Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 29 in total

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  1. Fulltext Accelerating action on cervical screening in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) post COVID-19 era
    Woo YL, Gravitt P, Khor SK, Ng CW, Saville M
    Prev Med, 2021 03;144:106294.
    PMID: 33678225 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106294
    Cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer in women, with 85% of deaths occurring in LMICs. Despite the existence of effective vaccine and screening tools, efforts to reduce the burden of cervical cancer must be considered in the context of the social structures within the health systems of LMICs. Compounding this existing challenge is the global COVID-19 pandemic, declared in March 2020. While it is too soon to tell how health systems priorities will change as a result of COVID-19 and its impact on the cervical cancer elimination agenda, there are opportunities to strengthen cervical screening by leveraging on several trends. Many LMICs maximized the strengths of their long established community-based primary care and public health systems with expansion of surveillance systems which incorporated mobile technologies. LMICs can harness the momentum of the measures taken against COVID-19 to consolidate the efforts against cervical cancer. Self-sampling, molecular human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and digital health will shift health systems towards stronger public health and primary care networks and away from expensive hospital-based care investments. While COVID-19 will change health systems priorities in LMICs in ways that may de-prioritize cervical cancer screening, there are significant opportunities for integration into longer-term trends towards universal health coverage, self-care and digital health.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities*
  2. Fulltext Approaches in methodology of a population-based study in Malaysia: the national health and morbidity survey 2011 (NHMS 2011)
    Fadhli, Y., Azaadi, O., Noor Ani, A., Balkish, M.N., Ahmad Jessree, K., Tahir, A.
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2013;9(2):25-33.
    MyJurnal
    The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011 was a nationally representative household survey of non-institutionalized Malaysian population who were residing in Malaysia for at least 2 weeks prior to data collection. The aim of the survey was to provide health related community–based data and information to support Ministry of Health, Malaysia, in reviewing health priorities, programme strategies and activities, and planning for allocation of resources. There were twelve research scopes included in the survey. The sample size was calculated based on the requirement for each scope. A two-stage stratified sampling was adopted in the survey. The methods for data collection were via the questionnaire, clinical examination, and biochemical analysis. Quality controls were also instituted to ensure collection of high quality data. The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011 (NHMS 2011) adopted an appropriate methodology for a population survey and all the necessary steps were taken to ensure valid and reliable findings.
    Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2011)
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities
  3. Building a tuberculosis-free world: The Lancet Commission on tuberculosis
    Reid MJA, Arinaminpathy N, Bloom A, Bloom BR, Boehme C, Chaisson R, et al.
    Lancet, 2019 Mar 30;393(10178):1331-1384.
    PMID: 30904263 DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(19)30024-8
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities
  4. Fulltext Current vector research challenges in the greater Mekong subregion for dengue, Malaria, and Other Vector-Borne Diseases: A report from a multisectoral workshop March 2019
    Christofferson RC, Parker DM, Overgaard HJ, Hii J, Devine G, Wilcox BA, et al.
    PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2020 Jul;14(7):e0008302.
    PMID: 32730249 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008302
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities
  5. Designing a continuing medical education programme in Malaysia based on practitioners' needs
    Shahabudin SH
    Med Educ, 1990 May;24(3):264-70.
    PMID: 2355871
    A cross-sectional national survey was conducted amongst a random sample of medical practitioners registered in 1988 with the Malaysian Medical Council with the purpose of determining their educational needs with regards to continuing medical education (CME). A 91.0% response rate was obtained. It was found that more than 70% wanted a programme that would provide them with new practical skills and new knowledge or advances in specific fields. About 2/3 also wanted their intellectual skills in problem-solving to be further developed. Reinforcement of communication skills appears to be of secondary importance. They would also like a programme of CME to help them monitor and improve their diagnostic accuracy, investigative habits, prescribing pattern, skills in interpreting diagnostic tests and management of common illnesses. As for content areas it was found that the problems they have least confidence in managing come mainly from the disciplines of psychiatry, obstetrics and gynaecology, and emergency and critical care. More than 90% preferred self-learning methods with some group-type activities. Based on these needs it was recommended that a programme of CME be developed with orientation towards a practice-based setting, self-directed learning, utilizing problem-solving approaches and focusing on the major content areas identified. In addition, activities such as small-group discussions, clinical rounds and journal clubs should be encouraged to develop into local network group activities to supplement the self-learning and present lectures and talks.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities
  6. Fulltext Developing the Malaysian health system to meet the challenges of the future
    Merican MI, Rohaizat Y, Haniza S
    Med J Malaysia, 2004 Mar;59(1):84-93.
    PMID: 15535341 MyJurnal
    The Malaysian health care system is a success story among countries of equivalent socio-economic status. However there are numerous challenges faced by the nation, which create the need for changes and reform. There is rising consumer demands and expectations for high technology and high cost medical care due to improved standards of living, changing disease patterns and demographic changes, inadequate integration of health services, maldistribution of resources and the threats as well as opportunities of globalisation and liberalisation. The changes in health policy, priorities and planning for the country are guided by the country's development policies, objectives and the challenges of Vision 2020, Vision for Health and the goals of the health system in ensuring universal access, improving equity and efficiency and the quality of life of the population. The essential services in the health system of the future are information and education of individuals to empower support for the wellness paradigm. There is also a need to restructure the national health care financing and the health care delivery system. The present roles and responsibilities of MOH also need to be reviewed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities
  7. Drug utilization studies: their transferability between industrialized and developing countries
    Lee D, Balasubramaniam K, Ali HM
    WHO Reg Publ Eur Ser, 1993;45:193-218.
    PMID: 8442847
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities
  8. Extent of implementation of food environment policies by the Malaysian Government: gaps and priority recommendations
    Ng S, Swinburn B, Kelly B, Vandevijvere S, Yeatman H, Ismail MN, et al.
    Public Health Nutr, 2018 Dec;21(18):3395-3406.
    PMID: 30277185 DOI: 10.1017/S1368980018002379
    OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of food environment policies that have been implemented and supported by the Malaysian Government, in comparison to international best practice, and to establish prioritised recommendations for the government based on the identified implementation gaps.

