The Malaysian Journal of Nursing (MJN)

Editorial Message

2025-07-15T09:32:33+00:00

Evaluating the Impact of a Mobile Application on Mental Health and Help-Seeking Behaviour among Adolescents in Bandung, Indonesia

2025-01-13T09:13:45+00:00

Background: Mobile applications offer promising tools to promote mental health awareness and engagement, but their effectiveness in fostering help-seeking behaviour, particularly in Indonesia, remains underexplored. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a mobile application in enhancing help-seeking behaviour among adolescents in Bandung, Indonesia. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre- and post-test control group design was employed. A total of 200 adolescents aged 15–18 years were divided into intervention (n = 100) and control (n = 100) groups. The intervention group utilised a mental health mobile App with interactive health education and reminders systems for eight weeks, while the control group received mental health education pamphlets. Help-seeking behaviour was assessed using the Help-Seeking Behaviour Questionnaire (HSBQ) pre- and post-intervention. Regression analysis controlled for baseline scores and demographics. Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in help-seeking behaviour compared to the control group (B = 2.10, p < 0.001), independent of baseline scores. Conclusion: The findings highlight the potential of mobile applications to enhance help-seeking behaviour among adolescents, addressing critical barriers such as stigma and lack of awareness. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term sustainability and scalability on diverse populations.

Impact of Web-Based Psychoeducation on Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, and Decision-Making Support of HPV Vaccination among Female Adolescents

2025-02-11T07:12:04+00:00

Background: Cervical cancer in Indonesia is a major public health concern, with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination being a key preventive measure. However, psychosocial barriers like anxiety and low self-efficacy hinder vaccination uptake among female adolescents, requiring web-based psychoeducation interventions. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a web-based psychoeducation programme on anxiety, self-efficacy, and decision-making support regarding HPV vaccination among female adolescents in Indonesia. Methods: A quasi-experimental study design was employed, involving 200 female adolescents aged 15–19 years, divided equally into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received a structured web-based psychoeducation programme, while the control group received standard information. Psychosocial outcomes were assessed using validated instruments: Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale. Pre- and post-intervention data were analysed using paired t-tests, ANCOVA, and MANCOVA. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in anxiety reduction (mean difference: -9.7, p<0.001), self-efficacy enhancement (mean difference: 8.0, p<0.001), and decision-making support (mean difference: 7.9, p<0.001) compared to the control group. Effect sizes indicated moderate to strong impacts across all psychosocial dimensions. Conclusion: Web-based psychoeducation significantly improves psychosocial outcomes, including anxiety, self-efficacy, and decision-making support, among female adolescents. These findings highlight the potential of digital interventions in promoting HPV vaccination acceptance and addressing mental health challenges.

The Effect of Virtual Reality Simulation Training to Improve Disaster Preparedness for Cadre in Bandung West Java, Indonesia

2025-04-30T10:24:10+00:00

Background: Despite improved governmental disaster management efforts, household preparedness remains insufficient, leaving communities vulnerable. Cadres are pivotal in promoting disaster preparedness at the grassroots level. Virtual Reality Simulation (VRS) offers novel approaches to improve training in disaster response by creating immersive, interactive environments that enhance skill acquisition. Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of VRS training on improving disaster preparedness among Indonesian cadres, comparing outcomes with a control group receiving no such intervention. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a control group and repeated measures was implemented in Bandung Regency, West Java. A total of 400 cadres participated, divided equally between the intervention group receiving VRS training and a control group. Disaster preparedness was measured using the Household Emergency Preparedness Scale (HEPS). Data analysis involved ANOVA and Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE) to compare preparedness scores across time points. Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in disaster preparedness scores post-intervention and at one-month follow-up (p<0.001), with a moderate effect size (Cohen's d = 0.41). The control group showed no significant change over time. GEE analysis confirmed a statistically significant increase in preparedness scores for the intervention group after controlling for baseline differences (ß = 10.2, p<0.001). Conclusion: VRS training effectively enhances disaster preparedness among community health cadres by providing a scalable and immersive approach to improving disaster readiness. VR-based training presents a viable alternative to traditional methods, especially in resource-limited areas, with potential for widespread implementation in disaster-prone regions.

