Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 39 in total

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  1. Yusof KM, Mohd Sidik S, Mahmud R, Abdullah M, Avery-Kiejda KA, Rosli R
    Breast Cancer, 2023 Sep;30(5):810-819.
    PMID: 37306933 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-023-01475-0
    BACKGROUND: Although higher survival rates of breast cancer are achieved these days, breast cancer survivors are challenged with unwanted side effects from treatment or management that affect physical, functional, and psychological well-being of an individual. This study aimed to assess psychological distress status in Malaysian breast cancer survivors and factors that affected the condition.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was conducted on 162 breast cancer survivors from various breast cancer support groups in Malaysia. Psychological distress status was assessed based on depression and anxiety scores by applying the Malay version of Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7). Both instruments were self-administered along with a set of questionnaires comprising demographic, medical history, quality of life, and upper extremity function assessment. Outcomes from the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 were analyzed for severity level of psychological distress, and its association with relevant variables, arm morbidity symptoms, as well as the duration of cancer survivorship.

    RESULTS: The univariate analysis showed that breast cancer survivors with arm morbidities after breast surgery had a higher score of depression (5.0 vs 4.0, p = 0.011) and anxiety (3.0 vs 1.0, p = 0.026) than those who did not. Besides that, receiving fewer post-rehabilitation treatments (p = 0.049) and having a family history of cancer (p = 0.022) were correlated with higher anxiety level. The level of depression and anxiety was inversely proportionate with quality of life and positively correlated with greater disability of the arm function (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology
  2. Pang NTP, Tio VCS, Singh ASB, Tseu MWL, Shoesmith WD, Abd Rahim MA, et al.
    Trends Psychiatry Psychother, 2023 Feb 17;44:e20200172.
    PMID: 34392668 DOI: 10.47626/2237-6089-2020-0172
    INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 has trickle-down psychological effects on multiple strata of society, particularly university students. Apart from the worry of contracting or spreading COVID-19, Malaysian university students were also locked down on their campuses, suffering significant psychological distress. Hence, an online mindfulness intervention was proposed to alleviate psychological distress and improve psychological flexibility and mindfulness.

    METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental study with university students as participants. Intervention group participants were instructed to complete online questionnaires which covered basic demographics and instruments assessing depression, anxiety, stress, mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and fear of COVID-19 before and after the one-hour intervention. The control group also completed before and after questionnaires and were subsequently crossed over to the intervention group. Repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to assess time*group effects.

    RESULTS: 118 participants were involved in this study. There were significant differences in anxiety (F(1,116) = 34.361, p < 0.001, partial eta-squared = 0.229) and psychological flexibility between the two groups (F(1,116) = 11.010, p = 0.001, partial eta-squared = 0.087), while there were no differences in depression, stress, mindfulness, or fear of COVID-19.

    CONCLUSION: The results of this study corroborate the efficacy of online single-session mindfulness therapy as a viable short-term psychological intervention under financial and time constraints. Since university students are in the age group with the highest incidence of depressive and anxiety disorders, it is crucial to utilize resources to address as many students as possible to ensure maximum benefit.

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology
  3. Fountoulakis KN, Karakatsoulis G, Abraham S, Adorjan K, Ahmed HU, Alarcón RD, et al.
    Eur Neuropsychopharmacol, 2022 Jan;54:21-40.
    PMID: 34758422 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.10.004
    INTRODUCTION: There are few published empirical data on the effects of COVID-19 on mental health, and until now, there is no large international study.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, an online questionnaire gathered data from 55,589 participants from 40 countries (64.85% females aged 35.80 ± 13.61; 34.05% males aged 34.90±13.29 and 1.10% other aged 31.64±13.15). Distress and probable depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm respectively.

    STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses and Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested relations among variables.

    RESULTS: Probable depression was detected in 17.80% and distress in 16.71%. A significant percentage reported a deterioration in mental state, family dynamics and everyday lifestyle. Persons with a history of mental disorders had higher rates of current depression (31.82% vs. 13.07%). At least half of participants were accepting (at least to a moderate degree) a non-bizarre conspiracy. The highest Relative Risk (RR) to develop depression was associated with history of Bipolar disorder and self-harm/attempts (RR = 5.88). Suicidality was not increased in persons without a history of any mental disorder. Based on these results a model was developed.

    CONCLUSIONS: The final model revealed multiple vulnerabilities and an interplay leading from simple anxiety to probable depression and suicidality through distress. This could be of practical utility since many of these factors are modifiable. Future research and interventions should specifically focus on them.

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology
  4. Lai ST, Lim KS, Tang V, Low WY
    Epilepsy Behav, 2021 05;118:107916.
    PMID: 33743343 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107916
    BACKGROUND: We investigated the efficacy of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) in promoting psychological wellbeing in people with epilepsy (PWE) using an assessor-blinded randomized controlled design.

