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  1. Muchhala B
    Development (Rome), 2022;65(2-4):124-135.
    PMID: 36124164 DOI: 10.1057/s41301-022-00343-2
    The current era of financial hegemony is characterized by a dense financial actor concentration, an exacerbated reliance of many South countries on private credit and an internalized compliance of South states to financial market interests and priorities. This structural power of finance enacts itself through disciplinary mechanisms, such as credit ratings and economic surveillance, compelling many South states to respond to creditor interests at the expense of peoples' needs. As a human rights paradigm, the Declaration on the Right to Development has the active potential to redress the structural power of finance and the distortion of the role of the state through upholding the creation of an enabling international environment for equitable and rights-based development on two levels of change. First, structural policy reforms in critical areas of debt, fiscal policy, tax, trade, capital flows and credit rating agencies. Second, systemic transformation through delinking as articulated by dependency theorist Samir Amin, which entails a reorientation of national development strategies away from the imperatives of globalization to that of economic, social, and ecological priorities and interests of people.
  2. Bhumika NM, Mishra S, Arjun M, Venkatesh MP
    J Med Imaging Radiat Sci, 2024 Dec;55(4):101420.
    PMID: 38789291 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2024.04.013
    BACKGROUND: The Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) has significant impact on providing high-quality mammography services for the early detection of breast cancer. MQSA emphasizes quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and patient safety. It guides technological integration, ensuring uniform quality across the United States of America (USA). This review synthesizes key MQSA information, analysing compliance, and facilitating policy discussions for improvements, aiming to inspire further policy research in cancer screening by adopting MQSA's success factors.

    METHODS: The review spanned 1997 to 2023, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases like PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant literature. Selection criteria covered English-language journals, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, and professional organizational standards, revealing key aspects of MQSA and breast cancer diagnostics in the USA.

    RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: MQSA's legislative aspects guarantee the effectiveness of regulations for high-quality mammography. It addresses technology, emphasizes inspections, and balances compliance with healthcare burdens. Procedural guidelines prioritize patient outcomes, minimize errors, and address access disparities. Regular updates are crucial to align screening services with technological changes, maintaining safety and accuracy nationwide.

    CONCLUSION: The FDA's collaboration with stakeholders, including medical specialists and patient advocacy groups, has contributed to crucial legislative aspects of MQSA. The accuracy of mammography screenings has significantly improved by MQSA's installation of stringent quality and regulatory standards. Compliance with MQSA guidelines led to higher accuracy, safety, and better detection rates. Ongoing efforts must aim to refine guidelines, address emerging challenges, and optimize breast cancer detection.

  3. Kumar S, Badiyani BK, Lalani A, Kumar A, Roy S
    Malays J Med Sci, 2018 Mar;25(2):126-132.
    PMID: 30918462 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2018.25.2.13
    Background: Lifestyle factors affect the periodontal and oral hygiene status and, thus, may affect the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in pregnant women. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the OHRQoL and determine its relationship with lifestyle and other factors in pregnant women in Indore city.

    Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 400 pregnant women who were selected using stratified random sampling technique from eight private maternity centers located in Indore city. A questionnaire collected information on socio-demographic characteristics, oral hygiene practices, previous dental visit and past medical history. OHRQOL was assessed using Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire. Lifestyle factors were assessed using the Health practice Index.

    Results: The lifestyle factors were the strongest predictor for poor OHRQOL. The pregnant women (OR = 3.22, P-value < 0.0001*) with poor lifestyle had significantly poor OHRQOL. Logistic regression analysis showed that poor socio-economic status (OR = 2.63, P-value = 0.025*), brushing frequency of less than or equal to once daily (OR = 2.02, P-value = 0.025*), and suffering from systemic diseases (OR = 2.11, P-value = 0.017*) were other important predictors for poor OHRQOL in pregnant women.

    Conclusions: Our findings showed that lifestyle factors significantly impact OHRQOL in pregnant women. Thus, it is recommended that effective policies should be drafted to improve lifestyle factors and OHRQOL in pregnant women.

