Since 1996, World Health Organisation (WHO) and member countries, through the World Health Assembly Resolution 49.25 acknowledged violence (including violence against women) (VAW) as a serious public health issue. The United Nations, at its Sixty-second General Assembly on 7 February 2008 not only reiterated the health impact of VAW but also the rights dimension of VAW and sees it “…as an offence against the dignity and integrity of the victim… and that all forms of violence against women seriously violate and impair or nullify the enjoyment of women of all human rights and fundamental freedoms and constitute a major impediment to the ability of women to make use of their capabilitiesâ€.
MeSH terms: Female; Freedom; Humans; Human Rights; Public Health; United Nations; Violence; World Health Organization
PHC services particularly the ambulance call is traditionally a hospital-based system. Within the Kota Kinabalu area, there are 3 tertiary hospitals that provide the ambulance call service; and also provide the interfacility transfer, disaster management and medical team standby. How about the health clinics? Health clinics play a major role for primary healthcare and the interfacility transfer of patient from the health clinics to the hospital.
MeSH terms: Ambulances; Disasters; Humans; Primary Health Care; Tertiary Care Centers
Since the 1970s, people’s understanding of life has gradually deepened into the basic material nucleic acid and protein levels of life. The life sciences have entered the era of “molecules†and produced a large number of new and interdisciplinary subjects. An important direction has had a major and profound impact on the development of epidemiology itself and on disease control.
Schools provide an efficient and effective way to reach large numbers of people. In 2013, over 90% children of primary school age and over 80% children of lower secondary school age were enrolled in schools globally. Behaviours and habits are developed in early childhood. The effective way to prevent non-communicable disease (NCD) is from early education as primary prevention. This platform had been in the system since early millennium but the NCD risk factor is still increasing.
The population of Malaysia is estimated in 2018 to be around 32.04 million and 23.5% of the population resides in rural areas. The Ministry of Health has provided healthcare services to the rural areas with the access of modern healthcare facilities based on the two-tier healthcare system. In remote areas, mobile health clinic is the extension of healthcare service by the nearest static health clinic. However, most of the remote areas only covered by a community clinic or Klinik Desa which is limited for mother and child healthcare. There is demand from the people in remote areas for static health clinic or Klinik Kesihatan. Objectives: This study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness between two health services in remote areas applied in Sabah. This study also determines which type of health services that able to worth the service to people in remote areas. Methods: This is a descriptive study. Data was taken from HMIS report (Per PL 206) under Sabah State Health Department. The data analysed by using Microsoft Excel. Results: This study was conducted based from the data obtained in 2015 till 2017 for the number of patients attended to static health clinics and mobile health clinics on selected remote areas. For example, Jambongan Health Clinic only have an average of 10 – 15 patients per day while the Mobile Health Clinic team under Beluran Health District which covers the adjacent remote areas of Jambongan Island have more than 20 patients per day on a single visit. Another example is from Terian Health Clinic in Penampang, which only have an average of 5 – 10 patients per day. However, on the mobile health team on a single visit to the village next to Terian which is Kg. Buayan, the average patients attended for the service is mo re than 20 patients. Conclusion: From the study, it was noted that people in remote areas prefer the mobile health service to visit their villages. This can be due to financial issue and limitation of transportation service to the nearest static clinic. The density of population and the development of the rural areas play important roles for the healthcare service to be effective in remote areas.
MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities; Child; Delivery of Health Care; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Mobile Health Units; Mothers; Telemedicine; Islands
Melioidosis an infectious disease caused by gram-negative bacteria, Burkholderia pseudomallei is highly endemic in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and parts of northern Australia. The district of Tuaran which is located on the west coast of Sabah had reported an increasing trend of Melioidosis cases where in 2017, a total of 19 cases were reported, more than doubling the number of cases reported the prior year (7 cases).
Community and nosocomial-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in Malaysian healthcare setting are terrifically increasing in recent years. There is an urgent need for an effective antibacterial agent to cope with this important issue. Due to the development of new antibiotics is not parallel with the increase of cases of infections, researchers have initiated isolation of compounds from natural resources to develop new potent therapeutic agent. Meanwhile, Ganoderma boninense is an oil palm devastating pathogen, which has been known to contain many bioactive compounds that might be potential to be developed as a new source of therapeutic agent.
