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Two-Dimensional Infrared Correlation Spectroscopy, Conductor-like Screening Model for Real Solvents, and Density Functional Theory Study on the Adsorption Mechanism of Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone for Effective Phenol Removal in an Aqueous Medium

Mohammad Alwi MA, Normaya E, Ismail H, Iqbal A, Mat Piah B, Abu Samah MA, et al.

ACS Omega, 2021 Oct 05;6(39):25179-25192.
PMID: 34632177 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c02699

The discharge of industrial effluents, such as phenol, into aquatic and soil environments is a global problem due to its serious negative impacts on human health and aquatic ecosystems. In this study, the ability of polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) to remove phenol from an aqueous medium was investigated. The results showed that a significant proportion of phenol (up to 74.91%) was removed using PVPP at pH 6.5. Isotherm adsorption experiments of phenol on PVPP indicated that the best-fit adsorption was obtained using Langmuir models. The response peaks of the hydroxyl groups of phenol (OH) and the carboxyl groups (i.e., C=O) of PVPP were altered, indicating the formation of a hydrogen bond between the PVPP and phenol during phenol removal, as characterized using 1D and 2D IR spectroscopy. The resulting complexes were successfully characterized based on their thermodynamic properties, Mulliken charge, and electronic transition using the DFT approach. To clarify the types of interactions taking place in the complex systems, quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis, reduced density gradient noncovalent interaction (RDG-NCI) approach, and conductor-like screening model for real solvents (COSMO-RS) approach were also successfully calculated. The results showed that the interactions that occurred in the process of removing phenol by PVPP were through hydrogen bonding (based on RDG-NCI and COSMO-RS), which was identified as an intermediate type (∇2ρ(r) > 0 and H < 0, QTAIM). To gain a deeper understanding of how these interactions occurred, further characterization was performed based on adsorption mechanisms using molecular electrostatic potential, global reactivity, and local reactivity descriptors. The results showed that during hydrogen bond formation, PVPP acts as a nucleophile, whereas phenol acts as an electrophile and the O9 atom (i.e., donor electron) reacts with the H22 atom (i.e., acceptor electron).
Fulltext Incidental finding of congenital pericardial defect during vats bullectomy. Tips and tricks to avoid blunder

Loo GH, Ismail H, Ismail MI, Md Ali NAB, Abdul Rahman MRB, Haron H

Ann Med Surg (Lond), 2021 Sep;69:102806.
PMID: 34527238 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102806

The absence of a small portion of the pericardium is termed pericardial defect. This rare entity can be either acquired or congenital. The prevalence of congenital pericardial defect is exceedingly rare, which is approximately 0.002-0.004% of surgical and pathologic series. The most common type is the absence of the entire left side of pericardium, seen in 67% of all patients with a congenital pericardial defect. Other varieties are incredibly uncommon. Congenital pericardial defect has a male preponderance with a male to female ratio of 3:1, and familial occurrence is uncommon. We report a case of left partial congenital pericardial defect detected incidentally in a 22-year-old man who presented with recurrent left spontaneous pneumothorax. He underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic bullectomy and intraoperatively, we discovered a left partial pericardial defect which exposed the left atrial appendage. Although generally asymptomatic, patients may present with non-specific cardiac symptoms such as atypical chest pain. Partial pericardial defects have an increased risk of herniation of the whole left atrium, the left atrial appendage or the ventricles. If this occurs, cardiac strangulation may occur, leading to necrosis and sudden death. Cardiac MRI is a sensitive tool and will demonstrate the absence of preaortic pericardial recess. In conclusion, no surgical intervention is required in cases of congenital pericardial defect, unless the patient is symptomatic due to complications. If detected incidentally during cardiac or thoracic surgery, the best may be to leave it alone.
Poliomyelitis in Malaysia: two confirmed cases after 6 years without polio

Ismail HI, Lal M

Ann Trop Paediatr, 1993;13(4):339-43.
PMID: 7506880

Poliomyelitis in Malaysia has not been reported since 1986. We report two cases of poliomyelitis in non-immunized children whose parents, though relatively educated, opted not to vaccinate their children for socio-cultural reasons. This recent trend may interfere with our attempts to eradicate poliomyelitis globally by the year 2000. The clinical features, pathophysiology and differential diagnosis are discussed.
Fulltext Iodine status among pregnant women in rural Sabah, Malaysia

Lim KK, Chan YY, Teh CH, Ismail H, Yusof R, Muhi J, et al.

