Public Health and Preventive Medicine Archive

Understanding COVID-19 preventive behavior among health workers in Bali’s referral hospitals: A socio-ecological approach

2024-08-31T13:28:19+00:00

Background and purpose: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is one of global health problems which affect all aspects of people’s life. Because hospitals are high-risk environments for COVID-19 transmission, healthcare workers' preventive behaviors are critical. These behaviors are shaped by the interaction of personal, interpersonal, and institutional factors. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the COVID-19 preventive behaviors of registration staff at three referral hospitals in Bali, utilizing the Socio-Ecological Model.

Methods: This qualitative study applied a phenomenological approach based on the Socio-Ecological Model of Health Behavior. The study was conducted in March 2021 at three COVID-19 referral hospitals in Bali (Sanglah, Wangaya, and Tabanan Hospitals). We purposely sampled 50 health workers from the registration section. Data were collected via online semi-structured interviews, observations and documentation, then analyzed using phenomenological techniques. Data validity was ensured through source triangulation (comparing insights from staff in outpatient, emergency, and COVID-19 registration posts, as well as the unit heads) and methods triangulation.

Results: The findings demonstrate that preventive behaviors at the personal level interacted dynamically with interpersonal and institutional dimensions. At personal level, workers adhered to standard protocols (masking, handwashing, and physical distancing), utilized hand sanitizer after patient registration, conducted routine disinfection, and wore appropriate personal protective equipment. Individual actions were reinforced through informational support from peers on how to safely interact with patients and their families. At the institutional level, the health facilities supported these personal and interpersonal efforts through official preventive policies and by physically modifying the environment in registration areas.

Conclusion: Preventing the transmission of infectious diseases in healthcare facilities requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses individual behavior, interpersonal support, a safety-oriented work culture, and robust institutional policies. These findings may serve as a reference for developing training programs, establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs), and strengthening a culture of safety among healthcare workers, thereby enhancing their preparedness to respond to future infectious disease outbreaks.

Analysis of food waste behavior among managers, employees, and consumers at Warung Tegal in 2025

2025-07-22T02:59:48+00:00

Background and purpose: In Indonesia, food waste is an urgent problem, especially in the informal food sector, such as Warung Tegal or food stall, which has received insufficient attention in waste-reduction initiatives. Despite its high prevalence, research on food waste behavior in this sector remains limited, creating a gap in understanding of how managers, employees, and consumers influence waste generation. This study aims to explore behavior of managers, employees and consumers of Warung Tegal.

Methods: This study uses a qualitative phenomenological design with thematic analysis, based on in-depth interviews and field observations with 12 informants, including managers, employees, consumers from three Warung Tegal outlets, as well as environmental activists (FoodCycle Indonesia), the South Jakarta Environment Agency, and A Garbage Collector.

Results: The findings suggest that food waste may be influenced by a variety of behavioral factors. It was observed that one in three Warung Tegal had implemented waste sorting, though government support for food waste management was considered inadequate. In addition, awareness programs regarding food waste management have yet to be directed towards Warung Tegal business owners and waste management officers, who play a crucial role in this cycle.

Conclusion: Behavioral analysis of the informants indicates that food waste is influenced by various factors, including community access to waste management facilities and support initiatives tailored to the Warung Tegal sector. These findings highlight that Warung Tegal business operators could benefit significantly from support from the government and environmental organizations to raise awareness about the risks of food waste and mitigate this critical issue.

The association of PM 2.5 and sun exposure with depression in Jakarta, Indonesia

2025-07-22T03:33:26+00:00

Background and purpose: Depression is a mental disorder with a high prevalence among young adults in Indonesia. Environmental factors such as sunlight and PM2.5 potentially influencing risk of depression. This study aimed to determine the levels of sunlight and PM2.5 exposure and their association with depression among young adults in urban Jakarta.

Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design conducted in Penjaringan, North Jakarta during December 2023 to November 2024. Sample was 90 young adults recruited using consecutive sampling methods. Data were collected using structured questionnaire to assess sun exposure and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depression. The PM2.5 air-quality monitoring data was obtained from the World Air Quality Index (AQICN) platform. Data were analyzed descriptively and analytically using frequency distributions and the Chi-square test.

Results: The mean age of respondent were 21.92 years old, 62.2% were male and 75.6% were working. Overall, 45.6% had high PM2.5 exposure, while 53.3% had low sun exposure and 45.6% had depression. PM2.5 exposure was significantly associated with depression (OR=2.66; 95%CI: 1.13–6.25), whereas sun exposure was not (OR=1.47; 95%CI: 0.64–3.39).

Conclusion: The study identified substantial PM2.5 exposure and depressive symptoms among young adults, with higher PM2.5 exposure significantly associated with depression. Public health interventions should prioritize reducing air pollution and promoting healthier urban environments alongside mental health programs

Local Wisdom, Global Impact: Integrating Perarem for Sustainable Tourism in Bali Province, Indonesia

2026-08-05T07:25:27+00:00

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the ongoing global transformation, reshaping tourism, and highlighting the indispensable link between travel and public health ¹. Highly mobile travellers can carry infectious diseases across borders, turning local vulnerabilities into worldwide risks^2,3. Failure to embed robust public health systems into the heart of the tourism sector potentially creates socioeconomic instability rather than sustainable recovery and growth^4.Driven by these heightened risks, modern travellers no longer choose destinations solely for their breathtaking scenery or rich culture—they expect robust health and safety infrastructure as part of the package⁵. Yet, despite growing emphasis on health-conscious travel, a serious disconnect persists on the ground. In destinations like Indonesia, particularly Bali, the public health and tourism sectors continue to operate in silos. This lack of integration creates a critical blind spot for two-way disease transmission. A truly sustainable framework must work both ways: shielding local communities from imported pathogens while simultaneously protecting visiting tourists from endemic health risk.