Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 82 in total

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  1. Yunus AM, Mohd Sidik S, Nor Afiah M, Rampal L, Tiew Kh
    Malays J Nutr, 2004 Mar;10(1):5-11.
    PMID: 22691743 MyJurnal
    Hypertension and obesity are established and independent risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. There are important inter-relationships between these two factors that may explain the aetiology of coronary heart disease. To determine the prevalence of hypertension and obesity in a rural community setting in Malaysia, and to identify their associated factors, a cross-sectional study was conducted among residents aged 15 years and above in Mukim Dengkil, Selangor from June to October 1999. Sample size was 570, giving a response rate of 86.7%. Prevalence of hypertension was 26.8%, with the highest prevalence among those aged 60 years and above (57.3%), and 50 to 59 years old (53.3%). Factors found to be significantly associated with hypertension were male (χ²=4.71, df=1, p<0.05) and age (t=10.7, df=568, p<0.01). Prevalence of obesity was 11.4%, with the highest prevalence among those aged 40 to 49 years (22.7%) and 30 to 39 years (14.4%). The factors associated with obesity were age (p<0.01), female (χ²=12.45, df=1, p<0.05) and ethnicity (Fisher's Exact probability, p<0.05) with Chinese and Malays having a higher prevalence compared to other ethnic groups. However, there was no significant association between hypertension and obesity (OR=1.14, 95% CI=0.65, 2.02). The prevalence of hypertension and obesity in this study is high. There is a need for prevention programs for these risk factors in rural communities in Malaysia.
  2. Yong MW, Yusof N, Rampal L, Arumugam M
    J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol, 2017 Dec;22(4):484-489.
    PMID: 29117832 DOI: 10.1142/S021881041750054X
    BACKGROUND: Palmaris Longus is being widely used in reconstructive, plastic and cosmetic surgeries due to its long tendon. It is the most readily available source for tendon grafting. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of absence of Palmaris Longus and its association with gender, hand dominance and absence of FDS (flexor digitorum superficialis) tendon to little finger among Malay population.

    METHODS: An analytical cross sectional study design was used and a self-administered proforma was distributed for data collection. 1239 Malay secondary school children in Putrajaya were tested for absence of Palmaris Longus using Schaffer's test. 4 additional tests namely Thompson's test, Mishra's test I, Mishra's test II and Pushpakumar's 'two-finger sign' method were used to confirm its absence in respondents with negative Schaffer's test. Function of Flexor Digitorum Superficialis tendon to little finger was determined by flexing PIP of little finger while hyperextend the other fingers.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of absence of Palmaris Longus was 11.7%. Left side absence of Palmaris Longus was much common. There was a significant association between absence of Palmaris Longus with gender in which female had higher prevalence of absence of Palmaris Longus than male.

    CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the prevalence of absence of Palmaris Longus in Malay population was lower than Indian but higher than Chinese population. Females had higher prevalence of absence of Palmaris Longus and no association can be found with hand dominance and absence of Flexor Digitorum Superficialis tendon to little finger.

  3. Vidthya S, Sherina MS, Rampal L, Fadhilah SI, Ummavathy P
    Med J Malaysia, 2019 Oct;74(5):405-412.
    PMID: 31649217
    INTRODUCTION: The number of cancer cases in Malaysia has increased from 32,000 cases in 2008 with to 37,000 in 2012 (check figures in text). This number is expected to rise to 56,932 by 2025. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience low to moderate level of self-esteem.

    OBJECTIVES: To determine the self-esteem among oncology patients receiving chemotherapy in selected government state hospitals, Peninsular Malaysia.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using selfadministered questionnaires. 953 respondents were given questionnaires which included socio-demographic profile, physical effect, depression, anxiety, quality of life and self esteem. Inferential analysis was done by using Independent T-test or Pearson's Correlation and the level of significance was p<0.05. Multivariate logistic regression was then used to determine the predictors using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 22.0 RESULTS: All 953 respondents selected participated in this study. The overall mean self-esteem in this study was 22.67, SD=4.98. The significant predictors of self-esteem where pvalue was <0.05 were age; gender; marital status; working status; anxiety; depression; nausea; anemia; hair loss; skin and nail changes; overall quality of life and psychological domain of quality of life. The finding of this study indicates that predictors of selfesteem among patients undergoing chemotherapy should be taken into account to improve their quality of life. Guidelines on how to manage self-esteem in a chemotherapy patient can be done using this study as the baseline.

