AIM: Evaluate the differences in the degree of AEFI on each type of COVID-19 vaccine platform.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research used a quantitative analytical observational design with a cross sectional approach. Data collection from participants was carried out by filling out questionnaires. The collected data was tabulated and statistical analysis was carried out.
RESULTS: A total of 217 respondents who received three doses of vaccine participated in the study. Of the 651 vaccine doses studied, the results showed that there were significant differences in the degree of AEFI between the three types of vaccine platforms. The degree of AEFI was significantly different (p < 0.05) between each type of vaccine platform, with the degree of AEFI starting from the lowest, namely inactivated vaccine, then viral vector vaccine and the highest was nucleic acid vaccine.
CONCLUSION: The degree of AEFI differs significantly between each COVID-19 vaccine platform. The degree of AEFI, from the mildest to the most severe, was inactivated vaccine, viral vector vaccine and nucleic acid vaccine. No serious AEFI was reported.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted independently on scientific databases: Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science (WOS). The process was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines.
RESULT: Of the 195 studies identified, 8 articles involving 185 participants, aged 17 months to 12 years old, across six countries met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies indicate significant improvement in social communication abilities, while one study demonstrates insignificant results and another study presents mixed outcomes, utilising two different assessment tools.
CONCLUSION: Occupational therapy has showed promise in improving social communication in children with ASD. Nonetheless, this review emphasises the need for greater indepth study and long-term evaluation to better explain and sustain these benefits. More research is needed to develop OT interventions that are both effective and evidence-based.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a scoping review of articles published from January 2012 to November 2022. This review follows the PRISMA guideline. The articles were searched through Scopus and Web of Sciences using the keywords "motor control" and "nonspecific low back pain". After finding the articles, the information was extracted, including authors, year of publication, country, objective, type of study, and motor control analysis summary.
RESULTS: The search retrieved 1318 articles; however, after a thorough selection process, only eight articles were included for further review. The factors that affect motor control were related to trunk neuromuscular adaption, the precision of trunk control, motor control changes, motor abundance, and motor control impairment in the LBP population with or without comparison to healthy subjects.
CONCLUSION: Motor control in NSLBP is affected by various factors. The pain can lead to changes in motor behavior, alignment, postural control, proprioception, and stability strategy. If the changes happen for a long time, it will cause further structural and core control changes as an adaptation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, medical records of patients admitted with hip fractures between 2019 and 2021 at Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (HoSHAS) in Pahang were analyzed. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, nature of trauma, fracture types, and comorbidities were collected and examined using descriptive and inferential statistics.
RESULTS: Among 3856 Orthopaedic Department admissions at HoSHAS (2019-2021), 296 hip fracture cases were identified, predominantly in women (71.3%), Malay ethnicity (75.3%), and aged 71-80 (38.5%). Intertrochanteric femur fractures were prevalent (62.8%). Unintentional falls accounted for 94.9% of cases. Logistic regression showed age and gender as significant predictors of femoral neck fractures. Specifically, Chinese seniors were 1.96 times more likely, and women over 65 were 1.95 times more likely to suffer these fractures. Notably, the absence of comorbidities increased the risk by 3.41 times (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: With increased longevity among Malaysian citizen, the number of hip fracture cases are growing and leading to other health-related problems such as disability, depression, and cardiovascular. Various preventive interventions for osteoporosis and falls should be implemented to reduce the incidence of hip fractures among older adults.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, selfreported CVS and dry eye symptoms were compared between 80 breastfeeding and 72 non-breastfeeding VDU users. Two questionnaires were administered online, which were the CVS-Questionnaire (CVS-Q) and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, to evaluate symptoms of CVS and dry eye, respectively. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare CVS and OSDI scores between groups, while correlations between the scores were analyzed using Spearman's test.
RESULT: Results showed that OSDI scores were significantly higher in the non-breastfeeding group (U = 2263, z-score = - 2.276, p = 0.023), indicating more dry eye symptoms experienced by respondents in this group, while no significant group difference was found in terms of CVS scores (U = 2772, z-score = -0.400, p = 0.689). Additionally, no significant association was observed between breastfeeding status and severity of dry eye symptoms as well as CVS symptoms.
CONCLUSION: This study reported the possible benefit of breastfeeding in reducing dry eye symptoms. The CVS symptoms found in the breastfeeding group were possibly due to VDU usage rather than caused by breastfeeding. Public education on preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of CVS symptoms and ocular dryness among VDU users is essential to improve the quality of life.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The databases Google Scholar, Science Direct, ResearchGate, PubMed, and Scopus were searched to identify potentially relevant documents. The keywords used for the search included "motor control" OR "motor learning" OR" core stability" AND "lower crossed syndrome" AND "gait". The search includes articles published between 1970 and 2022 and written in English. It is excluded when the paper is not a full-text article. After finding the articles, the information was extracted, including author, year of publication, country, objective, type of study, and motor control analysis summary.
