METHODS: This cross-sectional study collected publicly available data on COVID-19 clusters occurring in Malaysia from 1 March 2020 to 31 May 2021. The characteristics of cases were described by category, and their associations with several outcomes were analysed. Descriptive analyses were performed to explore the method used to detect the index case and the mode of early transmission, according to cluster category.
RESULTS: A total of 2188 clusters were identified. The workplace cluster category had the largest proportion of clusters (51.5%, 1126/2188 clusters), while the custodial settings category had the largest median cluster size (178 cases per cluster) and longest median duration of cluster (51 days). The high-risk groups category had the highest mortality. There were significant differences in cluster size, duration and rate of detection across the categories. Targeted screening was most commonly used to detect index cases, especially in custodial settings, and in imported and workplace clusters. Household-social and social-workplace contacts were the most common modes of early transmission across most categories.
DISCUSSION: Targeted screening might effectively reduce the size and duration of COVID-19 clusters. Measures to prevent and control COVID-19 outbreaks should be continually adjusted based on ongoing assessments of the unique context of each cluster.
METHODS: Using a self-administered Menopause Quick-6 in the Malay language (MQ6[M]) questionnaire, we surveyed 349 women aged 40-60 years attending primary healthcare clinics in four states in Malaysia for their menopause symptoms. Health-seeking behaviors for menopause symptoms were assessed using questions regarding HCPs consulted and treatments prescribed. Binary logistic regression was employed on factors associated with seeking consultation for menopause symptoms.
RESULTS: Using MQ6(M), we observed that 125 (31.3%) women reported at least one menopause symptom, with joint pains (42.8%), menstrual changes (39.5%), and hot flashes (29.3%) being the most frequent symptoms. Furthermore, 60% of the women were prescribed vitamins, and only 13% were administered Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Medical comorbidities, the presence of at least one gynecological condition, menopause status, and MQ6(M) score were associated with seeking consultation with an HCP. For women with medical conditions, the odds of seeking consultation increased by a factor of 1.34 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.76) for every additional comorbidity. The odds of seeking consultation from an HCP increased by a factor of 1.26 (AOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.04-1.47) with a unit increase in MQ6(M) score.
CONCLUSIONS: Most women had menopause symptoms but favored the use of complementary and alternative medicine over HRT. Screening and awareness of menopause treatments need to be improved at primary healthcare clinics.
METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 40 patients with chronic knee OA who received GNB, 20 of whom underwent treatment with the USG technique and the other 20 with the ALG technique. Pain, stiffness, and functional limitation scores were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index Questionnaire (WOMAC) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) at baseline and post-treatment day one, three weeks, and six weeks.
RESULTS: Both groups reported a significant reduction in WOMAC and NRS-11 scores as per their feedback on day one, three weeks, and six weeks post-treatment. Greater reductions in WOMAC and NRS-11 scores were reported by patients who received GNB via USG than by ALG technique, the difference achieving statistical significance at six weeks after treatment (p =0.026).
CONCLUSIONS: GNB administration using USG and ALG techniques are both effective in significantly reducing pain, stiffness, and functional limitation in patients suffering from chronic knee OA. Among the two techniques, USG appears to be more effective. Nevertheless, GNB guided by ALG continues to be a viable treatment modality, especially in healthcare settings with limited to no USG facilities.