Journal of Diverse Medical Research: Medicosphere

Risk Factors Analysis in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis at Al-Fauzan General Hospital

2025-08-05T00:44:12+00:00

One of the degenerative conditions frequently occurring in joints is Osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a common form of joint inflammation, the most prevalent one. Individual factors such as age, gender, body mass indices, occupation, family history, injury history, and body posture can increase the risk of knee OA. Knee OA is distinguished based on etiology, namely primary and secondary. Primary knee OA is often associated with genetic factors and natural aging, while secondary knee OA is caused by injuries, structural abnormalities, or other medical conditions. The purpose is to determine the relationship between risk factors in patients with knee OA. This research employed a cross-sectional design involving 56 patients selected through a total sampling technique at Al-Fauzan Hospital. The findings of the study reveal a significant association between the onset of OA and both age (p=0.000) and body posture (p=0.000). Nevertheless, factors such as gender (p=0.535), body mass indices (p=0.705), occupation (p=0.942), family history (p=0.321), and injury history (p=1.000) exhibit no correlation with knee OA. Age emerges as the most impactful factor linked to the occurrence of OA (OR=51.358). A notable correlation exists between age and body posture as risk factors for knee OA in patients. The probability of developing OA increases by a factor of 51.358 as individuals grow older compared to their younger counterparts.

The Effect of Education on the Identification of Pulmonary TB Case Findings in the Post-Covid-19 Era at Dukuh Kupang Public Health Center Surabaya

2025-08-05T01:08:00+00:00

Indonesia is one of the countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tuberculosis disease is no longer in focus because the COVID-19 pandemic is the focus of the main problem. TB is one of the diseases that causes death in the world caused by bacterial infection Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB in the pandemic era is very difficult to diagnose because the diagnosis of respiratory disease is directed at COVID-19 disease. Based on this, this study was conducted with the aim of knowing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the findings of TB cases. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional observational analytic method at the Dukuh Kupang Community Health Center, Surabaya. The results showed a decrease in the number of pulmonary TB cases in recent years. This decrease is due to a decrease in screening and diagnosis of suspected TB, as well as an increase in better understanding in the community regarding the difference in symptoms of COVID-19 and TB and a decrease in the examination of TB sputum samples.

Wastewater Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 as Monitoring Tool for COVID-19

2025-08-05T01:03:44+00:00

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has significantly impacted global health, requiring effective surveillance methods. Wastewater surveillance has emerged as a cost-effective and non-invasive tool to detect viral RNA from both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, allowing early detection of outbreaks. Objective: This study analyzes the effectiveness of wastewater surveillance in detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in untreated wastewater, comparing it with clinical surveillance and evaluating its role in public health monitoring. Method: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, focusing on studies published between 2015–2025. Articles were selected based on relevance, availability, and originality, applying the PICO strategy to refine the search. From ten initially identified studies, two were selected for in-depth analysis. Result: The findings demonstrate that wastewater surveillance effectively tracks SARS-CoV-2 trends in communities. A study in Brazil showed a strong correlation between viral loads in wastewater and clinical case trends, proving its potential as an early warning system. Meanwhile, research in Australia confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and estimated infection prevalence using Monte Carlo simulation, aligning with reported clinical cases. These studies highlight wastewater surveillance as a reliable tool for population-wide monitoring. Conclusion: Wastewater surveillance is a proven method for detecting SARS-CoV-2, complementing clinical surveillance by enabling early detection, wider coverage, and cost efficiency. Challenges such as RNA degradation and detection standardization require further research, but integrating RT-qPCR and genomic sequencing enhances its accuracy for future epidemiological monitoring.

Early Detection and Treatment of Pediatric Amblyopia: A Cost-Benefit Analysis in the Indonesia

2025-08-07T04:04:27+00:00

Background: Amblyopia is a leading cause of preventable visual impairment in children. Despite effective treatment, delayed diagnosis limits visual recovery and may reduce lifetime productivity. In Indonesia, where pediatric vision screening is not yet universal, undiagnosed amblyopia may lead to lifelong productivity losses. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of early screening and intervention for amblyopia from a societal perspective.

