MyMedR

Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 76 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext Word learning from a tablet app: Toddlers perform better in a passive context

Ackermann L, Lo CH, Mani N, Mayor J

PLoS One, 2020;15(12):e0240519.
PMID: 33259476 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240519

In recent years, the popularity of tablets has skyrocketed and there has been an explosive growth in apps designed for children. Howhever, many of these apps are released without tests for their effectiveness. This is worrying given that the factors influencing children's learning from touchscreen devices need to be examined in detail. In particular, it has been suggested that children learn less from passive video viewing relative to equivalent live interaction, which would have implications for learning from such digital tools. However, this so-called video deficit may be reduced by allowing children greater influence over their learning environment. Across two touchscreen-based experiments, we examined whether 2- to 4-year-olds benefit from actively choosing what to learn more about in a digital word learning task. We designed a tablet study in which "active" participants were allowed to choose which objects they were taught the label of, while yoked "passive" participants were presented with the objects chosen by their active peers. We then examined recognition of the learned associations across different tasks. In Experiment 1, children in the passive condition outperformed those in the active condition (n = 130). While Experiment 2 replicated these findings in a new group of Malay-speaking children (n = 32), there were no differences in children's learning or recognition of the novel word-object associations using a more implicit looking time measure. These results suggest that there may be performance costs associated with active tasks designed as in the current study, and at the very least, there may not always be systematic benefits associated with active learning in touchscreen-based word learning tasks. The current studies add to the evidence that educational apps need to be evaluated before release: While children might benefit from interactive apps under certain conditions, task design and requirements need to consider factors that may detract from successful performance.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior/physiology*
Fulltext Why women chose unassisted home birth in Malaysia: a qualitative study

Ahmad Tajuddin NAN, Suhaimi J, Ramdzan SN, Malek KA, Ismail IA, Shamsuddin NH, et al.

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 2020 May 19;20(1):309.
PMID: 32429857 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-02987-9

BACKGROUND: Incidences of unassisted home birthing practices have been increasing in Malaysia despite the accessibility to safe and affordable child birthing facilities. We aimed to explore the reasons for women to make such decisions.
METHODS: Twelve women participated in in-depth interviews. They were recruited using a snowballing approach. The interviews were supported by a topic guide which was developed based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour and previous literature. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.
RESULTS: Women in this study described a range of birthing experiences and personal beliefs as to why they chose unassisted home birth. Four themes emerged from the interviews; i) preferred birthing experience, ii) birth is a natural process, iii) expressing autonomy and iv) faith. Such decision to birth at home unassisted was firm and steadfast despite the possible risks and complications that can occur. Giving birth is perceived to occur naturally regardless of assistance, and unassisted home birth provides the preferred environment which health facilities in Malaysia may lack. They believed that they were in control of the birth processes apart from fulfilling the spiritual beliefs.
CONCLUSIONS: Women may choose unassisted home birth to express their personal views and values, at the expense of the health risks. Apart from increasing mothers' awareness of the possible complications arising from unassisted home births, urgent efforts are needed to provide better birth experiences in healthcare facilities that resonate with the mothers' beliefs and values.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior*
Why do primigravidae request caesarean section in a normal pregnancy? A qualitative study in Iran

Faisal I, Matinnia N, Hejar AR, Khodakarami Z

Midwifery, 2014 Feb;30(2):227-33.
PMID: 24055288 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2013.08.011

to gain a deeper understanding of why Iranian primigravidae request caesarean section without any medical indication.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior*
Why Cancer Patients Seek Islamic Healing

Suhami N, Muhamad MB, Krauss SE

J Relig Health, 2016 Oct;55(5):1507-18.
PMID: 26391242 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-015-0114-6

