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Prevalence of overweight/obesity and its associated factors among secondary school students in semi urban area in Malaysia

Alagappan M, Rampal L, Zalilah MS

Med J Malaysia, 2019 12;74(6):513-520.
PMID: 31929478

INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and factors associated among secondary school students in Batang Padang District, Perak, Malaysia.
METHODS: Out of the 7247 students in the ten selected schools studied, a total of 6248 students (2928 males, 3320 females) took part. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted odd ratio.
RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 16.0% and 11.5% respectively. Obesity/overweight was significantly (p<0.05) associated with gender, age, ethnicity, education level of father, education level of mother, physical activity, disordered eating, smoking status, body size perception and body part satisfaction. The multivariable analysis results showed that the odds of being overweight/obesity were higher in males compared to females (OR 1.56, 95%CI: 1.37, 1.77). The results also showed that the odds of being overweight/obesity were highest among those in age group 12 and 13 years and among Malay ethnicity. The odds of overweight/obesity were higher in those who was dissatisfied with their body parts, (OR 1.96, 95%CI: 1.71, 2.25), dissatisfied with their body size (OR: 4.25, 95%CI: 3.60, 5.02), low physical activity (OR 1.23, 95%CI: 1.06, 1.44), current smokers (OR 1.38, 95%CI: 1.07, 1.78) and at risk of having eating disorder (OR: 1.39, 95%CI 1.22, 1.59).
CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity is high. The findings from this study can be used by policy makers to plan an integrated intervention program in schools.
Fulltext Effectiveness of peer-led education on knowledge, attitude and risk behavior practices related to HIV among students at a Malaysian public university--a randomized controlled trial

Ibrahim N, Rampal L, Jamil Z, Zain AM

Prev Med, 2012 Nov;55(5):505-10.
PMID: 22982947 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2012.09.003

OBJECTIVE: Develop, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a peer-led education program related to HIV/AIDS among university students.
METHOD:
DESIGN: randomized controlled trial with 276 university students at Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences University Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang in 2011.
INTERVENTION: A peer-led education program on HIV prevention by university students.
OUTCOME: differences in knowledge, attitude and risk behavior practices related to HIV between baselines, immediate follow-up after intervention and after three months.
RESULTS: Significant improvement in sound knowledge in the intervention group as compared to the control group (Odds ratio, 1.75; 95% CI 1.01, 3.00; p=0.04) and improvement in good attitude related to HIV (Odds ratio 2.22; 95% CI 1.37, 3.61; p=0.01). The odds of high substance risk behavior was significantly reduced in the intervention group as compared to the control group (Odds ratio 0.07; 95% CI 0.02, 0.34; p=0.01). The association between good knowledge and intervention was modified by the different time points (baseline, immediately after intervention and 3 months after intervention), ethnicity and gender.
CONCLUSION:
Peer-led education program in HIV prevention improves knowledge, attitude and substance risk behavior. Changes in sexual risk behavior may require a longer follow-up.
Self-esteem among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in selected

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.
Fulltext The prevalence of hypertension and smoking in the subdistrict of Dengkil, Selangor

Mohd Yunus, A., Sherina, M.S., Nor Afiah, M.Z., Rampal, L., Tiew, K.H.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2003;3(2):5-9.
MyJurnal

Hypertension and smoking 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. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hypertension and smoking 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, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia from June to October 1999. Systematic random sampling was used to select the respondents. Results: Five-hundred and seventy respondents agreed to participate giving a response rate of 86.7%. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 26.8%. The prevalence was 31.7% among males, and 23.5% among females. Factors found to be significantly associated with hypertension were males and age. The overall prevalence of smoking was 21.2%. The prevalence among males was 48.7%, where as the prevalence was only 2.6% among females. The factors associated with smoking were males, ethnicity with Malays showing the highest prevalence of 27.2% and age. However, there was no significant association between hypertension and smoking. The prevalence of hypertension in this study is high. However, the prevalence of smoking in this study was slightly lower compared to the result found by the 2nd Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS2).
Fulltext Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a rural community in mukim dengkil, selangor

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.
Fulltext The prevalence of depression among elderly warded in a tertiary care centre in Wilayah Persekutuan

