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  1. Goh KW, Ming LC, Al-Worafi YM, Tan CS, Hermansyah A, Rehman IU, et al.
    Ann Med, 2024 Dec;56(1):2271942.
    PMID: 38346353 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2271942
    AIM: The use of tobacco is responsible for many preventable diseases and deaths worldwide. Digital interventions have greatly improved patient health and clinical care and have proven to be effective for quitting smoking in the general population due to their flexibility and potential for personalization. However, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of digital interventions for smoking cessation in Asian countries.

    METHODS: Three major databases - Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, and PubMed - for relevant studies published between 1 January 2010 and 12 February 2023 were searched for studies evaluating the effectiveness of digital intervention for smoking cessation in Asian countries.

    RESULTS: A total of 25 studies of varying designs were eligible for this study collectively involving a total of n = 22,005 participants from 9 countries. Among different digital tools for smoking cessation, the highest abstinence rate (70%) was reported with cognitive behavioural theory (CBT)-based smoking cessation intervention via Facebook followed by smartphone app (60%), WhatsApp (59.9%), and Pharmacist counselling with Quit US smartphone app (58.4%). However, WhatsApp was preferred over Facebook intervention due to lower rates of relapse. WeChat was responsible for 15.6% and 41.8% 7-day point prevalence abstinence. For telephone/text messaging abstinence rate ranged from 8-44.3% and quit rates from 6.3% to 16.8%. Whereas, no significant impact of media/multimedia messages and web-based learning on smoking cessation was observed in this study.

    CONCLUSION: Based on the study findings the use of digital tools can be considered an alternative and cost-effective smoking cessation intervention as compared to traditional smoking cessation interventions.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  2. Ching SM, Cheong AT, Yee A, Thurasamy R, Lim PY, Zarina II, et al.
    Ir J Med Sci, 2024 Apr;193(2):851-863.
    PMID: 37556104 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-023-03483-7
    BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the determinants of burnout among healthcare providers in the primary care setting.

    METHODS: A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1280 healthcare providers aged 18 years and older from 30 primary care clinics in Selangor, Malaysia. In this study, the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory was used to assess burnout. The results were analyzed using multiple logistic regression.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of personal burnout was 41.7%, followed by work-related burnout (32.2%) and client-related burnout (14.5%). The determinants for personal burnout in this study were younger age, being a doctor, higher COVID-19 exposure risk, do not know where to seek help, inability to handle stress, poorer sleep quality score, higher total COVID-19 fear score, higher total stress score, and lower total BRS score. The determinants of work-related burnout were younger age, being a doctor, longer years of working, higher COVID-19 exposure risk, do not know where to seek help, lower altruistic score, poorer sleep quality score, higher total stress score, and lower total brief resilience score (BRS) score. The determinants of client-related burnout were doctor, single/divorced, more than one attachment site, and higher satisfaction toward the infection control, inability to handle stress, higher total depression score, and lower total BRS score.

