Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 237 in total

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  1. Zulkifli SN, Low WY
    J Adolesc Health, 2000 Oct;27(4):276-80.
    PMID: 11008091
    This paper describes findings on selected determinants of sexual intercourse among 468 unmarried adolescents from a survey in Malaysia. Data on respondents' background, sexual experience, contraceptive use, and sexual attitudes are provided. Based on multiple logistic regressions, factors significantly predictive of sexual experience are gender, employment, and sexual attitudes.
  2. Zulkifli SN, Low WY
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2000;12 Suppl:S58-66.
    PMID: 11338741
    A survey was conducted to assess student's sexual knowledge and attitudes using a questionnaire based on the Sex Knowledge and Attitude Test (SKAT-II) to compare medical and nursing students with students (non-medical/nursing) who registered for a sexual health course. 85 Sexual Health, 115 medical and 81 nursing students voluntarily participated in the survey. This study showed that all the student groups showed relatively low scores in knowledge. Furthermore, average knowledge scores differed significantly between the three student groups with medical students scoring highest and nursing students lowest. Besides student groups, several other factors were found to be significantly associated with Knowledge score namely, race, religion, age, perception of the importance of religion and the extent to which religious beliefs influence sexual attitudes. Furthermore, multivariate statistical analyses showed that among these factors, student group, race/religion and religious importance were significant predictors of sexual knowledge. Specifically, being a medical student was associated with higher scores relative to a non-medical student, being a Malay student was independently associated with a lower average score compared to other races, and perceiving religion as extremely important was associated with a lower score.
  3. Zulkifli SN, Low WY, Yusof K
    Med J Malaysia, 1995 Mar;50(1):4-10.
    PMID: 7752975
    This paper examines data on the sexual activities of 1,200 Malaysian adolescents aged 15-21 years based on a probability household sampled survey carried out in Kuala Lumpur in 1986. Sexual behaviours like premarital sexual intercourse, contraceptive usage and masturbation were presented. Of the 1,181 unmarried respondents, 9% (105) reported having had sexual intercourse; males were significantly more experienced compared to females. Older age groups were also found to be more sexually active than the younger ones. Among those who had experience dating (n = 521), 20% (105) have experienced sexual intercourse, 44% (228) have kissed and necked, and 35% (183) have experienced petting, while 24% (130) have had no physical intimacies. Poor use of contraception was also revealed. The most commonly used were condoms, oral contraceptives and withdrawal. With regard to masturbation, males begin this practice relatively earlier than females. Almost half of those who indulged in masturbation were worried by the act, especially the females. Implications of the findings are discussed.
  4. Zaini MZ, Lim CT, Low WY, Harun F
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2005;17(2):71-80.
    PMID: 16425649
    This paper investigates the nutritional status of a randomly selected cohort of school children and the factors affecting it. This random survey was conducted in the state of Selangor, involving 1,405 primary students (aged 9-10 years from 54 national primary schools). Physical examination was carried out on all the students. Information on the students was also obtained from the parents. Blood samples were taken by using the finger pricking technique. Body mass index (BMI) was used as a measure of physical growth. The students were mainly from urban areas (82.9%). The mean age was 9.71 years and a higher proportion was females (51%). Malays constituted 83.6%, Indians 11.6% and Chinese 4.2% of the study population. The mean weight and height were 32.30 kg and 135.18 cm respectively. The mean BMI was 17.42 kg/m2, with 1.2% of the students underweight, 76.3% normal BMI, 16.3% overweight and 6.3% were obese. Nutritional status was significantly related to blood pressure, history of breast feeding, eating fast food, taking canned/bottled drinks, income and educational level of parents. Significant differences in nutritional status between sexes and locations (rural/urban) were also found. The prevalence of overweight and obese children was of concern. There is thus an urgent need for the School Health Program to periodically monitor the school children's eating habits and physical growth. Appropriate counselling on nutritional intake and physical activities should be given not only to schoolchildren but also to their teachers and parents or caregivers.
  5. Zain NM, Low WY, Othman S
    PMID: 26521527
