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A Recombinant Subunit HSABA392 as a potential Vaccine for Haemorrhagic septicaemia disease in livestock

Rita DV, Swee KCW, Shamini C, Kang TL, Nurshamimi NR, Hussin AR, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2018 Dec 01;35(4):1075-1086.
PMID: 33601854

Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) is a major disease in cattle and buffaloes, caused by certain serotypes of Pasteurella multocida, mainly B and E serotypes. Frequent HS outbreak has a major impact in many Asian countries, including Malaysia, where farmers encounter economic loss due to low milk production as well as death of their livestock. There are four types of vaccines available; broth bacterins, alum precipitated vaccine, aluminium hydroxide gel vaccine and oil adjuvant vaccine (OAV), but these vaccines can only provide short term immunity and therefore need to be administered annually. Hence, the development of a protein vaccine using recombinant antigen can be a potential candidate for the production of HS vaccine that would give longer immunity. We have successfully cloned the ABA392 gene fragment into a protein expression vector, pET-30a. The protein was expressed from our ABA392/pET30a clone and the immunogenicity of the protein has been tested on rats. This vaccine was able to trigger an immune response and therefore has the potential to be tested as suitable vaccine candidate in future studies. It is envisaged that this subunit vaccine will make a significant contribution in the management of HS among livestock in future.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers
Fulltext A comparative analysis of the effect of low-cost fish and commercially compounded feed on growth performance and organoleptic quality of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × Epinephelus lanceolatus) in cage farming in Kuala Penyu, Sabah, and nutritional costs

Wei, Kang Chor, Victor Charlie Andin, Chitra Devi Gopalakrishnan, Amierah Amer, Shaheera Mohamed, Hiroyoshi Matsumoto, et al.

Borneo Journal of Marine Science and Aquaculture, 2020;4(1):52-56.
MyJurnal

A 25-week feeding trial was conducted to assess the growth performance, organoleptic quality, and to estimate the viability of nourishing hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus x Epinephelus lanceolatus) with low-cost fish (LCF) and commercially compound feed (CCF). A group of 3600 juvenile fish (182g) were released in four sea cages and fed with either LCF or CCF in duplicate. At the end of the trial, the hybrid grouper provided LCF attained a significantly higher (P0.05). Although technicalities of fish fed with LCF suggest that LCF is more efficient than CCF, feeding LCF to high-value fish is an unsustainable practice as LCF is usually obtained through trawling – a destructive fishing method for the marine ecosystem. Therefore, feeding with CCF without the use of LCF as the source of protein for its fishmeal will contribute to sustainable aquaculture. In order to convince the local farmers in Sabah to adopt the practice of feeding CCF, future research should focus on completing the species-specific diet formulation to promote optimum growth, and find ways to reduce the CCF local selling price.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers
A possible resolution of Malaysian sunset industry by green fertilizer technology: factors affecting the adoption among paddy farmers

Adnan N, Nordin SM, Rasli AM

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2019 Sep;26(26):27198-27224.
PMID: 31321721 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05650-9

One of the innovations introduced toward tackling the heightening of environmental impact is green technology. In the agricultural industry, the implementation of green fertilizer technology (GFT) for the modern development of environmentally friendly technology is a necessity. Within the Malaysian agriculture sector, the GFT application is needed to increase production levels among all crops. One of the essential commodities of all crops has always been paddy, given its status as the staple food among the country's population. Paddy production with the adoption of GFT potentially opens the path toward sustainable development in the industry as well as it also provides the food safety aspect. Moreover, this helps farmers to improve their productivity on paddy production in Malaysia. This paper attempts to evaluate the contributing socio-psychological factors, innovation attributes of environmental factors, and channels of communication to decision-making among farmers in Malaysia on GFT. Furthermore, this research also aims to assess the moderating role of cost between the farmer's behavioral intention and the adoption of GFT. The sampling process followed the stratified sampling technique-overall, 600 survey questionnaires were dispersed and 437 effective responses were received. The structural analysis results obtained have revealed significant positive effect for perceived awareness, attitude, group norm, perceived behavioral control, environmental concern, agro-environmental regulations, relative advantage, compatibility, trialability, and observability, and on farmer's behavioral intention, a significant effect for paddy farmer's behavioral intention in order to adopt of GFT. Further, the interaction effects of cost on the link between farmer's behavioral intention and adoption of GFT are statistically significant. Though, the finding could not back an outcome for the subjective norm, complexity, and mass media on farmer's behavioral intention. Finally, critical outcomes obtained in this research contribute to deepening the thoughtfulness of paddy farmers' adoption of GFT. This study concludes with policy recommendations and future directions of the research.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers/psychology*
A systematic review on Asian's farmers' adaptation practices towards climate change