Visual therapy or eye exercise, which is widely used in behavioral optometry, has been
successfully helping some visual disorders, especially binocular vision problem. In Bates System of Eye Exercise, it is claimed that eye exercise can restore vision with refractive error by completely relaxing the eyes. One of the ways to relax the eyes is by wearing the pinhole glasses as the pinhole placed before the eyes will help to relax accommodation and temporarily improving vision by reducing the size of blur circle. Pinhole glasses have been marketed as a visual therapy device, with the claim that continuous use of these glasses will improve refractive error. Although only anecdotal evidences have been provided on the efficacy of this product, the society are still interested to use the pinhole glasses and believe that their vision could be improved by simply wearing this device. Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the refractive error of
myopic participants before and after wearing the pinhole glasses for 3 weeks. Methodology: Fifteen
participants were recruited in this study and all of the participants wore the pinhole glasses while performing near works for 20 minutes/day, anytime from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. everyday for 3 weeks. Results: The refractive error before and after the intervention was then being compared and the results showed that there was no significant difference in refractive error of both right (p= 0.08) and left eyes (p= 0.09) of myopic participants before and after wearing the pinhole glasses. Conclusion: Our results suggest that pinhole glasses did not improve the refractive error of myopic participants.
The ability for us to see is actually due to the reflection of light that serves as a proof of the greatest creations of our Creator as stated in the Holy Quran, “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the Earth” (24:35). There are limited references specifically focusing on Revelations related to visual function. Thus, this study aims to provide a compilation of Quranic verses (Juz 1 to 15) and hadiths of Sahih Al-Bukhari related to visual function supported by scientifically proven facts. This may invite readers to reflect upon the wonders of creations by Allah mentioned in these Revelations that lead to the discovery of our modern science. A website named“Search Truth” on http://www.searchtruth.com/ was used as a tool to ease the finding of the Quranic verses and hadiths that are related to visual function by searching for the keywords “eye/eyes”, “see”, “light”, “sight” and “vision” in the search boxes provided in the website. The translations of Revelations containing those keywords were verified and related to visual function supported by scientifically proven facts from other reading materials. Twenty-eight Quranic verses and 57 hadiths of Sahih Al-Bukhari can be related to visual function supported by scientifically proven facts. Twelve Quranic verses that have the word “eye/eyes”, 7 verses with the word “light”, 2 verses with the word “see”, 6 verses with the word "sight” and 1 verse with the word “vision” can be related to visual function. As for hadiths, 49 hadiths have the word “eye/eyes”, 3 with the word “light”, 1 with the word “see”, 2 with the word “sight” and 2 with the word “vision” in their translations can also be related to
visual function. Some of the Quranic verses and hadiths are related to anatomy, physiology and
pathophysiology of the eyes, treatments for eye diseases, and other interesting findings.
It has been reported that diabetics are more likely to develop tear film dysfunction compared to non-diabetics. Even so, there has been very little research reported on the correlation between blood glucose level and quality of tears. Objective: The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of blood glucose level on TBUT among young adults with diabetes. Methods: A cross-sectional study consisting of 37 diabetic patients within the age range of 19-39 years was carried out at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Optometry Clinic, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. The subjects were tested for random blood glucose level (RBS) and undergone tear
break up time (TBUT) test. Nonparametric test was used namely Spearman correlation to determine the association between RBS and TBUT. Results: TBUT median (interquartile range) value was 7.5 (11.55) seconds. Meanwhile, the negative association was found between (RBS) and TBUT in diabetics (r = -0.126). However, the correlation was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Tear film break up time was not associated with the random blood glucose level. Conclusion: Tear film break up time seems to be not affected by blood glucose level.
Trauma patients presented to emergency department usually come with spinal immobilization device as a precaution and initial pre-management care by emergency medical personnel. These types of patients are at higher risk for suspected cervical fractures and internal injuries. The use of cervical collar raises some issues on radiation dose to the patient and image quality.
