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  1. Wong LP, Atefi N, Majid HA, Su TT
    BMC Public Health, 2014;14 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):S1.
    PMID: 25438066 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-S3-S1
    BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of pregnancy experience and its association with contraceptive knowledge among single adults in a low socio-economic suburban community in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2012 among the Kerinchi suburban community. Of the total 3,716 individuals surveyed, young single adults between 18 and 35 years old were questioned with regard to their experience with unplanned pregnancy before marriage. Contraceptive knowledge was assessed by a series of questions on identification of method types and the affectivity of condoms for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

    RESULTS: A total of 226 female and 257 male participants completed the survey. In total, eight female (3.5%) participants reported experience with an unplanned pregnancy before marriage, and five male (1.9 %) participants had the experience of impregnating their partners. The participants had a mean total score of 3.15 (SD = 1.55) for contraceptive knowledge out of a possible maximum score of five. Female participants who had experienced an unplanned pregnancy had a significantly lower contraceptive knowledge score (2.10 ± 1.48) than who had never experienced pregnancy (3.30 ± 1.35), p<0.05. Likewise, male participants who had experienced impregnating their partners had a significantly lower contraceptive knowledge score (1.60 ± 1.50) than those who did not have such experience (3.02 ± 1.59), p<0.05.

    CONCLUSION: The results showed evidence of premarital unplanned pregnancy among this suburban community. The low level of contraceptive knowledge found in this study indicates the need for educational strategies designed to improve contraceptive knowledge.

    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person/psychology*; Single Person/statistics & numerical data
  2. Wen, Xin, Talwar, P., Tan, Kock Wah, Nur Fatihah, Mat Yusoff, Oon, Yin Bee, Kartini Abdul Ghani
    MyJurnal
    The purpose of this study was to study the association between selected demographic characters
    and stress among primary school teachers. The respondents constituted of 60 male
    and female school teachers who were chosen using stratified sampling technique. Study was
    conducted in Jilin Province. Study design was cross sectional. SPSS was used to analyze
    both descriptive and inferential statistics. The main results were as follows. Female teachers
    experienced more stress compared to male teachers. Teachers below the age of 40 had more
    stress probably, due to teaching experience, as this study revealed that teachers who had
    more teaching experience had less stress. Marriage plays and important role in stress, unmarried
    teachers experienced comparatively higher levels of stress compared to those married.
    Furthermore, those living alone experienced more stress. Occupational stress is known
    to cause burnout. It may be a good strategy to provide training in stress management techniques
    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person
  3. Zulkifli SN, Low WY
    J Adolesc Health, 2000 Oct;27(4):276-80.
    PMID: 11008091
    This paper describes findings on selected determinants of sexual intercourse among 468 unmarried adolescents from a survey in Malaysia. Data on respondents' background, sexual experience, contraceptive use, and sexual attitudes are provided. Based on multiple logistic regressions, factors significantly predictive of sexual experience are gender, employment, and sexual attitudes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person
  4. Chan A, Davanzo J
    J Cross Cult Gerontol, 1996 Mar;11(1):29-59.
    PMID: 24389944 DOI: 10.1007/BF00116264
    In this paper we use data from the Second Malaysian Family Life Survey (MFLS-2) to examine the extent to which ethnic differences in the living arrangements of the older population in Peninsular Malaysia can be explained by ethnic differences in demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. We also investigate whether the three main ethnic groups of Malaysia differ in the extent to which their living arrangements are influenced by these factors. For the married, the higher incidence of remarriage and lower housing costs for Malays each contribute importantly to their lower coresidence rates. The relatively poorer health of Indians and better health of Malays also contribute to the ethnic differences in coresidence rates for the married, as does the higher incidence of daughter-only families among Malays. The explanatory variables considered here explain less of the ethnic differences in coresidence rates for the unmarried.
    Study name: Malaysian Family Life Survey (MFLS-2)
    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person
  5. Selamat Widiasmoro Neni, Pei, Lin Lua
    MyJurnal
    Objective: The relationships between awareness, knowledge and attitudes (AKA) and coping mechanisms among people with epilepsy (PWE) have not been well-explored particularly in Asia. This study aimed to: identify preferred coping strategies, correlate between AKA and coping mechanisms and compare coping strategies of PWE with different AKA levels. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of epilepsy outpatients was recruited from the Neurology Clinic, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu. The participants completed the Malay AKA Epilepsy and the Malay Brief COPE instruments. The data was analysed using non-parametric statistics. Results: Sixty out of 72 patients (response rate = 83.3%) consented
    participation (median age = 27.5 years; male = 53.3%; unmarried = 63.3%; Malay = 90.0%; SPM education = 54.2%; unemployed = 35.0%; rural residents = 70.0%). Religion was the most preferred coping strategy (93.3%), followed by Emotional Support (86.7%) and Instrumental Support (81.7%). Awareness was negatively correlated with Instrumental Support (rs = -0.268; p