The Effect of Smart Bed on Pressure Ulcer Prevention among Patients with Stroke in West Java, Indonesia

2025-02-11T07:13:04+00:00

Background: Stroke is the third leading cause of mortality in Indonesia, significantly contributing to comorbidities and healthcare costs. The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare has the potential to improve patient care by automating patient movement and vital sign monitoring. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an IoT-enabled smart bed system in preventing pressure ulcers among stroke patients by automating patient repositioning and monitoring key physiological parameters. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in a private hospital in West Java, Indonesia, involving 30 stroke patients divided into an intervention group (n=15) receiving the smart-bed system and a control group (n=15) receiving conventional care. The Braden Scale was used to assess pressure ulcer risk. Data collection included pre-test, post-test, and follow-up assessments over a one-month intervention period. Repeated Measures ANOVA was used to analyse differences between groups. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in sensory perception (+8.23 points, p=0.001, eta=0.31), humidity (+8.76 points, p=0.002, eta=0.28), activity (+9.12 points, p=0.001, eta=0.37), mobilisation (+8.76 points, p=0.002, eta=0.33), nutrition (F=7.66, p=0.001, eta=0.35), and friction (F=8.22, p=0.001, eta=0.30). The control group exhibited no significant changes across these variables. Conclusion: The IoT-enabled smart bed significantly improved factors related to pressure ulcer prevention, reducing the burden on caregivers and healthcare providers. This technology offers a promising solution for enhancing patient care and reducing pressure ulcer incidence among stroke patients.

Effectiveness of Digital-Based Continuity of Midwifery Care on Client Satisfaction in West Java, Indonesia

2025-04-17T09:50:20+00:00

Background: Continuity of midwifery care ensures consistent, personalised support across the maternity cycle and is linked to better maternal and neonatal outcomes. In low-resource areas like West Java, implementation is challenged by geographic and workforce limitations. Digital-based continuity of care has emerged as a promising approach to overcome geographical and logistical barriers, particularly in low-resource settings such as West Java, Indonesia. Objective: This study evaluated the impact of a digital-based continuity of midwifery care program on postpartum client satisfaction zin West Java, Indonesia. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 300 postpartum women divided equally into intervention (digital-based care) and control (standard care) groups for six weeks. The intervention utilised a digital platform that offered features such as appointment scheduling, health education materials, and real-time communication with midwives. Client satisfaction was measured using the Indonesian version of the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (PSQ-18). Data were analysed using paired t-tests and ANCOVA to adjust for potential confounding variables such as age, education, and parity when comparing satisfaction scores between groups. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in satisfaction scores across all PSQ-18 subscales compared to the control group. Adjusted mean differences were statistically significant, with moderate to large effect sizes (Cohen’s d: 0.52–0.70). The digital platform significantly enhanced accessibility, communication, and interpersonal engagement, contributing to higher satisfaction levels among participants. Conclusion: Digital-based continuity of midwifery care effectively improves client satisfaction by improving accessibility, facilitating effective communication, and providing personalised support. Future research should investigate the long-term effectiveness and scalability of digital-based continuity of care interventions.

The Effect of “QuakeGuard” Mobile Application on Resilience among Community Members in Disaster Prone Area in Sukabumi, Indonesia

2025-03-01T08:06:54+00:00

Background: Traditional disaster preparedness strategies often emphasise structural solutions, but the psychological and social dimensions of resilience have received less attention. Innovative approaches, such as mobile applications like "QuakeGuard," offer promising avenues to address this gap. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the "QuakeGuard" mobile application in strengthening resilience among community members in disaster-prone areas of Sukabumi, Indonesia. Methods: A quasi-experimental study design with pre-test and post-test measurements was employed, with data collected at three repeated measurements. A total of 320 participants were recruited through convenience sampling and assigned to either the intervention group (n = 160) or the control group (n = 160). Community resilience was assessed using the Conjoint Community Resiliency Assessment Tool (CCRAT). Data analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA, Cohen’s d test, and generalised estimating equations (GEE). Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in community resilience over time compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The post-test resilience scores for the intervention group (Mean ± SD: 2.93 ± 1.54) were significantly higher than those for the control group (Mean ± SD: 2.56 ± 1.06, p = 0.012). GEE analysis showed a significant interaction effect (ß = 5.09, 95% CI: 2.10–8.75, p = 0.001). Conclusion: The "QuakeGuard" mobile application proved to be an effective tool for enhancing community resilience by providing user-friendly and culturally relevant disaster preparedness resources. Further studies should investigate the long-term effects and scalability of such interventions in diverse communities.

