Strengthening of early children's character education stunting children in Indonesia

BACKGROUND

Forming human resources (HR) with character is challenged by social phenomena that show degradation of morality, ethics, and morals, as well as violent extremism. This is the basic reason for the importance of the strengthening character education (SCE) movement, which involves education units, families, and communities, and education must be implemented from early childhood, especially for children who are stunted. This study aimed to describe how the strategy for SCE is based on early childhood education classes for stunted children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This type of research is qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. The participants in this study were the headmaster and teachers of Kindergarten PGRI Donggala Regency, Indonesia, in 2022. Collecting data using a questionnaire was equipped with interviews. The data were analyzed by content analysis, namely the process of identifying, coding, and categorizing important patterns from the results of in-depth interviews.

RESULTS

The results of the study showed various patterns that became research themes as strategies for strengthening SCE in early childhood including integrating character values in learning for stunted children, introduction of SCE to stunted children, SCE habituation to stunted children, strengthening SCE for stunted children, and reflection on SCE for stunted children. Various character values produced in SCE include religiosity, creativity, curiosity, hard work, honesty, discipline, friendship, social care, independence, and responsibility.

CONCLUSIONS

Each school for early childhood has a learning program that focuses on developing children's abilities in terms of motor, cognitive, social-emotional, language, and religious and moral values. However, schools must also have an adequate character education program, especially in dealing with children who are stunted, social-emotional, language, and religious and moral values.

Physical activity and immunity in obese older adults: A systematic bibliographic analysis

Extensive research has been conducted on the roles of physical activity in immune functioning. However, reviews on the effect of physical activity on immune function among obese older adults are scarce. This study aimed to map the trend and development of the key terms and prominent sources to identify potential research opportunities through a systematic bibliographic analysis. A systematic search was conducted in the Scopus database on the following query: (sport∗ OR "physical activity" OR exercise) AND (elderly OR "older adult∗" OR aging) AND (immun∗) AND (obes∗) AND NOT (animal), in March 2023. Publication timing and citation were descriptively analyzed, followed by the bibliographic coupling and the term co-occurrence analyses for generating network and overlay visualization mapping using the VOSviewers software. The search resulted in 426 articles dating back from 1991 to the present and were dominated by authors from Western countries. Three thematic clusters of this research area were generated, covering (1) the impact of physical activity or inactivity on health, (2) physical activity assessments and the use of association and cross-sectional study as the primary type of research, and (3) the physical activity impacts at the population level. For future research, more intervention studies are needed to understand how exercise affects immune response in older obese adults and to explore optimal duration, type, and intensity of the exercise, using a multi-omics approach. Studies in non-Western populations and systematic reviews are recommended to complement this bibliographic analysis.

The correlates of physical activity during COVID-19 pandemic among Indonesian young adults: A longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Social distancing policy during the COVID-19 pandemic may affect physical activity levels. This study aimed to compare physical activity levels before and during the pandemic and to explore physical activity correlates among Indonesian young adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This longitudinal study was conducted before the pandemic (n = 141) in September 2019 and was followed by an online follow-up survey during the pandemic (79% response rate) in September 2020. Physical activity was measured using the global physical activity questionnaire and was classified into "sufficient" and "insufficient." The potential correlates of physical activity were constructs from social-cognitive theory and health belief model. Those were measured using a validated questionnaire in the follow-up survey. Physical activity levels before and during pandemics were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Simple logistic regressions were used to assess the relationships between each potential correlate and physical activity status during the pandemic.

RESULTS

Physical activity levels decreased significantly during the pandemic, mostly in the work-related domain. Participants with favorable physical activity-related constructs were more likely to be physically active. The odds ratio ranged from 3.41 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15-10.11) in participants with higher self-efficacy to 4.50 (95% CI = 1.44-14.06) in those with higher outcome expectations of physical activity.

CONCLUSION

A significant decline in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic among Indonesian young adults was confirmed. The application of behavioral change theories for explaining physical activity status during the pandemic in this population is also supported. It is recommended to incorporate these constructs to develop physical activity interventions in this target population.