Mohd Sidik S, Rampal L, Hanim MA, Thong PL

Med J Malaysia, 2006 Mar;61(1):15-21.
PMID: 16708729

Depression is characterized by symptoms like disturbance in behavior, cognition and mood. This is commonly known to affect people aged 60 years and above especially those who are also afflicted with illnesses. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among the elderly in a tertiary care centre in Wilayah Persekutuan. A cross sectional study design was done. Stratified cluster sampling method was used to select the respondents. All elderly patients were selected from the orthopaedic, surgical, gynaecology and medical wards in a government hospital in Wilayah Persekutuan. A 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale questionnaire was used as a screening instrument. Out of the 246 elderly subjects, 198 were interviewed giving a response rate of 80.5%. The results showed that 54% of the elderly respondents were found to have depressive symptoms. Age (p=0.022), sex (p=0.008), ethnicity (p=0.022) and functional disabilities in bathing (p=0.001), grooming (p=0.007), dressing (p= 0.007), using the toilet (p=0.002), transferring from bed to chair and back (p=0.000), mobility (p=0.000) and climbing stairs (p=0.000) were all found to be significantly associated with depression among the elderly respondents. The outcome of this study will have an important impact on the implementation of the health policy for the elderly patients admitted to hospitals.
Fulltext Self-esteem and its associated factors among secondary school students in Klang District, Selangor

Mohd Sidik S, Rampal L, Loh JW, Chan CL, Teh PC, Tan PO

Med J Malaysia, 2008 Mar;63(1):26-30.
PMID: 18935727

Self-esteem is an important determinant of psychological well-being that is particularly problematic during adolescent life stage. There is a correlation between low self-esteem and other social problems among today's adolescents. This study was conducted to determine the mean self-esteem score, and to determine the association between self-esteem and age, sex, race, religion, number of siblings, ranking among siblings, family function, parental marital status and smoking among adolescents aged 12 to 20-years-old. A cross sectional study design using random cluster sampling method was done. Four out of a total of 35 secondary schools in Klang District, Selangor were selected. Respondents consisted of individual students in selected classes from the four selected schools. Data was collected using a self-administered, structured, pre-tested questionnaire and was analyzed using the SPSS version 12.0. Out of 1089 respondents, 793 completed the questionnaire (response rate 73.82%). The overall mean self-esteem score was 27.65. The mean self-esteem score for males (27.99) was slightly higher than females (27.31). The differences in the mean scores by race were statistically significant. There was a statistically significant relationship between mean self-esteem scores and sex, age, race, religion, number of siblings, smoking and family function. There was no statistically significant difference between mean self-esteem score with parental marital status and with ranking among siblings. The overall mean self-esteem score was 27.65. Self-esteem was associated with sex, age, race, religion, number of siblings, smoking and family function.
Variation in the prevalence, awareness, and control of diabetes in a multiethnic population: a nationwide population study in Malaysia

Rampal S, Rampal L, Rahmat R, Zain AM, Yap YG, Mohamed M, et al.

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2010 Apr;22(2):194-202.
PMID: 19443875 DOI: 10.1177/1010539509334816

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between different ethnic groups and the prevalence, awareness, and control of diabetes in Malaysia. A population-based cross-sectional study using multistage sampling was conducted in Malaysia. Diabetes is defined as having a fasting blood glucose > or =7 mmol/L or a self-reported diabetic on treatment. Among the 7683 respondents aged > or =30 years, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 15.2% (95% CI = 14.1, 16.4). Multivariate analysis showed that compared with Malays, Chinese had lower odds (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.71; 95% CI = 0.56, 0.91) and Indians had higher odds of having diabetes (aOR 1.54; 95% CI = 1.20, 1.98). The odds of diabetes increased with age, family history of diabetes, body mass index, and lower education levels. Among those with diabetes mellitus, 45.0% were aware and 42.7% were under treatment. Among treated diabetics, 25.1% had their fasting blood sugar under control. There is a significant association between prevalence of diabetes and different ethnic groups.
Outcome of chemotherapy counseling by pharmacists on psychological effects and self esteem among oncology patients in a Government Hospital in Malaysia

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.
Evaluating healthcare response to COVID-19 across Southeast Asia: A post-Pandemic Reflection and Way Forward

Rampal L, Liew BS, Choolani M, Shorey S

Med J Malaysia, 2023 Nov;78(6):689-695.
PMID: 38031208

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of Southeast Asian countries' responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly focusing on Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar. The primary objective is to explore how the pandemic has evolved in these nations, how the respective healthcare delivery systems responded, and the current COVID-19 status within each country. It presents epidemiological trends and governmental strategies adopted in combating the pandemic. The paper also outlines lessons learned and future challenges, highlighting key areas like global health diplomacy, the need for collaboration, clear government agency communication, and a stance against social discrimination. It culminates in an assessment of the postpandemic landscape, discussing the transformation of public health policies and the socio-economic implications of pandemic management.
Fulltext Prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among university staff

Rampal, L., Somayeh, A. B., Salmiah, M. S., Faisal, I., Sharifah Zainiyah, S. Y.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2011;7(2):61-71.
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
Fulltext Prevalence of hypertension among Malay adolescents in Putrajaya secondary schools, Malaysia, 2010

Rampal L, Ng KC, Nur Izzati I, Farah Izzati Z, Mohammad Nazrul I, Faisal I, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2011;7(2):53-60.
MyJurnal

