Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 169 in total

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  1. Bazazi AR, Vijay A, Crawford FW, Heimer R, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL
    AIDS Care, 2018 Jan;30(1):59-64.
    PMID: 28803503 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2017.1363852
    HIV testing services are the gateway into HIV treatment and are critical for monitoring the epidemic. HIV testing is recommended at least annually in high-risk populations, including people who inject drugs (PWID). In Malaysia, the HIV epidemic is concentrated among PWID, but their adherence to testing recommendations and the proportion of HIV-positive PWID who are aware of their status remain unknown. We recruited 460 PWID in Greater Kuala Lumpur using respondent-driven sampling and conducted HIV testing. We examined past testing behaviors, estimating testing frequency, correlates of testing in the past 12 months, and the proportion of those living with HIV who were aware of their status. Results showed that most PWID living with HIV (90.4%, 95% CI: 83.6%-95.9%) were aware of their status. Among those never previously diagnosed with HIV, few had accessed HIV testing in the past 12 months (14.3%, 95% CI: 11.1%-18.0%). Prison (57.0%) and compulsory drug detention centers (36.1%) were the primary locations where PWID reported ever being HIV tested, and the main correlate of recent testing in regression was recent criminal justice involvement. Although awareness of HIV status may be high among PWID living with HIV in Kuala Lumpur, testing occurs primarily in prisons and compulsory drug detention centers, where it is involuntary and linkage to care is limited. A shift in HIV testing policy is needed to align health and human rights objectives, replacing mandatory testing with voluntary testing in settings where individuals can be rapidly linked to HIV care.
    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness
  2. Selamat Widiasmoro Neni, Pei, Lin Lua
    MyJurnal
    Objective: The relationships between awareness, knowledge and attitudes (AKA) and coping mechanisms among people with epilepsy (PWE) have not been well-explored particularly in Asia. This study aimed to: identify preferred coping strategies, correlate between AKA and coping mechanisms and compare coping strategies of PWE with different AKA levels. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of epilepsy outpatients was recruited from the Neurology Clinic, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu. The participants completed the Malay AKA Epilepsy and the Malay Brief COPE instruments. The data was analysed using non-parametric statistics. Results: Sixty out of 72 patients (response rate = 83.3%) consented
    participation (median age = 27.5 years; male = 53.3%; unmarried = 63.3%; Malay = 90.0%; SPM education = 54.2%; unemployed = 35.0%; rural residents = 70.0%). Religion was the most preferred coping strategy (93.3%), followed by Emotional Support (86.7%) and Instrumental Support (81.7%). Awareness was negatively correlated with Instrumental Support (rs = -0.268; p

    Study site: Neurology Clinic, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu.
    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness
  3. Loh, Sit Fong, Sinniah, Aishvarya, Ruzanna Zamzam, Marhani Midin, Wan Salwina Wan Ismail, Mahadevan, Raynuha
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2009;10(2):186-193.
    MyJurnal
    Objectives: This paper reports the outcome of Session With Carer, one of the activities in the Year 4 Personal and Professional Development (PPD) module in the new integrated curriculum of the Undergraduate Medical Programme at the Faculty of Medicine,
    Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Methods: This activity involves groups of 14 – 15 students sitting in with family members of individuals with mental illness. The session starts with the carer giving his or her perspective of patient’s care and the challenges involved. This is followed by a question and answer session. Finally, the carer provides a written feedback by way of scoring certain items as well as brief comments. After the session, each student is required to prepare an individual report in the form of reflective writing. Results: Out of a total of 224 students, the reflections of 126 students were reviewed to assess what they had learnt from the Session With Carer. Among the more significant findings were: 100% learnt about the various challenges faced by carers. 31.7% learnt the importance of
    faith/spirituality of the carer in caring for a mentally ill family member. 29.4% learnt the importance of family and others’ support. An equal number, that is, 26.2% learnt that it helps for the carer to have good mental health and a positive attitude, as well as good
    knowledge of the illness. Those who became aware of the benefits of the carer having patience and determination made up 23.8% of the total reflections reviewed. Conclusion: The findings show that the Session With Carer is very educational, and helps create more
    awareness of the importance of the carer’s role in patient management and support. In other words, carers can act as teachers in creating more public awareness about mental illness and
    ultimately, help in gradually removing the stigma associated with mental illness. Therefore, carers should be utilized for this purpose.
    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness
  4. Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2013;14(2):190-192.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: Smoking is a prevalent problem globally but more so among most ASEAN countries. Worldwide, six million lives are lost annually and this number is expected to grow. In light of this, the World Health Organization recognises the 31st of May to be World No Tobacco Day. For 2013, the theme is "Ban Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship". This article aims to increase awareness among mental health workers, in particular psychiatrists, on the dangers of smoking, the tactics of the tobacco industry, and simple measures to address these problems within their daily activities.