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2017 8 15;26(5):861-866.
PMID: 28802296 DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.092016.06

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In 2000, legislation on mandatory universal salt iodisation was enacted in Sabah, Malaysia, to reduce the incidence of iodine deficiency disorders among its population. To evaluate the iodine levels among pregnant women from selected rural divisions in Sabah 13 years after the enactment of the universal salt iodisation programme.
METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 May to 30 June, 2013, in three rural divisions of Sabah (the Interior, the West Coast, and Kudat). Data regarding domestic iodised salt use and iodine-containing supplement consumption were obtained from respondents through face-to-face interviews; goitre enlargement was examined through palpation and graded according to the World Health Organization classification. Spot urine samples were also obtained to assess urinary iodine levels by using an in-house modified micromethod.
RESULTS: In total, 534 pregnant women participated. The prevalence of goitre was 1.0% (n=5), noted only in the West Coast and Kudat divisions. Although all pregnant women consumed iodised salt, overall median urinary iodine concentration was only 106 μg/L, indicating insufficient iodine intake, with nearly two-thirds of the women (60%) having a median urinary iodine concentrations of <150 μg/L.
CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women from the rural divisions in Sabah still exhibit iodine deficiency disorder despite the mandatory universal salt iodisation programme. Iodine supplementation programmes targeting pregnant women are warranted.
Sexual activity among Malaysian school-going adolescents: what are the risk and protective factors?

Ahmad N, Awaluddin SM, Ismail H, Samad R, NikAbdRashid N

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2014 Sep;26(5 Suppl):44S-52S.
PMID: 25070693 DOI: 10.1177/1010539514544700

This study aimed to identify risk and protective factors associated with sexual activity among Malaysian adolescents. Data from the World Health Organization Global School-based Student Health Survey 2012 were analyzed. A total of 23 645 students aged 12 to 17 years responded using self-administered validated questionnaire. The overall prevalence of reported ever-had sex was 8.3%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that ever-had sex was positively significantly associated with ever-used drugs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 7.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.51-9.13), and to a lesser extent, ever-smoked (aOR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.62-2.07) and ever-consumed alcohol (aOR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.15-2.53). Protective factors against ever-had sex were having a close friend (aOR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.50-0.81), parental bonding (aOR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.65-0.81), supportive peers (aOR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.69-0.86), and parental connectedness (aOR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.78-0.99). Although the prevalence of sexual activity among school-going adolescents in Malaysia is relatively low, identifying the risk and protective factors is crucial toward developing an integrated multiple approach to preventing sexual-related problems.
Study name: Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)
Risk Factors for Illicit Drug Use Among Malaysian Male Adolescents

Rodzlan Hasani WS, Miaw Yn JL, Saminathan TA, Robert Lourdes TG, Ramly R, Abd Hamid HA, et al.

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2019 11;31(8_suppl):48S-56S.
PMID: 31347375 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519865053

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of illicit drug use and its associated factors among male adolescents in Malaysia. Data of 13 135 adolescents were extracted from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2017, a cross-sectional survey among school-going adolescents in Malaysia aged between 13 and 17 years, using a 2-stage stratified cluster sampling. A complex sample design analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were applied. The overall prevalence of lifetime illicit drug use among male adolescents was 6.6%. The multivariable model showed that illicit drug use among male adolescents were associated with younger age, rural school area, marital status of parent, current smoker, ever having sex, truancy, involved in physical fight, and lack of peer support. The findings from this study can assist community and relevant authorities in their efforts to combat illicit drug usage among adolescents using intervention programs that diminishes risk factors and enhances the protective factors.
Factors Associated With E-Cigarette Usage and the Reasons for Initiation Among Malaysian Adolescents

Robert Lourdes TG, Abd Hamid HA, Mohd Yusoff MF, Rodzlan Hasani WS, Mat Rifin H, Saminathan TA, et al.

