Browse publications by year: 2019

  1. Fulltext Development of smart fruit basket for pineapple harvesting
    Nurul Shahida Mezlan, Emilia Zainal Abidin1, Karmegam Karuppiah, Irniza Rasdi, Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail, Noor Hassim Ismail
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(204):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Pineapple harvesting work contributes to the reporting of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) and er- gonomic risks. Pineapples are harvested manually in some parts of Malaysia using rattan baskets and workers are exposed to excessive bending, pain and discomfort. This intervention study developed and tested a prototype of an ergonomic harvesting basket to potentially reduce discomfort and physiological workload during a simulation of har- vesting activity. Methods: The development and testing of improved harvesting basket was performed in laboratory and workshop. The improved basket had adjustable cushion straps, foam back pad and an opening for unloading of fruits. Harvesting was simulated using improved and existing basket by human subjects and questionnaires were used to assess discomfort. Physiological workload was assessed by heart rate and energy expenditure. Results: A total of 12 male respondents with average age of 22.4 (2.2) years participated in harvesting simulation. Discomfort as measured in Likert scale (mean (standard deviation) for improved basket 4.13 (6.1) vs existing basket 12.26 (11.2); p
  2. Fulltext Food Preferences and Foraging Activity of Asian Weaver Ants, Oecophylla smaragdina (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
    Marcela Pimid, Abu Hassan Ahmad, Kumara Thevan Krishnan, Joanna Scian
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2019;30(2):1-14.
    MyJurnal
    Kerengga (Oecophylla smaragdina) adalah satu komuniti serangga yang penting di kanopi pokok. Walau bagaimanapun, kajian tentang aktiviti pencarian makanan kerengga adalah terhad. Oleh sebab itu, satu kajian lapangan dijalankan untuk mengkaji pemilihan makanan dan aktiviti pencarian makanan oleh semut ini dijalankan selama tiga hari. Pemilihan makanan oleh kerengga ini dikaji dengan menggunakan tiga jenis makanan (tuna, kulit ayam, dan susu tepung) yang mengandungi protein, lipid, dan karbohidrat. Aktiviti pencarian makanan dikaji berdasarkan dua parameter iaitu suhu persekitaran dan kelembapan relatif yang direkod sepanjang tempoh experimen. Keputusan experimen menunjukkan O. smaragdina lebih menggemari makanan berprotein berbanding makanan berlipid dan berkabohidrat, serta aktiviti pencarian makanan dipengaruhi oleh suhu persekitaran dan kelembapan relatif. Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan bagaimana kerengga bertindak balas terhadap tiga jenis makanan yang berbeza dan secara tidak langsung, menunjukkan aktiviti pencarian makanan yang strategik untuk memaksimumkan bekalan makanan kepada koloni mereka.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Ants; Lipids; Tuna; Tetrahydroisoquinolines
  3. Fulltext Effect of Tourism and Sedimentation on Coral Cover and Community Structure
    Oscar Crehan, James Mair, Siang Hii Yii, Che Din Mohd Safuan, Zainudin Bachok
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2019;30(2):1-18.
    MyJurnal
    Terumbu karang adalah ekosistem yang paling mempunyai kepelbagaian biologi di planet ini. Terumbu karang hanya dijumpai dalam lingkungan pengecilan parameter julat yang sempit, yang meletakkan terumbu karang berisiko di seluruh dunia. Terumbu karang dipengaruhi oleh kesan antropogenik dan alam sekitar yang mengubah taburan genera karang. Memahami di mana jenis karang yang berbeza terletak dan bagaimana setiap genus terjejas oleh tekanan tempatan dan global adalah penting untuk pemuliharaan. Teknik coral video transect mula digunakan pada bulan Mei 2016 untuk membandingkan taburan genera karang di tapak yang dipengaruhi oleh faktor-faktor yang berbeza. Tapak yang mempunyai impak paling sedikit mencatatkan pelitupan karang yang paling tinggi, tapak yang berkaitan dengan sedimen mencatatkan pelitupan yang paling rendah, dan tapak yang mempunyai aktiviti pelancongan yang tinggi mempunyai pelitupan alga yang paling besar. Acropora didapati dominan di Kepulauan Bidong dan Pulau Redang, manakala Favia, Fungia dan Porites mempunyai perlindungan karang yang agak tinggi di setiap tapak
    MeSH terms: Animals; Color; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Pallor; Planets; Myricaceae; Anthozoa
  4. Fulltext Comparative Distribution of Small Mammals Diversity in Protected and Non-Protected Area of Peninsular Malaysia
    Julius William-Dee, Faisal Ali Anwarali Khan, Qhairil Rosli, Muhd Amsyari Morni, Isham Azhar, Lee Sim Lim, et al.