    Pregnancy among unmarried women may have negative social and health implications in Malaysia. The number of pregnancies among unmarried women has increased in Malaysia, but the socio-demographic profile of these women is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics of unmarried pregnant women and the factors associated with unmarried pregnancies among young women in Malaysia. We conducted a cross sectional study at six hospitals and six women's shelters in Peninsular Malaysia during 2011-2012. Unmarried pregnant women were compared with married pregnant women. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire asking for socio-demographic data, family background, risky sexual behavior, social support and pregnancy details. A total of 484 women (239 unmarried and 245 married) were included in the study. Most unmarried subjects were adolescents, from urban areas, from a low socioeconomic group, and lived with parents prior to pregnancy. Age (OR=0.67; 95% CI: 0.61-0.74), studying status (OR=17.33; 95% CI: 2.65-113.19), alcohol use (OR=40.46; 95% CI: 2.51-652.38) exposure to pornographic material (OR=13.48; 95% CI: 3.24-56.01), contraceptive use (OR=0.20; 95% CI: 0.08-0.51), and social support (OR=0.90; 95% CI: 0.86-0.94) were all associated with unmarried pregnancy. These factors need to be considered when.designing an intervention program.
  6. Yusoff N, Low WY, Yip CH
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(4):915-7.
    PMID: 21790225
    The main objective of this paper is to examine the psychometric properties of the Malay Version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), tested on 67 husbands of the women who were diagnosed with breast cancer. The eligible husbands were retrieved from the Clinical Oncology Clinic at three hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Data was collected at three weeks and ten weeks following surgery for breast cancer of their wives. The psychometric properties of the HADS were reported based on Cronbach' alpha, Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), Effect Size Index (ESI), sensitivity and discriminity of the scale. Internal consistency of the scale is excellent, with Cronbach's alpha of 0.88 for Anxiety subscale and 0.79 for Depression subscale. Test-retest Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) is 0.35 and 0.42 for Anxiety and Depression Subscale, respectively. Small mean differences were observed at test-retest measurement with ESI of 0.21 for Anxiety and 0.19 for Depression. Non-significant result was revealed for the discriminant validity (mastectomy vs lumpectomy). The Malay Version of the HADS is appropriate to measure the anxiety and depression among the husbands of the women with breast cancer in Malaysia.
    Study site: Oncology clinic, University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  7. Yusoff N, Low WY, Yip CH
    Med J Malaysia, 2010 Mar;65(1):41-4.
    PMID: 21265247 MyJurnal
    This paper validates the Brief COPE Scale in Malaysian women with breast cancer. Test-retest evaluation was undertaken at two/three weeks and ten weeks following surgery. Internal consistencies ranged from 0.25 to 1.00. Meanwhile, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.05 to 1.00. Sensitivity of the scale was indicated by the mean differences as observed in most of the domains with Effect Size Index (ESI) ranged from 0 to 0.53. Significant differences between mastectomy and lumpectomy were observed for Active coping, Planning and Acceptance. Brief COPE Scale showed fairly good reliability and validity.
  8. Yusoff N, Low WY, Yip CH
    Singapore Med J, 2012 Jan;53(1):36-9.
    PMID: 22252181
    The Breast Module (BR23) is increasingly being used worldwide in breast cancer research. This study evaluates the appropriateness of the translated version (i.e. BR23-Malay version) as a useful tool for the Malaysian population who could understand Malay, and examines the reliability and validity of the BR23-Malay version.
  9. Yew KC, Tan QR, Lim PC, Low WY, Lee CY
    Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol, 2024 Mar;397(3):1421-1431.
    PMID: 37728622 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02716-x
    Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) have become the treatment of choice for hepatitis C. Nevertheless, efficacy of DAA in preventing hepatitis C complications remains uncertain. We evaluated the impact of DAA on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence and recurrence, all-cause mortality, liver decompensation and liver transplantation as compared to non-DAA treated hepatitis C and the association to baseline liver status. A systematic search for articles from March 1993 to March 2022 was conducted using three electronic databases. Randomized, case-control and cohort studies with comparison to non-DAA treatment and reporting at least one outcome were included. Meta-analysis and sub-group meta-analysis based on baseline liver status were performed. Of 1497 articles retrieved, 19 studies were included, comprising of 266,310 patients (56.07% male). DAA reduced HCC occurrence significantly in non-cirrhosis (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69-0.92) and cirrhosis (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.24-0.64) but not in decompensated cirrhosis. DAA treatment lowered HCC recurrence (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.92) especially in patients with baseline HCC and waiting for liver transplant. DAA also reduced all-cause mortality (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.23-0.78) and liver decompensation (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33-0.83) significantly. However, DAA did not prevent liver transplantation. The study highlighted the importance of early DAA initiation in hepatitis C treatment for benefits beyond sustained virological response. DAA therapy prevented HCC particularly in non-cirrhosis and compensated cirrhosis groups indicating benefits in preventing further worsening of liver status. Starting DAA early also reduced HCC recurrence, liver decompensation, and all-cause mortality.