  4. Bhardwaj A, Bhardwaj A, Bhumika, Sirowa A
    Ind Psychiatry J, 2024;33(2):409-413.
    PMID: 39898083 DOI: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_134_24
    Psychotropic medications, particularly antipsychotics, are known to elicit various adverse effects, with ocular complications being underreported yet significant. This case series presents three instances where atypical antipsychotics, namely Risperidone, Cariprazine, and Olanzapine, led to ocular dystonias and nystagmus. These adverse effects occurred at relatively low doses, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring even with second-generation antipsychotics. Case descriptions delineate patients experiencing acute dystonic reactions and nystagmus following initiation or dose adjustment of atypical antipsychotics, leading to upward deviation of the eyes, involuntary movements, and nystagmus. Prompt recognition and management were crucial, with cessation of the offending medication resulting in symptom remission and subsequent stabilization with alternative treatments. Factors contributing to these adverse effects, such as dopamine receptor blockade and individual susceptibility, are explored, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive evaluation and open patient-physician communication. The present case series underscores the necessity of vigilant monitoring for ocular adverse effects, even with atypical antipsychotics, given their potential to induce acute dystonias and nystagmus. The presented cases advocate for heightened awareness among clinicians to promptly recognize and manage such rare complications, ensuring optimal patient care and treatment outcomes.
  5. Dempsey J, Irvine-Broque A, Bigger P, Christiansen J, Muchhala B, Nelson S, et al.
    Nat Ecol Evol, 2022 Feb 18.
    PMID: 35181759 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01704-3
  6. Dempsey J, Irvine-Broque A, Bigger P, Christiansen J, Muchhala B, Nelson S, et al.
    Nat Ecol Evol, 2021 Dec 20.
    PMID: 34931053 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-021-01619-5
  7. Al-Moamary M, Aggarwal B, Al-Ahmad M, Sriprasart T, Koenig S, Levy G, et al.
    Adv Ther, 2025 Feb 06.
    PMID: 39912987 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-025-03105-x
    INTRODUCTION: Patient adherence to regular controller medication is critical for improving clinical outcomes in asthma, which is consistently associated with underlying pathophysiological inflammation. This survey aimed to identify types of treatment nonadherence and associated factors, including patient characteristics that predict poor adherence, in patients with asthma.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional online survey involved patients with asthma and physicians managing such patients from Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam) and the Middle East (Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates) included in the Asthma Patients' and Physicians' Perspectives on the Burden and Management of Asthma (APPaRENT) 3 study. Patients and physicians shared their attitudes and beliefs regarding treatment and adherence in asthma management.

    RESULTS: Most patients (82%, 1108/1354) reported having ever received treatment with daily controller inhalers, whereas 38% used inhaled relievers at least once daily for symptomatic relief. Among those prescribed maintenance and reliever therapy, 93% were prescribed a separate inhaled reliever, with significant variation by country (P 

  8. Aggarwal B, Al-Moamary M, Allehebi R, Alzaabi A, Al-Ahmad M, Amin M, et al.
    Adv Ther, 2024 Aug;41(8):3089-3118.
    PMID: 38874879 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-024-02900-2
    INTRODUCTION: Asthma management is strongly dependent on physician and patient beliefs and perceptions about the disease and its long-term treatment. The APPaRENT 3 study was conducted to explore factors influencing treatment choice and to understand patients' and physicians' attitudes and perspectives on the use of controller inhalers in regular versus flexible dosing for asthma management.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional survey of patients with asthma and treating physicians was conducted in seven countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam (patient survey only), Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Assessment was carried out through an online/face-to-face questionnaire, where patients' viewpoints were focused on their attitudes and beliefs about asthma and treatment adherence, whereas physicians' viewpoints were gathered on their attitudes and beliefs about asthma management, knowledge of and adherence to asthma treatment guidelines, and asthma treatment regimens.

    RESULTS: Overall, 1400 patients (mean age, 34 years) and 599 physicians (mean age, 43 years) were included in the survey. Physicians similarly prioritised symptom control (39%) and exacerbation reduction (40%) in moderate asthma, whereas patients prioritised symptom control (41%) over exacerbation reduction (22%). Although both groups (physicians, 86%; patients, 84%) perceived asthma as well-controlled, poor management was evident based on Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores (mean, 15.7; standard deviation, 4.14; 82% had an ACT score 

  9. Fountoulakis KN, Karakatsoulis GN, Abraham S, Adorjan K, Ahmed HU, Alarcón RD, et al.
    CNS Spectr, 2024 Apr;29(2):126-149.
    PMID: 38269574 DOI: 10.1017/S1092852924000026
    BACKGROUND: The prevalence of medical illnesses is high among patients with psychiatric disorders. The current study aimed to investigate multi-comorbidity in patients with psychiatric disorders in comparison to the general population. Secondary aims were to investigate factors associated with metabolic syndrome and treatment appropriateness of mental disorders.

    METHODS: The sample included 54,826 subjects (64.73% females; 34.15% males; 1.11% nonbinary gender) from 40 countries (COMET-G study). The analysis was based on the registration of previous history that could serve as a fair approximation for the lifetime prevalence of various medical conditions.

    RESULTS: About 24.5% reported a history of somatic and 26.14% of mental disorders. Mental disorders were by far the most prevalent group of medical conditions. Comorbidity of any somatic with any mental disorder was reported by 8.21%. One-third to almost two-thirds of somatic patients were also suffering from a mental disorder depending on the severity and multicomorbidity. Bipolar and psychotic patients and to a lesser extent depressives, manifested an earlier (15-20 years) manifestation of somatic multicomorbidity, severe disability, and probably earlier death. The overwhelming majority of patients with mental disorders were not receiving treatment or were being treated in a way that was not recommended. Antipsychotics and antidepressants were not related to the development of metabolic syndrome.

