Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 57 in total

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  1. Masiran R, Sidi H, Mohamed Z, Mohd Nazree NE, Nik Jaafar NR, Midin M, et al.
    J Sex Med, 2014 Apr;11(4):1047-1055.
    PMID: 24533444 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12452
    INTRODUCTION: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are known for their sexual side effects. Different SSRIs may affect different areas of sexual function at different rates.
    AIMS: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), its clinical correlates, and association with 5HT2A (rs6311) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who were on SSRI therapy.
    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on 95 female outpatients with MDD treated with SSRI. The patients were in remission as determined by Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Genomic DNA was isolated from buccal swabs and samples were processed using a real time polymerase chain reaction.
    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The presence or absence of FSD as measured by the Malay Version of Female Sexual Function Index and 5HT2A-1438 G/A (rs6311) SNP.
    RESULTS: The overall prevalence of FSD was 32.6%. After controlling for age, number of children, education level, total monthly income, SSRI types, and SSRI dosing, being employed significantly enhanced FSD by 4.5 times (odds ratio [OR] = 4.51; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00, 20.30; P = 0.05). Those having marital problems were 6.7 times more likely to have FSD (OR = 6.67; 95% CI 1.57, 28.34). 5HT2A-1438 G/A (rs6311) SNP was not significantly associated with FSD.
    CONCLUSION: There was no significant association between FSD and the 5HT2A (rs6311) SNP in patients with MDD on SSRI therapy. Employment status and marital state were significantly associated with FSD among these patients.
    Study site: Psychiatry clinics, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  2. Mahadevan R, Nik Jaafar NR, Sidi H, Midin M, Das S
    J Sex Med, 2013 Mar;10(3):883-6.
    PMID: 23036068 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02949.x
    Decreased libido is recognized as one of the vegetative symptoms of depression. Increased libido has not been acknowledged as one of its symptoms, neither has it been reported, particularly in depressed bipolar patients.
  3. Sidi H, Naing L, Midin M, Nik Jaafar NR
    J Sex Med, 2008 Oct;5(10):2359-66.
    PMID: 18086161
    The concept of a sexual response cycle (SRC) for women has gained interest lately with the reintroduction of terms with new definitions and a new model for the sexual response, especially the Basson's circular model.
  4. Nik Jaafar NR, Mislan N, Abdul Aziz S, Baharudin A, Ibrahim N, Midin M, et al.
    J Sex Med, 2013 Aug;10(8):2069-76.
    PMID: 23445463 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12105
    INTRODUCTION: While methadone effectively treats opiate dependence, the side effect of erectile dysfunction (ED) may interfere with treatment adherence and benefits.
    AIM:To determine the rate of ED and the associated factors which predict ED in male patients on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) in a Malaysian population.
    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were the International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).
    METHODS: A total of 108 participants diagnosed with heroin dependence were assessed. We used the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis-I Disorders (SCID-I) on subjects who received MMT, and they were assessed using the IIEF-15, the BDI, and measures of other clinical and sociodemographic variables.
    RESULTS: The rate of ED among men on MMT was 68.5% (mild ED, 36.1%; mild to moderate ED, 22.2%; severe ED, 3.7%). The mean age of the participants was 43.45 years. Older age (P = 0.002), concurrent illicit heroin use (P = 0.024), and having an older partner (P = 0.039) were significantly associated with ED. Following multivariate analysis, it was found that older age was the only significant predictor of ED, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.07 (95% CI = 1.02-1.16). Methadone dose and duration of methadone treatment were not significantly associated with ED.
    CONCLUSION: ED was highly prevalent among male patients on MMT. This suggests that there is a need for routine assessment of sexual function in patients on methadone. Among the risk factors, age was the only factor that was significantly associated with ED. The current use of MMT in Malaysia in terms of dosage and duration did not pose a significant risk for ED.
    KEYWORDS: Erectile Dysfunction; Methadone Therapy; Opiate Dependence
    Study site: outpatient clinic for opiate substitution therapy, Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL), Malaysia
  5. Leong Abdullah MF, Nik Jaafar NR, Zakaria H, Rajandram RK, Mahadevan R, Mohamad Yunus MR, et al.
    Psychooncology, 2015 Aug;24(8):894-900.
    PMID: 25612065 DOI: 10.1002/pon.3740
    Positive and negative psychological reactions have been described in head and neck cancer patients. Nevertheless, the relationships between these responses across time need to be studied to understand the patients' strengths and vulnerabilities.
  6. Zakaria H, Hussain I, Zulkifli NS, Ibrahim N, Noriza NJ, Wong M, et al.
    PLoS One, 2023;18(7):e0283862.
    PMID: 37506072 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283862
    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is growing evidence on the contribution of psychological factors to internet addiction; yet it remains inconsistent and deserves further exploration. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the psychological symptoms (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms, stress, depression, anxiety and loneliness) and internet addiction (IA) among the university students in Malaysia.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 480 students from different faculties in a Malaysian public university participated in this study. They were selected by simple random sampling method. They completed self-administered questionnaires including the Malay Version of Internet Addiction Test (MVIAT)) to measure internet addiction and Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Symptom Checklist, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) and UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3) to assess for ADHD symptoms, depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness respectively.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of IA among university students was 33.33% (n = 160). The respondents' mean age was 21.01 ± 1.29 years old and they were predominantly females (73.1%) and Malays (59.4%). Binary logistic regression showed that gender (p = 0.002; OR = 0.463, CI = 0.284-0.754), ADHD inattention (p = 0.003; OR = 2.063, CI = 1.273-3.345), ADHD hyperactivity (p<0.0001; OR = 2.427, CI = 1.495-3.939), stress (p = 0.048; OR = 1.795, CI = 1.004-3.210) and loneliness (p = 0.022; OR = 1.741, CI = 1.084-2.794) were significantly associated with IA.

