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  1. Al-Naggar, Redhwan Ahmed, Al-Jashamy, Karim, Ramli Musa, Zaleha Mohd Isa
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2010;11(1):6-12.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of sleep among medical students of IIUM towards and to determine the impact of socio-demographic data on the knowledge, attitude and practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 106 students from first, second and third year medical students of IIUM. Verbal consent was taken from the students who were willing to take part in this study. Student knowledge about sleep was studied using a questionnaire. Results: A total of 106 medical
    students completed the survey, there were 54 female and 52 male. The mean age of the students was 20 ± 0.56 and ranged from 18 to 22 years. In terms of their sleep knowledge, the mean ± SD knowledge, attitude and practice scores were 81.8 ± 16.8, 65.9 ±15.3 and 176 ± 26.3 respectively. In univariate analysis, there was a significant difference between parents’ marital status regarding knowledge of the students (p = 0.03). There was a significant difference between gender regarding attitude of the students (p=0.05). In
    multivariate analysis, gender and smoking status were significantly affected the overall KAP. Conclusion: This study showed that sleep medicine knowledge was generally low among medical students. Therefore, educational strategies to improve knowledge regarding sleep-related problems and the development of proper sleep practices among medical students are needed.
  2. Al-Naggar RA, Alshaikhli H, Al-Rashidi RR, Saleh B
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2020;2020:4859496.
    PMID: 32802004 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4859496
    Background: According to the WHO, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. About 50% of the world's glaucoma cases come from the Asian population, and in Malaysia itself, the prevalence of glaucoma is increasing. However, glaucoma is still a foreign word to our community despite the high prevalence. Therefore, there is an urgent need to determine the awareness of glaucoma among the community and its associated factors.

    Results: This study showed that only 25.2% of our respondents were aware of glaucoma and it is associated with ethnicity, religion, education, and household income. Besides, among those who were aware, they fall into the group of poor knowledge of glaucoma. On the other hand, the knowledge of glaucoma was associated with occupation and the awareness of glaucoma by definition. The validated questionnaire was distributed and the data were analyzed by SPSS software using t-test, one-way ANOVA, and chi-square test.

    Conclusion: Awareness and knowledge of glaucoma in this population is low. These findings suggest that there is a need for an efficient information and education strategy to be designed and conducted to increase the awareness and knowledge of glaucoma so that early detection can be made and effective management of individuals with this condition can be delivered.

  3. Al-Naggar RA, Saghir FS
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(11):3041-7.
    PMID: 22393987
    OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of waterpipe (shisha) smoking and associated factors among Malaysian university students.
    METHODOLOGY: A total of 200 university students from Management and Science University participated in this study. The survey was conducted by simple random sampling by randomly distributing self-administered questionnaires to the library, cafeterias and classes. The protocol of this study was approved by the ethics committee of Management and Science University. Consent forms were obtained from the students before they answered the questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 13. with the Student's t-test for comparison of the mean practice and backward multiple linear regression for multivariate analysis.
    RESULTS: The majority of the subjects were male, single, Malay and from urban areas (61.5%, 94.5%, 66%, 76.5%; respectively). In this study 30% of the study participants were shisha smokers. Regarding knowledge about shisha smoking, the majority (48.5%) mentioned that shisha is less harmful than cigarettes and 55% reported that shisha is less addictive. Univariate analysis showed that age, race, sex and income significantly influenced the practice of smoking shisha among university students (p=0.019, p=0.002, p=0.001, p=0.018; respectively). For multivariate analysis, income and gender demonstrated significant influence (both p=0.001).
    CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of shisha smoking among Malaysian university students and knowledge about the dangers is low. Income and gender significantly influenced the practice of smoking shisha in our population. Banning of smoking including shisha smoking in public places is strongly recommended.
  4. Al-Dubai SA, Al-Naggar RA, Alshagga MA, Rampal KG
    Malays J Med Sci, 2011 Jul;18(3):57-64.
    PMID: 22135602 MyJurnal
    Stress may affect students' health and their academic performance. Coping strategies are specific efforts that individuals employ to manage stress. This study aimed to assess the perception of stress among medical students and their coping strategies.
  5. Al-Naggar, Redhwan Ahmed, Zaleha Mohd Isa, Ramli Musa
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2010;11(2):171-179.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: This paper aimed to determine the prevalence of sleeping pills use among university students and its associated factors in Malaysia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2010 among 200 Malaysia. The survey was conducted by distributing self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaire was developed based on the literature review. The students were chosen randomly using convenience sampling.
    Results: A total of 200 university students participated in this study. The prevalence of using sleeping pills among university students is 7.5%. The majority of the participants were Malay 146 (73.0%), from urban area 169 (84.5%), from medical and health sciences background 101 (50.5%). This study showed that there is a significant relationship between using sleeping pills and depression (p= 0.03). There is also a significant relationship between
    using sleeping pills and inducing sleep by reading (p=0.04). Conclusion: The prevalence of sleeping pills usage among university students is relatively high. This study showed that there is a significant relationship between using sleeping pills and depression.
  6. Al-Naggar RA, Bobryshev YV, Mohd Noor NA
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2013;14(3):1895-903.
    PMID: 23679290
    BACKGROUND: It is well established that a healthy lifestyle is of benefit in the prevention of diseases such as cancer and promotion of well-being. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine lifestyle practice and associated factors among university students in Malaysia.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted over six months from November 2011 until May 2012 among the students from the Management and Science University. This study was approved by its ethical committee , the students being explained the objective and invited to participate. A consent form was signed by all study participants. Questionnaire was distributed randomly to the students of the five faculties through their lecturers in different faculty. For univariate analysis t-test and ANOVA test were performed. Multiple linear regression used for multivariate analysis using SPSS 13.0.

