Adequate nutrition is important for mothers and their offspring during and after birth. This cross sectional study was conducted to determine nutritional status and nutritional knowledge of pregnant women from two selected private hospitals in Klang Valley, Malaysia. A total of 236 Malay pregnant women aged between 20 to 45 years old (mean age 31+5 years) were recruited through convenient sampling method. Socio-demographic data, nutritional knowledge and a 24-hours diet recall were obtained through a self-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric and haemoglobin data were obtained from the antenatal records in the respective hospitals. The percentages of participants who were underweight, normal, overweight and obese before pregnancy were 12.7%, 55.1%, 25.0% and 7.2% respectively. Among those who were obese before pregnancy, a total of 59.7% had inadequate weight gain, 24.6% gained adequate weight and 15.7% gained excessive gestational weight. About 33.5% of subjects were anaemic (Hb < 11.0g/dL). The mean daily energy intake of the participants was 1748 ± 526 kcal which was 76% of RNI. Calcium (73% of RNI), folic acid (36% of RNI), niacin (89% of RNI) and vitamin D (40% of RNI). The nutritional knowledge level of subjects was moderate (51.9 ± 13.8%). Lower monthly household income (p < 0.001), educational level (p < 0.001) and gestational stage (p < 0.05) of participants were associated with a lower nutritional knowledge level. Nutritional knowledge score was positively correlated with gestational weight gain (r = 0.166, p < 0.05) and haemoglobin level (r = 0.200, p < 0.05). Subjects who claimed practising food taboos had higher nutritional knowledge score (54.9 ± 12.5%) than those who did not (49.9 ± 14.4%)(p < 0.05). A comprehensive nutrition education should be integrated in the antenatal classes to improve nutritional status of pregnant women.
In light of the increases in alcohol-induced diseases and social problems, the present study sets out to examine the factors affecting alcohol consumption among adults in Penang (Malaysia) using a cross-sectional survey sample consisting of 398 respondents. The results of the logistic regression analysis show that age, gender, ethnicity, marital status and smoking are significantly associated with alcohol consumption. In particular, males (OR: 3.720; 95% CI: 1.939, 7.136), Chinese (OR: 3.628; 95% CI: 1.808, 7.279) and smokers (OR: 5.083; 95% CI: 1.876, 13.774) are more likely to consume alcohol than others, whereas, old individuals (OR: 0.971; 95% CI: 0.941, 1.002), Malays (OR: 0.059; 95% CI: 0.021, 0.165) and married individuals (OR: 0.419; 95% CI: 0.211, 0.833) are less likely to consume alcohol than others. Based on the findings of the present study, several intervention strategies toward reducing alcohol consumption are proposed. Specifically, these strategies should be targeted at young individuals, males, Chinese, unmarried individuals and smokers.
There has been a significant increase in research on probiotics-associated health benefits in the last 20 years. Many studies carried out in vitro and clinically show that consumption of probiotics inhibits the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Furthermore, the consumption of probiotics also enhances the host immune response and decreases the levels of carcinogenesis-inducing enzymes. These positive outcomes have led to the use of probiotics in prevention and treatment of infectious diseases like bacterial or antibiotic associated diarrhea, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases and colon cancer. This review summarises literature pertaining to mechanistic actions of probiotics in improving the well-being of hosts.
Polyphenol is a non-nutrient phytochemical compound existed abundantly in plant-based diet which has the properties to prevent age related oxidative damage induced diseases. However, there are difficulties in quantifying its intake and local food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for the assessment is not available. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate FFQ for estimation of dietary polyphenol intake among 93 individuals aged 60 years and above recruited from several senior citizen clubs in Klang Valley. Phase I of the study involved the development of FFQ consisted of 117 items under 9 categories and formation of the database extracted from PHENOL-EXPLORER. In Phase II, the intake of polyphenol estimated using FFQ was compared with reference method consisted of 2-day diet records and diet history questionnaire (DHQ). The mean dietary polyphenol intake estimated from FFQ and the reference method was 2770.7 ± 1552.4 mg/d and 2171.4 ± 898.8 mg/d, respectively. Spearman’s rho and Kendall’s tau-b analysis indicated that there was a significant positive correlation between polyphenol intake estimated from FFQ and reference method (r = 0.41, p < 0.001; r = 0.28, p < 0.001). For Bland-Altman plot, 95.7% of scattered plot fell within ± 1.96 SD limits of agreement revealed that there was good agreement between the two methods used. Cross-classifi cation analysis showed that 36.6% was categorized in the same quartile, 78.5% in identical and contiguous quartiles, with only 3.2% in the opposite quartiles. Regression analysis showed that all categories in FFQ signifi cantly account for the inter-variance for dietary polyphenol intake after controlling for the other variables (R2 = 1.000, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the newly developed FFQ is considered valid and has the potential to be used as a tool to estimate polyphenol intake among elderly individuals in Malaysia.
