Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 784 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Mohamad Yusuff AS, Tang L, Binns CW, Lee AH
    Women Birth, 2015 Mar;28(1):25-9.
    PMID: 25466643 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2014.11.002
    BACKGROUND: Postnatal depression can have serious consequences for both the mother and infant. However, epidemiological data required to implement appropriate early prevention are still lacking in Malaysia.
    AIM: To investigate the prevalence of postnatal depression within six months postpartum and associated risk factors among women in Sabah, Malaysia.
    METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 2072 women was conducted in Sabah during 2009-2010. Participants were recruited at 36-38 weeks of gestation and followed up at 1, 3 and 6 months postpartum. The presence of depressive symptoms was assessed using the validated Malay version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Logistic regression analyses were performed to ascertain risk factors associated with postnatal depression.
    FINDINGS: Overall, 14.3% of mothers (95% confidence interval (CI) 12.5-16.2%) had experienced depression within the first six months postpartum. Women depressed during pregnancy (odds ratio (OR) 3.71, 95% CI 2.46-5.60) and those with consistent worries about the newborn (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.16-2.42) were more likely to suffer from depression after childbirth. Women whose husband assisted with infant care (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20-0.97) and mothers who were satisfied with their marital relationship (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09-0.81) appeared to incur a reduced risk of postnatal depression.
    CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of mothers suffered from postnatal depression in Sabah, Malaysia. Screening and intervention programmes targeting vulnerable subgroups of women during antenatal and early postpartum periods are recommended to deal with the problem.
    KEYWORDS: EPDS; Malaysia; Postnatal depression; Prevalence; Risk factors
    Study site: five maternal and child health clinics in Kota Kinabalu and Penampang Districts of Sabah, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  2. Muda CMC, Ismail TAT, Jalil RA, Hairon SM, Sulaiman Z, Johar N
    Women Birth, 2019 Apr;32(2):e243-e251.
    PMID: 30057368 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2018.07.008
    BACKGROUND: The first week after childbirth is a crucial period for exclusive breastfeeding initiation.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the association of postnatal breastfeeding education with knowledge, attitude, and exclusive breastfeeding practice at six months after childbirth among women who delivered at two district hospitals in the northeast part of Peninsular Malaysia.

    METHODS: This is a quasi-experimental study design. A newly developed and validated questionnaire was used to determine scoring for baseline and six months after childbirth. The intervention consisted of individualized postnatal breastfeeding education delivered by researchers using flipchart one week after childbirth and breastfeeding diary in addition to usual care. The comparison group received the usual postnatal care by health clinics. Repeated measure analysis of variance and multiple logistic regression analysis were used.

    RESULTS: A total of 116 participants were included in this study (59 in intervention group and 57 in comparison group). Six months after childbirth, the adjusted mean score of knowledge and attitude of the intervention group were significantly higher than that of the comparison group (p<0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). More participants in the intervention group (n=26, 44.1%) exclusively breastfed their infants compared with 15 (26.3%) in the comparison group (p=0.046). Postnatal breastfeeding education was significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice six months after childbirth [adjusted odds ratio 2.31; 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 5.14; p=0.040].

    CONCLUSIONS: Postnatal breastfeeding education was significantly associated with an improvement in women's knowledge, attitude and exclusive breastfeeding practice six months after childbirth.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  3. Oong XY, Chook JB, Ng KT, Chow WZ, Chan KG, Hanafi NS, et al.
    Virol J, 2018 05 23;15(1):91.
    PMID: 29792212 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-018-1005-8
    BACKGROUND: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is established as one of the causative agents of respiratory tract infections. To date, there are limited reports that describe the effect of HMPV genotypes and/or viral load on disease pathogenesis in adults. This study aims to determine the role of HMPV genetic diversity and nasopharyngeal viral load on symptom severity in outpatient adults with acute respiratory tract infections.