    RESULTS: A total number of 1100 students participated with a mean age of 22.1±2.21 (SD) years. The majority were 22 years or younger (56.3%), female (54%), Malay (61.5%), single (92.3%), with family monthly income ≥5000 Ringgit Malaysia (41.2%). Regarding lifestyle, about were 31.6% smokers, 75.6% never drank alcohol and 53.7% never exercised. Multivariate analysis showed that age, sex, race, parent marital status, participant marital status, type of faculty, living status, smoking status, exercise, residency, brushing teeth, fiber intake and avoid fatty food significantly influenced the practice of drinking alcohol among university students (p=0.006, p=0.042, p<0.001, p=0.003, p=0.002, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.003, p<0.001; respectively). It similarly showed that sex, race, parent marital status, participant marital status, monthly family income, exercise, residency, brushing teeth and fiber intake significantly influenced the practice of sun protection (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.017, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001; respectively) and that age, sex, parent marital status, participant marital status, type of faculty, living status, exercise, taking non- prescribed medication, brushing the teeth, coffee consumption and fiber intake were significantly influenced the practice of fruits consumption (p=0.008, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.002, p<0.001, P<0.001; respectively).

    CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a poor practice of healthy lifestyle among university students. Therefore universities should emphasize a healthy lifestyle in all faculties as a required subject. Socio-demographic characteristics significantly influenced practice and thus should be considered when planning preventive measures among university students. Frequent campaigns and educational seminars are to be encouraged.

  7. Al-Jashamy K, Al-Naggar RA, San P, Mashani M
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2009;10(6):1159-62.
    PMID: 20192603
    OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the histopathological features and cell morphology of various cervical lesions observed among Malaysian women.

    METHODOLOGY: A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate 77 cervical cases collected from the histopathology laboratory of Ipoh hospital from 1st January, 2005, to 31st December, 2006.

    RESULTS: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) was found in 33 (42%) cases, CIN III accounting for 27%, and CIN I, CIN II and CIN II-III 5% each. The highest rate for CIN cases was 43% in the 41-50 year age group and the lowest rate was 6% in the group aged 61-70 years. Non-keratinizing and metastatic squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) accounted for 16% and 13%, respectively, the combination being second in majority (29%), followed by adenocarcinoma (17%). The histopathological results showed CIN I to be characterized by mild papillary projections of the epithelium with some degree of nuclear enlargement, pleomorphism, mild koilocytosis, bionucleated cells and a low nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio. CIN II demonstrated typical squamous epithelium with disorganization of the lower part of the epithelium accompanied by nuclear hyperchromatism, an increased nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio, and scanty mitotic figures. CIN III was characterized by pleomorphic nuclei, atypical cells with mitotic figures, nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio, anisokaryosis and hyperchromasia.

    CONCLUSION: Lesions related to cervical cancer showed tumor progression correlating with histopathological changes in cell morphology.