    CONCLUSION: Every fourth out of ten suffered from personal burnout, one-third from work-related burnout, and one-seventh from client-related burnout among healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare systems must take care of healthcare workers' physical and emotional depletion, reducing the risk of burnout.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  3. Wan KS, Hairi NN, Mustapha F, Mohd Yusoff MF, Mat Rifin H, Ismail M, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 25;14(1):7074.
    PMID: 38528132 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57723-6
    The actual prevalence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Malaysia is unknown. We aimed to determine the prevalence of DKD and its associated risk factors among T2D patients in Malaysia. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using the year 2022 clinical audit dataset from the National Diabetes Registry. DKD was defined as albuminuria, a decreased glomerular filtration rate, or both. Among 80,360 patients, 62.2% were female, 68.4% were Malay, and the mean age was 61.4 years. A total of 56.7% (95% CI 56.4-57.1%) of patients were found to have DKD. Increasing age, male sex, Malay ethnicity, longer duration of diabetes, overweight, obesity, hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic foot ulcer, nontraumatic lower-extremity amputation, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, insulin, higher numbers of antihypertensive agents, antiplatelet agents, poorer HbA1c control, higher systolic blood pressure, non-achievement of triglyceride target, and non-attainment of HDL-cholesterol goal were independent risk factors associated with DKD. Clinicians, program managers, and health policymakers should target modifiable factors to manage DKD and prevent its progression to end-stage kidney disease in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  4. Mohamad MA, Leong Bin Abdullah MFI, Shari NI
    BMC Geriatr, 2024 Mar 14;24(1):254.
    PMID: 38486186 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04753-4
    BACKGROUND: People with dementia and their caregivers are prone to suicidal behaviors due to difficulty adjusting to their initial caregiving role and due to emotional disturbances resulting from deterioration of functioning. The present systematic review (1) explored the prevalence of and risk factors for suicidal behavior and (2) assessed the similarities and differences in the prevalence and risk factors for suicidal behavior between people with dementia and their caregivers.

    METHODS: A comprehensive literature search for research articles published between 1950 and 2023 was carried out using major databases, such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Medline.

    RESULTS: A total of 40 research articles were selected for review. A total of 12 research articles revealed that the prevalence of suicidal behavior among caregivers ranged from 4.7% to 26%. However, the risk of suicidal behavior among people with dementia was inconsistent, as only 17 out of 28 selected studies reported the risk of suicidal behavior among people with dementia. The risk factors associated with suicidal behavior among caregivers of people with dementia could be both self-related and care receiver-related factors, whereas risk factors in people with dementia were self-related factors. Notably, greater cognitive decline, which impairs individuals' ability to carry out complex acts and planning, may lower their suicidal risk. Finally, assessment of the risk of bias indicated that 95% of the selected studies had unclear risk.

    CONCLUSION: Self-related and care receiver-related factors should be assessed among caregivers of people with dementia to evaluate the risk of suicidal behavior. In addition, we recommend evaluating suicidal risk in people with dementia in the early phase of dementia when cognitive decline is less severe. However, as the majority of the selected studies had unclear risk of bias, future studies with improved methodologies are warranted to confirm our study findings.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  5. Shahari S, Bin Abdullah ML, Binti Isman Rohimly AA, Binti Ashrat N, Amir A, Atroosh WMM, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2024 Mar 12;14(1):6023.
    PMID: 38472278 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54981-2
    The parasite Plasmodium knowlesi has been the sole cause of malaria in Malaysia from 2018 to 2022. The persistence of this zoonotic species has hampered Malaysia's progress towards achieving the malaria-free status awarded by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Due to the zoonotic nature of P. knowlesi infections, it is important to study the prevalence of the parasite in the macaque host, the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis). Apart from P. knowlesi, the long-tailed macaque is also able to harbour Plasmodium cynomolgi, Plasmodium inui, Plasmodium caotneyi and Plasmodium fieldi. Here we report the prevalence of the 5 simian malaria parasites in the wild long-tailed macaque population in 12 out of the 13 states in Peninsular Malaysia using a nested PCR approach targeting the 18s ribosomal RNA (18s rRNA) gene. It was found that all five Plasmodium species were widely distributed throughout Peninsular Malaysia except for states with major cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. Of note, Pahang reported a malaria prevalence of 100% in the long-tailed macaque population, identifying it as a potential hotspot for zoonotic transmission. Overall, this study shows the distribution of the 5 simian malaria parasite species throughout Peninsular Malaysia, the data of which could be used to guide future malaria control interventions to target zoonotic malaria.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  6. Elfaham RH, Allihaydan FS, Baragaa LAA, Elfaham SH, Allihaydan NS, Maqbul MS, et al.
    Semergen, 2024 Mar;50(2):102124.
    PMID: 38043388 DOI: 10.1016/j.semerg.2023.102124
    INTRODUCTION: Microaggressions create negative consequences on the mental health of individuals who experience them, such as feelings of alienation, frustration and low self-esteem. Physicians worldwide are negatively impacted by the detrimental effects of microaggressions and implicit bias. It is imperative to establish the prevalence specificity of the problem hence the aim of this study is to determine the prevalence, nature and determinants of microaggressions amongst healthcare professionals.

