Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Indonesia has led to an increase in mental health problems, especially among those with comorbid hypertension. Uncontrolled hypertension is the primary comorbidity of COVID-19. Thus, this study aimed to determine the pattern of uncontrolled hypertension at two time points during the pandemic and to confirm its relationship with common mental disorders (CMDs).
Methods
This longitudinal study was conducted at two time points (2019 and 2021), and the data of individuals with hypertension was sourced from the Bogor of Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors Cohort Study. Data of 1,231 respondents who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the analyses. The Self-Reported Questionnaire-20 was used to measure CMDs (score of >6). This study used a generalized estimating equation to analyze the data.
Results
The percentage of those with uncontrolled hypertension increased from 57.6% to 66.4%, whereas those with CMDs increased from 6.1% to 11.5%, from 2019 to 2021. The risk of uncontrolled hypertension was higher in patients with CMDs than in those without CMDs. The risk of uncontrolled hypertension increased from twice (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.071–2.069) in 2019 to 3 times (aOR, 2.765; 95% CI, 2.243–3.287) in 2021.
Conclusion
Since stress increases the risk of developing uncontrolled hypertension, individuals with hypertension must be able to manage their stress. Apropos this, the governments should provide mental health consultation services in treating patients with hypertension, especially during adverse events such as pandemics.

Background
Hormonal and physical changes during pregnancy affect mothers’ mental health. Because depression during pregnancy is closely associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, treatment is important for pregnant women with depression. This study aimed to identify barriers to treatment-seeking behaviors among pregnant women with depression in Indonesia.
Methods
Data from the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Research were used, which focused on pregnant women aged 15–54 years who exhibited depressive symptoms. The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to assess depression. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the factors affecting treatment-seeking behaviors.
Results
Among the pregnant women in Indonesia, 7.9% experienced depression; however, only 11.4% sought treatment. Higher transportation costs to the clinic were associated with 41% lower odds of seeking treatment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37–0.95; P=0.029). Women in their second and third trimesters had 48% (AOR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28–0.98; P=0.042) and 54% (AOR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.24–0.89; P=0.022) lower odds of seeking treatment, respectively, than those in their first trimester.
Conclusion
Financial barriers and the challenges of late pregnancy hinder treatment-seeking behaviors for depression in pregnant women. Therefore, there is an urgent need for affordable and accessible mental health care for vulnerable populations.

Background
Malnutrition is common among children under 5 years of age in Indonesia, with the rates varying between urban and rural areas. The minimum acceptable diet (MAD) assesses nutrient quality and quantity. This study aimed to identify the potential variables for MAD in 6–23-month-old children in both urban and rural Indonesia.
Methods
We used the data from the 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey to conduct this nationally representative study. A total of 4,688 children aged 6–23 months were included in the study. MAD was classified using the 2017 World Health Organization global nutrition monitoring framework. The determinants of MAD were analyzed using multiple logistic regression.
Results
Overall, 45% of children aged 6–23 months received the required MAD, with 47.4% receiving the MAD in urban areas and 35.7% in rural areas. Children’s age, fathers’ age, parents’ education level, mothers’ employment, and wealth index were strongly linked to MAD in both rural and urban homes. The factor specifically related to MAD in urban areas was mother living with her husband. For rural households, mothers’ involvement in decisionmaking and a minimum of four antenatal care (ANC) visits significantly increased the likelihood of their children’s MAD status.
Conclusion
MAD status was determined by increased child age, higher parent education, younger father, working mother, and higher wealth index in children aged 6–23 months in both urban and rural settings. Mothers living with a spouse determined the MAD status only in urban areas. More frequent ANC visits and mother participation in household decisions were other factors related to MAD status in rural areas.

Citations

• Health behaviors, lifestyle factors, and healthcare challenges in family medicine: a comprehensive review of recent evidence from Asian populations
  Joung Sik Son
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2025; 46(4): 215.     CrossRef