Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 438 in total

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  1. Abdul Rahim N, Rahman MM
    MyJurnal
    Pre-pregnancy Clinic (PPC) services is one the plausible efforts towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. However, various issues still need to be addressed for improvement of the services. Considering this view, an attempt was made to explore the barriers, strength and weakness of current practice of pre-pregnancy clinic services in Sarawak, since the programme has been implemented in this state from the year 2011. This cross-sectional study was conducted at nine selected health care facilities throughout Sarawak. A multistage sampling procedure was adapted to select the health care facilities. An unstructured open-ended questionnaire was administered to get the in-depth perceived views and current practice of pre-pregnancy clinic services. A total of 322 health care providers from nine selected health care facilities gave their feedback. In the present paper, a qualitative analysis was done for the openended questions to get in-depth views of barriers, strength and weakness of pre-pregnancy clinic services. The results of the study were narrated in textual form and a thematic analysis was done manually. The identified themes for perceived barriers to the provision of pre-pregnancy care were perception, attitude and acceptance of PPC services, socio-economic issues, services and client factors. The perceived weaknesses of the services are listed under two main themes: working environment and service factors, while, the strength of services produced three thematic areas which are preparation for pregnancy, prevention of mortality and morbidity and comprehensive services. Though prepregnancy services are beneficial for society wellbeing, various issues still need to be considered for the improvement of the quality of services. Lack of awareness, no ministerial guidelines or Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and knowledge pertaining to the services were few of the main areas which need to be pondered upon. Promotional activities and campaigns should be geared up ensuring availability the services to the general population.
  2. Norazman Mohd Rosli, Shamsul Azhar Shah, Mohd Ihsani Mahmood
    MyJurnal
    Tuberculosis (TB) is known as a disease that prone to spatial clustering. Recent development has seen a sharp rise in the number of epidemiologic studies employing Geographical Information System (GIS), particularly in identifying TB clusters and evidences of etiologic factors. The aim of this systematic review is to determine evidence of TB clustering, type of spatial analysis commonly used and the application of GIS in TB surveillance and control. A literature search of articles published in English language between 2000 and November 2015 was performed using MEDLINE and Science Direct using relevant search terms related to spatial analysis in studies of TB cluster. The search strategy was adapted and developed for each database using appropriate subject headings and keywords. The literature reviewed showed strong evidence of TB clustering occurred in high risk areas in both developed and developing countries. Spatial scan statistics were the most commonly used analysis and proved useful in TB surveillance through detection of outbreak, early warning and identifying area of increased TB transmission. Among others are targeted screening and assessment of TB program using GIS technology. However there were limitations on suitability of utilizing aggregated data such as national cencus that were pre-collected in explaining the present spatial distribution among population at risk. Spatial boundaries determined by zip code may be too large for metropolitan area or too small for country. Nevertheless, GIS is a powerful tool in aiding TB control and prevention in developing countries and should be used for real-time surveillance and decision making.
  3. Foo, Lee Peng, Hanny Zurina Hamzah, Norashidah Mohamed Nor, Rusmawati Said
    MyJurnal
    The overweight and obese population may affect the population health which can lead to economic stability and development of the countries to be compromised. Thus, this study estimates the burden of disease attributable to overweight and obesity in Malaysia for adults aged 20-59 years old. Population attribution fraction (PAF) and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) have been used to quantify years of life lost from premature death and number of years lost due to disability resulting from obesity and overweight. The burden of disease attributable to overweight was 1582 and 1146 PYs per 1000 persons for male and female, respectively. Meanwhile, the burden of disease attributable to obesity was 2951 PYs per 1000 persons with women in the lead at 1657 PYs per 1000 persons. The burden of overweight and obesity among Malaysian adults is substantial. The outcome of this study is crucial as it gives a comprehensive information on the burden of overweight and obesity in Malaysia. The information from this study also enables the authorities to develop activities and programs to combat obesity and tomaintain healthy lifestyle among Malaysian.
