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Abstract : Data from several countries reported a high prevalence of both H. pylori infection and anemia in children. Several studies tried to find the association between H. pylori gastritis and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in both pediatric and adult populations, but the results remain inconclusive. Knowing that H. pylori gastritis and IDA in children have a long term complication, finding the relationship between the two may be beneficial to eradicate both. This is an observational analytic with cross-sectional design study in children 2 to 18 years old, who were diagnosed with H. pylori and non H. pylori gastritis based on esophagoduodenoscopy (EGD) and Campylobacter-like organism (CLO) tests. A total of 63 children (33 H. pylori and 30 non H. pylori gastritis) with a median age of 12 years (range 2-18 years old) were enrolled between August until December 2021. Blood specimens were then taken for complete blood count and iron profile examination. There were 26 samples (41.3%) who were anemic (11 children with H. pylori gastritis and 15 children with non H. pylori gastritis). There were only 5 (7.9%) children with IDA (1 child with H. pylori and 4 children with non H. pylori gastritis). Based on statistical analysis, there was no significant difference in IDA incidence in children with H. pylori and non H. pylori gastritis (p=0.183). It is concluded that H. pylori gastritis is not associated with iron deficiency anemia in children.

Abstract : The number of elderly people in Indonesia has increased significantly in recent years, and their postural balance influences the frequency of falls. Lack of vitamin D is connected with dropped function muscle and postural balance. Therefore, this study aims to obtain the connection between the level of vitamin D with postural balance in the elderly. This is a cross-sectional study involving 33 subjects within the age limit of 64.94±5.42 year, and conducted in Semarang on period September – November 2021. The sample study is individual elderly who fulfill the criteria for inclusion in Integrated Healthcare Center Carry on Age Semarang. Postural balance, along with Sharpened Romberg and tandem gait tests, were performed on the subjects. Measurement of vitamin D level was taken from blood veins patient and measured using ELISA. Test results analytic independent sample t-test obtained mark p of 0.000 (p <0.05), meaning there is a significant connection between vitamin D level and postural balance on elderly. There is a connection between the level of vitamin D and postural balance in elderly.

Abstract : There is increasing evidence showing that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are associated with morbidity among the low-income group; hence chronic disease management behavior is crucial for dealing with the diseases and improving quality of life. However, the research examined predictors for individual factors, interpersonal factors, organizational factors, community factors, and societal factors on NCD management behavior were little explored. This study aimed to examine predictor factors of NCD management behavior. This cross-sectional study was conducted among support staff in selected ministries, in Putrajaya, Malaysia using cluster sampling. An online questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis. Knowledge regarding NCD and Chronic Illness Resources Survey was used to measure individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and societal, respectively. Results show a significant correlation between individual factors (knowledge), organizational factors (workplace), community factors (neighborhood, local community, community organization, and health services), and societal factors (health policy and mass media) with NCD management behavior. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that societal factors, interpersonal factors, and individual factors significantly predicted NCD management behavior. Societal factors emerged as a strong predictor of NCD management behavior. Governments need to play important roles in implementing programs such as health promotion and education, as well as should be included organizational factors and community factors in these programs for improving NCD management behavior.

Abstract : Probiotics are helpful living bacteria that have been shown to provide health benefits for humans and other animals. primarily used to maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut, which has beneficial consequences on the host organism, including promoting development and health. Most often, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains are what people take for the health benefits of these bacteria. Reduced lactose intolerance symptoms, gut microbiota modulation, and enhanced digestion are just a few of the ways in which probiotics have shown promise as treatment choices for a range of conditions, including antibiotic-associated diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and atopic dermatitis. Probiotics have antagonistic effects on a wide variety of microorganisms through a number of mechanisms, including modulation of the gut flora, adherence to the mucosa and epithelium, fortifying of the gut epithelial barrier, and modification of the immunity to provide an choices to the host. There has been a rising demand for foods containing probiotics in recent years. In this article, we will discuss the evolution of probiotics, their mechanisms of action, their health advantages, and the disorders they may treat, as well as their applications in the health and food industries.

Abstract : Globally, individuals with disabilities have a notably higher unemployment rate. The socioeconomic research on individuals with Down syndrome in Malaysia is scant, as no current data on their employment exist, and the reasons for these low employment rates are not understood. With the utmost need to uphold their employment rights, this study aims to explore the employment barriers of individuals with Down syndrome in Malaysia from multiple perspectives. A series of online semi-structured interviews were conducted. In total, 45 participants, including six individuals with Down syndrome, ten family members, six employers and co-workers, 22 community members, and one policymaker were interviewed. A reflexive thematic analysis was employed to generate a thematic concept on the barriers of employment. Five themes were generated to explain the employment barriers for individuals with Down syndrome: (1) “in the end, it’s they themselves”: individual circumstances; (2) “would their family support them?”: family concerns; (3) “employers are hesitant to change”: organisational practice; (4) “some people shy away from them”: social norm; and (5) “there’s not enough room to grow”: restrictive environment. Barriers to employment for individuals with Down syndrome are complex issues interwoven within every aspect of our social and environmental context. Therefore, securing employment is not only individualistic but demands the willingness of society and the workforce to accommodate them. Relevant authorities, non-governmental organisations, and private sectors can utilise the findings to develop employment policies.