Islamic healing is frequently referred to as the treatment of choice by many Muslim cancer patients in Malaysia. Despite its widespread use, there is limited information relating to patients' healing preferences. With rising cancer rates in the country, this issue has become a concern to public health policy makers. The purpose of this study was to understand why cancer patients seek Islamic healing. This qualitative study utilized in-depth interviews with 18 cancer patients. The findings indicate three main reasons: (1) recommendations from family, friends and doctors; (2) belief in Islamic healing and (3) the perceived ineffectiveness and dissatisfaction with conventional treatments. Islamic healing will likely continue to be popular complementary cancer treatment in Malaysia as it is grounded in strong cultural and religious beliefs.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior*
Fulltext What Sways People's Judgment of Sleep Quality? A Quantitative Choice-Making Study With Good and Poor Sleepers

Ramlee F, Sanborn AN, Tang NKY

Sleep, 2017 07 01;40(7).
PMID: 28525617 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsx091

Study objectives: We conceptualized sleep quality judgment as a decision-making process and examined the relative importance of 17 parameters of sleep quality using a choice-based conjoint analysis.
Methods: One hundred participants (50 good sleepers; 50 poor sleepers) were asked to choose between 2 written scenarios to answer 1 of 2 questions: "Which describes a better (or worse) night of sleep?". Each scenario described a self-reported experience of sleep, stringing together 17 possible determinants of sleep quality that occur at different times of the day (day before, pre-sleep, during sleep, upon waking, day after). Each participant answered 48 questions. Logistic regression models were fit to their choice data.
Results: Eleven of the 17 sleep quality parameters had a significant impact on the participants' choices. The top 3 determinants of sleep quality were: Total sleep time, feeling refreshed (upon waking), and mood (day after). Sleep quality judgments were most influenced by factors that occur during sleep, followed by feelings and activities upon waking and the day after. There was a significant interaction between wake after sleep onset and feeling refreshed (upon waking) and between feeling refreshed (upon waking) and question type (better or worse night of sleep). Type of sleeper (good vs poor sleepers) did not significantly influence the judgments.
Conclusions: Sleep quality judgments appear to be determined by not only what happened during sleep, but also what happened after the sleep period. Interventions that improve mood and functioning during the day may inadvertently also improve people's self-reported evaluation of sleep quality.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior*
Utilisation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) through community pharmacies in Malaysia

Chua SS, Paraidathathu T

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2005;17(2):117-23.
PMID: 16425656

This study was conducted to evaluate the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by consumers who obtained these drugs from community pharmacies. Factors that influenced community pharmacists in their choice of NSAIDs were also determined. Personal interviews were conducted on consumers who visited the 25 participating community pharmacies throughout Malaysia. Of the 389 respondents, 49% requested for an NSAID by name, 42% asked the pharmacist to recommend a medication and 9% had a doctor's prescription. NSAIDs were mainly purchased for joint/shoulder pain and the most commonly dispensed was diclofenac. Elderly respondents were more likely to be dispensed a selective COX-2 inhibitor than those below 60. NSAIDs were recommended based mainly on the pharmacist's perception of their efficacy, cost and safety. Community pharmacists play an important role in assisting patients in choosing the most appropriate NSAID for their health problems.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior
Using sosial cognitive theory to understand exercise maintenance in women breast cancer survivors adopting Guolin Qigong