RESULTS: There were 107 articles retrieved from the search. but only seventeen articles were included for analysis. The finding demonstrates that LCS may associate with LBP and reduces the motor control of the core muscle stability which indirectly influences gait performance.
CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that individuals with LCS will have an alteration in their gait. However, there is still insufficient information on motor control in gait performance among lower crossed syndrome. Further research is needed to find what factors that may contribute to the adaptation of motor control in gait among LCS population.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review utilises three databases (SCOPUS, Science Direct, and PubMed). The search phrases used are (Metabolomic* OR Metabolite*) for metabolomic study, (3T3-L1 OR Adipocyte OR "Adipose Tissue") for experimental design, and (Obesity) for obesity condition. Each of the search keywords was separated by an "AND" term in the databases. Other terms related to obesity, such as insulin resistance, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, muscular disorders, respiratory problems, and psychological problems were omitted because they did not contribute to the total number of studies discovered.
RESULTS: A total of 27 research publications were included in this scoping review. Most of the study focuses on metabolomics in obesity. Metabolites detected were found in various metabolic pathways including amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids as well as other metabolisms. Most of these metabolites discovered in obese conditions showed an alteration when compared to the level of the metabolite in normal conditions.
CONCLUSION: Unfortunately, these studies had some limitations in which the metabolites detected varied between the articles and the information concerning the relationship between the technique or instrument utilised and the metabolites detected in the samples were not well described. Therefore, using the findings obtained in this study, it can help to determine the direction of the study in the future.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 385 university students including foundation and undergraduate students took part in this study. Self-administered online surveys were used to obtain sociodemographic data, and anthropometry measurements including weight and height, night eating during studying, duration of the study, opinion on eating and academic performance, sleep quality, level of depression, anxiety, and stress of the respondents. Questionnaires were validated and IBM SPSS Statistics Software version 26.0 was used to analyse categorical and continuous variables.
RESULTS: The findings showed that there was an association between night eaters and coffee consumption with BMI (p<0.001) and sleep quality (p<0.05). However, there was no association (p>0.05) found between the types of food eaten during night studying and the mean duration of the study. The results showed drinking coffee had an association with depression, anxiety, and stress (p<0.05) among Malaysian university students.
CONCLUSION: Coffee consumption was common among undergraduate students during studying. Awareness of the risk of overconsumption of caffeine intake should be implemented in the future. However, this study did not include all types of food choices and drinks. Thus, frequency of eating energy dense food during night studying among students should be conducted in the future.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive analysis to assess the spatial distribution of COVID-19 cases in our study area. To explore the relationship between temperature variables and COVID-19 transmission, we employed Pearson correlation analysis, examining the correlations between daily average, minimum, and maximum temperature data and the temporal distribution of COVID-19 cases as reported by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. This approach allowed us to comprehensively investigate the impact of weather on the transmission dynamics of COVID-19.
RESULTS: Our findings reveal a noteworthy correlation (p<0.05) between average and maximum temperatures and COVID-19 transmission, highlighting the influence of weather on disease dynamics. Notably, exceptions were observed in the Hulu Terengganu district, where fewer than 10 cases occurred in each sub-district throughout the study period, warranting special consideration.
CONCLUSION: In summary, our study highlights the significance of temperature in shaping COVID-19 transmission. This stresses the importance of including weather variables in pandemic strategies. We also suggest comparing various cities to broaden our understanding of how weather affects disease spread, aiding future public health efforts.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This scoping review was reported in alignment with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Studies were identified through searches of five databases: Cochrane, Scopus, ProQuest, MEDLINE, and Web of Science (WoS).
RESULTS: Of the 294 articles initially identified, 20 studies were included and analysed thematically after removing duplicates. The majority of these assessments measure body function and structure such as grip and pinch strength while the rest are measuring the activity and participation domain. Most of the hand assessments were performancebased measurements. It is suggestible to employ both types of assessments to obtain a comprehensive understanding of hand conditions in individuals with DM. While some validated hand assessments were identified, only the Duruöz Hand Index (DHI) has been validated as a reliable tool specifically for evaluating hand function in individuals with DM.