  4. Nur Sajidah Sulaiman, Norafiza Zainuddin
    MyJurnal
    Prenatal genetic screening is offered during pregnancy to detect foetuses that have certain diseases. It is widely used in the detection of congenital malformation which results in foetal birth defects. Unawareness of the society on the importance of prenatal genetic testing contributes to the increase in the birth defect rate.Future parents should be exposed with the importance in performing prenatal genetic screening.The purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge and perception level of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan students regarding prenatal genetic screening thalassemia, Down syndrome and neural tube defects.This is a cross-sectional study whereby192 respondents were selected using convenience sampling method. A set of close-ended questionnaire was distributed among students in IIUM Kuantan. Independent t-test, parametric test (One- Way ANOVA test), non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney test) and correlation coefficient(Pearson) were used to find all related factors influencing knowledge and perception and to find association between knowledge and perception of IIUM Kuantan students.From this study, it was found that the level of knowledge and perception of IIUM Kuantan students regarding prenatal genetic screening of thalassemia, Down syndrome and neural tube defects was relatively high. Married students hada betterknowledge compared to unmarriedstudents (p=0.008). Moreover, students from Kulliyyah (Faculty) of Medicine had adequate level of knowledge (p
  5. Norfazillah Ab Manan, Mohd Rizal Abdul Manaf, Rozita Hod
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: The transboundary smoke haze has become a major concern as it had a wide ranging impact in Southeast Asia from the aspect of public health to national economics. This review aims to synthesize available literature in epidemiology, economics and haze related studies to provide essential information for the valuation of health costs associated with haze in Malaysia. Methods: Evidence on health economic impact of haze was gathered by conducting a literature review and collecting information on the health effects of haze and the cost of it as well as the hospitalization cost from medical illnesses and hospital admissions due to haze. Articles were taken from those that were published from 1999 to 2016.Results: The 1997 Asian Haze episode has caused increasing trend of prematurity of mortality and respiratory problems and several series of haze later had caused increased number of hospitalization. The cost impact on hospital admission ranges from MYR1.8 million in 2005 to MYR118.9 million in 2013. During the 1997 haze, the incremental cost of illness (COI) was noted to be MYR 21million and it shot up to MYR 410 million during the 2013 haze. Conclusion: The haze gives a serious health effect to our country and our neighbours. These health effect has caused a significant health economy impact which include rise in hospital admission cost and medication, incremental cost of illness and extend to cost of medical-related leaves taken and lead to loss of income opportunities.
  6. Mohd Fadhli, M.F., Safian, N., Nur Adibah, M.S., Hanizah, M.Y., Robat, R.M.
    MyJurnal
    Needlestick injury (NSI) is a serious occupational hazard against healthcare workers (HCWs) in a hospital setting with multiple implications, thus adherence to post-NSI management including follow-up protocol is crucial.This research was conducted to describe the distribution of NSI cases among HCWs working in Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH)’s hospital in Selangor and adherence to a follow-up protocol, as well as the factors related to it.This was a cross-sectional quantitative study reviewing retrospectively all notified NSI cases in January-September 2016. Data were taken from Sharps Injury Surveillance (SIS) system and analyzed into descriptive and analytical statistics.There were 143 notified NSI cases. The majority of the cases were female(76.2%), Malay(60.1%), medical doctors(56.6%) and in a medical-based department (44.8%). The median age of NSI cases was 27 years old (IQR:5) and median years of employment was 1.5 (IQR:4.5). Most cases happened in a ward setting (58.7%) involving contaminated (95.8%) hypodermic needle (43.4%), occurred mostly during the procedure of drawing blood (23.1%). Only 86.7% of NSI cases were source-known and some were tested positive with blood borne pathogens. However, no occurrence of seroconversion among the injured HCWs detected. The overall adherence rate to the follow-up protocol was 72.3%. Multiple logistic regression yielded significant association between age, gender, department, device contamination, procedure conducted and source HBV status with adherence to follow-up of post-NSI protocol. Further comprehensive studies involving more determinants such as therapy-related factors and potential interventions are needed to optimize adherence rate to the follow-up protocol post-NSI.
  7. Mohammad Saffree Jeffree, Hasanain Faisal Ghazi, Al-abed Ali Ahmed Al-abed, Nur Ain Mahat, Norfazilah Ahmad, Mohd Rohaizat Hassan
    MyJurnal
    Nurses’ job performance is defined as the effectiveness of a person in carrying out his or her duties related to patient care. Aim of this study is to measure job performance among nurses in a tertiary hospital and its associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses selected from four departments, which were Obstetrics & Gynecology (O&G), medical, surgical and Cardiac Care Unit (CCU)/High Dependency Unit (HDU). A Malay validated Six-Dimension Scale of Nursing Performance (6-DSNP) questionnaire was used to measure job performance. Nurses who have one child more compared to other nurses had significantly lower total mean score of job performance by -0.06 (95% CI 0.11, 0.01). Nurses working in medical department [adj.β=0.16 (95% CI 0.01, 0.30)] and CCU/HDU [adj.β= 0.33(95% CI: 0.17, 0.50)] had significantly higher total mean scores of jobs performance compared to O&G department. Effective strategies and re-examining work conditions are imperative for better job performance.

