Browse publications by year: 2014

Fulltext Removal of Heavy Metal Ions with Acid Activated Carbons Derived from Oil Palm and Coconut Shells

Rahman MM, Adil M, Yusof AM, Kamaruzzaman YB, Ansary RH

Materials (Basel), 2014 May 07;7(5):3634-3650.
PMID: 28788640 DOI: 10.3390/ma7053634

In this work, batch adsorption experiments were carried out to investigate the suitability of prepared acid activated carbons in removing heavy metal ions such as nickel(II), lead(II) and chromium(VI). Acid activated carbons were obtained from oil palm and coconut shells using phosphoric acid under similar activation process while the differences lie either in impregnation condition or in both pretreatment and impregnation conditions. Prepared activated carbons were modified by dispersing hydrated iron oxide. The adsorption equilibrium data for nickel(II) and lead(II) were obtained from adsorption by the prepared and commercial activated carbons. Langmuir and Freundlich models fit the data well. Prepared activated carbons showed higher adsorption capacity for nickel(II) and lead(II). The removal of chromium(VI) was studied by the prepared acid activated, modified and commercial activated carbons at different pH. The isotherms studies reveal that the prepared activated carbon performs better in low concentration region while the commercial ones in the high concentration region. Thus, a complete adsorption is expected in low concentration by the prepared activated carbon. The kinetics data for Ni(II), Pb(II) and Cr(VI) by the best selected activated carbon fitted very well to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.

MeSH terms: Adsorption; Charcoal; Chromium; Cocos; Ferric Compounds; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Ions; Kinetics; Lead; Nickel; Phosphoric Acids
Fulltext Comparing Triflate and Hexafluorophosphate Anions of Ionic Liquids in Polymer Electrolytes for Supercapacitor Applications

Liew CW, Ramesh S

Materials (Basel), 2014 May 21;7(5):4019-4033.
PMID: 28788662 DOI: 10.3390/ma7054019

Two different ionic liquid-based biopolymer electrolyte systems were prepared using a solution casting technique. Corn starch and lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆) were employed as polymer and salt, respectively. Additionally, two different counteranions of ionic liquids, viz. 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BmImPF₆) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate (also known as 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium triflate) (BmImTf) were used and studied in this present work. The maximum ionic conductivities of (1.47 ± 0.02) × 10(-4) and (3.21 ± 0.01) × 10(-4) S∙cm(-1) were achieved with adulteration of 50 wt% of BmImPF₆ and 80 wt% of BmImTf, respectively at ambient temperature. Activated carbon-based electrodes were prepared and used in supercapacitor fabrication. Supercapacitors were then assembled using the most conducting polymer electrolyte from each system. The electrochemical properties of the supercapacitors were then analyzed. The supercapacitor containing the triflate-based biopolymer electrolyte depicted a higher specific capacitance with a wider electrochemical stability window compared to that of the hexafluorophosphate system.

MeSH terms: Charcoal; Zea mays; Electrolytes; Imidazoles; Lithium; Mesylates; Polymers; Starch; Temperature; Electric Capacitance; Ionic Liquids
Fulltext Inhibition of Mild Steel Corrosion in Hydrochloric Acid Solution by New Coumarin

Kadhum AAH, Mohamad AB, Hammed LA, Al-Amiery AA, San NH, Musa AY

Materials (Basel), 2014 Jun 05;7(6):4335-4348.
PMID: 28788680 DOI: 10.3390/ma7064335

A new coumarin derivative, N,N'-((2E,2'E)-2,2'-(1,4-phenylenebis (methanylylidene))bis(hydrazinecarbonothioyl))bis(2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carboxamide) PMBH, was synthesized and its chemical structure was elucidated and confirmed using spectroscopic techniques (Infrared spectroscopy IR, Proton nuclear magnetic resonance, (1)H-NMR and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13)C-NMR). The corrosion inhibition effect of PMBH on mild steel in 1.0 M HCl was investigated using corrosion potential (ECORR), potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM) measurements. The obtained results indicated that PMBH has promising inhibitive effects on the corrosion of mild steel in 1.0 M HCl across all of the conditions examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the morphology of the mild steel before and after immersion in 1.0 M HCl solution containing 0.5 mM of PMBH. Surface analysis revealed improvement of corrosion resistance in presence of PMBH.