  8. Al-Naggar RA, Kadir SY
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2013;14(1):103-9.
    PMID: 23534705
    BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to determine knowledge about lung cancer among secondary school male teachers in Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among three secondary schools located in Kudat district, Sabah, Malaysia during the period from June until September 2012. The protocol of this study was approved by ethics committee of Management and Science University, Malaysia. The aims were explained and a consent form was signed by each participant. Respondents were chosen randomly from each school with the help of the headmasters. Self-administrated questionnaires, covering socio-demographic characteristics and general knowledge of lung cancer, were distributed. Once all 150 respondents completed the questionnaire, they passed it to their head master for collecting and recording. All the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 13. ANOVA and t-test were applied for univariate analysis; and multiple linear regression for multivariate analysis.

    RESULTS: A total of 150 male secondary school teachers participated in this study. Their mean age was 35.6 ∓ 6.5 (SD); maximum 50 and minimum 23 years old. More than half of the participants were Malay and married (52%, 79%; respectively). Regarding the knowledge about lung cancer, 57.3% of the participants mentioned that only males are affected by lung cancer. Some 70.7% mentioned that lung cancer can be transmitted from one person to another. More than half (56.7%) reported that lung cancer is not the leading cause of death in Malaysian males. As for risk factors, the majority reported that family history of lung cancer is not involved. However, 91.3% were aware that cigarettes are the main risk factor of lung cancer and more than half (52%) believed that second-hand smoking is one of the risk factor of lung cancer. More than half (51.3%) were not aware that asbestos, ionizing radiation and other cancer causing substances are risk factors for lung cancer. Quitting smoking, avoiding second-hand smoking and avoiding unnecessary x-ray image of the chest (53.3%, 96.0%, 87.3%; respectively) are the main preventive measures mentioned by the participants. For the factors that influence the participants knowledge, univariate and multivariate analysis showed that only race was significant.

    CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the knowledge of school male teachers about lung cancer was low. However, few items were scored high: cigarettes are the main risk factor; avoiding second-hand smoking; and avoiding x-rays. Interventions to increase lung cancer awareness are needed to improve early detection behavior. Increase the price of pack of cigarettes to RM 20 and banning smoking in public places such as restaurants are highly recommended as primary preventive measures.

  9. Al-Naggar RA, Isa ZM, Shah SA, Chen R, Kadir SY
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2009;10(5):743-6.
    PMID: 20104962
    A cross-sectional study was conducted at the main hospitals in Sana'a, Yemen to determine the attitude and practice of Yemen female doctors on mammography screening. Study subjects were all female doctors who were on duty during the questionnaire distribution. Those who agreed to participate were given the questionnaire to complete. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse socio-demographic variables and variables related to general health. Participants in this study were 105 female doctors with mean age of 32.1 years (SD = 7.17). Thirty-four respondents (36.6%) did not send asymptomatic women for mammography screening. The reasons were because of high cost (58.0%, n= 25), availability of other methods (23.3%, n= 10), instrument not available (11.6%, n= 5) and high risk of radiation (7.0%, n= 3). Twenty-five participants (26.9%) sent patients on regular basis if there was a family or personal history of breast cancer. Twenty-three participants (24.7%) sent the patients for mammogram screening every year regardless of the patients'history or symptoms. Although most doctors (36.5%) do not refer patients for mammography screening, seventy-seven (74.0%) indicated that they would refer patients for mammography screening on personal request by the patients. This study showed a low percentage of doctors who referred patients for routine mammography. The major reason given was the high cost of the procedure.
  10. Al-Naggar RA, Low WY, Isa ZM
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2010;11(4):867-73.
    PMID: 21133593
    OBJECTIVES: This study examined the level of knowledge and barriers towards cervical cancer screening of female university students.

    METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional design was used for 287 female students at a tertiary institution located in Selangor, Malaysia. A name list of all students in the all faculties were obtained from each faculty's registrar and the ethics committee of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, approved the study. Respondents completed a consent form before they were given the questionnaire consisting of four sections: socio-demographic characteristics (six questions); risk factor of cervical cancer (six); knowledge about cervical cancer and the Pap smear test (ten); and finally barriers to Pap screening (eleven). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 13.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of ever having had a Pap test was 6%. Majority of the participants had adequate knowledge about risk factors of cervical cancer. The highest knowledge about cervical cancer risk factor reported by the respondents was having more than one sex partner (77.5%), whereas the lowest was the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer (51.2%). Age, marital status, ethnicity, monthly family income and faculty were significantly associated with knowledge of cervical cancer screening (p=0.003; p=0.001; p=0.002; p=0.002; p=0.001 and p=0.002; respectively). The most common barriers of cervical cancer screening were the Pap smear test will make them worry (95.8%) whereas the least common barrier reported among participants was no encouragement from the partner (8.8%).