The association between anthropometric profiles and somatotype with 100 meter sprint amongst Indonesian sprint athletes

Background: One hundred meter sprint was influenced by various internal and external factors. Somatotype and anthropometry profiles are possibly to be one of the factors that predicts performance. The aims of this study were to assess the anthropometry and somatotype profiles obtained from an example of Indonesian team university male sprinters and to elucidated potential correlations between anthropometry profile and somatotype with the 100m sprint. Methods: It was recorded that 20 selected sprint athletes participated as representatives from Indonesia in the XVIII ASEAN University Games with an averaged age (20.0 ± 0.92 year old). Anthropometric assessment includes height, weight, skinfold (triceps, supra-spinale, subscapula, suprailiaca, abdomen, calf, front thigh and chest)), two bicondylar widths (humerus and femur) and two circumferences (biceps and femur). The somatotype assessment was based on the Health & Carter method. Body fat percentage was assessed using the equation determined by Berzerk et al. (1963). Body Mass Index is calculated from body mass divided by height squared (kg/m2). Multicorrelation matrix and simple linear regression were used to assess the potential correlation between somatotype profile and anthropometry with the 100m sprint. Results: The average value of ectomorph-mesomorph-endomorph was 3.40-4.08-0.84 BMI at 20.6 0.6, while the fat percentage was 9.2 ± 0.8. There were no significant correlation and regression slope found between somatotype profile and anthropometry with the 100m sprint. Conclusion:  Most of the athletes representing Indonesia at the ASEAN University Games were mesomorphs and ectomorphs. They had low endomorph score fat percentage. Body shape requirements was not related to the 100m sprint. Further investigation is recommended to amplify the findings. Keywords: body composition, somatotype, sprinter   Abstrak Latar belakang: Lari seratus meter dipengaruhi oleh berbagai faktor internal dan eksternal. Profil somatotipe dan antropometri diperkirakan merupakan salah satu diantara faktor yang dapat memprediksi kinerja. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menilai antropometri dan somatotipe yang diperoleh dari sampel pelari putra perguruan tinggi Indonesia dan menjelaskan potensi korelasi antara antropometri dan somatotype dengan lari 100 meter. Metode: Tercatat 20 atlet sprinter terpilih sebagai perwakilan dari Indonesia di ASEAN University Games XVIII dengan rata-rata umur (20.0±0.92 tahun). Penilaian antropometri meliputi tinggi, berat badan, lipatan kulit (trisep, supra-spinale, subskapula, suprailiaka, abdomen, betis, paha depan dan dada), dua lebar bicondylar (humerus dan femur) dan dua lingkar (bisep dan femur). Penliaian somatotipe didasarkan dari metode Heath & Carter. Presentasi lemak tubuh dinilai sebagai persamaan yang ditentukan oleh Berzerk et al. (1963). Indeks Masa Tubuh dihitung dari masa tubuh yang dibagi dengan tinggi badan kuadrat (kg / m2). Matrix multikorelasi dan regresi linear sederhana digunakan untuk menilai potensi korelasi antara profil somatotipe dan antropometri dengan lari cepat 100 m. Hasil: Rata-rata nilai ectomorph-mesomorph-endomorph adalah 3.40-4.08-0.84. BMI di angka 20.6 ± 0.6, sedangkan presentasi lemak di angka 9.2± 0.8. Tidak ada korelasi yang signifikan dan kemiringan regresi ditemukan antara somatotipe dan antropometri dengan lari 100 m. Kesimpulan: Atlet yang mewakili Indonesia di ASEAN University Games sebagian besar mesomorph and ectomorph. Mereka memiliki presentasi lemak skor endomorph rendah. Syarat-syarat bentuk tubuh tidak berkaitan dengan lari 100 m. Investigasi lebih lanjut direkomendasikan untuk memperkuat temuan. Kata kunci: antropometri, somatotipe, pelari  

The association between cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic syndrome diagnosis: A cross-sectional study in Indonesian middle-aged and older adults

