MyMedR

Displaying all 18 publications

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext Respiratory Symptoms Among Domestic Waste Collectors

Salvaraji L, Jeffree MS, Avoi R, Akhir HM, Rahim SSSA, Lukman KA

Medeni Med J, 2020;35(4):304-309.
PMID: 33717622 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2020.82246

Objective: Increasing amount of waste concurrently increases the risk of exposure to hazardous materials among waste collectors. Vigorous exertion in the field intensifies the abundance of contaminated inspirable droplets. If left undetected and untreated, it may provoke significant pernicious health effects and redundant burdens to employees and employers. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and their associated factors among domestic waste collectors.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah between January and April 2020. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire which encompasses details about sociodemographic, health status, environment, and employment characteristics.
Results: A total of 290 waste collectors with a mean age of 40 (±9) years old were participated in the study. Most of them were from Kadazan-Dusun-Murut ethnic origin with educational background till secondary school. The average monthly income of the workers was USD 298.45 (±171.9) per month, and they had been in service for 11 (±9.04) years. Respiratory symptoms were seen in 21% of the workers. The identified significant risk factors were determined as underlying chronic diseases (OR=2.34; 95% CI=1.054, 5.219) and contact with pets (OR=1.87; 95% CI=1.004, 3.288).
Conclusion: Respiratory symptoms are prevalent amidst domestic waste collectors and related to their health and field activities.
Fulltext Study on the Development of a Conceptual Framework to Identify the Risk Factors of Diabetic Retinopathy among Diabetic Patients: A Concept Paper

Naserrudin NA, Jeffree MS, Kaur N, Rahim SSSA, Ibrahim MY

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Sep 29;19(19).
PMID: 36231721 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912426

The most common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) is diabetic retinopathy (DR). The control of DR risk factors is essential for the effective prevention of DR. There is currently a lack of research to guide DR-related research in Malaysia. This concept paper aimed to review published studies and propose a conceptual framework (CF) as a guide for future research to determine the prevalence of DR and its risk factors across DM patients. After a review of prior research, this study has presented a CF that takes into account these four key elements: the patient's sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, complications, and diabetes conditions, namely, the length of the disease and glycaemic control. In the suggested CF, ethnicity was highlighted as a crucial risk factor for DR across lower- to middle-income countries (LMIC) and multiracial countries. In order to guide future studies, scientific guidance is essential. The proposed CF would help future research to conduct scientific research related to DR. Also, the proposed CF was tailored to suit research across LMIC and multiracial countries.
Fulltext Health Education Module Based on Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills (IMB) for Reducing Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Adolescents in Boarding Schools: A Clustered Randomised Controlled Trial

Dapari R, Bashaabidin MSM, Hassan MR, Dom NC, Rahim SSSA, Wan Mahiyuddin WR

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Nov 21;19(22).
PMID: 36430081 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215362

Depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) among adolescents have become a public health concern. The aim of this study was to develop, implement, and measure an IMB-based health education intervention module for reducing DAS among adolescents in boarding schools in the state of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. A single-blinded cluster randomised control trial (RCT) was conducted among students with abnormal DASS-21 scores. They were divided into an intervention group (three schools, 62 participants) and a control group (three schools, 57 participants). Participants in the intervention group received IMB-based health education, while participants in the control group underwent the standard care session. To determine the effectiveness of the intervention, the Generalised Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) analysis was conducted. A total of 119 students participated in this study, and no loss to follow-up was reported. Both intervention and control groups showed significantly reduced DAS scores (p < 0.005). However, the reduction of these scores was greater in the intervention group. The GLMM analysis revealed that the intervention was effective in reducing depression (ß = -2.400, t = -3.102, SE = 0.7735, p = 0.002, 95% CI = -3.921, -0.878), anxiety (ß = -2.129, t = -2.824, SE = 0.7541, p = 0.005, 95% CI = -3.612, -0.646), and stress (ß = -1.335, t = -2.457, SE = 0.536, p = 0.015, 95% CI = -2.045, -0.266) among adolescents. The IMB-based health education module was effective in reducing DAS among adolescents in boarding schools.
Fulltext The east coast districts are the possible epicenter of severe dengue in Sabah