    CONCLUSION: A third of university students had IA. In addition, we found that those who were at risk of IA were males, with ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity, who reported stress and loneliness. Preventive strategy to curb internet addiction and its negative sequelae may consider these factors in its development and implementation.

  7. Woon LS, Leong Bin Abdullah MFI, Sidi H, Mansor NS, Nik Jaafar NR
    PLoS One, 2021;16(5):e0252481.
    PMID: 34043731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252481
    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This online cross-sectional study investigated the severity of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms among university students and determined the association between various factors and the levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic after the movement control order (MCO) was lifted.

    METHODS: A total of 316 participants were administered a self-report questionnaire that collected data on sociodemographic attributes, personal characteristics, COVID-19-related stressors, religious coping, and clinical characteristics. In addition, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were administered.

    RESULTS: Regarding depression, 15.5%, 11.7%, and 9.2% of the participants reported mild, moderate, and severe to extremely severe depression, respectively. For anxiety, 7.0%, 16.5%, and 13.2% of the respondents had mild, moderate, and severe to extremely severe anxiety, respectively. Moreover, 26.3% of participants had mild stress, 9.5% had moderate stress, and 6.6% had severe to extremely severe stress. The multiple linear regression model revealed that frustration because of loss of daily routine and study disruption and having preexisting medical, depressive, and anxiety disorders were associated with elevated depressive symptoms, while a greater degree of family and friends social support was associated with less depressive symptoms after adjusting for age, gender, and marital status. It was also found that frustration because of study disruption and having preexisting medical, depressive, and anxiety disorders were associated with elevated anxiety symptoms, while being enrolled in medicine-based courses and having a greater degree of family support were factors associated with less anxiety symptoms after adjusting for age, gender, and marital status.

    CONCLUSION: There is a need to conduct a longitudinal study in the future to confirm the causal relationship between the significant predictive factors and depression and anxiety identified in this study, and maintenance of a persistent flow of academic activities and social interaction may be of utmost importance to safeguard the mental wellbeing of university students.

