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Fulltext A comparison of morbidity patterns in public and private primary care clinics in malaysia

Mimi O, Tong SF, Nordin S, Teng CL, Khoo EM, Abdul-Rahman A, et al.

Malays Fam Physician, 2011;6(1):19-25.
PMID: 25606215 MyJurnal

OBJECTIVES: To compare the morbidity patterns in public and private primary care clinics; determine patients' reasons for encounter (RFE) and diagnoses using the ICPC-2, and compare ten commonest diagnoses and RFEs.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study on randomly selected clinics was conducted nationwide. Doctors completed the Patient Encounter Record (PER) for systematically selected encounters for a week.
RESULTS: Response rate was 82.0% (public clinic) and 33% (private clinic) with 4262 encounters and 7280 RFE. Overall, the three commonest disease categories encountered were respiratory (37.2%), general and unspecified (29.5%), and cardiovascular diseases (22.2%). Public and private clinics handled 27% versus 50% acute cases and 20.0% versus 3.1% chronic cases i.e. 33.7 and 5.6 chronic diseases per 100 RFE respectively.
CONCLUSION: Doctors in public clinics saw more chronic and complex diseases as well as pregnancy related complaints and follow-up cases while in private clinics more acute and minor illnesses were seen. Health services should be integrated and support given to co-manage chronic diseases in both sectors.
KEYWORDS: Malaysia; Primary practice; delivery of health care; morbidity pattern; reasons for encounter
Fulltext A cross-sectional evaluation of nutritional status among paediatric oncology patients in Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. [Kajian rintis penilaian status pemakanan di kalangan pesakit onkologi pediatrik di Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia]

Noor Aini Mohd. Yusoff, Zalina Abu Zaid, Raiza Sham, Rosita Jamaluddin, Suzana Shahar, A. Rahman A. Jamal

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2007;5(1):47-58.
MyJurnal

Malnutrition is common among pediatric oncology patients. Factors contributing to malnutrition include physiological abnormalities, response to the tumors and side effects of the treatment. A pilot study was carried out to determine the nutritional status of 17 pediatric oncology patients aged 4 to 12 years old in Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. The
nutritional status was assessed via anthropometric measurements and dietary intake through 3 days repeatitive 24 hours diet recall with subjects and their carers. Biochemical profiles (serum albumin and hemoglobin) were reviewed from the medical record. Through anthropometry measurements, weight and height were used to calculate Z-scores and further determine the percentile weight-for-age, height-for-age using NCHS percentile charts (WHO 1983). Frisancho’s standards (1981) were used to define malnutrition based on MUACfor- age. Underweight as determined using z scores below -2 for weight-for-age was observed in 70.6% of the subjects. Whilst, 76.5% of the subjects were classified as stunted (z score < –2) for height-for-age. Based on MUAC-for-age percentile, the sign of severe malnutrition category (<5 percentile) was observed in 35.3% of the subject and 23.6% of the subject were in the moderate malnutrition (>5 – <10 percentile). About 70.6% of the subject had low haemoglobin (< 11 g/dl) and 29.4% of the subject were hypoalbuminemia (< 35 g/dl) . Total macronutrient intake was assessed and compared with the individual requirement (Seashore 1984) for energy and protein intake were satisfactory, except for subjects in age group 10 – 12 years who achieved only 70% of the individuals requirements. As a conclusion, although food intake of the subjects was satisfactory but chronic malnutrition was prevalent. Early recognition of malnutrition is essential in order to plan for a nutritional intervention and further enhancing the quality of life.
Key words: Nutritional status, pediatric oncology, anthropometric, dietary intake, biochemical profile.
A hybrid mathematical programming model for optimal project portfolio selection using fuzzy inference system and analytic hierarchy process

Tavana M, Khosrojerdi G, Mina H, Rahman A

Eval Program Plann, 2019 12;77:101703.
PMID: 31442587 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.101703

