Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 71 in total

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  1. Ng CG
    Med J Malaysia, 2014 Aug;69 Suppl A:42-5.
    PMID: 25417950 MyJurnal
    Depression is a debilitating illness and has become a leading cause of morbidity globally. We aim to summarise the evidence available in regard to the prevalence, type of assessment tools used and treatment options for depression in Malaysia. Two hundred and forty seven articles related to depression were found in a search through a database dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to medicine published in Malaysia between the years 2000-2013. Fifty seven articles were selected and reviewed on the basis of clinical relevance and future research implications. Findings were summarised, categorised and presented according to prevalence of depression, depression in women, depression in clinical condition, assessment tools, and treatment of depression. The prevalence of depression in Malaysia was estimated to be between 8 and 12%. The figures were higher among women of low socio-economic background or those with comorbid medical condition. The common assessment tools used in Malaysia include Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). They were translated into the Malay language and their psychometric properties were established. Both pharmacological treatment and psychotherapy were commonly used in Malaysia, and were highly recommended in local clinical practice guidelines. There are discrepancies in the reported rates of depression in Malaysia and this needs to be addressed. There were lack of studies looking into the depression among subgroups in Malaysia especially in the male population. There were several instruments available for assessment of depression in Malaysia but their suitability for the local setting need further research. Both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy were recommended in the local treatment guideline in Malaysia. With the emergence of generic medication, we need to compare their clinical efficacy and tolerability with original products.
  2. Ng CG, Kanagasundram S
    MyJurnal
    A 61 year old Indian man presented with clinical depression after a longstanding of “head heaviness”. Looking through the literatures, there is scant information on the subjective complaint of “a heavy head” despite it being a very common encounter at many primary care clinics. We feel that this is an unusual presentation of the symptom as it was very dramatic, to the extent that the patient was overly preoccupied with his head heaviness and subsequently became depressed. Here we undertake to present the case of a man who became clinically depressed due to his “heavy head”.
  3. Adawiyah J, Moonyza AAK, Mohd Rizal AM, Hatta S, Nik Ruzyanei NJ, Marhani M, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune mediated, hyperproliferative skin disease that has substantial impact on the sexual functions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in patients with psoriasis.
    Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 79 women with psoriasis attending two Dermatology Outpatient Clinics were interviewed and assessed for female sexual dysfunction and severity of psoriasis. The socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the subjects were compared between the women with and without sexual dysfunction. The subjects were interviewed using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) to exclude any existing psychiatric illness. Sexual dysfunction was assessed using a validated questionnaire on sexual function and the severity of psoriasis was assessed using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).
    Results: The prevalence of FSD in the patients with psoriasis was 20.3%, with hypoactive sexual desire being the most prevalent problem (44.3%). Sexual dysfunction was associated with older age, menopause, low body mass index, longer duration of marriage and presence of psoriasis in the genital area. Female sexual dysfunction was highly prevalent in patients with psoriasis.
    Conclusion: Management of psoriasis should include assessment in patients’ sexual health. Genital area involvement with psoriasis should not be overlooked as it can cause significant psychosexual distress.
    Keywords: Psoriasis, female, sexual dysfunction, prevalence, risk factor, Malaysia
    Study site: Dermatology clinic, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  4. Yee HA, Loh HS, Ng CG
    Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract, 2013 Oct;17(4):292-7.
    PMID: 23170840 DOI: 10.3109/13651501.2012.752012
    To determine the prevalence of alcohol-use disorder and associated correlates amongst bipolar patients in a university hospital in Malaysia.
  5. Nair N, Ng CG, Sulaiman AH
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2021 Feb;56:102548.
    PMID: 33454562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2021.102548
    The mental wellbeing of doctors is becoming an increasing concern in the world today. In Malaysia, residency is a challenging period in a doctor's life, with many changes professionally and possibly in their personal lives as well. This study aims to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and the socio-demographic correlates among residents in a tertiary training hospital in Malaysia. It is a cross sectional study and all residents were approached to participate in the study. The instruments used were a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). Chi-square test was used to explore the association between the socio-demographic correlates, and those that were found to have significant associations were further tested using multivariate logistic regression. The prevalence of depression among residents was 25.1 %. Longer working hours, missing meals, and working in Department of Surgery and Department of Anaesthesia was significantly positively associated while having protected study time, CME/lectures, leisure/hobbies and exercise were negatively associated with depression. The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine had a significantly negative association with depression. After logistic regression, longer working hours and a lack of protected study time was significantly associated with depression in the respective departments. In summary, the prevalence of depression among residents is high and is associated with longer working hours, missing meals and a lack of protected study time are significantly associated with depression. Remedial steps should be taken to improve the mental health among residents.
  6. Ng CG, Chan PL, Said MA
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Second generation antipsychotic (SGA) was linked to increased risk of metabolic syndrome. The risk varies between different SGA. We aim to study this risk by examining the co-prescription of antihypertensive, antidiabetic and lipid lowering drugs in patients prescribed with either aripiprazole, quetiapine or clozapine.
    Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study based on the prescription records of a teaching hospital. Prescription records between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2014 for
    psychiatric unit were extracted. Patients with at least one prescription of any antipsychotic were included. The odds of antihypertensive, antidiabetic and lipid lowering drugs co-prescription in patients with either aripiprazole, quetiapine or clozapine were calculated.
    Results: Of the 1742 study subjects, 88 patients were prescribed with aripiprazole, 175 patients with clozapine and 124 patients with quetiapine. Patients prescribed with quetiapine had
    higher odds of co-prescribed with antihypertensive (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.11, 2.63), antidiabetic drugs (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.11, 2.95) and lipid lowering drugs (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.19, 3.16). There were higher odds of co-prescription of antihypertensive (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.05, 2.25), antidiabetic drugs (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.10, 2.59) and lipid lowering drugs
    (OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.24, 2.91) in patients with clozapine. However, there were no increase odds of co-prescription of the three agents in patients with aripiprazole.
    Conclusion: We need to monitor the risk of metabolic syndrome in patients treated with SGA. Aripiprazole has lower risk of metabolic syndrome.
  7. Shari NI, Zainal NZ, Ng CG
    J Psychosoc Oncol, 2021;39(6):695-714.
    PMID: 33287685 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2020.1856283
    PURPOSE: This study examined the efficacy of a brief acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on subjective cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