    Method: A brief review of recent relevant literature in the field and actual experience from the field were highlighted in this opinion section.

    Results and Conclusion: Mental health workers are at an advantage as they have training in both psychological treatments such as brief intervention, cognitive behavioural therapy or counselling skills and for some others, pharmacological treatments. It is timely that health workers in the region take up this challenging but meaningful opportunity to help those with mental illness to stop their dependence for tobacco.
    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness
  5. Mohd Armi, A.S., Afiza, A.S., Mohd Ramzi, A.
    ASM Science Journal, 2012;6(2):149-151.
    MyJurnal
    Over the last century, the earth’s climate has changed. It is a serious global, long-term problem which involves complex interactions. A lot of evidence suggests that most of the observed factors contributing to the crisis over the last 50 years can be attributed to human activities. Malaysia has always been vulnerable to extreme climatic events such as typhoons, floods and drought. We expect climate change to exacerbate these vulnerabilities. To ensure, that our water resources will always be secure and ready for use. We need to create awareness in the public and the policy makers so that they will acknowledge that the climate change issue is real. They also need to accept that actions to adapt with our vulnerabilities should be immediately put in place. We can do this by integrating the various sector policies and securing the participation of all stakeholders in Malaysia and other countries.
    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness
  6. M.N.N. Husna, R.M.R. Ahmad, R.E. Intan, C.H. Asmawati
    ASM Science Journal, 2013;7(1):59-66.
    MyJurnal
    Throughout the years, the construction industry has made an important contribution to the Malaysian economy. Moreover, the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006–2010) has also played a significant role in the demands of executing major residential housing project developments where it has been observed that construction waste was one of the priority waste streams. Due to the increasing number in the population that is actively involved in economic activities, and the modernization of the country, the types of construction waste that are being produced, and identifying the source such as waste are becoming more complex. Therefore, appropriate actions and approaches are needed to be taken with respect to its effective management in handling the solid waste from construction sites. This paper is intended to review the issues and the challenges enclosed within the supply chain management mechanisms in order for improving construction waste management. Throughout this review, useful information and better understanding concerning the current issues, challenges and the supply chain management mechanisms would be made inclusive in the field to be explored. The findings would also assist in improving the quality and awareness on the construction waste management that is being practiced.
    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness
  7. Ahmad Zaidee Laidin, Loganathan, P.
    ASM Science Journal, 2011;5(1):77-77.
    MyJurnal
    Awareness and sensitivity on the subject of green technology are currently commanding the attention of the world in the light of rising energy costs and the threat of global warming. Many countries are now recognizing the benefits of researching into and using green technology to reduce their carbon and water footprints and to minimize waste. (Copied from article).
    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness
  8. Prashanti E, Ramnarayan K
    Adv Physiol Educ, 2020 Dec 01;44(4):550-553.
    PMID: 32880485 DOI: 10.1152/advan.00085.2020
    To foster a milieu in which student learning can be optimum, teachers need to be aware of the attributes of a safe learning environment. This is the space created in the students' minds to seamlessly promote learning. The 10 maxims, presented in this paper, are the cornerstones, nay, the capstones, for making this happen.
    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness
  9. Chan C, Moy FM, Lim JNW, Dahlui M
    Am J Health Promot, 2018 03;32(3):806-811.
    PMID: 28279088 DOI: 10.1177/0890117117695888
    PURPOSE: To assess the awareness, facilitators, and barriers to policy implementation related to obesity prevention for primary school children.

    DESIGN: A cross-sectional study administered using an online questionnaire.

    SETTING: Conducted in 447 primary schools in a state in Malaysia.

    PARTICIPANTS: One school administrator from each school served as a participant.

    MEASURES: The questionnaires consisted of 32 items on awareness, policy implementation, and facilitators and barriers to policy implementation.

    ANALYSIS: Descriptive analysis was used to describe the awareness, facilitators, and barriers of policies implementation. Association between schools' characteristics and policy implementation was assessed using logistic regression.

    RESULTS: The majority (90%) of school administrators were aware of the policies. However, only 50% to 70% of schools had implemented the policies fully. Reported barriers were lack of equipment, insufficient training, and limited time to complete implementation. Facilitators of policy implementation were commitment from the schools, staff members, students, and canteen operators. Policy implementation was comparable in all school types and locality; except the policy on "Food and Drinks sold at the school canteens" was implemented by more rural schools compared to urban schools (odds ratio: 1.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.13-2.69).