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2019;30(2):1-18.
    MyJurnal
    Pembangunan yang semakin pesat di Malaysia telah meningkatkan bilangan aktiviti antropogenik, sekaligus menyebabkan kemerosotan alam sekitar. Ini menunjukkan bahawa perlunya inventori hidupan liar dan sumber alam sekitar dijalankan di dalam kawasan hutan yang sedia ada, untuk mempromosikan peningkatan yang seimbang dalam pelan pemuliharaan dan pengurusan yang sedia ada, terutamanya untuk haiwan yang terancam seperti spesies mamalia kecil. Kajian mamalia kecil telah dijalankan di Tasik Bera, Hutan Simpan Ulu Gombak, Pusat Konservasi Hidupan Liar Sungkai, Pulau Pinang, dan Taman Negeri Wang Kelian. Harp trap, mist net, cage trap dan pitfall trap telah dipasang untuk kajian. Spesies Rhinolophus affinis (N = 61) merupakan spesies yang paling banyak ditangkap, diikuti dengan R. Lepidus (N = 27). Manakala untuk mamalia kecil tidak terbang, species Leopoldamys sabanus merupakan spesies paling banyak (N = 33) diikuti dengan Maxomys rajah (N = 25) dan Tupaia glis (N = 22). Dua spesies cencurut, Suncus etruscus dan Crocidura monticola masing-masing telah ditangkap dengan jumlah satu individu bagi setiap satu spesies. Hutan Simpan Ulu Gombak merekodkan kepelbagaian spesies yang paling tinggi (H’ = 2.754), manakala Pulau Pinang merekodkan nilai yang paling rendah (H’ = 2.245). Senarai mamalia kecil yang telah direkodkan melalui kajian ini merupakan maklumat yang signifikan bagi tujuan pemantauan dan konservasi biodiversiti.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Chiroptera; Color; Malaysia; Shrews; Tupaia; Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase
  5. Fulltext Susceptibility of Malaysian Tropical Bed Bug Cimex hemipterus F. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Populations to Deltamethrin and Propoxur Insecticides
    Zulaikha Zahran, Abdul Hafiz Ab Majid
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2019;30(2):1-16.
    MyJurnal
    Pepijat telah dikumpul dari seluruh Semenanjung Malaysia untuk melihat tahap kerintangan terhadap dua kelas racun serangga, piretroid dan karbamat. Dalam kajian ini, deltamethrin dan propoxur yang tersedia secara komersial digunakan untuk menguji status kerintangan pepijat tropika, Cimex hemipterus di Malaysia. Status kerintangan mereka dinilai dengan menggunakan kertas yang diresapi racun serangga, suatu kaedah bioesei yang disyorkan oleh Pertubuhan Kesihatan Sedunia (WHO). Sepuluh pepijat dewasa dalam setiap populasi diletakkan di dalam setiap tiub dengan kertas yang diresapi 0.05% deltamethrin dan 0.1% propoxur. Pada mulanya, pepijat terdedah selama 24 jam, kemudian tempoh pendedahan dilanjutkan hingga 14 hari. Bioesei dilakukan dalam triplikat. Tahap kerintangan tertinggi dipamerkan oleh populasi AR dengan nilai masa maut (LT50) sebanyak 466.119 j di dalam tiub yang mengandungi deltametrin. Sebaliknya, propoxur sangat berkesan terhadap populasi IP (Ipoh) kerana nilai masa maut yang paling rendah, (LT50 = 153.032 j). Perbezaan yang signifikan (p < 0.005) didapati antara kelas racun serangga dan populasi pepijat. Purata kematian di kalangan populasi AR, SW, HM, PY, dan PC menunjukkan perbezaan yang signifikan apabila terdedah kepada deltametrin. Sebagai kesimpulan, propoxur menunjukkan keberkesanan yang tinggi dalam mengawal populasi pepijat. Walau bagaimanapun, keberkesanannya hanya di tempat tertentu. Sementara itu, rawatan menggunakan deltamethrin harus dielakkan oleh profesional kawalan perosak kerana keberkesanannya yang rendah.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Propoxur; Bedbugs; Color; Malaysia; Methylglycosides; Pyrethrins
  6. Fulltext A case-control study and meta-analysis of the association of eNOS rs1799983 SNP with stroke risk
    Phneh, K.Y., Chong, E.T.J., Lee, P.C., Sybil Shah, S., Jalil, E., Cheng, K.C.S., et al.