    METHODS: Data collection was carried out in 3-time points: baseline (T1), screening (T2), and post-treatment (T3). Respondents who had significant subjective cognitive impairment were randomly divided into two groups: intervention (n = 30) and waitlist (n = 30). Respondents in the intervention group received 4 sessions of 1 hour of ACT therapy.

    FINDINGS: Respondents in the intervention group showed significant improvement in subjective cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, and psychological inflexibility after the ACT intervention (p 

  8. Yee A, Ng CG, Seng LH
    Curr Drug Targets, 2018;19(12):1412-1423.
    PMID: 29149828 DOI: 10.2174/1389450118666171117131151
    BACKGROUND: Vortioxetine is a multimodal antidepressant that has been developed for the treatment of major depressive and anxiety disorders. The aim of this review is to quantitatively synthesize all data of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of Vortioxetine in treating anxiety disorder.

    METHOD: Terms of "Vortioxetine" OR "LuAA21004" AND "anxiety" OR "fear" OR "panic" OR "phobia" were searched. A total of two phase II and five phase III clinical trials were found.

    RESULTS: Vortioxetine was overall superior to placebo in terms of the mean change from baseline in HAM-A total score at week 8 with the pool effect size of -2.95, 95% CIs, -4.37 to -1.53, p<0.01. The patients who received 5 mg of Vortioxetine had higher response rate when compared to placebo (pooled odds ratio=1.4, 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.82, p=0.01). However, the pooled odds ratio of the HAMA remission rate was not statistically significant for both Vortioxetine and placebo (pooled odds ratio= 1.06, 95% CI = 0.86 to 1.30, p=0.62). Although the discontinuation due to adverse effects was higher in Vortioxetine than placebo group (pooled OR= 1.55, 95% CI = 1.04 to 2.31, P= 0.037), the lack of efficacy (pooled OR= 0.39, 95% CI = 0.27 to 0.57, P<0.01) was higher in placebo than Vortioxetine group. Most of the adverse effects were mild and moderate. Overall, Vortioxetine displayed a good safety and tolerability profile.

    CONCLUSION: This review supports the use of Vortioxetine for anxiety disorder. However, further longterm placebo-control observational study or a post market survey would help in strengthening the evidence for this treatment modality.