    METHOD: The study used an online anonymous survey to collect data including demographics, awareness of the term, experience of microaggression, acts and response. The research findings were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses using Chi-square test and binary logistic regression respectively.

    RESULT: A total of 443 participants (40.9% males, 59.1% females) included 403 physicians (91%), 21 dentists (4.7%), 15 nurses (3.4%) and 4 pharmacists (0.9%). More than half of the participants (59.8%) were aware of the term micro-aggression. The percentage was significantly higher among respondents from the western region of Saudi Arabia than the Gulf/Middle Eastern countries. Approximately 38.1% of the participants experienced microaggression and more than half (55.62%) did not report experiencing microaggression. The most common form of microaggression was passive-aggressive behavior (80.5%) followed by invalidation of an opinion (73.4%). Among those who experienced microaggression, (12.9%) reported anger as the most predominant emotional response.

    CONCLUSION: Microaggression is a universal phenomenon. Further research is necessary to determine its prevalence in other countries to establish a comprehensive understanding of its cultural context.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  7. Ganggaya KS, Vanoh D, Ishak WRW
    Psychogeriatrics, 2024 Mar;24(2):473-495.
    PMID: 38105398 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.13060
    Sarcopenia causes a loss of skeletal muscle mass and decreases muscle strength and function. Depressive symptoms are a common cause of distress among geriatrics, significantly affecting the quality of life of older adults. Recently, studies have shown that a correlation exists between sarcopenia and depression. To determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and depressive symptoms and identify the factors associated with sarcopenia, we systematically searched the SCOPUS, Science Direct, and PubMed databases for papers on sarcopenia and depressive symptoms published from 2012 to 2022. We reviewed the literature on sarcopenia, depressive symptom prevalence, the prevalence of subjects with both sarcopenia and depressive symptoms, and the factors associated with sarcopenia. Only cross-sectional studies were included. Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria for review, with overall sarcopenia prevalence ranging from 3.9% to 41.7%. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was reported in seven studies, ranging from 8.09% to 40%. The most commonly used tools to diagnose sarcopenia and depressive symptoms were the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People consensus and the Geriatric Depression Scale, respectively. Being aged, malnourished, obese, having comorbidities (hypertension and diabetes), having impaired cognitive function, and having polypharmacy were found to be the factors associated with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia and depressive symptoms have been found to cause adverse health outcomes among older people. Appropriate nutritional assessments and interventions should be taken to manage these two geriatric conditions. Further studies should be planned, considering multidomain intervention strategies to improve sarcopenia and older people's mental health.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  8. Lim WH, Tay P, Ng CH, Tan DJH, Ong C, Koh JH, et al.
    Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2024 Mar;59(6):730-741.
    PMID: 38303565 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17888
    BACKGROUND: Although alcohol abstinence may be an effective intervention for alcohol-associated cirrhosis, its association with prognosis has not been systematically assessed or quantified.

    AIMS: To determine the prevalence of alcohol abstinence, factors associated with alcohol abstinence and the impact of abstinence on morbidity and overall survival in people with alcohol-associated cirrhosis.

    METHODS: We searched Medline and Embase from inception to 15 April 2023 for prospective and retrospective cohort studies describing alcohol abstinence in people with known alcohol-associated cirrhosis. Meta-analysis of proportions for pooled estimates was performed. The method of inverse variance, employing a random-effects model, was used to pool the hazard ratio (HR) comparing outcomes of abstinent against non-abstinent individuals with alcohol-associated cirrhosis.