    Medicine & Health, 2019;14(1):118-134.
    MyJurnal
    The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) rs1799983 polymorphism is known to increase the risk towards stroke, but data is under-reported in Malaysian population. Therefore, this study sought to investigate this association in a Malaysian population and in a comprehensive meta-analysis. Genotyping of the eNOS rs1799983 polymorphism was performed for 241 Malaysians using a hydrolysis probe. Odd ratio with 95% confidence interval was calculated. Meta-analysis was conducted using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software ver. 2.2.064. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Overall, our results showed that the presence of eNOS rs1799983-T allele increases the risk towards stroke, particularly in males, fast-food goers and Malaysian Chinese. The meta-analysis showed that the rs1799983 polymorphism is significantly associated with an increase ischemic stroke risk in the recessive and allelic models. After stratified with population, these associations remain significant in the Asian population but not in the Caucasian population. In summary, this study establishes a significant relationship between the eNOS rs1799983 polymorphism with gender, lifestyle and ethnicity differences towards stroke risk in the Malaysian population. In addition, our meta-analysis suggests that the eNOS rs1799983 polymorphism is associated with an increase risk of ischemic stroke.
  7. Fulltext Tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) improves the viability of wild-type saccharomyces cerevisiae in the initial stationary phase
    Khaizurin, T.A., Tuan, Sheng G., Muhammed Whisz, Q.R., Blitzer, B.M., Saidatul Akmaliah, A., Nurliza, A.J., et al.
    Medicine & Health, 2019;14(1):106-117.
    MyJurnal
    Palm oil tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) containing majorly of αα, β, γ and δ-tocotrienols and some αα-tocopherols, was reported to have anti-ageing effects in both human and non-human model organisms, but still remains unexplored in the yeast model. It was reported to have the ability to extend the lifespan of several organisms. Chronological lifespan is one of the means to measure ageing in yeasts. The effect of TRF on the viability of three strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (wild-type, CTT1ΔΔand GPx2Δ) was studied. Phenotypic growth analysis of all strains was carried out for 15 hours by measuring the absorbance at OD600nm and cell counting. The optimum dose of TRF was optimised by determining the number of colony-forming unit by the wild-type strain at the end of a 24-hour treatment with TRF (ranging from 0μg/ml to 300μg/ml). TRF at 300 μg/mL showed the best result, and selected as a working dose. Treatment of cells with 300 μg/mL of TRF improved the viability of the wild-type strain in the initial stationary phase, but not on the knockout strains. These finding suggests that TRF has a potential in prolonging the chronological lifespan of S. cerevisiae, and perhaps other organisms as well.
  8. Fulltext Antioxidant properties of stingless bee honey and its effect on the viability of lymphoblastoid cell line
    Hazirah, H., Yasmin Anum, M.Y., Norwahidah, A.K.
    Medicine & Health, 2019;14(1):91-105.
    MyJurnal
    Research on the medical benefit of stingless bee honey (kelulut honey) is rather new although it has been used as traditional food and additive for ages. The primary objective of our study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of kelulut honey and its effect on lymphoblastoid cell line. We analysed the antioxidant properties of kelulut honey by ferric reducing antioxidant potential assay, total phenolic and flavonoid contents using UV spectrophotometry. The total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and ferric reducing antioxidant potential of Malaysian kelulut honey produced by Trigona spp. were found to be 844.45 mg RE/kg honey, 78.29 mg RE/kg honey and 1132.66 mM FE/kg honey, respectively. Our findings showed a strong correlation between total phenolics and flavanoids contents with its antioxidant potential at R2 = 0.920 and R2 = 0.951, respectively. The effect of honey on cell viability of lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) was also investigated. The cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 0 - 500 μg/mL of kelulut honey for 24 hours. Cell viability was quantitated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, MTS assay showed that honey supplementation boosted the viability of LCL up to 164.64% (p< 0.01). The significant increase in cell viability might be modulated by the antioxidant properties of kelulut honey.
