Displaying publications 221 - 240 of 763 in total

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  1. Incentives for potential workers and settlers: a concern for socioeconomic research in Trengganu Tengah
    Dev Forum, 1977 Jun;7(1):17-31.
    PMID: 12309536
    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  2. Fulltext The influence of socioeconomic and demographic variables on willingness to donate cadaveric human organs in Malaysia
    Rasiah R, Manikam R, Chandarsekaran SK, Thangiah G, Puspharajan S, Swaminathan D
    Medicine (Baltimore), 2014 Nov;93(23):e126.
    PMID: 25415665 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000000126
    The growing shortage in human organs has raised serious concerns. To address this problem, we examine in this article the association between demographic and socioeconomic factors, and respondents' willingness to donate cadaveric organs using a large survey of Malaysian adults aged 18 years and above.A convenience sampling method was used to extract information from a total of 10,350 participants from Metropolitan Kuala Lumpur over the period of April 2, 2013 to February 29, 2014. In addition to analyzing the data using incidence of willingness to donate by demographic and socioeconomic factors, we carried out logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds ratio of respondents' willingness to become cadaveric organ donors controlling for age.About less than a third of the participants pledged to donate their organs upon death with women (35.6%) showing a higher incidence compared with men (33.2%). The Chinese (35.7%) and Malays (35.0%) pledged to contribute more than the Indians (31.6%) and the logistic regressions show that Malays (adjusted odds ration [OR] = 1.18) and Chinese (adjusted OR = 1.21) are more likely to donate than Indians (reference group). The results by religion were significant among Muslims and Hindus but not Buddhists. The likelihood of Muslims donating was the lowest (adjusted OR = 0.26). Income was also highly significant but the relationship with willingness to donate was negative. Against tertiary education, all other occupations were significant. However, the respondents with primary education enjoyed the highest adjusted OR (5.46) whereas that of secondary (0.48) and higher secondary (0.83) education was low. Among occupations (against supervisory, clerical, and direct workers), it was significant only among the unemployed and managers with adjusted OR of 1.50 and 1.58, respectively.Sex, education, ethnicity, religion, and income are important demographic and socioeconomic influences on the likelihood of Malaysians willing to become cadaveric organ donors. The Malaysian evidence suggests that awareness programs should be targeted at men, Muslims, Hindus, Malays, and the rich more than the others.
    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  3. Fulltext Knowledge and awareness on human papilloma virus vaccination among final year nursing and medical students in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre
    Rohani Mamat, Roziah Arabi, Noratika Jais, Nurul Syakila Ismail
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):55-55.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction:HPV vaccination is considered to be the primary form of cervical cancer prevention. However, the practice of HPV vaccination in Malaysia was not satisfied based on low vaccination rate among Malaysian. The health personal play a major roles in this scenario hence; this study was conducted to determine the knowledge and awareness on human papillomavirus vaccination and its relationship with socio –demographic among final year nursing and medical students in University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center. Methods: A cross-sectional design was conducted in the faculty of medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center. Two hundred and thirty four students were recruited using universal sampling equivalent to 86% respondent rate. Data was collected using self-administered structured questionnaires contains three sections. Pearson Chi-square analyses were used to de-termine the relationship between various socio-demographic factors and outcome variables namely knowledge and awareness on HPV vaccination. Results: Findings indicates that most of the respondents (85.9%) had a high level knowledge and (100%) awareness on HPV vaccination. Among the socio-demographic factors, respondents’ race (p=0.006) and marital status (p=0.0006) were associated with knowledge while, there were significant relationship between awareness and gender (p=0.0001). Conclusion: It can be concluded, that final year nursing and medical students had high knowledge and awareness on HPV vaccination. Race and marital status affected the knowledge while gender and family history of cervical cancer are significant predictors for awareness on HPV vaccination.
    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  4. Fulltext Sodium intake in Malaysian adults: validation of estimations by dietary and spot urine excretion methods versus 24-hour urine excretion
    Mohamad Hasnan Ahmad, Fatimah Othman, Azli Baharudin, Cheong Siew Man, Muslimah Yusof, Rashidah Ambak, et al.
    International Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 2018;2(3):489-498.
    MyJurnal
    There are several methods available for assessment of sodium intake, including dietary and urinary excretion, which are fraught with methodological difficulties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate dietary and urinary excretion methods against 24-hour urinary excretion method in estimating sodium intake in Malaysian adults. A cross-sectional study has been carried out between November to December 2015. About 1568 adults aged 18 to 59 years old have participated from 16 study sites located in the 13 states and two federal territories of Malaysia. The study collected basic socio-demographic data and habitual dietary intake by Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Respondents were also asked to complete a two-day food intake diary (2FD) and collect their 24-hours urine and spot urine using standard protocols. A total of 1116 adults successfully completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 71%. Sodium intake from 24-hour urine excretion was estimated at 2585.9mg/day which is above the recommendation by World Health Organization (WHO). The 2FD showed the nearest mean estimate to the reference method but the spot urine with Tanaka’s predictive equation showed the least bias. The estimation of sodium from spot urine alone or with Kawasaki’s predictive equation and FFQ method showed poor mean estimates and a large bias compared to the reference method. The 2FD and spot urine with Tanaka’s prediction equation can be good alternatives for estimating daily sodium intake at the population level but not at the individual level.
    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  5. Fulltext Factors associated with strain among informal care providers of patients with traumatic brain injury in Malaysia
    Bamatraf AA, AlAmodi AA, Ali MA, Chan CM, Mazlan M, Shareef MA
    J Family Med Prim Care, 2020 Jun;9(6):2990-2994.
    PMID: 32984161 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_247_20
    Purpose: This study aims to investigate the level of strain and various influencing factors among informal care providers of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients.

    Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a single center in Malaysia via recruiting care providers of patients with TBI. The modified caregiver strain index (MCSI) questionnaires were utilized to ascertain the level of strain. The demographic data of informal care providers were also obtained. Independent sample t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and a linear regression model were processed for data analysis.

    Results: A total of 140 informal care providers were included in the study. More than half of informal care providers claimed to have strain (54.3%). Factors associated with increased strain include receiving tertiary education, being of Chinese background, and employed experience higher strain level. Informal care providers with characteristics such as being single, retired and provided care for 5 years experienced a lower level of strain.

    Conclusion: Guidance on integrating the TBI knowledge into practice, assessing the care provider's level of strain regularly and providing supportive measures may aid in supporting informal care providers at risk.

    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  6. Fulltext Relationship between the levels of nicotine addiction with psychosocial factors among registered smokers at the Government Hospital Quit Smoking Clinic services around Klang Valley
    Mohd Haazik Mohamed, Kamathi Perialathan, Noh Amit
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):90-90.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Nicotine addiction is one of the major issue in public health especially in Malaysia. Nicotine addiction also make a quitting smoking process difficult for most smokers and could cause relapse and failure. This study inves-tigated relationship between nicotine addiction and psychosocial factors such as anxiety, depression and social sup-port among smokers registered in quit smoking clinic services in the hospital around Klang Valley, Malaysia. Meth-ods: A cross-sectional study has been conducted among 115 smokers. Results: Results showed that 23.5% smokers had high nicotine addiction, 24.3% had moderate nicotine addiction, and the rest had low nicotine addiction. There is a positive significant relationship between nicotine addiction with age and smoking duration (r=0.34, p< 0.01 and r=0.41, p< 0.01, respectively). There is also a positive significant relationship between nicotine addiction with anxi-ety and depression (r=0.33, p< 0.01 and r=0.38, p< 0.01, respectively). In addition, there is a negative significant re-lationship between nicotine addiction with social support overall and social support from significant others (r= -0.22, p< 0.05 and r= -0.19, p< 0.05, respectively). The study shows that psychosocial factors such as anxiety, depression, social support and socio-demographic factors such as age and smoking duration were potentially affecting smoker ́s nicotine addiction. Conclusions: Besides pharmacological treatment, this study proves the importance of psycho-social factors involvement in helping client with nicotine addiction issues. Therefore, psycho-education, behaviour modification and psychosocial support skills should be enhanced for the quit smoking clinic handler. Studies on the need for psychosocial factors in helping smokers reduce their psychological and behaviours dependence on nicotine addiction should also be explored in greater depth.
    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  7. Genetic diversity and structure of the critically endangered Artocarpus annulatus, a crop wild relative of jackfruit (A. heterophyllus)
    Dickinson L, Noble H, Gardner E, Puad ASA, Zakaria WNFW, Zerega NJC
    PeerJ, 2020;8:e9897.
    PMID: 33005490 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9897