    RESULTS: We included 19 studies involving 18,833 people with alcohol-associated cirrhosis. The prevalence of alcohol abstinence was 53.8% (CI: 44.6%-62.7%). Over a mean follow-up duration of 48.6 months, individuals who continued to consume alcohol had significantly lower overall survival compared to those who were abstinent (HR: 0.611, 95% CI: 0.506-0.738). These findings remained consistent in sensitivity/subgroup analysis for the presence of decompensation, study design and studies that assessed abstinence throughout follow-up. Alcohol abstinence was associated with a significantly lower risk of hepatic decompensation (HR: 0.612, 95% CI: 0.473-0.792).

    CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol abstinence is associated with substantial improvement in overall survival in alcohol-associated cirrhosis. However, only half of the individuals with known alcohol-associated cirrhosis are abstinent.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  9. Ching SM, Singh R, Azmi FSB, Chong KL, Ong CRS, Ayob NAB, et al.
    Ir J Med Sci, 2024 Feb;193(1):375-382.
    PMID: 37204559 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-023-03397-4
    PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been increasingly recognized as an important factor contributing to medical morbidity and mortality. It was reported that more than half of the population with hypertension had OSA. Limited studies have been done on assessing OSA in hypertensive patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, socio-demographic characteristics, and factors associated with probable OSA in hypertensive patients in primary care clinics in Sarawak.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a systematic random sampling method in hypertensive patients who attended two government primary care clinics in Sarawak. The STOP-Bang questionnaire was used to screen for OSA, and social-demographic data was captured with a questionnaire. Multiple logistic regressions were used to examine the determinants of the OSA.

    RESULTS: A total of 410 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean age of study population patients was 56.4 years, with more than half being female. The mean blood pressure was 136/82. The prevalence of probable OSA among patients with hypertension was 54.4%. According to multiple logistic regression analyses, smoking (odds ratio [OR] 14.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.335-61.947), retirees (OR 3.20, 95% CI 1.675-6.113), and being Chinese (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.262-3.863) had a significant positive association with probable OSA.

    CONCLUSIONS: Because of the high prevalence of probable OSA among patients with hypertension, primary care physicians should be more vigilant in identifying hypertensive patients with OSA risk. Early detection and intervention would reduce disease complications and healthcare costs.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  10. Mohd Safien A, Ibrahim N, Subramaniam P, Singh DKA, Mat Ludin AF, Chin AV, et al.
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2024 Feb;24(2):225-233.
    PMID: 38199952 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14801
    AIM: The present study determines the prevalence of depression and the extent of clinical depression symptoms among community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty and its associated factors.

    METHODS: A total of 755 older adults aged ≥60 years were recruited. Their cognitive performance was determined using the Clinical Dementia Rating. Fried's criteria was applied to identify physical frailty, and the Beck Depression Inventory assessed their mental states.

    RESULTS: A total of 39.2% (n = 304) of the participants were classified as cognitive frail. In this cognitive frail subpopulation, 8.6% (n = 26) had clinical depressive symptoms, which were mostly somatic such as disturbance in sleep pattern, work difficulty, fatigue, and lack of appetite. Older adults with cognitive frailty also showed significantly higher depression levels as compared with the noncognitive frail participants (t (622.06) = -3.38; P = 0.001). There are significant associations between depression among older adults with cognitive frailty and multimorbidity (P = 0.009), polypharmacy (P = 0.009), vision problems (P = 0.046), and hearing problems (P = 0.047). The likelihood of older adults with cognitive frailty who experience impairments to their vision and hearing, polypharmacy, and multimorbidity to be depressed also increased by 2, 3, 5, and 7-fold.

    CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the Malaysian community-dwelling older adults were in a good mental state. However, older adults with cognitive frailty are more susceptible to depression due to impairments to their hearing and vision, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy. As common clinical depressive symptoms among older adults with cognitive frailty are mostly somatic, it is crucial for health professionals to recognize these and not to disregard them as only physical illness. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 225-233.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  11. Luo J, Tang L, Kong X, Li Y
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2024 Feb;92:103905.
    PMID: 38262303 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103905
    BACKGROUND: Depressive disorders (DD) including dysthymia and major depressive disorder (MDD) are common among adolescents and young adults. However, global trends in DD burden remain unclear.

    METHODS: We analysed data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study on incidence, prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and mortality due to DD from 1990 to 2019 at global, regional and national levels.

    RESULTS: Globally, dysthymia incidence increased notably in females, older age groups, and lower-middle income countries from 1990 to 2019. In contrast, MDD incidence decreased slightly over this period except in high-income North America. Females and middle-income countries had the highest dysthymia burden while North America had the highest MDD incidence and DALYs. Oman and Malaysia experienced largest increases in dysthymia and MDD burden respectively.

    CONCLUSION: Despite certain global indicators suggesting a leveling off or decrease, it's clear that depressive disorders continue to be a significant and increasing issue, particularly among women, teenagers, and young adults. Differences between regions and countries indicate that specific interventions aimed at addressing economic inequalities, improving healthcare systems, and taking cultural factors into account could make a real difference in lessening the burden of depressive disorders. More research is needed to understand what's driving these trends so that we can develop better strategies for preventing and managing these conditions.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  12. Jamal A, Babazono A, Liu N, Yamao R, Fujita T, Kim SA, et al.
    Metab Syndr Relat Disord, 2024 Feb;22(1):27-38.
    PMID: 38350086 DOI: 10.1089/met.2023.0055
    Background: Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels often increase in metabolic diseases. Objective: This study was conducted to determine which liver enzymes are strongly associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS), how they interact to produce different probability estimates, and what cutoff levels should be used to guide clinical decision-making. Methods: The researchers examined the insurance-based medical checkup data of 293,610 employees ≥35 years years of age, who underwent medical checkups between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2017. Liver enzyme levels were grouped into quartiles. The association and interaction of liver enzymes with MetS were examined using logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to determine the optimal cutoff values for each liver enzyme in detecting the prevalence of MetS. Results: High levels of γ-GT and ALT were more strongly associated with MetS than AST. At various levels, the tested liver enzymes were found interactive, and associated with the likelihood of MetS prevalence. ROC analysis underscored the significance of all liver enzymes in predicting the development of MetS. The cutoff values for each liver enzyme were determined. Conclusion: This findings of this study directly support the identification of MetS risks within the population, prioritize prevention strategies, and potentially inform policy formulation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  13. Yeo JJP, Yeo LS, Tan SSN, Delailah DDRA, Lee SWH, Hu ATH, et al.
    Hypertens Res, 2024 Feb;47(2):352-357.
    PMID: 37673957 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-023-01418-4
    Resistant hypertension is a well-recognised clinical challenge. However, the definition and epidemiology of true resistant hypertension (RH) are less understood, especially in Asia. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of RH referred from primary care clinics based on various guidelines. RH was defined as blood pressure (BP) being above the threshold using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring despite adequate lifestyle measures and optimal treatment with ≥3 medications at maximally tolerated doses. Between one in four (n = 94, 24.0% using Malaysian guidelines) and up to two-thirds (n = 249, 63.7% using 2018 American guidelines) of adults referred for uncontrolled hypertension met the criteria of true RH. Of those with RH, a further one-quarter (n = 26, 26.6%) were deemed to have refractory hypertension (elevated BP despite treatment with at least 5 antihypertensive medications). Adults with RH were generally younger, more likely to be male, had a higher BMI and were more likely to have gout, CKD, and angina compared to those with controlled hypertension. The prevalence of RH amongst Asian adults with poor hypertension control is high. A concerted effort is needed to reduce the high burden of RH, especially among this population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  14. Mohd Hanapi IR, Behnke JM, Sahimin N, Saifulazmi NF, Golam Mohammad Khan ASJ, Abdul Mutalib RNS, et al.
    Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2024 Jan 02;118(1):18-32.
    PMID: 37497742 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad047
    BACKGROUND: Global studies show intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have been introduced and spread with refugee inflows from low to high socio-economic countries. However, there is relatively limited information on the prevalence of infections among the community.