  9. Ng CG, Wong SK, Loh HS, Yee A
    Clin Ter, 2014;165(6):e384-90.
    PMID: 25524191 DOI: 10.7417/CT.2014.1778
    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Escitalopram has widely been recognized as one of the most frequently used antidepressants, with superior tolerability and great efficacy in preventing major depressive disorder (MDD) relapse and recurrence. However, anhedonia, which is a core symptom of MDD, remains difficult to treat. This study investigates the hedonic levels of MDD patients treated with Escitalopram.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 108 participants, 26 of whom with MDD on Escitalopram, were recruited in this cross sectional study. They were evaluated using the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaires to assess their hedonic state, general mental health condition and level of depression.

    RESULTS: Our study shows that most items in the SHAPS scores are significantly different between MDD patients on Escitalopram and the controls.

    CONCLUSIONS: The hedonic capacity remains different between the two groups despite patients with MDD are put on Escitalopram treatment. Escitalopram fails to alleviate the hedonic state of MDD patients. Antidepressants that improve both depressive symptoms and hedonic states should be considered when treating MDD patients in clinical settings.
  10. Yee A, Loh HS, Hisham Hashim HM, Ng CG
    J Sex Med, 2014 Jan;11(1):22-32.
    PMID: 24344738 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12352
    INTRODUCTION: For many years, methadone has been recognized as an effective maintenance treatment for opioid dependence. However, of the many adverse events reported, sexual dysfunction is one of the most common side effects.

    AIM: We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among male patients on methadone and buprenorphine treatments.

    METHODS: Relevant studies published from inception until December 2012 were identified by searching PubMed, OVID, and Embase. Studies were selected using prior defined criteria. Heterogeneity, publication bias, and odds ratio were assessed thoroughly.

    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To examine the prevalence and odds ratio of sexual dysfunctions among the methadone and buprenorphine groups.

    RESULTS: A total of 1,570 participants from 16 eligible studies were identified in this meta-analysis. The studies provided prevalence estimates for sexual dysfunction among methadone users with a meta-analytical pooled prevalence of 52% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.65). Only four studies compared sexual dysfunction between the two groups, with a significantly higher combined odds ratio in the methadone group (OR = 4.01, 95% CI, 1.52-10.55, P = 0.0049).

    CONCLUSIONS: Evidence showed that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was higher among the users of methadone compared with buprenorphine. Patients with sexual difficulty while on methadone treatment were advised to switch to buprenorphine.

  11. Hatta S, Duni A, Ng CG, Lin N, Marhani M, Das S, et al.
    Clin Ter, 2013;164(1):11-5.
    PMID: 23455735 DOI: 10.7417/T.2013.1503
    Depression and its treatment may influence all aspects of the female sexual function from desire to sexual satisfaction. This study aimed to examine the components of the female sexual response cycle (SRC) of women with major depression treated with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors.
  12. Loke MF, Ng CG, Vilashni Y, Lim J, Ho B
    Sci Rep, 2016 05 25;6:26784.
    PMID: 27222005 DOI: 10.1038/srep26784
    Helicobacter pylori may reside in the human stomach as two morphological forms: the culturable spiral form and the viable but non-culturable (VBNC) coccoid form. This bacterium transforms from spiral to coccoid under in vitro suboptimal conditions. However, both spiral and coccoid have demonstrated its infectivity in laboratory animals, suggesting that coccoid may potentially be involved in the transmission of H. pylori. To determine the relevance of the coccoid form in viability and infectivity, we compared the protein profiles of H. pylori coccoids obtained from prolonged (3-month-old) culture with that of 3-day-old spirals of two H. pylori standard strains using SWATH (Sequential Window Acquisition of all Theoretical mass spectra)-based approach. The protein profiles reveal that the coccoids retained basal level of metabolic proteins and also high level of proteins that participate in DNA replication, cell division and biosynthesis demonstrating that coccoids are viable. Most interestingly, these data also indicate that the H. pylori coccoids possess higher level of proteins that are involved in virulence and carcinogenesis than their spiral counterparts. Taken together, these findings have important implications in the understanding on the pathogenesis of H. pylori-induced gastroduodenal diseases, as well as the probable transmission mode of this bacterium.
  13. Yee A, Loh HS, Hisham Hashim HM, Ng CG
    Int J Impot Res, 2014 Sep-Oct;26(5):161-6.
    PMID: 24990199 DOI: 10.1038/ijir.2014.18
    Methadone maintenance treatment is proven to be effective treatment for opioid dependence. Of the many adverse events reported, sexual dysfunction is one of the most common side effects. However, there may be other clinical factors that are associated with sexual dysfunction among methadone users. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine the clinical factors associated with sexual dysfunction among male patients on methadone and buprenorphine treatments, of which eligible studies were selected using prior defined criteria. A total of 2619 participants from 16 eligible studies, published from inception till December 2012, were identified from the PubMed, OVID and EMBASE databases. The included studies provided prevalence estimates for sexual dysfunction among methadone users with a meta-analytical pooled prevalence of 52% (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.39-0.65). Only four studies compared sexual dysfunction between the two groups, with a significantly higher combined odds ratio in the methadone group (odds ratio=4.01, 95% CI, 1.52-10.55, P=0.0049). Our study shows that eight clinical factors are associated with sexual dysfunction among men receiving opioid substitution treatment, namely age, hormone assays, duration of treatment, methadone dose, medical status, psychiatric illness, other current substance use and familial status, and methadone versus buprenorphine treatment. Despite the methodological limitations, the findings of this meta-analysis study may offer better insights to clinicians in dealing with both sexual dysfunction and its related problems.
  14. Ismail AH, Baw R, Sidi H, Ng CG
    MyJurnal
    Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors of sexual pain disorders among Malay women in Malaysia with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
    Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 347 women (174 non- diabetic and 173 diabetic subjects) who attended the diabetic clinic in a university hospital. Sexual pain disorders were assessed using the Pain sub scale of Malay Version of the Female Sexual Function Index (MVFSFI). Socio-demographic information of the subjects was collected with a pre-designed questionnaire.
    Results: Prevalence of sexual pain disorders among Malay women with type 2 diabetes mellitus was 10.4% and the control group was 9.2% but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis did not find any relevant associated factor with sexual pain disorder.
    Conclusion: Sexual pain disorders among Malay women were not dependent on the diabetic status. Further studies with different population of diabetic patients are needed to confirm the results.
    Study site: Diabetic clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia
  15. Low PT, Ng CG, Kadir MS, Tang SL
    Med J Malaysia, 2021 09;76(5):617-623.
    PMID: 34508365
    INTRODUCTION: Non-attendance and medication adherence are longstanding concerns in psychiatric outpatient settings. This study aimed to determine effectiveness of reminders using mobile messaging applications (messaging apps) in improving outpatient attendance and medication adherence among patients with depression.