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2019 10;31(7_suppl):44S-52S.
PMID: 31522514 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519870663

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are handheld devices that deliver an aerosol by heating a solution made up of propylene glycol and/or glycerol with or without flavoring agents and nicotine. This nationwide cross-sectional survey examined factors associated with e-cigarette usage and reasons for its initiation among 13 162 Malaysian adolescents. Data from TECMA (Tobacco and E-Cigarette Survey among Malaysian Adolescents) were used. Nine percent of adolescents had used e-cigarettes in the past month. Males (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.36-4.95), 16 to 19 year olds (aOR = 2.64; 95% CI = 2.13-3.26), Malays (aOR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.79-2.83), Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputeras (aOR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.61-3.15), and cigarette smokers (aOR = 13.16; 95% CI = 11.14-15.54) were more likely to use e-cigarettes. Three main reasons for e-cigarette initiation among adolescents were its taste and smell, experimentation, and popularity. Sale of e-cigarettes with or without nicotine to people aged younger than 18 years should be banned. Flavored e-cigarettes should also be banned since there is evidence suggesting increased appeal among the younger generation.
Cessation of e-cigarette use among adolescents and its associated factors

Saminathan TA, Rodzlan Hasani WS, Robert Lourdes TG, Mohd Yusoff MF, Ismail H, Akmal Abd Hamid H, et al.

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2019 10;31(7_suppl):53S-60S.
PMID: 31189348 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519854873

We assessed the prevalence of cessation of e-cigarette and its associated factors among adolescents in Malaysia. This study analyzed data from the Tobacco and E-Cigarette Survey among Malaysian Adolescent (TECMA) in 2016, a cross-sectional study with 2-stage stratification cluster sampling. A total of 14 832 school-going adolescents aged 10 to 19 years participated in this survey. A complex sampling design and multiple logistic regression analysis were applied. Nearly half of the adolescents (49.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 44.9-55.0) who had ever used e-cigarette ceased the usage. Based on multivariate analysis, adolescents were more likely to quit e-cigarette because they could not afford the e-cigarette (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.78-3.20), if they are aged 13 year and older (aOR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.25-2.61), and those who claimed their e-cigarette does not contain nicotine (aOR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.03-1.78). E-cigarette prevention efforts among adolescents could consider the cessation factors described in this study.
Smoking among Secondary School Students in Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia--Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study

Lim HK, Teh HC, Lim LH, Lau JK, Kee CC, Ghazali SM, et al.

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2015;16(11):4563-70.
PMID: 26107204

BACKGROUND: Smoking is a learnt behavior during adolescence and understanding the factor/s associated with smoking will assist in identifying suitable measures in combating the rising prevalence of smoking among adolescents. This research aimed to identify the factor/s associated with smoking among form four students in Kota Tinggi, Johor. Multistage sampling was used to select a representative sample of students in 2008 and data were collected using a self-administered validated questionnaire. This study revealed that the overall smoking prevalence was 19.0% with a significantly higher proportion of male smokers (35.8%) as compared to females (3.15%). Adolescents who were male (aOR 6.6, 95%CI 2.61-16.4), those who had peer/s who smoked (aOR 4.03, 95% CI 1.31-12.4), and those who studied in rural areas and Felda Settlements ( aOR 4.59, 95 CI 1.11-18.0; aOR 9.42, 95%CI 3.91-29.1) were more likely to smoke in the past one week. On the other hand, adolescents with better knowledge on the hazards of smoking and negative attitudes towards smoking were less likely to smoke (aOR 0.51, 95%CI 0.37-0.72; aOR 0.67, 95%CI 0.46-0.99). Future promotional and interventional programmes on smoking should be considered and the above identified risk factors integrated to reduce smoking prevalence among students of school-going ages in Kota Tinggi. Johor.
Fulltext Prevalence of chronic kidney disease and its associated factors in Malaysia; findings from a nationwide population-based cross-sectional study

Saminathan TA, Hooi LS, Mohd Yusoff MF, Ong LM, Bavanandan S, Rodzlan Hasani WS, et al.

BMC Nephrol, 2020 08 14;21(1):344.
PMID: 32795256 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-020-01966-8

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Malaysia was 9.07% in 2011. We aim to determine the current CKD prevalence in Malaysia and its associated risk factors.
METHODS: A population-based study was conducted on a total of 890 respondents who were representative of the adult population in Malaysia, i.e., aged ≥18 years old. Respondents were randomly selected using a stratified cluster method. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated from calibrated serum creatinine using the CKD-EPI equation. CKD was defined as eGFR
Vaccine hesitancy from parents and healthcare providers perspectives in Hadhramout Governorate, Yemen: a mixed-method study protocol

Sutan R, Batarfi SA, Ismail H, Bin-Ghouth AS

BMJ Open, 2022 Feb 17;12(2):e055841.
PMID: 35177459 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055841