    DESIGN: The Healthy Food-Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI) comprises forty-seven indicators of government policy practice. Local evidence of each indicator was compiled from government institutions and verified by related government stakeholders. The extent of implementation of the policies was rated by experts against international best practices. Rating results were used to identify and propose policy actions which were subsequently prioritised by the experts based on 'importance' and 'achievability' criteria. The policy actions with relatively higher 'achievability' and 'importance' were set as priority recommendations for government action.

    SETTING: Malaysia.

    SUBJECTS: Twenty-six local experts.

    RESULTS: Majority (62 %) of indicators was rated 'low' implementation with no indicator rated as either 'high' or 'very little, if any' in terms of implementation. The top five recommendations were (i) restrict unhealthy food marketing in children's settings and (ii) on broadcast media; (iii) mandatory nutrition labelling for added sugars; (iv) designation of priority research areas related to obesity prevention and diet-related non-communicable diseases; and (v) introduce energy labelling on menu boards for fast-food outlets.

    CONCLUSIONS: This first policy study conducted in Malaysia identified a number of gaps in implementation of key policies to promote healthy food environments, compared with international best practices. Study findings could strengthen civil society advocacies for government accountability to create a healthier food environment.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities*
  9. Future Priorities in Tackling Infections Due to Brain-Eating Amoebae
    Khan NA, Anwar A, Siddiqui R
    ACS Chem Neurosci, 2017 11 15;8(11):2355.
    PMID: 28933530 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00343
    Brain-eating amoebae (Acanthamoeba spp., Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Naegleria fowleri) can cause opportunistic infections involving the central nervous system. It is troubling that the mortality rate is more than 90% despite advances in antimicrobial chemotherapy over the last few decades. Here, we describe urgent key priorities for improving outcomes from infections due to brain-eating amoebae.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities*
  10. Government public health policy: three cautionary tales from Malaysia, South Africa and the United States
    Blum J, Carstens P, Talib N
    Med Law, 2007 Dec;26(4):615-42.
    PMID: 18284107
    Three authors describe problematic scenarios of health policy in their respective countries. These examples illustrate the role of government influences in determining resource allocation, legislation, health provision and health outcomes in very different situations. These outcomes are affected not only by attitudes to public health, but also by the legal systems in the countries which are the subjects of this study. The authors draw conclusions about the use and abuse of public health regulation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities*
  11. Fulltext HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE HTAsiaLINK NETWORK AND ITS KEY DETERMINANTS OF SUCCESS
    Teerawattananon Y, Luz K, Yothasmutra C, Pwu RF, Ahn J, Shafie AA, et al.
    Int J Technol Assess Health Care, 2018 Jan;34(3):260-266.
    PMID: 29911515 DOI: 10.1017/S0266462318000223
    OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the historical development of the HTAsiaLink network, draw lessons for other similar initiatives globally, and to analyze key determinants of its success and challenges for its future development.