The Impact of Digital Psycho-Religious Therapy on Stress Reduction and Quality of Life in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Indonesia

2025-04-17T10:09:44+00:00

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that imposes significant stress and reduces quality of life (QoL), complicating glycaemic control and increasing complications. Leveraging digital platforms offers a scalable and efficient solution, especially in resource-constrained settings such as Indonesia. Objective: This study evaluates the efficacy of a digital psycho-religious therapy program in alleviating stress and enhancing QoL among type 2 DM patients in Indonesia. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-post-test control group design was employed with 300 patients diagnosed with type 2 DM in West Java, Indonesia. Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), while QoL was assessed with the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, both at baseline and after the intervention. Statistical analyses, including descriptive and regression were conducted to evaluate outcomes. Results: The intervention group experienced a significant reduction in stress (scores decreased from 25.6 ± 4.2 to 16.4 ± 3.5, p < 0.001) and a marked improvement in QoL (scores increased from 58.7 ± 6.5 to 72.4 ± 5.8, p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that group allocation, baseline scores, and age were significant predictors of outcomes, whereas a longer duration of diabetes was associated with reduced improvements. Conclusion: Digital psycho-religious therapy is a promising intervention for stress reduction and QoL improvement in type 2 DM patients, with potential applicability in other low-resource settings. Future research should investigate the long-term effects and broader applicability of this intervention.

Assessing the Need for Mobile Application Development in Stunting Prevention Among Vulnerable Populations: A Qualitative Study

2025-03-01T08:16:15+00:00

Background: Stunting, a critical public health challenge affecting children under five globally, remains highly prevalent in Indonesia. While mobile health (mHealth) technologies have shown promise in improving maternal and child health outcomes, their application in addressing stunting prevention remains underexplored, particularly in low-resource settings. Objective: This study aimed to assess the need for developing a mobile application to prevent stunting among vulnerable populations in Indonesia. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was employed, involving 18 participants, including healthcare providers, community leaders, and caregivers of children under five from urban and rural settings. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using NVivo software. Rigorous trustworthiness criteria were applied to ensure credibility and transferability. Results: Four themes emerged: (1) barriers to stunting prevention, including resource constraints, caregiver knowledge gaps, and policy limitations; (2) desired app features, such as educational content, growth tracking, and social support tools; (3) user expectations for functionality, emphasizing local language support, offline accessibility, and ease of use; and (4) anticipated implementation challenges, including technological barriers and sustained user engagement. Conclusion: The findings underscore the potential of a mobile application to address critical gaps in stunting prevention through tailored, accessible, and interactive features. Future research should focus on pilot testing and evaluating the app’s usability and impact.

Evaluating E-Healthcare Dietary Interventions via Mobile App for Wound Healing in Post-Caesarean Women: A Quasi-Experimental Study

2025-01-14T11:06:04+00:00

Background: Optimal wound healing following caesarean delivery is essential for maternal recovery and overall well-being. Although digital health technologies have shown promise in enhancing adherence to dietary interventions, their application in post-caesarean care remains insufficiently investigated. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of technology-enhanced dietary interventions on wound healing outcomes among women recovering from caesarean delivery. Methods: A quasi-experimental study design was employed with 100 post-caesarean women, evenly divided into an intervention group (n=50) and a control group (n=50). The intervention included personalised meal plans, reminders, and educational content on nutrition delivered via the mobile app. Wound healing progress was evaluated using the Wound Healing Progress Assessment Tool (WH-PAT) at baseline and again four weeks post-intervention. Data analysis was performed using paired and independent t-tests. Results: The intervention group exhibited significantly higher WH-PAT scores post-intervention (mean = 38.6 ± 4.5) compared to the control group (mean = 30.2 ± 5.2, p < 0.001). Additionally, the improvement in WH-PAT scores from baseline was notably greater in the intervention group (mean difference = 16.2 ± 3.7, p < 0.001) compared to the control group (mean difference=7.2±2.6, p<0.001). Conclusion: Technology-enhanced dietary interventions markedly improved wound healing outcomes among post-caesarean women. Future studies should investigate the long-term effects and explore ways to optimise these interventions. This intervention supports the integration of sustainable e-health solutions into nursing care protocols for post-operative maternal health.