    Study site: Department of
    Medical, Department of Surgical, Department of
    Obstetrics & Gynecology (O&G) and Cardiac Care
    Unit/ High Dependency Unit (CCU/HDU) of Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM)
  8. Farahiyah Wan Yunus, Masne Kadar, Bissett, Michelle, Penkala, Stefania, Liu, Karen
    MyJurnal
    Assessing a child’s functional abilities and limitations can provide useful information for occupational therapists to develop individualised intervention plans. Usually paediatric assessments require parents to rate their child on different domains of health and functional performance. To do so, parents need to be able to understand the assessment content and instructions to rate their child accurately. The primary purpose of this study was to examine if parents in Malaysia understood the content and instructions of three assessments: the Sensory Profile Caregiver Questionnaire (SP), the Sensory Processing Measure Home Form (SPM) and the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function Parent Form (BRIEF). The secondary purpose was to examine perceptions about the clarity and relevancy of each of the items in each assessment. Thirty parents, recruited using convenience sampling, completed a survey about the assessments. In general, the parents indicated no problems or only minor problems in understanding the content and instructions of all three assessments. The parents also provided comments to improve the clarity of the assessment items. Comments were primarily related to the terms or jargon language used. Elaborations of the terms or jargon were later provided based on the parents’ comments. All three assessments were identified as relevant to be used in the Malaysian population. The results suggest that all three assessments can be used by parents and are suitable to be implemented by occupational therapists working with children in Malaysia.
  9. Norhayati, M., Aniza, I., Norfazilah, A.
    MyJurnal
    We investigated the association between housing conditions with a primary focus on basic housing infrastructure and WHOQOL BREF score among the Orang Asli and non-Orang Asli populations. A cross–sectional study was conducted between August 2014 and May 2015 among the Orang Asli and non-Orang Asli populations in Kuala Langat, Selangor. Sampling of the population was done through multistage sampling while eligible respondents participated conveniently. The socio-demographic information collected consisted of age, ethnicity, marital status, educational level, and employment status. Basic housing infrastructure variables including the types of housing unit, wall construction material, availability and types of toilet, availability of electricity, source of water supply, and availability of garbage collection facilities were obtained. Among the Orang Asli respondents, having the pour type of toilet in the house was significantly (p=0.003) associated with a reduction in the physical health domain score by 0.36 (95% CI: -0.61,-0.12). Conversely, having no toilet in the house and living in a semi-detached house had significantly (p=0.023 and p=0.026 respectively) increased the social relationships domain score by 0.81 (CI: 0.11, 1.51) and 3.90 (CI: 0.47, 7.34) respectively. Unavailability of garbage disposal facilities was found to be significantly (p
  10. Mohd Hidayat, A.R., Nurul Ain, M., Mohd Nazri, A., Mohd Hairizal, O., Mohammad Khalid, W., Tan, W.H., et al.
    MyJurnal
    The main objective of this research is to compare the seating pressure during the driving session between two
    different types of national cars. The objective of this research is to conduct object pressure distribution study on
    two different types of car seat using CONFORMat (model 5330) with system model CER2, compare and analyse the
    results based on object pressure between both car seat. Twelve respondents participated a driving session with
    TekscanCONFORMat (model 5330) setup using the same route for both national car. We select two types of national
    cars equipped with automatic transmission for this research. The seat pressure on the subject along the journey is
    recorded using TekscanCONFORMat Research 7.60 software. Later, comparison made with respect to the seat
    pressure experiencedby twelve respondents. The results shows different values of backand seat pressure recorded
    among the twelve subjects. Lastly, the results are analysedand discussed at the end of this paper. Model B seat
    design has better ability to distribute evenly the pressure to both seat and back. However, results for Model A
    showed the pressure is more concentrated on the seat area.
