West Java, Indonesia — A clinical study by researchers at Universitas Padjadjaran has shown that nutritional status and immune cell activity within tumors play a crucial role in determining how well patients respond to chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.

The research, led by dr. Kiki Lukman, Sp.PA(K)., Ph.D. from the Department of Pathology Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, analyzed data from 59 colorectal cancer patients at Hasan Sadikin Hospital in Bandung. The team assessed the patients’ body mass index (BMI) and the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs)—a type of immune cell found in and around tumors.

The findings revealed that patients who were undernourished or had a low BMI were significantly less responsive to chemotherapy. Meanwhile, those with higher TILs—which signal a stronger immune response—tended to have better outcomes.

“This shows us that cancer treatment doesn’t only depend on drugs—it also depends on the body’s condition and immune readiness,” said Dr. Lukman. “Nutritional support and immune monitoring should be integrated into cancer care from the start.”

The study underscores the need for personalized cancer treatment, especially in Indonesia where late-stage diagnoses and limited resources are common. By identifying early risk factors like malnutrition and weak immune activity, doctors can adjust treatment plans to improve survival rates.

The research promotes health equity and clinical resilience by encouraging simple but impactful interventions like nutrition screening and immune profiling, which are cost-effective and scalable across public hospitals.

This work supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, particularly in strengthening cancer care and treatment outcomes. It also highlights Unpad’s commitment to integrated, human-centered research, reinforcing the university’s contribution to the THE Impact Rankings as a pioneer in contextualized healthcare innovation.

Unpad Doctors Expose Hidden Crisis: Sexual Abuse Fuels HIV and Syphilis Risk Among Indonesian Teens

A shocking case from Bandung reveals the silent epidemic facing Indonesian adolescents: sexual abuse leading to life-threatening infections like HIV and syphilis. Researchers from Universitas Padjadjaran’s Faculty of Medicine, led by Dr. Pati Aji Achdiat and colleagues at Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital, documented the case of a 15-year-old boy who contracted both infections after repeated forced sexual encounters. The case not only highlights a public health emergency but also sheds light on the psychological trauma often left untreated in survivors.

Doctors confirmed that the boy, who identified as bisexual, developed secondary syphilis and HIV after three episodes of sexual abuse by an older acquaintance. He was treated with antiretroviral therapy for HIV and penicillin for syphilis, while also referred for psychiatric care due to moderate depression and self-harming behaviors. “This case underscores how sexual abuse directly translates into lifelong medical and mental health burdens,” explained Dr. Achdiat.

The case study highlights urgent gaps in adolescent protection and sexual health awareness. It calls for stronger education on safe practices, wider availability of condoms, and more effective legal protections for vulnerable youth. The World Health Organization has already warned of a global decline in condom use among teenagers, further heightening the risks. For Indonesia, where stigma still prevents open discussions of sexuality, the findings emphasize the need for confidential counseling and adolescent-friendly health services.

By linking sexual violence, stigma, and health outcomes, this research contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Universitas Padjadjaran demonstrates global leadership by uncovering taboo yet urgent health challenges. Cases like this remind us that achieving healthier societies requires not just medicine, but protection, justice, and compassion.

Bandung, Indonesia — A vital breakthrough from Universitas Padjadjaran is making it easier to understand how Indonesians truly feel about their health. Researchers have successfully adapted and validated the Indonesian version of the PROMIS Global Health Scale v1.2, a global standard for measuring physical, mental, and social well-being.

Led by Dr. Vitriana Biben from the Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, the study ensured that the tool was culturally appropriate, accurate, and easy to understand for Indonesian patients. The team tested the questionnaire on patients and health professionals at Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital and confirmed its validity through psychometric analysis.

“This gives us a reliable way to hear the patient’s voice, not just count their symptoms,” said Dr. Biben. “It helps doctors and policymakers make more informed decisions.”

The PROMIS tool allows healthcare providers to assess treatment outcomes beyond clinical results, capturing how patients feel in their everyday lives. It can be used in both primary care and specialist clinics and is especially helpful in measuring mental health, pain, fatigue, and social functioning.

Its simple design and low cost mean it can be deployed in both urban hospitals and remote clinics, helping to improve health equity across regions. The data collected can also be used for national health surveys, academic research, and public health planning.

By improving patient-centered care and data-driven decision-making, the study advances SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). It marks Unpad’s innovation in public health tools and amplifies its contributions in the THE Impact Rankings.

Bandung, Indonesia — What does it take to prepare confident midwives? A qualitative study by Universitas Padjadjaran finds that supportive mentorship and practice-based learning are key to helping student midwives feel capable and ready to serve mothers safely.

Dr. Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah Adnani from the Midwifery Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, led the study which interviewed midwifery students in Indonesia. The researchers explored the emotional and practical experiences of students during clinical training and identified key factors influencing their confidence and competence.

The study revealed that a lack of real-world clinical exposure, emotional support, and consistent guidance often left students feeling unsure and unprepared. In contrast, students who had structured clinical supervision, exposure to real birthing scenarios, and emotionally supportive mentors reported significantly higher levels of confidence.

“Confidence isn’t just taught—it grows when students are trusted, trained, and supported,” said Dr. Adnani. “Midwives are essential to maternal health, and their education must reflect the real-world complexity of childbirth.”

The findings suggest that integrating simulation-based learning, reflective practice sessions, and a structured mentorship framework into midwifery education can improve learning outcomes. It also recommends that hospitals and clinics work closely with midwifery schools to ensure safe, educationally rich placements for students.

Improving midwifery education through this approach promotes safer maternal and newborn care, reduces preventable complications, and boosts professional independence for women in healthcare roles. It also builds long-term capacity for rural and underserved regions where maternal mortality remains high.

This research supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). It emphasizes Unpad’s leadership in improving healthcare education models, especially in resource-limited settings, strengthening its global impact through the THE Impact Rankings.