    METHODS: A 2-year cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for infections among urban refugees in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. A total of 418 faecal samples were collected and examined by microscopy.

    RESULTS: Faecal screening revealed moderate levels (32.3%) of infections in the community. Three nematode (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm) and three protozoan species (Entamoeba, Giardia and Cryptosporidium) were recorded, with the highest prevalence being A. lumbricoides (20.6%) followed by T. trichiura (10.3%), while other infections were <5%. Statistical analysis found that young males with less education were more likely to be infected with helminths. Additionally, living near waste disposal sites, the presence of stray animals, eating with bare hands, bare footedness, poor handwashing practices and no anthelmintic treatment constituted significant risk factors for helminth infections. Protozoan infections were linked to drinking tap water or from water dispensers and poor handwashing practices.

    CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the importance of health education in addition to introduction of biannual anthelmintic treatment to promote community health and well-being.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  15. Nagi MA, Ahmed H, Rezq MAA, Sangroongruangsri S, Chaikledkaew U, Almalki Z, et al.
    Int J Obes (Lond), 2024 Jan;48(1):33-43.
    PMID: 37884664 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-023-01398-y
    INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a growing public health problem leading to substantial economic impact. This study aimed to summarize the economic impact of obesity and to critically analyze the methods used in the cost-of-illness (COI) studies on obesity.

    METHODS: We conducted systematic search in PubMed and Scopus from September 1, 2016, to July 22, 2022. Original COI studies estimating the economic cost of obesity and/or overweight in at least one country, published in English were included. To facilitate the comparison of estimates across countries, we converted the cost estimates of different years to 2022 purchasing power parity (PPP) values using each country's consumer price index (CPI) and PPP conversion rate.

    RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included. All studies employed a prevalence-based approach using Population Attributable Fraction (PAF) methodology. About half of the included studies (53%) were conducted in high-income countries while the others (47%) were conducted in middle-income countries. The economic burden of obesity ranged between PPP 15 million in Brazil to PPP 126 billion in the USA, in the year 2022. Direct medical costs accounted for 0.7% to 17.8% of the health system expenditure. Furthermore, the total costs of obesity ranged from 0.05% to 2.42% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Of the seven studies that estimated both direct and indirect costs, indirect costs accounted for the largest portion of five studies. Nevertheless, a variety in methodology across studies was identified. The number of co-morbidities included in the analysis varied across studies.

    CONCLUSIONS: Although there was a variety of methodologies across studies, consistent evidence indicated that the economic burden of obesity was substantial. Obesity prevention and control should be a public health priority, especially among countries with high prevalence of obesity.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  16. Nassir KF, Ali BM, Ibrahim ZH, Qasim ZJ, Mahdi SG, Mustafa NM, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Jan;79(1):74-79.
    PMID: 38287761
    INTRODUCTION: Salmonella typhi could infect the intestinal tract and the bloodstream or invade body organs and secrete endotoxins. It is endemic in developing countries. It is increasingly evolving antimicrobial resistance to several commonly used antimicrobial agents.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done at Iraqi Communicable Disease Control Center, where all confirmed cases of Salmonella typhi are reported, for a period 2019-2021. All demographic, epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients, comorbidities, type of samples, distribution of S. typhi by age and gender, time distribution in each year and profile of bacterial resistance and sensitivity to antibiotics were gathered and analysed.