    METHODS: Severity of common cold symptoms of patients from a teaching hospital was assessed by a four-category scale and summed to obtain the total symptom severity score (TSSS). Association between the fusion and glycoprotein genes diversity, viral load (quantified using an improved RT-qPCR assay), and symptom severity were analyzed using bivariate and linear regression analyses.
    RESULTS: Among 81/3706 HMPV-positive patients, there were no significant differences in terms of demographics, number of days elapsed between symptom onset and clinic visit, respiratory symptoms manifestation and severity between different HMPV genotypes/sub-lineages. Surprisingly, elderly patients (≥65 years old) had lower severity of symptoms (indicated by TSSS) than young and middle age adults (p = 0.008). Nasopharyngeal viral load did not correlate with nor predict symptom severity of HMPV infection. Interestingly, at 3-5 days after symptom onset, genotype A-infected patients had higher viral load compared to genotype B (4.4 vs. 3.3 log10 RNA copies/μl) (p = 0.003).
    CONCLUSIONS: Overall, HMPV genetic diversity and viral load did not impact symptom severity in adults with acute respiratory tract infections. Differences in viral load dynamics over time between genotypes may have important implications on viral transmission.
    Study site: Primary Care Clinic, University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  4. Azmi S, Goh A, Muhammad NA, Tohid H, Rashid MRA
    Value Health Reg Issues, 2018 May;15:42-49.
    PMID: 29474177 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2017.06.002
    BACKGROUND: Anemia is common among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and an independent risk factor for renal disease progression. Health economic evidence is important in Malaysia and yet cost and quality-of-life (QOL) data are scarce.

    OBJECTIVES: To investigate prevalence, factors associated with anemia, and cost and QOL among T2DM patients with CKD. Here, we present the estimated 1-year cost and QOL related to anemia in this group.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study was performed at 20 government clinics. Treatment cost was calculated on the basis of resource utilization ascertained through data extracted from medical records and patient recall. QOL was elicited using the short form 36 health survey version 2 questionnaire. Propensity score matching was performed and costs and QOL were analyzed by anemia status and CKD stage.

    RESULTS: Data for 816 patients were obtained. The propensity score matching enabled a comparison of 257 patients with and without anemia. Annual treatment costs were significantly higher for patients with anemia (Ringgit Malaysia [RM] 4219 [US $983] vs. RM2705 [US $630]; P = 0.01). QOL scores were lower for patients with anemia but not statistically significant (physical component summary score: 44.8 vs. 46.2; P = 0.052; mental component summary score: 51.3 vs. 51.7; P = 0.562). Costs were higher and QOL lower among CKD stage 5 patients.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study was the first to examine anemia in this group of patients. Costs were significantly higher among anemic patients compared with nonanemic patients; patients with higher CKD stage 5 fared less well than did those in lower stages. This information suggests the need to increase detection, prevention, and early treatment of anemia when managing T2DM patients, particularly those with CKD.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  5. Chow EP, Hassali A
    Value Health, 2014 Nov;17(7):A746.
    PMID: 27202698 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.171
    Objectives
    To evaluate the impact of home medication review programme (HMR) towards Type 2 Diabetes patients from public primary centre in Penang, Malaysia.

    Methods
    A prospective randomised control study was conducted at Primary Clinic in Bukit Minyak, Penang. Eligible Type 2 diabetes patients with HbA1c > 6.5% and taking ≥ 3 medications who stayed at their own house were recruited and randomly allocated into control and intervention group by coin tossing. Control group patients received usual care from the clinic whereas intervention group patients received additional 2 visits at their home by pharmacist. During both visits, education on quality use of medications and life-style modifications were performed.Blood pressure monitoring, point of care for sugar and total cholesterol levels were conducted in each visit. Patients adherence and knowledge were assessed using validated questionnaire. Pill count was conducted and excessive medications were collected to calculate the costing component. Primary outcomes were medication adherence and level of knowledge. Secondary outcomes included HbA1c, FBS and total cholesterol changes as well as patients’ satisfactions towards HMR and direct cost saving from the programme.