Kaur N, Rahim SSSA, Jaimin JJ, Dony JJF, Khoon KT, Ahmed K

J Physiol Anthropol, 2020 Aug 14;39(1):19.
PMID: 32795350 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-020-00230-0

BACKGROUND: Malaysia recorded the highest number of dengue cases between 2014 and 2017. There are 13 states and three federal territories in Malaysia, and each area varies in their prevalence of dengue. Sabah is one of the states situated in Borneo, Malaysia. Although dengue has been increasing for the last several years, no study was being done to understand the burden and serotype distribution of the dengue virus (DENV) in Sabah. Therefore, the present study was carried out to understand the epidemiology of the dengue infection and the factors responsible for severe dengue in Sabah.
METHODS: Data on dengue infection were extracted from the dengue database of the state of Sabah from 2013 through 2018. DENV NS-1-positive serum samples from multiple sites throughout Sabah were sent to the state public health laboratory, Kota Kinabalu Public Health Laboratory, for serotype determination. The analysis of factors associated with severe dengue was determined from the data of 2018 only.
RESULTS: In 2013, there were 724 dengue cases; however, from 2014, dengue cases increased exponentially and resulted in 3423 cases in 2018. Increasing dengue cases also led to increased dengue mortality. The number of dengue deaths in 2013 was only five which then gradually increased, and in 2018, 29 patients died. This is an increase of 580% from 2013 to 2018. Deaths were considerably more in the districts of the east coast of Sabah compared with districts in the west coast. During the study period, all DENV serotypes could be identified as serotypes circulating in Sabah. In 2018, the predominant serotype was DENV-3. The monthly peak of dengue infection varied in different years. In the logistic regression analysis, it was identified that children were 6.5 times, patients infected with mixed serotype of DENV were 13 times, and cases from the districts of the east coast were 5.2 times more likely to develop severe dengue.
CONCLUSIONS: An increasing trend of dengue infection has been observed in Sabah. The burden of dengue, severe dengue, and mortality was noted especially in the districts of the east coast of Sabah. Severe dengue was most likely developed in children, cases from the east coast, and patients infected with mixed serotype of DENV.
Fulltext Retrospective Analysis of Psychological Factors in COVID-19 Outbreak Among Isolated and Quarantined Agricultural Students in a Borneo University

Muhamad AB, Pang NTP, Salvaraji L, Rahim SSSA, Jeffree MS, Omar A

Front Psychiatry, 2021;12:558591.
PMID: 33967840 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.558591

Introduction: Much has been known about the psychological issues that can emerge in people who are quarantined and unable to move freely. The COVID-19 pandemic has no contrast from previous outbreaks like SARS and MERS regarding their ensuing worries and boosted anxiety levels. This article seeks to examine the unique psychological changes that occur in students who have been quarantined inside a university campus and assess sociodemographic factors associated with certain psychological factors. Methodology: The data was collected from students in an Agricultural Campus. In the first phase, the factor structure of the modified National Index Psychological Wellness (NIPW) was acceptable, and to establish statistical parameters for validation an exploratory factor analysis was done. In the second phase, Independent T-tests, ANOVA, and Hierarchical Multiple regression were performed. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Result/Discussion: A total of 46 male and 76 female students enrolled in this study. The Bartlett's test of sphericity was significant (p < 0.001) and the Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy for the AUDIT-M was 0.901. The Cronbach's alpha of the entire modified NIPW was 0.657 which suggests reasonable internal consistency and subscales between 0.913 and 0.924. Raw scores of 12 positive items were higher for the quarantined group except for "I can do daily routines," "I understand what happens," and "I understand the action that is performed is fair." Raw mean scores of eight negative scoring items were higher in the quarantined group, except for "I feel angry" (2.88 vs. 2.89 for non-quarantined group). There were statistically significant differences between year groups for the questions "I understand what happens," "I understand the action that is performed is fair," and "I think everyone is good." Conclusion: Movement control orders or compulsory quarantine orders can be distressing and may cause understandable psychological sequelae. Holistic management of a quarantine center that addresses the needs and health of an individual student will give a positive impact on psychological wellness. Quarantining facilities can be a place of positivity, allowing people to live a shared experience together, provide peer support for each other, and give each other hope.
Physical inactivity and its associated factors among pre-retirement government healthcare workers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Dapari R, Wahab MRA, Zamzuri M'IA, Hassan MR, Dom NC, Rahim SSSA

