers aged 6–24 months in South Batui District, Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi.
The study used a quasi-experimental design with intervention and control groups. Sixty mothers of toddlers participated, with 30 respondents in each group. The intervention group received assistance from trained Posyandu cadres, while the control group received only the first stage of cadre training without intensive mentoring. The programme was conducted in six villages from August to October 2024. Cadres were trained and then involved in supporting mothers, especially in monitoring growth and encouraging better nutrition practices for toddlers.
The findings show that cadre guidance made a meaningful difference. Toddlers in the intervention group experienced an increase in average body weight from 8.54 kg to 8.98 kg. Their average body length also increased from 72.20 cm to 72.63 cm. More importantly, the weight-for-length indicator improved significantly in the intervention group, showing better nutritional progress compared with the control group. These results suggest that mothers may benefit when cadres do more than weigh children; they also need to guide, educate, and accompany families.
This result is important because Posyandu cadres are close to the community. They understand local conditions, meet mothers regularly, and can deliver health messages in a familiar way. When cadres are equipped with proper knowledge and mentoring skills, they can become a bridge between health workers and families. Their role can help mothers recognize nutrition problems earlier and improve daily feeding practices at home.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to improve child health and prevent malnutrition. It also shows that strengthening community-based health services can create practical solutions using existing local resources.
In conclusion, Posyandu cadre guidance is a simple but powerful strategy. By empowering cadres and supporting mothers, communities can help toddlers grow healthier and build a stronger foundation for Indonesia’s future generation.
Learn More
Adolescence should be a time of energy, learning, and preparation for the future. However, for many girls, this period can be interrupted by anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy hemoglobin to carry oxygen. The symptoms may look simple, such as tiredness, weakness, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating, but the impact can affect school performance, physical fitness, productivity, and future pregnancy health.
A published article entitled “Determinants of anemia among adolescents girls in district Banggai, Indonesia” highlights this important issue. The article was published in the International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS), Volume 14, Number 2, pages 1008–1014, in June 2025, through the IJPHS/IAESCore journal platform, with DOI 10.11591/ijphs.v14i2.23992. This study examined how common anemia is among adolescent girls in Banggai District and what factors are most closely related to it.
The study used a cross-sectional design and involved 326 adolescent girls aged 12–18 years from junior and senior high schools in South Batui and Moilong Districts, Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi. Hemoglobin levels were measured using a HemoCue hemoglobinometer, while information on sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, and eating habits was collected using questionnaires and anthropometric measurements.
The findings show that anemia remains a serious public health problem among adolescent girls in Banggai. Almost half of the respondents, or 48.8%, were anemic. Among those with anemia, 44.1% had mild anemia, 48.4% had moderate anemia, and 7.5% had severe anemia. The average hemoglobin level was 11.2 g/dL, indicating that many girls were below the normal threshold.
The study also found that age and eating habits were the strongest determinants of anemia. Girls aged 15–18 years had a higher risk of anemia than younger girls. This may be related to rapid growth, menstruation, and increased need for iron and other nutrients during late adolescence. Eating frequency also mattered. Girls who ate only twice a day were more at risk than those who ate three times a day. This shows that anemia is not only a medical issue, but also a daily nutrition issue shaped by family routines, food availability, and adolescent behavior.
This article supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, especially efforts to improve adolescent health and prevent nutritional problems before they affect future mothers and children. It also reminds schools, families, and health workers that adolescent girls need regular nutrition education, healthy eating habits, and access to iron-rich foods. School-based programs can become an important entry point for screening, counseling, and encouraging girls to eat balanced meals every day.
In conclusion, anemia among adolescent girls in Banggai needs serious attention. Simple actions such as improving meal frequency, strengthening school-based health education, and monitoring hemoglobin levels can help girls grow healthier, learn better, and prepare for a stronger future.
Learn More
Failure to achieve optimal nutritional status in adolescence will have an impact on nutritional status, especially essential micronutrient deficiencies, namely iron (fe), which causes anemia. The government\'s countermeasure against anemia is the supplementation of Blood Additive Tablets (TTD), but the implementation is not optimal. As a result of this non-optimality, many recent studies have been conducted to find appropriate interventions, including the provision of Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS) which is better than TTD in improving nutritional status. However, research related to MMS for adolescent girls is still lacking and the availability of MMS itself is not evenly distributed. Another intervention is the provision of supplements made from natural and easily available ingredients, namely moringa and royal jelly (MRJ), which from several studies has been shown to improve the nutritional status of pregnant women and is thought to improve the nutritional status of adolescent girls.
Objective: To determine the effect of giving Moringa Oleifera enriched Royal Jelly on improving the nutritional and cognitive status of adolescent girls Methods: The study design used for the first year is a cross-sectional design then the second and third years are Quasi Experimental studies with pretest- posttest control group design. The study subjects will be 300 adolescent girls from 6 schools including junior and senior high schools with 50 girls each from each school in the coastal area.
Funded by: PMDSU project, Dikti
Learn More
Since 2021, there has been a collaboration between JOB Tomori Sulawesi and the Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University. This activity focuses on the Batui Selatan sub-district, a JOB Tomori-assisted area. This activity began in August 2021 and started with basic data collection. Baseline data collection was carried out on toddlers, pregnant women, preconception mothers, and adolescent girls. It is known that the incidence of stunting in children under five is closely related to health and nutrition conditions long before the fetus is in the womb of a mother. The results of the baseline data collection show that the prevalence of stunting in children under five in this sub-district is 22.5%. The baseline results have provided very important information for the intervention plan. As a follow-up to the baseline data collection, both specific and sensitive nutrition interventions were conducted.
The provision of specific and sensitive interventions that have been carried out in Batui Selatan sub-district but only focused on pregnant women and children under five. There is a need to expand the intervention area and also the target / target of intervention. Based on the results of discussions between FKM Hasanuddin University and the JOB Tomori team, it was decided to carry out follow-up activities which are planned to last 3 years from 2023 to 2025. This follow-up activity will be carried out in Moilong sub-district which is the closest sub-district to Batui Selatan sub-district. In addition to pregnant women and under-five children (1000 HPK), the intervention needed is the time before pregnancy, namely the preconception period and adolescent girls.
Providing interventions long before pregnancy occurs, efforts to reduce stunting become more optimal. The first year of this activity, basic data collection will be carried out in Moilong Sub-district to determine the initial conditions / description of the health status of the community in the area (pregnant women, under-fives, and also adolescent girls). In the second year, comprehensive interventions will be conducted in both sub-districts (Batui Selatan and Moilong). Furthermore, in the third year, an evaluation of the interventions that have been carried out in the second year will be carried out.
Funded by: JOB Pertamina