    Limestone karsts of Southeast Asia can harbor high levels of endemism, but are highly fragmented, increasingly threatened, and their biodiversity is often poorly studied. This is true of the Padawan Limestone Area of Sarawak, Malaysia, home to the endemic Artocarpus annulatus, the closest known wild relative of two important and underutilized fruit tree crops, jackfruit (A. heterophyllus) and cempedak (A. integer). Identifying and conserving crop wild relatives is critical for the conservation of crop genetic diversity and breeding. In 2016 and 2017, five A. annulatus populations were located, and leaf material, locality information, and demographic data were collected. Microsatellite markers were used to assess genetic diversity and structure among populations, and to compare levels of genetic diversity to closely related congeneric species. Results indicate no evidence of inbreeding in A. annulatus, and there is no genetic structure among the five populations. However, diversity measures trended lower in seedlings compared to mature trees, suggesting allelic diversity may be under threat in the youngest generation of plants. Also, genetic diversity is lower in A. annulatus compared to closely related congeners. The present study provides a baseline estimate of A. annulatus genetic diversity that can be used for comparison in future studies and to other species in the unique limestone karst ecosystems. Considerations for in situ and ex situ conservation approaches are discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  8. Fulltext Establishment of CTPA Local Diagnostic Reference Levels with Noise Magnitude as a Quality Indicator in a Tertiary Care Hospital
    Harun HH, Abdul Karim MK, Abd Rahman MA, Abdul Razak HR, Che Isa IN, Harun F
    Diagnostics (Basel), 2020 Sep 09;10(9).
    PMID: 32916913 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10090680
    This study aimed to establish the local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs) of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) examinations based on body size with regard to noise magnitude as a quality indicator. The records of 127 patients (55 males and 72 females) who had undergone CTPAs using a 128-slice CT scanner were retrieved. The dose information, scanning acquisition parameters, and patient demographics were recorded in standardized forms. The body size of patients was categorized into three groups based on their anteroposterior body length: P1 (14-19 cm), P2 (19-24 cm), and P3 (24-31 cm), and the radiation dose exposure was statistically compared. The image noise was determined quantitatively by measuring the standard deviation of the region of interest (ROI) at five different arteries-the ascending and descending aorta, pulmonary trunk, and the left and right main pulmonary arteries. We observed that the LDRL values were significantly different between body sizes (p < 0.05), and the median values of the CT dose index volume (CTDIvol) for P1, P2, and P3 were 6.13, 8.3, and 21.40 mGy, respectively. It was noted that the noise reference values were 23.78, 24.26, and 23.97 HU for P1, P2, and P3, respectively, which were not significantly different from each other (p > 0.05). The CTDIvol of 9 mGy and dose length product (DLP) of 329 mGy∙cm in this study were lower than those reported by other studies conducted elsewhere. This study successfully established the LDRLs of a local healthcare institution with the inclusion of the noise magnitude, which is comparable with other established references.
    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  9. Fulltext Prioritizing Factors Affecting Deceased Organ Donation in Malaysia: Is a New Organ Donation System Required?
    Naghavi N, Mubarik MS, Rasiah R, Sharif Nia H
    Int J Gen Med, 2020;13:641-651.
    PMID: 32982381 DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S253372
    Purpose: The gap between the demand and the supply of human organs for transplantation is on the rise in Malaysia, despite the efforts of governments to promote donor registration. Factors affecting willingness to donate are contextual and vary from country to country. This research mainly focuses on the selection of most suitable organ donation system through factors affecting willingness to donate in Malaysia. The objectives of this study are to prioritize those factors acting as the pillars of the organ donation system and further to select the most suitable organ donation system for Malaysia.