  4. Ummavathy P, Sherina MS, Rampal L, Siti Irma Fadhilah I
    Med J Malaysia, 2015 Jun;70(3):131-41.
    PMID: 26248774 MyJurnal
    INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy is the most common form of treatment among cancer patients. It is also known to cause many physical and psychological side-effects.

    OBJECTIVE: This study developed, implemented and evaluated the outcome of a chemotherapy counseling module among oncology patients by pharmacists based on their psychological effects (depression, anxiety) and selfesteem.

    METHODS: A randomized, single blind, placebo controlled study was conducted among 162 patients undergoing chemotherapy in a government hospital in Malaysia.

    INTERVENTION: Counseling sessions were conducted using the 'Managing Patients on Chemotherapy' module for oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy at each treatment cycle.

    OUTCOME: The outcome of repetitive chemotherapy counseling using the module was determined at baseline, first follow-up, second follow-up and third follow-up.

    RESULTS: The findings revealed that there was significant improvement in the intervention group as compared to the control group with large effect size on depression (p = 0.001, partial η(2) = 0.394), anxiety (p = 0.001, partial η(2) = 0.232) and self-esteem (p = 0.001, partial η(2) = 0.541).

    CONCLUSION: Repetitive counseling using the 'Managing Patients on Chemotherapy' module was found to be effective in improving psychological effects and self-esteem among patients undergoing chemotherapy.

  5. Tan ST, Sherina MS, Rampal L, Normala I
    Med J Malaysia, 2015 Feb;70(1):1-5.
    PMID: 26032521 MyJurnal
    BACKGROUND: Undergraduate medical students have been the most distressed group among the student population. Depression and anxiety have been found to be more prevalent in this group of students compared to others.

    OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and predictors of suicidality among undergraduate medical students in a public university.

    METHODS: This was an analytical cross-sectional study, conducted in a public university in Selangor, Malaysia. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires from January to February 2013, and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software (version 21).

    RESULTS: Out of 625 undergraduate medical students, 537 (85.9%) participated in the study. The prevalence of the suicidality among undergraduate medical students was 7.0%. The significant predictors of suicidality based on multiple logistic regression were the respondent's lifetime suicide attempts (Adjusted Odds Ratio, AOR 10.4, 95% CI 2.7 to 40.9); depression (AOR 5.9, 95% CI 1.5 to 23.0); breaking off a steady love relationship (AOR 5.4, 95% CI 1.3 to 22.4); hopelessness (AOR 4.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 21.6); and something valued being lost or stolen (AOR 4.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 15.9).

    CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that mental health care services should be strengthened at university level. The results show a need for an intervention programme to reduce suicidality among the undergraduate medical students.
  6. Sivalingam N, Rampal L
    Med J Malaysia, 2021 03;76(2):119-124.
    PMID: 33742616
    Sharing of knowledge through Continuing Medical Education (CME) contribute immensely to professional development of skills in clinical medical practice. Thus, the writing of CME articles should adopt an approach that addresses the needs of the readers by attempting to fill gaps in their knowledge, skills, and ethics about clinical care. As such CME articles should be comprehensive and focused on specific areas. The specific learning outcomes should be well defined. In designing and development of such articles, pedagogic principles are to be borne in mind. In this article we outline a guide to writing a CME article, incorporating both the principles of instructional design and directed selflearning. The ideal CME articles will transit through multimedia-enhanced interactive online learning, with greater use of connectivity through the internet. Synchronous and asynchronous learning is in greater need, as distance and online learning are increasingly popular. Authors of CME articles will need to eventually design CME articles to be interactive, enriched with multimedia to engage their readers. Lesson plans employing instructional design principles should aim to promote both instructions for learning and formative assessment ensuring learning have taken place, and outcomes have been achieved. This article describes on how to write effective CME articles for medical journals.
  7. Sivalingam N, Lim RBL, Rampal L
    Med J Malaysia, 2021 05;76(3):279-283.
    PMID: 34031323
    No abstract provided.
  8. Sidik SM, Rampal L
    Asia Pac Fam Med, 2009 Apr 09;8(1):2.
    PMID: 19358728 DOI: 10.1186/1447-056X-8-2
    INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of obesity in developing countries especially among women is on the rise. This matter should be taken seriously because it can burden the health care systems and lower the quality of life.

    AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity among adult women in Selangor and to determine factors associated with obesity among these women.

