Timorese Journal of Public Health

Factors Relate to Personal Hygiene of Traders at Busalangga Market Rote Barat Laut district

Tresna Asriany Henukh, Imelda F. E. Manurung, Ribka Limbu — Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to identify factors related to personal hygiene of traders at Busalangga Traditional Market, Rote Barat Laut District. Given the high number of diseases related to personal hygiene in Rote Ndao. Data from the Rote Ndao Health Office in 2022 with a total of 3,522 cases of ISPA,1,192 cases of allergic skin diseases, 398 cases of diarrhea and several diseases such as influenza, urticaria, laryngitis, bronchopneumonia, this study uses a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 64 respondents who were randomly selected from a population of 186 traders. The results of the analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between age and personal hygiene of traders with a p value of 0.049, education with personal hygiene of traders with a p value of 0.028, knowledge with personal hygiene of traders with a p value of 0.026. However, there was no significant relationship between attitude and personal hygiene of traders with a p value of 0.054 and the availability of personal hygiene facilities with personal hygiene of traders with a p value of 0.276. This study is expected to provide useful information for health agencies and the community to increase awareness of the importance of personal hygiene, as well as being a reference in community health development programs in traditional markets.

The Effect of Social Isolation on the Mental Health of Families of COVID-19 Patients in Kupang City

Yabes Nindy Elicia Nalle, Yendris K. Syamruth — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 10:39:32 +0000

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused stress at various levels of society. Concern and fear of this virus triggers a negative stigma, especially towards infected individuals, including the families of patients who died from COVID-19. This stigma can have a significant impact on the mental health of the family left behind. This study aims to analyze the effect of social exclusion on the mental health of families of COVID-19 patients who died in Kupang City. This study used a quantitative method with a cross-sectional design and involved 95 respondents. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed by simple linear regression. The results of this study show that social exclusion has a significant influence on the mental health of families of COVID-19 victims in Kupang. Based on simple linear regression analysis, a determination coefficient (R²) of 0.310 was obtained, which means that social exclusion contributed 31.0% in influencing mental health. Meanwhile, the remaining 69.0% were influenced by other factors not examined in the study, such as economic factors, social support, and the individual's psychological condition before experiencing social exclusion. Thus, this study confirms that social exclusion is a factor that affects the mental health of the families of COVID-19 patients who died. Therefore, more attention is needed from various parties to support individuals who experience social exclusion in order to maintain their mental well-being.

Nutritional Status Positive Deviance Among Toddlers from Economically Disadvantaged Families in Namosain Village, Alak Health Center, Kupang

Paulus Hangga Luju, Grouse T S Oematan, Tasalina Y P Gustam — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Stunting is generally experienced by vulnerable or at-risk families, such as in families with low or poor economy. However, toddlers who have good nutritional status can also be foexample of a positive deviation that has been successfully implemented by underprivileged families. This study aims to reveal the factors why poor families can have toddlers with good nutritional status. This type of research is qualitative with a case study design, with samples taken from poor families who have toddlers without stunting in Namosain sub-district. The selection of samples in this study used a purposive sampling technique based on case criteria. The tools used in this study included questionnaires as well as recording and documentation tools. Data analysis was carried out qualitatively based on information obtained from in-depth interviews with informants. The results of the study showed that the pattern of feeding, personal hygiene, and health services among poor families was good. Families were able to provide and regulate a variety of nutritious foods for toddlers by choosing nutritious foods that were easily accessible to mothers of toddlers. Families also always pay attention to personal hygiene and health services for toddlers, thus supporting their nutritional status. Cadres and health workers play a role in monitoring the nutritional status of toddlers, providing counseling on nutrition, and dealing with nutritional problems. Positive deviance behavior needs to be socialized to the community through family empowerment and various experiences between families that show positive deviance, with support from the local health service and community health centers to improve health levels.