Introduction: Lifestyle and behavioural risk factors in middle-aged adults are proven to have an impact on later-life outcomes; hence health promotion activities should aim at the population before they reach their mid-life. Medical students will be representing a community in promoting health, henceforth they should have a healthy lifestyle and behaviour in order to facilitate and adoption of preventive practices in their future life as physicians. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the lifestyle and behavioural risk factors among future doctors in a public university in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (Sungai Buloh Campus). Simple random sampling was used to select eligible subjects among undergraduate medical students (pre-clinical years). A self-administered pro forma checklist was given to the subjects who consented. Descriptive analysis was performed, and univariate analysis was done by Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact test and independent t-test. Results: A total of 252 subjects participated. The majority (96.8%) were of Malay ethnicity and three-quarter of the subjects were females (76.2%). A small number of subjects were smokers (2.4%) and alcoholic consumers (1.2%). Approximately half (57.3%) of the female subjects had normal body mass indices, while this was only seen in one-third (35.0%) of male subjects. Most subjects (72.2%) exercised at least once a week, however only 17.1% of the subjects exercised at the recommended levels. There was a significantly higher proportion of males who had adequate exercise compared to that of females. Conclusion: Inadequate physical activity and imperfect BMI of the study subjects warrant exclusive promotion and education of healthy lifestyle in this population. It would probably be beneficial if assessment of lifestyle and behavioural risk factors could be conducted before these subjects embark into their professional working life.
The outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a Public
Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization. The incidence
of this pandemic continues to rise, with 40,665,438 confirmed cases and 1,121,843 deaths
worldwide by 21 October 2020. During this public health crisis, healthcare workers are at the
frontline of the COVID-19 outbreak response, and as such are at risk of being infected and
developing job burnout while in the line of duty. This study reviews the history of COVID-19
outbreak, infection control measures in hospitals during COVID-19 outbreak, healthcare
workers’ risk of infection and other health effects from battling COVID-19, and challenges and
recommendations for protecting healthcare workers during this pandemic. At present,
healthcare workers are every country’s most valuable resources, and their safety must thus
be ensured. Strong medical leadership, clear pandemic planning, policies and protocols,
continuous educational training, adequate provision of personal protective equipment,
psychological support, and the provision of food, rest, and family support for healthcare
workers would augment a climate of safety in the workplace, ensure their wellbeing, and
improve their capacity to battle this ongoing pandemic.
Rosdina Zamrud Ahmad Akbar, Sharifah Faradila Wan Muhammad Hatta, Rosnida Mohd Noh, Fatimah Zaherah Mohd Shah, Thuhairah Abdul Rahman, Rohana Abdul Ghani, et al.
Introduction: Hormonal abnormality is one of many clinical manifestations of HIV infections
that is not well understood. However, the consequences could affect quality of life and are
potentially treatable. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated
factors of thyroid, adrenal and gonadal dysfunctions among HIV-infected patients. Methods:
This is a single centre cross-sectional study involving 150 HIV-infected patients attending the
HIV clinic. Each subject was required to answer specific symptoms questionnaire and their
medical records were reviewed for relevant clinical and biochemical data. Blood for was
collected and thyroid hormones, cortisol, ACTH, FSH, LH, testosterone and estradiol were
analysed using electrochemiluminescent immunoassay. Thyroid, adrenal and gonadal axes
abnormalities were identified. Results: Hypogonadism had the highest prevalence amongst
the endocrine abnormalities, which was detected in 23 patients (15.3%), followed by thyroid
dysfunction in 18 patients (12%) and hypocortisolism in 2 patients (1.3%). There was
significant correlation between CD4 count, BMI and age with the hormone levels. Conclusion:
Prevalence of endocrine abnormalities was low in these well-treated HIV-positive patients,
with hypogonadism being the most common. However, significant correlations between CD4
count, age and BMI with the hormonal levels were detected. Clinical symptoms in relation to
endocrinopathy are not specific as a screening tool thus underscoring the need for
biochemical tests to identify these treatable conditions.