Therefore, the use of cervical collar in routine trauma patients is questioned by researchers. The
purpose of this paper was to investigate the effect of cervical collar on entrance surface dose, exit surface dose and image quality. Methods: Siemens Multix Top CR System and Kyoto Kagaku PBU-50 Body Phantom was used. The phantom was positioned supine on the table couch and was exposed with and without cervical collar. An Anteroposterior (AP) Axial cervical projection was performed and the phantom was also exposed with and without Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) to study the effects on radiation dose and image quality. The dose reading was recorded in all exposures and compared. Images obtained were analyzed for Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). Results: Lower entrance dose was recorded with cervical collar when the AEC was disabled during the exposure and the results were vice versa when the AEC was enabled. Higher exit dose was calculated when cervical collar was applied to the phantom. Greater signal to noise ratio (SNR) was observed with cervical collar. Conclusions: This study concluded that cervical collar adds to exit dose and without any impact on image quality. The entrance surface dose recorded with cervical collar and AEC disabled was lower compared to when it was removed. However, the entrance surface dose recorded with cervical collar and the AEC enabled was higher compared to when it was removed.
The purpose of the study was to assess the size for both kidneys based on the position of
patient during ultrasonography examination. Normal renal size measurement is very important to evaluate in determining a healthy kidney. Method: Thirty volunteers, consist of 15 males and 15 females were involved in this study. The patients were scanned in supine, oblique, and prone position. The readings were repeated for three times for each position. Results: The mean length of kidney in supine, oblique and prone were 99.03 mm, 96.32 mm and 95.94 mm, respectively. Meanwhile, the mean width of kidney were 44.30 mm, 44.31 mm and 46.65 mm, respectively. The renal length measurement in prone position was statistically significant with p = 0.023 (p < 0.05), while the renal width measurement in oblique and prone position were statistically significant with p = 0.006 and p = 0.009 respectively. Conclusion: This research emphasised the importance of investigating the different types of position of patient during the ultrasound scanning. The importance mentioned were the reduction of scanning time for patient and cost- effectiveness
of the procedures. Besides, it also gave accurate result for the renal measurement.
Many studies had been carried out on breast cancer awareness and the practice of breast
self-examination (BSE). However, few studies had been conducted on the level of knowledge of breast cancer and the adoption of BSE amongst female undergraduate students. Even though, younger women have lower breast cancer incidence but younger women tend to have more aggressive cancer type and possibly present breast cancer at an advance stage. Therefore, it is best to start BSE at an early age especially in the high risk group because it will help in early detection of breast cancer. As such, this study aims to ascertain the level of knowledge of breast cancer and stage of adoption of breast selfexamination (BSE) among female undergraduate students of the Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences (KAHS), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan, Pahang. Methods: A crosssectional study was carried out on 262 randomly selected female undergraduate students from KAHS, IIUM Kuantan. Data was collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire through a given link. Results: The mean age of the participants was 22.4 years. Approximately 78% of the respondents’ overall knowledge of breast cancer was fair. The knowledge on risk factors for breast cancer among respondents was a mere 48.42%. The majority of the respondents (84%) have heard about BSE. However, only half of the respondents knew how to perform BSE. Further, approximately 60% of respondents were at the pre-contemplation and contemplation stage for adoption of BSE. A significant relationship was found between knowledge of BSE and stage of adoption of BSE. Conclusion: The study found the majority of respondents have a fair knowledge on breast cancer and that knowledge of BSE is related to the stage of adoption of BSE.
Non destructive testing (NDT) is a procedure to assess the internal components without
disassembling the outer components. Industrial imaging uses high energy x-rays to penetrate materials while x-rays used in medical imaging has exposure limitation. The purpose of this paper is to determine the optimum technical factors (kVp, mAs, and SID) used in medical imaging Computed Radiography (CR) system suitable for industrial imaging application to inspect lead acid battery. Methods: Lead acid battery is exposed to radiation with predetermined technical factors utilized in medical imaging. The kVp, mAs, and SID are varied throughout the experiment. The optimum technical factors obtained are further used to expose the battery at six different angles for inspection of lead plates. The sizes of lead plates are measured using imageJ software and the measured length is compared to the actual sizes of lead plates. Results: At 15 mAs, two values with the smallest difference to the original size of the lead plates are produced which is at 75 kVp and 125 kVp. Based on the technical factors used in this experiment, it is concluded that 15
mAs is the optimal mAs that can be used to provide the measurement with the least difference when compared to the original size of the lead plates. All measurement with the smallest difference when compared to the original sizes of lead plates are obtained at 125 kVp which is 4.19 cm (plate C when mAs at 5), 4.23 cm (plate C when mAs at 10), and 4.23 cm (plate C when mAs at 15). This indicates that 125 kVpis suitable to be used for inspection. The accurate measurement of lead plates is achieved when 100 cm SID is used. When exposed, white lead sulphate is seen coating the lead plates. Conclusion: X-rays used in medical imaging can be applied in industrial imaging for lead acid battery inspection as it also possess high energy and penetrating power.