BMC Public Health, 2024 Jul 18;24(1):1926.
PMID: 39026188 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19411-y

INTRODUCTION: The rising worldwide concern of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) is alarming as it is associated with 80% of annual global mortality. NCD threat is rising due to, among others, the increasing ageing population, thus putting the efforts to promote health ageing at the forefront of many countries' health agenda. Physical activity has been recognised as one of the significant factors in the pursuit of healthy ageing. Nevertheless, approximately one third of individuals in Malaysia are physically inactive. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of physical inactivity and its associated factors among pre-retirement government healthcare workers.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2023 among pre-retirement government healthcare workers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The sample size required was 233 and proportionate random sampling was used to recruit potential respondents who answered self-administered online questionnaires. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to measure the level of physical activity and data analysis was performed using SPSS version 29.
RESULTS: A total of 214 complete responses were received from the 233 questionnaires distributed, giving a response rate of 91.8%. The prevalence of physical inactivity among pre-retirement healthcare workers was 39.7% as compare only 29.9% in general population. Significant predictors for physical inactivity included higher education levels (SPM, STPM, or certificate holders) (AOR = 13.4, 95% CI: 2.47-72.65), non-Malay ethinicity (AOR = 4.7, 95% CI: 1.23-18.38), personal barriers (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI:1.35-1.79), social barriers (AOR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.06-1.39), and physical environment barriers (AOR = 1.468, 95% CI: 1.221-1.765).
CONCLUSION: This study shows a worrying prevalence of physical inactivity among pre-retirement healthcare workers that is even higher than the general population in Malaysia. The findings highlight the importance of focusing the preventive strategies among non-Malay workers and those with lower education levels. It is also vital to address all the physical, social, and environmental barriers towards physical inactivity. By prioritising these factors, employers and stakeholders will be able to establish better workplace health promotion and address the issue of physical inactivity more efficiently.
Fulltext Knowledge, attitude and practice on diabetic wound care management among healthcare professionals and impact from a short course training in Sabah, Borneo

Bondi ME, Rahim SSSA, Avoi R, Hayati F, Ahmedy F, Omar A, et al.

Medeni Med J, 2020;35(3):188-194.
PMID: 33110670 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2020.02929

Objective: Healthcare professionals with an advanced level of knowledge and skills on diabetic wound care management are needed to effectively manage complex wounds. This study aimed to determine the effects of an educational intervention to enhance the management of wound care among healthcare professionals.

Method: This study was part of a quasi-experimental pre-post research design where 82 healthcare professionals were recruited and assigned to intervention and control groups. The participants in the intervention group attended two days of educational intervention training on diabetic wound care management, while there was no intervention in the control group. A questionnaire on knowledge, attitude, and practice was applied before and one-month post-intervention to both groups.

Results: Pre-test resulted in a low level of knowledge 72.1% and 74.4%, negative level of attitude 67.4% and 66.7%, and a moderate level of practice 79.1% and 76.9% in both intervention and control groups respectively. Post-test resulted in increasing levels of knowledge (76.7%), positive attitude (100%), and practice (76.7%) in the intervention group. At the same time, there was no significant change in the control group. Repeated Measure ANOVA for within-subject and between-subject effects resulted in a statistically significant p-value of 0.001 for knowledge, attitude, and practice after the educational intervention.

