Indonesia Archives - Health Behavior and Policy Review

Dilemmas of Culture and Nutrition: A Study of Food Taboos and Stunting in East Kalimantan, Indonesia

A Fast Track Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Resa Ana Dina
Eka Purna Yudha

Objective:

The food taboo phenomenon remains prevalent in villages around Nusantara Capital City and is linked to stunting. A qualitative study exploring food taboos, stunting incidence, and related challenges is essential.

Methods:

Using a phenomenological approach with in-depth interviews, we involved informants from the Regional Health Office, Food Security Office, and parents of children suspected of stunting, from Penajam Paser Utara and Kutai Kartanegara regencies.

Results:

Food taboo traditions in East Kalimantan, such as avoiding gabus fish and Pundur fruit for pregnant and lactating women, hinder nutritional fulfillment, worsening stunting. These issues are compounded by unsanitary environments and limited clean water access. Whereas posyandu education (integrated health service post) has been implemented, geographical, economic, and various education challenges persist.

Conclusions:

Dietary restrictions rooted in tradition aggravate stunting in East Kalimantan. The government must enhance culturally sensitive education, improve health services and clean water access, and involve community leaders to address nutrition-related taboos.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 12, Number 4, October 2025, pp. 2012-2024(13)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.4.3

Steven Rowe2026-01-20T21:25:48-07:00January 20th, 2026|Indonesia, Nutrition|

Mobile Health Interventions for Noncommunicable Disease Prevention: GERMAS App Use at a University

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An Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Lita Sri Andayani, PhD
Ernawati Nasution, PhD
Eddy Syahrial, MS
Juliandi Harahap, PhD

Objective:

In this study, we assessed the impact of the GERMAS mobile app on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) for non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention among Indonesian university students.

Methods:

We used a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design with 40 students. We used validated KAP questionnaires and clinical measures (BMI, blood pressure, uric acid). We analyzed data using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

Results:

The intervention group showed statistically significant improvements. “Good” knowledge increased from 0% to 27.5% (p < .001), attitudes improved to the “enough” category (p < .001), and healthy practices rose from 50% to 100% (p < .001). Systolic (p = .014) and diastolic blood pressure (p = .029) and gout levels significantly decreased (p < .001). Changes in BMI, glucose, and cholesterol were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

The GERMAS app enhanced health literacy and behaviors while reducing certain clinical risk factors, highlighting its potential as a mobile-based strategy for NCD prevention.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 12, Number 4, October 2025, pp. 2002-2011(10)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.4.2

Steven Rowe2026-01-20T21:28:54-07:00December 29th, 2025|Indonesia, Technology Use|

Promoting Food Security Policy Reform to Reduce Stunting through a Social Network Strategy

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An Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Untung, MM
Ari Darmastuti, PhD
Novita Tresiana, DPA
Noverman Duadji, DPA
Rulinawaty, DPA

Objective:

In this study, we explore the potential for reforming food security policy settings and reducing stunting through social network strategies.

Methods:

Using a qualitative case study method and social network analysis, we examined specific village fund allocation arrangements and the development of dynamic food granaries through the roles of key actors, actor-actor relationships, and potential collaboration to uncover the role of village governance social networks in catalyzing reforms to achieve community goals. Based on interviews, documents, and observations, we highlight how social networks can enhance policy effectiveness in remote village communities and present specific actors such as indigenous groups as important elements of legitimacy and social acceptance of government programs.

Results:

Our findings contribute to the understanding of navigating policy-setting reforms that emphasize the importance of developing dynamic social networks, focusing actor relationships more broadly, flexibly, and adaptively to local conditions and needs.

Conclusions:

By highlighting the village-level dynamic social network approach model, we offer actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners to strengthen evidence-based local policies and drive public health progress through stronger policy-setting reforms.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 12, Number 1, February 2025, pp. 1807-1822(16)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.1.2

Steven Rowe2025-05-01T17:34:05-06:00April 8th, 2025|Food Security, Indonesia, Social Media|

Driving Innovative Healthcare Reform through Meta-governance Strategies

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An Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Intan Fitri Meutia, PhD
Devi Yulianti, MA
Bayu Sujadmiko, PhD

Objective:

This study explores the transformative potential of innovation in public sector governance, specifically within the healthcare sector, through meta-governance strategies.

Methods:

Employing qualitative case study methodology, the study thoroughly analyzes the impact of Bandar Lampung’s free health service program. Drawing from interviews, documents, and observations, the research highlights the critical influence of meta-governance in guiding innovation within the healthcare sector.

Results:

The findings contribute significantly to our understanding of public sector innovation, emphasizing the importance of meta-governance in fostering transformative change.

Conclusions:

By highlighting technological advancements in Bandar Lampung, this study offers actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars to enhance public service delivery and promote societal progress through innovation.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 4, August 2024, pp. 1613-1623(11)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.4.1

Steven Rowe2024-09-24T15:12:48-06:00September 11th, 2024|Healthcare Reform, Indonesia|