Kromium merupakan mineral yang penting dan kofaktor insulin yang memainkan peranan penting sebagai hormon yang membantu dalam regulasi gula dalam darah. Penduduk Kelantan sering dikaitkan dengan pengambilan makanan berasaskan gula. Petani merupakan golongan yang berisiko tinggi kerana pendedahan terhadap pestisid dan pengambilan makanan bergula boleh mempengaruhi paras kromium. Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk mengetahui status paras kromium dalam kalangan petani yang terdedah kepada pestisid dan baja kimia di Kelantan. Kajian ini adalah kajian keratan rentas yang dilakukan di Bachok dan Pasir Puteh, Kelantan. Responden adalah seramai 113 petani yang terdedah kepada pestisid atau baja kimia tidak kurang daripada satu tahun. Subjek ditemu bual menggunakan soal selidik pengetahuan, sikap dan amalan (KAP) yang telah divalidasi untuk informasi berkaitan data demografi k. Sampel kuku dan rambut telah dianalisia dengan menggunakan kaedah pencernaan asid dan Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICPMS) untuk mendapatkan paras kromium. Hasil kajian menunjukkan 81.4% adalah petani lelaki dan 18.6% adalah perempuan. Paras kromium kuku (125.82 ± 47.81 μg/L) dan rambut (39.63 ± 5.70 μg/L) petani adalah lebih rendah berbanding julat piawai kuku (6200 μg/L) dan rambut (100-2500 μg/L). Tiada perbezaan paras kromium yang signifi kan (p > 0.05) menurut jantina, umur, glukosa darah, tempoh pendedahan pestisid dan pemakanan. Petani yang merokok menunjukkan paras kromium yang lebih rendah (p < 0.05) berbanding petani yang tidak merokok. Kesimpulannya, paras unsur kromium petani di Bachok dan Pasir Puteh adalah rendah berbanding julat normal dan petani harus berhenti merokok kerana merokok akan merendahkan paras kromium.
Urografi intravena (IVU) dan tomografi berkomputer helikal tanpa kontras (UHCT) urografi adalah dua prosedur utama yang akan dijalankan semasa penyiasatan radiologi bagi pengesanan urolitiasis (batu karang) pada sistem genitourinari. Dedahan terhadap sinaran radiasi merupakan faktor kebimbangan utama dalam kedua-dua prosedur. Oleh itu, satu kajian perbandingan dos sinaran telah dijalankan antara prosedur IVU dan UHCT urografi di samping menentukan faktor dedahan optimum bagi kedua-dua prosedur tersebut. Kajian ini telah dijalankan ke atas fantom antropomorfik seluruh tubuh mengikut protokol sebenar bagi prosedur UHCT urografi dan penghasilan radiografi bersiri berserta dengan pemberian media berkontras bagi prosedur IVU. Sebanyak tiga parameter dedahan voltan tiub digunakan iaitu 75 kVp, 80 kVp dan 85 kVp bagi prosedur IVU dan 100 kVp, 120 kVp dan 140 kVp bagi prosedur UHCT urografi . Hasil dos sinaran bagi prosedur IVU yang diperolehi adalah 1.40 mSv, 2.10 mSv dan 2.79 mSv bagi 75 kVp, 80 kVp dan 85 kVp. Manakala bagi prosedur UHCT urografi , sebanyak 0.76 mSv, 1.32 mSv dan 1.82 mSv dos sinaran direkodkan bagi 100 kVp, 120 kVp dan 140 kVp. Hasil kualiti imej optimum adalah menggunakan dedahan sebanyak 85 kVp bagi prosedur IVU dan 120 kVp bagi prosedur UHCT urografi . Kesimpulannya, walaupun tidak terdapat perbezaan signifi kan, dos sinaran yang terhasil daripada prosedur IVU adalah kekal lebih tinggi daripada prosedur UHCT urografi .
