Welcome

Recently updated

1. Fulltext A Case Study of Pasir Gudang Chemical Toxic Pollution: A Review on Health Symptoms, Psychological Manifestation and Biomarker Assessment

   Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail, Emilia Zainal Abidin, Irniza Rasdi

   Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(111):175-184.

   MyJurnal

   Abstract

   Introduction: This paper provides an overview of chemical toxic pollution in Pasir Gudang industrial area Johor
   Malaysia. It discussed the health symptoms, argument of the psychology manifestation among children and the
   application of biomarkers and monitoring systems in chemical detection. Methods: The systematic search was
   conducted for four digital scientific journal databases: Science Direct, SCOPUS, PubMed and Google Scholar
   with a specified keyword. Results: Seven (7) chemicals were related to this incident namely; Methane,
   Hydrogen chloride, Acrylonitrile, Acrolein, Benzene, Xylene, and Methyl mercaptan. These chemicals are
   mainly generated from industrial activity and easily breakdown through interaction with other chemicals
   and sunlight. Inhalation is the major route of exposure and the major symptoms of these chemicals are headache,
   nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulties, eye irritation, chest tightness, and wheezing. There is no clear
   evidence to indicate that the victims in this incident are having a psychological manifestation since all chemicals
   involved are proven to cause the reported symptoms. Conclusion: Industrial chemicals are potential
   to produce toxic gas in the air through reaction with other substances or rays and causes acute health symptoms.
   Diagnose all post-emergency illnesses including mental and physical health is needed. Biomarker testing should
   consider a specified period after exposure occurs as the reactivity of some types of chemical and its short half-life,
   rendered limited for use as markers of exposure in the body.
2. Fulltext Trend of Electronic Cigarette Use Among Adult Population in Multiple Countries Across Regions: A Systematic Review

   Aziemah Zulkifli, Emilia Zainal Abidin

   Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(111):185-193.

   MyJurnal

   Abstract

   Introduction of electronic cigarette (EC) in the global market posed a new challenge to public health experts
   in terms of controlling the widespread use of the device among general population. This systematic review aimed
   to explore the trend of EC use among population of adults reported in literature across multiple regions. Using
   Scopus search engine and several screening strategies, specific keywords were applied in the advanced search
   field and the search have yielded a total of 33 articles. The key findings include i) the existence of dual users of EC
   and conventional cigarette smokers and ii) the emergence of EC users who previously never smoked reported
   among adult populations. The present study suggests that future tobacco control strategies should be strengthen
   in preventing the initiation of nicotine addiction among non-smoking population and established nicotine
   replacement therapy instead of EC should be further promoted smokers as a method to quit smoking.
3. Fulltext A Review of Occupational Safety and Health Problems Among Quarry Plant Workers

   A. Perakas Rav, S. Sivasankar, Nur Khusairi Razali, K. Karmegam, P.Velu, S. Kulanthayan, et al.

   Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(111):194-200.

   MyJurnal

   Abstract

   Air pollution, with a range of health consequences is known to cause major public health issues especially
   to the respiratory system. Unfortunately, for those working in the cement industry, the respiratory system
   is vulnerable to injury following airborne or hematogenous exposure to toxicants. This study was undertaken
   to identify associated factors of occupational safety and health problems among quarry plant workers.
   Various Universities databases and other databases were searched with specific search such as occupational
   safety and health, quarry plant workers, cement, occupational exposure, respiratory symptoms. In the concrete
   sector, cement dust is the most visible and the pollution of fugitive and stack is mostly throughout two ways.
   The absorption of toxins into the human body and respiratory tract is a common occurrence where the air
   passage narrowness (nose, pharynx, glottis, bronchi are filtered). Previous research has shown that there
   is inadequate work safety procedures in quarry factories where the training and use of acceptable
   PPEs and hazards / safety measures training is grossly deficient. There is an urgent need to redesign processes
   in order to impose a barrier between danger and staff; to adopt safe working practices; to provide
   appropriate training for people, to provide training or information to reduce the risk of adverse
   health effects and/or harmful effects to people; and to implement personal protective equipment (PPE).
4. Fulltext Usage of Health Belief Model (HBM) in Health Behavior: A Systematic Review

   Haryati Anuar, Shamsul Azhar Shah, Halim Gafor, Mohd Ihsani Mahmood, Hasanain Faisal Ghazi

   Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(111):201-209.