    METHODS: This study is based on the collective and direct experiences of the founding members of the HTAsiaLink Network. Data were collected from presentations they made at various international forums and additional information was reviewed. Data analysis was done using the framework developed by San Martin-Rodriguez et al.Results and Conclusions:HTAsiaLink is a network of health technology assessment (HTA) agencies in Asia established in 2011 with the aim of strengthening individual and institutional HTA capacity, reducing duplication and optimizing resources, transfer and sharing of HTA-related lessons among members, and beyond. During its 6 years, the network has expanded, initiating several capacity building activities and joint-research projects, raising awareness of the importance of HTA within the region and beyond, and gaining global recognition while establishing relationships with other global networks. The study identifies the determinants of success of the collaboration. The systemic factors include the favorable outlook toward HTA as an approach for healthcare priority setting in countries with UHC mandates. On organizational factors, the number of newly established HTA agencies in the region with similar needs for capacity building and peer-to-peer support was catalytic for the network development. The interactional aspects include ownership, trust, and team spirit among network members. The network, however, faces challenges notably, financial sustainability and management of the expanded network.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities
  12. Impact of the east Asian economic crisis on health and health care: Malaysia's response
    Suleiman AB, Lye MS, Yon R, Teoh SC, Alias M
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 1998;10(1):5-9.
    PMID: 10050200
    In the wake of the east Asian economic crisis, the health budget for the public sector in Malaysia was cut by 12%. The Ministry of Health responded swiftly with a series of broad-based and specific strategies. There was a careful examination of the operating expenditure and where possible measures were taken to minimise the effects of the budget constraints at the service interface. The MOH reprioritised the development of health projects. Important projects such as rural health projects and training facilities, and committed projects, were continued. In public health, population-based preventive and promotive activities were expected to experience some form of curtailment. There is a need to refocus priorities, maximise the utilisation of resources, and increase productivity at all levels and in all sectors, both public and private, in order to minimise the impact of the economic downturn on health.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities/economics*
  13. Individual traveller health priorities and the pre-travel health consultation
    Flaherty GT, Chen B, Avalos G
    J Travel Med, 2017 Sep 01;24(6).
    PMID: 28922821 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/tax059
    The purpose of this study was to examine the principal travel health priorities of travellers. The most frequently selected travel health concerns were accessing medical care abroad, dying abroad, insect bites, malaria, personal safety and travel security threats. The travel health risks of least concern were culture shock, fear of flying, jet lag and sexually transmitted infections. This study is the first to develop a hierarchy of self-declared travel health risk priorities among travellers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities*
  14. Integrating ethics, health policy and health systems in low- and middle-income countries: case studies from Malaysia and Pakistan
    Hyder AA, Merritt M, Ali J, Tran NT, Subramaniam K, Akhtar T
    Bull World Health Organ, 2008 Aug;86(8):606-11.
    PMID: 18797618
    Scientific progress is a significant basis for change in public-health policy and practice, but the field also invests in value-laden concepts and responds daily to sociopolitical, cultural and evaluative concerns. The concepts that drive much of public-health practice are shaped by the collective and individual mores that define social systems. This paper seeks to describe the ethics processes in play when public-health mechanisms are established in low- and middle-income countries, by focusing on two cases where ethics played a crucial role in producing positive institutional change in public-health policy. First, we introduce an overview of the relationship between ethics and public health; second, we provide a conceptual framework for the ethical analysis of health system events, noting how this approach might enhance the power of existing frameworks; and third, we demonstrate the interplay of these frameworks through the analysis of a programme to enhance road safety in Malaysia and an initiative to establish a national ethics committee in Pakistan. We conclude that, while ethics are gradually being integrated into public-health policy decisions in many developing health systems, ethical analysis is often implicit and undervalued. This paper highlights the need to analyse public-health decision-making from an ethical perspective.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities
  15. Fulltext International classification of primary care
    Bentsen BG
    Scand J Prim Health Care, 1986 Feb;4(1):43-50.
    PMID: 3961309 DOI: 10.3109/02813438609013970