Nadiah Diyana Tan Abdullah, Khor, Poy Hua, Mazanah Muhamad

Movement Health & Exercise, 2013;2(1):47-52.
MyJurnal

The purpose of this study is to explore and understand the exercise maintenance in women with breast cancer survivors adopting Guolin Qigong using the Social Cognitive Theory related constructs. A qualitative approach using in-depth interviews were employed in this study. 22 participants of the Malaysia Guolin Qigong Association from five regions in Peninsular Malaysia were purposely selected to participate in this study. Data was collected through a series of audiotapes during the interview sessions. They were asked on how do they maintain in their Guolin Qigong exercise. Three themes related to the Social Cognitive Theory constructs emerged from the data collected. (i) Personal Factors; (ii) Environmental Factors and (iii) Tailored Program. The belief in Guolin Qigong or in an exercise program is crucial in helping one to maintain with the exercise program and this findings is consistent with literature that those responded favourably to an exercise will have greater positive attitudes to exercise maintenance. To keep these women maintain the exercise it is important that these women have friends who understand them better to share their experiences related to their disease. It has been suggested that connecting to other survivors contributes to the survivors' positive well-being and to deal with their everyday living. Lastly, the type of exercise should be tailored to the physical condition of these women to keep them sustain the exercise. This theory can be used by the health practitioners to develop more effective interventions for increasing exercise maintenance in sedentary cancer survivors by taking into special attention personal factors particularly one's beliefs and inner motivation. Having to embark and engage into an exercise program of their preferred choice will help one to maintain an exercise program.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior
Using delphi technique: making sense of consensus in concept mapping structure and multiple choice questions (mcq)

Rusnani Ab Latif, Rasidah Mohamed, Akehsan Dahlan, Mohd Zarawi Mat Nor

Education in Medicine Journal, 2016;8(3):0-0.
MyJurnal

The Delphi technique is a widely used and accepted method for gathering data from participantswithin domain of expertise. The objective of this study is to discuss the process of the three roundsDelphi technique in seeking a consensus of concept mapping structure and Multiple Choice Questions(MCQ) in Diabetic Mellitus subject. In the first, round, participants were given a structuredquestionnaire regarding item of concept mapping structure and MCQ in Diabetic Mellitus subject.The second were added mean and median value of round one. In the third round were add meanand median value of round two were added. Participants were asked to rate the categorised responsesfrom Round 1 on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being “Very irrelevant” and 5 being “Very relevant”. Thistechnique does not require participants to meet face-to-face, thereby making it useful to conductsurveys with qualified people over a wide geographic area. The feedback process allows and encouragesthe selected Delphi participants to reassess their initial judgements about the information providedin previous iterations. Data is then analysed to check for consistency of experts’ responses betweenrounds. Instrument developed from the Delphi technique research findings is also examined forvalidation from experts in educational medical health sciences on content and constructs validity.Analysis on the consensus of data from experts was based on median, inter quartile range and quartiledeviation on Round 1, 2 and 3 data. Therefore, the Delphi technique is an appropriate method foridentifying significant issues related with academic.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior
Using GWAS top hits to inform priors in Bayesian fine-mapping association studies

Walters K, Cox A, Yaacob H

Genet Epidemiol, 2019 Sep;43(6):675-689.
PMID: 31286571 DOI: 10.1002/gepi.22212

The default causal single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effect size prior in Bayesian fine-mapping studies is usually the Normal distribution. This choice is often based on computational convenience, rather than evidence that it is the most suitable prior distribution. The choice of prior is important because previous studies have shown considerable sensitivity of causal SNP Bayes factors to the form of the prior. In some well-studied diseases there are now considerable numbers of genome-wide association study (GWAS) top hits along with estimates of the number of yet-to-be-discovered causal SNPs. We show how the effect sizes of the top hits and estimates of the number of yet-to-be-discovered causal SNPs can be used to choose between the Laplace and Normal priors, to estimate the prior parameters and to quantify the uncertainty in this estimation. The methodology can readily be applied to other priors. We show that the top hits available from breast cancer GWAS provide overwhelming support for the Laplace over the Normal prior, which has important consequences for variant prioritisation. This work in this paper enables practitioners to derive more objective priors than are currently being used and could lead to prioritisation of different variants.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior
Fulltext University foodservice: An overview of factors influencing the customers' dining choice

Nadzirah, S., Ab Karim, S., Ghazali, H., Othman, M.

