The objectives of the research are to identify the noise sources and noise level exposure inside C130H aircraft’s hangar; to produce noise mapping; to identify hearing status of C130H aircraft maintenance crews (MC); and suggesting the noise control measure that can be applied. A field survey on noise level by using a digital sound level meter and producing noise mapping. A hearing testing among 63 MC was carried out in Institute of Aviation Medicine, Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). Reviewing the literature and analyzing some control measures to be taken. Hearing test result shown 41.2% of the MC are having hearing impairment. The highest noise level at the central of the hangar is 92.2 dBA (day-time) and 94.2 dBA (night-time) when there is a C130H aircraft starting its engine at 50 meters from the central of the hangar, 95.3 dBA (day-time) and 97.3 dBA (night-time) when there is a C130H aircraft Engine Ground Run at 150 meters from the central of the hangar. Besides, Auxiliary Power Unit is producing the highest noise level which is 125.7 dBA (day-time) and 127.7 dBA (night-time). The application of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the very likely control measure to be taken while engineering control is very costly but can be considered. Since noise is recognized as a hazard, hearing protection as PPE will not be the ultimate solution as a control measure. Hence, the Engineering Control must be identified and studied to be implemented as an ultimate solution to control the noise hazard in long term duration.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a major concern nowadays because of the universality of exposure and its potential negative impact on human health especially on children. This study is intended to explore the association between IAQ and the respiratory health among preschool children in urban and suburban area. A cross-sectional comparative study was carried out among Malay preschool children in urban (N= 60, Puchong) and suburban (N=60, Hulu Langat) areas. An indoor air quality assessment was conducted in 12 preschools and 60 houses which include parameters of PM2.5, PM10, VOCs, mold, bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and physical parameters. A set of standardized questionnaire was distributed to obtain respondents’ background information, exposure history and respiratory health symptoms. Spirometry test was carried out and the data obtained were analyzed to determine the lung function of the respondents. There was a significant difference between IAQ in urban and suburban preschools for all parameters measured (p<0.05). Most of the pollutants were significantly associated with respiratory health symptoms. There was a significant association between the level of indoor pollutants with the lung function abnormalities among the respondents. Even though this study is the first to take Gram-negative bacteria as an indoor air pollutant, the finding also shows that there is a significant association between exposure of Gram-negative bacteria with lung function impairment and higher reported respiratory symptoms among the respondents. The finding concluded that exposures to indoor air pollutants, especially PM2.5 increases the risk of getting lung function abnormality and respiratory health symptoms among respondents.
The passing of The Occupational Safety Health Act and the subsequent release of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report had resulted a stronger sense of awareness towards workplace and patient safety in the Healthcare Industry. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended Interprofessional education as one of the preparative module in handling safety issues in the healthcare Industry.The aim of this paper was to evaluate the students’ knowledge, perception, attitude, interrelationship, inclusion, understanding and teamwork towards patient and workplace safety.The research was conducted by administering questionnaires to returning allied health students from their internship in the healthcare settings. The overall results indicated that 63.4% of the students Agreed, 18.3% Neutral, 17.9% Strongly Agreed and only 0.3% had Disagreed on the impact of Interprofessional education towards patient and workplace safety in the Healthcare Setting.Occupational Safety Health and Interprofessional Education are relatively new concepts in Malaysia and require a strong understanding before a strong concluding stand could be established. The researcher feels a more concurrent approach should be implemented to actually know the impact of Interprofessional education towards patient and workplace safety in the healthcare settings.
As Malaysia races towards a developed nation status, children are increasingly being ferried daily in vehicles almost exclusively as the majority of the population are able to afford private transportations. This paper reviews the current safety concerns for children whilst going in vehicles on Malaysian roads and the steps undertaken to address the need to enhance children’s safety whilst going in these vehicles and suggest possible remedial action to counter the possible lack of awareness for children’s safety whilst in these vehicles. This paper focuses on children on motorcycles and private vehicles (cars, vans and multi-purpose vehicle (MPV)) and excludes other form of transport (buses, lorries) as this paper tries to put forth measures that can be undertaken by the children’s parents and guardian to better enhance the safety of their children. A search was undertaken of all the major database of articles. Articles related to children’s safety systems, children related injuries, children related accident data, available laws and legislation were reviewed to present the need for greater awareness of children’s safety while going in vehicles in Malaysia. There are currently already safety legislations, measures, steps and equipments in place in ensuring the safety of children whilst going in vehicles on Malaysian roads. However, enforcement of laws in developing countries are not easy and we have to start at the root of the problem which is the parents and adults who ferry these children in vehicles. There is a pressing need to educate parents and adults alike on the urgent undertaking of child safety whilst in vehicles. Engineering countermeasures and intervention are probably needed to protect these vulnerable users. For vehicles, a device capable of providing some sort of protection to the child whilst riding pillion should be designed and developed. A legislation mandating the use of child seats whilst ensuring the child seats are affordable to the masses.