Conclusion: Health professionals have only a moderate level of knowledge on diabetic wound care management. It is important to improve this level by specific trainings and by using a good training module.
Fulltext Systematic review with meta-analysis: Prevalence, risk factors, and challenges for urinary schistosomiasis in children (USC)

Masdor NA, Kandayah T, Amsah N, Othman R, Hassan MR, Rahim SSSA, et al.

PLoS One, 2023;18(8):e0285533.
PMID: 37590252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285533

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection that causes significant public health problems in tropical countries. Schistosoma haematobium species are blamable for causing urinary schistosomiasis. The infected person, specifically children, may be carrying the disease. This systematic review aimed to identify the current knowledge of urinary Schistosmiasis in children or USC on its epidemiology, risk factors, and challenges to spread the understanding of controlling the disease and reducing the complications.
METHOD: In November 2021, a systematic computer-aided literature review was conducted using PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The results were updated in February 2022. We only used papers that have at least the abstract available in English. Relevant articles were screened, duplicates were deleted, eligibility criteria were applied, and studies that met the criteria were reviewed. The keywords Human Schistosoma infections, prevalence, risk factors and challenges were included. The protocol for the review was registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42022311609). Pooled prevalence rates were calculated using the programme R version 4.2.1. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic and p-value. A narrative approach was used to describe risk factors and challenges. Studies were selected and finalised based on the review question to prioritise. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed-Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT).
RESULTS: A total of 248 publications met the requirements for inclusion. Fifteen articles were included in this review, with the result showing high heterogeneity. The pooled prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in children is 4% (95% confidence interval (CI)). Age, poor socioeconomic status, education, exposure to river water, and poor sanitation are the risk factors identified in this review. Challenges are faced due to limitations of clean water, lack of water resources, and poor hygiene.
CONCLUSION: Modifiable risk factors such as poor knowledge and practices must be addressed immediately. Healthcare providers and schools could accomplish engaging in practical promotional activities. Communicating the intended messages to raise community awareness of urinary schistosomiasis is critical.
Fulltext Relationship Between Fear of COVID-19, Psychopathology and Sociodemographic Variables in Malaysian Population

Kassim MAM, Pang NTP, Mohamed NH, Kamu A, Ho CM, Ayu F, et al.

Int J Ment Health Addict, 2022;20(3):1303-1310.
PMID: 33437224 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-020-00444-4

COVID-19 has affected Malaysia in multitude aspects. Although Malaysia is on the right track to flatten the curve attributed to swift and decisive actions by the government, it is important to assess the psychological after effect that caused by the pandemic and the movement control order. This study performed in Borneo, Malaysia, was conducted using principles of snowballing, and by invitation through university students and staffs mailing list to participate. The survey collected data on sociodemographic, along with measuring psychological impact by using the newly validated Malay version Fear of COVID-19 Scale and DASS-21 scale. There were a total of 255 respondents. The majority of the respondents' age was 25 years and below, with a female male ratio of 2:1 and around 70% respondents were students. Below 25-year-old age group, and females are having significantly higher levels of fear of COVID-19, depression, anxiety, and stress. Single people have higher depression level. There was a significant difference between students and non-students for depression, anxiety, and stress, but not for fear of COVID-19. It is imperative to allay the fears and psychological sequalae of COVID-19, especially those individuals at higher risks. Psychological interventions as well as telepsychiatry mobilisation could prove useful in dealing with the distress.
Fulltext Relationships between Psychopathology, Psychological Process Variables, and Sociodemographic Variables and Comparison of Quarantined and Non-Quarantined Groups of Malaysian University Students in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Pang NTP, James S, Giloi N, Rahim SSSA, Omar A, Jeffree MS, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Sep 14;18(18).
PMID: 34574581 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189656