  11. Muhammad Fikri, Z., Ruzy Haryati, H., Seri Rahayu, K.
    MyJurnal
    Anthropometric study is one of the oldest branches of study in ergonomics where it serves a purpose in study of
    proportion and size for human body. One of the common methods used in anthropometric measurement is traditional
    measurement or direct measurement. However, Malaysia is still left behind other countries in development of national
    anthropometric database. Researchers in Malaysia are still relying on the traditional anthropometric (TA)
    measurement. There are several important factors that contribute to problems in TA such as accuracy, time, posture,
    identification of landmarks, instrument positions and orientations, and pressure exerted due to measuring equipment. In
    view of the fact that the difficulties of obtaining human anthropometry, it becomes necessary to propose a method which
    has less contact executed to respondent. This study aims to propose a new anthropometric measurement method using
    motion capture camera (MCC) method, later to develop the database for youth male population. A pilot test was done
    in order to confirm the measuring procedure as well as the flow of the study. Next, the Minitab statistical software used
    to check the validity and reliability of data using the tests of a) Accuracy-Pearson/Spearman Correlation b) BiasPaired
    T-Test c) Test-Retest Reliability-Pearson/Spearman Correlation d) Precision-Mean Absolute Difference and
    Relative Error Measurement. Results showed that the validity and reliability of this motion camera has successfully
    obtained and the anthropometric data for youth male respondents has successfully constructed. These findings can be
    used and expended to the national anthropometric database to be utilised in ergonomics design.
  12. Ismail, A.H., Deros, B.M., Khamis, N.K.
    MyJurnal
    Discomfort and pain issue at the body part are common complaints reported by car drivers. It is due to driving task
    require physical demands and need to maintain and adapt several postures in a constrained space while controlling
    the car. Hence, this study aims to determine the pattern of shoulder activation muscle consisting of the Trapezius
    muscle in two different driving posture. Respondents were required to grasp the steering wheel at 8 and 4 hand
    position. The Surface Electromyography was used to get the reading for left muscle’s Trapezius Descendent (TD) at
    two different positions; i) closest distant from steering wheel and ii) far distant from the steering wheel. Then,
    Temporal Analysis was used to evaluate the pattern of the driving action. From the experiment, it shows the
    different value of muscle activation occurred while driving according to turning action. The far seated position
    depicted greater activation on driving action compared to the closer seated to the steering wheel. In conclusion, the
    driving posture effects the activation of shoulder and arm’s muscles as early as after 20 seconds of driving activity.
    Hence, choosing the correct driving posture allowed a comfortable driving environment for the driver.
  13. Zulhaidi, M.J., Baba, M.D., Mohd Hanif, S., Ahmad Azad, A.R.
    MyJurnal
    This study aims to determine the job satisfaction (JS) level among professional driving instructors (PDIs) in the driver
    training and licensing system in Malaysia. Specifically, it looks at the influence of income level and remuneration
    scheme on PDI’s satisfaction. The average income of PDI is relatively low with three remuneration schemes: fixed
    income; fixed income plus commission; and commission only. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey using the
    20-item Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) (short-form) with end-specified 10-point scale. Analysis of
    the data revealed that PDIs with higher income are more satisfied with their job, t (179) = -3.248, p = 0.001.
    Similarly, three level One-way ANOVA of JS scores with three remuneration schemes revealed a significant difference
    of JS across these schemes, F (2,178) = 3.51, p ≤ 0.032. Researchers’ further exploration found a significant
    interaction between these two variables (income level vs. remuneration scheme), F (5,175) = 4.88, p = 0.001. In
    general, PDIs with higher income are more satisfied with their job only if they received it as a fixed income
    (regardless of having commission or not). This insightful finding can be a basis for relevant stakeholders in
    understanding the influence of income and remuneration scheme towards JS among PDIs in Malaysia.