Background: In Malaysia, the prevalence of hypertension amongst adults aged 30 years and above has increased from 32.9% in 1996 to 40.5% in 2004 and to 42.6% in 2006. Information on the prevalence of hypertension among adolescents is lacking.
Objective: to determine the prevalence of hypertension among Malay secondary school students in Putrajaya.
Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The sampling frame consisted of a list of all the 12 secondary schools in Putrajaya. Three schools were selected using table of random numbers. All Malay students aged 13 years old to 17 years old from the three selected school students were included in the study. Blood pressure was measured after the respondents had rested for at least 5 minutes using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Three blood pressure measurements were taken for each respondent. Systolic blood pressure [SBP] was defined as the average of three SBP readings and diastolic blood pressure [DBP] was defined as the average of three DBP readings. Data was analyzed using SPSS 18.
Results: The overall mean SBP and DBP were 108.9 mmHg and 63.2 mmHg respectively. The prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension among the male was 16.2% and 12.9% respectively as compared to 5.8% and 10.2% respectively in the females. The overall prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension was 11.1% and 11.6% respectively. The prevalence increased with age (p<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between BMI and SBP (r = 0.52, r2 = 0.27, p= 0.001) and BMI and DBP (r = 0.38, r2 = 0.15, p= 0.001). The mean SBP was significantly higher in males (111.7 mmHg) as compared to 106 mmHg in females (p<0.001). The mean DBP in males (63.5 mmHg) was slightly higher as compared to 62.9 mmHg in females but the difference was not significant.
Conclusions: Prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension is high. There is an urgent need for implementation of a comprehensive CVD prevention program and routine blood pressure measurements should be taken in school children to improve the detection, prevention and treatment of hypertension
Keywords: Prevalence, Hypertension, Adolescents, Putrajaya, Malaysia
Fulltext Smoking in Kelantan State, Malaysia : has it changed since the national survey in 1996?

Rampal L, Aziz SI, Razin A, Sanjay R

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2004;4(2):54-58.
MyJurnal

A cross sectional study was conducted in Kelantan state with the objectives to determine the prevalence of smoking in 2004 and to determine the relationship between smoking and age, sex, educational level, family and peer influence. All residents aged 15 years and above from all the selected households were included in this study. A standardized pre-tested structured questionnaire was used in this study. Out of 1025 respondents interviewed the prevalence of ever and current smokers was 34% and 25.1% respectively.The prevalence of ever smokers and current smokers was significantly higher In males as compared to females (p.<0.001). The mean initiation age for the males current smokers was 10.4 (95% CI = 19.4, 21.5) years with a range from 7 to 66 years. For the females the mean initiation age was 31 (95% Cl =26.8, 35.2) years with a range from 15 to 64 years. The difference between the mean initiation age between male and female smokers was statistically significant (p<0.0001). The overall mean duration of smoking was 23.9 years with a median of 23 years. It ranged from less than 1 year to 66 years. There was no significant difference between the mean duration of smoking between male and females current smokers (p =0.59). There was a significant association between current smoking status and education level (p<0.01 ) and between smoking and peer influence (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in smokers whose parents were smokers as compared to non-smokers whose parents were smokers. In conclusion the prevalence of smoking in Kelantan state in 2004 is lower than the reported prevalence in 1996. However, it is still very high especially in the males.
Key words: Smoking, peer influence, Kelantan
Fulltext A profile study of 1016 drug addicts in Malaysia

Rampal L, Azhar MZ, Sanjay R

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2005;1(2):119-129.

Introduction: A cross-sectioned study was carried out on 1016 drug addicts from Johor state to better understand their profile.
Method: A structured questionnaire prepared in three languages was used to collect the data which was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences.
Result & Discussion: The overall mean age of the respondents was 33.8 (95% CI= 33.3 - 34.4) years and ranged from 16 to 61 years. ANOVA post hoc multiple comparison tests showed that there was a significant difference in the mean age between Malays and Chinese (p<0.05). The majority of the respondents were Malay (79.6%) and had secondary education (72.1%) or primary education (21.7%). The majority (79%) was either semi-skilled or unskilled. More than 70% had mores than five siblings. About 36% of the respondents had past a history of discipline problem at school. The majority (99.6%) of the drugs addicts had smoked before and more than 90% were currently smoking. More than 80% had consumed alcoholic beverages. The majority did not use condom when they had sex. Only 24% stated that they did use a needle or syringe that had previously been used by someone else. Less than 4% had either bleached or boiled the needle or syringe that had previously been used by someone else. About 17% were tested positive for HIV. The mean age at which the respondents first started injecting drugs was 21.5 (95% CI= 20.7 - 22.2) years. ANOVA post hoc multiple comparison tests showed that there was no significant difference in the mean age of the different ethnic groups at which the respondents first started injecting drugs. The majority (84.2%) of the drug addicts started injecting drugs between 10 and 20 years of age. Friends introduced 80% of the drug addicts to drugs. The common reasons given for first taking drugs was " I was curious about the feeling of taking drugs (43.6%), "my friends asked me to try" (23.4%), "to release tension" (15.6%) and 5% stated "to try for fun", and 3% that they were "depressed". The majority (64.2%) of the drug addicts spend RM 500 or more per month on drugs and more than 10% of them spend as much as RM 1000 or more per month.
Conclusion: These results indicate an urgent need for a more comprehensive prevention program involving family, schools, commmunities and the media and aimed at reducing drug abuse. Keywords: Profile, drug addicts, Malaysia
Fulltext Prevalence of smoking and Its associated factors among university staff