MeSH terms: Benzopyrans; Carbon Isotopes; Corrosion; Coumarins; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Protons; Steel; Dielectric Spectroscopy; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Fulltext Effect of Organo-Modified Nanoclay on the Thermal and Bulk Structural Properties of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-Epoxidized Natural Rubber Blends: Formation of Multi-Components Biobased Nanohybrids

Salehabadi A, Bakar MA, Bakar NHHA

Materials (Basel), 2014 Jun 13;7(6):4508-4523.
PMID: 28788689 DOI: 10.3390/ma7064508

Multi-component nanohybrids comprising of organo-modified montmorillonite (MMT) and immiscible biopolymer blends of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-50) were prepared by solvent casting technique. The one and three dimensional morphology of PHB/ENR-50/MMT systems were studied using Polarizing Optical Microscopy (POM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique was used to evaluate the thermal properties of the nanohybrids. The melting temperature (Tm) and enthalpy of melting (ΔHm) of PHB decrease with respect to the increase in ENR-50 as well as MMT content. The non-isothermal decomposition of the nanohybrids was studied using thermogravimetric (TG-DTG) analysis. FTIR-ATR spectra supported ring opening of the epoxide group via reaction with carboxyl group of PHB and amines of organic modifier. The reaction mechanism towards the formation of the nanohybrids is proposed.

MeSH terms: Amines; Bentonite; Biopolymers; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; Epoxy Compounds; Hydroxybutyrates; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Polyesters; Rubber; Solvents; Temperature; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid
Fulltext Knowledge on sexual and reproductive health among adolescents in a college at Seremban, Negeri Sembilan

Muhammad Firdaus Ujang, Rosnah Sutan

Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(2):500-509.
MyJurnal

Introduction Prevalence of adolescents involved in sexual and reproductive problems is on
rise and it was associated with its knowledge. Several factors found to be
associated with the knowledge and various sources of knowledge are chosen
by adolescents for this information. Thus, this study was to determine the
knowledge score, its influencing factors and the preference of the sources of
knowledge.

Methods A cross-sectional study was done using adopted questionnaire involving 330
respondents aged 18 and 19 years old in Kolej MARA Seremban selected by
simple random sampling. They were gathered in the halls and 338
adolescents from 454 students consented to involve in this study. Selfadministered
questionnaire was used whereby a correct response was given a
score of 2, 0 for an incorrect response and 1 for an answer of don’t know.
Total score for all correct answers was 42. Descriptive analysis, bivariate and
multivariate analysis was done in the analysis.

Results The mean knowledge score was 37.32 (±2.967) with a significant difference
for gender. Internets were the most common and preferred sources of the
knowledge among them. There was 5.2% of them had heard on SMS
intervention and 37.0% of them disagreed on SMS intervention.

Conclusions The result showed that the knowledge score was lower in males than females
and internets were the most preferred source of the knowledge. Thus,
interventions for knowledge improvement should be more on male
adolescents.
Fulltext Sleep duration pattern among workers in a tertiary institution

Azmawati Mohammed Nawi, Jonathan Lamit, Nor Farahana Razali, Ong, Li Chin, Naim Syahidah Zulkafli, Norfazilah Ahmad

Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(2):494-500.
MyJurnal

Introduction Sleep has played a very important role in maintaining our health with good
living quality therefore the aim of this study is to determine the pattern of
sleep duration, especially short sleep and its associated factors among
workers in a tertiary institution.
Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from January until May 2012 among
128 randomly selected Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre
(UKMMC) staffs. Data was collected using a guided standardized data sheet
which consist of three sections; (1):sociodemographic &socioeconomic, (2):
lifestyle and, (3): anthropometric measurement and sleep diary. Data entry
and analysis were done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
version 20.0.
Results Majority of the staffs had normal sleep duration (67.2%) followed by short
sleep duration (26.6%) and long sleep duration (6.3%). Simple logistic
regression analysis indicated that late night snacking was significantly related
to short sleep (cOR=3.47, 95% CI: 1.12, 12.23, p=0.048).
Conclusions Adequate sleep is important to maintain one’s health. Steps can be taken to
limit late night snacking in order to improve the sleep pattern in this study
population.
Fulltext The impact of maternal factors on neonatal mortality among low birth weight in Aceh Province, Indonesia

