Not mandatory

Background: Peripheral blood smear examination (HDT) is a test to observe the morphology of blood cells microscopically. A peripheral blood smear is a simple method, and its examination is widely available in laboratories. The advantage of peripheral blood smear examination is its ability to assess various components of peripheral blood cells, such as cell morphology (erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets). One of the commonly used methods for peripheral blood smear examination is Giemsa staining. The process of Giemsa staining fixation aims to preserve the cell structure and its components before the staining is performed. The precise fixation time is key to obtaining optimal staining results, which allows for accurate observation of cell morphology. The aim of this study is to analyze the morphology of leukocyte profiles in peripheral blood smears stained with Giemsa based on variations in fixation time to determine the optimal time. Methods: This research was conducted in August-September 2024. The sample in this study was whole blood taken from the academic community of the Department of Medical Laboratory Technology and examined with a peripheral blood smear using Giemsa staining, and analyzed using descriptive statistical tests with the SPSS for Windows 22 software. Results: The research results showed that at a fixation time of 3 minutes, 60% were good and 40% were less good; at 5 minutes, 100% were good; at 10 minutes, 100% were good; at 15 minutes, 40% were good and 60% were less good; and at 20 minutes, 20% were good and 80% were less good. Conclusion: The best time variation in Giemsa staining using phosphate buffer is fixation for 5 minutes and 10 minutes, where all preparations (5 preparations) are 100% in the good category.

Background: Human resource management plays a vital role in achieving hospital goals, including improving service quality by optimizing human resource talent efficiently. The quality of work significantly affects employee performance. Employees who experience a supportive and conducive work environment are more motivated, engaged, and likely to provide optimal results, contributing to organizational success. This study aims to analyze the influence of employee characteristics and quality of work life on employee performance at RSIA Glamour Husada Kebun Bangkalan. Methods: A quantitative research method with a cross-sectional approach was employed. The study involved all employees of RSIA Glamour Husada Kebun Bangkalan, with a sample of 74 respondents selected through total sampling. Data were collected via questionnaires covering employee characteristics, quality of work life, and employee performance. Binary logistic regression was used for data analysis. Results: Employee characteristics (p = 0.265) did not have a significant influence on performance simultaneously. However, the quality of work life (p = 0.000) significantly influenced performance simultaneously. Among the employee characteristics, the length of service (p = 0.008) had a significant effect on performance. All dimensions of quality of work life were proven to partially affect employee performance. Conclusion: Employee performance is significantly influenced by the length of service and various dimensions of quality of work life. These findings highlight the importance of fostering a supportive work environment and recognizing the critical role of tenure in enhancing the performance of hospital employees.

Background: Effective hand hygiene is crucial to prevent laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs), yet research on MLTs practices remains limited. The study examines hand hygiene compliance and adherence factors among Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Health Campus. Methods: A cross-sectional study involved 125 MLTs, utilising self-administered questionnaires to assess sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP), and access to hand hygiene tools. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to identify key compliance predictors. Results: The findings revealed a high compliance rate of 97.6%, with 94.4% of participants reporting good access to hand hygiene resources. Female MLTs demonstrated significantly higher adherence to hand hygiene protocols as compared to their male counterparts (Adj ?= 0.222, 95% CI: 0.040, 0.404), while other factors such as age, education, and training did not significantly affect compliance (p>0.05). Conclusion: Despite high KAP scores, these variables did not predict adherence, highlighting the complex interplay of behavioural and systemic factors in hand hygiene practices. Future studies should explore innovative approaches, including direct observational methods, gender-specific initiatives, and organisational strategies to enhance hand hygiene practices further. These efforts are essential to strengthen infection control measures, promote laboratory safety, and improve outcomes for healthcare workers and patients.

Background: Hypertension, a non-communicable disease, is defined by a systolic pressure of = 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic pressure of = 90 mmHg. Factors contributing to hypertension include alcohol consumption and diets high in salt and saturated fats. This study aims to explore the relationship between community cultural practices and the occurrence of hypertension. Methods: This study employed a quantitative correlational approach with a cross-sectional design. A probability sampling technique, specifically stratified random sampling, was used to select 90 participants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data analysis was conducted using the Spearman Rank correlation test. Results: The findings revealed that most respondents cultural practices were categorized as poor (29 participants, 32.2%), followed by normal (17 participants, 18.9%), good (16 participants, 17.8%), very poor (15 participants, 16.7%), and very good (13 participants, 14.4%). Regarding hypertension severity, the majority of respondents experienced grade 1 hypertension (61 participants, 67.8%), while 29 participants (32.2%) had grade 2 hypertension. The study identified a significant relationship between community culture and hypertension incidence, with a p-value of 0.000. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of increasing public awareness and educating hypertension patients about cultural practices that elevate the risk of hypertension, such as consuming alcohol and diets rich in salt and saturated fats.

Background: Stunting in toddlers is a health problem that can hinder human development globally.This condition has the potential to increase the number of stunting toddlers for toddlers under five years of age. The purpose of the study was to analyze the risk factors for stunting in toddlers under five during the pandemic. Methods: This research is an analytical survey of case-control study design with a 1:1 ratio selected using a simple random sampling technique source of data from primary and secondary data collection. Bivariate analysis was performed using Odds Ratio and chi-square tests, and multivariate analysis was performed using binary logistic regression. Results: The results showed that the variables that had risk factors for stunting were history of infectious disease (OR=5.769; p=0.004), low birth weight (LBW) (OR=4.444; p=0.017), history of exclusive breastfeeding (OR=4.552; p=0.010), family income (OR=6.314; p-value =0.004), knowledge (OR=3.818; p= 0.002) and the most dominant risk factor is family income. Conclusion: Important to reduce stunting cases through cross-sectoral collaboration regarding the modification of health services according to the socioeconomic level of the community.