  10. Yeap R, Low WY
    Singapore Med J, 2009 Dec;50(12):1169-76.
    PMID: 20087554
    This study examines the general public's knowledge of mental health and explores effective tools to promote good mental health through a household survey of a representative sample of the Malaysian population residing in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
  11. Xu F, Binns C, Low WY
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2020 5 16;32(2-3):134-135.
    PMID: 32410510 DOI: 10.1177/1010539520915009
  12. Wong YL, Chinna K, Mariapun J, Wong LP, Khoo EM, Low WY, et al.
    Prev Med, 2013;57 Suppl:S24-6.
    PMID: 23318158 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2013.01.004
    OBJECTIVES: To identify the correlates between risk perceptions and cervical cancer screening among urban Malaysian women.
    METHOD: A cross-sectional household survey was conducted among 231 women in Petaling Jaya city in 2007. The association of risk perceptions of cervical cancer and screening practice was analyzed using Poisson regression.
    RESULTS: 56% of the respondents ever had a Pap smear test. Knowledge of signs and symptoms (aPR=1.11, 95% CI=1.03-1.19), age (aPR=1.02, 95% CI=1.01-1.03), number of pregnancies (aPR=1.06, 95% CI=1.01-1.11), marital status, education level and religion were found to be significant correlates of Pap smear screening. Respondents who were never married were less likely to have had a Pap smear. Those who had no education or primary education were less likely to have had a Pap smear compared to those with degree qualification. The prevalence of screening was significantly higher among Christians and others (aPR=1.35; 95% CI=1.01-1.81) and Buddhists (aPR=1.38; 95% CI=1.03-1.84), compared to Muslims.
    CONCLUSION: Eliminating anecdotal beliefs as risks via targeted knowledge on established risk factors and culturally sensitive screening processes are strategic for increasing and sustaining uptake of Pap smear screening versus current opportunistic screening practices.
    KEYWORDS: Cervical cancer; Malaysia; Pap smear; Risk perception; Screening; Targeted knowledge
  13. Wong LP, Wong YL, Low WY, Khoo EM, Shuib R
    Int J Behav Med, 2008;15(4):289-92.
    PMID: 19005928 DOI: 10.1080/10705500802365490
    Attitudes toward cervical cancer and participation in early detection and screening services are well known to be profoundly affected by cultural beliefs and norms.
  14. Wong LP, Wong YL, Low WY, Khoo EM, Shuib R
    Singapore Med J, 2009 Jan;50(1):49-53.
    PMID: 19224084
    INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer is one of the commonest cancers in women worldwide. Despite the existence of effective screening using Pap smear, the uptake of screening is poor. A qualitative study was undertaken using face-to-face in-depth interviews to investigate knowledge, attitudes and beliefs on cervical cancer screening of Malaysian women.
    METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 Malaysian women aged 21-56 years and who have never had a Pap smear test, with the aim to explore their knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and its screening.
    RESULTS: A lack of knowledge on cervical cancer and the Pap smear test was found among the respondents. Many women did not have a clear understanding of the meaning of an abnormal cervical smear and the need for the early detection of cervical cancer. Many believe the purpose of the Pap smear test is to detect existing cervical cancer, leading to the belief that Pap smear screening is not required because the respondents had no symptoms. Despite considerable awareness of a link between cervical cancer and sexual activity, as well as the role of a sexually-transmitted infection, none of the respondents had heard of the human papillomavirus.
    CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the importance of emphasising accurate information about cervical cancer and the purpose of Pap smear screening when designing interventions aimed at improving cervical cancer screening for Malaysian women.
  15. Wong LP, Chin CK, Low WY, Jaafar N
    Medscape J Med, 2008 Jun 24;10(6):148.
    PMID: 18679535
    PURPOSE: HIV/AIDS poses a serious threat to young people, both in Malaysia and throughout the world. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about HIV/AIDS among the Malaysian public. This article reports the findings of knowledge about HIV/AIDS among young adults.