The primary goal in project portfolio management is to select and manage the optimal set of projects that contribute the maximum in business value. However, selecting Information Technology (IT) projects is a difficult task due to the complexities and uncertainties inherent in the strategic-operational nature of the process, and the existence of both quantitative and qualitative criteria. We propose a two-stage process to select an optimal project portfolio with the aim of maximizing project benefits and minimizing project risks. We construct a two-stage hybrid mathematical programming model by integrating Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) with Fuzzy Inference System (FIS). This hybrid framework provides the ability to consider both the quantitative and qualitative criteria while considering budget constraints and project risks. We also present a real-world case study in the cybersecurity industry to exhibit the applicability and demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed method.
Fulltext A knowledge of asthma in school children: a survey among primary school teachers

Bahari MB, Nur NM, Rahman AF

Singapore Med J, 2003 Mar;44(3):131-5.
PMID: 12953726

A survey was carried out among primary school teachers in the district of Kota Bharu, Malaysia to assess the level of knowledge on asthma and its management. Our findings revealed that primary school teachers were less informed about the management and treatment of asthma. They were relatively more knowledgeable about the causes and symptomatology of asthma. The majority of respondents had misunderstanding regarding the effect of rain, smoking and cold weather on asthma. It is important that teachers should be able to recognise symptoms of an asthmatic attack or take the necessary precautions to avoid such an attack. Many teachers agreed on the need to have an asthma education programme in their teaching curriculum.
Fulltext A multicenter controlled trial on knowledge and attitude about cardiopulmonary resuscitation among secondary school children in Malaysia

Rahman NH, Keng Sheng C, Kamauzaman TH, Md Noh AY, Wahab SF, Zaini IZ, et al.

Int J Emerg Med, 2013;6(1):37.
PMID: 24135122 DOI: 10.1186/1865-1380-6-37

We performed a multicenter controlled trial to assess the knowledge and attitude (KA) about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) among secondary school children in a district in Malaysia.
A review on chitosan and chitosan-based bionanocomposites: Promising material for combatting global issues and its applications

Azmana M, Mahmood S, Hilles AR, Rahman A, Arifin MAB, Ahmed S

Int J Biol Macromol, 2021 Aug 31;185:832-848.
PMID: 34237361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.07.023

Over the last few years, several attempts have been made to replace petrochemical products with renewable and biodegradable components. The most challenging part of this approach is to obtain bio-based materials with properties and functions equivalent to those of synthetic products. Various naturally occurring polymers such as starch, collagen, alginate, cellulose, and chitin represent attractive candidates as they could reduce dependence on synthetic products and consequently positively impact the environment. Chitosan is also a unique bio-based polymer with excellent intrinsic properties. It is known for its anti-bacterial and film-forming properties, has high mechanical strength and good thermal stability. Nanotechnology has also applied chitosan-based materials in its most recent achievements. Therefore, numerous chitosan-based bionanocomposites with improved physical and chemical characteristics have been developed in an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach. This review discusses various sources of chitosan, its properties and methods of modification. Also, this work focuses on diverse preparation techniques of chitosan-based bionanocomposites and their emerging application in various sectors. Additionally, this review sheds light on future research scope with some drawbacks and challenges to motivate the researchers for future outstanding research works.
Fulltext A systematic literature review of the role of trust and security on Fintech adoption in banking

Jafri JA, Mohd Amin SI, Abdul Rahman A, Mohd Nor S

Heliyon, 2024 Jan 15;10(1):e22980.
PMID: 38163181 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22980

Fintech's development has amplified cybercrime, prompting trust and security concerns in banking. While earlier research predominantly viewed Fintech adoption through a tech-centric lens, emphasising its benefits, there is a paucity of studies on cognitive resistance arising from Fintech controversies. This review synthesises previous Fintech literature on behavioural intentions in banking, emphasising the role of trust, security, and other factors, and highlights existing research gaps. Utilising the ROSES (RepOrting standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses) framework, a Systematic Literature Review was conducted, analysing 26 articles from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases (2009-2022). Thematic analysis produces five primary themes (UTAUT2 variables; risk; trust; quality; and other), branching into 24 sub-themes. The weight analysis emphasises the best well-utilised predictors like performance expectancy, trust, security, perceived usefulness, and attitude. In addition, the review identifies research gaps and offers recommendations for future studies using the TCCM (Theory, Context, Constructs, and Method) framework. This research provides insights to Fintech companies and regulatory authorities on the preferred attributes of Fintech services that can enhance their adoption within the banking sector.
Action research studies in the intensive care setting: a systematic review