    Patients and Methods: The data were collected from 35 experts by using a bipolar questionnaire. The study applied an analytical hierarchal process (AHP) for prioritization factors contributing to willingness to donate and then selection of a suitable organ donation system based on prioritized factors.

    Results: Based on the AHP results, it is evident that donation perception (0.36) has the highest priority in influencing organ donation rates, followed by socioeconomic status (0.32), demographic factors (0.23), and financial incentives (0.09). Further, our results challenge the existing opt-in donation system in Malaysia and present a presumptive approach as a suitable system for increasing deceased donation rate in Malaysia. Presumptive approach promotes the role of health-care professionals in securing the family consent.

    Conclusion: This approach is a person-oriented rather than process-oriented strategy and it relies on designated requesters' skills to evoke altruism among bereaved families. Based on results, the authors recommended that relevant government agencies focus on training nurses to discuss donation with bereaved families and raising public awareness.

    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  10. Fulltext COVID-19-related stress and anxiety are associated with negative body image in adults from the United Kingdom
    Swami V, Horne G, Furnham A
    Pers Individ Dif, 2021 Feb 15;170:110426.
    PMID: 33046945 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110426
    The stress and anxiety caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic presents a serious threat to psychological well-being in populations worldwide and may also extend to body image outcomes. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a preliminary study in which an online sample of adults from the United Kingdom (N = 506, age M = 34.25 years) were asked to complete measures of perceived stress, stressful life events, trait anxiety, COVID-19-related stress and anxiety, and negative body image (body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness in women, body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction in men). The results of hierarchical regressions indicated that COVID-19-related stress and anxiety explained significant incremental variance in body image outcomes (Adj. ΔR2 = .02 to .10), over-and-above demographics (age and body mass index) and perceived stress, trait anxiety, and stressful life events. These findings suggest that COVID-19-related stress and anxiety may shape body image outcomes under conditions of physical and social distancing.
    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  11. Fulltext Clinical Symptoms of Arboviruses in Mexico
    Ananth S, Shrestha N, Treviño C JA, Nguyen US, Haque U, Angulo-Molina A, et al.
    Pathogens, 2020 Nov 19;9(11).
    PMID: 33228120 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110964
    Arboviruses such as Chikungunya (CHIKV), Dengue (DENV), and Zika virus (ZIKV) have emerged as a significant public health concern in Mexico. The existing literature lacks evidence regarding the dispersion of arboviruses, thereby limiting public health policy's ability to integrate the diagnosis, management, and prevention. This study seeks to reveal the clinical symptoms of CHIK, DENV, and ZIKV by age group, region, sex, and time across Mexico. The confirmed cases of CHIKV, DENV, and ZIKV were compiled from January 2012 to March 2020. Demographic characteristics analyzed significant clinical symptoms of confirmed cases. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the association between clinical symptoms and geographical regions. Females and individuals aged 15 and older had higher rates of reported significant symptoms across all three arboviruses. DENV showed a temporal variation of symptoms by regions 3 and 5, whereas ZIKV presented temporal variables in regions 2 and 4. This study revealed unique and overlapping symptoms between CHIKV, DENV, and ZIKV. However, the differentiation of CHIKV, DENV, and ZIKV is difficult, and diagnostic facilities are not available in rural areas. There is a need for adequately trained healthcare staff alongside well-equipped lab facilities, including hematological tests and imaging facilities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  12. Parental preferences in treatment of acute uncomplicated appendicitis comparing surgery to conservative management with antibiotics and their views on research participation
    Kyaw L, Pereira NK, Ang CX, Choo CSC, Nah SA
    Eur J Pediatr, 2020 May;179(5):735-742.
    PMID: 31897841 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-019-03555-w
    Studies show that conservative management in acute uncomplicated appendicitis (AUA) is an alternative to surgery. This study aims to determine factors affecting parental preference in management of AUA and their decision for research participation. We conducted surveys on parents whose children were admitted with suspicion of appendicitis but later confirmed not to have appendicitis. Information on appendicectomy versus conservative treatment with antibiotics was provided using a fixed script and standard information leaflet. Questionnaires covered factors influencing decisions, opinions regarding research, treatment preference and demographic data. We excluded parents not fluent in English. Of 113 respondents, 71(62.8%) chose antibiotics, 39(34.5%) chose appendicectomy, and 3(2.7%) had no preference. Reasons given for choosing antibiotics were fear of surgical risks and preferring less invasive