  14. Pei, Nee Wong, Paraidathathu, Thomas, Braun, Lesley A.
    MyJurnal
    The use of complementary medicine (CM) is on the rise worldwide. In Malaysia, CM is available as over-thecounter products in community pharmacies and consumers expect pharmacists to be knowledgeable about CM. However, little is known about Malaysian community pharmacists’ attitude and knowledge of CM. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the extent of integration of CM into practice, taking into account community pharmacists’ attitudes towards CM, their role in recommending CM, their knowledge of the evidence-base for commonly used CM, further education and training needs, and knowledge of information sources which can be used by pharmacists for CM information .Ethics approval was obtained and a pilot study was conducted to validate the questionnaire. After amendments were made, community pharmacists were invited to complete a 41-item paper-based or web-based questionnaire. Invitations to complete the survey were sent by either social media, email or face-to-face invitation. A response rate of 27% (453/1662) was achieved providing data from 453 community pharmacists. Most respondents were female (63%), aged 24- 72 years. Only 42% of pharmacists always asked their customers presenting with a prescription about concomitant CM use. Forty-two percent (42%) of pharmacists personally recommended CM and slightly more than half (58%) had notified manufacturers of CM products of any suspected adverse drug reactions. On average, pharmacists achieved a score of 54% for knowledge on CM-drug interactions and 71% for knowledge of clinically proven benefits. Most pharmacists (75%) obtained their CM product training through selfdirected learning. In addition, most pharmacists (66%) supported CM education at the undergraduate level and almost all (94%) recognised the need for additional CM education for pharmacists. Malaysian registered pharmacists do not routinely ask customers about CM use, or recommend CM products, but have a positive attitude towards their use and were interested in learning more about CM.
  15. Nurul Atikah Zuhairi, Yau, Meng Kuan, Faudziah Abd Manan, Knight, Victor Feizal, Rokiah Omar
    MyJurnal
    The lack of awareness about comprehensive eye examination amongst athletes could impact their eye health, hence it needs to be addressed. The authors hypothesize that a majority of athletes in Malaysia have never undergone a thorough eye examination. The present study aims to determine Malaysian athletes’ awareness of the importance of eye assessment. One hundred and twenty-one junior athletes, aged 13 to 16 years participated in the visual screening programme. A questionnaire consisting of fourteen dichotomous questions was developed in two languages, each being English and Malay language and administered prior to eye examination. The questionnaire was designed to measure self-reported visual function, ocular symptoms, and perceptions towards eye health. Questionnaire analysis showed 67.8% of participants never underwent any eye examination. A majority of participants, 66.9% and 75.2%, complained of visual and ocular symptoms respectively. The critical finding of this study showed that 57.9% of participants had reduced vision which could be visually corrected. Overall 90.9% of the participants agreed that eye examination was important. Almost none of the athletes owned any sports safety eyewear nor had undergone any visual training. The importance of wearing protective eyewear during sports needs to be given emphasis. This study implies that athletes' awareness of eye health, as well as visually related issues, is still at a very low level. Hence, the need for comprehensive eye examination and regular review among athletes’ needs to be emphasized. Athletes should also be educated on the importance of regular eye examinations from a young age.
  16. Che Abdullah A, Nor Afiah MZ, Rosliza AM
    MyJurnal
    Vaccine hesitancy among parents has led to re-emergence of vaccine preventable diseases. In Malaysia, measles cases had increased by three times in 2015 compared to previous year. Immunization coverage has always been above 95% since 2009. However, in 2014, Mumps-Measles-Rubella (MMR) coverage has a significant drop to 93.4%. The aim of the study was to identify predictors for inadequate knowledge and negative attitude towards childhood immunization among parents in Hulu Langat, Selangor. A cross sectional study design was conducted from January to July 2016 with 760 respondents. Respondents were selected by cluster random sampling and a validated self-administered questionnaire was used. The majority of respondents were female (70%), Malay (87%), employed (92%) and parents with tertiary education (99.7%). In this study, 12.8% parents have an inadequate knowledge on childhood immunization and 47.6% parents have a negative attitude towards childhood immunization. The predictors for inadequate knowledge on childhood immunizations were last child’s age of 2 years old or more (AOR=1.413 95% CI 0.28-0.69); parents without tertiary education (AOR=2.02 95% CI 1.15-3.54); parents without educational exposure on childhood immunization (AOR=2.87 95% CI 1.59-5.18) and parents who obtained information on childhood immunization from non-healthcare provider (AOR=2.66 95% CI 1.50-4.70). Predictors for negative attitude on childhood immunizations were being male (AOR=1.44 95% CI 1.04-2.01); parents without tertiary education (AOR=1.67 95% CI 1.04-2.68); household income of less than RM5000 (AOR=1.85 95% CI 1.28-2.67) and unsatisfactory religious belief (AOR=2.76 95% CI 2.03-3.75). Therefore, these predictors should be considered in any health intervention on childhood immunizations for parents in Malaysia.