    Study site: Neurology Clinic, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu.
    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person
  6. Cheah Y.K.
    Medicine & Health, 2014;9(1):62-73.
    MyJurnal
    The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of sociodemographic factors on smoking and alcohol consumption among adults in Penang (Malaysia). A cross-sectional primary survey data with 398 respondents was used for analysis. The present study applied logistic regression models to examine the factors affecting the odds of smoking and alcohol consumption. The results showed that gender, ethnicity and education could significantly affect smoking. In particular, males (OR: 26.678) had a higher likelihood of smoking compared to the females, whereas Chinese (OR: 0.177), Indians/others (OR: 0.331) and individuals with tertiary education (OR: 0.258) had a lower likelihood of smoking than others. In terms of alcohol, gender, ethnicity and marital status were found to have a significant influence on the likelihood of alcohol consumption. Specifically, males (OR: 5.051), Chinese (OR: 37.796) and Indians/others (OR: 10.863) were more likely to consume alcohol than others, while married individuals (OR: 0.380) were less likely to consume alcohol than unmarried individuals. Based on the findings of the present study, numerous population-based intervention measures were suggested.
    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person
  7. Yong, Kang Cheah
    MyJurnal
    In light of the increases in alcohol-induced diseases and social problems, the present study sets out to examine the factors affecting alcohol consumption among adults in Penang (Malaysia) using a cross-sectional survey sample consisting of 398 respondents. The results of the logistic regression analysis show that age, gender, ethnicity, marital status and smoking are significantly associated with alcohol consumption. In particular, males (OR: 3.720; 95% CI: 1.939, 7.136), Chinese (OR: 3.628; 95% CI: 1.808, 7.279) and smokers (OR: 5.083; 95% CI: 1.876, 13.774) are more likely to consume alcohol than others, whereas, old individuals (OR: 0.971; 95% CI: 0.941, 1.002), Malays (OR: 0.059; 95% CI: 0.021, 0.165) and married individuals (OR: 0.419; 95% CI: 0.211, 0.833) are less likely to consume alcohol than others. Based on the findings of the present study, several intervention strategies toward reducing alcohol consumption are proposed. Specifically, these strategies should be targeted at young individuals, males, Chinese, unmarried individuals and smokers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person
  8. Mohd Hamidin FA, Adznam SN, Ibrahim Z, Chan YM, Abdul Aziz NH
    SAGE Open Med, 2018;6:2050312118775581.
    PMID: 29872529 DOI: 10.1177/2050312118775581
    Objective: Frailty is a clinical syndrome with increased risk of poor health outcomes and particularly prevalent in older adults and community population. The study's aim was therefore to determine the prevalence of frailty and its association with sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, health-related status, and anthropometric measurements among community-dwelling older adults.

    Methods: A total of 279 older adults aged 60 years and above were randomly selected. Respondents were classified as non-frail (<2 criteria) or frail (≥3 criteria) based on the 'phenotype of frailty'. A binary logistic regression was used to determine predictors of frailty.

    Results: The prevalence of frailty was 18.3%. The frail older adults were positively associated with advanced age, being unmarried, hospitalisation in the previous year, poor self-rated health, and lower body mass index.

    Discussion: These results give an overview on underlying effects and guiding actions for prevention programmes functioning to reverse and minimise the adverse effects of frailty syndrome.

