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Primary Care Research in Malaysia

Mohd Sidik S

International Perspectives on Primary Care Research, 2016.
ISBN: 978-1-4987-6752-1

Citation: Sherina Mohd Sidik. Chapter 36: Primary Care Research in Malaysia. In: Goodyear-Smith F, Mash B (editors). International Perspectives on Primary Care Research. Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America: CRC Press (Taylor & Francis Group), World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA); 2016, p199-201
Fulltext The Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence among the Elderly in a Rural Community in Selangor

Mohd Sidik S

Malays J Med Sci, 2010 Apr;17(2):18-23.
PMID: 22135533 MyJurnal

Urinary incontinence is a common but poorly understood problem in the elderly population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence and its associated factors among the elderly in a community setting.
Fulltext Criterion validity of the PHQ-9 (Malay version) in a primary care clinic in Malaysia

Mohd Sidik S, Arroll B, Goodyear-Smith F

Med J Malaysia, 2012 Jun;67(3):309-15.
PMID: 23082424 MyJurnal

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the validity of the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) (Malay version) as a case-finding instrument for depression among women in a primary care clinic.
METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in a primary care clinic in Malaysia. Consecutive adult women patients who attended the clinic during data collection were given self-administered questionnaires, which included the PHQ-9 (Malay version). Systematic weighted random sampling was used to select participants for Composite International Diagnostic Interviews (CIDI). The PHQ-9 was validated against the CIDI reference standard.
RESULTS: The response rate was 87.5% for the questionnaire completion (895/1023), and 96.8% for the CIDI interviews (151/156). The prevalence of depression was 12.1% (based on PHQ-9 scores of 10 and above). The PHQ-9 had a sensitivity of 87% (95% confidence interval 71% to 95%), a specificity of 82% (74% to 88%), positive LR 4.8 (3.2 to 7.2) and negative LR 0.16 (0.06 to 0.40).
CONCLUSIONS: The Malay version of the PHQ-9 was found to be a valid and reliable case-finding instrument for depression in this study. Together with its brevity, it is a suitable case-finding instrument to be used in Malaysian primary care clinics.
Questionnaire: Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ-9; General Health Questionnaire; GHQ-12; Composite International Diagnostic Interview; CIDI; Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale; GAD-7
Fulltext Childhood obesity: contributing factors, consequences and intervention

Mohd Sidik S, Ahmad R

Malays J Nutr, 2004 Mar;10(1):13-22.
PMID: 22691744

Childhood obesity has been growing at an alarming rate and is the most common nutritional problem among children in developed as well as in developing countries. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, including cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine and psychosocial morbidities. This unhealthy trend will progress to adulthood and is expected to lead to huge economic costs in health and social security systems. Among the many factors which contribute to the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity include environment and genetic factors. This paper discusses the aetiology, consequences and necessary interventions for this problem.
Fulltext Dietary management of a patient with diabetes mellitus: a case report

Mohd Sidik S, Ahmad R

Malays J Nutr, 2003 Sep;9(2):137-44.
PMID: 22691734

The Ministry of Health has launched healthy lifestyle and diabetes campaigns. However, adopting healthy lifestyle practices is not easy as revealed in this case. Patients and their families need to be supervised personally and counseled regularly. Healthy lifestyle habits such as maintaining a balanced diet, ideal body weight and physical activities need to be cultivated and practised. Dietary counseling sessions need to be implemented, preferably by dietitians as this has been shown to be effective in motivating diabetic patients to achieve a better food choice, as well as better glycaemic, lipid and weight control, as shown in this case.
Fulltext Prevalence of anxiety among women attending a primary care clinic in Malaysia

Mohd Sidik S, Arroll B, Goodyear-Smith F

Br J Gen Pract, 2011 Jun;61(587):e326-32.
PMID: 21801511 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp11X577990