  17. Nurul Ain Nabilla, Samsilah Roslan, Zeinab Ghiami, Noorlila Ahmad
    MyJurnal
    The purpose of this paper was to identify theories that underpin the relationship between perceived restorativeness and psychological wellbeing. This study also aimed to identify the types of activities that the respondent preferred to use as psychological resources when dealing with threatening situation. The instruments used in this study were Perceived Restorativeness for Activities Scale (PRAS) and Psychological Wellbeing Scale. The questionnaires were administered to a sample of 192 Master of Education students. The findings demonstrated that Master of Education students possess a high level of psychological well-being (Mean = 4.39, SD = 0.611) and high level of perceived restorativeness for their preferred activities (Mean = 4.57, SD = 0.76). The most preferred activities for restorativeness approach included participation in social context, followed by engaging in outdoor activities and lastly observing nature. The fascination property of perceived restorativeness obtained the highest score. Thus, the findings of the study illustrate the students’ preferred activities of restorativeness for maintaining their level of psychological wellbeing.
  18. Harith Alaa, Shamsul Azhar Shah
    MyJurnal
    Chronic non-communicable diseases are the new emerging epidemic, and they are thought to challenge only rich countries; cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are now the leading cause of death and disability in low-income and middle-income countries, where they killed almost 8 million people younger than 60 years in 2013. Therefore, there is a need to develop a valid and reliable tool to measure the beliefs that influence people’s general behaviour, and a used to measure beliefs about chronic disease perceived susceptibility. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the use of perception questionnaire among the young Iraqi adults. A total of 200 young adults participated who are free from any chronic diseases under study, and are living in Baghdad. The questionnaire, validated by an expert’s panel, translated to Arabic language, and pretested. Analyses included descriptive statistics of all the study variables, reliability estimates, and construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results showed that mean age of respondents was 30 years old, majority were males 71.5%, and EFA showed that factor loading was more than 0.4. CFA results show that Chi-square (df) = 1.213(2); p value (>0.05) = 0.297. Internal consistency reliability analysis on health-related behaviour; special practice, information seeking and perceived probability of diseases have good Cronbach’s α value of between 0.8 - 0.9. These findings revealed that validation is favourable and can be utilized on larger scale of sample to proceed with main study on chronic disease perceived susceptibility among healthy people.
  19. Khamis, N.K., Deros, B.M., Nuawi, M.Z., Schramm, D., Koppers, M., Maas, N.
    MyJurnal
    While driving, a driver is required to control the steering wheel to change direction. The driver’s muscles of the upper
    limbs and shoulders are involved in such a task. Therefore, an assessment of the driver’s physiology according to
    certain condition is necessary to improve driving comfort and safety. This study aims to investigate the driver’s
    Deltoid Anterior (DA) muscle activity while operating the steering wheel. Eleven test subjects were recruited for an
    experiment using a car simulator. They were required to remain in the car seat and perform the task of steering the
    wheel. Surface electromyography (SEMG) was used to record each subject’s muscle contraction while turning the
    steering wheel to the right and left by several degrees. According to the findings, 45 degrees turning recorded the
    highest Root mean Square (RMS) value for DA. In addition, DA muscle activation increased with more degrees turning.
  20. Mugilan Muralitharan, Syed Ahmad Helmi, Kamarulafizam Ismail, Azanizawati Ma'aram
    MyJurnal
    Aesthetic value of the automotive car seat has been one of the selling points of each car besides
    providing functions such as being safe, supportive as well provides comfort to the occupants. Other
    criteria considered besides the aesthetic element are cushion foam and self-adjustment factor.
    Ergonomics is not a new issue because most of the existing seat design today have already practiced it.
    Existing car seat manufacturers have considered anthropometry data. The average upon 95th percentile of
    human measurement had been deliberated. However, issues such as time spent driving and seat design
    issue have arisen upon the search of comfort and rising of musculoskeletal disease such as back pain. As a
    solution, this study would propose an automotive car seat design of ergonomic evolution, which would
    create comfort by manipulating the seat cushion foams. The proposed seat cushion foam would be use to
    replace the existing polymers with beanbag foam. This is inspire by the nature of beanbag, fitting up and
    providing comfort to the occupants of various body sizes and shapes. Malaysian anthropometry
    measurements are required for design of car seat, which later compared with the existing seats of
    commercial vehicle. The literature review showed the pressure mapping technique of respondent seating
    on the existing car seat. The most sensitive compartments where discomfort are experienced studied and
    placed with sachets filed with beanbag beads. This experiment conducted many times over a few
    respondents by using the pressure mat to find out, if there are any changes in terms of comfort. This
    design of new car seat with a manipulation cushion foam replaced with beanbag foam could be a niche to
    eliminate discomfort to all range body sizes and shapes.
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