There are increasing numbers of medical imaging apps available on smart devices nowadays. However, knowledge about the usefulness of medical imaging apps among medical imaging students is rather limited. Methods: 38 medical imaging students of the International Islamic
University Malaysia (IIUM) completed a validated online questionnaire that is formulated to
investigate the awareness, usage and perception about medical imaging apps installed in the smart devices. The students’ preference regarding the characteristics, features as well as areas and domains of medical imaging to be incorporated into future medical imaging apps were also dipped into. Results:The majority of the students, 24 (63.2%) were aware about the existence medical imaging apps nevertheless, only 14 (58.3%) among them had experienced using medical imaging apps. Most students reported positive responses towards the perceptions and usability of the apps. The students had also addressed a number of preferred characteristics, features as well as areas and domains of medical imaging to be integrated into medical imaging apps. Conclusions: There is low appreciation towards medical imaging apps among the students as depicted by the awareness, frequency and experience in its usage. However, they portrayed positive acceptance towards future usage of the apps evaluated from their opinion regarding the perception, usability and preferences towards the content of medical imaging apps. The preferences of the respondents have been identified as revealed by their opinions regarding the most preferred areas (MRI, CT, X-ray) and domains (imaging procedure, anatomy, image quality).
As one of the radiation personnel, diagnostic radiographers are responsible to ensure measures related to radiation protection are taken appropriately. However, the awareness towards radiation protection and safety were insufficient and there is a need to improve the radiation protection culture (RPC) among radiographers. Therefore, this paper aims to integrate the Islamic Perspectives in radiation fundamental safety principles which are related to diagnostic radiographer’s responsibility. Later, is to highlight the application of integrating the Islamic perspectives towards improving RPC among Muslim radiographers. Out of the 10 safety principles, radiographers are able to directly contribute in six principles which are the responsibility for safety, justification of facilities and activities, optimisation of protection, limitation of risk, protection of oneself and others as well as future generations, and prevention of accidents. The Islamic perspectives related to those principles were taken from Al-Quran, hadith and Maqasid al-Shariah. They are related to the concept of responsibility, beneficence, justice, moderation (al-wasatiyyah), do no harm, protection of life and prevention from harm from the Islamic perspectives. In order to improve RPC, education and training of the involved professionals as well as adequate communication are important. Incorporating Islamic perspectives of radiation safety principles during the training session and constantly reminding the Muslim radiographers of those Islamic perspectives through poster display can be done. It is hopeful that by realizing the principles
of radiation safety are in line with the teaching of Islam, Muslim radiographers will be more involved
in the RPC programmes in the department.
Vaccination is considered to be one of the most successful achievements of public health intervention either in developed or developing countries. “Vaccine hesitancy†is described as anyone who is suspected of vaccination or who chooses to delay or refuse vaccination. Nowadays, parental refusal or delay of childhood vaccines is increasing. The studies show that 77% of parents polled are reported of having concerns about one or more childhood vaccinations. It became a concern for the increased occurrence of vaccine preventable diseases in children.
hildhood undernutrition while being a preventable condition remains a major public health issue because it contributes to the mortality and morbidity of children globally. Intervention to improve the nutritional status of children includes supplementary feeding, fortified foods, cash transfers and nutritional education.
Keywords:
Age Under Five Mortality Rate is one of the important child mortality indicators that could reflect a child’s population well-being in a society. It is defined as the probability per 1000 live births that a newborn baby will die before reaching the age of five.
Non-communicable diseases are the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) kill 40 million people each year and accounts for 70% of all deaths globally. NCDs were previously considered to only affect high-income countries. However, they now account for a very large burden in terms of both death rates and disability in low- and middle-income countries. Also, age standardized mortality rates from NCDs are greater in these countries as compared to high-income countries. By 2020, it is predicted that these diseases will be causing 7 out of every 10 deaths in developing countries. NCDs also have potentially serious socioeconomic implications through increasing individual and household impoverishment thereby hindering social and economic development. This article is an effort to determine the magnitude and consequences of this expeditiously growing public health problem of NCDs through published literature.