Background: This is the first study investigating Anxiety among women attending a primary care clinic
in Malaysia.
Aim: The objective was to determine the factors associated with anxiety among these women.
Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a government-funded primary care clinic in Malaysia. Consecutive female patients attending the clinic during the data-collection period were invited to participate in the study.
Method: Participants were given self-administered questionnaires, which included the validated Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire (GAD-7) Malay version to detect anxiety.
Results: Of the 1023 patients who were invited, 895 agreed to participate (response rate 87.5%). The prevalence of anxiety in this study was 7.8%, based on the GAD-7 (score ≥8). Multiple logistic regression analysis found that certain stressful life events and the emotional aspect of domestic violence were significantly associated with anxiety (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence of anxiety among women in this study is similar to that found in other countries.
Factors found to be associated with anxiety, especially issues on domestic violence, need to be addressed andmanaged appropriately.
Keywords: anxiety; Malaysia; prevalence; primary care; women.
Questionnaire: Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale; GAD-7 (Malay version); Hark questionnaire
Fulltext The nutritional status of 1081 elderly people residing in publicly funded shelter homes in Peninsular Malaysia

Visvanathan R, Zaiton A, Mohd Sidik S, Muhamad YA

Eur J Clin Nutr, 2005 Mar;59(3):318-24.
PMID: 15523487

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the: (1) prevalence of undernutrition as determined by the 'DETERMINE Your Nutritional Health Checklist' (NHC) and (2) factors independently associated with undernutrition among the older residents of these publicly funded shelter homes in Peninsular Malaysia.
DESIGN: A total of 1081 elderly people (59%M) over the age of 60 y were surveyed using questionnaires determining baseline demographics, nutritional and cognitive status, physical function and psychological well-being.
SETTING: Shelter homes, Peninsular Malaysia.
RESULTS: In all, 41.4% (n = 447) were nourished (score <3), 32.1% (n = 347) at moderate risk (score between 3 and 5) and 26.6% (n = 287) were at high risk of undernutrition (score>5) according to the NHC. A large proportion of subjects were underweight with 14.3% of subjects recording a low body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2 and a further 18.2% recording a BMI between 18.5 and 20 kg/m2. The residential geriatric depression score (GDS-12R) (relative risk (RR) = 1.03 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.05); P = 0.002) and the number of illnesses (RR = 1.14 (95% CI 1.07-1.21); P < 0.001) were found to be independently associated with nutritional risk (NHC score > or = 3). Using a BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 as an objective marker for nutritional risk, the NHC was shown to have a sensitivity of 66.4% (95% CI 58.0-74.2%), specificity of 42.7% (95% CI 39.3-46.1%), positive predictive value of 16.2% (95% CI 13.3-19.5%) and a negative predictive value of 88.4% (95% CI 84.9-91.4%).
CONCLUSIONS: Many elderly people residing in publicly funded shelter homes in Malaysia may be at-risk of undernutrition, and were underweight. The NHC is better used as an awareness tool rather than as a screening tool.
Fulltext Validation of the GAD-7 (Malay version) among women attending a primary care clinic in Malaysia

Mohd Sidik S, Arroll B, Goodyear-Smith F

J Prim Health Care, 2012 Mar;4(1):5-11, A1.
PMID: 22377544

Introduction: Anxiety is a common mental health disorder in primary care, with a higher prevalence among women compared to men.
Aim: This is the first study to validate the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire (GAD-7) as a case-finding instrument for anxiety in a primary care setting in Malaysia. The objective was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the Malay version of the GAD-7 in detecting anxiety among women.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a government-funded primary care clinic in Malaysia. Consecutive women participants attending the clinic during data collection were given self-administered questionnaires including the GAD-7 (Malay version). Participants then were selected using systematic weighted random sampling for Composite International Diagnostic Interviews (CIDI). The GAD-7 was validated against the CIDI reference standard.
Results: The response rate was 87.5% for the questionnaire completion (895/1023), and 96.8% for diagnostic interviews (151/156). The prevalence of anxiety was 7.8%. The GAD-7 had a sensitivity of 76% (95% CI 61%–87%), a specificity of 94% (88%–97%), positive LR 13.7 (6.2–30.5) and negative LR 0.25 (0.14–0.45).
Discussion: The Malay version of the GAD-7 was found to be valid and reliable in case-finding for anxiety in this study. Due to its brevity, it is a suitable case-finding instrument for detecting anxiety in primary care settings in Malaysia.
Keywords: Validation; anxiety; primary care; women; Malaysia
Questionnaire: Generalised Anxiety Disorder questionnaire; GAD-7; Composite International Diagnostic Interviews; CIDI; Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ-9; General Health Questionnaire; GHQ-12
Fulltext Prevalence of emotional disorders among medical students in a Malaysian university

Mohd Sidik S, Rampal L, Kaneson N

Asia Pac Fam Med, 2003;2(4):213-217.