International Food Research Journal, 2013;20(3):1459-1468.
MyJurnal

On-campus foodservices were thought to be the first choice for university students to dine in. However, these seemingly captive consumers have been opting for off-campus foodservice as their preferred outlet. This paper aims to uncover specific factors that motivate undergraduate students to dine-in at university foodservice facilities using Profile Accumulation Technique (PAT). PAT is a semi-quantitative method that provides freedom for informants to answer in their own terms and words, alternatively the data could be analyzed statistically. 115 questionnaires were distributed to students and staff of a local university. Findings include a list of factors (positive perception, negative perception and expectations) that the students considered to be significant in determining their choice of food outlet. These factors are then descriptively analyzed to determine attributes influencing university customer preferences. This paper significantly contributes in providing a deeper insight into factors that influences dining choice of university foodservice's customers in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior
Fulltext The sweetest thing: the influence of angularity, symmetry, and the number of elements on shape-valence and shape-taste matches

Salgado-Montejo A, Alvarado JA, Velasco C, Salgado CJ, Hasse K, Spence C

Front Psychol, 2015;6:1382.
PMID: 26441757 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01382

A within-participants experiment was conducted in two countries (the UK and Colombia) in order to investigate the matching of shapes to taste words. Comparing the two countries allowed us to explore some of the cultural differences that have been reported thus far solely in terms of people's visual preferences. In particular, we addressed the question of whether properties other than angularity influence shape-valence and shape-taste matching (crossmodal correspondences). The participants in the present study repeatedly matched eight shapes, varying in terms of their angularity, symmetry, and number of elements to one of two words-pleasant or unpleasant and sweet or sour. Participants' choices, as well as the latency of their responses, and their hand movements, were evaluated. The participants were more likely to judge those shapes that were rounder, symmetrical, and those shapes that had fewer elements as both pleasant and sweet. Those shapes that were more angular, asymmetrical, and that had a greater number of elements, were more likely to be judged as both unpleasant and sour instead. The evidence presented here therefore suggests that aside from angularity and roundness, both symmetry/asymmetry and the number of elements present in a shape also influence valence and taste categorizations.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior
The relative contribution of profile body shape and weight to judgements of women's physical attractiveness in Britain and Malaysia

Swami V, Tovée MJ

Body Image, 2007 Dec;4(4):391-6.
PMID: 18089286

Ninety-six Malaysian and British men rated for physical attractiveness a set of photographs of real women in profile, with known body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Results showed that BMI accounted for the greater amount of variance in all settings. There were also significant differences in preferences for body weight, with low resource, low socioeconomic status (SES) raters preferring a significantly heavier partner than high resource, high SES raters. The disparity with previous findings using line drawings of women in profile was discussed in terms of the weaknesses of line-drawn stimuli.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior
The perception of Malaysian pedestrians toward the use of footbridges

Hasan R, Napiah M

Traffic Inj Prev, 2018 04 03;19(3):292-297.
PMID: 28898110 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2017.1373768

OBJECTIVE: The footbridge is a vital structure in the road network and a cornerstone among crossing facilities. Yet, it suffers from low usage by pedestrians as they try to cross the street on the level. This study aims to analyze the perceptions of Malaysian pedestrians toward the use of footbridges with the consideration of different factors.
METHOD: The study was carried out by collecting data from field observation and questionnaire distribution on the street among the public. The data were statistically analyzed by applying multiple linear regression models and a series of chi-square tests.
RESULTS: The study found that the most influential factor cited by pedestrians in decision making regarding using a footbridge is the existence of an escalator. Being in a hurry and the fear of heights were significantly associated with choosing not to use a footbridge. Zebra crossing was chosen as the most favorable type of crossing facility by the majority of respondents. In addition, installation of a fence and barriers was proposed as an effective procedure to prevent jaywalking. To construct new and efficient footbridges in the future, the study suggests consideration of traffic volume, posted speed limit, and the number of lanes, because these are the most influential factors to predict the usage rate.
CONCLUSIONS: The study encourages decision makers and stakeholders to consider providing escalators for new footbridges to enhance the safety of pedestrians.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior*
Fulltext The influence of socio-demographic factors and product attributes on attitudes toward purchasing special rice among Malaysian consumers