    METHODS: A total of 1075 young adult respondents aged 15-24 years participated in this survey. The response rate was 82.2%.

    RESULTS: The data indicated that HIV/AIDS knowledge among the respondents was moderate, with a mean knowledge score of 20.1 out of 32 points. The great majority had adequate knowledge of the major routes of HIV transmission, but fewer were aware of other modes of transmission, such as tattooing and piercing, sharing personal items, and breast-feeding from an infected mother. The great majority knew that HIV is not transmitted by mosquito bites, sharing meals, casual contact, and using public swimming pools and toilets.

    CONCLUSIONS: Misconceptions about HIV/AIDS exist although generally knowledge on HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention was accurate. Education and intervention programs are needed to increase the level of knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS. The findings have important implications for the development of primary HIV/AIDS prevention programs for young adults in Malaysia.

  16. Wong LP, Chin CK, Low WY, Jaafar N
    J Int AIDS Soc, 2008 Jun 24;10(6):148.
    PMID: 19825143 DOI: 10.1186/1758-2652-10-6-148
    PURPOSE: HIV/AIDS poses a serious threat to young people, both in Malaysia and throughout the world. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about HIV/AIDS among the Malaysian public. This article reports the findings of knowledge about HIV/AIDS among young adults.

    METHODS: A total of 1075 young adult respondents aged 15-24 years participated in this survey. The response rate was 82.2%.

    RESULTS: The data indicated that HIV/AIDS knowledge among the respondents was moderate, with a mean knowledge score of 20.1 out of 32 points. The great majority had adequate knowledge of the major routes of HIV transmission, but fewer were aware of other modes of transmission, such as tattooing and piercing, sharing personal items, and breast-feeding from an infected mother. The great majority knew that HIV is not transmitted by mosquito bites, sharing meals, casual contact, and using public swimming pools and toilets.

    CONCLUSION: Misconceptions about HIV/AIDS exist although generally knowledge on HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention was accurate. Education and intervention programs are needed to increase the level of knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS. The findings have important implications for the development of primary HIV/AIDS prevention programs for young adults in Malaysia.

  17. Wo SW, Lai PS, Ong LC, Low WY, Lim KS, Tay CG, et al.
    Epilepsy Behav, 2015 Apr;45:118-23.
    PMID: 25819800 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.02.037
    We aimed to cross-culturally adapt the parent-proxy Health-Related Quality of Life Measure for Children with Epilepsy (CHEQOL-25) into Malay and to determine its validity and reliability among parents of children with epilepsy in Malaysia.
  18. Wo SW, Ong LC, Low WY, Lai PSM
    Epilepsy Res, 2017 10;136:35-45.
    PMID: 28753498 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2017.07.009
    PURPOSE: To systematically examine published literature which assessed the prevalence of academic difficulties in children with epilepsy (CWE) of normal intelligence, and its associating factors.

    METHODS: A search was conducted on five databases for articles published in English from 1980 till March 2015. Included were studies who recruited children (aged 5-18 years), with a diagnosis or newly/recurrent epilepsy, an intelligent quotient (IQ) of ≥70 or attending regular school, with or without a control group, which measured academic achievement using a standardised objective measure, and published in English. Excluded were children with learning difficulties, intellectual disabilities (IQ<70) and other comorbidities such as attention deficits hyperactive disorder or autism. Two pairs of reviewers extracted the data, and met to resolve any differences from the data extraction process.

    RESULTS: Twenty studies were included. The majority of the studies assessed "low achievement" whist only two studies used the IQ-achievement discrepancy definition of "underachievement". Fourteen studies (70%) reported that CWE had significantly lower academic achievement scores compared to healthy controls, children with asthma or reported norms. The remaining six studies (30%) did not report any differences. CWE had stable academic achievement scores over time (2-4 years), even among those whose seizure frequency improved. Higher parental education and children with higher IQ, and had better attention or had a positive attitude towards epilepsy, were associated with higher academic achievement score. Older children were found to have lower academic achievement score.

    CONCLUSIONS: In CWE of normal intelligence, the majority of published literature found that academic achievement was lower than controls or reported norms. The high percentages of low achievement in CWE, especially in the older age group, and the stability of scores even as seizure frequency improved, highlights the need for early screening of learning problems, and continued surveillance.

  19. Wo SW, Ong LC, Low WY, Lai PSM
    Epilepsy Behav, 2018 11;88:268-276.
    PMID: 30321756 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.09.018
    Because of the nature of epilepsy, and the unpredictability of seizure recurrence, epilepsy requires long-term treatment with medications. As a consequence, epilepsy has a negative pervasive impact in children with epilepsy (CWE), and their parents. Hence, our aim was to explore the needs and challenges of parents and their CWE. In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with 15 families (12 mothers and 3 fathers) and 15 CWE (aged 8-18 years). Data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using the descriptive phenomenology approach. The experiences of parents and their CWE could be divided into two time frames: "experiences during a child's first seizure" and "experiences whilst growing up with epilepsy". Parents' main concerns and worries were regarding their child's physical health, psychological and emotional wellbeing, academic achievement, and future. The children's main concerns were restrictions imposed, their interpersonal relationship with peers, and being independent in the future. Parents reported that they needed epilepsy-related information, continuity of care, and a parental support group, while CWE reported that their main needs were independence and autonomy. The views of parents and their child with epilepsy were similar in physical functioning and academic achievement. However, parents and children had different views on how epilepsy impacted on the child emotionally, as well as behavioral and interpersonal relationship with peers.
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