Tricia Anggraeni

Exploring Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Information-Seeking on HPV Infection and Cervical Cancer Prevention in Rural Indonesia

Cervical cancer remains a leading public health problem in Indonesia, with low screening and HPV vaccination coverage, particularly in rural areas where knowledge gaps and limited healthcare access persist. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding HPV infection and cervical cancer, and the role of information-seeking behavior in identifying effective channels for raising awareness on these issues. A cross-sectional study was conducted between 20 March 2023 and 20 January 2024, involving 220 women from two rural districts in North Moluccas, selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 with descriptive statistics, normality testing (Kolmogorov-Smirnov), bivariate analyses (Chi-square, Fisher's Exact, Pearson's or Spearman's tests), and multivariate logistic regression (backward LR, p < 0.05), with model performance assessed using ROC curves and AUC values. Most participants demonstrated poor KAP, with 18.7% showing good knowledge, 22.7% expressing a positive attitude, and 44.5% engaging in favorable practices. KAP were found to be positively correlated (p<0.001). Key predictors of good knowledge included higher education (AOR = 7.07), family history of cancer (AOR = 15.20), private vehicle use (AOR = 4.15), and active health-information seeking behavior (HISB) (AOR = 3.41). Determinants for a positive attitude included higher education (AOR = 3.79), family history of cancer (AOR = 4.42), active HISB (AOR = 3.88), and good knowledge (OR = 10.29). Favorable practices were influenced by private vehicle use (AOR = 2.66) and positive attitude (AOR = 20.62). In conclusion, KAP are influenced by HISB, and involving healthcare workers in providing information, particularly through digital platforms, has the potential to improve KAP in rural communities.

Establishment of Epithelial Cell Culture from Ovarian Cancer Tissues: A Method Comparison Study

This study aimed to determine the most effective method in establishing primary cell culture from epithelial serous ovarian cancer tissues with the highest yield of cells and percentage of epithelial cells. Primary and metastasis tissues from three serous ovarian cancer patients were processed using 18 different combinations of methods based on different factors: the source of tissue (primary site or metastasis site), the cell suspension method (explant method, enzymatic methods, or the addition of Percoll), and the alternatives of three different media. We compared the total count of cells, the percentage of epithelial cells, and the estimated number of epithelial cells per observation field. The calculation of cells from primary tissues were compared to metastasis tissues, and the difference was statistically analyzed using Mann Whitney-U test on SPSS software. The groups that were processed using dispase and trypsin resulted higher number of cells and higher percentage of epithelial cells when compared to the explant method. Among all media, we found that DMEM:F12 and McCoy's 5A media as equally useful in isolating and culturing epithelial cells. Statistically, the metastasis tissue derived more epithelial cells when compared to the primary tissue (102.32±82.65 vs 22.6±23.81, p=0.001). The use of metastasis tissue processed with trypsin or dispase and cultured in DMEM:F12 or McCoy's 5A media was found to be the most efficient way to produce the highest amount of cells with high percentage of epithelial cells.

High ALDH-1 Expression Predicts Non-Complete Response of Radiotherapy in Stage III Squamous Cell Cervical Carcinoma Patients

ALDH1 is a cervical cancer stem cell marker that has radioresistance profile. Recurrence and metastasis following radiotherapy are still being problems of most patients. This study aimed to determine the correlation between ALDH1 and radiotherapy response in stage III squamous cell cervical carcinoma (SCCC) of the cervix. A total 58 of 360 patients of stage III SCCC who received external beem radiation and brachytherapy (2016-2021) at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital met the eligibility criteria of this study. Pre- and post-irradiation MRI examinations and ALDH expression with immunohistochemistry (Santa Cruz®) were performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded of pre-treatment cervical tissue biopsy taken from RSCM pathological anatomy laboratory. Patients were divided into two groups, complete responders vs non-complete responders. ALDH-1 scores were compared between two groups to assess ALDH-1 expression. The statistical analyses were carried out by SPSS 24. The optimal ALDH-1 score cut-off point on the radiation response was 166.05 pg/mL which was obtained from the analysis of the ROC curve. The AUC value was 0.682 with sensitivity and specificity, 63,6% and 64%, respectively. ALDH score ≥166.05 increased the risk by 3.127 times for not achieving complete response (adj OR 3.127, 95% CI 1.034 - 9.456, p = 0.043). Pre-radiation tumor size (p = 0.593), degree of differentiation (p = 0.161), renal abnormalities (p = 0.114), and keratinization (p = 0.477) were not associated with radiation response. High ALDH expression was associated with non-complete radiation response in stage III squamous cell cervical carcinoma. .