Satrinawati, Rosnah Sutan

Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(2):472-479.
MyJurnal

Introduction The health of newborns is inextricably linked to that of their mothers. Some
maternal factors can influence neonatal survival, particularly for low birth
weight babies who are more vulnerable to diseases than normal weight
babies. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of maternal factors on
neonatal mortality among low birth weight babies in Aceh Province,
Indonesia.

Methods Study design was unmatched case control. Data collected from 2010 to 2012
in 8 districts in Aceh province, Indonesia. Total sample was 500, divided into
250 LBW who died in neonatal period (case group) and 250 who did not die
in neonatal period (control group). There were 6 maternal variables analysed.

Results Three of six variables analysed were not associated with neonatal mortality
among LBW (P > 0.05); these were: maternal death, parity and education
level. The age of the mother had a significant association with neonatal
mortality among LBW (P < 0.05), but was not a determinant factor. The
maternal illness and birth interval were determinant factors of neonatal
mortality among LBW(P < 0.05); maternal illness (Adj OR= 2.6; 95 % CI:
1.68 - 4.0) and birth interval (Adj OR= 1.8; 95 % CI: 1.20 - 2.91).

Conclusions Maternal illness and birth interval were determinant factors of neonatal
mortality among LBW. Appropriate care throughout stages of pregnancy and
increasing women’s knowledge on high risk pregnancy are the key factors to
the decrease of the neonatal mortality related to the maternal factors.
Fulltext Association of diet practice and glycaemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending primary care clinic in Kuala Lumpur

Ismail H, Aris T, Ambak R, Lim KK

Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(2):465-471.
MyJurnal

Introduction Healthy dietary practice is important in preventing diabetes, managing existing diabetes, and preventing, or at least slowing the rate of diabetes complication development. It is, therefore, important at all levels of diabetes prevention. The objective of this study was to determine the association of dietary practice with glycaemic control among Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, who received treatment from an urban Health Clinic in Kuala Lumpur.
Methods A total of 307 patients with T2DM aged 18 years and above participated in this study. A pre-tested structured questionnaire with guided interview was used to collect information on socio-demographic, clinical and dietary practice. Anthropometric and biological measurements were also taken. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square were used in the data analysis. Good glycaemic control was defined as HbA1c level less than 6.5%.
Results The prevalence of good glycaemic control was only 27% (n=83). The highest percentage of good glycaemic control were among male patients (29.1%), aged 60 and above (33.3%), educational level of primary school (35.4%) and those with monthly income group between RM1001 to RM1500 (32.0%). About three quarter of T2DM patient (n=224) had poor control of HbA1c (≥6.5%). Age (p=0.045) and working status (p=0.039) had significant relationship with the level of HbA1c. Dietary practice showed no significant relationship with the HbA1c level.
Conclusions Effective interventional health education strategies are needed, focussing on modification of dietary behaviour in order to achieve glycaemic control among diabetic patients.
Study site: Klinik Kesihatan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

MeSH terms: Adult; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diet; Humans; Malaysia
Fulltext Work engagement among breast cancer survivors: are they less engaged in their work?

Zoharah Omar, Roohangiz Karimi, Nor Azida Nayan, Najwa Haneem Mohamad, Nor Aina Emran

Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(2):457-464.
MyJurnal

Introduction This study investigates work engagement of employed breast cancer
survivors in comparison to unmatched control samples of healthy working
women without cancer and any other chronic diseases from the general
population.

Methods A case-control study design using unmatched controls was adopted in this
study. The case comprised of 80 female breast cancer survivors who have
returned to full-time employment selected using purposive sampling
technique. Meanwhile, controls were 88 healthy female working women in
full time paid employment, selected using quota sampling. Questionnaire
covering socio-demographic characteristics and self-rated work engagement
measured using Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) was distributed to
the cancer survivors through face-to-face meeting during their hospital visits.
For the healthy controls the questionnaires were distributed using drop-andcollect
method through the human resource personnel of the participating
organization.