    "Health for all by year 2000" was the subject of the WHO Conference at Alma-Ata in 1978. It was evident that good primary care was a requirement to reach this goal. However, knowledge about this was scanty, and the instrument, an acceptable classification for analyses of primary care, was lacking. Since 1978 a WHO Working Party on Classifications of Primary Care has been working on a Reason for Encounter Classification. A RFEC test form was produced. In 1983 a feasibility study was conducted in nine countries: Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Hungary, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Norway, the Philippines, and the USA. The results of this were changing the original proposal very much. In addition, the WONCA/WHO Classification of Health Problems in Primary Care was included in the final version. In 1984 this final version was accepted by WONCA Classification Committee. This is called ICPC = The International Classification of Primary Care. ICPC is biaxial with the chapters of organ/organ systems along the one axis, in addition of three chapters: General, Mental, and Social problems. The other axis comprises seven components: Complaints, Process and Diagnosis. An alphanumeric code is used. The feasibility study of RFEC comprised ten test sites, and 138 primary care professionals recorded a total of 100 452 reasons for encounter. The English version of the RFEC was translated into five other languages, and these versions were used during the study. ICPC is a comprehensive, simple and practicable classification which can be used in medical records and in different areas of primary care research.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities/trends
  16. Fulltext Joining forces to prevent dementia: The International Research Network On Dementia Prevention (IRNDP)
    Anstey KJ, Peters R, Clare L, Lautenschlager NT, Dodge HH, Barnes DE, et al.
    Int Psychogeriatr, 2017 11;29(11):1757-1760.
    PMID: 28899450 DOI: 10.1017/S1041610217001685
    Dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder with global impact, with the largest proportion of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. It is estimated that there are 46.8 million cases globally with approximately 10 million new cases each year or a new case occurring every 3 sec (Prince et al., 2015). For comparison there are 36.7 million HIV cases with an estimated 2 million new cases each year (WHO, 2017). The rise in dementia prevalence is largely due to population ageing, with the oldest being at highest risk. To date there are no diseases modifying medications for Alzheimer's disease or the other causes of dementia. Academics and research groups are increasingly focused on prevention or delay of dementia (Brayne and Miller, 2017) and a number of organizations now prioritize dementia, indicating a strong and coherent international effort to address this problem. Examples include the World Health Organisation (WHO), which has established a Global Dementia Observatory; the World Dementia Council; the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); the U.S. National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA); and the Global Council on Brain Health.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities/organization & administration
  17. Maternal mortality in developing countries: challenges in scaling-up priority interventions
    Prata N, Passano P, Sreenivas A, Gerdts CE
    Womens Health (Lond), 2010 Mar;6(2):311-27.
    PMID: 20187734 DOI: 10.2217/whe.10.8
    Although maternal mortality is a significant global health issue, achievements in mortality decline to date have been inadequate. A review of the interventions targeted at maternal mortality reduction demonstrates that most developing countries face tremendous challenges in the implementation of these interventions, including the availability of unreliable data and the shortage in human and financial resources, as well as limited political commitment. Examples from developing countries, such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Honduras, demonstrate that maternal mortality will decline when appropriate strategies are in place. Such achievable strategies need to include redoubled commitments on the part of local, national and global political bodies, concrete investments in high-yield and cost-effective interventions and the delegation of some clinical tasks from higher-level healthcare providers to mid- or lower-level healthcare providers, as well as improved health-management information systems.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities/organization & administration*
  18. Fulltext Medical research in Malaysia
    Chandrasekharan N
    Med J Malaysia, 1984 Mar;39(1):1-4.
    PMID: 6513835
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities/trends
  19. Mental health and wellbeing in the Sustainable Development Goals
    Izutsu T, Tsutsumi A, Minas H, Thornicroft G, Patel V, Ito A
    Lancet Psychiatry, 2015 Dec;2(12):1052-4.
    PMID: 26613844 DOI: 10.1016/S2215-0366(15)00457-5
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities
  20. Messages from the Malaysian Diabetes Registries on Diabetes Care in Malaysian public healthcare facilities
    Chew BH, Lee PY, Cheong AT, Ismail M, Shariff-Ghazali S, Goh PP
    Prim Care Diabetes, 2016 10;10(5):383-6.
    PMID: 27459893 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcd.2016.07.003
    A persistent and increasing prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus has recently been reported in the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2015. This commentary recapitulates the relevant and valuable lessons in the Malaysian national diabetes registries to inform the healthcare stakeholders and policy makers on potential areas of clinical practice improvement and future researches. Under performance of the process measures and sub-optimal control of HbA1c, blood pressure and lipids profile were prevalent (<40% achieved treatment targets). Although these had improved slightly from 2009 to 2012, diabetes co-morbidities (hypertension and dyslipidaemia) and complications had also increased. Prevalence of insulin use had doubled, and lipid lowering agent use had increased about 50% in 2012 compared to 2009. We identified six clinical areas for urgent attention and improvement, and three potential areas for future research.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Priorities
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