    Results
    A total of 150 patients were recruited and randomly assigned in two groups (n=75 each group). Fifty patients in the intervention group completed the study. After 2 home visits there were significant improvements in the adherence score for the intervention group (mean score=6.90,SD=0.94) compared to the control group (mean score=4.05, SD=1.51). There was a significant improvement in knowledge score after HMR programme, intervention group (mean score=10.04, SD=1.75) and the control group (mean score=5.45, SD=1.89). A direct cost analysis of the medication wasted reveals that HMR can help to save RM 2805.50 (USD 855.34) throughout the eight months period.

    Conclusions
    Pharmacist-led HMR have improved patients’ adherence and knowledge as well as helping the policy makers to save money on excessive medication wastage.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  6. Md Rezal RS, Hassali MA, Saleem F, Kumar R
    Value Health, 2015 Nov;18(7):A848-9.
    PMID: 26534536 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2015.09.420
    Conference abstrract
    Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance is associated with irrational use of antibiotics in general practice. We aimed to assess the frequency with which patients with Upper Respiratory Tract Infections were prescribed with antibiotics and the patterns of antibiotic prescription at primary healthcare centres in Malaysia.
    Methods: The study targeted all primary public healthcare centres in the district of Kota Setar, Kedah, Malaysia. A retrospective prescription analysis was conducted whereby prescriptions from 1st January 2014 to 31st March 2014 were screened and retrieved for antibiotics prescribed for upper respiratory infections. The data was entered into Microsoft Excel spread sheet, and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 20 for further analysis. Frequencies and percentages were used to summarize the data. The Jonckheere–Terpstra test was used to evaluate the trend of antibiotic prescription. Where significant associations were reported, effect size was calculated by using Kendall tau correlation coefficient. P value of <0.05 was considered to be of statistical significance.
    Results: For the period of three months, 123,524 prescriptions were screened and analysed. 2270 (31.8%) prescriptions contained antibiotics prescribed for all URTIs visits. Among all antibiotics, macrolides were the most commonly prescribed antibiotic, constituting of 61% (n=1404) of total antibiotics prescribed for all cases. The Jonckheere–Terpstra test revealed a statistical relationship between prescribers and the diagnosis of the disease (p=0·001). Furthermore, a weak positive trend of association was reported with FMS being more accurate in diagnosis followed by MOs and AMOs (τ=0·122).
    Conclusions: Practicing physicians should adhere to the standard treatment practices, as antibiotic use in viral aetiology is ineffective, and encourages the persistence development of resistance. A comprehensive development of national antibiotic stewardship program is recommended to ensure organised and regulated control of antibiotic use in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  7. Azmi S, Feisul MI, Abdat A, Goh A, Abdul Aziz SH
    Value Health, 2015 Nov;18(7):A600.
    PMID: 26533372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2015.09.2060
    Conference abstract:
    Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the association of waist circumference with glycaemic control in Malaysian patients with type 2 diabetes.
    Methods: We utilised data of type 2 diabetes patients followed up in Malaysian public sector primary care clinics contained in the National Diabetes Registry in the year 2012. The variable of interest was poor glycaemic control, defined as HbA1c≥ 6.5%. Multiple logistic regression was used to explore the association between glycaemic control and waist circumference, which was adjusted for age, sex, duration of diabetes, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, use of insulin and other medications.
    Results: A total of 98,825 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 59.9 years (SD: 10.9) and 38.9% were males. The mean duration of diabetes was 6.8 years (SD: 5.0) and 76.2% of patients had HbA1c ≥ 6.5%. The mean waist circumference was 94.0 cm (SD: 11.8) for male and 90.7 cm (SD: 11.8) for female; while 78.3% of the patients had waist circumference above the cut-off (≥ 90 cm for men and ≥ 80 cm for women). Larger waist circumference was found to be significantly associated with HbA1c≥ 6.5% (adj. OR 1.009; p< 0.001; 95% CI: 1.007–1.011) after adjusting for confounding factors.
