Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 31 in total

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  1. Devaraj NK
    Sleep Breath, 2020 Dec;24(4):1581-1590.
    PMID: 32096012 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-020-02040-1
    PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been linked with inflammation, hypertension, and higher cardiovascular risk which cause substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, OSA is underdiagnosed and its prevalence is increasing. Primary care doctors are the first contact for most patients and primary care providers play an important role in promoting, screening, and educating patients regarding OSA. This study aims to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding OSA among primary care doctors in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among physicians who were currently working in primary care clinics in the capital state of Kuala Lumpur. The validated "Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire" (OSAKA) and nine additional practice questions were used as the survey instrument.

    RESULTS: Of 207 physicians queried, the response rate was 100%. The mean (± SD) total knowledge score was 11.6 (± 2.8) (range 1-18). The majority of respondents had a positive attitude towards the importance of OSA but lacked confidence in managing OSA. Primary care doctors' most common practice for patients with suspected OSA was referral to the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) clinic.

    CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that primary care doctors demonstrated adequate knowledge about OSA and were aware of the importance of OSA as a core clinical problem. However, only a minority felt confident in managing patients with OSA. The results of the study may encourage improvement of primary care doctors' efforts to prevent and manage OSA.

  2. Lee KW, Ching SM, Hoo FK, Ramachandran V, Chong SC, Tusimin M, et al.
    Qual Life Res, 2020 Oct;29(10):2725-2736.
    PMID: 32430781 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-020-02532-3
    PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify factors associated with poor-to-moderate quality of life (QOL) among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in two tertiary hospitals in Malaysia.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 526 pregnant women with GDM in two tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. Diabetes-related QOL was assessed using the Asian Diabetes Quality of Life Scale (AsianDQoL). Socio-demographic characteristics, glucose monitoring treatments for GDM, past obstetric history, concurrent medical problems and a family history of diseases were captured from patient records. A multiple logistic regression was used for analysis.

    RESULTS: A total of 526 respondents with GDM entered the analysis. The median age of the respondents was 32 (interquartile range = 7) while 82.3% were Malay women. More than half of the respondents (69.5%) received an oral hypoglycaemic agent (OHA), and/or diet modification in controlling their GDM. The study reported that 23.2% of the respondents had poor-to-moderate QOL. Those with a family history of depression and/or anxiety (adjusted Odds ratio [AOR] 6.934, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.280-21.081), and a family history of GDM (AOR 1.814, 95% CI 1.185-2.778) were at higher odds of suffering from poor-to-moderate QOL compared to those without a family history. Similarly, those who received insulin, with or without OHA, and/or are on diet modification (AOR 1.955, 95% CI 1.243-3.074) were at higher odds of suffering from poor-to-moderate QOL compared to those receiving OHA and/or diet modification.

    CONCLUSION: Nearly one-quarter of Malaysian women with GDM have poor-to-moderate QOL. GDM women with a family history of depression and/or anxiety, family history of GDM, and those who received insulin, with or without OHA, and/or are on diet modification were associated with poor-to-moderate QOL.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: NMRR-17-2264-37814.

  3. Ching SM, Ng KY, Lee KW, Yee A, Lim PY, Ranita H, et al.
    PLoS One, 2021;16(10):e0257983.
    PMID: 34648526 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257983
    INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating effect on the mental health and wellbeing of healthcare providers (HCPs) globally. This review is aimed at determining the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, fear, burnout and resilience and its associated factors among HCPs in Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed literature search using 4 databases from Medline, Cinahl, PubMed and Scopus from inception up to March 15, 2021 and selected relevant cross-sectional studies. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot. Random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence while risk factors were reported in odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI.