    METHODS: This community based cross sectional study was conducted in Selangor in January 2004. Multi stage stratified proportionate to size sampling method was used. Women aged 20-59 years old were included in this study. Data was collected using a questionnaire-guided interview method. The questionnaire consisted of questions on socio-demographic (age, ethnicity, religion, education level, occupation, monthly income, marital status), Obstetric & Gynaecology history, body mass index (BMI), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).

    RESULTS: Out of 1032 women, 972 agreed to participate in this study, giving a response rate of 94.2%. The mean age was 37.91 +/- 10.91. The prevalence of obesity among the respondents was 16.7% (mean = 1.83 +/- 0.373). Obesity was found to be significantly associated with age (p = 0.013), ethnicity (p = 0.001), religion (p = 0.002), schooling (p = 0.020), educational level (p = 0.016), marital status (p = 0.001) and the history of suffering a miscarriage within the past 6 months (p = 0.023).

    CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity among adult women in this study was high. This problem needs to be emphasized as the prevalence of obesity keeps increasing, and will continue to worsen unless appropriate preventive measures are taken.

  9. Shiran MS, Isa MR, Mohd Sidik S, Rampal L, Hairuszah I, Sabariah AR
    Malays J Pathol, 2006 Dec;28(2):87-92.
    PMID: 18376797 MyJurnal
    Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and its diagnosis on routine stains is usually straightforward, except in some cases where there may be difficulty in distinguishing HCCs from metastatic carcinomas (MC) and cholangiocarcinomas (CC). Hepatocyte Paraffin 1 antibody (Hep Par 1) is a new monoclonal antibody which reacts with normal and neoplastic hepatocytes, and this study aims to determine its specificity and sensitivity in distinguishing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and metastatic carcinomas (MC). Hep Par 1 antibody was applied to 28 cases of HCC, 22 cases of MC from varying sites and 8 CCs, and produced a strong, diffuse, granular, cytoplasmic staining of all benign hepatocytes. 23 out of 28 cases of HCC showed heterogeneously positive staining for Hep Par 1 irrespective of their degree of differentiation, while 2 out of 8 cases of cholangiocarcinoma were positive for Hep Par 1, and all 22 cases of metastatic carcinoma were negative. The sensitivity and specificity of Hep Par 1 for HCC was 82.1% and 93.3% respectively; whereby the antibody was noted to show occasional false positivity in cases of cholangiocarcinoma and non-neoplastic bowel mucosa, while its variable staining in HCC produced false negative results in some small biopsies. Thus, Hep Par 1 should be used in a panel with other antibodies to obtain useful information in distinguishing HCC from CC and MC.
  10. Shiran MS, Tan GC, Sabariah AR, Rampal L, Phang KS
    Med J Malaysia, 2007 Mar;62(1):36-9.
    PMID: 17682568 MyJurnal
    The diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma (Pca) on routine biopsies may be challenging, and to date the commonly used marker to distinguish prostate carcinoma from benign prostatic lesions has been High Molecular Weight-Cytokeratin (HMW-CK). However, the antigen of HMW-CK is susceptible to the effect of formalin fixation and causes frequent loss or patchy staining in the obviously benign glands. More recently, antibodies to p63 have been reported to be more sensitive than HMW-CK for the detection of prostatic basal cells. p63, a homologue of tumour suppressor gene p53, is essential for prostate development and is selectively expressed in the nuclei of basal cells of normal prostate glands. The objective of this study is to compare the sensitivity and specificity of HMW-CK and p63 in distinguishing prostatic carcinomas from benign prostatic lesions, as well as determining their positive predictive values. Seventy-two cases from HUKM (comprising 29 prostatic carcinomas and 43 benign prostatic hyperplasias) were stained for both HMW-CK and p63. The sensitivity of p63 and HMW-CK in identifying basal cells in benign glands was 88.37% and 90.70% respectively. The specificity of both reagents was 100%, and the positive predictive value for both reagents was also 100%. Thus, p63 is a useful complementary basal cell specific stain to HMW-CK, and would be very helpful to practicing pathologists in dealing with difficult cases.
  11. Sherina, M.S., Rampal, L., Hejar, A.R., Rozali, A., Mohd Yunusn, A.
    MyJurnal
    The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of the urban poor and its health related factors in Selangor. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the community of Selangor. Data was collected from January 2006 to June 2006. Three out of nine districts were selected to be involved in the study, which were Klang, Kuala Langat and Petaling. A Multistage Stratified Proportionate Systematic Random Sampling was used for this study. The sampling was carried out by the Statistics Department of Malaysia. The survey frame was based on the information gathered from the Population and Housing Census in year 2000. The respondents were interviewed by trained research assistants using a structured pre-tested standardized questionnaire prepared in Malay and English languages. A monthly income of RM706 and less was used to define urban poor based on the guidelines given by the Economy Planning Unit of Malaysia (2004). SPSS 16.0 version was used to analyze the data. Out of 2535 respondents interviewed in this study, 2491 respondents answered the questionnaire completely (response rate 98.3%). Out of 2491 respondents, 202 (8.1%) had a monthly income of RM706 and less. Analysis of the urban poor respondents found that majority were aged between 18 to 40 years old (55.9%), and 29.7% had diagnosed medical illnesses, where hypertension, diabetes and asthma were the most common illnesses at 12.4%, 10.9% and 5.0% respectively. About 10% of the urban poor respondents had physical disabilities such as blurring of vision (7.9%), hearing problems (1.0%) and other disabilities (1.0%).

