MyMedR

Displaying all 4 publications

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext Risk and Resilience Among Mothers and Fathers of Primary School Age Children With ASD in Malaysia: A Qualitative Constructive Grounded Theory Approach

Ilias K, Cornish K, Park MS, Toran H, Golden KJ

Front Psychol, 2018;9:2275.
PMID: 30670992 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02275

Little is known about the coping and resilience experiences of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the Malaysian cultural context. This study utilized a qualitative methodological approach adopting constructive grounded theory. The study sought to address the lack of research to date exploring the risk and protective experiences that contribute to parental stress and resilience for parents of primary school age children with ASD in the Malaysian setting. Twenty-two parents of children with ASD (13 mothers and 9 fathers) participated in semi-structured interviews. A strength of the study was the inclusion of both mother and father participant perspectives. The interviews lasted 50-80 min (mean: 67.5 min). The 22 parents had a total of 16 children (12 males; 4 females) formally diagnosed with ASD. Child age ranged between 5 and 12 years (mean age: 8.44). Overall, analysis of the 22 interviews revealed four prominent themes - "initial reaction to child's ASD symptoms and diagnosis," "family life affected by a child with ASD," "awareness about ASD in Malaysia," and "coping strategies, wellbeing, and becoming resilient." The first three themes revolved around stress and adversity, and, the adaptability and acceptance of the parents. These processes illustrated the risks experienced by the parents of children with ASD in Malaysia. The last theme especially highlighted the strengths and determination of the parents and illustrated the protective experiences and processes that helped parents to develop and enhance resilience. Overall, the findings revealed that resilience develops synergistically and dynamically from both risk and protective experiences across different levels - individual, family, community, society and government. The findings motivated the development of our theoretical model of resilience that can help health and education professionals tailor assessment and interventions for parents of children with ASD in the Malaysian context. Clinical, policy, and research suggestions were discussed.
Designing the content of religious education learning in creating sustainability among children with learning disabilities: A fuzzy delphi analysis

Zulkifli H, Rashid SMM, Mohamed S, Toran H, Raus NM, Pisol MIM, et al.

Front Psychol, 2022;13:1036806.
PMID: 36483729 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1036806

Teachers found it is hard to figure out what are the best approach and strategies shall be employed to create an effective learning activity that can benefit the children. Children with learning disabilities have distinctive learning difficulties, depending on each individual. Therefore, this requires modification and adaptation in the learning activities to make sure they can learn effectively. Teachers need to make adjustment to the instructions, learning materials, assessments, and activities to accommodate the children with learning disabilities. Therefore, the objective of this research is to develop the content of religious education for children with learning disabilities using fuzzy delphi. This research used method of design and developmental research approach which have three phases. In this research, the researchers focus on the second phase of fuzzy delphi. There were 20 panel experts involved in this research to rank the elements in developing religious education model. Findings showed that, all the elements such as learning style, rights of people with disabilities manners and universal design were above 70% that considered suitable and applicable. It is hoped that this model can assist and guide teachers in teaching religious education for children with learning disabilities.
Fulltext A Review of Food Texture Modification among Individuals with Cerebral Palsy: The Challenges among Cerebral Palsy Families

Kamal S, Kamaralzaman S, Sharma S, Jaafar NH, Chern PM, Hassan NI, et al.

Nutrients, 2022 Dec 09;14(24).
PMID: 36558401 DOI: 10.3390/nu14245241

Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently present with multiple feeding problems, which may require food texture modification to ensure safe feeding. This review aims to explore the challenges individuals with CP and their caregiver's face and recommend modified food textures to ensure safety and improve the quality of life and nutritional status. A systematic search was carried out through four databases (i.e., EBSCO (Medline), PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science) between January 2011 and May 2022. Out of 86 articles retrieved, seven were selected based on keywords and seven other studies through manual search-five cross-sectional studies, two qualitative studies, one correlational study, one mixed method study, one case-control study, two sections of books, and two educational materials. The findings suggest that preparation and intake of food with modified texture play a necessary role in the safety of swallowing in addition to physical, social, and environmental aspects. Safety was found to be the crucial part of the food texture modification provision besides considering the stress of the caregivers and the nutritional status of individuals with CP. Currently, there are no standard guidelines available pertaining to food texture modification. This led to uncertainties in the dietary provision among caregivers, which may lead to undernourishment. Hence, standard guidelines relating to food texture modification that focuses on food preparation and menus with calorie and nutrient information are timely to be developed.
Fulltext Nutritional status as predictors for quality of life among caregivers of children with severe cerebral palsy

Kamal S, Hamzaid NH, Kamaralzaman S, Sharma S, Jaafar NH, Chern PM, et al.

Transl Pediatr, 2023 Sep 18;12(9):1601-1618.
PMID: 37814717 DOI: 10.21037/tp-23-195

BACKGROUND: Individuals with severe cerebral palsy (CP) often experience various health issues, including feeding difficulties, which can adversely affect their nutritional status and caregivers' quality of life, e.g., more time spent for feeding rather than own selfcare. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of poor nutritional status among individuals with severe CP and explore its role as predictors for caregivers' quality of life.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a government hospital (Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital), Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Program, and Spastic Centre [non-profit organization (NGO)] in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Seventy-one participants with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level IV and V were recruited. Sociodemographic data, health-associated data, and anthropometric data were collected. Caregivers' quality of life was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) CP module version 3.0 which included domains such as Movement and Balance, Eating Activities, and School Activities.
RESULTS: Most participants were males (60.6%), with 61 classified as level IV in the GMFCS classification. According to the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS), 59 children were at level IV. In total, 40.8% were underweight according to CP growth chart and 49.3% had mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) readings below the 5th percentile. The lowest scores in the PedsQL CP module version 3.0 were observed in the Daily Activities (5.34±10.87), and School Activities domains (8.15±18.65). Sociodemographic and anthropometric data, including body mass index (BMI)-for-age, MUAC, body fat, triceps, and subscapular skinfold measurement, were predictors for the School Activities domain [F (11, 44)=3.981, P<0.005, R2=0.499].
CONCLUSIONS: Poor nutritional status in individuals with severe CP has been shown to negatively impact caregivers' quality of life. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach involving nutritional intervention is essential to improve dietary provision and the nutritional status of children with CP.