    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person
  9. Zheng Y, Lamoureux EL, Chiang PP, Rahman Anuar A, Wong TY
    J Public Health (Oxf), 2014 Mar;36(1):104-10.
    PMID: 23658389 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdt044
    To examine whether marital status is a significant determinant of visual impairment (VI) in urban multi-ethnic Asian population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person/statistics & numerical data
  10. Yong, Kang Cheah
    Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(1):391-398.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction. In light of the important role of health-promoting expenditure in health, the objective of this study was to investigate the socio-demographic determinants of health-promoting expenditure such as purchase of medical equipment and services, food supplements and health education services and products among Malaysian adults.
    Methods Third National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS III) consisting of 28771 observations was used for analysis. It was the latest nationally representative cross-sectional population-based survey conducted by the Ministry of Health Malaysia from April 2006 to January 2007. A censored regression model
    (Tobit) was applied to examine the factors affecting health-promoting expenditure.
    Results The results showed that age, income, gender, ethnicity, education, marital status, employment status and location of residence were able to affect health promoting expenditure. In particular, individuals who were younger, poor, males, Indian/others, less educated, unmarried, unemployed and residing in rural areas tended to spend less money on health promotion compared to others.
    Conclusions This study reached a conclusion that socio-demographic factors were significantly associated with individual’s preferences for health promotion. Therefore, the government should devote its attention to these factors when
    formulating nationwide health policies.
    Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey III (NHMS-2006)
    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person
  11. Roszaman Ramli, Mokhtar Awang, Ghazali Ismail
    MyJurnal
    Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common cause of morbidity and accounts for 1 in 60 GP consultations by women under the age of 45 in the UK. Pelvic inflammatory disease encompases a broad category of disease including endometritis, salphingitis, salphingo-oopheritis, tuboovarian abscess and pelvic peritonitis. It most commonly occurs as a result of Chlamydia trachomatis or Nesseria gonorrhea 1,2 infection of the endocervix that eventually spread into the upper genital tract. Direct spread from a nearby infection such as appendicitis and diverticulitis is not that common. Hematogenous spread is rare except in cases of tuberculous pelvic inflammatory disease. This case illustrates atypical presentation of pelvic inflammatory disease in a previously healthy single unmarried lady. The presence of ascites, bilateral ovarian mass and constitutional symptoms closely mimics that of malignant ovarian tumour. This was preceded by empyema which grew E coli.
    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person
  12. Hayward G
    Int J Public Health Res, 2011;1(2):100-102.
    MyJurnal
    The World Health Organisation (WHO, 2006) defines teenage pregnancy as a 'teenaged or underaged girl (usually within the ages of 13-19) becoming pregnant.' The term usually refers to women who become pregnant, who have not reached legal adulthood; legal adulthood varies in different countries. The term teenage pregnancy is widely used however, to mean unmarried adolescent girls who become pregnant. Pregnant teenagers face many additional obstetric, medical & social issues compared to women who give birth in their 20s and 30s. Most at risk are mothers under fifteen and those living in developing countries. Complications during pregnancy and delivery are the leading causes of death for girls aged 15 to 19 in developing countries; they are twice as likely to die in childbirth as women in their twenties, with adolescents accounting for 13% maternal deaths worldwide. There is evidence to show (UNICEF Malaysia, 2008) that teenage pregnancy is associated with lower educational levels, higher rates of poverty and that the situation is often repeated with children of teenage parents. In addition, teenage pregnancy is often outside of marriage and therefore carries a social stigma in many cultures and community.
    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person
  13. Mustafa KB, Ibrahim Nb, Noraziana AW, Ayu AS, Suhaiza A, Awang M
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: To describe the sociodemographic profile, contraceptive practice, and awareness of HIV infection among unmarried post partum women in the biggest government hospital in Pahang.
    Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire-proforma-based study was conducted for one year duration from August 2010 until July 2011 by identifying and recruiting all the unmarried women upon admission for delivery. Basic information were obtained from the use of patients’ case notes, and further related and necessary information were obtained from a direct face-to-face interview based on a proforma.
    Results: A total of 121 unmarried women were identified and recruited. The age ranged from 13 to 36 years with a mean age of 21.6 years. 31.4% were teenagers. Only 16% of patients have tertiary education, and 2.5% never had any formal education. About one third of the women were smokers or ex-smokers, 7.5% had consumed alcohol, but none denied ever use of any recreational drugs. Almost 9% has prior history of being sexually assaulted. About three quarter of the women never used any contraceptive method. Majority of the patients (85.1%) were aware of HIV transmission risk; 75% never had any antenatal checkup or booked at late gestation (> 20 weeks); and 45.8% were not aware of any support groups for single mothers. Conclusion: Single unmarried women are associated with disadvantaged sociodemographic profile.
    Contraceptive practice was also very low despite significant awareness towards risk of HIV infection. Further follow up, support and care should be offered to these women.
    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person
  14. Low, W.Y.
    JUMMEC, 2009;12(1):3-14.
    MyJurnal
    Youth sexuality is a great concern for many. Sexual health issues facing our youths are: premarital sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted and unsafe pregnancies and abortions, sexual diversity, HIV/AIDS, and cybersex. Various factors lead to risky sexual and reproductive health behavior, particularly among those unmarried youths: lack of sexual and reproductive health information and skills in negotiating sexual relationships and the inaccessibility of youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services. Growing peer pressure of pre-marital sex plays a major role in sexual and reproductive health related decision-making among youths. Another factor is the issue of sexuality education which is still considered a sensitive topic and thus impinging on its implementation, due to cultural and religious constraints. Misunderstanding and a lack of information on sexual diversity have caused a concern for many, as there is a tendency for judgments, stereotypes, discriminations and prejudices towards homosexuality in the society. Online sexual activities or cybersex have become the next sexual revolution. Negative consequences are shown for those hooked on cybersex. Healthy youths are fundamental to the prevention initiatives. Promoting the sexual and reproductive needs and rights of our youths is warranted.
    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person
  15. Nasim Seyedsalehi, Rohany Nasir, Wan Shahrazad Wan Sulaiman, Ashkan Seyedsalehi, Sadaf Seyedsalehi
    MyJurnal
    Objective: The objective of this study to assess the comparative effectiveness of exposure and response prevention (GERP) and cognitive-behaviour therapy (GCBT) in a group of Iranian patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and comorbid depression symptoms (CDS).