The COVID-19 pandemic has had considerable psychological health impacts across the globe. This study aimed to establish the psychological process variables underlying psychopathology in Malaysian public university students during the national Movement Control Order (MCO). The aim was to craft structured and sustainable psychological support programs with these students. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving Malaysian university students subjected to the Malaysian MCO. Structured questionnaires measuring sociodemographic factors, measures of depression, anxiety, stress, psychological mindedness, psychological flexibility and state mindfulness were employed. A total of 515 students participated in this study with 12 students (2.3%) being quarantined at the time. Many of them scored 'moderate' or above on the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) with 20.2%, 25.0% and 14.2%, respectively. Quarantined students had higher depressive symptoms, with female students scoring significantly higher for depression, anxiety, and stress. Multiple regressions suggested gender and quarantine status predicted depression scores. However, only gender significantly predicted anxiety and stress. Psychological flexibility and psychological mindedness (Insight subscale) are significantly correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress, with psychological mindedness predicting all three psychopathologies. This study demonstrates that gender, psychological flexibility, and psychological mindedness are key demographic and psychological factors impacting students. Targeting psychological flexibility and psychological mindedness may enable timely prevention and intervention programs for our students to support their mental and physical health as we move through, and out of, the pandemic.
Fulltext Determinants of glycaemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Northern State of Kedah, Malaysia: a cross-sectional analysis of 5 years national diabetes registry 2014-2018

Hassan MR, Jamhari MN, Hayati F, Ahmad N, Zamzuri MIA, Nawi AM, et al.

Pan Afr Med J, 2021;39:206.
PMID: 34603587 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.39.206.30410

Introduction: type 2 diabetes mellitus has become a global public health crisis. The increment in the cases has contributed significantly to the parallel increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. This paper aimed to analyse the relationship between lipid profile, waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) with the glycaemic control of the diabetes patients in Kedah.
Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted, using the Kedah audit samples data extracted from the National Diabetes Registry (NDR) from the year 2014 to 2018. A total of 25,062 registered type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were selected using the inclusion and exclusion criteria from the registry. Only patients with complete data on their HbA1C, lipid profile, waist circumference and BMI were analysed using SPSS version 21.
Results: the means for the age, BMI and waist circumference of the samples were 61.5 (±10.85) years, 27.3 (±5.05) kg/m2 and 89.46 (±13.58) cm, respectively. Poor glycaemic control (HbA1c>6.5%) was observed in 72.7% of the patients, with females having poorer glycaemic control. The BMI and waist circumference were found to be significantly associated with glycaemic control (P<0.001). The total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins values showed positive correlation with glycaemic control (r = 0.178, 0.157, 0.145, p<0.001), while high-density lipoproteins values are negatively correlated (r = -0.019, p<0.001).
Conclusion: implementing lifestyle changes such as physical activity and dietary modifications are important in the management of BMI, waist circumference and body lipids, which in turn results in improved glycaemic control.
Fulltext Malay Version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale: Validity and Reliability

Pang NTP, Kamu A, Hambali NLB, Mun HC, Kassim MA, Mohamed NH, et al.

Int J Ment Health Addict, 2022;20(1):263-272.
PMID: 32837437 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-020-00355-4

The newly developed Persian Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) is a seven-item uni-dimensional scale that assesses the severity of fear of COVID-19. A translation and validation of the FCV-19S in the Malay language was expedited due to the severe psychological sequelae of COVID-19 in Malaysia. Formal WHO forward and backward translation sequences were employed in translating the English version into Malay. Malaysian university participants were recruited via convenience sampling online using snowball methods. The reliability and validity properties of the Malay FCV-19S were rigorously psychometrically evaluated (utilising both confirmatory factor analysis and Rasch analysis) in relation to socio-demographic variables and response to the depression, anxiety and stress subscales of the Malay validation of the DASS-21. The sample comprised 228 Malaysian participants. The Cronbach α value for the Malay FCV-19S was 0.893 indicating very good internal reliability. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis showed that the uni-dimensional factor structure of the FCV19S fitted well with the data. The FCV-19S-M was significantly correlated with anxiety (r = 0.481, p
Fulltext Correction to: Malay Version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale: Validity and Reliability