Objectives: The roles of cardiorespiratory fitness (CF) in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality risks are well established; however, little is known about the role of CF in reducing risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of CVD risk factors, particularly in Asian countries. This research examined associations between CF and MetS diagnosis and its five components in Indonesian middle-aged and older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 161 participants (aged 63±8 years; 70% female). CF was assessed with a 6-minute walk test. MetS diagnosis and its components were assessed with the Adult Treatment Panel III. Logistic regression modelling was conducted to examine the relationships between CF and MetS diagnosis and its components, after adjustment for BMI and other confounders. BMI was categorized using cut-points for Asians. Results: In adjusted models, participants with low CF had a greater likelihood of being diagnosed with MetS than those with high CF (OR=4.79, 95%CI:2.17-10.62). They were also more likely to have low high-density lipoprotein (OR=2.07, 95%CI:1.02-4.18) or hypertriglyceridemia (OR=2.37, 95%CI:1.15-4.86). There was also borderline significant findings that suggested that participants with low CF had greater likelihood of having abdominal obesity (OR=2.34, 95%CI:0.97-5.65, p=0.06) or hyperglycaemia (OR=2.07 95%CI:0.98-4.41, p=0.06). Conclusions: Low CF is associated with increased likelihood of being diagnosed with MetS. The adverse effects of low CF are mainly characterized by dyslipidaemia. Public health messages should emphasise the importance of improving CF for preventing MetS. Assessment of CF could be useful for targeting individuals most likely to benefit from intervention to prevent MetS.

Verification of the Reliability and Validity of the Short Form 36 Scale in Indonesian Middle-aged and Older Adults

Objectives

The Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire is increasingly being used to measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Indonesia. However, evidence that it is valid for use in Indonesian adults is lacking. This study assessed the validity and reliability of the SF-36 in Indonesian middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

Adults aged 46-81 years (n=206) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia completed the SF-36, another measure of HRQoL (the EuroQoL visual analogue scale [EQ-VAS]), and measures assessing their demographic characteristics. Fifty-four percent (n=121) completed the SF-36 measure again 1 week later. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to confirm the factor structure of the SF-36. Internal consistency reliability was estimated using Cronbach’s alpha, and test-retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlations. Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed by computing correlations among SF-36 subscales, between subscales and the 2 component scores, and between component scores and EQ-VAS scores.

Results

Most scaling assumptions were met. The hypothetical factor structure fit the data poorly (root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA]=0.108) and modification was required for a good fit (RMSEA=0.060). Scores on all subscales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (α>0.70) and test-retest reliability (r>0.70). Divergent validity was supported by weak to moderate interscale correlations (r=0.19 to 0.64). As expected, the 2 summary scores were moderately to strongly correlated with the EQ-VAS (r>0.60).

Conclusions

The findings adequately support the use of SF-36 in Indonesian middle-aged and older adults, although the optimal algorithm for computing component scores in Indonesia warrants further investigation.

Walking with Diabetes (WW-DIAB) programme a walking programme for Indonesian type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A pilot randomised controlled trial

Objectives:

This pilot study aimed to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a pedometer-based walking programme in Indonesian type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Methods:

Feasibility was assessed by monitoring participant recruitment, retention, and adherence to the step-monitoring and recording instructions. Effectiveness was assessed in a pilot randomised controlled trial. Participants were type 2 diabetes mellitus patients randomly assigned to a pedometer-only (PED-only) group (n = 22) and a pedometer with text message support (PED+) group (n = 21). Outcomes were step counts, self-reported physical activity, social cognitive constructs, glycaemic parameters, and health-related quality of life. These were assessed at baseline, 12-week intervention, and 12 weeks later. Longitudinal analyses using generalised estimating equations were carried out to assess treatment and time effects on study outcomes.

Results:

All but one participant (98%) attended 12- and 24-week data collection follow-ups. Throughout the study period, 82% of PED+ participants submitted their daily steps log. Daily steps increased in both groups (p < 0.001) but more in the PED+ group (2064 more steps at week 24, 95% confidence interval: 200–3925, p = 0.03). Self-reported physical activity levels and glycaemic parameters increased similarly in the two groups over time (p < 0.05). Improvements in social cognitive processes were seen only in the PED+ group (p < 0.05). There were no significant improvements in health-related quality of life.

Conclusion:

This study provides preliminary evidence that a pedometer-based walking programme, with or without additional support, is feasible and improves physical activity and glucose levels in Indonesian type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Greater increases in step counts can result from the provision of text message support and education materials than from the provision of a pedometer only.