    CONCLUSION: Majority of the school administrators were aware of the existing policies; however, the implementation was only satisfactory. The identified barriers to policy implementation were modifiable and thus, the stakeholders should consider restrategizing plans in overcoming them.

    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness*
  10. Sie MY, Goh PK, Chan L, Ong SY
    Anaesth Intensive Care, 2004 Feb;32(1):28-30.
    PMID: 15058117
    This randomized controlled trial compared Bispectral Index (BIS) values in 40 patients after a modified rapid sequence induction using thiopentone 4 mg/kg or propofol 2 mg/kg with rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg as muscle relaxant. Endotracheal intubation was performed at 60 seconds from induction of anaesthesia and BIS values were recorded for three minutes after induction. At the 120, 150 and 180 second measurements there was a significantly greater proportion of subjects with BIS values < or = 60 ("anaesthetized") in the propofol group compared with the thiopentone group (P values < 0.02, < 0.01 and < 0.01 respectively). All intubations were completed within two minutes. No explicit recall of intubation was detected clinically with either induction agent. The BIS scores we have measured suggest that thiopentone 4 mg/kg is more likely to be associated with lighter planes of anaesthesia and consequent risk of awareness than propofol 2 mg/kg, if intubation is delayed or prolonged.
    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness/drug effects
  11. Sinclair M, Phillips CJC
    Animals (Basel), 2019 Jun 05;9(6).
    PMID: 31195720 DOI: 10.3390/ani9060319
    The welfare of farm animals has been the focus of increasing international interest, however, the movement has had little engagement with livestock leaders who are, arguably, the stakeholders in the position most able to make decisions that impact on animal welfare at critical times. Previous studies have drawn attention to the need to engage in constructive collaborations with the livestock industry for the betterment of animal welfare, and to uncover mutual benefits for both stakeholders and proponents of animal welfare with which collaborations can be motivated. This study aimed to continue this need to understand leaders in livestock management, by consulting their opinions as to what constitutes the most critical animal welfare issues during farming and slaughter, and what they see as some of the solutions to begin addressing livestock welfare issues in their country. Seventeen focus group sessions were held with 139 leaders in livestock industries in six diverse countries in Asia, including China, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Bangladesh. Leaders included government representatives, key academics in agriculture, and business managers and leaders within the domestic animal agriculture industries, as relevant to each country. After conducting thematic analysis and applying basic statistical measures, the findings suggest that solutions within the themes of education, training, and awareness are most valued. However, how each of these could be best addressed varied by country. The need for local research and local solutions also contributed to the most frequent opportunities, as did the requirement for prescriptive and consistent standards and expectations. A ranking of animal welfare issues is presented, as is a selection of suggested animal welfare initiatives resulting from the findings of this study.
    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness
  12. Hany Mohamed Aly Ahmed, Deepti Saini
    Archives of Orofacial Sciences, 2012;7(2):101-106.
    MyJurnal
    Sufficient knowledge on the root and root canal anatomy is essential for practicing root canal treatment. The mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molar teeth present an endodontic challenge due to their wide variability and complexity of their internal morphological landmarks. A review on the literature indicates that the prevalence of a third mesiobuccal root canal in the mesiobuccal root of maxillary molar teeth may reach 9%, and the root canal configuration usually is type XV (3-2). These reported data reveal the importance of absolute awareness for this anatomical aberration that requires special attention from dental practitioners while commencing root canal treatment in maxillary molar teeth. Hence, this article aims to report and describe the management of a maxillary first molar tooth with three mesiobuccal root canals, but with an unusual configuration.
    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness
  13. Mohaideen Sitheeque, Zulkifli Ahmad, Rajan Saini
    MyJurnal
    The objective of this survey was to evaluate the knowledge of final year dental and medical students of Universiti Sains Malaysia concerning epidemiology, aetiology, clinical aspects, prevention, early detection and treatment of oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire with 36 questions was used. Forty five dental students and 147 medical students participated in the study. Dental students were relatively better informed than their medical colleagues concerning most issues addressed in the questionnaire. Yet, in some areas of knowledge, the dental students did not differ significantly from their medical colleagues. Only a small proportion of both groups of students expressed confidence in their knowledge and skills in oral cancer prevention and detection. This study revealed areas of deficiency in the awareness of these students concerning oral cancer and OPMD. It points to a necessity to strengthen these aspects of medical and dental undergraduate curricula.
    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness
  14. Muhammad NA, Omar K, Shah SA, Muthupalaniappen L, Arshad F
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2008;17(4):597-602.
    PMID: 19114396
    BACKGROUND: Worldwide the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is escalating. Parents’ recognition of overweight or obesity in their own children is very important for a successful intervention in these children. This study examined parental perception of their children’s weight status, and its association with their knowledge on nutrition and obesity.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross sectional study of parents with children aged 9 to 12 years, in a primary school of Kuala Lumpur. Parents responded to a self-administered questionnaire which contains parental perception of their child weight status as well as knowledge on nutrition and obesity. The parents’ perception of the children’s weight status was then compared with the actual measured weight status.
    RESULTS: There were 204 parents who participated in the study. Parents were found to underestimate their child weight status and 38.2% were inaccurate in their perception. The mean score of knowledge on nutrition and obesity was 78.5±14.4; and this did not associate with the accuracy of their perception on the child weight status. Parents showed inadequate knowledge in food pyramid and preparation of low fat meals.
    CONCLUSION: The Malaysian Health Campaigns had resulted in overall good knowledge on nutrition and obesity in the parents except in few domains. However, this was insufficient to make the parents recognize the growing overweight and obesity problem in their children.
    Key Words: overweight, obesity, children, parental perception, knowledge
    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness
  15. Ghani WM, Doss JG, Jamaluddin M, Kamaruzaman D, Zain RB
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2013;14(3):1957-63.
    PMID: 23679299
    OBJECTIVE: To assess oral cancer awareness, its associated factors and related sources of information among a selected group of Malaysians.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on all Malaysian ethnic groups aged ≥15 years old at eight strategically chosen shopping malls within a two week time period. Data were analysed using chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression. Significance level was set at α<0.05.