INTRODUCTION: Although immunisation prevents the death of millions of infants and children each year, the vaccination coverage of routine childhood vaccination does not reach its target. The reasons for low vaccination uptake can be related to both demand and supply side determinants. The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy is increasing globally. However, data on vaccine hesitancy in low-income Arabic countries are scarce. To investigate this issue in Yemen, an Arabic low-income country, we aim to examine the link between vaccine hesitancy and the immunisation status of children living in Costal Hadhramout, Yemen, from the perspective of their parents and healthcare providers.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will use a mixed-method research design. The study will be conducted in Costal Hadhramout in three phases. Phase 1 will involve a situational analysis using secondary data from records of the national expanded immunisation programme in Costal Hadhramout to examine the trend for previous years. Phase 2 will be a quantitative study aimed at assessing the prevalence of vaccination status of children aged <2 years and the determinants of parental vaccine hesitancy perception through a validated questionnaire. Lastly, phase 3 will be a qualitative study that explores vaccine hesitancy in Yemen using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with parents and healthcare providers, respectively.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by the Research Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, University Kebangsaan Malaysia. The findings will be disseminated via publication in peer-reviewed academic journals, academic conferences and public presentations.
Fulltext Effect of plant ontogeny on quantity and chemical constituents of essential oil in sweet basil (Ocimum Basilicum L.) grown in Sudan

Aburigal, Yasmin A. A., Elmogtaba, Elfadl Y., Sirible, Awatif M., Hamza, Nada B., Hussein, Ismail H., Mirghani, Mohamed E. S.

Biological and Natural Resources Engineering Journal, 2020;3(2):1-6.
MyJurnal

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a very important food additive as well as for its therapeutic and cosmetic potential. The composition of essential oils in plants is affected by genetics and environmental conditions, which is determined by growth region and harvesting time in terms of ontogenetical variability. This study was carried out to assess the effect of plant ontogeny (pre-flowering, at flowering, fruiting) on essential oil content and chemical constituents for four sweet basil cultivated under irrigation conditions in the experimental farm of the National Oilseed Processing Research Institute (NOPRI), University of Gezira, Sudan. The essential oils were hydro-distilled from the leaves using Clevenger apparatus and the chemical constituents were determined by GC-MS. The results reveal that the essential oil yield content ranged from 0.1% to 0.2% at pre-flowering stage, whereas the oil content obtained at post-flowering stage was 0.1% for the investigated accessions. The highest essential oil content was recorded at flowering stage (0.2-0.5%), where the two Sudanese accessions had the maximum content (0.5%). The major chemical constituents, linalool, citral, methyleugenol, and eucalyptol reported at different developmental stages, punctuated between 5.73% and 32.93% in the four investigated accessions.
Food intake, nutrient utilization and water turnover in the lesser mouse-deer (Tragulus javanicus) given lundai (Sapium baccatum)

Nolan JV, Liang JB, Abdullah N, Kudo H, Ismail H, Ho YW, et al.

Comp. Biochem. Physiol. A Physiol., 1995 May;111(1):177-82.
PMID: 7735907

Voluntary food intake, digestibility and water turnover were determined in adult Malaysian lesser mouse-deer (Tragulus javanicus) given unlimited access to lundai foliage (Sapium baccatum). Daily dry matter (DM) intake was 42.4 g/kg metabolic live mass (M0.73) or 3.7% M. Digestible energy intake was 853 kJ/day (571 kJ metabolisable energy per M0.73), calculated to be used with 79% efficiency. Apparent digestibility (%) of organic matter was 83.8, crude fibre 63.7, acid detergent fibre 60.5, neutral detergent fibre 72.1 and crude protein 65.0. Urinary excretion of the purine derivative, allantoin, was 0.05 mg/g digestible DM intake suggesting rumen microbial yield efficiency may be lower than in other ruminant species. Total water intake was 182 ml/M0.82. The body-water content of the fed mouse-deer, from tritiated water dilution, was 77% M, consistent with a very lean carcass. Turnover of body water was 17% per day. The mouse-deer produced relatively dry, well-defined faecal pellets.
Editorial: Saving mothers and babies for the new world

Ahmad Kamar A, Cheah FC, Ismail H, Pejaver R, Ellwood DA, Mahdy ZA

Front Surg, 2023;10:1291596.
PMID: 37841814 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1291596
Prevalence and factors associated with falls among older persons in Malaysia

Sahril N, Shahein NA, Yoep N, Mahmud NA, Sooryanarayana R, Maw Pin T, et al.

Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2020 Dec;20 Suppl 2:33-37.
PMID: 33370863 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13980

AIM: Falls are a common problem among older people, leading to major morbidity and increased mortality. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of falls among older persons in Malaysia and its associated factors.
METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2018 (NHMS 2018), a cross-sectional study using stratified cluster sampling design. Older persons were defined as aged ≥60 years in this study. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25.0.
RESULTS: Overall, 14.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.46, 15.84) of older persons reported having experienced at least one fall during the past 12 months. Univariate analyses revealed an association between the history of falls with not being employed (odds ratio [OR]: 1.35 [95% CI: 1.03, 1.77]), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.65 [95% CI: 1.33, 2.04]), limitation in activities of daily living (ADL) (OR: 1.90 [95% CI: 1.43, 2.54]) or instrumental ADL (OR: 1.47 [95% CI: 1.16, 1.84]). Multiple logistic regression revealed that falls were positively associated with those who had diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.55 [95% CI: 1.23, 1.94]) and limitation in ADL (OR: 1.56 [95% CI: 1.14, 2.15]); 43.9% of falls occurred outdoors.
CONCLUSION: One in six older Malaysian people experience at least one fall over a 12-month period. Diabetes mellitus and limitation in ADL were the factors associated with falls among older persons. A comprehensive and targeted program designed to reduce risk of falls is urgently needed. Future research should identify suitable programs for our setting to reduce the potential society burden of falls in older Malaysians. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 33-37.
Association between functional limitations and depression among community-dwelling older adults in Malaysia

Ahmad NA, Abd Razak MA, Kassim MS, Sahril N, Ahmad FH, Harith AA, et al.

Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2020 Dec;20 Suppl 2:21-25.
PMID: 33370850 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14012

AIM: This study aimed to assess the relationship between functional limitations and depression among community-dwelling older adults in Malaysia.
METHODS: Data from a nation-wide community-based cross-sectional study were analyzed. This study was conducted using a two-stage stratified random sampling design. In total, 3772 older adults aged ≥60 years responded to the survey. Depression was identified using a validated Malay version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (M-GDS-14), with those scored ≥6 categorized as having depression. Functional limitations were assessed using both Barthel's Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). The relationship was determined by multivariate logistic regression, adjusted for other variables.
RESULTS: The prevalence of depression was 11.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.4, 13.4). Multiple logistic regression analysis found that older adults with limitations in ADL were 2.6 times more likely of having depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.58, 95% CI 2.01, 3.32), while those with limitations in IADL the risk of having depression was almost doubled (aOR 1.68, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.14). Other significant factors were incontinence (aOR 3.33, 95% CI: 2.33, 4.74), chronic medical illness (aOR 1.44, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.81), current smoker (aOR 4.19, 95% CI: 1.69, 10.39), poor social support (aOR 4.30, 95% CI: 2.98, 6.20), do not have partner, ethnic minorities and low individual monthly income.
CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with functional limitation in both basic ADL and complex IADL are independently at higher risk of having depression. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 21-25.
Self-reported diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia among older persons in Malaysia

Ab Majid NL, Rodzlan Hasani WS, Mat Rifin H, Robert Lourdes TG, Jane Ling MY, Saminanthan TA, et al.

Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2020 Dec;20 Suppl 2:79-84.
PMID: 33370854 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13968

AIM: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of self-reported diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia among older persons in Malaysia and their associated factors.
METHODS: The study used data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey in 2018. It was a cross-sectional study with two-staged stratified cluster sampling design. In total, 3977 adults aged ≥60 years were selected for this study. Respondents were interviewed face to face using a structured questionnaire. Self-reported diabetes, hypertension or hypercholesterolemia was defined as having ever been told they have these diseases by a medical doctor or paramedic. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. The multiple logistic regression model was used to examine the factors associated with the prevalence of self-reporting.
RESULTS: The prevalence of self-reported diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia among older persons in Malaysia were 27.7%, 51.1% and 41.8% respectively. Presence of other comorbidities and being obese showed higher odds for all three diseases. Indians, unemployed, inactive had higher odds for diabetes. Other Bumiputras, unemployed, non-smoker, obese and inactive had higher odds for hypertension. Non-smoker had higher odds for hypercholesterolemia.
CONCLUSIONS: Health promotion, vigilance, attention and services targeting on the associated factors should be strengthened for older persons in Malaysia to ensure healthy aging. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 79-84.
Fulltext Insights into frontline healthcare workers' mental health amidst COVID-19 - Sources of workplace worries and coping strategies