    Conclusions: Analysis showed that glycaemic control was poorer in patients with higher waist circumference than in patients with lower waist circumference.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  8. Azmi S, Feisul MI, Abdat A, Goh A, Abdul Aziz SH
    Value Health, 2015 Nov;18(7):A597.
    PMID: 26533354 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2015.09.2042
    Conference abstract:
    Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the association of waist circumference with microvascular complications in Malaysian patients with type 2 diabetes.
    Methods: We utilised data of type 2 diabetes patients followed up in Malaysian public sector primary care clinics contained in the National Diabetes Registry in the year 2012. Variables of interest were the presence of microvascular complications, namely nephropathy and retinopathy. Multiple logistic regression was used to explore the association between presence of microvascular complications and waist circumference, which was adjusted for age, sex, duration of diabetes, systolic blood pressure, insulin use, total cholesterol and HbA1c.
    Results: A total of 114,719 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 59.8 years (SD: 11.2) with mean duration of diabetes of 6.8 years (SD: 5.1). Male
    patients comprised 39.9% of the sample population and 83.5% of the patients were overweight with BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2. Nephropathy and retinopathy was present in 9.1% and 7.9% of patients respectively. The mean waist circumference was 94.1 cm (SD: 11.8) for males and 90.8 cm (SD: 11.8) for females; while 78.4% of the patients had waist circumference above the cut off (≥ 90 cm for men and ≥ 80 cm for women). Larger waist circumference was found to be significantly associated with nephropathy (adj. OR 1.005; p-value< 0.001; 95% CI: 1.003–1.008) after adjusting for confounding factors. However, waist circumference was not significantly associated with retinopathy (adj. OR 0.998; p= 0.209; 95% CI: 0.996–1.001).
    Conclusions: Analysis showed that patients with higher waist circumference were more likely to have nephropathy than patients with lower waist circumference. The analysis also showed that waist circumference was not associated with retinopathy in the study population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  9. Al-lela OQ, Bahari MB, Al-abbassi MG, Salih MR, Basher AY
    Vaccine, 2012 Jun 6;30(26):3862-6.
    PMID: 22521848 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.04.014
    The immunization status of children is improved by interventions that increase community demand for compulsory and non-compulsory vaccines, one of the most important interventions related to immunization providers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the activities of immunization providers in terms of activities time and cost, to calculate the immunization doses cost, and to determine the immunization dose errors cost. Time-motion and cost analysis study design was used. Five public health clinics in Mosul-Iraq participated in the study. Fifty (50) vaccine doses were required to estimate activities time and cost. Micro-costing method was used; time and cost data were collected for each immunization-related activity performed by the clinic staff. A stopwatch was used to measure the duration of activity interactions between the parents and clinic staff. The immunization service cost was calculated by multiplying the average salary/min by activity time per minute. 528 immunization cards of Iraqi children were scanned to determine the number and the cost of immunization doses errors (extraimmunization doses and invalid doses). The average time for child registration was 6.7 min per each immunization dose, and the physician spent more than 10 min per dose. Nurses needed more than 5 min to complete child vaccination. The total cost of immunization activities was 1.67 US$ per each immunization dose. Measles vaccine (fifth dose) has a lower price (0.42 US$) than all other immunization doses. The cost of a total of 288 invalid doses was 744.55 US$ and the cost of a total of 195 extra immunization doses was 503.85 US$. The time spent on physicians' activities was longer than that spent on registrars' and nurses' activities. Physician total cost was higher than registrar cost and nurse cost. The total immunization cost will increase by about 13.3% owing to dose errors.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  10. Wong LP
    Vaccine, 2009 Mar 4;27(10):1622-7.