Pang NTP, Kamu A, Hambali NLB, Mun HC, Kassim MA, Mohamed NH, et al.

Int J Ment Health Addict, 2023;21(1):684.
PMID: 32840246 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-020-00373-2

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s11469-020-00355-4.].
Fulltext Improving Tuberculosis Medication Adherence: The Potential of Integrating Digital Technology and Health Belief Model

Sazali MF, Rahim SSSA, Mohammad AH, Kadir F, Payus AO, Avoi R, et al.

Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul), 2023 Apr;86(2):82-93.
PMID: 36597583 DOI: 10.4046/trd.2022.0148

Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health concern. Globally, TB is among the top 10 and the leading cause of death due to a single infectious agent. Providing standard anti-TB therapy for at least 6 months is recommended as one of the crucial strategies to control the TB epidemic. However, the long duration of TB treatment raised the issue of non-adherence. Non-adherence to TB therapy could negatively affect clinical and public health outcomes. Thus, directly observed therapy (DOT) has been introduced as a standard strategy to improve anti-TB medication adherence. Nonetheless, the DOT approach has been criticized due to inconvenience, stigma, reduced economic productivity, and reduced quality of life, which ultimately could complicate adherence issues. Apart from that, its effectiveness in improving anti-TB adherence is debatable. Therefore, digital technology could be an essential tool to enhance the implementation of DOT. Incorporating the health belief model (HBM) into digital technology can further increase its effectiveness in changing behavior and improving medication adherence. This article aimed to review the latest evidence regarding TB medication non-adherence, its associated factors, DOT's efficacy and its alternatives, and the use of digital technology and HBM in improving medication adherence. This paper used the narrative review methodology to analyze related articles to address the study objectives. Conventional DOT has several disadvantages in TB management. Integrating HBM in digital technology development is potentially effective in improving medication adherence. Digital technology provides an opportunity to improve medication adherence to overcome various issues related to DOT implementation.
Fulltext The Global Landscape of Domestic Violence against Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review

Kunasagran PD, Mokti K, Ibrahim MY, Rahim SSSA, Robinson F, Muyou AJ, et al.

Korean J Fam Med, 2024 Jan;45(1):3-11.
PMID: 37848369 DOI: 10.4082/kjfm.23.0084

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to an alarming increase in domestic violence against women owing to lockdown measures and limited access to support services. This article provides insights into the global prevalence of domestic violence, barriers to seeking help, its impact on women and children, and the best practices implemented worldwide. Domestic violence encompasses various forms of abuse; many young women experience partner violence. Barriers to seeking help include fear, financial constraints, lack of awareness of available services, and distrust among stakeholders. The consequences of domestic violence affect the mental health of both mothers and children. Countries have increased shelter funding and developed innovative protocols to reach survivors and address this issue. However, the healthcare sector's involvement in addressing domestic violence has been limited. This review advocates collaboration among healthcare institutions and government bodies. Key recommendations include utilizing telehealth services, implementing comprehensive training programs, establishing effective referral systems, enhancing health education, developing a domestic violence registry, improving the responses of law enforcement and justice systems through healthcare integration, promoting data sharing, and conducting further research. Healthcare systems should recognize domestic violence as a public health concern and detect, prevent, and intervene in cases to support survivors.
Fulltext Seroprevalence of Zika Virus among Forest Fringe Communities in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah: General Population-Based Study

Khoo HY, Lee HY, Khor CS, Tan KK, Bin Hassan MR, Wong CM, et al.