Literature review suggests that polyphenols in particular flavonoids, are beneficial for mental health during aging process. This review examines the effect of consumption of all polyphenols groups on mental health and cognitive status during aging process. The keywords searched were “mental health,” “depression,” “anxiety,” “stress” and “cognitive” combined with “dietary,” and “polyphenols.” The databases including PubMed, Web of Science and CAB Abstracts were searched for a period of 10 years. A total of 11 studies were identifi ed to fulfi ll the inclusion criteria. From this review, polyphenols may confer beneficial effects towards mental health, in particular the decline in cognitive functions during aging process, however, some studies showed contradictory results. Polyphenols have been proven to improve language and verbal ability, which is among the main vulnerable aspects in cognitive decline in pathological brain aging. In contrast, polyphenols intake did not seem to affect executive functioning. The effects of polyphenols towards cognitive status were more prominent among the elderly as compared to young and middle-aged adults. This review also shows that flavonoids is the main type of polyphenols that confer positive effects towards cognitive status during aging. This review provides evidence that consumption of polyphenols may lead to cognitive and mental health benefits. Further clinical trials involving human subjects are required with carefully designed methodology to elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between polyphenols consumption and improvement in cognitive and mental health status.
This study was conducted to determine types of educational needs among stroke patients admitted to Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Stroke patients (n = 41) were conveniently recruited from Medical and Surgical Ward between September to December 2012. Data were obtained using semi-guided administered questionnaires and from the medical reports. Patients were given adequate time to complete the lifestyle history and educational needs on stroke with researcher’s assistance. Instrument on the educational needs consisted of five themes including general information on stroke, management of risk factors, treatments of stroke, rehabilitation and post-stroke problems and post-stroke diet management. Findings indicated majority of the stroke patients were female (58.5%), between 56 to 65 years old (39.0%) and diagnosed with ischemic stroke (68.3%). Patients had history of hypertension (85.4%), diabetes (46.3%), hyperlipidemia (29.3%), ischemic heart disease (22.0%) and atrial fibrillation (2.4%). Eleven of them (26.9%) were ex-smokers and many practice unhealthy lifestyle such as lack of exercise (80.5%) and prefer fried foods (68.3%). Most patients were on multiple pharmacotherapies (92.7%) to treat their medical conditions. Educational needs rated highest need to know among stroke patients were on prevention (92.7%), fi rst aid management (85.4%), complications (85.4%) and recurrence (85.4%) of stroke in general. Other concerned were about possibility of cure with drug (92.7%), range of motion exercise (82.9%), fi sh intake (78.0%), fruit and vegetable consumption (78.0%) after stroke. Findings from this study provide a baseline information on types of educational needs among stroke patients. More patient educational intervention on primary and secondary stroke prevention should be structured in hospital and community settings in the future.
Keywords: Types of educational needs; stroke; patient education; Hospital USM (HUSM)
Pelbagai usaha dan kempen telah dijalankan oleh kerajaan untuk meningkatkan penerimaan orang ramai terhadap pengambilan ikan air tawar sebagai menu harian. Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk menilai penerimaan terhadap sajian ikan air tawar serta menentukan faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi pengambilannya dalam kalangan pelajar Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Seramai 232 pelajar dipilih secara rawak daripada pelbagai fakulti di UKM (kampus Bangi). Di samping pelajar, pengendali makanan di kafeteria UKM turut terlibat dalam kajian ini. Soal selidik digunakan bagi menentukan tahap kefahaman dan penerimaan pelajar terhadap ikan air tawar, kekerapan pengambilan sajian ikan air tawar serta faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi pengambilannya. Kebolehdapatan dan kepelbagaian menu sajian ikan air tawar dikenal pasti melalui tinjauan di kafeteria UKM terpilih. Majoriti responden (95.7%) mengetahui ikan air tawar secara umum tetapi hanya 55.6% responden yang mengetahui jenis atau spesies ikan air tawar. Kebanyakan responden (63.3%) memilih ikan air tawar sebagai sajian. Ujian Khi Kuasa Dua menunjukkan terdapat perkaitan yang signifikan antara agama dan bangsa dengan pemilihan ikan air tawar sebagai sajian (p < 0.05). Ikan Keli merupakan ikan yang paling digemari oleh sejumlah 51.9% responden. Sajian yang paling digemari oleh majoriti responden (36.2%) ialah sajian ikan goreng. Bagi kebanyakan responden (43.2%), sajian ikan air tawar diambil atas faktor rasanya yang sedap. Kebanyakan kafeteria di UKM yang dikaji menjual sajian ikan air tawar dan hal ini didorong terutamanya oleh faktor mempelbagaikan menu di kafeteria mereka. Sejumlah 69.2% kafeteria melaporkan bahawa pelajar dapat menerima dengan baik sajian ikan air tawar yang disediakan tetapi hanya bagi jenis sajian ikan air tawar terpilih. Hasil kajian ini dapat memberi maklumat kepada kerajaan berkenaan penerimaan dan kesedaran pelajar universiti terhadapikan air tawar serta membantu pihak-pihak tertentu khususnya pengendali makanan di kafeteria UKM dalam menyediakan sajian ikan air tawar yang bersesuaian dengan kegemaran pelajar.