    RESULTS: We included 148 studies with 159,194 HCPs and the pooled prevalence for depression was 37.5% (95%CI: 33.8-41.3), anxiety 39.7(95%CI: 34.3-45.1), stress 36.4% (95%CI: 23.2-49.7), fear 71.3% (95%CI: 54.6-88.0), burnout 68.3% (95%CI: 54.0-82.5), and low resilience was 16.1% (95%CI: 12.8-19.4), respectively. The heterogeneity was high (I2>99.4%). Meta-analysis reported that both females (OR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.30-1.68) and nurses (OR = 1.21; 95%CI = 1.02-1.45) were at increased risk of having depression and anxiety [(Female: OR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.49-1.85), (Nurse: OR = 1.36; 95%CI = 1.16-1.58)]. Females were at increased risk of getting stress (OR = 1.59; 95%CI = 1.28-1.97).

    CONCLUSION: In conclusion, one third of HCPs suffered from depression, anxiety and stress and more than two third of HCPs suffered from fear and burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia.

  4. Lee KW, Devaraj NK, Ching SM, Veettil SK, Hoo FK, Deuraseh I, et al.
    Oman Med J, 2021 May;36(3):e273.
    PMID: 34239714 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2021.62
    Objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common problem associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). There have been anecdotal reports of the efficacy of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2Is) in improving liver function parameters in those with concomitant T2DM and NAFLD/NASH. We sought to systematically evaluate the evidence of SGLT2Is in improving liver function parameters in T2DM patients with NAFLD, considering the risks of random error based on trial sequential analysis (TSA). We also performed a meta-analysis based on a random-effects model.

    Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using the Medline, Cochrane, and Embase databases from inception to 20 October 2018. Primary outcome for meta-analyses was the changes in hepatic enzyme levels (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase). We also performed a meta-analysis on changes in insulin resistance, glycemic, and lipid parameters using SGLT2Is as a secondary objective.

    Results: Eight eligible randomized controlled studies were eligible for analysis. Meta-analysis showed the efficacy of two SLT2Is, dapagliflozin, and canagliflozin in reducing these enzymes level. TSA showed that canagliflozin significantly reduced the gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase level by weighted mean difference (-5.474, 95% confidence interval (CI): -6.289??-4.659) compared to others comparators, and the evidence is conclusive. Dapagliflozin also had a statistically significant reduction in glycated hemoglobin, which is a parameter of glycemic control and homeostatic model assessment for insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR), which is a parameter of insulin sensitivity by a weight mean difference, -0.732 (95% CI: -1.087??-0.378) and -0.804 (95% CI: -1.336??0.272), respectively.

    Conclusions: This study indicated that canagliflozin effectively improves liver function parameters among patients with diabetes, while dapagliflozin is more effective in improving glycemic indices and insulin sensitivity.