Ismail H, Phan YH, Chandriah K, Arman MR, Mokhtar NN, Hamdan SA, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Sep;9(9):e20258.
PMID: 37809997 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20258

INTRODUCTION: This study was aimed to measure the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress as well as to evaluate the associations of these mental disorders with sociodemographic factors, workplace worries, and coping strategies among frontline HCWs in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sociodemographic data questionnaire, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21, sources of workplace worries questionnaire, and Brief-COPE inventory were randomly distributed to frontline HCWs who worked at the medical, emergency, and anaesthesiology departments. Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests and multivariable linear regression analysis.
RESULTS: A total of 137 frontline HCWs responded to the questionnaires. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 69.3%, 77.4%, and 57.7%, respectively. None of the sociodemographic characteristics was associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Depression was associated to all sources of workplace worries, except "fear of getting infected" (p = 0.089), while anxiety and stress were associated with all sources of workplace worries. Humour (β = 0.821), self-blame (β = 0.686), denial (β = 0.676), substance use (β = 0.835), and behavioural disengagement (β = 0.583) were positively correlated to depression. However, active coping (β = -0.648) and acceptance (β = -0.602) were negatively correlated to depression. On the other hand, active coping (β = 0.913), planning (β = 0.879), acceptance (β = 0.831), religion (β = 0.704), and self-distraction (β = 0.929) were positively correlated to stress. Only substance use (β = -0.417) was negatively correlated to stress. All coping strategies did not correlate to anxiety.
CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress is attributed by the various sources of workplace worries and the inappropriate coping strategies among the frontline HCWs. Measures that minimise workplace worries and inappropriate coping strategies must be implemented promptly.
Interdisciplinary challenges in the circular supply chains: A systematic literature review

Rasi RZ, Ismail H, Shahbaz MS, Kaliani Sundram VP

Heliyon, 2023 Apr;9(4):e15225.
PMID: 37089391 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15225

As the circular supply chain (CSC) gains traction in literature and practice, some academic groups are developing new fields that proceed from the CSC as a precisely technical concept. In order to examine the trends of CSC over time, to define how previous researchers have conceptualized the CSC ideology, and to identify the barriers to CSC adoption in businesses operations. This systematic review of the literature (n = 55) examines and discusses the disparate body of knowledge on supply chains (SCs). The paper claims that there are still differences across the circular economy (CE) definitions because of alleged antecedents and scopes, which has led to several research streams. However, CSC's goal remained the same: to encourage sustainable strategies that rejected the traditional linear paradigm that had harmed the environment. In order to be included in future practices and approaches, eight significant, interdisciplinary issues were discovered using SLR, along with the corresponding sub-challenges. These difficulties were discussed in this paper. Aiming to address the current concerns about balancing the environmental and economic perspectives, this study will provide guidelines to future researchers to identify the challenges from a real-world point of view by taking into account the social, environmental, and economic perspectives altogether.
Fulltext Exploring the factors influencing consumer behaviours and practices towards sustainable WEEE management in Putrajaya, Malaysia

Sofian Azizi DD, Hanafiah MM, Woon KS, Ismail H

Heliyon, 2023 Jun;9(6):e17244.
PMID: 37441409 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17244

The disposal practises and preferences of household waste from electrical and electronic equipment disposal (WEEE) are essential components in material flow analysis (MFA). Nevertheless, the synergistic of consumers' behaviours and preferences with the disposal of different WEEE has yet to be investigated in depth. This study examined several consumer features of WEEE management using a quantitative questionnaire survey, including consumers' disposal behaviours and preferences. As a Malaysian federal government administrative centre, and model of a contemporary and sustainable Malaysian city, Putrajaya was chosen as the study area. Using stratified random sampling, the questionnaire was distributed through face-to-face and online surveys among households across 20 precincts within Putrajaya. From June 2021 to January 2022, 500 surveys were distributed over seven months, and IBM SPSS Statistic version 26 was used to analyse the data. The result shows that 80% of respondents have a good knowledge of WEEE management and are fully aware of the dangerous materials they have in their WEEE. 75% said they would recycle their WEEE, but only 44% said they would separate it from other household wastes. It was also shown that 88% of the household were willing to pay a collection fee of at least RM 10 for each collection. This analysis found that Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanisms can assist in overcoming weaknesses in WEEE management by including beneficial schemes to incentivise consumers to improve current waste policies. In the meantime, governments, media, and local non-governmental organisations may help by increasing awareness of effective and sustainable WEEE management.

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