  9. Fulltext E-cigarette use, its impact on tobacco smoking and the intention to quit
    Nurasyikin MS, Leelavathi M, Tohid H
    Medicine & Health, 2019;14(1):78-90.
    MyJurnal
    E-cigarettes have rapidly gained worldwide popularity. Since its use still poses a health risk to the users, it is important to assess their intention to quit this habit. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of e-cigarette use, its effect on cigarette smoking and users’ intention to quit vaping and smoking. A total of 377 e-cigarette users were recruited from three vape retail stores in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor. E-cigarette usage pattern, tobacco cigarette consumption and their intention to quit were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Most (70%) participants were e-cigarettes only users while 30% were dual users. The median duration of e-cigarette use was 2 (IQR 2) years. Almost all (98.4%) participants used third-generation devices and majority (63.7%) preferred liquid containing 6mg nicotine. About 92% participants, especially heavy smokers, smoked fewer tobacco cigarettes after initiating e-cigarette. Majority (79.6%) of dual users also had reduction in tobacco cigarette consumption with a median current consumption of 5 (IQR 5.0) cigarettes per day. Most (87%) e-cigarette users intend to quit the habit someday. However, many (63.1%) were in the pre-contemplation stage. E-cigarette users of less than 2 years duration tend to have the intention to quit compared to users of more than 2 years (p=0.005). In conclusion, there was more e-cigarette only users than the dual users. E-cigarette use could significantly reduce tobacco smoking, especially among heavy smokers. Most e-cigarette users had the intention to quit vaping but not in the near future and longer e-cigarette use may deter their intention to quit.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Malaysia; Smoking; Electronic Cigarettes*; Vaping*
  10. Fulltext Eating behaviour and its associations with overweight among nurses on shift duty in teaching hospital
    Hng, S.H., Maziah, A.M., Evica, L.H.S., Liew, Q.W.
    Medicine & Health, 2019;14(1):68-77.
    MyJurnal
    Overweight and obesity have become a global concern and estimated with more than 1.9 billion adults worldwide were overweight and more than 650 million were obese in 2016. Nurses in Malaysia were no exception to overweight and obesity. This research was conducted with the aim to identify the prevalence of overweight among nurses on shift duty in a teaching hospital and to understand the relationship between abnormal eating behavior and body mass index. A total of 280 respondents participated in this research and Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire was used. Body Mass Index (BMI) score was categorized according to Clinical Practice Guidelines 2004. Results showed that 68.5% of the nurses were either overweight (37.1%) or obese (31.4%). The nurses’ BMI does not showed any association with socio-demographic data except age (r=0.156). As age increases, the nurses’ BMI also increase. This research also showed that there was no association between emotional and external eating behavior to BMI. However, there was a statistically significant differences in BMI for restraint eating (F=6.056, p=0.003). In conclusion, restraint eating behavior was the most practiced form of eating behavior in an attempt to achieve the ideal body weight but unfortunately lead to overweight among the nurses. Overweight or obese nurses will have a negative impression to the society and even reduce their confidence towards nurses’ health education. Overweight or obesity also ruined the nurses’ working performance and quality of care for patients. This issue requires immediate action and interventions to promote healthy lifestyles and eating habits among nurses should be conducted in the hospital.
  11. Fulltext Influence of simulation in Malaysian healthcare education and research (iSIM-HERE): a two- decade experience
    Ismail, M.S., Johar, M.J., Saidah, M.H., Balakrishnian M., Syahira, J., Siraj, H.H., et al.
    Medicine & Health, 2019;14(1):53-67.