Soh KL, Davidson PM, Leslie G, Bin Abdul Rahman A

Int J Nurs Stud, 2011 Feb;48(2):258-68.
PMID: 21030021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2010.09.014

To review published studies using action research in the intensive care unit (ICU) in order to provide an intervention framework to improve clinical outcomes.
Fulltext Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health Risk Behaviours among the Undergraduate Health Campus Students

Majid M, Ab Rahman A, Taib F

Malays J Med Sci, 2023 Feb;30(1):152-161.
PMID: 36875202 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.1.13

BACKGROUND: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked with health risk behaviours (HRBs). The study aimed to evaluate ACEs in the undergraduate health campus of a public university located in the northeast of Malaysia and determine their association with HRBs.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed by recruiting 973 undergraduate students at the health campus of a public university from December 2019 to June 2021. The World Health Organization (WHO) ACE-International Questionnaire and the Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance System questionnaire were distributed using simple random sampling according to year of study and the selected batch of students. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic findings and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between ACE and HRB.
RESULTS: The 973 participants (male [n = 245] and female [n = 728]) had a median age of 22 years old. The prevalence of child maltreatment among the study population was 30.2%, 29.2%, 28.7%, 9.1% and 6.1% for emotional abuse, emotional neglect, physical abuse, physical neglect and sexual abuse, respectively, among both sexes. The most commonly reported household dysfunctions were parental divorce/separation (5.5%). Community violence was 39.3% among the surveyed participants. The highest prevalence of HRBs among respondents was 54.5% from physical inactivity. The findings confirmed that those exposed to ACEs were at risk of HRBs and that a higher number of ACEs was associated with a higher number of HRBs.
CONCLUSION: ACEs were highly prevalent among participating university students, ranging from 2.6%-39.3%. Hence, child maltreatment is an important public health problem in Malaysia.
Altering fiber density of cockscomb-like fibrous silica-titania catalysts for enhanced photodegradation of ibuprofen

Fauzi AA, Jalil AA, Mohamed M, Triwahyono S, Jusoh NWC, Rahman AFA, et al.

J Environ Manage, 2018 Dec 01;227:34-43.
PMID: 30172157 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.08.073

Fibrous silica-titania (FST) catalysts were synthesized by microemulsion followed by silica seed-crystal crystallization methods under various molar ratios of toluene to water (T/W). The catalysts were characterized by XRD, UV-DRS, FESEM, TEM, AFM, N2 adsorption-desorption, FTIR, and ESR. The results revealed that altering the T/W ratio affected the growth of the silica and titania and led to different size, fiber density, silica-titania structure, and number of hydroxyl groups, as well as oxygen vacancies in the FSTs, which altered their behavior toward subsequent application. Photodegradation of ibuprofen (IBP) are in the following order: FST(6:1) (90%) > FST(5:1) (84%) > FST(7:1) (79%) > commercial TiO2 (67%). A kinetics study using Langmuir-Hinshelwood model illustrated that the photodegradation followed the pseudo-first-order and adsorption was the rate-limiting step. Optimization by response surface methodology (RSM) showed that the pH, initial concentration, and catalyst dosage were the remarkable parameters in photodegradation of IBP. The FST (6:1) maintained its photocatalytic activities for up to five cycles reaction without serious catalyst deactivation, and was also able to degrade other endocrine-disrupting chemicals, indicating its potential use for the treatment of those chemicals in wastewater.
Fulltext An investigation on impact of E-learning implementation on change management in Malaysian private higher education institutions

Sheiladevi, S., Rahman, A.