    CONCLUSION: Some misconceptions and barriers in uptaking Pap smear test are still serious problems among young women. Although knowledge about cervical cancer screening is adequate they have a very poor practice of Pap smear test. The introduction of reproductive health subjects is warranted for all university students.
  11. Al-Naggar RA, Isa ZM
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2010;11(2):435-40.
    PMID: 20843130
    OBJECTIVE: the objective of this study is to explore the perceptions of medical students regarding the Pap smear test.

    METHODOLOGY: Focus group discussion was held with twenty three medical students. The students were divided into three focus groups; two groups of female participants consisting of 9 and 8 students; respectively. The third group consisted of 6 male students. Questions regarding Pap smear testing included barriers that prevented women from taking the test, gender preference for the physician to conduct the cervical screening test, willingness to suggest Pap smear test to the family or friends. The data obtained were classified into various categories and analyzed manually.

    RESULTS: Most of the study participants mentioned that the main barriers for women to not perform Pap smear test is lack of awareness 16 (70%), followed by shyness 12 (52%) and the cost of the test 12 (52%). Most agreed that the gender of the physician will affect the women decision to do Pap smear test. All mentioned that the advantage of a regular Pap smear test is to detect the abnormality at the early stage of cervical cancer. Some of the participants 9 (39%) mentioned that the disadvantages are expense, possible injury in the vagina due to the test procedures 8 (35%), associated infection 7(30.4%) and pain 7(30.4%) . The majority, 20 (87%) mentioned that the most effective prevention methods for cervical cancer are having sex only after getting married with the spouse only, HPV vaccination 15 (65%) and Pap smear 14 (61%).

    CONCLUSION: The main barriers for women to not perform Pap smear test is lack of awareness, shyness and the cost of the test. Gender of the physician will affect the women decision to do Pap smear test.
  12. Al-Naggar, Redhwan Ahmed, Chen, Robert
    MyJurnal
    Objective: This study explored the stress and coping strategies among retired people in Malaysia. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 36 elderly Malaysian subjects. This protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Management and Science University. The data obtained were sorted into various categories. Results: A total number of 36 retired elderly people participated in this study. The majority of them were in the age group of 55-59 years old, females, Malay and married. The majority defined stress as pressure or tension. Financial difficulties, family and work problems were the main causes of stress in the majority. Also, the majority of respondents mentioned that they coped with stress by sharing problems with others, by resting and relaxing, and/or by doing housework during their free time. A few of them coped with stress by hanging out with friends, going shopping,
    doing photography, travelling, going fishing, and doing sports. Conclusion: Financial difficulties, family and work problems were the main causes of stress among elderly people. They coped with stress by sharing problems with others, resting and relaxing, and/or doing housework during their free time.
  13. Al-Naggar RA, Chen R
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(3):691-4.
    PMID: 21627365
    OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of university students toward nutrition related to cancer prevention.

    METHODOLOGY: A total of 396 students from the Management and Science University (MSU) participated during the semester of March 2010. Stratified random sampling was used and consent was obtained before the questionnaire was distributed. ANOVA and the t-test were used for the univariate analysis and multiple linear regression was used for the multivariate analysis.

    RESULTS: The participants ages ranged from 18 to 27 years (Mean ± SD = 23.3 ± 1.57), more than half being female (62.4%). The majority were 23 years old or younger, single, Malay and from non-Medical and Health Science faculties and with a family monthly income of less than 10,000 Ringgits Malaysia(79.5%; 99%, 65.9, 52.5%, 63.9%; respectively). Only 18.4% of participants reported a family history of cancer. About 32.1% had a medical check-up in the previous 12 months and 17.4% were smokers. Multivariate analysis showed the faculty type to be significantly associated with knowledge of cancer prevention (p = 0.04). Regular medical check-ups were associated with attitudes and practices of cancer prevention (p = 0.04, p=0.003 respectively), the latter being significantly influenced by sex, family history of cancer and smoking (p = 0.034, p=0.013, p=0.002; respectively).

    CONCLUSION: The majority of participants had poor knowledge of nutrition as related to cancer prevention. Attention should be given to regular medical check-ups, awareness of family history and smoking influence.