    METHODS: A total of 28 PWE were randomly assigned to either intervention (n = 14 cases) or control group (n = 14 controls). The intervention group received a six 2.5-hour weekly MBI, while the control group did not receive any intervention. They were assessed at three timepoints (T0: before intervention, T1: immediately after intervention, and T2: 6 weeks after intervention). Repeated measures of analyses of variance (RM-ANOVAs) were used for inter-group comparisons to determine intervention effect from baseline -to T1 and -to T2 for all outcome measures. The individual changes were calculated using the reliable change index (RCI). Key outcomes included depression (BDI-II), anxiety (BAI), epilepsy-related quality of life (QOLIE-31), satisfaction with life (SWLS), and level of mindfulness (MAAS).

    RESULTS: Participants who participated in the MBI showed significant reduction in BDI-II (p = 0.001), significant increases in MAAS (p = 0.027) and QOLIE-31 (p = 0.001) at T1 when compared with the control group. However, BAI and SWLS were not significant. The trend was similar at 6-week follow-up, all outcome measures of MBI remained significant (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology
  5. Mistry SK, Ali ARMM, Akther F, Yadav UN, Harris MF
    Global Health, 2021 Apr 14;17(1):47.
    PMID: 33853616 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-021-00698-0
    OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to assess the perceived fear of COVID-19 and its associated factors among older adults in Bangladesh.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2020 among 1032 older Bangladeshi adults aged ≥60 years. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on participants' characteristics and COVID-19 related information. Perceived fear of COVID-19 was measured using the seven-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), where the cumulative score ranged from 7 to 35. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with perceived fear of COVID-19.

    RESULTS: The mean fear score was 19.4. Participants who were concerned about COVID-19 (β: 2.75, 95% CI: 1.71 to 3.78) and overwhelmed by COVID-19 (β: 3.31, 95% CI: 2.33 to 4.29) were significantly more likely to be fearful of COVID-19. Moreover, older adults who felt themselves isolated from others and whose close friends and family members were diagnosed with COVID-19 were more fearful. However, the participants who received COVID-19 related information from the health workers had a lower level of fear (β: -1.90, 95% CI: - 3.06 to - 0.73).

    CONCLUSIONS: The presence of overwhelming fear of COVID-19 among the older adults of Bangladesh underlines the psychological needs of these vulnerable groups. Health workers have a key role in addressing these needs and further research is needed to identify the effective strategies for them to use.

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology*
  6. Wang C, Tee M, Roy AE, Fardin MA, Srichokchatchawan W, Habib HA, et al.
    PLoS One, 2021;16(2):e0246824.
    PMID: 33571297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246824
    The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted the economy, livelihood, and physical and mental well-being of people worldwide. This study aimed to compare the mental health status during the pandemic in the general population of seven middle income countries (MICs) in Asia (China, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam). All the countries used the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to measure mental health. There were 4479 Asians completed the questionnaire with demographic characteristics, physical symptoms and health service utilization, contact history, knowledge and concern, precautionary measure, and rated their mental health with the IES-R and DASS-21. Descriptive statistics, One-Way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression were used to identify protective and risk factors associated with mental health parameters. There were significant differences in IES-R and DASS-21 scores between 7 MICs (p<0.05). Thailand had all the highest scores of IES-R, DASS-21 stress, anxiety, and depression scores whereas Vietnam had all the lowest scores. The risk factors for adverse mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic include age <30 years, high education background, single and separated status, discrimination by other countries and contact with people with COVID-19 (p<0.05). The protective factors for mental health include male gender, staying with children or more than 6 people in the same household, employment, confidence in doctors, high perceived likelihood of survival, and spending less time on health information (p<0.05). This comparative study among 7 MICs enhanced the understanding of metal health in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology*
  7. Salari N, Khazaie H, Hosseinian-Far A, Khaledi-Paveh B, Kazeminia M, Mohammadi M, et al.
    Hum Resour Health, 2020 12 17;18(1):100.
    PMID: 33334335 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-020-00544-1
    BACKGROUND: Stress, anxiety, and depression are some of the most important research and practice challenges for psychologists, psychiatrists, and behavioral scientists. Due to the importance of issue and the lack of general statistics on these disorders among the Hospital staff treating the COVID-19 patients, this study aims to systematically review and determine the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression within front-line healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients.

    METHODS: In this research work, the systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression approaches are used to approximate the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression within front-line healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients. The keywords of prevalence, anxiety, stress, depression, psychopathy, mental illness, mental disorder, doctor, physician, nurse, hospital staff, 2019-nCoV, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 and Coronaviruses were used for searching the SID, MagIran, IranMedex, IranDoc, ScienceDirect, Embase, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science (ISI) and Google Scholar databases. The search process was conducted in December 2019 to June 2020. In order to amalgamate and analyze the reported results within the collected studies, the random effects model is used. The heterogeneity of the studies is assessed using the I2 index. Lastly, the data analysis is performed within the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software.