    PMID: 19100803 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.11.107
    Physicians' experiences in providing human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization were assessed by mailed questionnaire. Response rate of 41.4% was achieved. Malay Muslim physicians were more likely to agree that cultural sensitivity is an issue when recommending HPV vaccines. Pediatricians and family physicians were more likely to agree that acceptance is better if vaccines were recommended to prevent cervical cancer than to prevent a sexually transmitted disease. Near 70% rated success of HPV vaccines recommendation in their practice as very poor with the majority patients preferred to postpone immunization. Physicians reported cultural disparities in vaccine uptake and perceived high vaccination cost limits its use.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  11. Lee SW, Liong ML, Yuen KH, Leong WS, Khan N, Cheah PY, et al.
    Urol Int, 2009;82(1):32-7.
    PMID: 19172094 DOI: 10.1159/000176022
    BACKGROUND: Little is known about how primary care physicians (PCPs) in Asia diagnose and manage prostatitis-like symptoms. This study investigated the clinical diagnosis of and care provided for prostatitis-like symptoms by PCPs in a Malaysian population, and compared these findings to reports from other areas.
    METHODS: All members of the Penang Private Medical Practitioners' Society were asked to complete a self-administered survey. Nonresponders were contacted after 3 weeks and received a telephone request after 6 weeks.
    RESULTS: Of the 786 practitioners contacted, 669 considered themselves to be PCPs, including 279 (42%) who responded to the survey. Adult males with prostatitis-like symptoms typically constitute <1% of the patients seen by PCPs. Most PCPs (72%) believe that prostatitis-like symptoms are caused by bacterial infection. 61% of PCPs base their diagnosis of prostatitis-like symptoms on clinical history, a physical examination and dipstick urinalysis. Standard management was to prescribe 1 or 2 courses of antimicrobials.
    CONCLUSIONS: Despite the 8.7% prevalence found in a previous survey in this population, prostatitis remains underdiagnosed in Malaysia. In contrast to many other clinical settings, urologists in Malaysia see a large proportion of newly diagnosed and treatment-naive prostatitis patients, providing an opportunity for clinical diagnostic and treatment studies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  12. Ab-Rahman S, Sulaiman AR, Muzaffar T
    Trauma Case Rep, 2016 Apr;3:32-35.
    PMID: 29942842 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2016.05.004
    Irreducible dislocation of the interphalangeal joint (IPJ) big toe is a rare injury Hitori et al. (2006) . We report a case of the right big toe IPJ dislocation following a trauma. The problem was diagnosed and managed at other medical centers with standard treatment of closed manual reduction and splint. The right big toe was splinted accordingly and the patient was referred to our orthopedic outpatient clinic. At the clinic, a repeat plain radiograph was ordered due to high suspicion of the irreducible IPJ.
    Study site: orthopedic clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  13. Lim KJ, Cheng TTJ, Jeffree MS, Hayati F, Cheah PK, Nee KO, et al.
    Transplant Proc, 2020 Apr;52(3):680-686.
    PMID: 32146022 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.01.007
    INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, the gap between organ supply and demand has widened over the years. Malaysia has one of the lowest deceased organ donation rates. Success rate of organ or tissue procurement depends on not only the approach rate by health care providers but also the awareness among the public, whereby it can be a platform for family initiation of organ donation. The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge of and determine the factors influencing attitude toward organ and tissue donation among patients in a primary clinic.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out. Self-administered questionnaires were given to 400 patients who registered at an outpatient clinic in April 2018. Convenience sampling was applied.

    RESULTS: Monthly income, education level, occupation, and knowledge level are significantly associated with attitude of the respondents toward organ and tissue donation. Occupation influenced attitude toward organ donation. Knowledge of organ donation and brain death both significantly affected attitude toward organ donation.

    CONCLUSION: The greater the knowledge of organ donation and brain death, the more positive impression or attitude toward organ donation. Education level and income are the main predictors that influence attitude toward organ donation. Hence, it is important for public health units to promote and deliver public education on organ donation, change public misconceptions, and work parallel with hospitals to increase organ donation rates in Sabah.