Kualiti merupakan elemen terpenting dalam proses pengeluaran atau perkhidmatan yang dihasilkan oleh sesebuah organisasi kepada pelanggan. Kualiti perkhidmatan merujuk kepada ukuran bagaimana sesuatu perkhidmatan yang disampaikan sepadan dengan jangkaan pengguna. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti kualiti perkhidmatan kesihatan awam yang dapat diakses oleh buruh asing. Pengukuran kualiti perkhidmatan kesihatan dalam kajian ini dapat dibahagikan kepada tiga aspek iaitu keadaan perkhidmatan kesihatan, tempoh masa menunggu dan layanan kakitangan hospital terhadap buruh asing. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan sebilangan besar buruh asing berpuas hati dengan kualiti perkhidmatan kesihatan yang diterima oleh mereka.
Perkembangan penggunaan insektisid sebatian organostanum(IV) terhadap Aedes aegypti telah diterokai dan diuji keberkesanannya bagi mengatasi masalah kerintangan insektisid sedia ada. Kajian ini dijalankan bertujuan menguji kesan insektisidal iaitu larvisidal dan adultisidal dua siri baru sebatian difenilstanum(IV) dan trifenilstanum(IV) alkilfenilditiokarbamat ke atas Ae. aegypti di makmal. Keempat-empat sebatian iaitu difenilstanum(IV) etilfenilditiokarbamat (DFEF), trifenilstanum(IV) etilfenilditiokarbamat (TFEF), difenilstanum(IV) butilfenilditiokarbamat (DFBF) dan trifenilstanum(IV) butilfenilditiokarbamat (TFBF) telah dijalankan ujian bioasai larvisidal ke atas larva instar ketiga Aedes aegypti. Kajian lanjutan diteruskan bagi sebatian yang telah menunjukkan aktiviti larvisidal terbaik untuk menguji kesan adultisidnya ke atas nyamuk betina Aedes aegypti. Hasil ujian bioasai larvisidal, didapati sebatian TFEF menunjukkan kesan larvisidal terbaik dengan nilai LC50 dan LC90 pada 0.082 ppm dan 0.184 ppm masing-masing. Sementara itu, sebatian TFBF juga menunjukkan kesan larvisidal yang baik dengan nilai LC50 dan LC90 masing-masing pada 0.108 ppm dan 0.273 ppm manakala kedua-dua sebatian DFEF dan DFBF didapati tidak menunjukkan kesan larvisidal yang baik. Ujian adultisidal pula, sebatian TFEF didapati tidak menunjukkan kesan adultisidal yang baik dengan nilai LC50 dan LC90 masing-masing yang agak tinggi iaitu 31,556.03 ppm dan 98,427.05 ppm. Walaupun sebatian TFEF didapati tidak menunjukkan kesan adultisid yang baik, ianya sangat berpotensi untuk dibangunkan sebagai larvisid. Namun begitu, kajian lanjutan perlu dilakukan untuk menjelaskan dan memastikan sebatian ini selamat digunakan sebagai larvisid.