  5. Lee KW, Loh HC, Ching SM, Devaraj NK, Hoo FK
    Nutrients, 2020 May 29;12(6).
    PMID: 32486102 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061604
    The beneficial effects of a vegetarian diet on blood pressure (BP) control have been reported in previous systematic reviews; however, so far, their relative effectiveness is not well established. Here, we performed a systematic review together with trial sequential analysis to determine the effect of a vegetarian diet on the reduction of blood pressure. We searched the randomized controlled trial (RCT) through Medline, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register. Fifteen eligible RCTs with 856 subjects were entered into the analysis. The pooled results demonstrated that vegetarian diet consumption significantly lowered the systolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference (WMD), -2.66 mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI) = -3.76, -1.55, p < 0.001) and diastolic BP was WMD, -1.69 95% CI = -2.97, -0.41, p < 0.001) as compared to an omnivorous diet. In subgroup analysis, a vegan diet demonstrated a greater reduction in systolic BP (WMD, -3.12 mm Hg; 95% CI = -4.54, -1.70, p < 0.001) as compared with a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet (WMD, -1.75 mm Hg, 95% CI -5.38, 1.88, p = 0.05). The vegan diet has showed a similar trend in terms of diastolic blood pressure reduction (WMD, -1.92 mm Hg (95% CI = -3.18, -0.66, p < 0.001) but those with a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet showed no changes in diastolic BP reduction (WMD, 0.00, 95% CI = 0.00, 0.00), p =0.432). In conclusion, vegetarian diets are associated with significant reductions in BP compared with omnivorous diets, suggesting that they may play a key role in the primary prevention and overall management of hypertension.
  6. Devaraj NK, Suppiah S, Veettil SK, Ching SM, Lee KW, Menon RK, et al.
    Nutrients, 2019 Nov 27;11(12).
    PMID: 31783578 DOI: 10.3390/nu11122886
    The protective effects of probiotic supplementation against radiation-induced diarrhea (RID) have been reported in previous systematic reviews; however so far, only non-conclusive results have been obtained. The objective of this study was to systematically update and evaluate the available evidence for probiotic supplementation. The protocol of this systematic review has been registered (CRD42018106059) with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). The primary efficacy outcome was the incidence of RID. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of watery stool, soft stool, and antidiarrheal medication use. There were eight trials, and a total of 1116 participants were included in the primary analysis. Compared with placebo, probiotics were associated with a lower risk of RID [risk ratio (RR) = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.46, 0.83]. A requisite heterogeneity-adjusted trial sequential analysis indicated conclusive evidence for this beneficial effect. No statistically significant reduction in RID (RR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.14, 1.91) was observed on subgroup analysis in patients receiving both radiation therapy and chemotherapy. However, those patients receiving only radiation therapy (RT) demonstrated significant benefit (RR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.48, 0.78). There was a significant difference in the antidiarrheal medication use (RR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.35, 0.84) observed with the use of probiotics. However, no significant difference was observed for the incidence of soft and watery stool. The use of probiotics is beneficial in preventing RID in patients receiving RT.
  7. Lee KW, Ching SM, Hoo FK, Ramachandran V, Chong SC, Tusimin M, et al.
    Midwifery, 2020 Feb;81:102586.
    PMID: 31830674 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2019.102586
    OBJECTIVE: Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in gestational diabetes mellitus ranges from 10.2% to 39.9% based on previous studies in Malaysia. Presence of depression, anxiety or stress in pregnancy may increase the risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of neonatal outcomes and its association among mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus with and without the presence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in Malaysia.

    DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study.

    SETTING: Tertiary hospitals in Malaysia.

    PARTICIPANTS: Mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 418) who deliver their neonates at two major tertiary hospitals in Malaysia.

    MEASUREMENTS: Neonatal outcomes, such as low birth weight, preterm birth, macrosomia, metabolic and electrolyte disorders, neonatal respiratory distress and congenital anomalies were determined.

    FINDINGS: Prevalence of low birth weight in neonates born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus was 14.6%, followed by metabolic and electrolyte disorders 10.5%, preterm birth 9.1%, macrosomia 4.8%, neonatal respiratory distress 5.8% and congenital anomalies (2.4%). Among the adverse neonatal outcomes, neonatal respiratory distress was significantly associated with the presence of depression symptoms in mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus using univariate analysis (p = 0.010). After controlling for confounding factors, predictors for neonatal respiratory distress at delivery were the presence of depression symptoms in mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (Adjusted OR = 3.87, 95% CI = 1.32-11.35), living without a husband (Adjusted OR = 9.74, 95% CI = 2.04-46.51), preterm delivery (Adjusted OR = 7.20, 95% CI = 2.23-23.30), caesarean section (Adjusted OR = 3.33, 95% CI = 1.09-10.15), being nulliparous and primiparous (Adjusted OR = 3.62, 95% CI = 1.17-11.17) and having family history of diabetes (Adjusted OR = 3.20, 95% CI = 1.11-9.21).

    KEY CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study demonstrate the positive association of neonatal respiratory distress with the presence of depression symptoms in mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus.

    IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: It is therefore important to identify depression symptoms after a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant mothers is made to enable early referral and interventions.