    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  14. Tong SF, Low WY, Ismail SB, Trevena L, Wilcock S
    Transl Androl Urol, 2013 Dec;2(4):281-90.
    PMID: 26816741 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2223-4683.2013.09.14
    BACKGROUND: Perceptions of how receptive men are to sexual health inquiry may affect Malaysian primary care doctors' decisions to initiate such a discussion with their male patients. This paper quantifies the impact of doctors' perceptions of men's receptivity on male sexual health inquiry. Sexual health inquiry is one of the five areas in a study on determinants of offering preventive health checks to Malaysian men.
    METHODS: This was a cross sectional survey among primary care doctors in Malaysia. The questionnaire was based on an empirical model defining the determinants of primary care doctors' intention to offer health checks. The questionnaire measured: (I) perceived receptivity of male patients to sexual health inquiry; (II) doctors' attitudes towards the importance of sexual health inquiries; (III) perceived competence and, (IV) perceived external barriers. The outcome variable was doctors' intention in asking about sexual dysfunction in three different contexts (minor complaints visits, follow-up visits and health checks visits). All items were measured on the Likert scale of 1 to 5 (strongly disagree/unlikely to strongly agree/likely) and internally validated.
    RESULTS: 198 doctors participated (response rate 70.4%). Female primary care doctors constituted 54.5%. 78% of respondents were unlikely to ask about sexual dysfunction in visits for minor complaints to their male patients, 43.6% in follow up visits and 28.2% in health checks visits. In ordinal regression analysis, positive perception of men's receptivity to sexual health inquiry significantly predicted the doctors' intention in asking sexual dysfunction in all three contexts; i.e., minor complaints visits (P=0.013), follow-up visits (P<0.0001) and health checks visits (P=0.002). Perceived competence in sexual health inquiry predicted their intention in the follow-up visits (P=0.006) and health checks visits (P<0.001). Lower cost to health checks only predicted their intention in the follow-up visits (P=0.010).
    CONCLUSIONS: Whilst sexual health inquiry should be initiated in an appropriate context, 'perceived receptivity' to sexual health inquiry significantly affected doctors' intention in initiating sexual health inquiry to their male patients. Malaysian men's health may be substantially improved by strategies that assist doctors to identify patient 'receptivity'.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  15. Grace J, Lee KK, Ballard C, Herbert M
    Transcult Psychiatry, 2001;38:27-34.
    DOI: 10.1177/136346150103800103
    This study evaluated the rate of post-natal depression (PND) in a Malaysian population, investigated the relationship between belief systems and PND, and examined the relationship between PND and somatization. The sample included 154 consecutive attendees for a 6-week post-natal check at a general hospital well-baby clinic in Kuala Lumpur. Patients were assessed using the Edinburgh Post-Natal Depression Score (EPNDS), the Bradford Somatisation Inventory (BSI), and a questionnaire to assess beliefs about pregnancy and childbirth. The rate of PND was 3.9%. EPNDS and BSI were moderately correlated. Women who practised specific post-natal practices had a higher EPNDS and BSI than those who did not. The rate of PND is lower than in Western studies but similar to that seen in other Asian countries. The correlation between BSI and EPNDS suggest that the BSI will not detect cases missed by the EPNDS. © 2001, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  16. Tay ST, Ho TM, Rohani MY, Devi S
    Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2000 9 7;94(3):280-4.
