International Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research

Midwives’ Strategies in Preventing Stunting through Nutrition Education at Integrated Health Posts (Posyandu)

Mardiana Ginting, Nadia Nadia, Natasya Deswita — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Stunting remains a major public health problem that affects child growth and development, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life. In Indonesia, efforts to prevent stunting are closely linked to community-based health services, especially Integrated Health Posts (Posyandu), where midwives play a strategic role as frontline health workers. This study aims to explore midwives’ strategies in preventing stunting through nutrition education at Posyandu, focusing on the types of educational approaches used, levels of community participation, challenges encountered, and perceived impacts on maternal nutrition knowledge and practices. This research employed a qualitative descriptive design conducted at selected Posyandu in Karo Regency/North Sumatra. Participants included midwives, Posyandu cadres, and mothers of children under five, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations of Posyandu activities, and document analysis of nutrition education materials. The data were analyzed thematically to identify patterns and key themes related to midwives’ strategies and their effectiveness. Ethical principles, including informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation, were strictly observed throughout the study. The findings indicate that midwives implement a variety of strategies, including individual counseling, group-based nutrition education, and home visits, supported by educational media such as posters, flipcharts, and food demonstrations. Major challenges included low attendance, limited resources, and cultural beliefs affecting feeding practices. Despite these challenges, nutrition education delivered by midwives contributed to improved maternal knowledge and positive changes in feeding behaviors. In conclusion, midwives integrated and context-sensitive strategies play a vital role in stunting prevention through nutrition education at Posyandu.

The Role of Nurses in Improving Immunization Compliance Among Toddlers in Slum Areas

Anisa Putri, Aisyah Safitri — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Immunization is a crucial public health intervention for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases among toddlers; however, immunization compliance remains low in slum areas due to socioeconomic and health system barriers. Nurses, as frontline health workers, play a strategic role in promoting immunization within underserved communities. This study aims to examine the role of nurses in improving immunization compliance among toddlers in slum areas and to identify key challenges and enabling factors influencing immunization practices. This study employed a mixed-methods research design conducted in selected slum areas. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to parents or caregivers of toddlers to assess immunization compliance and related factors. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews and observations involving nurses engaged in community and maternal–child health services. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. The results indicate that nurses play a significant role in improving immunization compliance through health education, home visits, counseling and effective communication, reminder and follow-up systems, and community engagement. These interventions were found to enhance parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and trust toward immunization services. Key challenges identified include limited parental knowledge, socioeconomic constraints, high population mobility, and restricted access to health facilities. In conclusion, strengthening community-based nursing roles is essential for improving immunization compliance among toddlers in slum areas. Empowering nurses with adequate training, resources, and institutional support can enhance immunization coverage and contribute to better child health outcomes in vulnerable urban populations.

The Influence of Early Lactation Counseling on the Success of Early Breastfeeding Initiation

Ell Fabiola, Dahlia Puspita, Eliyana Eliyana — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Early Breastfeeding Initiation (IMD) is a critical practice that contributes to neonatal survival, immune protection, mother–infant bonding, and long-term breastfeeding success. Despite strong policy support, the implementation of IMD remains suboptimal in many health care settings. One factor believed to influence IMD success is early lactation counseling provided during pregnancy or early labor. This study aimed to examine the influence of early lactation counseling on the success of Early Breastfeeding Initiation among postpartum mothers. This research employed a quantitative analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. The study population consisted of postpartum mothers who delivered at selected health facilities, with samples selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaires to assess exposure to early lactation counseling and observation checklists to measure IMD success indicators, including immediate skin-to-skin contact, initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour, and effective infant latch. Data analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test and logistic regression to determine the association and control for potential confounding variables. The results showed that mothers who received early lactation counseling had a significantly higher rate of successful IMD compared to those who did not receive counseling (p < 0.05). Early lactation counseling remained a significant predictor of IMD success after controlling for confounding factors such as mode of delivery, parity, maternal education, and support from health workers or family. In conclusion, early lactation counseling has a significant influence on the success of Early Breastfeeding Initiation. Integrating structured and comprehensive lactation counseling into routine antenatal and intrapartum care is essential to improve IMD implementation and support optimal maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

The Effectiveness of Art Therapy in Reducing Depressive Symptoms among Patients with Mood Disorders

Alisha Nur Salsabila — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Mood disorders are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, with depression as a core symptom that significantly impairs emotional, social, and functional well-being. Although pharmacological treatment is the primary approach, many patients continue to experience persistent depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for complementary non-pharmacological interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of art therapy in reducing depressive symptoms among patients with mood disorders. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was employed involving patients diagnosed with mood disorders who exhibited depressive symptoms. Participants received a structured art therapy intervention conducted in group sessions twice a week over a six-week period. Depressive symptoms were measured before and after the intervention using a standardized depression assessment instrument. Data were analyzed using appropriate inferential statistical tests to compare pre-intervention and post-intervention depression scores. The results indicated a significant reduction in depression scores following the art therapy intervention. Participants showed a shift from higher to lower levels of depression severity after completing the program. Statistical analysis revealed that the difference between pretest and posttest scores was significant (p < 0.05), with a moderate to large effect size, suggesting both statistical and clinical relevance of the intervention. Art therapy was found to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms among patients with mood disorders. These findings support the use of art therapy as a complementary intervention in mental health care settings to enhance emotional expression, self-awareness, and psychological well-being. Integrating art therapy into routine mental health services may contribute to more holistic and patient-centered treatment approaches.

The Role of Midwives in Improving Compliance with Family Planning Programs in Underdeveloped Villages

Maisarah Alzena — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Family planning (FP) programs are essential for improving maternal and child health, particularly in underdeveloped villages where access to health services is limited. Midwives play a crucial role as frontline health workers responsible for implementing and sustaining family planning programs in these settings. This study aims to explore and describe the role of midwives in improving compliance with family planning programs in underdeveloped villages, with a focus on the types of roles performed, the level of compliance among couples of reproductive age, and the impact of midwives’ interventions on community knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to family planning.A descriptive research design was employed involving midwives, couples of reproductive age, and community stakeholders in selected underdeveloped villages. Data were collected through questionnaires, in-depth interviews, observations, and document reviews. Family planning compliance was measured using indicators such as consistent contraceptive use, continuation of selected methods, and regular attendance at follow-up visits. Data were analyzed using both statistical and thematic approaches. The findings reveal that midwives carry out multiple roles, including health education, individualized counseling, contraceptive service provision, follow-up care, and community outreach. These roles contribute significantly to increased knowledge, more positive attitudes toward contraception, and improved compliance with family planning programs. Higher compliance levels were observed in communities where midwives actively engaged in culturally sensitive education and continuous follow-up. Overall, the study underscores the vital role of midwives in enhancing family planning compliance and highlights the importance of strengthening midwife capacity and community-based strategies to improve family planning outcomes in underdeveloped village contexts.