Usability Assessment of the Patient Safety EduGame in Nursing Education

2025-04-30T10:17:18+00:00

Background: Patient safety is a critical component of nursing education, essential for equipping students with the skills to minimise errors and enhance healthcare outcomes. Traditional teaching methods often struggle to effectively engage students and connect theoretical knowledge with practical application. Educational games (EduGames) have emerged as promising tools to address these gaps by fostering interactive, engaging, and practical learning experiences. Objective: This study evaluates the usability of the Patient Safety EduGame as a tool to enhance patient safety education among nursing students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 undergraduate nursing students at a university in Indonesia. After playing the Patient Safety EduGame, participants fill out the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Usability Metric for User Experience (UMUX-LITE), two usability metrics for user experience. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation, and independent t-tests were used to examine the data in order to assess usability metrics and find differences among subgroups. Results: The mean SUS score was 78.5 (SD = 9.2) and the mean UMUX-LITE score was 73.4 (SD = 10.1). Gender differences were significant for SUS scores (p = 0.04), with female participants reporting higher usability. Technological proficiency significantly influenced usability scores, with higher proficiency correlating with better scores (p < 0.05). A strong positive correlation (r = 0.78, p < 0.001) between SUS and UMUX-LITE scores confirmed convergent validity. Conclusion: The Patient Safety EduGame demonstrates high usability, making it a promising tool for integrating patient safety education into nursing curricula. Future research should explore the long-term educational impact and extend usability testing to broader populations.

Effectiveness of a Reminder System in Increasing Antenatal Care Utilisation Among High-Risk Pregnant Women in Indonesia: A Quasi-Experimental Study

2025-02-11T09:40:45+00:00

Background: Antenatal care is crucial for high-risk pregnancies, but utilisation remains suboptimal in Indonesia due to barriers like limited access and low awareness. Digital interventions can improve healthcare adherence globally. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile-based reminder system in increasing Antenatal Care (ANC) utilisation among high-risk pregnant women in Indonesia. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design was carried out in Bekasi, Indonesia, from May to August 2024. The trial included 150 high-risk pregnant women who were randomly assigned to one of two groups: intervention (75) or control (75). The intervention group received personalised reminders via SMS and mobile app notifications, whereas the control group received conventional ANC services. ANC usage was evaluated using the World Health Organization's (WHO) ANC Quality Assessment Tool. The data was analysed using paired t-tests and ANCOVA to assess within-group changes and between-group differences. Results: The intervention group improved ANC utilisation significantly in all domains, including facility support (mean difference = 1.3, p < 0.001), routine care (mean difference = 1.5, p < 0.001), and complication management (mean difference = 1.4, p < 0.001). In contrast, no significant differences were seen in the control group. ANCOVA showed that the intervention group had significantly higher post-test scores than the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The reminder system significantly improved ANC utilisation among high-risk pregnant women in Indonesia. Future research should explore long-term impacts and scalability of such interventions.

Enhancing Reproductive Health Literacy via Audio App for Visually Impaired Female Adolescents in Indonesia: Design and Usability Evaluation

2025-04-17T10:28:27+00:00

Background: Visually impaired female adolescents face significant barriers in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information due to inaccessible educational materials and societal stigma. Audio-based mobile applications provide an innovative, inclusive approach to addressing these challenges, enabling the dissemination of reproductive health information tailored to their needs. Objective: This study aimed to design and evaluate the usability of an audio-based mobile application to enhance reproductive health literacy among visually impaired female adolescents in Indonesia. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted, comprising the development of an audio-based mobile app using a user-centred design framework and a usability evaluation involving 15 visually impaired female adolescents aged 15–19 years. Quantitative data were collected using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ), while qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results: The app achieved a mean SUS score of 85.3 (SD = 6.4), indicating excellent usability. The PSSUQ revealed high user satisfaction, with a mean score of 1.9 (SD = 0.4). Qualitative analysis identified three themes: Accessibility and Navigation, Content Relevance and Clarity, and Suggestions for Improvement. Participants appreciated the app’s voice-guided navigation and culturally appropriate content, although recommendations were made to enhance interactivity and customisation features. Conclusion: The audio-based mobile app demonstrated high usability and satisfaction, effectively addressing the SRH education needs of visually impaired female adolescents. Future development should incorporate user feedback to improve navigation and introduce personalised features, ensuring broader accessibility and engagement.