   MyJurnal

   Abstract

   Introduction: The Health Belief Model has gained widespread popularity and acceptance in the community,
   yet little is known about its effectiveness as a basis for health behavior intervention. The purpose of this
   study is to systematically review the evidence on the use of the model in health behavior for
   Chronic Kidney Disease and the effectiveness of Health Belief Model as a model intervention for
   facilitating health-related behavioral changes. Methods: The databases were manually searched
   for references and gray literature. Overall, the methodological quality of trials was variable, and there
   was limited evidence for the effectiveness of Health Belief Model in improving health
   behavior. Results: There are few new trials published that describe the application of
   Health Belief Model. Limited evidence supports any benefits of Health Belief Model for improving
   health behavior. Conclusion: Studies on the usage of Health Belief Model need to be explored in depth
   to assess the importance of Health Belief Model.
5. Fulltext Noise Exposure and Perceived Hearing Symptoms of Metal Fabrication Workers in Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Manufacturing Industry

   Siti Nur Sara Mamat, Faridah Naim

   Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(111):135-143.

   MyJurnal

   Abstract

   Introduction: Rapid ongoing industrialisation particularly in developing countries has triggered an
   increased risk of occupational noise-related disease occurrence. Machinery and work tasks in metal fabrication
   processes may produce high noise levels that can be harmful to hearing. This study aimed to investigate the
   workers’ exposure to noise at a fabrication plant and their perceptions toward hearing loss symptoms and its association.
   Methods: This study was conducted at a Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning fabrication plant in Johor.
   With a 31% response rate, 50 respondents who were selected using purposive sampling answered a
   questionnaire regarding demographic background, noise exposure and perceived hearing loss symptoms. Noise
   measurements were also conducted among 30 of them based on the concept of sampling the maximum
   risky workers. The noise was measured using a sound level meter IEC 60651 Class 2. Minimum (Lmin)
   and maximum (Lmax) sound pressure levels were measured for 5-minute and repeated for three exposure
   periods (morning, afternoon, evening). Results: 68% and 32% of the workers were 20-30 years old and had
   been employed for 3-5 years, respectively. Average noise exposure level observed was 63.3-101.5 dBA. 25%
   of the workers reported that they were sometimes experienced the symptoms of hearing loss. These include
   difficulty in understanding conversation and ringing in the ear. However, noise exposure and hearing loss
   symptoms were not significantly associated. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that the workers have a risk
   of developing hearing loss. Intervention programme and enforcement on hearing protection of the workforce
   are highly recommended.
6. Fulltext The Need for Policy on Labelling Requirement of E-liquid Products: A Case Study on Nicotine-containing E-liquid Refills Sold on E-commerce Platform in Malaysia

   Aziemah Zulkifli, Najihah Zainol Abidin, Noor Hassim Ismail, Emilia Zainal Abidin

   Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(111):144-149.

   MyJurnal

   Abstract

   Introduction: Discrepancies of nicotine content labelling of e-liquid products has been reported and it may
   have existed to circumvent legal requirements that imposes restrictions on the sale of nicotine-containing
   products in the market. Mandatory labelling requirement of e-liquid products is still pending in Malaysia.
   This case study aimed to examine labelling discrepancies of e-liquid refill products declared as nicotine-free
   sold in e-commerce platform in Malaysia. Methods: A total of 10 Malaysian-made e-liquid refill samples
   were purchased via a popular e-commerce platform available to Malaysian. The e-liquid refills were
   specifically chosen because it was declared to contain zero-nicotine. Nicotine concentrations were
   measured using a Gas-chromatography with flame-ionisation detector (GC-FID). Results: About 80% (n = 8)
   of the purchased e-liquid samples were contained nicotine despite being declared as nicotine-free.
   The average nicotine levels were 1.092 (0.989) mg/mL. Conclusion: This case study confirmed the
   presence of labelling discrepancies which non-comply with the existing Malaysian Poison Act.
   Such non-compliance will contribute to the sale of unrestricted nicotine products. As a result, it will increase
   addiction among novice smokers because e-liquid refills declared as “nicotine free” contained nicotine.
   Implementation of stringent legal requirement on the nicotine content of local e-liquid products is
   urgently needed as it will support the accomplishment of Malaysian Tobacco Endgame.
7. Fulltext Production of Banana Cake Premix from Banana (Musa acuminata Colla) By-Products via Foam Mat Drying Process

   Anis Asyila Marzlan, Belal J Muhialdin, Anis Shobirin Meor Hussin

   Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(111):150-158.