Solid waste collection has been a major challenge for local council Municipal workers in urban areas where the population is growing rapidly and the need for local councils to ensure they provide service to clear solid waste in a timely manner without disrupting the existing system. This case study is a review of awareness of health and safety among municipal workers on solid waste collection. The study is an examination of such awareness in Malaysia which involves the Petaling Jaya City Council in the state of Selangor. We review the operating system of the Petaling Jaya City Council and the risks which are being exposed to the municipal workers in their daily operations. Health and Safety of municipal workers in the areas of public health, safety, and industrial hygiene has been a concern for a long time. In most cases the majority of municipal workers exposed are from the contractual aspect of outsourced labour. It is important to understand how large the area of a solid waste is and to identify, evaluate, and eliminate or control risks and hazards across the operation zone of the municipal workers which involves environmental and occupational demands. The data we find provides the latest perspectives on topics of widespread concern such contractors management, ergonomic safety, confined space, motor vehicle safety, machinery safety, fall hazard safety, electrical safety and emergency response. Management of legal requirements is also discovered to be important to ensure any organization conducting business is not in violation of any law, and if there is a change of process how is this being addressed. Finally, we look at the control measures needed to support a operation on a large scale where it will not endanger the health and safety of municipal workers when they are involved in solid waste management. The recommendation we have based on the review are to ensure there is a holistic approach and systems in place to address all the concerns that will be faced by the local municipal council in their daily operations and responsibilities at every level of the organization. Conclusion: Research material and data related to this area is limited and we hope future holistic research can be conducted to future enhance the study of health and safety effecting the municipal workers. Health and Safety management system and procedures are the key elements in ensuring a successful organization.
MeSH terms: Cities; Malaysia; Public Health; Occupational Health; Safety Management; Waste Management; Motor Vehicles; Confined Spaces; Solid Waste
Background: Benzene is primarily routed by inhalation which highly sensitive to blood parameters as bone marrow is their target organ. The ability of benzene even in low exposure levels may induce human bone marrow suppression resulting in blood diseases such as leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia, and pancytopenia. In the occupational setting, the most common benzene-exposed workers are from the petrochemical industries and petrol distribution such as gasoline pumps. Benzene also generated primarily by mobile exhaust and some from various of anthropogenic sources at environmental atmosphere and occupationally exposed in the policemen traffic, taxi and bus drivers, and street vendors in long-length time with low concentration exposure. Methodology: This paper reviewed published articles on biomarkers exposure, effects and susceptibility as the useful tools for benzene exposure assessment in the occupational and environmental setting. Data from previous epidemiological studies relevant to benzene exposure in various occupational and environmental setting is also summarized. Results: Based on these analyses, the findings agreed that these biomarkers are could suggest in linking the benzene exposure with possible adverse health effects. The biological monitoring used in epidemiological studies is useful in providing an understanding of activation and detoxification of benzene in both the occupational and general population as they are exposed to wide range of benzene concentration. Conclusion. The biomarkers of exposure, effects, and susceptibility utilized for benzene exposure assessment are valid tools in determining the greatest potential risk as well as an early biological effect which then caused a related specific disease.
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with of Premature Ejaculation &Erectile Dysfunctionamong Malaysian men.A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban and rural areas using standardized and validated self-administeredquestionnaires.A total of 319 samples were recruited for PE screening. The overall prevalence of PE was 31.7% with 20.7% and 40.8% for urban and rural arearespectively. Depression, anxiety and frequent masturbation were significantly associated with PE. While For ED, infrequent sexual intercourse was the sole factor significantly associated with ED.PE and ED were highly prevalent in both urban and rural areas; with several significant preventable associated factors.