  8. Mohamad F, Yahya AS, Abdul Rashid A, Devaraj NK, Abdul Manap AH
    Malays Fam Physician, 2021 Mar 25;16(1):121-123.
    PMID: 33948151 DOI: 10.51866/cr1117
    Ectopic pregnancy is an extra-uterine pregnancy and is a potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to death from intra-peritoneal hemorrhage. This case reports a rare occurrence of ruptured tubal pregnancy in which the patient presented early with abdominal pain and a negative urine pregnancy test but subsequently presented again with evidence of intra-peritoneal hemorrhage. A negative urine pregnancy test is often used to rule out pregnancy, but it is not 100% sensitive. Complete assessment is critical in this important diagnosis in order to plan for the appropriate emergency management.
  9. Hawa A, Teng CL, Devaraj NK, Saadatun A, Rawaida AL, Chong FY, et al.
    PMID: 37449277 DOI: 10.51866/oa.100
    INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of lipohypertrophy in insulin-injecting patients with diabetes at selected primary care clinics in Malaysia.

    METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged ≥18 years with type 1 or 2 diabetes treated with insulin for at least 6 months at six selected public primary care clinics in Malaysia. The Injection Technique Questionnaire was used, and physical examination was conducted to detect the presence of lipohypertrophy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS version 26.

    RESULTS: A total of 506 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in this study; of them, 60.47% were women, and 48.42% were Malays. The prevalence of lipohypertrophy was 39.6% (95% Confidence Interval, CI =35%-44%). The univariate analysis revealed that a larger number of injections per day, longer needle length, repeated use of needles, incorrect rotation of the injection site, longer insulin use duration, higher total insulin dose and higher HbA1c level were significantly associated with lipohypertrophy. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, incorrect rotation of the injection site was the only independent associated factor of lipohypertrophy.

    CONCLUSION: The prevalence of lipohypertrophy in this study is comparable with that in other studies. The identified associated factors of lipohypertrophy must be addressed in ongoing health education for insulin-injecting patients at Malaysian primary care clinics. Educating healthcare professionals and increasing awareness among patients with diabetes are important steps in preventing this complication.