  12. Sherina, M.S., Rampal, L., Azhar, M.Z.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Women are exposed to stress such as working full time while still being responsible for the family and house.
    Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms among adult women in Selangor, and to determine the potential risk factors associated with depression.
    Method: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in all districts of Selangor state, Malaysia in July 2004. Multi stage stratified proportionate to size sampling method was used to collect data. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to determine the presence or absence of depressive symptoms among the respondents. All respondents aged 20 to 59 years old in the selected households were interviewed.
    Results: Out of 1032 women, 972 agreed to participate in this study, giving a response rate of 94.2%. The mean age of the respondents was 37.91 ± 10.91. Majority were Malays (54.9%), married (83.8%) and had secondary education (54.5%). The results showed that the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 8.3% in Selangor. Race, religion, education level, history of having a miscarriage within the last 6 months and history of difficulty in getting pregnant were significantly associated with depressive symptoms (p<0.05). Women with history of a miscarriage within the last 6 months and absence of formal education were potential risk factors for depressive symptoms (OR, CI = 2.576 (1.165-5.696), p<0.01 and OR, CI = 5.766 (1.949-17.053), p < 0.01).
    Conclusion: Depressive symptoms among adult women in Selangor was 8.3% and was associated with race, religion, education, history of miscarriage and difficulty in getting pregnant. The main potential risk factors were having a miscarriage within the last 6 months and absence of formal education.
    Keywords: Depressive symptoms, Prevalence and Risk Factors, Selangor Women
  13. Sherina MS, Rampal L, Mustaqim A
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2004;16(2):109-14.
    PMID: 15624788 DOI: 10.1177/101053950401600206
    Chronic illness is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity among the elderly. To determine the prevalence and factors associated with chronic illness among the elderly in a rural community setting. A cross sectional study design was used. Stratified proportionate cluster sampling method was used to select respondents in Mukim Sepang, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia. Out of 263 elderly residents (6.2% of the total population), 223 agreed to participate in the study giving a response rate of 84.8%. The prevalence of chronic illness among the elderly in Mukim Sepang was 60.1%. Out of 223 respondents, 134 were diagnosed as having chronic illness such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischaemic heart disease, bronchial asthma or gout. Chronic illness was found to be significantly associated with functional dependence among the elderly (chi2=6.863, df=1, p<0.05). The prevalence of chronic illness among the elderly in the rural community is very high. Problems facing this age-group should be addressed comprehensively in order to formulate appropriate programmes for the health care of the elderly.
  14. Sherina MS, Rampal L, Mustaqim A
    Med J Malaysia, 2004 Jun;59(2):252-7.
    PMID: 15559177 MyJurnal
    Cognitive impairment is common in late life and may be due to the normal process of ageing or associated with physical or mental disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment among the elderly in a rural community setting. A cross sectional study design using stratified proportionate cluster sampling method was used in this study. A questionnaire similar to the Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire (ECAQ) was used as a screening instrument for cognitive impairment. The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 22.4% (50/223) among the elderly respondents. Cognitive impairment among the elderly was significantly associated with age, gender, ethnicity, marital status and level of education.
  15. Sherina MS, Rampal L, Kaneson N
    Med J Malaysia, 2004 Jun;59(2):207-11.
    PMID: 15559171 MyJurnal
    The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of psychological stress among medical students and to identify its symptoms and association with depression. A cross-sectional study design was used. Three-hundred and ninety-six medical students at a university in Malaysia were included in the study. Tools similar to the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used to screen for psychological stress and depression, respectively. 41.9% of the medical students were found to have psychological stress, which was significantly associated with depression (chi2=4.636, df=1, p<0.05). Psychological stress is common among medical students and is associated with depression.
  16. Sherina MS, Rampal L, Mustaqim A
    Med J Malaysia, 2004 Mar;59(1):45-9.
    PMID: 15535335 MyJurnal
    Objective: To determine the prevalence of depression among the elderly and to identify its associated factors.