   MyJurnal

   Abstract

   Introduction: Banana is a perishable fruit and rapidly overripe which can cause food waste problems to
   occur if not used to prepare other foods. Drying would be useful to overcome this problem by converting
   the overripe banana into a value-added product. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of different
   temperatures for foam mat drying on overripe banana puree. Besides, the sensory attributes and acceptability of banana cakes produced will be evaluated. Methods: The overripe banana puree was subjected to
   foam mat drying and the dried powder was subjected to banana cake production. Physical analysis,
   chemical analysis, and sensory evaluation were carried out for the banana cakes. Results: A significant
   different (p
8. Fulltext Heavy Metals in Soil and Vegetables at Agricultural Areas in Kota Bharu and Bachok Districts of Kelantan, Malaysia

   Nur Fatin Najihah Ismail, Siti Marwanis Anua, Nurul Izzah Abdul Samad, Nurul Ainun Hamzah, Nurzafirah Mazlan

   Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(111):159-165.

   MyJurnal

   Abstract

   Introduction: Soil pollution with heavy metals inadvertent to food contamination resulting from root-soil
   heavy metal uptake is of great concern. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of
   heavy metals such as lead (Pb), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd), in soil and vegetables.
   Methods: Using systematic grid sampling, 54 soil samples and 18 vegetable samples were collected from
   Kampung Binjai Manis, Kota Bharu and Kampung Aman, Kandis, Bachok, Kelantan. Soil and vegetables samples
   were dried, extracted by acid digestion process and analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.
   Results: The overall mean concentration of heavy metal in soil measured in descending order in
   Kampung Binjai Manis was Fe (958.53 mg/kg) > Pb (26.07 mg/kg) > Cu (11.83 mg/kg) > Cd (0.66 mg/kg).
   Whereas, the overall mean concentration of heavy metal measured in descending order in Kampung Aman
   was Fe (461.18 mg/kg) > Cu (8.25 mg/kg) > Pb (2.48 mg/kg) > Cd (0.27 mg/kg). There were significant different
   in the mean concentration of Pb, Fe and Cd between Kampung Binjai Manis and Kampung Aman.
   In vegetables, only Cu shows significant different between Kampung Binjai Manis and Kampung Aman.
   Significant correlations were found between soil and vegetables in Kampung Binjai Manis for
   Cu (r= 0.861, p= 0.003) and Cd (r= 0.933, p= 0.001). Conclusion: The mean concentration of heavy
   metal in soil and vegetables at Kampung Binjai Manis and Kampung Aman were above the permissible
   limit as set by the Department of Environment and World Health Organisation.
9. Fulltext Plasmodium ovale malaria and dengue co-infection in a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency patient : a case study

   Siti Sarah Shahimi, Marniza Aziz, Nur Ezrin Ilham, Rukman Awang Hamat

   Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(201):44-46.

   MyJurnal

   Abstract

   Malaria and dengue are among the most important public health threats in Malaysia. These two-arthropod borne diseases have overlapping mosquito biotopes and clinical manifestations, and co-infections have been associated with increased severity notably on the haematological abnormalities. Dengue caused by four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes has been highly endemic in Malaysia. However, malaria due to Plasmodium ovale (P. ovale) has been rarely reported among Malaysian population. Nonetheless, climate change and increased influx of international travellers and migrants have shifted the parasite boundaries to non-endemic countries. Thus, diagnosis and management of imported malarial infections should rely on the geographical knowledge on the origin of potential Plasmodium species, prompt laboratory testing and public health intervention. Moreover, it would be difficult to clinically differentiate dengue fever (DF) with a potential relapse or partially treat- ed case of P. ovale, and there is absolutely no transmission of this Plasmodium species in our country. Hence, we believed that this case deserved to be reported.
10. Fulltext Molecular detection of cryptococcus from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sample - a noncultural approach for diagnosis of primary pulmonary cryptococcosis

    Syarifah Mohd Rahim, Amizatul Aini Salleh, Ikmal Hisyam Bakrin, Tengku Zetty Maztura Tengku Jamaluddin, Siti Norbaya Masri

    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(201):47-49.

    MyJurnal

    Abstract

    Despite pulmonary cryptococcosis showing good response to antifungal treatment, making accurate diagnosis in a timely manner remains a challenge. Tissue for fungal culture is less sensitive, nonspecific, and time-consuming to allow for prompt diagnosis. We herein report a case of 31-year-old woman with no known medical illness but presented with history of cough and haemoptysis for two months. The chest X-ray and bronchoscopy revealed left lung mass. While tuberculosis showed negative result and no growth observed in the tissue culture, the histopathological examination (HPE) finding was suggestive of fungal infection. The formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue was sent for molecular testing, which revealed Cryptococcus neoformans. This report emphasises on the advantages and limitations of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as an alternative method to confirm the diagnosis in cases of culture-negative fungal infection.