    MyJurnal
    The use of simulation as a teaching methodology in medical institutions has been in Malaysia for over two decades. This study aimed to evaluate the current scenarios of simulation impact and utilization in Malaysian academic healthcare institutions (AHIs). We conducted a population-based survey on all AHIs in Malaysia including public and private. We performed an online survey followed by a face-to-face interview evaluating the number of institutions that used simulation, duration of experience, purpose, funding, users’ category and healthcare domain, research activities, dedicated-trained staff and the challenges faced. Out of 75 healthcare institutions approached, 38 agreed to participate in this study. Twenty-two (57.9%) were public hospitals while 16 (42.1%) were private institutions. Thirty-five (92.1%) out of 38 institutions used simulation as a teaching method. The majority (15, 42.9%) had less than five years’ experience, and about a third (11, 31.4%) used simulation for teaching, training and performance assessment. Nurses (30, 26.1%) were the main users followed by physicians and paramedic (19, 16.5% each respectively). In-hospital and procedural group were the top two domains of utilizers. Almost three quarters (25, 71.4%) have dedicated support staff to manage the centre. Funding was mainly from internal institutional support mechanisms. Seven different categories of challenges were identified, the biggest being financial support. In summary, even though healthcare simulation has been in Malaysia for the past two decades but the most substantial impact happened over the last five years. Utilization was mainly for teaching, training, and performance assessment with minimal use in research.

  12. Fulltext Thrombolysis in acute st elevation myocardial infarction: determination of door to needle time in a tertiary medical centre
    Nik Azlan, N.M., Muhammad Yusri, Y.
    Medicine & Health, 2019;14(1):44-52.
    MyJurnal
    Door to needle (DTN) time for thrombolysis in the Emergency Department, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (ED, UKMMC) is an indicator that can reduce mortality and morbidity of patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). This study was conducted to determine factors that influence DTN time for acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and whether it has achieved the recommended time of 30 minutes. A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients diagnosed with acute STEMI and thrombolysed in ED, UKMMC from June 2016 until March 2017. A data collection sheet was used to collect patient’s demographic data and clinical data which included time of arrival to ED, time of initial electrocardiogram (ECG), time of drug preparation and time of thrombolytic delivery to the patient. A total of 98 patients were included in this study. Majority of patients (77.6%) were thrombolysed more than 30 minutes following ED arrival. Mean DTN in ED, UKKMC was 59.28 + 36.01 minutes. The mean door to ECG time was 7.19 + 8.08 minutes and the mean drug preparation time was 9.86 + 7.51 minutes. Out of 76 (77.6%) patients that were thrombolysed after 30 minutes of ED arrival, 59.2% (n=45) were due to multiple disciplinary referral. Other factors were delay in performing initial ECG 19.8% (n=15), incorrect initial ECG interpretation 9.2% (n=7) and unavoidable need for prior resuscitation 9.2% (n=7). As a conclusion this study showed that there was an unacceptable delay in hospital thrombolysis for acute STEMI.
  13. Fulltext Confidence level and knowledge of pre-hospital thrombolysis therapy of paramedic in pre-hospital care: a survey
    Nik Azlan, N.M., Muhamad Syis, Z.
    Medicine & Health, 2019;14(1):34-43.
    MyJurnal
    Data on knowledge, attitude and ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) electrocardiography (ECG) detection among pre-hospital paramedics in Malaysia is still scarce. It is imperative to gain this information as a pre-requisite in initiating pre-hospital thrombolysis. This was a descriptive study conducted from May 2016 until November 2017 on paramedics from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC) and Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL). It was to assess knowledge on pre-hospital thrombolytic therapy and ECG detection of STEMI. One hundred and six questionnaires were answered and analyzed. More than 60% of the candidates were unable to detect STEMI ECG changes and lacked of confidence in handling and administering thrombolytic treatment at the level of pre-hospital phase. Only 20.8% candidates managed to detect more than 8/10 of the correct ECG pattern in STEMI. Less than 40% of the candidates achieved more than 80% marks in answering questions regarding STEMI and treatment. It is concluded that the overall performance and knowledge of paramedic regarding pre-hospital thrombolytic therapy is generally poor. Further training need to be done prior to implementing pre-hospital STEMI thrombolytic therapy in Malaysia.
  14. Fulltext Development of a Biosecurity Checklist for Laboratory Assessment and Monitoring
    Brizee S, van Passel MWJ, van den Berg LM, Feakes D, Izar A, Lin KTB, et al.
    Appl Biosaf, 2019 Jun;24(2):83-89.