Shaffril HAM, Krauss SE, Samsuddin SF

Sci Total Environ, 2018 Dec 10;644:683-695.
PMID: 29990916 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.349

Climate change in Asia is affecting farmers' daily routines. Much of the focus surrounding climate change has targeted the economic and environmental repercussions on farming. Few systematic reviews have been carried out on the social impacts of climate change among farmers in Asia. The present article set out to analyse the existing literature on Asian farmers' adaptation practices towards the impacts of climate change. Guided by the PRISMA Statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) review method, a systematic review of the Scopus and Web of Science databases identified 38 related studies. Further review of these articles resulted in six main themes - crop management, irrigation and water management, farm management, financial management, physical infrastructure management and social activities. These six themes further produced a total of 35 sub-themes. Several recommendations are highlighted related to conducting more qualitative studies, to have specific and a standard systematic review method for guide research synthesis in context of climate change adaptation and to practice complimentary searching techniques such as citation tracking, reference searching, snowballing and contacting experts.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers/psychology*
Fulltext Ability and willingness to pay for health care and contribute to national healthcare financing scheme among farmers in Selangor

Aizuddin, A.N., Hoda, R., Rizal, A.M., Yon, R., Al Junid, S.M.

Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2011;17(1):56-63.
MyJurnal

Introduction: In view of high healthcare expenditure, Malaysia also faces problems in healthcare financing. The policy option is to establish a national health financing scheme. However, it is a problem to develop mechanisms to cover social insurance package to more than one third of the population working in informal sector such as farmers. Therefore, there is an urgent need to assess the ability and willingness of the farming community. The main objective was to study the ability and willingness in the farming community to contribute to national healthcare financing scheme.

Methodology: This a cross sectional study involved 400 farmers in Selangor. A total of 92.3% farmers were able to pay for the healthcare.

Results: Willingness to contribute to The national healthcare financing scheme were RM2.00 per month.

Conclusion: The education level influenced the ability to pay while the educational level and per capita income influenced willingness to pay.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers
Fulltext Accidental self-injection of Xylazine during work: a rare case

Ganapathy, Ganesh Kumar, Dharmalingam, T. Kumaravadivel, Sathival, Mugunthan M.

Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2018;12(2):47-49.
MyJurnal

Xylazine is an alpha-2agonist often used as a sedative, analgesic and muscle relaxant agent
in animals. Xylazine was not accepted by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human use
due to hazardous side effect such as hypotension, bradycardia, respiratory depression and coma.
This is a rare case report of a 64-year-old farmer who accidentally injected himself with Xylazine
which was supposed to be given to a fractious cow. He developed altered conscious level, hypotension, bradycardia and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Fortunately, he
recovered and was discharged home after three days. This occurred due to improper handling of
Xylazine without standard operating procedures. Xylazine is regulated for animal use only. Therefore, effects of Xylazine toxicity in human must be emphasized for awareness on proper handling as well as for right management of its poisoning incident in future.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers
Adaptation towards climate change impacts among highland farmers in Malaysia

Shaffril HAM, Idris K, Sahharon H, Samah AA, Samah BA

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2020 Jul;27(20):25209-25219.
PMID: 32347501 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08987-8