Results The results revealed, after controlling for age, marital status, ethnic group and
tenure with organization, no significant differences in the overall work
engagement was found between the breast cancer survivors [mean (SD) =
4.66 (0.92)] and the healthy controls [mean (SD) = 4.75 (0.85)]; F(1, 163)
=1.70. In comparison to the work engagement domains, only the Vigor
domain was found to be significantly lower for the survivors, survivors [F (1,
163) =14.94; p

MeSH terms: Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Chronic Disease; Employment; Ethnic Groups; Female; Humans; Surveys and Questionnaires; Women, Working; Case-Control Studies; Marital Status; Survivors
Fulltext Food label reading and understanding among obese adults: a population study in Malaysia

Rashidah Ambak, Balkish Mahadir Naidu, Mohd Azahadi Omar, Nor Azian Mohd Zaki, Syafinaz Mohd Sallehuddin, Tahir Aris

Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(2):449-456.
MyJurnal

Introduction Food labeling regulation has been implemented to enable consumers, including those with chronic diseases to make healthy informed choices before purchasing pre-packaged foods. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of obese adults in Malaysia who practice reading food labels. It explored types of labels read and understanding of the information.
Methods Findings presented in this study were captured from the secondary analysis of National Health and Morbidity Survey’s (NHMS, 2006) food label study which focused only on obese adults (BMI > 30 kg/m2) aged 18 and above. This nation-wide cross sectional study was conducted from April to August 2006 using an interview-based questionnaire. Complex data analysis was done using Stata version 12.0.
Results There were 4565 obese respondents with the mean age of 33 ± 9.7 (18-60 years old). About 54.7% completed high-school and 9.9% were higher degree
holders. Prevalence of obese adults who claimed to read label was 80.5% (95%CI: 79.3, 81.6). Findings showed significant results in reading and understanding labels among all age group categories, Malay, Indian and other Bumiputras, all education categories and married respondents. Expiry date was the highest percentage being read (74.5%), followed by fat content (15.3%), vitamin (11.8%) and carbohydrate (10.9%).
Conclusions The obese population in Malaysia claimed to read and understand the food label but did not focus on specific macronutrients related to their health
condition. Findings can be used to implement effective education programmes targeting the relevant groups to instill an awareness to read, understand and use the label information as one of the means in combating obesity.
Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2006)

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Carbohydrates; Chronic Disease; Consumer Behavior; Cross-Sectional Studies; Educational Status; Food Labeling; Humans; Malaysia; Obesity; Surveys and Questionnaires; Reading; Schools; Vitamins; Body Mass Index; Prevalence; Comprehension; Young Adult
Fulltext Developing a strategy for cardiovascular disease: surveillance, prevention and healthcare

William Cairns Steward Smith

Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(1):425-430.
MyJurnal

Introduction Cardiovascular diseases are a major component of non-communicable
diseases and include coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular
disease. Public health strategies to address cardiovascular disease require
three elements: surveillance, health promotion, and individual health care.

Methods Surveillance includes monitoring of mortality and morbidity as well as
surveys to monitor risk factors levels in the community. Data on mortality
from cardiovascular diseases are readily available and analysed by age and
sex specific rates looking are secular trends, geographical and ethnical group
variations and international comparisons. However many deaths from
cardiovascular disease occur suddenly and the cause of death may be
registered without autopsy or any other validation. Cardiovascular morbidity
information is more difficult to collate and interpret as it is closely related to
availability and access to health care. Periodic surveys of cardiovascular risk
factors are essential in monitoring the underlying trends in blood pressure,
smoking, cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes as they predict future trends, and
support planning for prevention and healthcare.

Results Prevention and health promotion activities are informed by the levels and
trends in cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. There has been debate
about population health promotion and individual health care strategies, but
both are necessary. Cigarette smoking, nutrition and physical exercise are the
main behaviours to be addressed but these are complex and require
multifaceted approaches. Education alone is insufficient to change health
behaviours and health promotion needs to look to changing attitudes.
Legislation, taxation and other fiscal interventions have been shown to be
effective however these can be difficult for legislators as there are other
competing interests, particularly in the area of nutrition and tobacco. Creating
health promoting environments that make healthy behaviour choices easier
can be beneficial.