  10. Ramachandran Rubenandran, Rampal Sanjiv, Sivalingarajah Prema, Tan Eng Kee, Devaraj Navin Kumar
    MyJurnal
    Intramedullary nailing is the preferred method of closed shaft fracture fixation of long bones. One of the most dread- ed complications to occur following internal fixation of a lower limb fracture is pseudo- or false aneurysm which can lead to the loss of the limb due to acute ischemia. This diagnosis is made by contrast angiogram of the limb. Pointers to the diagnosis include absent distal limb pulsation as well as other signs of acute ischemia post trauma or surgery. We present a case of development of pseudo-aneurysm in an elderly patient following open reduction and internal fixation of a femoral fracture. This case report outlines a prompt multidisciplinary approach of management in a rare case of pseudoaneurysm post fixation of long bone.
  11. Aneesa Abdul Rashid, Nurainul Hana Shamsuddin, Raja Dalila Athirah Raja Malek Ridhuan, Nurin Amalina Sallahuddin, Devaraj, Navin Kumar
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: In first six months of life, breastfeeding is the recommended form of feeding by the World Health Organisation for the growing child. To enable the working mother to continue this noble practice, adequate workplace breastfeeding support and self- efficacy is needed. This study aims to determine the prevalence of breastfeeding among working mothers of children aged three months to two years and factors associated with breastfeeding practice including workplace support and mother’s self-efficacy. Method: This is a cross sectional questionnaire study carried out in a rural Health Clinic in Selangor using socio-demographic data, Workplace Breastfeeding Support Scale (WBSS), and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Short Form (BSES-SF). This study was conducted for a period of three months from April to June 2015. The respondents were employed Malaysian mothers of healthy infants aged three months to two years. A total of 84 participants were involved in the study. Data analysis was done with SPSS 22.Results: The prevalence of breastfeeding among working mothers were high at 97.6%. We found significant association of breastfeeding practice with workplace breastfeeding support (p=0.005) and self-efficacy (p= 0.017). We also noted a significant correlation between breastfeeding workplace support and breast feeding self-efficacy (r= 0.40, p
  12. Devaraj NK, Abdul Rashid A, Shamsuddin NH, Abdullah AA, Tan CH, Chow ZY
    MyJurnal
    Bronchial asthma causes great morbidity and mortality worldwide. Certain occupations especially those exposed to known triggers of asthma such as animal fur, dusts or solvents may trigger asthma attacks in a previously undiagnosed individual or worsen its’ control in a known asthmatic. This is especially true for adult-onset asthma. This may in turn the health of the affected workers and affect their productivity. Affected workers may be given job reassignment and eligible for medical compensation from Social Security Organisation (SOSCO). This case report will look at how two individuals in very distinct occupation were diagnosed with suspected occupational asthma.
  13. Tahir ARM, Ee XW, Rashid AA, Yahaya AYB, Devaraj NK
    J Immigr Minor Health, 2021 Dec;23(6):1159-1169.
    PMID: 33543426 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-021-01150-6
    The Rohingyas fled from their home to escape ethnic persecution. Due to their status as refugees they have difficulties in accessing healthcare leading to avoidable mortality and morbidity. Infectious diseases are reported to be among the causes. To ease access to healthcare, IMAM Response and Relief Team (IMARET) provides a free monthly clinic for them. The objective of this study is to determine the proportion of infectious diseases and appropriateness of antimicrobial usage among its pediatrics patients. It was conducted in 2017, through universal sampling. Information retrieved were via interviews and medical records. The majority diagnosis were infectious diseases (57.1%), which include respiratory infections (77.3%), skin (13.6%), gastrointestinal (4.5%), eye and ear infection (both 1%). Albendazole (40.7%) was the most prescribed. Only 7.4% were appropriately prescribed antimicrobials. Age (p = 0.005) and BMI (p = 0.006) were significantly associated with infections.
  14. Chia YC, Devaraj NK, Ching SM, Ooi PB, Chew MT, Chew BN, et al.
    J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich), 2021 03;23(3):638-645.
    PMID: 33586334 DOI: 10.1111/jch.14212
    This study aimed to examine the relationship of adherence with blood pressure (BP) control and its associated factors in hypertensive patients. This cross-sectional nationwide BP screening study was conducted in Malaysia from May to October 2018. Participants with self-declared hypertension completed the Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale (Hill-Bone CHBPTS) which assesses three important domains of patient behavior to hypertension management namely medication taking, appointment keeping and reduced salt intake. Lower scores indicate better compliance while higher scores indicate otherwise. Participant's body mass index and seated BP were measured based on standard measurement protocol. Determinants of adherence to treatment were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Out of 5167 screened subjects, 1705 were known hypertensives. Of these, 927 (54.4%) answered the Hill-Bone CHBPTS and were entered into analysis. The mean age was 59.0 ± 13.2 years, 55.6% were female and 42.2% were Malays. The mean Hill-Bone CHBPTS score was 20.4 ± 4.4 (range 14-47), and 52.1% had good adherence. The mean systolic BP and diastolic BP were 136.4 ± 17.9 and 80.6 ± 11.6 mmHg, respectively. BP was controlled in 58.3% of those with good adherence compared to 50.2% in those with poor adherence (p = .014). Based on multiple linear regression analysis, female gender (β = -0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.30, -0.15, p = .014), older age (β = -0.05, 95% CI -0.07, -0.03, p 