This study aims to gain more understanding on highland farmers' adaptation towards the impacts of climate change in Malaysia. Via a multi-stage cluster sampling, this quantitative study has surveyed a total of 400 highland farmers as respondents. The results indicated that the highest climate change-resilient farmers were from Kundasang, specifically among the females, Dusun ethnic group, and those who work side jobs to cover household expenses. Furthermore, recorded factors such as age and years of experience yielded significant negative relationship with adaptation whereas income yielded significant positive relationship with adaptation. The paper concludes with recommendations related to occupational diversification, consistent information disseminations, access to financial assistance, and the need to empower extension officers and local leaders in the hope that a comprehensive approach can help implement any community climate change-adaptation plan.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers*
Fulltext Adoption of the mobile health screening programme for farming communities: a study among pesticide-exposed farmers from north east of Peninsular Malaysia

Zariyantey Abdul Hamid, Zaliha Harun, Syarif Husin Lubis, Nihayah Mohamed, Ismarulyusda Ishak, Hidayatul Fathi Othman, et al.

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2014;12(2):63-70.
MyJurnal

Health awareness promotion among farming communities are important for a sustainable agriculture activities. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess health status among farming communities in Cameron Highlands, Pahang (n = 61) and Bachok and Pasir Puteh, Kelantan (n = 143). Mobile Health Screening Programme composed of assessment of blood glucose, blood cholesterol, haemoglobin, blood pressure, pterygium, lung function and nerve conductive velocity was utilized. Our results indicate that the percentage of Cameron Highland’s farmers with hyperglycaemia, systolic hypertension, diastolic hypertension and anaemia were 8.2%, 14.8%, 11.5% and 8.2%, respectively. However, higher percentage of farmers in Bachok and Pasir Puteh, Kelantan with hyperglycaemia (32.8%), hypercholesterolaemia (83%), anaemia (24.2%) and systolic hypertension (41.9%) were observed. Pterygium was positive for 88.6% of farmers in Cameron Highlands and 94.4% in Bachok and Pasir Puteh. Lung function test shows that 61.7% and 11.4% of farmers in Cameron Highlands had restrictive and obstructive lung, respectively. In Bachok and Pasir Puteh, a total of 19.8%, 55.5% and 23.9% of farmers were found to have obstructive, restrictive and combined obstructive and restrictive lung, respectively. Current Perception Threshold (CPT) value which indicate nerve conductive velocity were significantly increased (p < 0.05) among Cameron Highland’s farmers for both median and peroneal nerve at all frequencies (5 Hz, 250 Hz and 2000 Hz). In Bachok and Pasir Puteh, the values of the CPT for median nerve was significantly increased (p < 0.05) for all frequencies (5, 250 and 2000 Hz). Meanwhile, a signifi cant increased (p < 0.05) was observed for the CPT values for peroneal nerve at the frequencies of 250 and 2000 Hz as compared to control groups. In conclusion, analysis revealed different health problem among the studied farming communities which could be influenced by the differences in farming practices. Thus, employed Mobile Health Screening Programme offers a monitoring approach that could highlight the need for suitable health services and awareness programmes for different farming communities.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers
Fulltext Advances in the Diagnosis of Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Wong CL, Yong CY, Ong HK, Ho KL, Tan WS

Front Vet Sci, 2020;7:477.
PMID: 32974392 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00477

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a devastating livestock disease caused by foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). Outbreaks of this disease in a country always result in conspicuous economic losses to livestock industry and subsequently lead to serious socioeconomic damages due to the immediate imposition of trade embargo. Rapid and accurate diagnoses are imperative to control this infectious virus. In the current review, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based methods used in FMD diagnosis are extensively reviewed, particularly the sandwich, liquid-phase blocking, and solid-phase competition ELISA. The differentiation of infected animals from vaccinated animals using ELISA-based methods is also highlighted, in which the role of 3ABC polyprotein as a marker is reviewed intensively. Recently, more studies are focusing on the molecular diagnostic methods, which detect the viral nucleic acids based on reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and RT-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP). These methods are generally more sensitive because of their ability to amplify a minute amount of the viral nucleic acids. In this digital era, the RT-PCR and RT-LAMP are progressing toward the mobile versions, aiming for on-site FMDV diagnosis. Apart from RT-PCR and RT-LAMP, another diagnostic assay specifically designed for on-site diagnosis is the lateral flow immunochromatographic test strips. These test strips have some distinct advantages over other diagnostic methods, whereby the assay often does not require the aid of an external device, which greatly lowers the cost per test. In addition, the on-site diagnostic test can be easily performed by untrained personnel including farmers, and the results can be obtained in a few minutes. Lastly, the use of FMDV diagnostic assays for progressive control of the disease is also discussed critically.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers
Advances to improve the eating and cooking qualities of rice by marker-assisted breeding