Conclusions Health care interventions are also effective in reducing the burden of
cardiovascular disease. A balanced approach of health promotion and
individual health care is recommended in the development of a strategy for
cardiovascular disease.

MeSH terms: Attitude; Autopsy; Blood Pressure; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cause of Death; Cholesterol; Coronary Disease; Diabetes Mellitus; Female; Health Promotion; Health Services Accessibility; Male; Obesity; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Smoking; Taxes; Tobacco; Exercise; Stroke
Fulltext Iodine deficiency disorder and goitre among school children in Sarawak - a nationwide study

Lim, Kuang Kuay, Chan, Ying Ying, Ahmad Ali Zainuddin, Teh, Chien Huey, Hasimah Ismail, Lim, Kuang Hock, et al.

Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(1):419-424.
MyJurnal

Introduction Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), is one of the most important micronutrient
deficiencies which has multiple adverse effects on growth and development.
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IDD among school
children and to elucidate the distribution of iodized salt at household level in
Sarawak, East Malaysia.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among school children aged 8 to 10
years in 2008. A multi-stage probability proportionate to population size
(PPS) cluster sampling method was used to obtain a representative state
sample of 1200 school children. Spot urine samples were collected for the
determination of urinary iodine concentration while the iodine content in salt
was determined using field rapid test kits. The thyroid status was determined
by palpation.

Results Response rate was 92.0% (n=1104/1200). The prevalence of goitre among
school children in Sarawak was 2.9% (5.2% in urban, 0.7% in rural). The
median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) among the school children was
102.1 μg/L (IQR, 62.3-146.5 μg/L). Urban children had significantly higher
median UIC of 109.3 μg/L (IQR, 72.4-159.0 μg/L) than their rural
counterparts [91.9 μg/L (IQR, 55.7-140.2 μg/L)]. The salt samples tested by
rapid test kit (RTK) showed only 46.0% of household salt contained iodine.

Conclusions The present study revealed that the population in Sarawak were of borderline
iodine sufficient with mild IDD seen in rural areas. Hence, the state IDD
control programmes need to encourage and advocate the consumption of
iodized salt in order to eliminate IDD-related health problems in Sarawak.
Fulltext Personal and psychosocial risk factor for low back pain among automotive manual handling workers in Selangor, Malaysia

Noor Sazarina Mad Isa @ Yahya, Baba Md Deros, Ahmad Rasdan Ismail, Mazrura Sahani

Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(1):412-418.
MyJurnal

Introduction It is well known that low back pain among working population is a global
problem throughout the world. However, the current situation of occupational
low back pain in Malaysia is still vague due to limited number of studies
conducted locally.

Objective A cross sectional study was conducted among three automotive industry
workers in Selangor, Malaysia from October 2010 to April 2011.
Methods This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors of low back pain
among automotive industry workers performing manual material handling
tasks using self-administered questionnaire survey.

Results A modified Standardised Nordic Questionnaire was used to assess low back
pain problem, to obtain personal and psychosocial risk factors information.
The prevalence of low back pain showed increment in the point prevalence of
57.9%, 49.5%, and 35.1 % for 12 months, one month, and of 7 days
respectively. Working hour, frequency of overtime, stress at work, work
pace, and faster movement were found to be significantly associated with the
12 months prevalence for low back pain.

Conclusions This finding indicates that psychosocial risk factors are associated to the
occurrence of low back pain.

MeSH terms: Back; Cross-Sectional Studies; Malaysia; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Prevalence; Low Back Pain
Fulltext Bone health status among thalassemia children