  8. Sahimi HBMS, Selvarajoo S, Nik Jaafar NR, Sharip S, Ismail MA, Hasni MM, et al.
    Perspect Psychiatr Care, 2021 Apr;57(2):786-790.
    PMID: 32918751 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12614
    OBJECTIVE: For the management of patients with severe eating disorders, coordinated collaboration between a multidisciplinary team is imperative. Ideally, these cases should be treated in a specialized eating disorder unit (SEDU).

    METHOD: This case report highlights the use of an integrated approach based on "Management of Really Sick Patients with Anorexia Nervosa" report in managing a case of extreme anorexia nervosa where a SEDU is unavailable.

    RESULT: In this case, early psychiatric team support is key in the patient's path to recovery.

    PRACTICE IMPLICATION: This highlights the importance of having a SEDU and staff trained in eating disorder.

  9. Wan Ismail WS, Sim ST, Tan KA, Bahar N, Ibrahim N, Mahadevan R, et al.
    Perspect Psychiatr Care, 2020 Oct;56(4):949-955.
    PMID: 32363648 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12517
    PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study examined the cyber-psychological correlates of depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidality among public university students in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: Participants were randomly selected using multi-stage sampling methods from three public universities in the study location. Participants completed measures of internet and smartphone addictions, depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidality, along with sociodemographic items.

    FINDINGS: At bivariate level, both internet and smartphone addictions were found to have significant positive correlations with depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidality. At multivariate level, only internet addiction emerged as a consistent significant predictor for depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidality.

    PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The present findings have implications for mental health professionals to routinely screen for psychological disturbance in young adults who have potential risks for internet addiction.

  10. Abd Rahman FN, Mohd Daud TI, Nik Jaafar NR, Shah SA, Tan SM, Wan Ismail WS
    Pediatr Int, 2013 Aug;55(4):422-7.
    PMID: 23617604 DOI: 10.1111/ped.12115
    There is a dearth of studies on behavioral and emotional problems in residential care children in Malaysia. This study describes the behavioral and emotional problems in a sample of children in a government residential care home and compares them with their classmates living with their birth parents.
  11. Kanapathy A, Nik Jaafar NR, Shaharir SS, Chan LF, Rozita M, Ch'ng SS
    Lupus, 2019 Jun;28(7):854-861.
    PMID: 31159651 DOI: 10.1177/0961203319852153
    INTRODUCTION: Cognitive impairment is a common neuropsychiatric manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, it is not routinely assessed for despite its high prevalence and significant disease burden.

    AIMS: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and its associated factors among patients diagnosed with SLE in Malaysia.

    METHODS: A total of 200 SLE patients were recruited prospectively from the outpatient clinics of two tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. Standardized clinical interview was utilized to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics. All patients were then assessed using the MoCA questionnaire for presence of cognitive impairment; the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) for presence of depressive symptoms; and the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale (WBFPS) for severity of pain. The evaluation of disease activity and severity were performed by the treating rheumatologists and nephrologists using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SLICC DI).

    RESULTS: The prevalence of MCI was 35%. The significant associated factors from the bivariate analysis were male gender (p = 0.04), educational level (p = 0.00), WBFPS score (p = 0.035) and anticardiolipin IgM (p = 0.01). Further analysis using logistic regression model found that male gender (OR = 7.43, 95% confidence interval 1.06-52.06, p = 0.04), lower educational level (OR = 4.4, 95% confidence interval 1.47-13.21, p = 0.01) and presence of anticardiolipin IgM (OR = 6.81, 95% confidence interval 1.45-32.01, p = 0.031) were associated with impaired MoCA scores. Also, increasing pain scores increased the risk of patients being affected by cognitive impairment.

    CONCLUSION: Over one-third of patients with SLE in our cohort were found to have MCI. Risk factors included male gender, lower educational level, higher pain score and presence of anticardiolipin IgM. Physicians are encouraged to perform routine screening to detect cognitive dysfunction in patients with SLE in their clinical practice as part of a more comprehensive management.