    RESULTS: Most samples were taken from blood. The mean age of cases during 2019, 2020 and 2021 was 18.7 ± 6.5, 17.7 ± 14.1 and 17.3 ± 12.8. Males constituted 56.7%, 58.5% and 39.8%, respectively. Some cases had comorbidities. Most cases had headache and fever. Some of them had nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and epigastric pain. The age and sex were significantly associated with years of reporting. The most months of case reporting were June-July (2019 and 2021), Jan. -Feb. (2020). There was an obvious increase in S. typhi resistance to ceftriaxone (92.2%, 86.1%, 88.8%) and ampicillin (77.1%, 76.9%, 81.27%). There was a gradual increase in sensitivity to tetracycline (83.1%, 88.1%, 94%), cotrimoxazole (86.7%, 86.1%, 92.2%), ciprofloxacin (78.3%, 90.1%, 87.8%) and cefixime (77.7%, 72.3%, 72.7%).

    CONCLUSIONS: There was a sharp rise in resistance rates of the S. typhi in Iraq (during 2019-2021) to ceftriaxone and ampicillin, while there were highest sensitivity rates to imipenem, aztreonam and chloramphenicol. The following recommendations were made: (1) Improvement of general hygiene and food safety measures. (2) Emphasis on vaccination and surveillance of Salmonella infection. (3) Rational use of appropriate antibiotics through implementation of treatment guidelines. (5) Educate communities and travelers about the risks of S. typhi and its preventive measures.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  17. Farah IO, Hasan MN
    Mymensingh Med J, 2024 Jan;33(1):286-293.
    PMID: 38163805
    Increasing age is the main risk factor for chronic illnesses. The illnesses are not only physical, but also affect their psychological well-being and this has a significant effect on their quality of life. Numerous researches have shown that there is high prevalence of psychological distress in different medical and surgical patients while considerable percentage that is not detected by doctors. The study was conducted to identify the prevalence and risk factors of psychological distress in older people seeking health care at hospital in Dhaka city. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Bangladesh Association for the Aged and Institution of Geriatric Medicine (Bangladesh Probin Hospital) in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. A total of 451 older people seeking for healthcare was interviewed face-to-face using a standard Bengali validated General Health Care Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). Recruitment of respondents was based on the systematic random sampling of the older people aged at or more than 60 years who were seeking health care at hospital in Dhaka city. A total of 59.65% (n=269) participants were found to have psychological distress. Age of more than 75, education up to secondary level, being unemployment, living alone, respondents with lower socioeconomic background, not having spouse, history of bereavement was found to be significantly associated with psychological distress. Other factors such as smokers, respondents who consume alcohol, physically inactive older people, older people with multiple comorbidities and having diagnosed with a disease more than 6 months were found to be associated with psychological distress. Majority of the older patients with physical illness were distressed. The prevalence of psychological distress among older peoples seeking for healthcare with multiple comorbidities who seek care in the hospital was very high (59.65%). Age, education, marital status, history of bereavement, smoking, alcohol use, physical activity and presence of multiple comorbidities were independent determinants of psychological distress among older people seeking for healthcare. Encouraging healthy lifestyle through cessation of smoking and alcohol use and increasing physical activity could be an effective step in reducing psychological comorbidities among older people seeking for healthcare.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  18. Heng KV, Lum LCS, Breen E, Lye CW, Kuan WC, Goh SH, et al.
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2024 Jan;36(1):127-132.
    PMID: 37981736 DOI: 10.1177/10105395231211978
    Breastfeeding rates in urban Malaysian mothers are below World Health Organization (WHO) targets. Our prospective survey identified breastfeeding prevalences at 3, 6, and 12 months of 85.5%, 77%, and 60%, respectively. Combined (direct and expressed) breastfeeding significantly sustained longer-term breastfeeding. Efforts should be focused on mothers of Indian ethnicity and on expression after one month postpartum.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  19. Jiee SF, Joo LK, Eng PN, Simon Sumeh A, Jantim A, Shanmuganathan S, et al.
    J Prim Care Community Health, 2024;15:21501319241233178.
    PMID: 38420774 DOI: 10.1177/21501319241233178
    BACKGROUND: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a potentially life-threatening condition that causes long-standing public health concerns. Echocardiography is a reliable diagnostic and screening technique for many cardiovascular conditions, including RHD. It is commonly used in tertiary care facilities worldwide but less so in the community setting. The primary aim of this study was to introduce and elaborate on the echocardiographic screening for RHD that was implemented by a Malaysian primary care clinic in Penampang district, Sabah. We also set out to present the uptake of the service in its initial years of establishment, as well as the challenges faced.