Phing Lau WC, Latif MA, Y Rafii M, Ismail MR, Puteh A

Crit Rev Biotechnol, 2016;36(1):87-98.
PMID: 24937109 DOI: 10.3109/07388551.2014.923987

The eating and cooking qualities of rice are heavily emphasized in breeding programs because they determine market values and they are the appealing attributes sought by consumers. Conventional breeding has developed traditional varieties with improved eating and cooking qualities. Recently, intensive genetic studies have pinpointed the genes that control eating and cooking quality traits. Advances in genetic studies have developed molecular techniques, thereby allowing marker-assisted breeding (MAB) for improved eating and cooking qualities in rice. MAB has gained the attention of rice breeders for the advantages it can offer that conventional breeding cannot. There have been successful cases of using MAB to improve the eating and cooking qualities in rice over the years. Nevertheless, MAB should be applied cautiously given the intensive effort needed for genotyping. Perspectives from conventional breeding to marker-assisted breeding will be discussed in this review for the advancement of the eating and cooking qualities of fragrance, amylose content (AC), gel consistency (GC) and gelatinization temperature (GT) in rice. These four parameters are associated with eating and cooking qualities in rice. The genetic basis of these four parameters is also included in this review. MAB is another approach to rice variety improvement and development in addition to being an alternative to genetic engineering. The MAB approach shortens the varietal development time, and is therefore able to deliver improved rice varieties to farmers within a shorter period of time.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers
An 11-Year Analysis of Emergency Presentations of Melioidosis in Northeastern Malaysia

Yazid MB, Fauzi MH, Hasan H, Md Noh AY, Deris ZZ

J Immigr Minor Health, 2017 Jun;19(3):774-777.
PMID: 27160769 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-016-0429-8

A neglected tropical disease, melioidosis is known to have variability in clinical presentations. Here, we described clinical features that should alert the physicians on the possibility of melioidosis. In this review of 86 cases from 2001 to 2011, the common presentations of melioidosis in the Emergency Department (ED), Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia were; male gender (79.1 %), in working age group (47.8 ± 15.2 year-old), worked in contact with soil (73.3 %), presented with fever (91.9 %), in rainy season (55.8 %), have underlying diabetes mellitus (79.1 %), have leukocytosis (67.4 %) and high blood glucose (62.8 %) during presentation. In 34.9 % of cases, the antimicrobials were initiated at the ED and only 10.5 % include antimelioid drugs. Thirty-one patients (36.0 %) died due to melioidosis and 51.6 % of this were within 48 h of admission. Despite high mortality rate, the clinical awareness on the possibility of melioidosis among emergency physicians is still low and need to be strengthened.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers/statistics & numerical data
An international evaluation of biosecurity management capacity in the seaweed aquaculture industry

Campbell I, Mateo J, Rusekwa SB, Kambey CSB, Hurtado A, Msuya FE, et al.

J Environ Manage, 2022 Feb 15;304:114112.
PMID: 34923419 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.114112