    Methods: Ninety OCD patients were selected (both genders, married or unmarried and ages from 18-65 years) using a non-probability sampling (availability sampling) procedure. The respondents subsequently sampled via cluster randomization into three equal groups: a control group (n = 30) that did not receive any treatment intervention during the study and two other groups who received 12 weeks of psychotherapy in the form of GERP (n=30) or GCBT (n=30). This study obtained the required data through a clinical interview with all participants based on the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders text revision (DSM-IV-TR). The statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Bonferroni correction and Pearson correlations.

    Result: We found that GCBT and GERP are effective treatments for alleviating OCD symptoms among patients. The results demonstrated that OCD scores were significantly reduced among participants after receiving GCBT and GERP treatments, with mean (standard deviation, SD) changes of 0.829 (0.287) and 0.970 (0.258), respectively. The study measured CDS through the Persian-language version of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II-PERSIAN). The study further found a significant correlation between OCD and CDS. The findings suggested that GCBT and GERP improved comorbid depression symptoms (CDS) significantly with mean (SD) changes of 13.57 (3.92) and 12.85 (4.50) respectively.

    Conclusion: GCBT and GERP separately produced equivalent improvements for OCD and CDS.
    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person
  16. Cheah, Y.K., Azahadi, M., Phang, S.N., Abd Manaf, N.H.
    JUMMEC, 2019;22(1):33-40.
    MyJurnal
    Background: Depression is a serious mental health illness worldwide. The purpose of the study was to
    investigate the relationships between depression and its risk factors of sociodemography, lifestyle, and health
    among the adults of the different ethnic groups in Malaysia.

    Method: A nationwide database with 10141 observations was used. Multivariable logistic regression analyses
    stratified by ethnicity were estimated.

    Results: Ethnicity and gender, age, education, marital status and self-rated health were correlated to the
    likelihood of having depression. Malay females and smokers (AOR: 2.083) were more likely to suffer from
    depression than Malay males (AOR: 0.305) and non-smokers. Higher-income Chinese displayed higher odds of
    having depression than lower-income Chinese (AOR: 1.009). Indians and others with secondary-level education
    displayed a lower likelihood of developing depression compared to those with primary-level education (AOR:
    0.587).