Knowledge about the hemodynamic model that mediates synaptic activity and measured magnetic resonance signal is essential in understanding brain activation. Neural efficacy is a hemodynamic parameter that would change the evoked hemodynamic responses. In this work, brain activation and neural efficacy of the activated brain areas during simple addition task in two different backgrounds were studied using fMRI. The objectives were to determine the activated areas during the performance of arithmetic addition in quiet (AIQ) and noisy (AIN) background and to investigate the relationship between neural efficacy and height extent of activation for the respective areas. Eighteen healthy male participants performed simple arithmetic addition in quiet and in noise. Bilateral cerebellum, superior temporal gyrus (STG), temporal pole (TP) and supplementary motor area (SMA) were significantly (p < 0.05) activated during AIQ and AIN. Left middle frontal gyrus (L-MFG), right superior frontal gyrus (R-SFG), right superior orbital gyrus (R-SOG) and bilateral insula were more active in quiet as compared to in noise while the left middle cingulate cortex (L-MCC), left amygdala (L-AMG), right temporal pole (R-TP) and left cerebellum (L-CER) were more active in noise as compared to in quiet. The t value for most of the activated regions was found to be inversely proportional to the neural efficacy. Significant (p < 0.05) negative relationship between t value and neural efficacy were found for R-STG and bilateral cerebellum during AIQ, while for AIN, similar relationships were found in R-CER, R-STG and R-TP. This study suggests that while being significantly activated, the hemodynamic responses of these brain regions could have been suppressed by the stimulus resulting in an intensity decrease with increasing neural efficacy.
MeSH terms: Amygdala; Cerebellum; Gyrus Cinguli; Hemodynamics; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Motor Cortex; Noise; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Temporal Lobe; Prefrontal Cortex
Disturbances in immune system contribute to chronic infection among diabetic patients. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (roselle) fruit extract has been scientifically proven to possess antioxidant, antidiabetic and antiinflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of H. sabdariffa fruit extract against oxidative stress parameter and T lymphocyte population in spleen of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with 45 mg/kg STZ to induce diabetic condition and further treated with 100 mg/kg H. sabdariffa fruit aquoeus extract daily for 28 days. Spleen was harvested to determine the oxidative stress indicators and quantification of T lymphocytes. The results showed a significant decreased in the number of spleen cells and spleen weight in the diabetic rats compared with control rats. However, there were no significant changes in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity the percentage of spleen CD3+ CD4+ and CD3+ CD8+ T lymphocytes amongst groups of study. In addition, histology observation showed no pathological alteration in spleen histology of diabetic rats. The findings suggested that aqueous extract of H. Sabdariffa fruit supplementation has no effect on the oxidative stress and the percentage of CD3+ CD4+ and CD3+ CD8+ T lymphocytes in spleen of diabetic rats.
Keywords: Diabetes, H. sabdariffa, spleen, oxidative stress, T lymphocytes
Penanda kadar pusing ganti tulang (PPT) adalah berguna dalam penilaian status kesihatan tulang. Namun, pengaruh umur, kumpulan etnik dan antropometri badan terhadap aras PPT dalam kalangan lelaki masih belum jelas. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan pengaruh faktor-faktor tersebut terhadap aras PPT, iaitu aras osteokalsin (OC) dan telopeptida terminal-C kolagen jenis 1 (CTX-1) dalam kalangan lelaki Cina dan Melayu berumur 20 tahun dan ke atas (N = 407) di Lembah Klang. Subjek dikumpulkan melalui kaedah persampelan bertujuan. Ketinggian, berat badan dan indeks jisim badan subjek telah diukur. Darah mereka diambil pada waktu pagi untuk analisis aras OC dan CTX-1 serum dengan asai imunoserap terangkai enzim. Hasil kajian menunjukkan aras OC dan CTX-1 adalah lebih tinggi secara signifi kan dalam kalangan lelaki Melayu berbanding dengan lelaki Cina (p < 0.05). Aras OC dan CTX-1 adalah paling tinggi dalam kalangan lelaki berumur 20-29 tahun, dan kemudiannya menurun secara signifi kan berbanding dengan dekad sebelumnya dalam kalangan lelaki berumur 30-39 tahun (p < 0.005). Perbezaan aras kedua-dua PPT ini adalah tidak signifi kan di antara lelaki berusia 30-39 tahun dengan lelaki yang lebih tua (> 40 tahun dan ke atas) (p > 0.005). Aras OC berkorelasi secara signifi kan dan negatif dengan berat dan indeks jisim tubuh subjek dan korelasi ini adalah signifi kan untuk lelaki 20-39 tahun sahaja (p < 0.05). Aras CTX-1 tidak berkorelasi dengan antropometri badan subjek (p > 0.05). Secara kesimpulannya, aras PPT dalam kalangan lelaki di Malaysia boleh dipengaruhi oleh faktor umur, kumpulan etnik dan antropometri badan. Faktor-faktor ini seharusnya diambil kira dalam penilaian status kesihatan tulang lelaki berdasarkan aras PPT.