International Food Research Journal, 2011;18(3):1135-1142.
MyJurnal

The study investigated socio-demographic factors and product attributes affecting purchase decision of special rice by Malaysian consumer. The primary data were analyzed by using binary logit model.
Demographic factors and consumer preference for special rice (with reference to basmati rice) attributes were identified to affect purchasing behavior for special rice. Size of household, marital status, number of children, household income and gender of consumers are the main socio-demographic factors that significantly influence households’ choices of special rice for home consumption in the Klang Valley area. The findings also suggest that product attributes such as flavor and aroma, availability, brand name and quality also influence the frequent purchasing of Basmati rice among the Malaysian consumers. However price and easy preparation are not significant in influencing the frequent purchasing of Basmati rice since most consumers are aware that special rice such as Basmati is expensive and all rice has to be prepared in a usual way.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior
Fulltext The impact of geographical location on taste sensitivity and preference

Baharuddin, A.R, Sharifudin, M.S.

International Food Research Journal, 2015;22(2):731-738.
MyJurnal

This study was carried out to determine recognition threshold and taste preference for three basic tastes (sweetness, saltiness and sourness) based on location (interior and coastal) among the Kadazandusun ethnic in Sabah, Malaysia. One hundred and ninety four (194) volunteers aged 20 to 55 years were selected randomly (stratified) as subject. Three Alternative Forced- Choice (3AFC) and hedonic test were used to determine the taste threshold and preference. The interior group had lower taste threshold for all tastes; sweet (10.97 g/L ± 3.69), salty (1.14 g/L ± 0.38), sour (0.0095 g/L ± 0.011) compared to the coastal group; sweet (11.56 g/L ± 3.71), salty (1.23 g/L ± 0.39), sour (0.0012 g/L ± 0.0034). For intensity and hedonic rating, the patterns of response varied based on location for sweet and sour taste. No significant different (p>0.05) was observed for salty taste. However, both groups preferred the base stimulus which concentration similar to the commercially available products tested. There is a correlation between taste threshold and optimum concentration. Individuals with preferred high taste intensity tend to have higher taste threshold. Location and culture can influenced individual taste preference. However, exposure and experience to taste sensation was the major factor on individual’s taste preference.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior
The health burden of malaria and household choices regarding treatment and prevention in Pakistan

Khan M, Mahmood HZ, Noureen S, Muhmood K, Husnain MIU, Hameed Khaliq I

Trop Biomed, 2019 Sep 01;36(3):664-676.
PMID: 33597488

The extent of the economic burden of malaria and its imposed mechanisms are both relevant to public policy. This paper investigates the economic burden of malaria and household behaviour in relation to the treatment and prevention of the illness in Pakistan. In this regard, data were collected from a randomly selected sample of 360 households using structured questionnaires. The survey results indicate that 23.4% of household members contracted malaria during the three-month reference period. The average per person cost of malaria is estimated at 3116 Pakistani rupees (PKR) (USD 32). The estimated cost of the illness was found to be equivalent to, on average, 6.7% of monthly household income. Although high-income households face a higher financial burden due to better preventive and mitigation measures, the negative consequences hit low-income households harder due to liquidity constraints and poor access to effective treatment. We recommend that malaria control policies be integrated into development and poverty reduction programs.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior
Fulltext The Relationship of Health and Nutrition Claims towards Purchasing Choices among Consumers in Shah Alam, Selangor

Shammakh M, Ali RT, Shaari T

J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo), 2020;66(Supplement):S222-S225.
PMID: 33612599 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.66.S222