Background: Emotional disorder, one of the common human emotional states is defined as feelings of sadness and tiredness in response to life events, such as disappointments. It is one of the major problems among students and although it consists of more than half of all mental disorders, it is often left untreated each year worldwide. Aim: To determine the prevalence of emotional disorders among medical students at a university in Malaysia.
Methods: A cross sectional study design was used. All medical students at a local university in Malaysia were included in the study. A questionnaire similar to the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used as a screening instrument.
Results: A total of 41.9% of the medical students were found to have emotional disorders. Factors found to have a significant association with emotional disorders were relationship of the respondents with their parents (chi-square=6.02, d.f.=1, p<0.05), siblings (chi-square=6.94, d.f.=1, p<0.05) and lecturers (chi-square=4.80, d.f.=1, p<0.05), as well as pressure prior to exams (chi-square=10.30, d.f.=1, p<0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence of emotional disorders among medical students was high. There was significant association between emotional disorders and respondents' relationship with their parents, siblings and lecturers, as well as level of pressure prior to exam. Early detection of this condition is important to prevent psychological morbidity and its unwanted effects on medical students and young doctors.
Fulltext Prevalence of depression with chronic illness among the elderly in a rural community in Malaysia

Mohd Sidik S, Mohd Zulkefli NA, Mustaqim A

Asia Pac Fam Med, 2003;2(4):196-199.

Introduction: Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder among the elderly. The hallmark of depression in the elderly is its comorbidity with medical illness. Aim: To determine the prevalence of depression and its association with chronic illness among the elderly in a rural community setting. Methods: A cross sectional study design was used. A 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale questionnaire was used as a screening instrument. Results: The prevalence of depression was higher among elderly with chronic illness (9.0%) compared to elderly without chronic illness (5.6%). Depression among the elderly was signi.cantly associated with ischemic heart disease. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression among the elderly with chronic illness in the community is high. Primary care providers need to be vigilant when treating elderly patients in their care as depression is commonly found in this group.
Fulltext Prevalence of menopausal symptoms among female teachers in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan

Mohd Zulkefli NA, Mohd Sidik S

Asia Pac Fam Med, 2003;2(4):235-238.

Background: Menopause is a condition that every woman faces in later life and can have many associated effects which might disrupt the quality of life.
Aim: To determine both the prevalence of menopause and menopausal symptoms in a group of employed Malaysian women and to determine their sources of information regarding menopause.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among female teachers aged 35 and above in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia between 1 June and 31 December 2000. A total of 550 self administered questionnaires were distributed to teachers selected through simple random sampling of selected schools.
Results: The response rate was 78.9%. The prevalence of menopause was 21.9%. There was a high prevalence of skin dryness (44.2%), hot flushes (43.2%), fatigue (41.0%) and excessive sweating (34.7%) among the menopausal respondents and there was a significant difference between menopausal and non menopausal symptoms of respondents (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence of menopause and each menopausal symptom are high in the present group of women. Improved health care programs about the menopause might help give women a better quality of life.
Fulltext After the hospital episode - The Community Follow-Up Project

Mohd Sidik S, Azhar MZ, Abdullah MY

Asia Pac Fam Med, 2004;3(1&2):1-8.