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2016;24(2):517-530.
MyJurnal

The purpose of this research is to analyse the impact of identified variables to adapt change management
due to e-learning implementation in Malaysian private higher education institutions focusing on educators’
perspectives. The conceptual framework was modified in combination of various theories from Systemic
Change Models and E-learning Cycle Models. A self-administered questionnaire adapted from Siebel
4.0-2 Survey Questionnaires (SSQ) by Hambling, 2010 was the data collection instrument. The sample
consisted of educators from private higher education institutions with visions or missions based on
e-learning implementation in Malaysia. As per findings, through review of the visions and missions,
the selected private higher education institutions integrated teaching and learning, advancement of the
knowledge based on e-learning and leadership in service and outreach.
Analgesic use and chronic renal disease in patients with headache

Rahman A, Segasothy M, Samad SA, Zulfiqar A, Rani M

Headache, 1993 Sep;33(8):442-5.
PMID: 8262786

The pattern of analgesic use, abuse and incidence of analgesic-associated nephropathy in 79 patients with chronic headache was studied. Sixty-eight of these patients had migraine. Most patients had consumed a combination of analgesics (81%) while 19% had taken single analgesics for their headache. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the most commonly used analgesics (96.2%) followed by paracetamol (70.9%) and aspirin, phenacetin and caffeine compounds (5.1%). Mefenamic acid was the commonest nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug consumed (97.4%). Analgesic abuse which was defined as a minimum total of 1 kg of analgesics such as paracetamol or aspirin, phenacetin and caffeine compounds or 400 capsules/tablets of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was noted in 65 patients. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the most commonly abused analgesics (89.2%) followed by paracetamol (38.5%). Forty-five of the 65 analgesic abusers had an intravenous urogram or ultrasound performed and renal papillary necrosis was documented in one patient. Three (4.6%) of the analgesic abusers had mildly raised serum creatinine levels. Mild proteinuria of less than 1 gm/litre was present in 27.7% of abusers. In conclusion, although analgesic use and abuse is common in patients with chronic headache, the short term incidence of analgesic-associated nephropathy (2.2%) and renal impairment (4.6%) was low. Prolonged observations will be necessary to ascertain the safety of these drugs for long term use.
Antinociceptive and antiedematogenic activities of andrographolide isolated from Andrographis paniculata in animal models

Sulaiman MR, Zakaria ZA, Abdul Rahman A, Mohamad AS, Desa MN, Stanslas J, et al.

Biol Res Nurs, 2010 Jan;11(3):293-301.
PMID: 19689990 DOI: 10.1177/1099800409343311

The current study was performed to evaluate the antinociceptive and antiedematogenic properties of andrographolide isolated from the leaves of Andrographis paniculata using two animal models. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using the acetic acid- induced writhing and the hot-plate tests, while antiedematogenic activity was measured using the carrageenan-induced paw edema test. Subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of andrographolide (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg) did not affect the motor coordination of the experimental animals but produced significant (p < .05) antinociceptive activity when assessed using both tests. However, 2 mg/kg naloxone failed to affect the 25 mg/kg andrographolide activity in both tests, indicating that the activity was modulated via nonopioid mechanisms. Furthermore, andrographolide showed significant (p < .05) antiedematogenic activity. In conclusion, the results obtained suggest that andrographolide has antinociceptive and antiedematogenic activities; it may be useful for treating pain and inflammation once human studies are conducted.
Fulltext Assessing the nutritional status of children with leukemia from hospitals in kuala lumpur

Zalina AZ, Suzana S, A Rahman AJ, Noor Aini MY

Malays J Nutr, 2009 Mar;15(1):45-51.
PMID: 22691804 MyJurnal

A cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the nutritional status of 51 subjects with leukemia aged 4 to 12 years from the Haematology and Oncology Paediatric Ward, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (PPUKM) and the Paediatric Institute of Kuala Lumpur. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements, biochemical and haematological parameters. Subjects comprised 32 (62.7%) males and 19 (27.3%) females. Most of the subjects (41.2%) were in the age group of 4 to 6 years. More than half of the children were Malays (70.6%) followed by Indians (15.7%) and Chinese (13.7%). The subjects were diagnosed as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (84.3%) followed by acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) (13.7%) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) (2.0%) respectively. Most of the children were in remission status (54.9%). Underweight (
Fulltext Association of MMP-9 gene polymorphisms with nephrolithiasis patients

Mehde AA, Mehdi WA, Yusof F, Raus RA, Zainal Abidin ZA, Ghazali H, et al.