Oligodontia, although rare, may have significant impact on the quality of life of those affected with it. Provision of restorative treatment for these patients can be very challenging and demanding for clinicians, especially during the active growth phase. Nevertheless, the dental needs of these patients are real and should be addressed appropriately. The present case report described a restorative rehabilitative plan and execution of different restorative treatment modalities in a 14-year-old patient with oligodontia. The challenges faced in the provision of dental care were highlighted. The treatment outcome showed a positive psychological impact on the well-being of the patient based on parental observations.
Hamartomatous polyps of the tonsil are very rare. They have been described using various terms such as a lymphangiomatous polyp, lymphangiectatic fibrous polyp, lipomatous polyp or pedunculated tonsil, thus the actual incidence is difficult to be quantified. We present a case of hamartomatous polyp of the palatine tonsil in a 30-year-old female presented with recurent tonsillitis. Histopathological examination of the resected tonsils showed features of chronic tonsilitis with incidental finding of hamartomatous polyp characterized by a polypoidal tissue covered by stratified squamous epithelium and composed of thin-walled blood vessels, lymphatic channels, fibrofatty tissues, seromucinous glands and striated muscle fibres. An unusual incidental histopathological finding of a rare condition has been discussed along with the review of literature.
Light intensity output is one of the determinants for adequate curing of visible light-cured materials. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the light intensity outputs (LIOs) of light curing units (LCUs) in dental clinics of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) and School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The respective LIOs of all functioning Quartz Tungsten Halogen (QTH) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) LCUs were tested using two light radiometers. For cordless LED LCUs, the testing procedure was done in situ and after being fully charged. Statistical analysis using Kruskal Wallis and Wilcoxon signed ranks tests were performed to compare the LIOs between groups and between the LIOs of in situ and post-charged cordless LED LCUs, respectively. The level of significance was set at 0.05 (p
The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of the use of Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) on labial segment malocclusion in determining the need for orthodontic treatment among 8 to 10- year old children. Convenient sample of one hundred and six (106) children (54 boys and 52 girls) were examined extra and intra-orally. Their skeletal and dental discrepancies were assessed in all three dimension planes. Any presence of mandibular displacement was identified. The IOTN score was determined for each child. Respectively it was found that 39.6%, 49.1% and 11.3% of the children presented with skeletal Class I, Class II and Class III malocclusion(p
MeSH terms: Child; Female; Humans; Jaw Abnormalities; Male; Malocclusion; Malocclusion, Angle Class III; Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need
The aim was to study the prevalence and sociodemographic features of odontogenic, non-odontogenic and salivary glands lesions among patients seen in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. This information is essential to assist clinician in formulating reliable differential diagnosis of such lesion. Data on patient demographics, lesion location, tissue of origin and microscopic diagnosis were extracted from the Laboratory and Diagnosis record registries for biopsy specimen accessioned from year 2000 to 2012. This data was subsequently analyzed based on World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours (2005). A total of 748 cases were included in the study. Out of the total number of cases, 367 cases were males and 377 cases were females. Ninety seven cases (13%) were of odontogenic origin, while 90 cases (12%) and 197 cases (26%) were of non-odontogenic and salivary gland origin respectively. Forty five percent of cases involved oral mucosal lesions. The most prevalent odontogenic lesion reported within the twelve years period was radicular cyst and ameloblastoma. Non-odontogenic bone lesion was rarely encountered with it making up less than two percent of total cases reported. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most prevalent benign salivary glands neoplasm reported within similar time period.
The objective of this survey was to evaluate the knowledge of final year dental and medical students of Universiti Sains Malaysia concerning epidemiology, aetiology, clinical aspects, prevention, early detection and treatment of oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire with 36 questions was used. Forty five dental students and 147 medical students participated in the study. Dental students were relatively better informed than their medical colleagues concerning most issues addressed in the questionnaire. Yet, in some areas of knowledge, the dental students did not differ significantly from their medical colleagues. Only a small proportion of both groups of students expressed confidence in their knowledge and skills in oral cancer prevention and detection. This study revealed areas of deficiency in the awareness of these students concerning oral cancer and OPMD. It points to a necessity to strengthen these aspects of medical and dental undergraduate curricula.
MeSH terms: Awareness; Curriculum; Malaysia; Mouth Neoplasms; Surveys and Questionnaires; Students, Dental; Students, Medical; Knowledge; Early Detection of Cancer