PHARMADEMICA : Jurnal Kefarmasian dan Gizi

Evaluation of a QR Code–Based Digital Adherence Technology (Q-Monte) for Monitoring Tuberculosis Medication Adherence

2025-12-14T10:17:41+07:00

Tuberculosis (TB) treatment adherence is a critical determinant of therapeutic success; however, monitoring adherence remains challenging in primary healthcare settings. Digital adherence technology (DAT) offers an alternative approach to monitor patient adherence more efficiently. This study aimed to evaluate the initial feasibility of implementing a QR code–based DAT system (Q-Monte) for monitoring TB treatment adherence in primary healthcare centers. This study employed a pilot feasibility design with a prospective observational approach involving 30 outpatient TB patients from two primary healthcare centers in Malang Regency. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling with the following inclusion criteria: TB patients aged ≥12 years, receiving oral anti-tuberculosis therapy, owning an Android-based smartphone and an active WhatsApp number, and being willing to be monitored for 30 days. Patients with HIV co-infection or multidrug-resistant TB (TB-MDR), those who transferred healthcare facilities during the observation period, or those with stroke comorbidity were excluded. Most participants were male (56.7%), aged 45–54 years (30.0%), had completed senior high school education (50.0%), and had no comorbidities (80.0%). Adherence was measured as the percentage of days with QR code scanning, while system usability was assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS). The results showed an average QR code scanning adherence rate of 90.3% over 30 days, with 46.7% of patients reporting having taken medication without performing the QR code scan. The usability evaluation yielded a mean SUS score of 75.7 (grade B). These findings indicate that Q-Monte is feasible as a tool for monitoring TB treatment adherence in primary healthcare settings, although further optimization of technical support and user education is needed to improve the reliability of digital adherence recording.

Identification of Off-Label Drug Use in Geriatric Patients with Degenerative Diseases at Sugio Health Center

2026-02-03T14:51:12+07:00

Prescribing medications that do not comply with the official information stated on the drug label and marketing authorization, such as dose, age, route of administration, contraindications, and indications, is known as off-label drug use. Elderly patients may experience undesirable adverse effects due to off-label medication use. This study aimed to evaluate off-label drug use among elderly individuals with degenerative diseases at Sugio Primary Health Center. This study collected data retrospectively from the medical records of elderly patients with degenerative disorders at Sugio Primary Health Center using a descriptive non-experimental design. The sample was selected using a purposive sampling method. The inclusion criteria were geriatric patients aged ≥60 years diagnosed with degenerative diseases who received outpatient care during the period of January–August 2024. Data were collected using an observation sheet and analyzed using univariate analysis. The findings from 150 patients showed that 69 (46%) were categorized as off-label dose and 58 (38.7%) as off-label age. These findings indicate that off-label drug use still occurs among elderly patients, highlighting the need to evaluate the rationality of prescribing practices.

Proximate and Crude Fibers Analysis of Black Rice, Tempeh, and Broccoli Instant Cereals for Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

2026-02-10T14:38:30+07:00

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin dysfunction. Dietary support is essential to control blood glucose levels, prevent malnutrition, and reduce complications. Black rice is rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants that help regulate blood glucose and reduce oxidative stress. Tempeh, a fermented soybean product, contains essential and bioactive amino acids that contribute to glycemic stability. Broccoli provides chromium, which improves insulin sensitivity. This study aimed to analyze the nutritional quality and crude fiber content of BTB instant cereal (black rice, tempeh, and broccoli) for patients with T2DM. The research employed a quantitative laboratory experimental approach using a completely randomized design (CRD) with three treatment levels (P1, P2, and P3) based on different proportions of black rice, tempeh, and skim milk. All formulations were evaluated for organoleptic properties, proximate composition, and crude fiber content. The results showed that variation in ingredient proportion significantly affected protein (α = 0.003) and carbohydrate (α = 0.015), while there were no significant differences in fat (α = 0.148), water (α = 0.153), ash (α = 0.202), energy (α = 0.274), and crude fiber (α = 0.271). Based on the dietary standards of the Indonesian Endocrinology Association (PERKENI), the P2 formulation demonstrated the most optimal nutritional profile, with protein of 10.48 ± 0.67%, fat of 24.64 ± 1.98%, carbohydrate of 58.31 ± 0.93%, energy of 489.68 ± 9.59 kcal, and crude fiber of 2.52 ± 0.29 g. Therefore, it was concluded that BTB instant cereal has potential as an alternative breakfast option for individuals with T2DM.