Methods: A Markov model simulated a cohort of 100,000 children aged 3 over a 70-year period. Two strategies were compared: (1) early vision screening and treatment through primary care (e.g., Puskesmas), and (2) no structured screening. Costs, utilities, productivity losses, benefit-cost ratio were estimated using local data where available and adjusted using purchasing power parity (PPP) and Indonesian-specific parameters from WHO-CHOICE, BPJS Kesehatan reimbursement rates, and labor market data.

Results: The findings affirm that nationwide early screening and treatment for amblyopia in Indonesia are not only clinically effective but also economically justified. The estimated lifetime productivity gain per successfully treated child was USD 4,130, yielding a total indirect savings of over USD 11.3 million. The benefit-cost ratio was 7.8:1, The calculated ICER was USD 183.54 per QALY gained

Conclusion: Universal amblyopia screening in Indonesia is cost benefit and highly cost-effective. Integration into school-based health programs and the Puskesmas system could optimize early detection, reduce visual disability burden, and improve long-term national productivity.

The Role of Risk Factors in the Early Manifestation of Gout in Young Women

2025-08-15T09:08:50+00:00

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Gout is an inflammatory form of arthritis caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in tissues and joints due to hyperuricemia. Although it is more common in middle-aged men, the increasing incidence in young women with genetic predisposition and certain lifestyle factors has become a clinical concern. Early identification and management of risk factors are crucial to prevent disease progression. Case Illustration: A 33-year-old woman with a family history of gout and dyslipidaemia presented with intermittent joint pain in the lower extremities exacerbated by consumption of high-purine foods. The patient was diagnosed with hyperuricaemia in 2017 but did not undergo regular follow-up. Use of allopurinol and corticosteroids was effective in alleviating symptoms, but the complaints persisted. Discussion: This case illustrates the significant role of hereditary risk factors, high-purine dietary patterns, and inadequate medical supervision in the onset of early gout. Pathophysiologically, gout begins with chronic hyperuricemia, which then triggers an inflammatory process through uric acid crystallisation. Genetic factors such as the T allele at SNP rs2231142 of the ABCG2 gene are known to impair uric acid excretion through the intestines, increasing the risk of hyperuricemia and early-onset gout. Epidemiological evidence shows a 3.64-fold increased risk of gout in individuals with high genetic risk and unhealthy lifestyles. Conclusion: The manifestation of gout in young women is the result of a complex interaction between genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and lifestyle. Early detection of risk factors and lifestyle-based interventions particularly a low-purine diet and monitoring of uric acid levels are key approaches in the prevention and management of gout in the productive age population.

A Case Study: The Vicious Cycle of Headache, Uncontrolled Hypertension, and Paracetamol in 49 Years Old Woman

2025-08-15T09:11:02+00:00

Background: Hypertension is a chronic condition that often presents without clear symptoms, but may cause complaints such as headaches. Many individuals with hypertension manage these symptoms independently using over-the-counter medications like paracetamol, without addressing the underlying cause. This case report aims to describe the clinical course of uncontrolled hypertension, recurrent headaches, and habitual paracetamol use.

Case Illustration: A 49-year-old woman with a history of hypertension experienced recurrent headache and self-medicated with paracetamol without a prescription. The patient demonstrated poor adherence to antihypertensive therapy and maintained an unhealthy lifestyle, including frequent sleep deprivation, work-related stress, regular consumption of coffee, tea, and fried foods. Clinical evaluation revealed elevated blood pressure of 140/100 mmHg.

Discussion: Non-adherence to antihypertensive treatment and unhealthy lifestyle choices were major contributing factors that exacerbated the patient’s condition. The use of paracetamol as a symptomatic treatment masked the underlying problem and poses long-term risks to organ function. Persistent headache may serve as a clinical indicator of uncontrolled blood pressure due to irregular therapy.

Conclusion: Patients with hypertension require comprehensive management, including lifestyle modification, consistent adherence to medication, and education on the risks of self-medication. The use of symptomatic drugs such as paracetamol without medical supervision may worsen the condition if not accompanied by adequate blood pressure control.