Seaweeds form the second largest global aquaculture product in volume, and despite rapid growth of the sector over the last 25 years, production and quality in top producing regions is becoming increasingly limited due to disease and pest outbreaks, the spread of non-native cultivars and the degradation of genetic health due to inbreeding. Most notably, the lack of biosecurity measures leading to disease and pest outbreaks are reported to cause the most significant production losses in the seaweed industry. This study uses the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey tool to quantify and compare biosecurity cross-culturally, in two major red seaweed producing countries, the Philippines and Tanzania. Both countries have significantly different political contexts and the seaweed sector sits within two very different value chains. Seaweed-based commodities from these countries, however, enters the same international market for carrageenan, a thickening agent used for a variety of products globally. This study uses the KAP survey tool to assess currently-adopted biosecurity control measures and understand how potential policy strategies could be developed on an international scale. Farmers from both producing countries have good biosecurity knowledge. In Tanzania 64% farmers scored Fair or Good, and in the Philippines this was 95%. Corresponding scores in practices were lower, 85% Poor for Tanzania, and 88% Fair for the Philippines, indicating there is a lack of resources for farmers to implement additional practices. The information gathered using the KAP tool in the context of the global seaweed industry can be used to facilitate compromise between science, policy and practice whilst taking into consideration smaller-scale regional challenges. Given the results from the seaweed industry were similar to that of smallholder agricultural sectors, it is suggested that governmental programs to incentivise biosecurity in smallholder rural agriculture could be adapted for the seaweed industry. This study also demonstrates the potential use of the KAP survey, as a tool to accurately compare biosecurity challenges faced by farmers in different aquaculture sectors globally, and to encourage alignment in international approaches to aquaculture biosecurity policies.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers
Fulltext Anthelmintic activity of selected ethno-medicinal plant extracts on parasitic stages of Haemonchus contortus

Kumarasingha R, Preston S, Yeo TC, Lim DS, Tu CL, Palombo EA, et al.

Parasit Vectors, 2016;9(1):187.
PMID: 27036205 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1458-9

Parasitic roundworms (nematodes) cause substantial morbidity and mortality in livestock animals globally, and considerable productivity losses to farmers. The control of these nematodes has relied largely on the use of a limited number of anthelmintics. However, resistance to many of these these anthelmintics is now widespread, and, therefore, there is a need to find new drugs to ensure sustained and effective treatment and control into the future.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers
Antibiotic usage and resistance in animal production in Vietnam: a review of existing literature

Di KN, Pham DT, Tee TS, Binh QA, Nguyen TC

Trop Anim Health Prod, 2021 Jun 05;53(3):340.
PMID: 34089130 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02780-6

Inappropriate use of antibiotics in animal production system is one of the major factors leading to the antibiotic resistance (ABR) development. In Vietnam, the ABR situation is crucial as antibiotics have been used indiscriminately for disease prevention and as growth promoters in animals. Thus, a thorough understanding on the ABR in veterinary settings would be beneficial to the Vietnam public health authority in formulating timely interventions. This review aimed to provide information on the current status of antibiotic usage in animal husbandry in Vietnam, identified gaps in research, and suggested possible solutions to tackle ABR. To this end, data on ABR in animals were extracted from 3 major electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) in the period of January 2013-December 2020. The review findings were reported according to PRISMA, which highlighted the emergence and persistence of ABR in bacterial isolates, including Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., and Salmonella species, obtained from pigs and poultry. The lack of awareness of Vietnamese farmers on the antibiotic utilization guidelines was one of the main causes driving the animal ABR. Hence, this paper calls for interventions to restrict antibiotics use in food-producing animals by national action plan and antibiotics control programs. Additionally, studies to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of the community are required to promote rational use of antibiotics in all sectors.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers*
Fulltext Application of pesticide in pest management: the case of lowland vegetable growers

Halimatunsadiah, A.B., Norida, M., Omar, D., Kamarulzaman, N.H.

International Food Research Journal, 2016;23(5):85-94.
MyJurnal

This study investigates pest management practices among lowland farmers on growing
leafy and fruit vegetables, particularly focusing on the pesticide usage in controlling pest. In
Malaysia, vegetable productions in lowland areas are to some extent really important as in the
highland areas due to the wide marketing channel, from local till traded across border. Yet, the
ignorance of vegetables safety regarding the appropriate of pesticide usage by farmers was
undeniable, as the market demands only products with good extrinsic quality. Thus a survey
was conducted among of 85 of lowland vegetable farmers to get information on their pest
management practices in farms. Result showed that the pesticide application by farmers on
vegetables crops still indicated a calendar spraying practices. In most cases, farmers tend to
harvest the vegetable products shortly after a few days of last pesticide spraying. In order to
enhance the food safety control starting from the primary production, extensive monitoring of
the current pesticide usage by farmers in vegetable productions is vital to provide an updated
data on the food safety risk regarding to the pesticide residues. Therefore, the thrust of this
paper was to get a better understanding on the level of safe pesticide usage among vegetables
farmers especially in areas of growing vegetables productions.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers
Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice on livestock traceability among cattle farmers and cattle traders in peninsular Malaysia and its impact on disease control