treatment. Those choosing appendicectomy expressed preference for definitive treatment and fear of recurrence. Majority were against randomisation (n = 89, 78.8%) and blinding (n = 90, 79.7%). Over half found difficulty involving their child in research (n = 65, 57.5%). Most thought that research is important (66.4%) and beneficial to others (59.3%). Parents who perceived their child as healthy found research riskier (p = 0.039). Educated parents were more likely to find research beneficial to others (p = 0.012) but less accepting of randomisation (p = 0.001).Conclusion: More parents appear to prefer conservative treatment for acute uncomplicated appendicitis. Researchers must consider parental concerns regarding randomisation and blinding.What is Known:• Conservative management of acute uncomplicated appendicitis in paediatric patients is safe and effective, sparing the child the need for an operation; however, neither conservative nor surgical management is proven to be superior.• Randomised controlled trials provide the highest level of evidence, but it is challenging to recruit paediatric patients as participants in such clinical trials.What is New:• More parents prefer conservative management of uncomplicated appendicitis over surgical management for their children due to fear of surgical risks and complications• Randomisation in trial design is significantly associated with a parent's decision to reject their child's participation in a clinical trial.
    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  13. Fulltext Adult Immunization - Need of the Hour
    Jairaj A, Shirisha P, Abdul MSM, Fatima U, Tiwari RVC, Moothedath M
    J Int Soc Prev Community Dent, 2018 11 29;8(6):475-481.
    PMID: 30596036 DOI: 10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_347_18
    Immunization is the process of making individuals immune. Childhood immunization is a common process for various aliments, but adult immunization in the Indian scenario is obscure. Officially, India has been declared polio-free, which is an achievement despite cultural, political, economic, geographic, and so many other factors. The changing demographics of adult, geriatric population and growing cost of health-care maintenance are a concern in developing countries like India. Thus, promoting healthy lifestyle needs prevention, early detection, and management of various diseases and disorders. Certainly, prevention in adults is yet to be tapped completely, so that goal of 100% prevention can be achieved. Various fraternities of medical association have come up with guidelines for adult immunization schedules in India. The present paper reviews infectious diseases such as anthrax, chikungunya, cholera, dengue, influenza, and malaria in this section of the review. We humbly request all health-care professionals and educators to educate the mass for adult immunization. So that, cost involved for treatment and workforce for the management of diseases can be better utilized in some other needed areas.
    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  14. Fulltext University students' knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding antibiotic use and associated factors: a cross-sectional study in the United Arab Emirates
    Jairoun A, Hassan N, Ali A, Jairoun O, Shahwan M, Hassali M
    Int J Gen Med, 2019;12:235-246.
    PMID: 31388309 DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S200641
    Purpose: Antibiotic resistance is one of the world's most fatal health crises. Medical students are the antibiotic prescribers of tomorrow, so better understanding of their knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) pertaining to antibiotic use is crucial. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the KAP of antibiotics and associated factors among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among a random sample of undergraduate students from Ajman University in the UAE. A self-administered pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on students' demographics and their KAP regarding antibiotic use. Data were analysed using STATA version 14.2. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: This study showed that university students have a high rate of antibiotic self-medication. The average KAP score was 56% (95% CI 55%-57%). Statistical modeling showed that major, study year, age, and sex were strong determinants of KAP regarding antibiotic use. Conclusion: There is a need to develop an effective and comprehensive antibiotic-stewardship program as part of undergraduate education. Moreover, reinforcing antibiotic-use policies, involving pharmacies, drug supply, distribution, and sale, are also urgently needed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  15. Comparison of stress levels between physicians working in public and private hospitals in Johor, Malaysia
    Hafiz A, Ima-Nirwana S, Chin KY
    J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2018 Oct;13(5):491-495.
    PMID: 31435368 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2018.01.004
    Objectives: Physicians are known to experience a high level of stress due to the profession itself, as well as due to factors related to the workplace, patient care, and work-life balance. Owing to the nature of public and private hospitals in Malaysia, physicians working in different settings are expected to have different levels of stress. However, there is no study to validate this assumption. The present study aimed to compare stress levels between physicians working in public and private hospitals in the state of Johor, Malaysia.