The Community Follow-up Project involves a scheme by which clinical students follow the progress of patients after discharge from hospital. The Community Follow-up Project begins with the student choosing a hospital in-ward patient during their first clinical ward based attachment and follows this patient's progress after discharge from the hospital. The students do a series of home visits and also accompany their patients for some of their follow-ups to the hospital or government clinics; to their general practitioners and even to the palliative care or social welfare centres. The students assess the physical, psychological and social impact of the illness on the patient, family and community. This project supplements students' knowledge of the natural history of disease and emphasizes the importance of communication and the use of community resources. By commitment to the patient for a duration of time, the students are able to take an active role in patients' care, understand in depth the problems faced by patients and in assessing a patient's progress, students find themselves in the role of a teacher and advisor to their patient as well. We outline the main components of this project, describe its outcome and consider areas that invite further developments.
Fulltext Negative effects of diabetes-related distress on health-related quality of life: an evaluation among the adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in three primary healthcare clinics in Malaysia

Chew BH, Mohd-Sidik S, Shariff-Ghazali S

Health Qual Life Outcomes, 2015 Nov 24;13:187.
PMID: 26596372 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-015-0384-4

BACKGROUND: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) often experienced change in life, altered self-esteem and increased feelings of uncertainty about the future that challenge their present existence and their perception of quality of life (QoL). There was a dearth of data on the association between diabetes-related distress (DRD) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study examined the determinants of HRQoL, in particular the association between DRD and HRQoL by taking into account the socio-demographic-clinical variables, including depressive symptoms (DS) in adult patients with T2D.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012-2013 in three public health clinics in Malaysia. The World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF), 17-items Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS-17), and 9-items Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to measure HRQoL, DRD and DS, respectively. The aim of this research was to examine the association between the socio-demographic-clinical variables and HRQoL as well as each of the WHOQOL-BREF domain score using multivariable regression analyses.
RESULTS: The response rate was 93.1% (700/752). The mean (SD) for age was 56.9 (10.18). The majority of the patients were female (52.8%), Malay (53.1%) and married (79.1%). About 60% of the patients had good overall HRQoL. The mean (SD) for Overall QoL, Physical QoL, Psychological QoL, Social Relationship QoL and Environmental QoL were 61.7 (9.86), 56.7 (10.64), 57.9 (11.73), 66.8 (15.01) and 65.3 (13.02), respectively. The mean (SD) for the total DDS-17 score was 37.1 (15.98), with 19.6% (136/694) had moderate distress. DDS-17 had a negative association with HRQoL but religiosity had a positive influence on HRQoL (B ranged between 3.07 and 4.76). Women, especially younger Malays, who had diabetes for a shorter period of time experienced better HRQoL. However, patients who were not married, had dyslipidaemia, higher levels of total cholesterol and higher PHQ-9 scores had lower HRQoL. Macrovascular complications showed the largest negative effect on the overall HRQoL (adjusted B = -4.98, 95% CI -8.56 to -1.40).
CONCLUSION: The majority of primary care adult with T2D had good overall HRQoL. Furthermore, the independent determinants for HRQoL had also concurred with many past studies. In addition, the researchers found that DRD had negative effects on HRQoL, but religiosity had positive influence on HRQoL. Appropriate support such as primary care is needed for adult patients with T2D to improve their life and their HRQoL.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: NMRR-12-1167-14158.
Fulltext Physical and mental health problems of the elderly in a rural community of Sepang, Selangor

Mohd Sidik S, Rampal L, Afifi M

Malays J Med Sci, 2004 Jan;11(1):52-9.
PMID: 22977360 MyJurnal

The prevalence of aging population is increasing not only in developed countries, but also in developing countries like Malaysia. The aim of this study was: (1) to determine the prevalence of physical and mental health problems, and (2) to determine the association of these health problems with socio demographic factors among the elderly in a rural community in Sepang, Selangor. A cross sectional study design was used. Five out of nine villages were selected via random sampling. The elderly in the selected villages were interviewed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire which included the GDS-30, ECAQ and Barthel Index. Out of 263 elderly residents (6.2% of the total population), 223 agreed to participate in the study giving a response rate of 84.8%. The mean age of the respondents was 69.7 + 6.8 years with a median of 68 years. The prevalence of physical health problems such as chronic illness and functional dependence were 60.1% and 15.7%, respectively. While the prevalence of mental health problems such as depression and cognitive impairment were 7.6% and 22.4%, respectively. Among the health problems studied, depression was found to be significantly associated with unemployment (p<0.05), where as cognitive impairment was significantly associated with age, gender, ethnicity, marital status and level of education (p<0.05).
Fulltext Prevalence, Associated Factors and Psychological Determinants of Obesity among Adults in Selangor, Malaysia