CONCLUSION: There is a need to evaluate the measurement properties of existing instruments for assessing the hand function in individuals with DM, or to develop hand assessments specifically for the DM population. This scoping review was forging a new path, by discovering diabetes care through the utilisation of hand assessments.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multi-perspective development strategies were employed in designing EyeQVS. The questionnaire items were constructed using the working backward technique, compiling common vision disorders from the literature and face validation using expert panels. Face validation and usability assessment were performed on EyeQVS. The vision screening was carried out using EyeQVS and single test visual acuity screening method. The full eye examination included visual acuity, refraction, binocular vision and ocular health assessment. The visual profile of indigenous people (Orang Bateq) at Kampung Bengoi and Kampung Atok, Jerantut, Pahang was analysed using EyeQVS, single test visual acuity screening method and full eye examination.
RESULTS: The performance of EyeQVS was affirmative in both face validation and usability. About 95% of Orang Bateq failed full eye examination, while 55% failed EyeQVS screening. None of them failed single test vision screening. Binocular disorders and dry eye problems were commonly found in Orang Bateq. EyeQVS unearthed more various vision problems compared to the single test vision screening (visual acuity alone) as a screening tool in a remote location.
CONCLUSION: EyeQVS can screen for binocular disorders and dry eyes problem commonly found among indigenous people, which might be missed using a single-test visual acuity screening approach. EyeQVS is a practical alternative for vision screening in places where financial or location hinders eye healthcare access.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a PO mill located in Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia. Thirty-one workers from the four workstations (sterilizer, boiler, oil, and engine rooms) were selected as the respondents in this study. Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer was used in this study to measure the environmental temperature (WBGTin). Body core temperature (BCT), blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded both before and after working in order to assess the physiological effects of heat stress on workers. A set of questionnaires were used to determine sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents and their symptoms related to heat stress. Data were then analyzed using SPSS Ver28.
RESULTS: The WBGTin was found to be above the ACGIH threshold limit value of heat stress exposure in the engine room, sterilizer, and boiler workstations (>28.0°C). Additionally, there was a significant difference in the worker's BCT in these three workstations before and after work (p<0.05). Only the systolic BP and HR of those working at the boiler workstation showed significant difference between before and after work (p<0.05). The most typical symptoms that workers experience as a result of being exposed to heat at work include headache and fatigue. However, statistical analysis using Spearman Rho's test showed that there is no correlation between heat stress level with physiological changes and health-related symptoms among study respondents (p>0.05).
CONCLUSION: Results of the present study confirmed that workers in PO mill were exposed to high temperatures while at work. Although the evidence indicates the physiological parameters in general are not significantly affected while working, it also demonstrated that worker's body adapts and acclimates to the level of heat. Even so, precautions should still be taken to reduce future heat exposure. It is recommended that a physiological study be carried out that focuses on cognitive function impairment to support the evidence regarding the effects of heat stress on PO mill workers.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 51 cleaners. The respondents' background information and respiratory symptoms were gathered using a series of standardised questionnaires validated by the American Thoracic Society (ATS-DLD-78-A). The 8- hour respirable dust exposure to cleaners was measured using an air sampling pump (Gillian & Sensodyne Gil Air 3).
RESULTS: The mean of respirable dust was lower than permissible exposure limit with 0.63±0.57mg/m3. The respiratory symptoms among the cleaners showed no significant association between cough, phlegm, and breathing difficulties with working tenure. Meanwhile, wheezing and coughing with phlegm have an almost significant association with working tenure among cleaners with (Χ2=1.00, p=0.08) and (Χ2=1.00, p=0.07) respectively. Exposure to respirable dust has exhibited 6 times the prevalence of coughing with phlegm among cleaners (PR=6.28, 95% CI: 0.44, 89.38).
CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrated that the cleaners were significantly affected by the respirable dust. The cleaners' working environment has caused them to be exposed to respirable dust.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2022 in urban areas in Selangor among children aged less than two years old from B40 households using purposive sampling through both online surveys and face-to-face interviews. There were 112 children aged < 2 years old from B40 households participating in this study. The data obtained on maternal sociodemographic, Household Food Insecurity Scale (HFIAS), and children's anthropometric measurements were analysed by using the WHO Anthro Survey, descriptive analysis, Person's Chisquare test and Fischer's exact test.
RESULTS: The prevalence of food insecurity was more significant than the prevalence of food secured, at 55.4% and 44.6% respectively. The stunting among the children rated at 34.8%, followed by 7.2% of the sample found underweight, 7.8% (BAZ) and 16.1% (BAZ) of them were wasted, and overweight & obese, proportionately. This study discovered that household size was the sole determinant of household food security status. This finding suggested that size of a household influenced the odds of a household being food insecure.