Yeo PS, Shahar S, Rajikan R, Mohd Yusoff NA

Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4St(1):399-404.
MyJurnal

Introduction Low bone mineral density is a significant problem in children with Thalassemia which may lead to increased risk for fragility fractures and suboptimal peak bone mass. This cross-sectional study was conducted to
determine the bone health status of Thalassemia children Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre and Paediatrics Insititute Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
Methods A total of 81 respondents diagnosed with transfusion dependant beta Thalassemia (41 boys and 40 girls) aged between 7 to 19 years old completed the study. The data collected were demographic information, anthropometric measurements, dairy frequency questionnaires, dietary habits of the respondents and their parents, dietary intakes and bone densitometry using Ultrasound Bone Densitometer.
Results For Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) parameters, T-score of 9.8% participants were lower than -1.0 and 30.9% of the participants had lower Speed of Sound (SOS) than healthy SOS. This study showed there was no difference in bone density by sex (p>0.05). The median bone density of boys was 1616.00 m/sec (IQR= 39.00) and girls’ was 1579.00 m/ sec (IQR= 116.00). SOS was not increased with age, height and weight; but girls’ Body Mass Index (BMI). Malay children had significantly higher SOS than non-Malay children.
Conclusions This study highlights a need of proper intervention for the high risk group to achieve optimal bone health.
Study site: inpatient or outpatient, Institut Pediatrik (Hospital Kuala Lumpur), Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

MeSH terms: Adolescent; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Hospitals, Pediatric; Hospitals, University; Humans; Malaysia; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Thalassemia*; Bone Density*; Young Adult
Fulltext Promoting Malaysians to spend on health: what it takes to encourage Malaysians to spend on health promotion?

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)

MeSH terms: Adult; Attention; Cross-Sectional Studies; Educational Status; Ethnic Groups; Health Expenditures; Government; Health Education; Health Policy; Health Promotion; Humans; Income; Malaysia; Male; Morbidity; Surveys and Questionnaires; Single Person; Unemployment; Marital Status; Dietary Supplements
Fulltext Informed consent in clinical trials with reference to information disclosure to patient-subjects

Yuhanif Yusof, Anisah Che Ngah, Zaki Morad Mohamad Zaher

Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(1):384-390.
MyJurnal

Introduction The aim of this study was to examine the aspect of information disclosure by doctor-investigator during the process of obtaining informed consent in clinical trials.
Methods This research employed a mixed-method data collection that is library research and interview. A qualitative methodology and analysis were used in an open-ended, face-to-face interviews with 17 patient-subjects. The interview questions were based on information that needed to be disclosed to patient-subjects during the process of obtaining informed consent. Each interview took place in Kajang Hospital and National Heart Institute and lasted 25-30 minutes. Interviews were conducted in Bahasa Melayu and English. The interviews were tape-recorded, and the main points from the interviews were jotted down to ensure that all information was adequately gathered. Interviewed occurred in Kajang Hospital and National Heart Institute. The participants were patients who had been referred to the Kajang Hospital and National Heart Institute. They were recruited (8 from Kajang Hospital and 9 from National Heart Institute) by their own doctors to participate in a study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the investigational stent after been diagnosed with coronary artery disease and also in a study to investigate drug for antidepressant. respectively.
Results The study revealed that doctor-investigators fail to disclose full information to patient-subjects. Instead, doctor-investigators only disclosed information which they thought were necessary for the patient-subjects to know. The study also showed that there were doctor-investigators who did not disclose information at all to the patient-subjects.
Conclusions This study implies that the aspect of information disclosure in the process of obtaining informed consent in clinical trials is rather poor and did not fulfill the criterion of good medical practice. A random monitoring task to be conducted by the research ethics commitees during the informed consent process is suggested.

MeSH terms: Antidepressive Agents; Coronary Artery Disease; Humans; Informed Consent; Libraries; Research; Research Personnel; Stents; Disclosure; Ethics, Research
Fulltext Lifestyle practices and its influence on quality of life among breast cancer survivors

Najwa Haneem Mohamad, Zoharah Omar, Nor Aina Emran

Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(1):376-383.
MyJurnal

Introduction Breast cancer is ranked number one from the ten most frequent cancers in
female, Peninsular Malaysia. Various studies provide negative evidence on
malignancies and one of the end results is impaired quality of life (QOL).
Studies show lifestyle approaches are key factors in enhancing the QOL
among cancer survivors. The purpose of this study is to describe the lifestyle
practices (LP) among breast cancer survivors (BCS) which consist of dietary
intake, exercise habits, and stress management and to determine whether
these practices have influence on the QOL among Malaysian BCS.