  15. Lee KW, Ching SM, Devaraj NK, Chong SC, Lim SY, Loh HC, et al.
    PMID: 32466479 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113767
    Previous literature has reported that patients with diabetes in pregnancy (DIP) are at risk of developing antepartum depression but the results have been inconsistent in cohort studies. We conducted a systematic review and performed a meta-analysis to quantify the association between DIP and risk of antepartum depression in cohort studies. Medline, Cinahl, and PubMed databases were searched for studies investigating DIP involving pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus and their risk of antepartum depression that were published in journals from inception to 27 December 2019. We derived the summary estimates using a random-effects model and reported the findings as pooled relative risks (RR) and confidence interval (CI). Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and was quantified by Egger and Begg's tests. Ten studies, involving 71,036 pregnant women were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled RR to develop antepartum depression was (RR = 1.430, 95% CI: 1.251-1.636) among women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Combining pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes mellitus, they had a significant increased risk of developing antepartum depression (RR = 1.431, 95% CI: 1.205-1.699) compared with those without it. In comparison, we found no association between pre-existing diabetes mellitus in pregnancy (RR = 1.300, 95% CI: 0.736-2.297) and the risk of developing antepartum depression. This study has a few limitations: first, different questionnaire and cut-off points were used in evaluation of depression across the studies. Second, there was a lack of data on history of depression prior to pregnancy, which lead to confounding bias that could not be solved by this meta-analysis. Third, data were dominated by studies in Western countries; this is due to the studies from Eastern countries failing to meet our inclusion criteria for statistical analysis. Women with gestational diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of developing antepartum depression compared to those without the disease. Therefore, more attention on the mental health status should be given on pregnant women diagnosed with pre-existing diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes mellitus.
  16. Lee KW, Yusof Khan AHK, Ching SM, Chia PK, Loh WC, Abdul Rashid AM, et al.
    Front Neurol, 2020;11:579070.
    PMID: 33123082 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.579070
    Background: As the world witnessed the devastation caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, a growing body of literature on COVID-19 is also becoming increasingly available. Stroke has increasingly been reported as a complication of COVID-19 infection. However, a systematic synthesis of the available data has not been conducted. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of currently available epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data related to both stroke and COVID-19 infection. Methods: We systematically searched Medline, Cinahl, and PubMed for studies related to stroke and COVID-19 from inception up to June 4, 2020. We selected cohort studies, case series, and case reports that reported the occurrence of stroke in COVID-19 patients. A fixed-effects model was used to estimate the pooled frequency of stroke in COVID-19 patients with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Twenty-eight studies were included in the systematic review and seven studies for the meta-analysis. The pooled frequency of stroke in COVID-19 patients was 1.1% (95% CI: 0.8, 1.3). The heterogeneity was low (I2 = 0.0%). Even though the frequency of stroke among patients having COVID-19 infection was low, those with concomitant COVID-19 infection and stroke suffered from a more severe infection and eventually had a poorer prognosis with a higher mortality rate (46.7%) than COVID-19 alone. Many COVID-19 patients shared the common traditional risk factors for stroke. We noted that ischemic stroke involving the anterior circulation with large vessels occlusion is the most common type of stroke with more strokes seen in multi-territorial regions, suggesting systemic thromboembolism. An elevated level of D-dimers, C-reactive protein, ferritin, lactic acid dehydrogenase, troponin, ESR, fibrinogen, and a positive antiphospholipid antibody were also noted in this review. Conclusions: The occurrence of stroke in patients with COVID-19 infection is uncommon, but it may pose as an important prognostic marker and indicator of severity of infection, by causing large vessels occlusion and exhibiting a thrombo-inflammatory vascular picture. Physicians should be made aware and remain vigilant on the possible two-way relationship between stroke and COVID-19 infection. The rate of stroke among patients with COVID-19 infection may increase in the future as they share the common risk factors.