    PMID: 32655326 DOI: 10.1177/1535676019838077
    Introduction: Laboratory biosecurity is of continuously growing interest due to increasing concerns about deliberate misuse of biological materials and emerging biological risks. These risks continue to be magnified by globalization, the rapid pace of scientific development, and dual-use technologies. Worldwide laboratory capacities are expanding, which calls for concrete actions to improve laboratory biosafety and biosecurity practices to protect researchers and the community. Hence, laboratories require comprehensive biorisk management programs to minimize the risk of accidental and deliberate release of infectious biological materials.

    Objective: Malaysia has prioritized the concern of national biosecurity and aims to consolidate laboratory biosecurity performance to detect and prevent the deliberate release of biological agents.

    Methods: Two 3-day workshops were organized over the course of four months in which Malaysia collaborated with The Netherlands. This bilateral engagement aimed to integrate biosecurity practices in their national biorisk management programs, and resulted into a comprehensive biosecurity checklist for laboratory assessment and monitoring.

    Results: This biosecurity checklist is based on Malaysian and Dutch expert opinions and national and international guidelines and regulations. The biosecurity checklist is a survey-driven tool that consists of a set of concrete questions for each key biosecurity area, which are discussion points for assessment.

    Conclusion: We display a practical biosecurity checklist for laboratory assessment and monitoring. Although the presented checklist was the template for the specific Malaysia checklist, it could serve as a template for other countries.

  15. Fulltext Determination of arsenic and lead level in blood of adults from coastal community in Melaka, Malaysia
    Farrah Atiqah Mohd Noor, Saliza Mohd Elias, Ahmad Zaharin Aris, Suhaili Abu Bakar, Hamizah Md Zulkifli
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(204):19-25.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Accumulation of heavy metals through seafood consumption constitutes a significant potential threat to human health. Biomonitoring of whole blood heavy metals level gave an insight into the internal body burden to the exposure of heavy metals. The aims of this study were to assess the blood heavy metals (arsenic and lead) level among the coastal community of Melaka and to determine their association with sociodemographic background and potential sources of heavy metals accumulation. Methods: Respondents were recruited through purposive sampling technique based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The questionnaires were distributed to obtain sociodemograph- ic information, the frequency of seafood intake and smoking habit. Blood samples were obtained on a voluntary basis. A total of 63 respondents completed all the information required. The heavy metals concentration in blood was determined by inductively coupled plasma- mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: The blood arsenic (BAs) con- centration of respondents was 0.076 (0.059 – 0.107) µg/L and the blood lead (BPb) concentration of respondents was 1.204 (0.670 – 2.094) µg/L respectively. A significant association was observed between seafood-based product frequency intake and BPb concentration (p < 0.05). Other seafood frequency intake and background factors were not significantly associated with the BAs and BPb concentration of respondents. Conclusion: The findings showed that arsenic and lead levels in the blood of respondents along the coastal area of Melaka did not exceed the blood heavy metals reference levels and there was also lack of associations between blood heavy metals concentration and the potential factors of heavy metals accumulation studied.
  16. Fulltext Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in preschools and its association with respiratory inflammation among pre-schoolers
    Muhammad Akid Zainudin, Juliana Jalaludin, Nor Ashikin Sopian
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(204):12-18.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Children spend most of the time indoors and make them easily exposed to indoor air contaminants. Exposure to poor indoor air quality has led to various health problem especially, respiratory-related illness. This study is intended to determine the relationship between indoor air pollutants exposure and the airway inflammation among children aged 5 to 6 years old in selected preschools from mid-2015 until mid-2016. Methods: Four hours of indoor air quality assessment had been conducted at six preschools in Puchong district (urban area) and six preschools in Hulu Langat district (suburban area) of Selangor. The respiratory inflammation among 120 healthy preschool chil- dren had been assessed using non-invasive biomarker of Fractional Exhale Nitric Oxide (FeNO). Meanwhile, respi- ratory symptoms and information on possible residential air pollutant exposures were obtained from a standardized questionnaire. Results: The indoor air quality measurement demonstrated significant high concentration air pollut- ants (PM0.1, PM2.5, PM10, VOCs) at the preschools in the urban as compared to preschools in the suburban area(p < 0.05). Besides, PM2.5 was found to be significantly associated with respiratory inflammation (FeNO value) measured (p
  17. Fulltext Development of Flood Disaster Preparedness Activity (FDPA) items: a preliminary study using rasch analysis
    Hajar Mariah Hashim, Ng Yee Guan, Othman Talib, Shamsul Bahri Md Tamrin
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(204):1-11.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Not only does flood affects the household community, but it also has an impact on business entities, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) located in flood-prone areas. In order to assist SMEs to prepare for a flood disaster effectively, the set-up of a disaster preparedness plan is essential. The purpose of this study is to devel- op a validated instrument for identifying the different levels of disaster preparedness among SMEs in their readiness to face a flood disaster. Methods: In this preliminary study, 26 items of flood disaster preparedness activities (FDPA) reviewed from works of literature were adopted and adapted to be randomly administered to 30 respondents (SME business owners) located in the Temerloh province, Malaysia, which is identified as a flood-prone area. A Rasch analysis technique was used to identify the psychometric properties of the instrument. Results: Using the Rasch mea- surement analysis technique, the instrument used was able to categorise the SMEs into two level of preparedness: low and moderate. About 25 items were found to possess good psychometric features in determining the flood pre- paredness level of SMEs despite the lack of items on measuring high-level preparedness activities. Conclusion: The results of this preliminary study have served to highlight the strength of the instrument and gaps identified for further improvement in the near future.