Fasoro, A.A., Rampal, L., Sherina, M.S., Salmiah, M.S.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2013;9(2):45-51.
MyJurnal

Globally, one person dies every six seconds as a result of tobacco use. This makes tobacco use the cause of every one out of 10 deaths in adults and the single largest and leading cause of preventable death in the world. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of smoking among staff of Universiti Putra Malaysia. For the purpose of this study an analytical cross sectional study design was used and a standardized, pre-tested, while a validated well-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The prevalence of smoking was found to be 10.0% (26.5% among males and 0.5% among females). In addition, significant associations were found between smoking and gender, religion, marital status, highest educational level, occupation, and family income (p < 0.05). In particular, gender and educational level were significant predictors of smoking. In conclusion, the prevalence of smoking among university staff was shown to be considerably lower than that stated for the national level. However, the University could aim at achieving zero prevalence in the years to come.
Fulltext Major dietary patterns and their associations with socio-demographic characteristics and obesity among adolescents in Petaling district, Malaysia

Garba, J.A., Rampal, L., Hejar, A.R., Salmiah, M.S.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2014;10(1):13-21.
MyJurnal

Dietary pattern analysis has emerged as important instruments to identify modifiable dietary risk factors for non-communicable diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the major dietary patterns among adolescents in Petaling District, Selangor and their associations with socio-demographic characteristics and obesity. An analytic cross- sectional study design was conducted in selected secondary schools in Petaling District. Sampling with probability proportionate to size was used and five schools were selected. Self-administered semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used for data collection. Weight was measured with a digital bathroom scale (TANITA model) and height was measured using SECA body meter. Principal component factor analysis using varimax orthogonal transformation was used to identify the dietary patterns. Chi square was used to test for associations of dietary patterns with socio-demographic characteristics and obesity. Three major dietary patterns were identified: firstly, fruits and vegetables; secondly, sugar and fatand finally, meat and chicken which explained for 12.7%, 11.6% and 10.7% variation in food intake, respectively. There were significant associations between ethnicity, religion, family income, educational level of parents and the dietary patterns. However, there was no significant association between obesity and the dietary patterns. It may be more effective to describe a healthy diet using results of dietary pattern analysis in public health intervention, rather than describing single food items or nutrients. It is recommended that nutrition education programmes should be implemented in schools so as to prevent the development of obesity in the non-obese.
Fulltext The utility of hepatocyte paraffin 1 antibody in the immunohistological distinction of hepatocellular carcinoma from cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic carcinoma

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.
Fulltext Prevalence of burnout and Its associated factors among faculty academicians

Henry, J., Anita, A.R., Hayai, K.S., Rampal, L.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2014;10(1):51-59.
MyJurnal

Mental health is a growing concern in the field of occupational health globally due to its social, health, and economic implications on the individual and the community at large. As universities in Malaysia are advancing towards becoming world-class research universities, academicians are now faced with more pressures, making them more vulnerable to burnout. A cross sectional study was conducted among 194 randomly sampled academicians from a faculty of a public university. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire to assess the sociodemographic characteristics, occupational characteristics and burnout. Analysis was done using SPSS version 21. The response rate was 87.1%. The overall prevalence of burnout was 10.7% with significant associations between gender (χ2 = 4.61; p = 0.03), teaching experience (χ2 = 0.83; p = 0.02), job satisfaction (χ2 = 11.33; p = 0.001). Female academicians have a higher prevalence of burnout (14.3%). Academicians who have fewer years of teaching experience (
Fulltext Ethnic differences in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome: results from a multi-ethnic population-based survey in Malaysia

Rampal S, Mahadeva S, Guallar E, Bulgiba A, Mohamed R, Rahmat R, et al.

PLoS One, 2012;7(9):e46365.
PMID: 23029497 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046365

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing disproportionately among the different ethnicities in Asia compared to the rest of the world. This study aims to determine the differences in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome across ethnicities in Malaysia, a multi-ethnic country.
Fulltext The prevalence and factors associated with obesity among adult women in Selangor, Malaysia

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.

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