CONCLUSION: The findings of this study provide insights into how the COVID-19 pandemic have an impact on children's nutritional status especially those from low-income and bigger size households. Therefore, more thorough and effective interventions should be designed particularly targeting this urban poor community to enhance their nutritional status and health.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 86 respondents was conducted using an online survey between the middle of March and April 2022. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) developed by Cohen et al., (1983) was used to assess the stress levels of individuals. Data analysis was carried out using the SPSS statistical program, which included descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal Wallis and Linear Regression tests.
RESULTS: The majority of respondents, 75.6% (n=65) reported moderate stress levels, while 14.0% (n=12) declared severe stress levels. The Mann-Whitney test showed no significant difference in psychosocial stress scores among workers between onshore and offshore (χ2=-0.523, p=0.601), whereas the Kruskal Wallis test showed a significant difference in psychosocial stress scores among workers between states (PMA, SKA, and SBA) (χ2=6.415, p=0.040). According to the regression test, workers with medical histories of diabetes and Covid-19 (R2=0.158) (p<0.005) are two factors linked to psychosocial stress.
CONCLUSION: The study found that there were significant differences in psychosocial stress among oil and gas workers between SKA, SBA, and PMA due to quarantine activity. Mobile workers and those with certain medical histories were identified as being particularly vulnerable to psychosocial stress. However, it was noted that the overall improvement in the quarantine period had a positive impact on the mental health of these workers.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study through a purposive sampling method was employed, involving 142 caregivers of CWD at the selected CBR centre. Four CBR centres were selected in this study, which were located in the Kudat division of Sabah. The Malay version of the Modified Caregiver Strain Index Questionnaire (M-CSI-M) was used in this study to obtain information about the caregiver's strain.
RESULTS: Findings from this study revealed that most caregivers experienced moderate strain (72.5%). Some of the leading causes of their strain were upsetting CWD's behaviour (10.6%), financial strain (9.2%), and overwhelmed (9.2%). In addition, there were significant differences between caregiver strain and their level of education, income, and the types of their child's disabilities (p ≤ 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The well-being of the caregivers may significantly impact the effectiveness of rehabilitation for CWD, as caregivers are vital interdisciplinary team members.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Air temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), air movement (AM), carbon dioxide (CO2), formaldehyde (HCHO), and particulate matter (PM) are the monitored parameters. Monitoring was carried out in the kindergarten for three consecutive days starting from 8.00am to 12.00pm.
RESULTS: Indoor carbon dioxide readings were higher at 0800 when parents drove to kindergarten to drop off their children without turning off the engine. In addition to this, the PM10 reading at 1000 was high but still within the standard range according to ICOP-IAQ 2010.
CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the importance of indoor air quality improvement measures for kindergarten buildings which can be used to improve indoor air quality in kindergarten environments.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited women referred to physiotherapy to manage OA. The measurements included fatigue severity (fatigue severity scale); pain level (numerical rating scale); obesity indices (body mass index, fat %, waist circumference); functional performances (upper limb strength, lower limb strength, mobility, exercise capacity and quality of life). A simple linear regression analysis was used to determine which independent variable may be associated with fatigue severity.
RESULTS: Ninety-six women with unilateral KOA participated in this study (Mean age, 55.70, Standard Deviation, SD 6.90) years; Mean fatigue severity, 34.51, SD 14.03). The simple linear regression analysis showed that pain level (β=4.089, p<0.001), fat % (β=0.825, p<0.001) and QoL (β=0.304, p<0.001) were significantly associated with fatigue. After controlling for pain level, only fat % was significantly associated with fatigue (β=0.581, p=0.005).
CONCLUSION: Pain level, fat %, and QoL appear to be associated with fatigue severity in women with KOA. In addition, pain symptoms may interact with factors associated with fatigue severity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire entitled the Family Presence Risk-Benefit Scale and Family Presence Self-Confidence Scale. Purposive sampling method was used to include 130 nurses working in eight Intensive Care Units at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's Correlation test were used to analyse the variables of FPDR.
RESULTS: Findings revealed that nurses in the critical care setting perceived low risk-benefit and low self-confident with regards to family presence during resuscitation. Pearson correlation analysis showed no correlation between perceptions of risk-benefits and self-confidence among critical care nurses (r = -0.016).
CONCLUSION: Relatively, nurses perceived that family presence during resuscitation would place high risk and low benefit to the family members. Thus there is a need for education, training, and guideline to enrich the concept of FPDR and its implementation.