J Clin Lab Anal, 2018 Jan;32(1).
PMID: 28205286 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.22173

BACKGROUND: Nephrolithiasis is one of the causes which lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases degrading extracellular matrix which correlate with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The current study was designed to analyze the association of (R279Q, C1562T) polymorphism of MMP-9 with nephrolithiasis patients.
METHODS: Genotyping of MMP-9/R279Q and of MMP-9/C1562T polymorphism were carried out by PCR-based restriction digestion method. Serum level of MMP-9, oxidative stress marker, MDA, and uric acid were measured in patients and control.
RESULTS: Allele frequencies of the MMP-9/C1562T polymorphism for C and T allele were 71.25% and 28.75% in patients, 87.08% and 12.92% in control respectively. The homozygote TT was more frequent in the nephrolithiasis patients group, while T allele frequency was significantly higher in the nephrolithiasis patients group than in the control group. The patients with CT and TT genotype showed a significant increase in serum MMP-9, Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Oxidative Stress Index (OSI), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and uric acid when compared to CC genotype in patients with nephrolithiasis. The R279Q polymorphism site with regard to the relationship with nephrolithiasis was not significant.
CONCLUSION: The result indicates that patients with TT genotype had an increased risk of stones. Also, the results demonstrate that TT allele of the C1562T polymorphism in the MMP-9gene is related with an increase of oxidative stress in nephrolithiasis patients and may possibly impose a risk for cardiovascular diseases in patients with TT genotype of MMP-9.
Fulltext Bionanocarbon Functional Material Characterisation and Enhancement Properties in Nonwoven Kenaf Fibre Nanocomposites

Rizal S, Mistar EM, Rahman AA, H P S AK, Oyekanmi AA, Olaiya NG, et al.

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jul 14;13(14).
PMID: 34301059 DOI: 10.3390/polym13142303

Bionanocarbon as a properties enhancement material in fibre reinforced nanobiocomposite was investigated for sustainable material applications. Currently, an extensive study using the micro size of biocarbon as filler or reinforcement materials has been done. However, poor fibre-matrix interface results in poor mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of the composite. Hence in this study, the nanoparticle of biocarbon was synthesised and applied as a functional material and properties enhancement in composite material. The bionanocarbon was prepared from an oil palm shell, an agriculture waste precursor, via a single-step activation technique. The nanocarbon filler loading was varied from 0, 1, 3, and 5% as nanoparticle properties enhancement in nonwoven kenaf fibre reinforcement in vinyl ester composite using resin transfer moulding technique. The functional properties were evaluated using TEM, particle size, zeta potential, and energy dispersion X-ray (EDX) elemental analysis. While the composite properties enhancement was evaluated using physical, mechanical, morphological, thermal, and wettability properties. The result indicated excellent nanofiller enhancement of fibre-matrix bonding that significantly improved the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the bionanocomposite. The SEM morphology study confirmed the uniform dispersion of the nanoparticle enhanced the fibre-matrix interaction. In this present work, the functional properties of bionanocarbon from oil palm shells (oil palm industrial waste) was incorporated in nanaobiocomposite, which significantly enhance its properties. The optimum enhancement of the bionanocomposite functional properties was obtained at 3% bionanocarbon loading. The improvement can be attributed to homogeneity and improved interfacial interaction between nanoparticles, kenaf fibre, and matrix.
Fulltext Biting rhythm and demographic attributes of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) females from different urbanized settings in Penang Island, Malaysia under uncontrolled laboratory conditions

Muhammad NAF, Abu Kassim NF, Ab Majid AH, Abd Rahman A, Dieng H, Avicor SW

PLoS One, 2020;15(11):e0241688.
PMID: 33175896 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241688

