The Relationship between Ethnicity and Health Seeking Behavior for Colorectal Cancer in East Java, Indonesia: A Case Study of Arek, Mataraman, and Pendalungan Ethnic Groups

OBJECTIVE: The rising incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in East Java has highlighted the need to investigate inter-ethnic causality. Previous studies have examined the relationship between ethnicity and health behavior in relation to CRC in East Java Province, but it is important to explore health-seeking behavior among CRC patients within the Arek, Mataraman, and Pendalungan ethnic groups, as these groups may have different behavioral patterns due to limited literacy. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 230 respondents, with 86 from Arek, 72 from Mataraman, and 72 from Pendalungan. Data were collected from August 1 to October 30, 2022,, and analyzed using structural equation modeling with SmartPLS application analysis. RESULT: The P-values for the direct path between culture and health-seeking behavior was 0.009, indicating a statistically significant relationship. Similarly, the P-Values for the direct path between self-health awareness and health seeking behavior is 0.000, indicating a very strong and statistically significant relationship. P-Values for the direct path between health accessibility and health seeking behavior was 0.257, suggesting that the relationship was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Cultural values and self-health awareness are suggested as important predictors of health-seeking behavior among CRC patients in East Java.. The study highlights the need for tailored healthcare services for different ethnic groups. Overall, these findings can help healthcare providers in addressing the specific needs of CRC patients in East Java.

The Protective Effects of Silymarin on the Reproductive Toxicity: A Comprehensive Review.

The reproductive system is extremely vulnerable to chemotherapy drugs, ionizing radiation, toxic heavy metals, chemicals, and so on. These harmful stimuli are able to induce oxidative damage, apoptosis, inflammation, and other mechanisms in the reproductive organs, leading to different adverse reproductive effects. It was shown that using medicinal plants (medicinal herbs) can be an effective medication for the prevention and treatment of multiple health conditions. Silymarin is a medicinal herb extract, obtained from the seeds of Silybum marianum. This herbal agent is a nontoxic agent even at relatively high physiological dose values, which suggests that it is safe for use in the treatment of different diseases. The hepato-, neuro-, cardio- and nephro-protective effects of silymarin have been assessed previously. The protective activities of silymarin can point to anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, immunomodulatory, and membrane-stabilizing properties. In this review, we aim to summarize current studies on the protective potentials of silymarin against reproductive toxicity. The molecular mechanisms of silymarin protection against cellular toxicity are also studied. Moreover, the findings obtained from improved formulations and delivery systems of silymarin have been addressed.

Detection of Vascular Inflammation and Oxidative Stress by Cotinine in Smokers: Measured Through Interleukin-6 and Superoxide Dismutase.

Purpose: Smoking is a significant risk factor in developing cardiovascular disease pathogenesis through oxidative stress and inflammation mechanisms. This study used cotinine as a biomarker of nicotine exposure levels in the body, which was associated with levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) as markers of oxidative stress and vascular inflammation. The research aimed to analyze the effect of cotinine levels on the expression of IL-6 and SOD. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design on 200 subjects, consisting 100 smokers and 100 non-smokers. Cotinine levels, IL-6 expression, and SOD were measured from the blood serum of each subject using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Then the data were analyzed using Generalized Structured Component Analysis (GSCA). Results: There was a significant effect of cotinine levels on the reduction of SOD mediated by IL-6 (CR = 4.006). Cotinine levels also increased IL-6 mediated by SOD (CR = 4.292). The structural model shows that higher cotinine levels will increase IL-6 expression, and conversely, SOD expression will decrease. Conclusion: High cotinine levels cause an increase in the inflammatory process and oxidative stress in the vasculature of smokers, which is characterized by high IL-6 expression and low SOD expression.

3rd International Conference in Nursing (ICON), 20-21 May 2017, Indonesia.

The event was hosted in Malang, East Java, Indonesia, by the School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Brawijaya University. Below is a selection of abstracts from among the 70 papers that were presented.