Consumers nowadays have more awareness for healthy foods and demanded healthier food choices to avoid health-related problems; therefore, industries had included health and nutrition claims on their products. Health and nutrition claims usually influence consumers' food choice decision. Products with health claim resulted in higher perception of healthiness and nutritional value of the product, even if the product was not considered as a healthy choice. The aim of this study was to assess whether the health and nutrition claims had led to a healthier perception or better evaluation of the product among consumers.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire on 385 respondents collected through convenience sampling. The survey consisted of four parts: socio-demographic background, health awareness, understanding and usage of health and nutrition claims, and purchase intention measured through the use of a mock packaging. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 22.
RESULTS: Most of the respondents aged 18-30 (81.0%) and almost half of them were Malay (45.7%) with bachelor/master or PhD qualification (60.0%). The distribution of household income for all categories was almost similar (18.2-20.8%). There was a significant statistical relationship between health awareness and purchase intention among respondents (r=0.391, p<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: Health and nutrition claims influenced consumer's perceptions and purchase intention, especially for those who were more concerned about their health, thus, more focus on policy regarding claims is needed.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior*
Fulltext The Post-Coronavirus World in the International Tourism Industry: Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Safer Destination Choices in the Case of US Outbound Tourism

Han H, Al-Ansi A, Chua BL, Tariq B, Radic A, Park SH

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 Sep 06;17(18).
PMID: 32899942 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186485

The tourism industry has been seriously suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis ever since its outbreak. Given this pandemic situation, the major aim of this study is to develop a conceptual framework that clearly explains the US international tourists' post-pandemic travel behaviors by expanding the theory of planned behavior (TPB). By utilizing a quantitative process, the TPB was successfully broadened by incorporating the travelers' perceived knowledge of COVID-19, and it has been deepened by integrating the psychological risk. Our theoretical framework sufficiently accounted for the US tourists' post-pandemic travel intentions for safer international destinations. In addition, the perceived knowledge of COVID-19 contributed to boosting the prediction power for the intentions. The associations among the subjective norm, the attitude, and the intentions are under the significant influence of the tourists' psychological risks regarding international traveling. The comparative criticality of the subjective norm is found. Overall, the findings of this study considerably enhanced our understanding of US overseas tourists' post-pandemic travel decision-making processes and behaviors.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior*
Fulltext The Numerical Competency of Two Bird Species (Corvus splendens and Acridotheres tristis)

Rahman NA, Fadzly N, Dzakwan NM, Zulkifli NH

Trop Life Sci Res, 2014 Aug;25(1):95-103.
PMID: 25210590 MyJurnal

We conducted a series of experiments to test the numerical competency of two species of birds, Corvus splendens (House Crow) and Acridotheres tristis (Common Myna). Both species were allowed to choose from seven different groups of mealworms with varying proportions. We considered the birds to have made a correct choice when it selected the food group with the highest number of mealworms. Our overall results indicated that the Common Myna is able to count numbers (161 successful choices out of 247 trials) better than House Crows (133 successful choices out of 241 trials). We suspect that House Crows do not rely on a numerical sense when selecting food. Although House Crows mostly chose the cup with more mealworms (from seven food item proportions), only one proportion was chosen at rate above random chance. The Common Myna, however, were slow performers at the beginning but became increasingly more capable of numerical sense during the remainder of the experiment (four out of seven food proportion groups were chosen at a rate above random chance).

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior
Fulltext The effects of subdermal hormonal contraceptive implant on health indices. A preliminary report

Murad, A.Z., Mokhtar, A., Sudesan, R., Lee, S.F., Ghazali, I.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2007;6(2):1-16.
MyJurnal

Subdermal etonogestrel implant (Implanon®) is the newest, long term contraceptive implant which has recently been made available to Malaysian women. This prospective study was conducted to determine the effects on selected health indices among 42 women who had consented to Implanon® as their choice of contraception. Health indices were checked prior to Implanon® insertion and six months post insertion. Findings indicate a significant reduction in total cholesterol with a significant increase in total haemoglobin and BMI. However there was no significant change noted in the fasting blood sugar, glycosylated haemoglobin, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.

Matched MeSH terms: Choice Behavior

Filters

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

External Links