    METHODS: In the first part of this study, document reviews were conducted to compile relevant information about the conceptualization and implementation of this service. Following that, we also obtained secondary data on the echocardiographic screening service from its first implementation in April 2020 until May 2021 to examine the uptake and the patient profile.

    RESULTS: From April 2020 to May 2021, a total of 189 echocardiographic screening was conducted by primary care doctors using handheld ultrasound. Of the 189 children screened, 19 (10.1%) were found to have cardiac anomalies and were referred for a formal echocardiogram. Upon follow-up, 8 were detected with mild mitral regurgitation and referred to the nearest tertiary hospital for further management.

    CONCLUSION: Based on our review, the echocardiographic screening for RHD among children conducted by the Penampang Health Clinic was deemed successful. Echocardiogram service provided by primary care centers located in suburban and rural areas is highly beneficial for patients with poor access to specialized health care services because they stay far away from tertiary care facilities. Tapping into family medicine physicians located closer to communities to conduct echocardiographic screening and review the results can improve the detection of cardiac anomalies requiring further investigation. With the success of this project, echocardiographic services in the primary healthcare setting can be expanded by garnering the necessary collaborative efforts and consistent support from various stakeholders.

    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
  20. Saidu AS, Mohammed S, Adamu SG, Sadiq MA, Tijjani AO, Musa HI, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Dec 27;13(1):23079.
    PMID: 38155194 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49451-0
    Cryptosporidium is one of the most important protozoan parasitic pathogens, and it is a common cause of diarrhoea in humans, domestic animals, and wild vertebrates and has serious public health threats. A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in raw-eaten vegetables in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Areas (LGAs). A total of 400 samples were collected from four (4) different locations, namely Tashan Bama, Gomboru, and Monday Markets (n = 100), while fifty (n = 50) each from 202-Vegetable-Vendors and Unimaid Commercials. A total of 16 visits were conducted in all the sampling areas (twenty-five samples per visit). The Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected using the Modified Ziehl-Neelsen Staining Technique. The locations, sources, and types of raw-eaten vegetables were also assessed. The oocysts were confirmed (100×) as bright pink spherules. Data generated were analyzed using IBM-SPSS V23.0, and p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Out of the total samples (n = 400) analyzed, cabbage appeared to have the highest number of 10 (12.5%) of Cryptosporidium oocysts detected, while Tomato and garden egg had 9 (11.3%) and 1 (1.2%), respectively. There was a statistically significant association (χ2 = 12.5, P = 0.014) between the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in raw-eaten vegetables and vegetable types. Among the sources of the vegetables sampled, Alau had the highest number of Cryptosporidium oocysts, 15 (12.5%), followed by Kilari-Abdullahi and Zabarmari sources with 4 (10.0%) and 4 (5.0%), respectively. However, Jetete appeared to have the least number 2 (2.5%) of oocysts, and there was a statistically significant association (χ2= 10.4, P = 0.034) between the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and the sources of vegetables and fruits. The study concludes that the raw-eaten vegetables sampled from Maiduguri Metropolis were contaminated with Cryptosporidium oocysts. The study recommends that all raw-eaten vegetables should be from cleaned sources and washed before consumption. Consumers should be enlightened on the hygienic measures in the food chain in line with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles.
    Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
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