  12. Buji RI, Abdul Murad NA, Chan LF, Maniam T, Mohd Shahrir MS, Rozita M, et al.
    Lupus, 2018 Apr;27(5):744-752.
    PMID: 29161964 DOI: 10.1177/0961203317742711
    Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are a high-risk population for suicide. Glutamatergic neurosystem genes have been implicated in the neurobiology of depression in SLE and suicidal behaviour in general. However, the role of glutamate receptor gene polymorphisms in suicidal behaviour among SLE patients remains unclear in the context of established clinical and psychosocial factors. We aimed to investigate the association of NR2A gene polymorphism with suicidal ideation in SLE while accounting for the interaction between clinical and psychosocial factors. Methods A total of 130 SLE patients were assessed for mood disorders (MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview), severity of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), suicidal behaviour (Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale), socio-occupational functioning (Work and Social Adjustment Scale), recent life events (Social Readjustment Rating Scale) and lupus disease activity (SELENA-SLE Disease Activity Index). Eighty-six out of the 130 study participants consented for NR2A genotyping. Results Multivariable logistic regression showed nominal significance for the interaction effect between the NR2A rs2072450 AC genotype and higher severity of socio-occupational impairment with lifetime suicidal ideation in SLE patients ( p = 0.038, odds ratio = 1.364, 95% confidence interval = 1.018-1.827). However, only the association between lifetime mood disorder and lifetime suicidal ideation remained significant after Bonferroni correction ( p 
  13. Ling SL, Nik Jaafar NR, Tan KA, Bahar N, Baharudin A, Ahmad Tajjudin AI
    PMID: 33807598 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052592
    In recent years, increased interest in Internet Gaming Disorder has led to the development of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form. Translation and subsequent validation of such a scale are important for cross-cultural use. The aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties (factor structure, reliability, and validity) of the Malay Version of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form using a sample of Malaysian undergraduates. The present sample included 137 Malaysian undergraduates. Participants completed a self-administered online survey containing demographic items, the Malay Version of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form, the Problematic Online Gaming Questionnaire-Short Form, and the Malay Version of the Internet Addiction Test. The present findings confirm the one-factor model of the Malay Version of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form. Good reliability, as measured by Cronbach alpha, was found for the Malay Version of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form. The Malay Version of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form has demonstrated concurrent validity by significantly correlating with the Problematic Online Gaming Questionnaire-Short Form as well as demonstrated convergent validity with respect to the Malay Version of the Internet Addiction Test. The Malay Version of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form is a reliable and valid tool for assessing Internet Gaming Disorder in Malaysian undergraduates. As more research is still needed to confirm the status of Internet Gaming Disorder as a formal disorder, it is hoped that the Malay Version of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form can facilitate future research examining antecedents and consequences of Internet Gaming Disorder in a Malaysian setting.
  14. Mohd Salleh Sahimi H, Azman N, Nik Jaafar NR, Mohd Daud TI, Baharudin A, Ismail AK, et al.
    PMID: 34063714 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094879
    Healthcare workers (HCW) are exposed to health-related anxiety in times of pandemic as they are considered to have a high risk of being infected whilst being the vital workforce to manage the outbreak. This study determined the factors that influence health anxiety and its extent in correlations with perceived risk, knowledge, attitude, and practice of HCW. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted on a total of 709 HCW from both public and private healthcare facilities who completed a set of questionnaires on sociodemographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice of HCW on COVID-19, and health anxiety traits assessed using the short version Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI). Multiple linear regression (adjusted R2 = 0.06) revealed respondents with higher perceived risk for COVID-19 significantly predicted higher HAI scores (beta 1.281, p < 0.001, 95%, CI: 0.64, 1.92), and those with a higher cautious attitude towards COVID-19 significantly predicted higher HAI scores (beta 0.686, p < 0.001, 95%CI: 0.35, 1.02). Healthcare workers' perceived risk and cautious attitude towards COVID-19 might be potentially influenced by management of the sources and approaches to the dissemination of information of the pandemic. The implementation of certain measures that minimize the infection risk and its related anxiety is important to preserve both their physical and psychological wellbeing.