    RESULTS: Most (84.2%) respondents had heard of oral cancer. Smoking was the most (92.4%) recognized high risk habit. Similar levels of awareness were seen for unhealed ulcers (57.3%) and red/white patches (58.0%) as signs of oral cancer. Age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, education, occupation and income were significantly associated with oral cancer awareness (p<0.05).

    CONCLUSIONS: There was a general lack of awareness regarding the risk habits, early signs and symptoms, and the benefits of detecting this disease at an early stage. Mass media and health campaigns were the main sources of information about oral cancer. In our Malaysian population, gender and age were significantly associated with the awareness of early signs and symptoms and prevention of oral cancer, respectively.

    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness*
  16. Al-Naggar RA, Bobryshev YV, Al-Jashamy K, Al-Musli M
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2012;13(8):3835-40.
    PMID: 23098480
    OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine the practice and associated factors of HPV vaccine among school girls in Melaka, Malaysia.

    METHODOLOGY: A total number of 612 secondary school girls participated in this study. The questionnaire consists of 38 questions which included 3 sections. The first section is about socio- demography. The Second section is about knowledge and awareness of HPV vaccines. The third section is about practices with associated barriers of HPV vaccination. Verbal consent was obtained from all participants, and data were analyzed using SPSS 13.

    RESULTS: A total number of 612 secondary school girl students participated in this study. The mean age was 13.93 ± SD (1.09); minimum age was 13 years old and maximum was 17 years old. The majority of them was Malay, from rural areas and had a family monthly income of RM 3000 or less (91.8%, 53.1%, 69.6%; respectively). The majority of the parents of the school girls were with secondary education level (56.4%). The majority of the participants did not have a family history of cervical cancer (99.0%). The prevalence of HPV vaccination was 77.9% among school girls in Melaka. The majority of the participants were vaccinated in their schools (77.0%). About 69% knew about cervical cancer and 77.6% had ever heard about HPV vaccine. Regarding the factors that influence the practice of uptake HPV vaccine, they were age, race, income, parents' education, knowledge about cervical cancer, heard about HPV vaccine and place of getting the vaccine (p<0.001).

    CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HPV vaccine among school girls is high. Age, race, income, parents' education, knowledge about cervical cancer, heard about HPV vaccine and place of getting the vaccine were the significant factors that influence the practice of uptake HPV vaccine among school girls.