Salina AB, Hassan L, Saharee AA, Jajere SM, Stevenson MA, Ghazali K

Trop Anim Health Prod, 2020 Nov 19;53(1):15.
PMID: 33211198 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02458-5

The ability to trace the movement of animals and their related products is key to success in animal disease control. To ensure that a traceability system is optimized, livestock farmers and traders must have good appreciation and understanding about animal tracing. The present study examined the traceability of cattle in Malaysia vis-à-vis the domains of knowledge, attitude, and practice among cattle farmers and traders. A total of 543 farmers and traders in Peninsular Malaysia were interviewed. The results revealed that over 60% of the respondents had satisfactory knowledge and attitude about cattle movement and traceability. A lower proportion of the respondents (49%) were involved in appropriate practice that facilitated traceability of cattle. We found that the type of husbandry system and stakeholders' participation in livestock management-specific short courses were positively associated with satisfactory knowledge, attitude, and practice. A structured education and training program should be formulated to improve these domains so that the benefit of traceability becomes clear, paving the way to a successful traceability program.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers/psychology*
Assessment of occupational exposure to pesticide mixtures with endocrine-disrupting activity

Wong HL, Garthwaite DG, Ramwell CT, Brown CD

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2019 Jan;26(2):1642-1653.
PMID: 30448946 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3676-5

Occupational exposure to pesticide mixtures comprising active substance(s) and/or co-formulant(s) with known/possible endocrine-disrupting activity was assessed using long-term activity records for 50 professional operators representing arable and orchard cropping systems in Greece, Lithuania, and the UK. Exposure was estimated using the harmonised Agricultural Operator Exposure Model, and risk was quantified as a point of departure index (PODI) using the lowest no observed (adverse) effect level. Use of substances with known/possible endocrine activity was common, with 43 of the 50 operators applying at least one such active substance on more than 50% of spray days; at maximum, one UK operator sprayed five such active substances and 10 such co-formulants in a single day. At 95th percentile, total exposure was largest in the UK orchard system (0.041 × 10-2 mg kg bw-1 day-1) whereas risk was largest in the Greek cropping systems (PODI 0.053 × 10-1). All five cropping systems had instances indicating potential for risk when expressed at a daily resolution (maximum PODI 1.2-10.7). Toxicological data are sparse for co-formulants, so combined risk from complex mixtures of active substances and co-formulants may be larger in reality.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers*
Fulltext Association Between Farming Activities and Plasmodium falciparum Transmission in Rural Communities in Nigeria

Babamale OA, Opeyemi OA, Bukky AA, Musleem AI, Kelani EO, Okhian BJ, et al.

Malays J Med Sci, 2020 May;27(3):105-116.
PMID: 32684811 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2020.27.3.11

Background: The connection between malaria-associated morbidities and farming activities has not been succinctly reported. This study aimed to address the connectivity between farming activities and malaria transmission.
Methods: The study took place in the agricultural setting of Nigeria Edu local government (9° N, 4.9° E) between March 2016 and December 2018. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered to obtain information on their occupation and malaria infection. Infection status was confirmed with blood film and microscopic diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum was based on the presence of ring form or any other blood stages. Individuals who are either critically ill or lived in the community less than 3 months were excluded from the study.
Results: Of the 341 volunteers, 58.1% (52.9% in Shigo and 61.4% in Sista) were infected (parasitaemia density of 1243.7 parasites/μL blood). The prevalence and intensity of infection were higher among farmers (71.3%, 1922.9 parasites/μL blood, P = 0.005), particularly among rice farmers (2991.6 parasites/μL blood) compared to non-farmer participants. The occurrence and parasite density follow the same pattern for sex and age (P < 0.05). Children in the age of 6 to 10 years (AOR: 2.168, CI: 1.63-2.19) and ≥ 11 years (AOR: 3.750, CI: 2.85-3.80) groups were two-and four-fold more likely to be infected with malaria. The analysis revealed that the proximity of bush and stagnant water to the farmer (73.9%, AOR: 3.242, CI: 2.57-3.61) and non-farmer (38.1%, AOR: 1.362, CI: 1.25-1.41) habitations influence malaria transmission.
Conclusion: This study highlights farming activities as a risk factor for malaria infection in agro-communities. Integrated malaria control measures in agricultural communities should therefore include water and environmental management practices.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers
Fulltext Awareness and Knowledge of Oral Cancer among Siamese Ethnic Group in Tumpat, Kelantan