    Conclusion: This study could contribute significantly to the formulation and development of an effective
    policy directed towards reducing the prevalence of depression in the vulnerable. These were the adults, in
    the younger age group, with lower education, with self-rated poor health, being female, unmarried, Malay
    and Chinese, and Indians and others. A nationwide policy targeted towards the Malay females to reduce
    their depression, with attention to the Chinese with a high income, and to the Indians and others with poor
    educational background to improve their knowledge of mental health, would be worthy of consideration.
    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person
  17. Zain NM, Low WY, Othman S
    PMID: 26521527
    Pregnancy among unmarried women may have negative social and health implications in Malaysia. The number of pregnancies among unmarried women has increased in Malaysia, but the socio-demographic profile of these women is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics of unmarried pregnant women and the factors associated with unmarried pregnancies among young women in Malaysia. We conducted a cross sectional study at six hospitals and six women's shelters in Peninsular Malaysia during 2011-2012. Unmarried pregnant women were compared with married pregnant women. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire asking for socio-demographic data, family background, risky sexual behavior, social support and pregnancy details. A total of 484 women (239 unmarried and 245 married) were included in the study. Most unmarried subjects were adolescents, from urban areas, from a low socioeconomic group, and lived with parents prior to pregnancy. Age (OR=0.67; 95% CI: 0.61-0.74), studying status (OR=17.33; 95% CI: 2.65-113.19), alcohol use (OR=40.46; 95% CI: 2.51-652.38) exposure to pornographic material (OR=13.48; 95% CI: 3.24-56.01), contraceptive use (OR=0.20; 95% CI: 0.08-0.51), and social support (OR=0.90; 95% CI: 0.86-0.94) were all associated with unmarried pregnancy. These factors need to be considered when.designing an intervention program.
    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person/statistics & numerical data*
  18. Lee J, Kwak YS, Kim YJ, Kim EJ, Park EJ, Shin Y, et al.
    Psychiatry Investig, 2018 Apr;15(4):336-343.
    PMID: 29669407 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2017.11.08.2
    "Comfort women" refers to young women and girls who were forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese military during World War II. They were abducted from their homes in countries under Imperial Japanese rule, mostly from Korea, and the rest from China, Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Netherlands, etc. "Comfort women" endured extreme trauma involving rape, sexual torture, physical abuse, starvation, threats of death, and witnessed many others being tortured and killed. This article reviews all the studies that have investigated the psychiatric or psychosocial sequelae of the survivors of the Japanese military sexual slavery. Most importantly, a recent study which conducted a psychiatric evaluation on the former "comfort women" currently alive in South Korea is introduced. The participants' unmarried rate was relatively high and their total fertility rate was relatively low. Majority of the participants reported having no education and being the low economic status. They showed high current and lifetime prevalence of posttraumatic disorder, major depressive disorder, somatic symptom disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and alcohol use disorder. Participants showed high suicidality and majority of the participants still reported being ashamed of being former "comfort women" after all these years. This article high-lights the fact that the trauma has affected the mental health and social functioning of former "comfort women" throughout their lives, and even to the present day.
    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person
  19. Lim L, Wong H, Yong E, Singh K
    Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 2012 Feb;160(2):219-22.
    PMID: 22137571 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2011.11.017
    OBJECTIVE: Teenage abortions predispose women to adverse pregnancy outcomes in subsequent pregnancies such as anemia, stillbirths, preterm deliveries and low birth weight babies. We aim to profile the women presenting for abortions in our institution and determine risk factors for late presentation for abortions.
    STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective cohort study, all women who underwent an abortion at the National University Hospital, Singapore, from 2005 to 2009 were recruited. Data was obtained from a prepared questionnaire during the mandatory pre-abortion counseling sessions. Profiles of women aged <20 years were compared with those ≥ 20 years old using Chi-square test if the assumptions for Chi-square test were met; otherwise, Fisher's exact test was carried out. Logistic regression was used to investigate the risk factors for second trimester termination of pregnancy.
    RESULTS: 2109 women presented for induced abortions, of which 1998 had single abortion throughout the course of the study. The mean age of women with single abortion was 29.1 years (sd 7). In the group of women with single abortion, 182 (9.1%) were teenage abortions. In contrast to women ≥ 20 years of age, pregnant teenagers were more likely not to have used any contraception (51.1% vs. 25.2%) and more likely to present late for abortions (39.6% vs. 15.9%). Other risk factors for late presentation for abortions include Malay ethnicity, singlehood, nulliparity and lack of prior usage of contraception.
    CONCLUSION: Teenagers are more likely to have no prior contraceptive usage and to present late for abortions. Lack of proper sexual education and awareness of contraceptive measures may have a major contributory factor to such a trend in teenage abortions. Recommendations have been made in order to curb this societal problem.
    Matched MeSH terms: Single Person
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