Urbanization could potentially modify Aedes albopictus' ecology by changing the dynamics of the species, and affecting their breeding sites due to environmental changes, and thus contribute to dengue outbreaks. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the biting rhythm, fecundity and longevity of adult female Ae. albopictus in relation to urbanization strata; urban, suburban and rural areas in Penang Island, Malaysia. The experiments were done in comparison to a laboratory strain. Twenty-four hours biting activity of all the mosquito strains showed a clear bimodal biting activity, with morning and evening twilight peaks. The interaction effect between biting time and mosquito strains was not significant. Meanwhile, differences in fecundity among mosquito strains were statistically significant (F(3,442) = 10.559, P < 0.05) with urban areas having higher mean number of eggs (mean = 107.69, standard error = 3.98) than suburban (mean = 94.48, standard error = 5.18), and rural areas (mean = 72.52, standard error = 3.87). Longevity of adult females were significantly higher (F(3,441) = 31.259, P < 0.05) for mosquito strains from urban areas compared to the other strains. These findings would provide crucial information for the planning of control programs in Malaysia, particularly Penang.
Fulltext Blood pressure in acute intracerebral haemorrhage

Rasool AH, Rahman AR, Choudhury SR, Singh RB

J Hum Hypertens, 2004 Mar;18(3):187-92.
PMID: 14973513 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jhh.1001647

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and spontaneous bleeding into the brain parenchyma, intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), is a stroke subtype associated with high morbidity and mortality. Overall, it comprises about 15% of all stroke in Caucasians, this figure being much higher in Asians and black people. Blood pressure (BP) appears to play an important role in this disease. We have reviewed available literature on the relationship of BP to the occurrence of primary and secondary ICH, the association of BP levels measured early after stroke with prognosis and complications, and evidence about the effects of early BP lowering treatments on post-stroke outcomes. BP appears to be an important risk factor for primary and secondary ICH. In addition, high BP early after ICH may be detrimental to outcome, possibly contributing to complications such as rebleeding and haematoma enlargement. Few data are available about the effects of early lowering of BP on outcome after ICH with no reliable trial yet conducted. Proper randomised trials are required to establish the effect of early lowering of BP on outcome after ICH.
Blood pressure regulation by the kallikrein-kinin system

Sharma JN, Uma K, Noor AR, Rahman AR

Gen. Pharmacol., 1996 Jan;27(1):55-63.
PMID: 8742494

1. The kallikrein-kinin system has a significant role in regulating arterial blood pressure. 2. Reduced formation of the kinin compontents may cause hypertensive diseases. This is because of the fact that this system is responsible for vasodilatation, reduction in total peripheral resistance, natriuresis, diuresis, increasing renal blood flow and releasing various vasodilator agents. 3. Reduced kinin-kallikrein generation in hypertensive subjects may also be associated with genetic and environmental defects. 4. The kallikrein-kinin system when administered to hypertensive patients can lower their raised blood pressure to normotensive levels. 5. The mode of action of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors principally may be dependent on the kinin system protection.
Fulltext Building professional qualities through a community placement programme for medical students

Mat Pa MN, Ab Rahman A, Abdul Rahim AF, Yusoff MSB, Yaacob NA

Education in Medicine Journal, 2011;3(1):60-62.
MyJurnal

The community placement programme was first introduced to our medical students in 2007. The objectives of this community service programme are to enable students to explore and understand the importance of various skills such as leadership, teamwork and interest towards community services, as well as to improve their skills in those areas for becoming better students and future doctors. The first year medical students were tasked to plan, organize and implement activities in selected communities such as disabled people, orphans, neglected elderly, the poor, HIV positive single mothers and children. Amongst the activities conducted were sharing experiences and thoughts, games, donation and ‘gotong-royong’. The objective of this study was to evaluate the students’ perception on the successfulness of the community placement programme in building their professional qualities. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the first year medical students using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of 5 elements of professional qualities such as leadership and team work skills, interest towards community services, volunteerism and empathy. Self-reflection sessions were also held to explore the learning points gained. A total of 147 students answered the questionnaires. The students rated the overall programme as highly useful (80.6%) and as achieving the objectives (80.1%). They perceived that this programme helped them to improve their personal and professional skills such as leadership (70.0%), team work (71.4%), interest towards community services (87.1%), volunteerism (85.0%), and empathy (89.1%). Self-reflection revealed that the programme made them realize the role of doctors in a community, appreciate the spirit of teamwork and helped them to understand the need of vulnerable groups. As a conclusion, this programme was well-accepted and perceived as assisting medical students to build professional qualities to become caring and competent doctors.

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