  17. Seow WL, Md Ariffin UK, Lim SY, Mohamed NA, Lee KW, Devaraj NK, et al.
    Foods, 2022 Jan 03;11(1).
    PMID: 35010241 DOI: 10.3390/foods11010115
    Food safety is an important indicator of public health, as foodborne illnesses continue to cause productivity and economic loss. In recent years, web-based applications have been extensively used by the online users' population. Almost one third (28.3%) of online users found web-based application to be a notable source of food safety information. The objective of the current review is to determine the effectiveness of a web-based application systems as a health promotion tool for consumers to increase their knowledge and awareness of food safety. A systematic literature review was conducted by analyzing 11 selected web-based food safety education-related articles. The studies were categorized into several themes: (1) web-based applications used in accessing food safety information; (2) food safety evaluation and perception among consumers; (3) beliefs and level of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of consumers; and (4) impact and contribution of social media use. A diverse number of online applications have been utilized to promote food safety education among consumers, yet these web-based applications need to be improved with regards to social connection and integration among consumers. KAP surveys were conducted on the majority of the respondents with a particular focus on their knowledge level. Findings show that web-based applications may act as an alternative to the traditional media in enhancing food safety education among consumers, especially youths who are tech-savvy.
  18. Chia YC, Ching SM, Devaraj NK, Chew BN, Ooi PB, Mohamed M, et al.
    Eur Heart J Suppl, 2020 Aug;22(Suppl H):H83-H85.
    PMID: 32884479 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/suaa035
    Hypertension continues to be the top global killer, contributing to over 10 million deaths annually. As prevalence and unawareness of hypertension remain high in Malaysia, this study was aimed to screen more individuals to identify those with undiagnosed hypertension. Respondents aged ≥18 years were recruited through opportunistic sampling at various screening sites including health clinics, hospitals, student health centres, universities, community halls, shopping malls, as well as through other health screening campaigns. Each respondent completed a questionnaire on socio-demographic, environmental, and lifestyle data. Anthropometric measurements as well as three blood pressure (BP) measurements were obtained from all participants. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or taking antihypertensive medication. The total number of participants was 4866. The mean age of the participants was 39.8 (17.6) years with 61.1% female participants. Of the 4866 participants, 1405 (28.9%) had hypertension. The proportion of those aware of their hypertension status was 76.3% (1073/1405). The proportion of those with hypertension on medication was 71% (998/1405). Of those receiving antihypertensive treatment, 62.4% (623/998) had controlled BP. The proportion of hypertension in this study was 28.9%. The awareness rate of 76.3% compares favourably to a previously reported national level of 43.2%. Hence, BP screening programmes may be effective at increasing awareness and should be conducted annually.
  19. Chia YC, Ching SM, Chew BN, Devaraj NK, Siti Suhaila MY, Tay CL, et al.
    Eur Heart J Suppl, 2019 Apr;21(Suppl D):D77-D79.
    PMID: 31043885 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/suz061
    Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a growing burden worldwide, leading to over 10 million deaths each year. However there are still many individuals, particularly in many countries in Asia, who have poor BP control. In Malaysia, less than two-fifths have achieved BP control. We participated in BP screening in Malaysia in conjunction with the May Measurement Month 2017 (MMM17), a global initiative by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) aimed at screening more individuals for earlier detection of hypertension. A nationwide screening of adults aged ≥18 was carried out through health campaigns at clinics, hospitals, during family day events, and charity runs from 1 April 2017 to 31 May 2017 in 42 centres. We used the detailed protocol provided by ISH for data collection. A total of 4116 individuals were screened during MMM17. After multiple imputation, 32.4% (n = 1317/4059) had hypertension. Out of this, 63.9% (842/1317) of those with hypertension were on treatment. Of individuals receiving antihypertensive medication with an imputed BP, 59.5% (n = 496/834) of them had controlled BP. MMM17 was the largest organized BP screening campaign undertaken by health professionals in Malaysia. This study identified that 32.4% of screened individuals had hypertension and 59.5% individuals with treated hypertension had achieved BP control.
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