Dengue fever is the most common vector-borne disease and major concern issues in Malaysia. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate factors influencing knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding dengue fever among patients in Hospital Taiping. A total of 300 patients were incorporated into a descriptive, public based cross-sectional study. The questionnaires were formulated to include several questions on demographic data, knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning dengue fever. Most of the respondents were from the age group of more than 35 (43.3%). The largest representations of the participants were Malay (59.3%), married (65.7%), SPM is the highest education level (53.3%), and 60.7% of the participants were conscious about dengue fever eruption. Television/radio was voted as the frequent source of information (97.3%). There is no significant relationship between knowledge score and socio-demographic factors. However, around 57.0% of the respondents believe that abdominal pain is not a symptom of dengue fever and 32% convinced that blood transfusion can transmit dengue. No significant correlation was found between attitude and practice score to socio-demographic characters. However, a good practice towards dengue fever is associated with good knowledge (65.4 %) nevertheless it did not influence their attitude. Moreover, the attitude seems to be poor regardless of knowledge level (44.0%). Therefore, more prevention practices to raise the awareness of population toward dengue fever such as health campaigns and health education in school level should be initiated. These activities will aid in fertilizing better attitude and prevention practice towards dengue fever and bring down its incidence in Malaysia.
MeSH terms: Attitude; Blood Transfusion; Cross-Sectional Studies; Demography; Dengue; Health Education; Health Promotion; Humans; Malaysia; Surveys and Questionnaires; Television; Abdominal Pain; Incidence; Population Groups
This paper investigates the antenatal care (ANC) services utilization in currently pregnant women during their visits to maternal and child health (MCH) clinics of rural (Kinabatangan) and urban (Sandakan), Sabah. A community clinic based, cross-sectional descriptive study was performed. In total, 800 currently pregnant women attending two MCH clinics, from April to September 2012, were participated using tested set questionnaires. Descriptive analysis was used for background characteristics and chi-square analysis was applied to identify the rural-urban differences among the variables.In both study areas, previous births delivered by skilled birth personnel were same. In pregnant women from rural, less income, more grand-multiparity, earlier antenatal care booking, more frequent post-natal care, more use of contraception compared to those in urban. In comparison, urban pregnant women had more anti-tetanus toxoid injection in their previous pregnancies, past history of antenatal care for at least four times, increase in household members. As this study found the differences in ANC services utilization at Rural and Urban, further study is needed to explore concrete reasons for above findings. By delivering services according to the needs of all clients, irrespective of their place of residence, it will improve ANC services utilization in both areas of Sabah and hence will improve more on existing health status of the Nation.
Study site: Klinik Kesihatan, Kinabatangan and Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
MeSH terms: Child Health; Ambulatory Care Facilities; Child; Contraception; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Status; Humans; Income; Malaysia; Maternal-Child Health Centers; Parity; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Surveys and Questionnaires; Rural Population; Tetanus Toxoid; Gravidity; Parturition
Maternal self-efficacy in breastfeeding is one of the potential modifiable factors which is consistently linked with positive breastfeeding outcomes. This study aimed to develop a Malay translation of the original English BSES-SF and to conduct a validity and reliability assessment on both antenatal and postnatal questionnaires among 101 pregnant women in their third trimester and 104 women on their first week postpartum. The Malay translation of the English BSES-SF was conducted by using back-to-back translation processes, followed by validity and reliability evaluation. The validated Malay version of the questionnaire BSES-SF was then administered on the respondents. The questionnaire comprised of socio-demographic, antenatal, and breastfeeding information. Furthermore, data on infant feeding method were collected via telephone call made to the respondents at four weeks postpartum. The Cronbach’s Alpha value for antenatal BSES-SF questionnaire was0.94, while the value for postnatal BSES-SF questionnaire was 0.95. The factor analysis identified a one-dimensional structure which able to explain 59.02% of the variance for antenatal questionnaire and 60.43% of the variance for postnatal questionnaire. In addition, high antenatal and postnatal breastfeeding self-efficacy scores were significantly associated with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding at four weeks postpartum. As a conclusion, Both Malay versions of the antenatal and postnatal BSES-SF questionnaires are valid and reliable tools to assess breastfeeding self-efficacy among Malaysian mothers.