    PMID: 10974999
    A serosurvey was conducted in 1995-97 among 1596 febrile patients from 8 health centres in Malaysia for antibodies against Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT), Rickettsia typhi (RT) and TT118 spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) by using an indirect immunoperoxidase assay. A total of 51.4% patients had antibody against at least 1 of those rickettsiae. Antibody to SFGR was most prevalent (42.5%), followed by RT (28.1%) and OT (24.9%). The seroprevalences of antibodies to SFGR, RT or OT alone were 12.4, 3.6 and 4.3%, respectively. Antibodies against more than 1 species of rickettsiae were presence in 31.1% of the patients, suggesting the possibility of co-infection, previous exposures or serological cross-reactivities. Seroprevalence of the various rickettsiae varied according to locality, with SFGR antibodies being the most prevalent in most areas. There was no significant association of prevalence of rickettsial antibody with gender. The seroprevalence of OT, SFGR and RT increased with patient age but an increase of antibody titre with age was not significant. Those working in the agricultural sectors had significantly higher seroprevalence of OT, SFGR and RT than those not related with agricultural activities. Scrub typhus remains a public health problem with an estimated annual attack rate of 18.5%. Tick typhus and murine typhus as shown in this serosurvey appear much more widespread than scrub typhus in this country.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  17. Balasundaram R
    Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 1970;64(4):607-14.
    PMID: 5485621 DOI: 10.1016/0035-9203(70)90085-4
    The pattern and incidence of cardiovascular disease was studied in a general practice in an urban-rural area in the west coast of West Malaysia. Hypertension, rheumatic heart disease and congenital heart disease accounted for 85% of the 476 patients with evidence of cardiovascular disease. Ischaemic heart disease, arteriosclerotic heart disease and other conditions accounted for the rest. Emphasis is laid on the salient features of incidence in general practice. Comparison is made with previous clinical and pathological studies from this region.
    Study site: General practjce clinic, Telok Anson [Teluk Intan], District of Lower Perak, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  18. Awaisu A, Nik Mohamed MH, Abd Aziz N, Syed Sulaiman SA, Mohamad Noordin N, Muttalif AR, et al.
    Tob Induc Dis, 2010 Jan 12;8(1):3.
    PMID: 20148105 DOI: 10.1186/1617-9625-8-3
    BACKGROUND: There is sufficient evidence to conclude that tobacco smoking is strongly linked to tuberculosis (TB) and a large proportion of TB patients may be active smokers. In addition, a previous analysis has suggested that a considerable proportion of the global burden of TB may be attributable to smoking. However, there is paucity of information on the prevalence of tobacco smoking among TB patients in Malaysia. Moreover, the tobacco-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of TB patients who are smokers have not been previously explored. This study aimed to document the prevalence of smoking among newly diagnosed TB patients and to learn about the tobacco use knowledge and attitudes of those who are smokers among this population.
    METHODS: Data were generated on prevalence rates of smoking among newly diagnosed TB patients in the State of Penang from January 2008 to December 2008. The data were obtained based on a review of routinely collated data from the quarterly report on TB case registration. The study setting comprised of five healthcare facilities (TB clinics) located within Penang and Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur health districts in Malaysia, which were involved in a larger project, known as SCIDOTS Project. A 58-item questionnaire was used to assess the tobacco use knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of those TB patients who were smokers.
    RESULTS: Smoking status was determinant in 817 of 943 new cases of TB from January to December 2008. Of this, it was estimated that the prevalence rates of current- and ex-smoking among the TB patients were 40.27% (329/817) and 13.95% (114/817), respectively. The prevalence of ever-smoking among patients with TB was estimated to be 54,220 per 100,000 population. Of 120 eligible participants for the SCIDOTS Project, 88 responded to the survey (73.3% response rate) and 80 surveys were analyzed (66.7% usable rate). The mean (+/- SD) total score of tobacco use knowledge items was 4.23 +/- 2.66 (maximum possible score=11). More than half of the participants (51.3%) were moderately dependent to nicotine. A moderately large proportion of the respondents (41.2%) reported that they have ever attempted to quit smoking, while more than half (56.3%) have not. Less than half (47.5%) of the study participants had knowledge about the body system on which cigarette smoking has the greatest negative effect. The majority wrongly believed that smokeless tobacco can increase athletic performance (60%) and that it is a safe and harmless product (46.2%). An overwhelming proportion (>80%) of the patients believed that: smoking is a waste of money, tobacco use is very dangerous to health, and that smokers are more likely to die from heart disease when compared with non-smokers. The use of smokeless tobacco was moderately prevalent among the participants with 28.8% reporting ever snuffed, but the use of cigar and pipe was uncommon.