Kassim NK, Adnan MM, Wern CW, Ru LZ, Hanafi MH, Yusoff A

Malays J Med Sci, 2017 Aug;24(4):47-54.
PMID: 28951689 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2017.24.4.6

INTRODUCTION: Oral cancer is a life-threatening disease. Lack of public awareness is a potent barrier for the early detection of oral cancer, especially for high-risk populations.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the awareness and knowledge of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of oral cancer among a Siamese ethnic group in Tumpat, Kelantan.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, using a guided questionnaire on sociodemography, habits, awareness and knowledge of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of oral cancer. Individuals under 18 years old and who had been diagnosed with oral cancer were excluded from this study.
RESULTS: A total of 195 respondents participated, 61.5% were female and the mean age was 46 (1.64). About 41% of the respondents had received secondary education and 35.4% were illiterate. Most respondents were self-employed (21.5%), followed by farmers (19.5%) and housewives (20%). The majority of them had a monthly income that fell below the poverty level of RM 830 (76.9%). Among the respondents, 22.6% had the habit of smoking, 25.6% consumed alcohol, 8.2% were betel quid chewers and 2.6% chewed tobacco. Out of 195 respondents, only 6.7% were aware of oral cancer. About 16.9% of the respondents correctly answered all of the questions regarding the signs and symptoms of oral cancer and only 4.1% knew the risk factors of oral cancer.
CONCLUSION: The awareness and knowledge of oral cancer in this targeted population were unsatisfactory. Future effective health promotion programs and education should be emphasised.

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers
Basal Cell Carcinoma Surgery in general practice: Is there a role for the local General Practitioner?

Keah SH, Ng SC

Malays Fam Physician, 2020;15(3):10-21.
PMID: 33329859

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common disease of the skin caused principally by prolonged solar radiation exposure. It is normally a malignancy with favorable prognostic features and is potentially curable by standard excision. In White populations with high disease incidence, general practitioners (GPs) play a vital role in diagnosing and managing BCC, including surgical excision. Dedicated care at the primary care level by adequately trained GPs is conceivably cost effective for the health system and more convenient for the patient. In Asia and other parts of the world with low incidence, this valuable role of GPs may appear to be inconsequential. In this regard, any justification for the involvement of local GPs in BCC surgery is debatable. This article aims to provide a clinical update on essential information relevant to BCC surgery and advance understanding of the intricate issues of making a treatment decision at the primary care level.
Case Report: Madam Tan, a 71-year-old Malaysian Chinese lady, otherwise healthy, presented to her local GP with a complaint of a nodule over the left cheek that had been there for more than a decade. Her concern was that the lesion was growing and had become conspicuous. She had spent most of her life as a farmer working in her orchard.Upon examination, she had an obvious dome-shaped nodule over the left cheek measuring approximately 1.8 cm in diameter. The lesion was firm, pigmented, well-demarcated, and slightly ulcerated at the top. Clinically, she was diagnosed with a pigmented nodular basal cell carcinoma of the left cheek. Examination of the systems was unremarkable.She requested that the consulting GP remove the growth. The cost for specialist treatment and waiting time at the local hospital were her concerns.
Clinical Questions: Can the basal cell skin cancer be excised safely and effectively in the local primary care setting? What are the crucial preoperative concerns?

Matched MeSH terms: Farmers

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