    METHODS: This was a parallel, open-label randomised controlled trial with participants recruited from psychiatric outpatient services of a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur and a secondary hospital in Melaka. Adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with major depressive disorder; capable of reading and understanding English or Bahasa Malaysia; prescribed with at least one antidepressant and owns a smart phone were subsequently randomly assigned (1:1) to receive treatment reminders (intervention) or standard treatment without reminders (control), using a computergenerated randomisation programme. The intervention group received two reminder categories: Outpatient appointment reminders (a day before appointment); and medication reminders (weekly basis). Participants were followed-up over two months. We utilised Montgomery- Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) to measure the severity of depression; and Brief Adherence Rating Scale (BARS) to assess medication adherence. Primary outcomes were outpatient attendance rates and medication adherence assessed at two months. Secondary outcomes included changes in depression severity within each group at two months; comparison of changes in depression severity between both groups; preferences of participants towards treatment reminders, and reasons for non-attendance among participants. This trial was registered with the National Medical Research Registry, NMRR-19-3466-52001.

    RESULTS: Between February and April 2020, 183 participants were randomised to each group, of whom 179 reached study endpoint (91 [98.9%] of 92 in intervention group and 88 [96.7%] of 91 in control group). All recruited participants (n=183) were analysed using intention-to-treat approach. At two months, intervention group has significantly higher outpatient attendance rates (76.8%) than control group (56.4%) (p=0.002), and reported higher medical adherence percentage (mean difference 23.1, [95%CI 0.4, 35.8]; p<0.001). There was also significant difference in the MADRS score change between both groups (mean difference 3.4, [95%CI 0.4, 6.3]; p=0.025). Treatment reminders preferences among participants varied; forgetfulness was the most commonly reported reason (53%) for missing outpatient appointments.

    CONCLUSION: Reminders through mobile messaging applications significantly improved outpatient attendance and medication adherence among patients with depression. Our findings support the use of messaging apps for treatment reminders in psychiatric outpatient settings. However, concerns regarding confidentiality require careful measures to be taken.