    CONCLUSION: Smoking prevalence rate is high among patients with TB in Malaysia. These patients generally had deficiencies in knowledge of tobacco use and its health dangers, but had positive attitudes against tobacco use. Efforts should be geared towards reducing tobacco use among this population due to its negative impact on TB treatment outcomes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  19. Chew BH, Mohd Sidik S, Hassan NH
    Ther Clin Risk Manag, 2015;11:669-81.
    PMID: 25995640 DOI: 10.2147/TCRM.S81623
    This study examined the associations of diabetes-related distress (DRD), depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and medication adherence with glycemia, blood pressure (BP), and lipid biomarkers in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). This cross-sectional study was conducted in three Malaysian public health clinics in 2012-2013, recruited adult patients (aged ≥30 years) with T2D who had been diagnosed for more than one year, were on active follow-up, and had recent blood test results. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify significant associated factors for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) BP, and lipids. The response rate was 93.1% (700/752). The majority were females (52.8%), Malay (52.4%), and married (78.7%). DRD correlated with systolic BP (r= -0.16); depressive symptoms correlated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=0.12) and total cholesterol (r=0.13); medication adherence correlated with HbA1c (r= -0.14) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r= -0.11); and HRQoL correlated with casual blood glucose (r= -0.11), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r= -0.13), and total cholesterol (r= -0.08). Multivariable analyses showed that HRQoL was significantly associated with casual blood glucose (adjusted B= -0.06, P=0.024); DRD was associated with systolic BP (adjusted B= -0.08, P=0.066); depressive symptoms were associated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (adjusted B=0.02, P=0.061), and medication adherence was associated with HbA1c (adjusted B= -0.11, P=0.082) and total cholesterol (adjusted B= -0.06, P=0.086). There were significant and distinctive associations of DRD, depressive symptoms, HRQoL, and medication adherence with glycemia, BP, and lipid biomarkers. Unexpected beneficial therapeutic effects of DRD on BP require further study. A multidisciplinary approach may be needed for risk management in adults with T2D at the primary care level.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
  20. Elnaem MH, Mohamed MHN, Huri HZ, Shah ASM
    Ther Clin Risk Manag, 2019;15:137-145.
    PMID: 30705590 DOI: 10.2147/TCRM.S182716
    Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the main complication leading to morbidity and mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). There is a large amount of evidence to support the use of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) for the prevention of CVD. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and prescription quality of LLT among T2DM patients and to identify its associated factors.

    Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study included 816 T2DM patients from four different primary care centers in Pahang, Malaysia. We involved LLT-eligible T2DM patients as per the national clinical practice guidelines (CPG). The assessment of therapy effectiveness focused on the attainment of target lipid measures stated in the CPG. Evaluation of the prescription quality was classified into appropriate, potentially inappropriate, and inappropriate, based on the compliance with guidelines and existence of potential safety concerns. Binomial logistic regression was employed to identify the predictors of LLT effectiveness and prescription quality.

    Results: The overall percentage of T2DM patients receiving statin therapy was 87.6% (715/816). Statin therapy was appropriately prescribed in 71.5% of the cases. About 17.5% of the LLT prescriptions have at least one significant drug interaction with co-prescribed medications. The achievement of the primary target of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels was observed in only 37% of T2DM patients. The LLT indication and appropriateness of prescription were significantly associated with the attainment of LDL-C treatment goals. Primary prevention, Malay race, and hypertension were identified as predictors for appropriate prescribing of LLT among T2DM subjects.

    Conclusion: There is a need to enhance the quality of LLT prescribing in the primary care setting to cover all eligible high-risk patients and ensure patient safety. Strategies to improve the achievement of LDL-C goals among patients with T2DM, such as investigating the potential role of the combination therapy and high-intensity statin therapy, are required.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links