  14. Al-Naggar RA, Chen R
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(4):1023-9.
    PMID: 21790245
    The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and associated factors of vitamin-mineral supplements use among Management and Science University students. The cross-sectional study protocol was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee and questionnaires were distributed randomly using simple random sampling to students from all faculties and consent was obtained. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 13. Total number of the participants in this study is 105. More than half of them were female, older than 20 years of age and Malay (58.1%, 61.9 and 61.9% respectively). The prevalence of vitamin-mineral supplement use was 43%, the main reasons being 'to maintain good health' 80%, followed by 'to ensure adequate nutrition' (10.5%). There was a significant positive association with monthly household income and BMI (P=0.039; P=0.048), with significant dependence on race and knowledge about vitamin-mineral supplements (P=0.002). There was a significant difference between medical and health sciences as compared to non-medical and health science faculties (p =0.05). The conclusion is that although the prevalence of vitamin-mineral supplement use among university students is relatively high, many of them do not have accurate information about supplements. Therefore, there is a need to provide them with education and access to scientific and unbiased information.
  15. Al-Naggar RA, Al-Jashamy K, Chen R
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2010;11(6):1515-21.
    PMID: 21338190
    OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to explore the perceptions and opinions of young women about human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination and associated barriers.

    METHODOLOGY: This qualitative in-depth interview study was conducted in January 2010 with 30 university students from different faculties, i.e.:International Medical School (IMS), Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (FHLS), Faculty of Business Management and Professional Studies (FBMP) and Faculty of Information Sciences and Engineering (FISE) of the Management and Science University (MSU), Shah Alam, Malaysia. After consent was obtained from all participants, the interviewer wrote down the conversations during the interview sessions. The data obtained were classified into various categories and analyzed manually.

    RESULTS: The majority of participants 25 (83%) had heard about cervical cancer, while 16 (53.3%) have never heard of HPV. Only five participants (17%) mentioned that HPV is the cause of cervical cancer. Ten participants (33.3%) did not know any causes. The majority 16 (53.3%) did not know the mode of HPV transmission. The majority of participants 22 (73.3%) mentioned that they had not been vaccinated against HPV. Out of 22, 16 (53.3%) agreed to be vaccinated in the future to protect themselves from cervical cancer and five (17%) participants mentioned they are not willing because of the uncertain safety of the available vaccines and their side effects.

    CONCLUSION: This study showed relatively poor knowledge about HPV and its vaccines, pointing to urgency of educational campaigns aimed at students in the public and government universities to promote HPV vaccination among this highly eligible population.

  16. Al-Naggar RA, Jillson IA, Abu-Hamad S, Mumford W, Bobryshev YV
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2015;16(3):1097-103.
    PMID: 25735338
    BACKGROUND: Few studies have explored the knowledge and attitudes of adolescents toward cancer prevention and treatment. This lack of research and its potential utility in the development of new educational initiatives and screening methods, or the reconstruction of existing ones, provided the impetus for this study. The primary research aim was to assess secondary school student knowledge of cancer and determine whether or not they possessed basic knowledge of cancer symptoms, risk factors, and treatments and to determine the relationship between cancer knowledge and key demographic factors.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Management and Science University conducted a cross-sectional study analyzing responses through cross-tabulation with the socio-demographic data collected.

    RESULTS: The findings of our quantitative analysis suggest that Malaysian youth generally possess a moderate knowledge about cancer. Quantitative analyses found that socioeconomic inequalities and bias in education present as important factors contributing to cancer awareness, prevention, and treatment among Malaysian adolescents.

    CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that Malaysian youth generally possess a moderate knowledge about cancer but the current deficiencies in initiatives directed to cancer awareness continue to hinder the improvement in prevention of cancer among Malaysian adolescents.