Methods This study adopts a cross-sectional study design using a self-administered
questionnaire. A total of 280 BCS from public and private hospitals
throughout Peninsular Malaysia had participated. The questionnaire covers
QOL and LP items which consist of dietary intake (consumption of high-fat
food, high-fibre food, fruits and vegetables), exercise habits, and stress
management. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were used to
determine the relationship between LP and QOL.

Results Mean age of the study sample was at 41 (SD=7.37). Majority of them were
Malay (74%), 53% were diagnosed with breast cancer between 1 to 2 years
whereas 54% were presented with stage 2 at diagnosis. There was a
statistically significant difference (p

MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Breast Neoplasms; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Fruit; Habits; Life Style; Malaysia; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vegetables; Exercise; Hospitals, Private; Survivors
Quality appraisal of acne clinical practice guidelines, 2008-2013

Kawala C, Fernando D, Tan JK

J Cutan Med Surg, 2014 Nov;18(6):385-91.
PMID: 25348759

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a common chronic disease, and evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) can provide credible treatment information.
METHOD: A literature search for acne CPGs published between January 2008 and September 2013 was conducted. Two reviewers independently applied the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument. METHODological quality was evaluated by ranking in AGREE II domains and the highest number of items scoring above the neutral threshold score.
RESULTS: Four CPGs fulfilled the selection criteria, and the highest ranked were the European and Malaysian. Highest scores achieved by the former were for scope/purpose, stakeholder involvement, and rigor of development and by the latter were for scope/purpose, clarity of presentation, and applicability. Applicability was the lowest scoring of all domains for all CPGs.
CONCLUSION: European and Malaysian acne CPGs were ranked highest for methodological quality and may serve to inform clinical practice and guideline adaptation.

MeSH terms: Acne Vulgaris/therapy*; Europe; Great Britain; Humans; Malaysia; Societies, Medical; United States; Practice Guidelines as Topic/standards*; Evidence-Based Medicine
Fulltext Current knowledge on alleviating Helicobacter pylori infections through the use of some commonly known natural products: bench to bedside

Murali MR, Naveen SV, Son CG, Raghavendran HRB

Integr Med Res, 2014 Sep;3(3):111-118.
PMID: 28664086 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2014.04.001

Helicobacter pylori, a spiral-shaped Gram-negative bacterium, has been classified as a class I carcinogen by the World Health Organization and recognized as the causative agent for peptic ulcers, duodenal ulcer, gastritis, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas, and gastric cancer. Owing to their alarming rate of drug resistance, eradication of H. pylori remains a global challenge. Triple therapy consisting of a proton pump inhibitor, clarithromycin, and either amoxicillin or metronidazole, is generally the recommended standard for the treatment of H. pylori infection. Complementary and alternative medicines have a long history in the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments and various compounds has been tested for anti-H. pylori activity both in vitro and in vivo; however, their successful use in human clinical trials is sporadic. Hence, the aim of this review is to analyze the role of some well-known natural products that have been tested in clinical trials in preventing, altering, or treating H. pylori infections. Whereas some in vitro and in vivo studies in the literature have demonstrated the successful use of a few potential natural products for the treatment of H. pylori-related infections, others indicate a need to consider natural products, with or without triple therapy, as a useful alternative in treating H. pylori-related infections. Thus, the reported mechanisms include killing of H. pylori urease inhibition, induction of bacterial cell damage, and immunomodulatory effect on the host immune system. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the successful use of some potential natural products for the treatment of H. pylori-related infections. Nevertheless, the routine prescription of potential complementary and alternative medicines continues to be restrained, and evidence on the safety and efficacy of the active compounds remains a subject of ongoing debate.
Fulltext How to determine heterogeneity using image logs

R. Junin, M. Alizadeh, Z. Movahed, R. Mohsind, M. Alizadeh, M. Alizadeh

Journal of Advanced Research Design, 2014;3(1):22-32.
MyJurnal

This work will explain the processes that follow a reservoir heterogeneity analysis that is
conducted using image logs. The data for this work comprises of image logs of tree wells, which are
obtained from Gachsaran field. The main formations under study in this work are the Asmari
formation, Pabdeh formation and Gurpi formation. This work will explain the process through a
number of valuable log interpretation examples.

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