    CONCLUSIONS: The finding that one-third to almost two-thirds of somatic patients also suffered from a mental disorder strongly suggests that psychiatry is the field with the most trans-specialty and interdisciplinary value and application points to the importance of teaching psychiatry and mental health in medical schools and also to the need for more technocratically oriented training of psychiatric residents.

  10. Fountoulakis KN, Vrublevska J, Abraham S, Adorjan K, Ahmed HU, Alarcón RD, et al.
    J Affect Disord, 2024 May 01;352:536-551.
    PMID: 38382816 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.02.050
    BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant mental health challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations, including non-binary gender individuals. The COMET international study aimed to investigate specific risk factors for clinical depression or distress during the pandemic, also in these special populations.

    METHODS: Chi-square tests were used for initial screening to select only those variables which would show an initial significance. Risk Ratios (RR) were calculated, and a Multiple Backward Stepwise Linear Regression Analysis (MBSLRA) was followed with those variables given significant results at screening and with the presence of distress or depression or the lack of both of them.

    RESULTS: The most important risk factors for depression were female (RR = 1.59-5.49) and non-binary gender (RR = 1.56-7.41), unemployment (RR = 1.41-6.57), not working during lockdowns (RR = 1.43-5.79), bad general health (RR = 2.74-9.98), chronic somatic disorder (RR = 1.22-5.57), history of mental disorders (depression RR = 2.31-9.47; suicide attempt RR = 2.33-9.75; psychosis RR = 2.14-10.08; Bipolar disorder RR = 2.75-12.86), smoking status (RR = 1.15-5.31) and substance use (RR = 1.77-8.01). The risk factors for distress or depression that survived MBSLRA were younger age, being widowed, living alone, bad general health, being a carer, chronic somatic disorder, not working during lockdowns, being single, self-reported history of depression, bipolar disorder, self-harm, suicide attempts and of other mental disorders, smoking, alcohol, and substance use.

    CONCLUSIONS: Targeted preventive interventions are crucial to safeguard the mental health of vulnerable groups, emphasizing the importance of diverse samples in future research.

    LIMITATIONS: Online data collection may have resulted in the underrepresentation of certain population groups.

  11. Fountoulakis KN, Karakatsoulis G, Abraham S, Adorjan K, Ahmed HU, Alarcón RD, et al.
    Eur Neuropsychopharmacol, 2022 Jan;54:21-40.
    PMID: 34758422 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.10.004
    INTRODUCTION: There are few published empirical data on the effects of COVID-19 on mental health, and until now, there is no large international study.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, an online questionnaire gathered data from 55,589 participants from 40 countries (64.85% females aged 35.80 ± 13.61; 34.05% males aged 34.90±13.29 and 1.10% other aged 31.64±13.15). Distress and probable depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm respectively.

    STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses and Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested relations among variables.

    RESULTS: Probable depression was detected in 17.80% and distress in 16.71%. A significant percentage reported a deterioration in mental state, family dynamics and everyday lifestyle. Persons with a history of mental disorders had higher rates of current depression (31.82% vs. 13.07%). At least half of participants were accepting (at least to a moderate degree) a non-bizarre conspiracy. The highest Relative Risk (RR) to develop depression was associated with history of Bipolar disorder and self-harm/attempts (RR = 5.88). Suicidality was not increased in persons without a history of any mental disorder. Based on these results a model was developed.

    CONCLUSIONS: The final model revealed multiple vulnerabilities and an interplay leading from simple anxiety to probable depression and suicidality through distress. This could be of practical utility since many of these factors are modifiable. Future research and interventions should specifically focus on them.

  12. N Fountoulakis K, N Karakatsoulis G, Abraham S, Adorjan K, Ahmed HU, Alarcón RD, et al.
    Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol, 2023 Sep;58(9):1387-1410.
    PMID: 36867224 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02438-8
    INTRODUCTION: The current study aimed to investigate the rates of anxiety, clinical depression, and suicidality and their changes in health professionals during the COVID-19 outbreak.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data came from the larger COMET-G study. The study sample includes 12,792 health professionals from 40 countries (62.40% women aged 39.76 ± 11.70; 36.81% men aged 35.91 ± 11.00 and 0.78% non-binary gender aged 35.15 ± 13.03). Distress and clinical depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm, respectively.

    STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses, and Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested relations among variables.

    RESULTS: Clinical depression was detected in 13.16% with male doctors and 'non-binary genders' having the lowest rates (7.89 and 5.88% respectively) and 'non-binary gender' nurses and administrative staff had the highest (37.50%); distress was present in 15.19%. A significant percentage reported a deterioration in mental state, family dynamics, and everyday lifestyle. Persons with a history of mental disorders had higher rates of current depression (24.64% vs. 9.62%; p 

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