  17. Al-Naggar RA, Bobryshev YV
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2013;14(3):1969-74.
    PMID: 23679301
    The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and associated factors regarding colorectal cancer screening among university students in Malaysia. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle practice and knowledge of colorectal screening. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 students (21.3±1.4 years old). The majority of the participants were Malay with a monthly family income of less than 5,000 Ringgit Malaysia (equal to 1,700 USD) (67.0% and 76.0%, respectively). Regarding their lifestyle practices, the majority were non-smokers and had never consumed alcohol (83.7%, and 88.0%, respectively). The majority of the participants had no knowledge of digital rectal examination, colonoscopy, barium enema and fecal occult blood screening (63.3%, 60.7%, 74.0% and 62.3%, respectively). Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that their age and the discipline which the students were studying significantly influenced their level of knowledge about colorectal screening. The present study results indicate that education campaigns about colorectal cancer should be promoted.
  18. Al-Naggar RA, Bobryshev YV
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(8):2045-9.
    PMID: 22292648
    OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to determine the practice of HPV vaccine among Malaysian women in the general population.
    METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 233 women during the Academic Year 2010/2011. Written consent was obtained from the participants and written information about the study was given enclosed with the questionnaire form, consisting of questions on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge about HPV and practice of HPV vaccination. The protocol was approved by the ethics committee of Management and Science University (MSU). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 13. The T-test and ANOVA test were used to explore the relation between socio-demographic characteristics and the practice of HPV vaccine.
    RESULTS: The majority of the participants were from the age group 17-30 years old, Malay, single and having tertiary education (67.8, 62.7, 62.2, 86.3%; respectively). As for knowledge, the majority of them heard about HPV (82.4%), knew that multiple sex partners increase the risk (71.7%). Regarding the practice of HPV vaccine among respondents, slightly more than half had been vaccinated (51.5%). Regarding the factors that influenced the practice of HPV vaccine among general population; age, marital status and family monthly income were significant (p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001; respectively).
    CONCLUSION: Age, marital status and income significantly influence the practice of HPV vaccine. Therefore promotion of HPV vaccine and inclusion in the national vaccination program is very important for primary prevention of cervical cancer among women.
  19. Al-Naggar RA, Al-Naggar TH, Bobryshev YV
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(4):995-9.
    PMID: 21790240
    INTRODUCTION: Malignant melanoma in particular is one of the few remaining cancers with an increasing incidence.

    OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to explore the perceptions and opinions of young Malaysians towards skin cancer prevention.

    METHODOLOGY: Focus group discussions were conducted among 33 medical science students from Management and Science University (MSU), Shah Alam, Malaysia, using convenience sampling. Students were divided into 4 focus groups consisting of 8, 8, 9 and 8 students respectively. The facilitator wrote down the conversations and data obtained were classified into various categories and analyzed manually.

    RESULTS: The majority of the participants mentioned that overexposure to ultraviolet light is the commonest cause of skin cancer but also that the most benefit we get from sun ight is vitamin D synthesis. The majority mentioned that the best prevention measure for skin cancer is using a sunscreen, followed by limit exposure to the sun.

    CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated there is a lack of knowledge regarding screening methods and prevention measures of skin cancer. Therefore, there is a need to establish health education unit in all universities to educate all university students regarding various health problems including skin cancer prevention.
  20. Al-Naggar RA, Al-Naggar DH, Bobryshev YV, Chen R, Assabri A
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(5):1173-8.
    PMID: 21875261
    INTRODUCTION: The etiology of breast cancer is still unknown and adequate primary prevention strategies or interventions are still not possible. Therefore, early detection remains the first priority and regular practice of breast self-examination (BSE) influences treatment, quality of life, survival, and prognosis of breast cancer patients.
    OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the practices and barriers towards breast self-examination among young Malaysian women.
    METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional study was conducted among 251 female students at the Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. Questionnaires were distributed at gathering places such as the university cafeteria, the university plaza, the Islamic center, and at the library. In addition, questionnaires were distributed in the lecture halls. The proposal of this study was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of Management and Science University. Data was analysis using SPSS version 13, t-test was used to analyze the associated factors toward the practice of BSE.
    RESULTS: A total number of 251 students participated in this study. The majority of them were older than 20 years old,of Malay racial origin, single and from urban areas (66.5%; 63.7%; 96%; 70.9% respectively). Regarding their lifestyle practices, the majority of participants do exercise, are non-smokers and do not drink alcohol (71.3%; 98.4%; 94.4% respectively). More than half of the study participants mentioned that they have practiced BSE (55.4%). Regarding the sources of information about BSE, the majority mentioned that radio and TV were their main sources of information (38.2%). Age, exercise and family history of cancer significantly influenced the practice of BSE (p = 0.045; p=0.002; p=0.017 respectively). Regarding the barriers to BSE, the majority who never practiced BSE mentioned that lack of knowledge, not having any symptoms, and being afraid of being diagnosed with breast cancer were the main barriers to practicing BSE (20.3%; 14.3%; 4.4% respectively).
    CONCLUSION: More than half of the participants practiced BSE. Age, exercise and family history of cancer significantly influenced the practice of the BSE. Lack of knowledge, not having any symptoms and being afraid of being diagnosed with breast cancer were the main barriers to practicing BSE. There is an urgent need to develop a continuous awareness campaign among university students on the importance of performing BSE.
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