    Methods: A cross sectional study design was used. Stratified proportionate cluster sampling method was used to select the respondents. A 30 item Geriatric Depression Scale questionnaire was used as a screening instrument.
    Results: 7.6% of the elderly were found to have depression. Only employment status was found to be significantly associated with depression.
    Discussion: The prevalence of depression in the elderly was 7.6%. Primary Care providers need to be vigilant when treating elderly patients as depression is commonly found in this age group .
    Study site: Nine villages in Mukim Sepang, Sepang District, Selangor, Malaysia
    Device, Questionnaire & Scale: Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30)
  17. Sherina MS, Rampal L, Kaneson N
    Objective: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anxiety among medical students at a local university in Malaysia and to identify its associated factors.
    Methods: Across-sectional study design was used. Three-hundred and ninety-six medical students at a local university in Malaysia were included in the study. A pre-tested, modified, self-administered Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was used to screen for anxiety.
    Results: Three-hundred-and-ninety-six out of 414 medical students participated (response rate 95.7%).38.4% of the medical students were found to have anxiety.
    Conclusion: The overall prevalence of anxiety among medical students was high (38.4%). Factors found to be significantly associated with anxiety were gender, perceived level of pressure, year of study in medical school, ethnicity and depression(p<0.05).
    Keywords: Anxiety, depression, medical students, prevalence
  18. Reddy SC, Rampal L, Nurulaini O
    Med J Malaysia, 2004 Jun;59(2):212-7.
    PMID: 15559172 MyJurnal
    A community based cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment and blindness in residents aged forty years and above in kampung Jenderam Hilir of Sepang district, Selangor state. A total of 311 out of 341 (91.3%) respondents participated in this study. The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness observed was 18.9% and 2.9% respectively. The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness increased significantly with age. Amongst the 159 respondents who agreed for eye checkup, refractive errors (56%), cataract (20.1%), glaucoma (4.4%) and diabetic retinopathy (1.3%) were found to be causing visual impairment and blindness.
  19. Rampal, L., Somayeh, A. B., Salmiah, M. S., Faisal, I., Sharifah Zainiyah, S. Y.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: In Malaysia, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been the leading cause of death for the past 40 years. Hypertension is the leading treatable risk factor for CVD mortality.
    Objectives: to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among University Putra Malaysia staff.
    Methods: A Cross sectional study design was used in this study. The sample was selected using table of random numbers. Two blood pressure measurements were taken from respondents aged 30 years and above. Data on socio-demographic variables and lifestyle-related risk factors were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Weight and height measurements were also taken.
    Results: Out of 517 respondents selected, 454 subjects agreed to participate, giving a response rate of 87.8%. The overall mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for 454 respondents was 126.2 mmHg and 80.17 mmHg respectively. The mean SBP was significantly higher in males (129.68 mmHg) as compared to the females (122.65 mmHg). The mean SBP and DBP significantly increased with age in both males and females (p<0.05). There was a significant relationship between SBP and BMI (r = 0.55, r2 = 0.30 p <0.001) and diastolic blood pressure and BMI (r = 0.53, r2 = 0.28, p <0.001). The overall prevalence of hypertension was 34.4% and 33.9% had pre hypertension. Hypertension was significantly associated with age, gender, family history of hypertension, BMI and alcohol consumption. Conclusions: Prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension is high. There is an urgent need for implementation of a comprehensive CVD prevention program. Routine blood pressure measurements should be taken to improve the detection, prevention and treatment of hypertension.
    Keywords: Hypertension, Prevalence, Risk Factors, University Staff, Prevalence
  20. Rampal, L., Saeedi, P., Aminizadeh Bazenjani, S., Salmiah, M.S., Norlijah, O.
    MyJurnal
    Obesity is a well-established risk factor for coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancers of the breast, colon, prostate and other organs. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of obesity and associated factors among university staffs. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among university staffs of University Putra Malaysia using a self-administered validated pre-tested questionnaire. Weight was measured using a digital bathroom scale (TANITA Model HD 319) and height was measured using a SECA Body Meter Model 206. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (kg/m2). A p value of
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