Aging population will be an inevitable phenomenon around the globe. This study aimed to
assess the quality of life and its associated factors among the elderly population in rural areas of
Kudat, Sabah. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly aged 60 and
above living in Tambuluran Area of Kudat. Quality of life was assessed using WHOQOL-BREF
questionnaires. Socio-demographic data of the elderly, perceived morbidities and utilization of health
services were collected. Independent sample t-test was used for data analysis. A total of 165
respondents participated in this study with a mean age of 71.42±6.50. The mean WHOQOL-BREF
score was 65.20 ±11.49. Mean scores for physical and psychological domains were lower than
average. Age, marital status, educational level and perceived morbidity were associated significantly
with QOL. In conclusion, QOL was generally average among elderly in rural areas of Kudat.
Therefore, interventions should place emphasis on physical and psychological aspects of life among
these aged population.
Burkholderia pseudomallei affecting the central nervous system has been extensively reported in the literature. However, combined central nervous system and peripheral nervous system involvement in melioidosis has never been reported. We report a 66-year-old man with diabetes mellitus who was diagnosed to have central nervous system melioidosis and developed acute flaccid quadriplegia. Nerve conduction studies and anti-ganglioside antibodies were consistent with Guillain-Barre syndrome. This case report highlights the importance to recognise the possibility of Guillain Barre syndrome complicating central nervous system melioidosis and stresses the urgency of early consideration of this complication, as early immunomodulatory therapy may hasten neurological recovery.