  16. Sathiaray D, Kaur M, Hanim A, Ng CG, Siau CS
    PMID: 34706594 DOI: 10.1177/10105395211053730
    This study aimed to identify the prevalence of psychological distress and its association with sociodemographic characteristics, burden of care, and the coping strategies used by childminders in residential homes. A total of 151 childminders (median age = 39; 64.7% female) participated in the study. The prevalence of psychological distress was 59.4%, and 74.0% recorded mild to moderate burden. Multivariate analyses showed that caregiver burden (adjusted beta = 0.464, P = .01), lesser application of problem-focused coping (adjusted beta = -0.292, P = .012), lower salary (adjusted beta = -0.196, P = .040), and lower educational qualification (adjusted beta = -0.212, P = .038) predicted higher psychological distress. Regular screening of psychological distress and burden of care is recommended among this population.
  17. Zhang MWB, Ho RCM, Ng CG
    Technol Health Care, 2017 Dec 04;25(6):1173-1176.
    PMID: 28946598 DOI: 10.3233/THC-170868
    In psychiatry, mindfulness based intervention has been increasingly popular as a means of psychosocial intervention over the last decade. With the alvanche of technological advances, there has been a myriad of mindfulness based applications. Recent reviews have highlighted how these applications are lacking in functionalities and without demonstrated efficacy. Other reviews have emphasized that there is a need to take into consideration the design of an application, due to placebo effects. It is the aim of this technical note to illustrate how the 5-Minutes Mindfulness application, which is an application designed to provide mindfulness exercises to relieve distress and suffering amongst palliative patients, have been conceptualized. The conceptualized application builds on previous evidence of the efficacy of 5-Minutes Mindfulness demonstrated by pilot and randomized trials. In terms of design, the currently conceptualized application has been designed such that placebo effects could be controlled for.
  18. Yee A, Loh HS, Ng CG, Sulaiman AH
    Am J Mens Health, 2018 07;12(4):1016-1022.
    PMID: 29493379 DOI: 10.1177/1557988318759197
    Low sexual desire (SD) is not life threatening, but its negative impact on the quality of life and intimacy of a relationship among the patients on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is significant. This cross-sectional study involved 183 men on MMT who were interviewed and who completed the Malay version of the SDI-2 (SDI-2-BM), the Malay version of the self-rated Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS-BM) and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaires. Findings showed 32.8% ( n = 60) participants had low SD. Those who were older, had sexual partners, and were smokers achieved lower scores in both dyadic SD (≤24) and solitary SD (≤6), and suffered lower quality of life in their social relationship. MMT is very cost-effective in rehabilitating opioid dependence; however, as clinicians, we need to address and manage the issues of low SD and depression among patients on MMT, especially the older men.
  19. Lyu FF, Ramoo V, Chui PL, Ng CG
    Clin Nurs Res, 2024 Jan;33(1):40-50.
    PMID: 37970808 DOI: 10.1177/10547738231198561
    Exercise is significantly beneficial for patients with osteoporosis. However, physiological and psychological factors such as pain and kinesiophobia prevent patients from participating in exercise. Therefore, it is important to understand how these patients perceive participation in exercise. This qualitative study was conducted in China using conventional content analysis. Using a purposeful sampling method, 17 patients with primary osteoporosis were recruited. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview and managed using ATLAS.ti 21. Nine generic categories were developed from 26 subcategories and two main categories were identified: Barriers and facilitators, support systems, network resources, positive emotions, and reactions were the facilitators for exercise in this study. In addition, mindful exercise was positively viewed by the patients. Inefficient awareness, weak support systems, and burdens were identified as barriers. To improve compliance in clinical practice, targeted exercise protocols should be developed for patients based on these perceptions.
  20. Ng CG, Ting SQ, Saifi RA, Kamarulzaman AB
    Asian Bioeth Rev, 2024 Jan;16(1):109-129.
    PMID: 38213991 DOI: 10.1007/s41649-023-00264-3
    Photovoice, a community-based participatory research method, employs images and words to convey participants' needs, concerns, and desires. It proves particularly valuable in researching marginalized communities who face elevated health risks, disease transmission, and social and health disparities. This paper seeks to investigate the ethical considerations inherent in photovoice research projects. We conducted an extensive literature review spanning four databases to identify pertinent photovoice studies. Ethical issues from the selected articles were identified, categorized, and summarized. Our analysis of twenty-five photovoice studies uncovered various ethical concerns, which had been grouped into informed consent, participant safety and disclosure, privacy and confidentiality, misrepresentation, power dynamics, and compensation. In essence, our findings underscore the importance of addressing these ethical concerns to uphold the rights and autonomy of participants, even as photovoice research strives for authenticity, inclusivity, and empowerment.
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