Identifying Needs for Mobile Application Development to Prevent Anemia in Pregnant Women: Insights From a Qualitative Study

2025-04-17T10:13:42+00:00

Background: Anaemia during pregnancy is a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where it contributes to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Mobile health (mHealth) applications have shown promise in improving healthcare delivery, yet there is limited focus on addressing anemia prevention during pregnancy through these digital solutions. Objectives: This study explored the perspectives of pregnant women, healthcare providers, and community health workers to identify needs for a mobile application tailored to prevent anemia during pregnancy. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted among 15 participants in Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia, including pregnant women, healthcare providers, and community health workers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking. Results: Three main themes emerged: (1) understanding anemia prevention, including awareness and cultural beliefs about nutrition; (2) challenges and needs in anemia prevention, encompassing barriers to accessing reliable information, low adherence to supplementation programs, and desired mobile application features; and (3) suggestions for mobile application development, emphasising the importance of cultural relevance, multilingual support, voiceovers, and regular updates. Conclusion: This study highlights the urgent need for culturally tailored, user-centered mobile applications to prevent anemia in pregnant women, particularly in resource-limited settings. Future efforts should prioritise co-creation with users to enhance adoption and efficacy.

The Impact of Anaemia Prevention Apps on Sleep Quality and Learning Concentration Among Female Junior High School Students

2025-04-17T09:27:37+00:00

Background: Anaemia, is a global health challenge, that significantly affects adolescent girls, impairing sleep quality and learning concentration. Despite advancements in mobile health (mHealth) applications for anaemia prevention, their impact on these critical outcomes remains underexplored. Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of anaemia prevention mobile application on sleep quality and learning concentration among female junior high school students. Methods: A quasi-experimental study using a pre- and post-test control group design was implemented. Two hundred female students aged 12 to 15 years were recruited using convenience sampling and evenly allocated into intervention and control groups. The intervention group utilised a mobile application that provided anaemia education and reminders for 12 weeks, whereas the control group received conventional health education materials such as brochures. Sleep quality and learning concentration were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Learning Concentration Scale (LCS), respectively. Data were analysed using paired t-tests, independent t-tests, and ANCOVA was employed to evaluate pre- and post-intervention differences while controlling for confounding variables. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in sleep quality (mean PSQI: 7.4 to 5.2, p < 0.001) and learning concentration (mean LCS: 45.3 to 50.1, p < 0.001) compared to the control group, which exhibited minimal changes. Multivariate analysis confirmed the app’s impact, explaining 35% of the variance in sleep quality (adjusted R² = 0.35) and 40% in learning concentration (adjusted R² = 0.40). Conclusion: The anaemia prevention mobile application effectively enhances sleep quality and learning concentration among female adolescents. Further research should explore long-term and scalable applications of this technology.

The Effectiveness of “Retako” Mobile Application on Proactive Coping Strategies for Smoking Cessation among Adolescents in Bandung, Indonesia

2025-05-19T03:43:23+00:00

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) applications offer innovative solutions for health interventions, particularly in culturally diverse settings such as Indonesia. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the "Retako" mobile application in improving proactive coping strategies for smoking cessation among adolescents in Bandung, Indonesia. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with repeated measures was conducted among 240 adolescents aged 15–18 years. Participants were divided into intervention and control groups, and data were collected at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks using the Proactive Coping Inventory (PCI). Repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc tests were used to evaluate changes in proactive coping scores, with effect sizes calculated to determine the magnitude of differences. Results: The intervention group showed a statistically significant increase in proactive coping mean scores, from a baseline of 20.5 ± 3.2 to 30.1 ± 2.9 at 12 weeks, indicating a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 3.25, p < 0.001). Post-hoc analysis revealed statistically significant improvements both within the intervention group over time and between the intervention and control groups. The control group showed minimal change, emphasizing the app’s specific contribution to enhancing proactive coping. Conclusion: The "Retako" mobile application significantly enhances proactive coping strategies among adolescents, demonstrating its efficacy as a culturally tailored and scalable smoking cessation tool. Future research should explore its long-term effects and potential for broader implementation in diverse populations.