  18. Fulltext Spatial analysis in primary health care utilization: a systematic review
    Mohamad Fadli K., Muhamad Hanafiah J., Rosliza A. M.
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(203):89-96.
    MyJurnal
    Utilization is an important indicator for health service planning and can be determined through the count of actual usage of health services. There are also several determinants to health care utilization. This systematic review aims to explore the technical components from spatial analysis in primary health care utilization, the determinants frequently discussed, and the gap in the spatial analysis from these studies. Two databases were searched according to search strategy. A total of 15 articles were eligible. Each study was different in terms of analysis unit, spatial analysis, and utilization outcome. Spatial accessibility, sociodemographic, and geographical aspect were the frequent determi- nants discussed among the study of spatial utilization in this review. Several studies found the association between the determinants with utilization. However, spatial analysis in primary health care utilization studies still subjected to several limitation in term of their unit of analysis and source of data.
  19. Fulltext A review on the factors influencing the attendance of postpartum diabetes screening for mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus
    Puganeswary Thangarajah, Halimatus Sakdiah Minhat, Nor Afiah Mohd Zulkefli, Norliza Ahmad
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(203):84-88.
    MyJurnal
    Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during their pregnancy have a greater risk of developing overt diabetes mellitus and dysglycemia (prediabetes, impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose) later in future, compared to mothers with normal pregnancy. Postpartum screening is crucial for early identification of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in women with GDM. Nevertheless, despite various strategies, its rate remains low. A systematic review using databases of PubMed/Medline, Science Direct and CINAHL from 2008 to 2018, was conducted to iden- tify the factors influencing the attendance of postpartum diabetes screening. Open access English articles, focusing on observational studies were reviewed. Primary screening of titles and abstracts of 91 articles were done, secondary screening of 31 articles resulted in 6 articles, included in this manuscript. Various factors identified to be associated with the attendance to postpartum diabetes screening, which are age, education, ethnicity, some obstetric factors like multiparty, and history of insulin usage previously. Many women fail to be screened for diabetes during the postpar- tum period, and this delays T2DM diagnosis, which in turn gives rise to various complications. Further research that considers these factors is necessary for developing interventions to improve postpartum T2DM screening for mothers with GDM during their pregnancy.
  20. Fulltext A systematic review on methods used in health education intervention on anaemia in pregnancy
    Hasneezah Hassan, Rosliza Abdul Manaf
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(203):77-83.
    MyJurnal
    Anaemia is a common health problem during pregnancy, which leads to adverse health consequences to both moth- ers and infants. Health education is an important strategy in preventing anaemia. It’s success to improve haemoglo- bin level depends on the methods and design. This review aimed to identify the methods used and the effectiveness of health education intervention in improving anaemia in pregnancy. A systematic review of studies published in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Science Direct and PubMed from January 2010 to April 2017 was conducted using various keywords. Initial search revealed 274 articles, which later reduced to eight after being screened for inclusion crite- ria that consist of intervention study and involving pregnant women as participants. Health education intervention program with various delivery methods were proven to significantly reduce the prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy. Group discussion, health talk, poster presentation and educational pamphlet were common methods used in health education intervention.
External Links