Achieving smoking cessation is an arduous process, where smokers try different methods or approaches to achieve cessation. Quit smoking attempts play an important role in smoking cessation.Thus, this study was conducted to determine the factors associated with attempt-to-quit smoking among the currentsmokers in Sarawak.This cross-sectional study was conducted among adult smokers in Sarikei, Sarawak by face-to-face interview using an adapted and validated questionnaire. Non-probability sampling method was used to select the study place. An adult smoker was selected systematically from each selected household. A total of 482 smoker households were identified with a response rate of 92.3%. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS Version 22.0. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean (SD) age of the smokers was 36.3(13.3) years. However, the mean (SD) age of smoking initiation was 18.5(4.8) years. Majority of the smokers were male (91.5%), with the male to female ratio being 1:0.1. Mean (SD) score on The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence was 4.75(2.4), while motivation to quit smoking score was 3.04(1.0). Majority of the smokers (83.1%) hadever seen pictorial health warnings on cigarette packs. More than half of the smokers (54.8%) had ever tried to quit smoking. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that marital status, religion, ethnicity, pictorial health warnings on cigarette packs and motivation to quit smoking appeared to be the significant predictors of attempt-to-quit smoking (p<0.05). Understanding the attempts to quit smoking will assist inclinical expectations. Thus, a smoking cessation programme should be designed in line with these factors, to aid quit smoking attempts.
Hajj and ‘Umrah pilgrimage are a huge congregation performed by Muslims in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The pilgrimage causes overcrowding and congestion that can lead to a high risk of health problems, especially when pilgrims have health problems. The purpose of this study is to assess the reliability of EQ-5D as a measuring tool to capture the health status of the pilgrims. Data collection was done during Ramadhan’s ‘Umrah in 2014. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 300 self-administered questionnaires attached with the EQ-5D-5L questions were distributed to Malaysian ‘Umrah pilgrims in Makkah and willing to participate in the study. The outcomes from the questionnaires and EQ-5D-5L were systematically analysed by using the SPSS software. The response rate was 64%, involved female (53%) and male (47%) respondents with the mean age of 55 years old. Hypertension (21.5%) and diabetes (16.2%) were the commonest underlying health problems suffered by the respondents in this study. Based on the EQ-5D outcomes, 53.3% of the respondents had no problem in their movement. However, the mean of EQ-VAS (visual analogue scale) presented 83 out of 100 scaling point, which means they might have problems in their health status. In addition, this study revealed, respondents with underlying illnesses had difficulty in some dimensions in EQ-5D. Hypertension was identified as the commonest underlying disease amongst the pilgrims. A contradicted outcome from the objective and subjective measuring scales of EQ-5D and EQ-VAS respectively; presented its sensitivity of EuroQol as a measuring tool for the quality of life among pilgrims living within such congestion.
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sick building syndrome (SBS) and other factors contributing to probable mental health problems among university laboratory staffs. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 264 laboratory staffs in UPM. Data was collected using validated self-administrated questionnaires consists of Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and SBS. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. In total, about 28% of the participants reported having probable mental health problems. The prevalence of SBS was 31.4%. After controlling for confounders, the significant factors for probable mental health problems were job insecurity (AOR 2.33, 95% CI 0.212- 0.867), job demand (AOR 1.12, 95% CI 0.445-0.921), fatigue (AOR 0.94, 95% CI 0.162-1.425), drowsiness (AOR 0.75, 95% CI 1.023-4.647) and household income (AOR 0.339, 95% CI0.166-0.995).Results visibly showed that psychosocial factors and symptoms of SBS at their working environment contribute to probable mental health problems among laboratory staffs. The strongest predictors in this study were job insecurity. Hence, further assessment and preventive measures should be carried out to reduce the risk factors of probable mental health problems and to improve working environment among university laboratory staffs.
The purpose of this study was to determine aluminium (Al) concentrations in groundwater used for drinking and cooking and its related health risk among population of 28th Mile Orang Asli village in Jenderam Hilir, Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 100 respondents were recruited, comprising 51 (51.0 %) male and 49 (49.0 %) female residents. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine Al concentration, while the LAMOTTE TRACER ORP PockeTester was used to measure pH levels. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. Results showed that Al concentration ranged from 0.041 - 0.136 mg/L with a mean of 0.136 + SD 0.041 mg/L, hence the values obtained were below the standard value (0.2 mg/L). pH levels ranged from 3.82 to 5.84, with a mean of 4.163 + SD 0.411, which is acidic and below the range permitted by the health authorities. The acidic nature may have an impact on the Al concentration in the water. The Hazard Index (HI) was found to be less than 1, thus there was no health risk of Al exposure in drinking water for the respondents involved. The study area was considered safe from having health risk associated with Al exposure.