Intervention and Evaluation of Mindfulness Mobile Application on Mental Health: A Scoping Review

2025-02-11T07:16:33+00:00

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) technologies, especially mindfulness-based applications, have emerged as promising interventions to address barriers to traditional therapy such as accessibility, cost, and stigma. Objective: To systematically map and evaluate existing mindfulness-based mobile applications and their impact on mental health outcomes. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL was conducted for studies published between 2008 and 2024. Inclusion criteria included studies evaluating Mindfulness Mobile Apps targeting mental health, published in English, and employing various methodologies. Data extraction encompassed app features, intervention outcomes, and methodological quality, appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Results: In this study 10 out of 215 records met the inclusion criteria. Interventions ranged from mindfulness meditation apps like Headspace and Calm to cognitive-behavioural therapy-integrated tools. Outcomes assessed included stress reduction, enhanced mindfulness, improved well-being, and reduced depressive symptoms. Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) consistently reported significant improvements in stress and mindfulness, while quasi-experimental studies showed variability in effect sizes due to methodological limitations. Most apps demonstrated strong usability and efficacy in reducing psychological distress, with intervention durations ranging from one week to three months. Conclusion: Mindfulness-based mobile applications offer scalable, accessible solutions to improve mental health. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes and diverse populations to maximise the impact of these digital interventions.

Mobile Applications and Community Disaster Preparedness: Insights from a Scoping Review

2025-02-11T07:20:25+00:00

Background: Mobile applications have emerged as innovative solutions for enhancing community resilience during emergencies. However, their widespread adoption faces challenges, including usability limitations, accessibility barriers, and integration issues within existing disaster management systems. Objective: This scoping review systematically investigated the role of mobile applications in strengthening community disaster preparedness. Methods: The study employed the Arksey and O’Malley framework for scoping reviews. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering publications from 2012 to 2024. Eligible studies included peer-reviewed articles focusing on mobile applications designed for disaster preparedness, excluding non-peer-reviewed sources and those lacking a community focus. Data extraction utilised a standardised form, and quality assessment was performed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results: The review included 16 studies from an initial pool of 256 records. The findings highlighted that mobile applications often feature real-time notifications, educational modules, and tools for emergency coordination. Applications targeting specific demographics, such as older adults, demonstrated improved readiness outcomes but underscored the importance of addressing diverse user needs. Conclusion: Mobile applications are pivotal in enhancing community disaster preparedness and resilience, offering a range of functionalities that can significantly contribute to readiness. Future research should focus on validating these applications in real-world settings and examining their effects on both individual and community-level preparedness outcomes.

Leveraging Mobile Applications for Stunting Prevention in Indonesia: A Scoping Review

2025-04-17T10:44:17+00:00

Background: Stunting, a critical public health issue in Indonesia, affects child growth and development, with long-term impacts on cognitive and economic potential. Mobile applications (mHealth) are emerging as transformative tools for addressing stunting by enhancing early detection, education, and intervention. However, their effectiveness in improving maternal knowledge and child nutritional outcomes remains underexplored. Objective: This scoping review evaluates the role of mobile applications in stunting prevention in Indonesia. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Relevant studies published between 2018 and 2024 were identified using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies were included if they focused on mobile-based stunting prevention applications in Indonesia and reported outcomes related to child growth, maternal knowledge, or nutritional improvements. Quality appraisal was performed using validated tools, and thematic analysis was applied to synthesise data. Results: Out of 106 identified records, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies highlighted the diverse functionalities of mHealth applications targeting stunt prevention, including early detection, educational interventions, behavioural change support, and monitoring systems. Applications like AECAS and Edu Stunting significantly improved maternal knowledge and attitudes (p < 0.05), while tools like SCATION enhanced skills for early stunting detection. Monitoring systems, such as Smart Ting, facilitated growth tracking and resource allocation. Although users reported high satisfaction, challenges such as limited long-term impact on nutritional outcomes and cultural misconceptions were noted. Conclusion: Mobile applications exhibit promising potential in addressing stunting through early detection, education, and intervention. Future research should prioritise longitudinal studies and user-centred designs to enhance scalability and sustainability.