Mohd-Sidik S, Lekhraj R, Foo CN

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Jan 20;18(3).
PMID: 33498401 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18030868

BACKGROUND: The pervasiveness of obesity is a growing concern in the world. This study aims to determine the prevalence of obesity among a segment of the Malaysian population, as well as investigate associated factors and psychological determinants of obesity.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was carried out in Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 1380 Malaysian adults (≥18 years old) participated in a structured and validated questionnaire survey. TANITA body scale and SECA 206 body meter were used to measure the respondents' weight and height, from which measurements of their body mass index (BMI) were calculated.
RESULTS: The overall prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) among adults in Selangor, Malaysia, was 18.6%. Factors significantly associated with increased risk of obesity were: being female (OR = 1.61, 95% CI [1.20-2.17]), aged between 30 to 39 years old (OR = 1.40, 95% CI [1.04-1.88]), being Indian (OR = 1.55, 95% CI [1.13-2.12]), married (OR = 1.37, 95% CI [1.03-1.83]), and having only primary school education (OR = 1.80, 95% CI [1.17-2.78] or secondary school education (OR = 1.37, 95% CI [1.04-1.81]). In the multiple linear regression analysis (stepwise method), perceived stress (B = -0.107, p = 0.041), suicidal ideation (B = -2.423, p = 0.003), and quality of life in the physical health domain (B = -0.350, p = 0.003) inversely and significantly contributed to BMI among males. Among females, stressful life events contributed positively to BMI (B = 0.711, p < 0.001, whereas quality of life in the psychological domain had a negative effect (B = -0.478, p < 0.001) in this respect.
CONCLUSION: There is an urgent need to integrate psychological approaches to enhance the effectiveness of obesity prevention strategies and weight-loss programs.
Screening for depression with a brief questionnaire in a primary care setting: validation of the two questions with help question (Malay version)

Mohd-Sidik S, Arroll B, Goodyear-Smith F, Zain AM

Int J Psychiatry Med, 2011;41(2):143-54.
PMID: 21675346 DOI: 10.2190/PM.41.2.d

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the two questions with help question (TQWHQ) in the Malay language. The two questions are case-finding questions on depression, and a question on whether help is needed was added to increase the specificity of the two questions.
METHOD: This cross sectional validation study was conducted in a government funded primary care clinic in Malaysia. The participants included 146 consecutive women patients receiving no psychotropic drugs and who were Malay speakers. The main outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios of the two questions and help question.
RESULTS: The two questions showed a sensitivity of 99% (95% confidence interval 88% to 99.9%) and a specificity of 70% (62% to 78%), respectively. The likelihood ratio for a positive test was 3.3 (2.5 to 4.5) and the likelihood ratio for a negative test was 0.01 (0.00 to 0.57). The addition of the help question to the two questions increased the specificity to 95% (89% to 98%).
CONCLUSION: The two qeustions on depression detected most cases of depression in this study. The questions have the advantage of brevity. The addition of the help question increased the specificity of the two questions. Based on these findings, the TQWHQ can be strongly recommended for detection of depression in government primary care clnics in Malaysia. Translation did not apear to affect the validity of the TQWHQ.
Fulltext Decompression illness secondary to occupational diving: recommended management based current legistation and practice in Malaysia

Rozali A, Khairuddin H, Mohd Sidik S, Zin BM, Sulaiman A

Med J Malaysia, 2008 Jun;63(2):166-9.
PMID: 18942312 MyJurnal

Occupational divers are exposed to hazards which contribute to the risk of developing decompression illnesses (DCI). DCI consists of Type I decompression sickness (DCS), Type II DCS and arterial gas embolism (AGE), developed from formation of bubbles in the tissues or circulation as a result of inadequate elimination of inert gas (nitrogen) after a dive. In Malaysia, DCI is one of the significant contributions to mortality and permanent residual morbidity in diving accidents. This is a case of a diver who suffered from Type II DCS with neurological complications due to an occupational diving activity. This article mentions the clinical management of the case and makes several recommendations based on current legislations and practise implemented in Malaysia in order to educate medical and health practitioners on the current management of DCI from the occupational perspective. By following these recommendations, hopefully diving accidents mainly DCI and its sequalae among occupational divers can be minimized and prevented, while divers who become injured receive the proper compensation for their disabilities.
Fulltext Diving accidents treated at a military hospital-based recompression chamber facility in Peninsular Malaysia