    Methods: Participants were selected via stratified sampling. Participants completed an online questionnaire comprising demographic details and the Health Professional Stress Inventory. Scores on each domain and the aggregate scores were compared between physicians in public and private hospitals using a univariate analysis adjusted for potential confounders.

    Results: The overall stress level between physicians in public and private hospitals was similar. However, physicians in private hospitals experienced a higher stress level related to patient care responsibilities and professional uncertainty as compared to those in public hospitals.

    Conclusion: Physicians from private hospitals experience stress in different aspects of their profession as compared to physicians in public hospitals, especially with reference to patient care and career uncertainty. Measures should be taken to relieve the stress of physicians and thus improve their wellbeing.

    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  16. Development and validation of a Chinese translated questionnaire: A single simultaneous tool for assessing gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tract related illnesses in pre-school children
    Lau ASY, Yusoff MSB, Lee YY, Choi SB, Xiao JZ, Liong MT
    J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2018 Apr;13(2):135-141.
    PMID: 31435316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2017.11.003
    Objectives: Children are prone to contagious illnesses that come from peers in nurseries, kindergartens, and day care centres. The administration of probiotics has been reported to decrease the episodes of such illnesses, leading to decreased absences and consumption of antibiotics. With less emphasis on, and preferences for, blood collection from young subjects, quantifiable data are merely obtained from surveys and questionnaires. Malaysia has a population which is 25% ethnic Chinese. We aimed to develop a single tool that enables simultaneous assessments of both gastrointestinal and respiratory tract-related illnesses among young Chinese children.

    Methods: The English-language validated questionnaires using data about demographics and monthly health records were translated into the Chinese language. Both forward and backward translated versions were validated.

    Results: The developed demographic and monthly health questionnaires showed an overall item-level content validity index (I-CVI) of 0.99 and 0.97, respectively; while the translated Chinese versions showed I-CVI of 0.97 and 0.98, respectively. Item-level of response process validity index of 1.00 for this questionnaire was obtained from 30 respondents inferring that the items were clear and comprehensible.

    Conclusions: This study showed acceptable levels validity in the Chinese translated version, illustrating a valid and reliable tool to be used for simultaneous assessment of gastrointestinal and respiratory tract-related illnesses in young children that is applicable for Malaysia's Chinese population and other Chinese-speaking nations.

    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  17. The association between backpack use and low back pain among pre-university students: A pilot study
    Amyra Natasha A, Ahmad Syukri A, Siti Nor Diana MK, Ima-Nirwana S, Chin KY
    J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2018 Apr;13(2):205-209.
    PMID: 31435325 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2017.06.005
    Background: Individuals aged 30-60 years have a high possibility of experiencing low back pain. However, children and adolescents are not exempted from this problem. This study aimed to determine the relationship between backpack usage and the frequency of low back pain in pre-university students.

    Methods: A total of 101 currently enrolled pre-university students were recruited for this cross-sectional study. They answered a questionnaire about their demographic details and their frequency of backpack usage. Their backpacks were weighed for four consecutive school days. The Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and Body Discomfort Chart were used to rate discomfort levels.

    Results: The use and weight of a backpack were not significantly associated with low back pain, as indicated by the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and Body Discomfort Chart (p > 0.05).

    Conclusion: This study did not find an association between the use of a backpack and low back pain in Malaysian pre-university students.