  15. Woon LS, Sidi H, Nik Jaafar NR, Leong Bin Abdullah MFI
    PMID: 33302410 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249155
    This study investigated the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and stress and determined the association between various factors, social support, and depression, anxiety, and stress among university healthcare workers in Malaysia after the government lifted the movement control order (MCO) put in place to curb the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This online, cross-sectional survey recruited 399 participants from two university hospitals, and they were administered a self-reported questionnaire on demographic, personal, and clinical characteristics, as well as COVID-19-related stressors and coping. In addition, they completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to measure perceived social support, as well as the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to assess depression, anxiety, and stress. We found that the prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress were 21.8%, 31.6%, and 29.1%, respectively. Participants with moderate to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress made up 13.3%, 25.8%, and 8.1% of the sample, respectively. Being single or divorced, fear of frequent exposure to COVID-19 patients, agreeing that the area of living had a high prevalence of COVID-19 cases, uncertainty regarding the prevalence of COVID-19 cases in the area of living, and a history of pre-existing psychiatric illnesses were associated with higher odds of depression, anxiety, and stress. Conversely, having more than three children and greater perceived friend support were associated with lower odds of depression, anxiety, and stress. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress remained elevated even after the MCO was lifted.
    Study site: Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM); Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM)
  16. Ismail N, Tajjudin AI, Jaafar H, Nik Jaafar NR, Baharudin A, Ibrahim N
    PMID: 34831627 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211870
    The internet has become an important medium for learning and communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for university students. Nevertheless, an increase in internet usage could predispose people to internet addiction (IA) and internet gaming (IG). Equally, there is concern that anxiety levels have increased during the pandemic. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of IA and IG, and their associations with anxiety among medical students during the pandemic. Data were collected during the second wave of the "Conditional Movement Control Order" (CMCO) in Malaysia between 12 November and 10 December 2020. A total of 237 students participated through proportionate stratified random sampling in this cross-sectional study. They completed a set of online questionnaires which consisted of a sociodemographic profile, the Malay version of the internet addiction test (MVIAT), the Malay version of the internet gaming disorder-short form (IGDS9-SF) and the Malay version of the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21). The prevalence of IA and internet gaming disorder (IGD) were 83.5% and 2.5%, respectively. A multiple logistic regression showed that those in pre-clinical years had a greater risk of anxiety than those in clinical years [(AOR) = 2.49, p-value 0.01, 95% CI = 1.22-5.07]. In contrast, those who scored high on IA were protected against anxiety [AOR = 0.100, p-value 0.03, 95% CI = 0.01-0.76)]. In conclusion, IA was highly prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic and its high usage might serve as a protective factor against anxiety among the medical students in this study sample.
  17. Shahidin SH, Midin M, Sidi H, Choy CL, Nik Jaafar NR, Mohd Salleh Sahimi H, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Nov 28;19(23).
    PMID: 36497921 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315848
    Emotion Dysregulation (ED) and Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU) are two rising global issues requiring further understanding on how they are linked. This paper aims to summarize the evidence pertaining to this relationship. Five databases were systematically searched for published literature from inception until 29 March 2021 using appropriate search strategies. Each study was screened for eligibility based on the set criteria, assessed for its quality and its level of evidence was determined. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software program (CMA) was employed to run further analyses of the data. Twenty-one studies were included in the systematic review. Nine studies with extractable data for meta-analysis had high across-studies heterogeneity, hence subgroup analyses were performed that confirmed a significant moderate positive correlation between ED and PSU (pooled correlation coefficient, r = 0.416 (four studies, n = 1462) and r = 0.42 (three studies, n = 899), respectively) and a weak positive correlation between "expressive suppression" and PSU (pooled correlation coefficient, r = 0.14 (two studies, n = 608)). Meta-regression analysis showed a stronger correlation between ED and PSU (R2 = 1.0, p = 0.0006) in the younger age group. Further studies to establish and explore the mechanisms that contribute towards the positive link between ED and PSU are required to guide in the planning of targeted interventions in addressing both issues.