Rozali A, Khairuddin H, Mohd Sidik S, Halim MA, Mohd Zin B, Sulaiman A

Med J Malaysia, 2008 Jun;63(2):91-5.
PMID: 18942290

This paper describes the pattern of diving accidents treated in a military hospital-based recompression chamber facility in Peninsular Malaysia. A retrospective study was carried out to utilize secondary data from the respective hospital medical records from 1st January 1996 to 31st December 2004. A total of 179 cases categorized as diving accidents received treatment with an average of 20 cases per year. Out of 179 cases, 96.3% (n = 173) received recompression treatment. Majority were males (93.3%), civilians (87.2%) and non-Malaysian citizens (59.2%). Commercial diving activities contributed the highest percentage of diving accidents (48.0%), followed by recreational (39.2%) and military (12.8%). Diving accidents due to commercial diving (n = 86) were mainly contributed by underwater logging activities (87.2%). The most common cases sustained were decompression illness (DCI) (96.1%). Underwater logging and recreational diving activities which contribute to a significant number of diving accidents must be closely monitored. Notification, centralised data registration, medical surveillance as well as legislations related to diving activities in Malaysia are essential to ensure adequate monitoring of diving accidents in the future.
Fulltext Pulmonary overinflation syndrome in an underwater logger

Rozali A, Sulaiman A, Zin BM, Khairuddin H, Abd-Halim M, Mohd Sidik S

Med J Malaysia, 2006 Oct;61(4):496-8.
PMID: 17243532 MyJurnal

Pulmonary overinflation syndrome (POIS) is a group of barotrauma-related diseases caused by the expansion of gas trapped in the lung, or over-pressurization of the lung with subsequent over-expansion and rupture of the alveolar air sacs. This group of disorders includes arterial gas embolism, tension pneumothorax, mediastinal emphysema, subcutaneous emphysema and rarely pneumopericardium. In the case of diving activities, POIS is rarely reported and is frequently related to unsafe diving techniques. We report a classical case of POIS in an underwater logger while cutting trees for logs in Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu. The patient, a 24-year-old worker, made a rapid free ascent to the surface after his breathing equipment malfunctioned while he was working underwater. He suffered from bilateral tension pneumothoraces, arterial gas embolism giving rise to multiple cerebral and cerebellar infarcts, mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema as well as pneumopericardium. He was treated in a recompression chamber with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and discharged with residual weakness in his right leg.
Fulltext The prevalence of depression among elderly warded in a tertiary care centre in Wilayah Persekutuan

Mohd Sidik S, Rampal L, Hanim MA, Thong PL

Med J Malaysia, 2006 Mar;61(1):15-21.
PMID: 16708729

Depression is characterized by symptoms like disturbance in behavior, cognition and mood. This is commonly known to affect people aged 60 years and above especially those who are also afflicted with illnesses. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among the elderly in a tertiary care centre in Wilayah Persekutuan. A cross sectional study design was done. Stratified cluster sampling method was used to select the respondents. All elderly patients were selected from the orthopaedic, surgical, gynaecology and medical wards in a government hospital in Wilayah Persekutuan. A 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale questionnaire was used as a screening instrument. Out of the 246 elderly subjects, 198 were interviewed giving a response rate of 80.5%. The results showed that 54% of the elderly respondents were found to have depressive symptoms. Age (p=0.022), sex (p=0.008), ethnicity (p=0.022) and functional disabilities in bathing (p=0.001), grooming (p=0.007), dressing (p= 0.007), using the toilet (p=0.002), transferring from bed to chair and back (p=0.000), mobility (p=0.000) and climbing stairs (p=0.000) were all found to be significantly associated with depression among the elderly respondents. The outcome of this study will have an important impact on the implementation of the health policy for the elderly patients admitted to hospitals.

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