    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  18. Fulltext Demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with access to public clinics
    Makmor T., Khaled, T., Ahmad Farid O., Nurul Huda M.S.
    JUMMEC, 2018;21(1):28-33.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Providing adequate and equal access to healthcare is a key goal towards achieving universal health coverage. However, social and demographic inequalities in accessing health care services exist in both developed and developing countries. This study examined the demographic and socio-economic factors associated with the lack of access to public clinics in the Greater Kuala Lumpur area.
    Materials and Methods: The study employed a survey involving 1032 participants. Data were collected using self- administered questionnaires distributed between October and December 2015 in the Greater Kuala Lumpur area.
    Results: Of the 1032 participants, 535 were public clinic users. A quarter (25.8%) of the users stated that they did not have access to public clinics in their residential area. A multiple logistic analysis showed that the elderly, the women, those from ethnic minority groups, those of lower family income, and the private sector workers were more likely not to have access to public clinics than their counterparts.
    Conclusions: The existing level of accessibility to public clinics could be improved by increasing the number of clinics. Clinics should be established to focus more on reaching the elderly, the women, the ethnic minority groups, the poorer families, and the private sector employees.
    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  19. Fulltext Association between tooth loss and body mass index among older adults in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan
    Chan, Yoke Mun, Rahimah Abdul Kadir, Tengku Aizan Abdul Hamid, Tanti Irawati Rosli
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(1):81-86.
    MyJurnal
    Loss of teeth can affect masticatory efficiency in older adults. This may result in avoidance or modifications in food
    choices and lead to lower intake of important nutrients among older individuals. The aim of this study was to determine
    the association between tooth loss and body mass index, BMI, among older adults in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan. A
    cross-sectional study was carried out on 428 older adults aged 50 years and above from selected villages in district of
    Kuala Pilah. Respondents were interviewed to collect information on their demographic characteristics. Number of tooth
    loss was determined through oral assessment, followed by anthropometric assessment to calculate the BMI of respondents.
    Findings showed that majority of the respondents were overweight and obese, 40.4% and 19.9% respectively, while only
    a small proportion was underweight, 3.9%. The proportion of edentulism (total tooth loss) was 18.3% and majority of
    the older adults had lost more than 12 teeth (77.1%) and less than 4 pairs of occluding posterior teeth (86.0%). Total
    and partial tooth loss was found to be not significantly associated with BMI. In relation to the arrangement of teeth,
    older adults with reduced number of posterior occluding pairs of teeth were more likely to experience unsatisfactory
    BMI (OR = 3.61, 95% CI: 1.48, 8.76). This may suggest that functional arrangement of the tooth in the oral cavity is more
    important than the number of tooth loss alone. Thus, maintaining an optimum number of teeth for chewing is essential
    for maintenance of ideal BMI.
    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
  20. Fulltext A protocol on information-motivation-behavioural skills risk of intensive phase treatment interruption among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in urban districts, Selangor
    Qudsiah Suliman, Salmiah Md. Said, Nor Afiah Mohd. Zulkefli, Lim Poh Ying, Tan Kit-Aun
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(1):85-93.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Despite advancement of treatment modalities, Tuberculosis (TB) treatment interruption rate has glob- ally accelerating, calling for greater framework shifting towards psychosocial intervention. Similarly, Selangor state had reported the perturbing TB treatment interruption rate, which was figured persistently above 10% in the interval year of 2014 to 2018, thus signifies an empirical assessment on Information-Motivation-Behavioural skills (IMB) determinants of TB intensive phase treatment. This study aims to determine the time to intensive phase TB treatment interruption and its prognostic factors among newly diagnosed pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) smear positive patients in urban district Selangor. Methods: A multi-centric prospective cohort study will recruit 695 newly diagnosed PTB smear positive patients at treatment centres in urban districts, Selangor. This study will utilize validated self-admin- istered questionnaire and standardised data collection form (PROFORMA). At baseline, we will elicit information on IMB models constructs, additionally on socio-demographics, health service factors and clinical characteristics. Meanwhile, four points follow up will be executed to retrieve information on treatment status and time varying effects of body weight, treatment side effects, symptoms improvement and internalised stigma. Finally, survival analysis will be computed to identify the time to intensive phase treatment interruption and its prognostic factors. Conclusion: This study will enlighten IMB model determinants of intensive phase treatment interruption, hence to endeavour psychosocial elements in designing time relevant public health strategies in TB case management.
    Matched MeSH terms: Demography
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