  18. Zhang Z, Azman N, Eyu HT, Nik Jaafar NR, Mohd Salleh Sahimi H, Mohamad Yunus MR, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Nov 01;19(21).
    PMID: 36361144 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114266
    The assessment of stigma among cancer patients is of the utmost importance as stigma may lead to various psychological sequelae and a lower quality of life. This study aimed to translate the English version of the Shame and Stigma Scale (SSS) into Malay and validate the Malay version of the SSS (SSS-M) to assess the degree of stigma among cancer patients in Malaysia. Initially, the concurrent translation and back translation of the SSS-M were performed, and the face and content validity were assessed. Subsequently, the SSS-M was administered to a total of 234 patients with mixed types of cancer to assess its reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reliability), construct validity (convergent and discriminant validity), and conduct an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The SSS-M total score registered a good internal consistency (a Cronbach's α of 0.881) and test-retest reliability (an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.876, p < 0.001). The EFA and CFA confirmed that the SSS-M consisted of 16 items in 3 domains. Its convergent and discriminant validity were achieved. Hence, the SSS-M demonstrated good psychometric properties and is available for use to assess stigma among cancer patients in Malaysia.
  19. Abdul Taib NI, Nik Jaafar NR, Azman N, Leong Bin Abdullah MFI, Mohamad Kamal NA, Baharudin A, et al.
    PMID: 36900807 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053795
    High rates of psychological distress among COVID-19 survivors and stigmatisation have been reported in both early and late convalescence. This study aimed to compare the severity of psychological distress and to determine the associations among sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, stigma, and psychological distress among COVID-19 survivors across two different cohorts at two different time points. Data were collected cross-sectionally in two groups at one month and six months post-hospitalisation among COVID-19 patient from three hospitals in Malaysia. This study assessed psychological distress and the level of stigma using the Kessler Screening Scale for Psychological Distress (K6) and the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue (EMIC) stigma scale, respectively. At one month after discharge, significantly lower psychological distress was found among retirees (B = -2.207, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = -4.139 to -0.068, p = 0.034), those who received up to primary education (B = -2.474, 95% CI = -4.500 to -0.521, p = 0.014), and those who had an income of more than RM 10,000 per month (B = -1.576, 95% CI = -2.714 to -0.505, p = 0.006). Moreover, those with a history of psychiatric illness [one month: (B = 6.363, 95% CI = 2.599 to 9.676, p = 0.002), six months: (B = 2.887, CI = 0.469-6.437, p = 0.038)] and sought counselling services [one month: (B = 1.737, 95% CI = 0.385 to 3.117, p = 0.016), six months: (B = 1.480, CI = 0.173-2.618, p = 0.032)] had a significantly higher severity of psychological distress at one month and six months after discharge from the hospital. The perceived stigma of being infected with COVID-19 contributed to greater severity of psychological distress. (B = 0.197, CI = 0.089-0.300, p = 0.002). Different factors may affect psychological distress at different periods of convalescence after a COVID-19 infection. A persistent stigma contributed to psychological distress later in the convalescence period.
  20. Loh SY, Abdullah A, Abu Bakar AK, Thambu M, Nik Jaafar NR
    Glob J Health Sci, 2016;8(1):238-48.
    PMID: 26234968 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v8n1p238
    Lifestyle moderate-intensity physical activity can lower the risk of over twenty chronic health conditions, whilst inactivity reduces daily functioning and physical health of individuals living with schizophrenia. This study conducted in 2014 examines the effect of structured walking participation on QOL, psychosocial functioning and symptoms in Hospital Permai, one of the largest psychiatry institution in Asia
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