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2022 Jul 25;107(3):560-8.
PMID: 35895331 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0988

Zika virus (ZIKV) has had a history in Malaysia since its first isolation in 1966. However, it is believed that the immunity status among forest fringe communities has been underreported. We conducted cross-sectional surveillance of forest fringe communities from 10 Orang Asli villages and their peripheral communities in Perak, Pahang, and Sabah in Malaysia. A total of 706 samples were collected from 2019 to 2020 and screened for ZIKV exposure using an anti-ZIKV IgG ELISA kit. A neutralization assay against ZIKV was used to confirm the reactive samples. The seroprevalence results reported from the study of this population in Malaysia were 21.0% (n = 148, 95% CI, 0.183-0.273) after confirmation with a foci reduction neutralization test. The presence of neutralizing antibodies provides evidence that the studied forest fringe communities in Malaysia have been exposed to ZIKV. Multivariate analysis showed that those older than 44 years and those with an education below the university level had been exposed significantly to ZIKV. In addition, higher seropositivity rates to ZIKV were also reported among secondary school students from Bentong (Pahang) and residents from Segaliud (Sabah). No associations were identified between Zika seropositivity and gender, household size, house radius to the jungle, and income level. The presence of neutralizing antibodies against ZIKV among the study population might indicate that the causative pathogen had already circulated widely in forest fringe regions. Intervention for vector control, protection from mosquito bites, and awareness improvement should be encouraged in this population.
Fulltext Knowledge, attitude and practice on COVID-19 among students during the early phase of pandemic in a university in Borneo, Malaysia

Sazali MF, Rahim SSSA, Mohamed MH, Omar A, Pang NTP, Jeffree MS, et al.

J Public Health Res, 2021 Mar 24;10(3).
PMID: 33759447 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2122

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 related knowledge, attitude and practice plays a major role in determining the readiness of the community to adopt the behavioural change towards recommended preventive measures outlined by public health officials. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding COVID-19 among university students as well as its associated factors.
METHOD: This is a cross sectional study that was conducted among students in a public university during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. An online validated self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis test was used to determine the association between independent variables with knowledge, attitude, and practice score.
RESULTS: Overall response rate of this study was 92.9 (n=524). Median score of knowledge domain was 78.0 (IQR= ±12.0), median attitude score of 49.0 (IQR= ±5.0), and median practice score of 80.0 (IQR= ±11.0). The mean knowledge, attitude and practice score were significantly higher among diploma holder (vs degree holder, p<0.05), residing in main Kota Kinabalu campus (vs non-KK campus, p<0.001), studying in medical faculty (vs non-medical faculty, p<0.001), and attended COVID-19 education (vs non-attendance; p<0.05).
CONCLUSION: COVID-19 related knowledge and attitude were below satisfactory level during earlier phase of the pandemic. However, majority of respondents have positive behaviour towards COVID-19 prevention. This highlights the importance of accurate and tailored health education to improve the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of recommended measures to prevent COVID-19 spread.
Fulltext Colorectal cancer and potential predictors of never screened for faecal occult blood test: a narrative review

Sazali MF, Rahim SSSA, Hayati F, Mohd Daud MN, Avoi R, Omar A, et al.

J Public Health Res, 2021 Aug 04;11(1).
PMID: 34351098 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2377

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health threat. Therefore, CRC screening uptake has been a focus with the established precancerous lesion and the strong association of early detection with staging and survival of the disease. However, CRC screening is relatively low in many countries. This article briefly discussed the current situation of CRC, recommendations, and current uptake of CRC screening in various countries. Besides that, this article also highlights the potential factors that help to predict the CRC screening uptake worldwide. Identification of those factors could guide policymakers to develop an effective strategy to improve the CRC screening uptake and ultimately improve the health outcome of the population.

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator ([email protected])

External Links