    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness
  17. Norsa'adah B, Rahmah MA, Rampal KG, Knight A
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2012;13(8):3723-30.
    PMID: 23098462
    Delay in help-seeking behaviour which is potentially preventable has a major effect on the prognosis and survival of patients with breast cancer. The objective of this study was to explore reasons for delay in seeking help among patients with breast cancer from the East Coast of peninsular Malaysia. A qualitative study using face- to-face in-depth interview was carried out involving 12 breast cancer patients who had been histo-pathologically confirmed and were symptomatic on presentation. Respondents were selected purposely based on their history of delayed consultation, diagnosis or treatment. All were of Malay ethnicity and the age range was 26-67 years. Three were in stage ll, seven in stage lll and two in stage lV. At the time of interview, all except one respondent had accepted treatment. The range of consultation time was 0.2-72.2 months with a median of 1.7 months, diagnosis time was 1.4-95.8 months( median 5.4 months )and treatment time was 0-33.3 months (median 1.2 months). The themes derived from the study were poor knowledge or awareness of breast cancer, fear of cancer consequences, beliefs in complementary alternative medicine, sanction by others, other priorities, denial of disease, attitude of wait and see and health care system weakness. Help-seeking behaviour was influenced by a complex interaction of cognitive, environmental, beliefs, culture and psycho-social factors. Breast cancer awareness and psychological counselling are recommended for all patients with breast symptoms to prevent delay in seeking clinical help.
    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness
  18. Loh SY, Chew SL
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(1):199-202.
    PMID: 21517257
    Breast self-examination (BSE) is a self-generated, non-invasive and non-irradiative method of breast cancer detection. This paper documents Malaysian women's awareness and practice of regular BSE as a potent breast cancer detection tool. A pre-test post-test questionnaire survey on women diagnosed with breast cancer (n=66) was conducted. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were performed to correlate demographic variables, knowledge and regular practice of BSE. Findings showed that 80% of the breast cancer survivors self-detected the breast lumps, despite a high 85% of these women reporting they were never taught about BSE. More than 70% of the women maintained that lack of knowledge/skill on the proper practice of BSE was the key barrier to a more regular BSE practice. After an educational intervention on BSE and breast awareness, we found an increase report from 17% (at pre-test) to 67% (at post-test) of self reported monthly BSE practices. Provision of self-management education incorporating BSE, a readily available cheap method, should be introduced at primary care and breast clinics. This strategy promotes women's self-efficacy which contributes towards cancer control agenda in less resource available countries around Asia Pacific. Longer follow up may be crucial to examine the adherence to positive BSE behaviour.
    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness
  19. Dahlui M, Ng C, Al-Sadat N, Ismail S, Bulgiba A
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(2):369-72.
    PMID: 21545196
    OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the rate of breast self examination (BSE) among the female staff of University of Malaya and to determine the role of BSE in detecting breast abnormalities.

    METHODS: A total of 1598 questionnaires were posted to all female staff, aged 35 years and above. Their knowledge on breast cancer, practice of BSE and detection rate of breast abnormality as confirmed by CBE was determined.

    RESULTS: The response rate for this study was 45 percent (714 respondents). The rate of respondents having awareness on breast cancer was 98.7 percent. Eighty four percent (598) of the respondents had performed BSE in their lifetime. However, in only 41% was it regular at the recommended time. Forty seven percent (334) had undergone CBE at least once in a lifetime but only 26% (185) had CBE at least once in the past 3 years, while 23% (165) had had a mammogram. There was a significant relationship between CBE and BSE whereby those who had CBE were twice more likely to do BSE. Nineteen percent (84 respondents) of those who did BSE claimed they had detected a breast lump. Of these, 87% (73) had gone for CBE and all were confirmed as such.

    CONCLUSION: BSE is still relevant as a screening tool of breast cancer since those who detect breast lump by BSE will most probably go for further check up. CBE should be done to all women, especially those at highest risk of breast cancer, to encourage and train for BSE.

    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness
  20. Kanaga KC, Nithiya J, Shatirah MF
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(8):1965-7.
    PMID: 22292634
    Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer in women globally and early detection increases the survival rate of patients. Therefore, this study was done to determine factors which influence the awareness of breast cancer and practice of screening procedures. A cross-sectional study was performed on 125 women aged 19-60 years in urban and rural areas in Malaysia using a validated questionnaire covering knowledge of breast cancer and screening practices. A total of 99.2% respondents knew that breast cancer is the leading cancer with a mean knowledge of 67.3 ± 15.3% for urban and 50.2 ± 14.7% for rural women Mann Whitney U showed rural women had significantly less awareness compared to urban women (p< 0.05). Spearman correlation test showed a significant positive relationship between education and awareness (p< 0.05). Regarding awareness of the screening methods, 92.8%, 50.4% and 47.2% of respondents correctly answered questions on capability of BSE, CBE and mammography, respectively. In conclusion, the study showed awareness of breast cancer and practice of screening procedures increases with higher education and urban living. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an intensive breast cancer awareness campaign and availablity of screening centres prioritized in rural areas.
    Matched MeSH terms: Awareness
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