MeSH terms: Aluminum; Cooking; Female; Malaysia; Male; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk; Social Sciences; Spectrum Analysis; Mass Spectrometry; Groundwater; Drinking Water
This study aims to review existing studies on the relations between indoor dampness and mould in different public occupied buildings with the risk of adverse health effects among both children and adults. This study specifically focused on the dampness-related problems from countries with tropical climate. A systematic literature search of ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar and Wiley Online Library from 2000 through December 2015 was conducted. Furthermore, the reference lists of recent reviews and of relevant articles were identified in our search. Crosssectional, case-control, and cohort studies in children or adults were selected according to a priori criteria. The search yielded a total of 18 studies on damp buildings, dampness and mould in buildings and indoor mould. Dampness and mould exposure in buildings is a risk factors for respiratory symptoms, wheeze, cough, bronchitis, rhinitis, eczema and upper respiratory tract infection as well as general symptoms such as headache and tiredness. Evident strongly suggested increased asthma development and exacerbation of current or ever diagnosis of asthma in children. Based on the results of the review, indoor dampness and mould problems in buildings are associated with substantial and increases in prevalence of a variety of respiratory and asthma-related health outcomes.
Chemical industry is one of the important industries in the world. However, incidents happened due to the release of hazardous materials, toxic and poisonous chemicals in the chemical industries can cause fatal to human and destruction of the environment. Learning from the Bhopal disaster's experience, chemical industries have developed a program - Responsible Care, aiming to regain public trust through improving the environment, health and safety performances. Malaysia has adopted Responsible Care program since 1994 under the stewardship of the Chemical Industries Council of Malaysia (CICM). Six codes of management practices have been developed by the CICM, covering distribution, community awareness and emergency response, pollution prevention, process safety, employee health & safety and product stewardship. It has been more than 20 years since its inception. However, to date, there are only 125 companies have signed the pledge to adopt Responsible Care program. The CICM has also conducted several initiatives to encourage participation of chemical companies to adopt Responsible Care program in Malaysia. Therefore, it is the aim of this paper to review the current status of Responsible Care program in Malaysia and also deliberate the way forward of this program.
Chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with adverse effects. However, NSAIDs are among the most popular pain killers and easily available over the counter. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of NSAIDs use in Malaysian adults and among those with chronic diseases such as arthritis, kidney disease, hypertension, heart disease and asthma. It also examined the factors associated with NSAIDs use. Data from the National Health Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2011, a nation-wide survey was analysed. A total of 18231 respondents aged 18 years and above responded to this module. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the association between NSAIDs use and associated factors. The overall prevalence of NSAIDs use among Malaysian adults was 14.2% (95%CI 13.3-15.1). Of the respondents, 4.2% (95%CI 3.8-4.7) took NSAIDs once daily. NSAIDs use was highly associated with those who were ever-told to have arthritis (aOR: 3.03; 95%CI 2.60-3.52) and have difficulty of performing daily activities or work (aOR: 2.06; 95%CI 1.86-2.28). Those who were ever-told to have kidney disease (aOR: 2.36; 95%CI 1.74-3.20), ever-told to have asthma (aOR: 1.36; 95%CI 1.17-1.58), ever-told to have heart disease (aOR: 1.34; 95%CI 1.08-1.65), known hypertension (aOR: 1.22; 95%CI 1.08-1.37) also were associated with NSAIDs use. By socio-demographic profiles, NSAIDs use was positively associated with those who have government benefit scheme or private health insurance (aOR: 1.44; 95%CI 1.31-1.58), higher education level (aOR: 1.35; 95%CI 1.20-1.51), higher household income (aOR: 1.26; 95%CI 1.11-1.44, aOR: 1.12; 95%CI 1.02-1.24), currently working (aOR: 1.25; 95%CI 1.13-1.39) and female (aOR: 1.17; 95%CI 1.07-1.28). NSAIDs use was less likely among those aged 60 years and above (aOR: 0.83; 95% CI 0.72-0.97), Chinese (aOR: 0.41; 95% CI 0.36-0.47) and ‘Others’ ethnicity (aOR: 0.82; 95% CI 0.67-0.99) compared to Malay ethnicity. NSAIDs use is prevalent in Malaysian adults and associated with co-morbidities and higher socio-demographic status, thus appropriate awareness should be promoted and highlighted in the community.
Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2011)
As air travelling now becomes cheaper and available to almost all people of any walk of life, travelling across international borders is fast becoming a lifestyle of many. Having travel health service as part of health care services is important to address the issues of travel related illnesses among travellers. However, lacks of published guidelines pertaining to travel health service rendering many countries to overlook its importance. The aim of this paper is to review published literatures and authoritative websites on the components needed to develop guideline to establish travel health services. A systematic literature search was done using pre-specified keywords for literatures published between years 2000 – 2016. Literatures written in English and fully accessible were all included. No exclusion criteria was set before the search. Online authoritative websites pertaining to travel health were also referred. A total of six literatures ranging from expert opinion, review paper and original study, together with three authoritative websites related to travel health were reviewed. Among the important components needed to be considered for developing the guideline for establishing travel health services are to prioritise pre-travel health service, to set up specialised travel health clinic, to produce travel health/medicine specialist, to emphasize on continuous education and training of the practitioners and to apply multiagency and multidisciplinary approach with adequate fund for research in travel health. As a conclusion, policy makers should prioritise and select the most important components in developing guideline for travel health service.
The practice of diabetes self-care plays an important role in achieving and maintaining good glycaemic control. However, not all patients with insulin-treated diabetes engage in their self-care activities. There is some evidence that self-care practices in patients with insulin-treated diabetes can be understood and predicted by their health beliefs, although studies are often hampered by methodological weaknesses, and the fact that less is known about adults with insulin-treated diabetes in Malaysia. This study was conducted to examine whether health beliefs (as specified in the Health Belief Model: HBM) can predict self-care practices and glycaemic control in patients with insulin-treated diabetes in Malaysia. Longitudinal design with self-reported questionnaire measures was administered at baseline (Time 1:T1) and six months later (Time 2: T2). Participants were recruited from three endocrinology clinics in Malaysia. The measures included self-care practices (diet, insulin intake, exercise and self-blood glucose monitoring: SMBG), health beliefs and diabetes knowledge. Participants’ glycaemic control was examined based on their glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) results. Data analysis was performed at different points of the study times; T1, T1-T2 and T2. Diabetes knowledge and demographic data were controlled for in predictive statistical analyses. A total of 159 patients with insulin-treated diabetes (aged 18-40 years) completed the measures at T1. Of these, only 108 (67.9%) completed follow-up measures at T2. However, demographic characteristics were not significantly different between those who completed and dropped out of the study (p>0.05). The HBM was significantly predictive of diet self-care at T2, insulin intake practice at T1 and HbA1c at T1-T2 andT2. Of the HBM constructs, perceived benefits significantly predicted good dietary habits at T1 (OR 1.92) and T2 (OR .23) and adherence to insulin injection at T1 (OR 3.17) and T1-T2 (OR 2.68). With the exception of perceived severity, all other HBM constructs significantly predicted HbA1c [perceived susceptibility (β .169) at T1, perceived barriers (β -.206) and perceived benefits (β -.397) at T2 and cues to action (β -.233) at T1-T2]. Health beliefs predict self-care practices and glycaemic control in young to middle-aged adults with insulin-treated diabetes in Malaysia. Diabetes educators could use this knowledge in their efforts to improve diabetes self-care in this patient groupby modifying those beliefs through their diabetes education.
Study site: Endocrinology clinics, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Hospital Putrajaya, and Hospital Melaka, Malaysia
MeSH terms: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Hospitals, General; Hospitals, University; Humans; Insulin; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Malaysia; Self Care; Cohort Studies
Noncommunicable diseases are the number one killer globally and it could develop due to various risk factors. This cross-sectional study was aimed to identify these risk factors by assessing body mass index, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio and blood pressure and to find out the correlation between these risk factors, and cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity level. The study samples were 103 students from two universities in Negeri Sembilan state selected by the convenience sampling method. After ethical clearance, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form in English was used to assess the physical activity level. The cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by the Rockport one mile walk test and the other parameters were assessed following the standard protocols. The percentage of overweight (32.04%) and pre-hypertension (25.24%) were higher among students. 35.92% of students reported a low physical activity level and 46.6% having a lower fitness level (fair and poor). The physical activity level correlated with the cardiorespiratory fitness level (P<0.01). The body mass index (P<0.01) and systolic blood pressure (male P 0.05, female P<0.01) negatively correlated with the cardiorespiratory fitness level. Therefore, measures have to be taken to improve the physical activity level and cardiorespiratory fitness to lower the risk of overweight and high blood pressure among university students.
MeSH terms: Blood Pressure; Blood Pressure Determination; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Hypertension; Male; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Students; Universities; Exercise; Body Mass Index; Waist-Hip Ratio; Overweight; Waist Circumference; Prehypertension; Walk Test; Cardiorespiratory Fitness