    RESULTS: Of the 29 studies with a total sample size of 22,380, 21 papers have reported the prevalence of depression, 23 have reported the prevalence of anxiety, and 9 studies have reported the prevalence of stress. The prevalence of depression is 24.3% (18% CI 18.2-31.6%), the prevalence of anxiety is 25.8% (95% CI 20.5-31.9%), and the prevalence of stress is 45% (95% CI 24.3-67.5%) among the hospitals' Hospital staff caring for the COVID-19 patients. According to the results of meta-regression analysis, with increasing the sample size, the prevalence of depression and anxiety decreased, and this was statistically significant (P stress increased with increasing the sample size, yet this was not statistically significant (P = 0.829).

    CONCLUSION: The results of this study clearly demonstrate that the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression within front-line healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients is high. Therefore, the health policy-makers should take measures to control and prevent mental disorders in the Hospital staff.

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology
  8. Htay MNN, Marzo RR, AlRifai A, Kamberi F, El-Abasiri RA, Nyamache JM, et al.
    J Glob Health, 2020 Dec;10(2):020381.
    PMID: 33214890 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.10.020381
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology*
  9. Chu SY, Park H, Lee J, Shaharuddin KKB, Gan CH
    Child Care Health Dev, 2020 07;46(4):485-494.
    PMID: 32396218 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12771
    BACKGROUND: This study explored the relationship between self-perceived stigmatization (affiliate stigma), stress and quality of life among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

    METHOD: Participants (N = 110) filled-in the Affiliate Stigma Scale, the Caregiver Burden Inventory and the CarerQOL scale.

    RESULTS: Parents reported low scores on stigma and fair levels of stress and quality of life, indicating that parents do not feel stigmatized by affiliation with a child with ASD nor are they stressed from affiliate stigma. After controlling for demographic factors, both the relationships of affiliate stigma with stress and with quality of life were weak, indicating that stigma may have little to no effect on stress and quality of life.

    CONCLUSION: Cultural and religious beliefs may play a part in the acceptance of a child's condition, resulting in less impact of stigma on the parents.

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology*
  10. Ford K, Jampaklay A, Chamratrithirong A
    Int J Public Health, 2019 Nov;64(8):1193-1201.
    PMID: 31489461 DOI: 10.1007/s00038-019-01297-y
    OBJECTIVES: A long-term civil conflict has been occurring in the southernmost provinces of Thailand, and migration to Malaysia has been accelerated by this conflict. The objective of this work was to examine the influence of perceived effects of the unrest, migration of a household member, and children left behind on the reporting of psychiatric symptoms of working age adults.

    METHODS: A first round of data collection was conducted in 2014 including interviews with a probability sample of 1102 households and individual interviews with 2058 males and females aged 18-59. In 2016, a second round of data collection was conducted. A fixed effects model was used in the analysis.

    RESULTS: The perceived effect of the unrest on the household was associated with an increased reporting of psychiatric symptoms. Furthermore, the migration of a household member for work and the presence of children left behind were related to an increased reporting of psychiatric symptoms among adults, especially among females.

    CONCLUSIONS: The unrest and its associated migration was related to an increased reporting of psychiatric symptoms among working age adults in the study population.

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology
  11. Lai ST, Tan WY, Wo MC, Lim KS, Ahmad SB, Tan CT
    Seizure, 2019 Oct;71:132-139.
    PMID: 31325820 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2019.07.008
    PURPOSE: The literature on caregiver burden tends to focus on children and teenagers with epilepsy and less on adults. As caregiving is a dynamic, complex process across the trajectories, this study aims to examine the factors associated with caregiving burden in those caring for adults with epilepsy.

    METHOD: This is a cross-sectional, survey-based study in which participants responded to questionnairesregarding perceived burden (ZBI), quality of life (IEQoL), psychological distress (DASS-21), family functioning (FAD) and perceived social support (MSPSS). Additional measures include socio-demographics and clinical characteristics of the care-recipient.

    RESULTS: A total of 111 caregivers participated, of whom 72.1% were females, 55% parents, 59.5% Chinese, 51.4% unemployed and 46.0% with tertiary education.Approximately half (42.3%) reported mild-to-moderate levels of burden (mean ZBI score 29.93, SD 16.09).Furthermore, multiple regression analysisidentified10 predictors of caregiver burden, namely family functioning, weekly caregiving hours, number of caregivers per family, attitude towards epilepsy, family support, caregivers' gender, personal income and as well as care-recipients' age of onset, seizure frequency and ADL dependency (F(10, 85) = 11.37, p stress (r = 0.576, p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology
  12. Beng TS, Yun LA, Yi LX, Yan LH, Peng NK, Kun LS, et al.
    Ann Palliat Med, 2019 Sep;8(4):401-410.
    PMID: 30943744 DOI: 10.21037/apm.2019.03.04
    BACKGROUND: The population of end-stage renal failure (ESRF) receiving dialysis treatment is increasing worldwide. For most patients with ESRF, dialysis can extend their life. However, treatment can be demanding and time-consuming. Despite dialysis treatment, many patients continue to experience various sufferings.

    METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted with semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences of suffering of ESRF patients on maintenance dialysis in Malaysia. The results were thematically analyzed.

    RESULTS: Nineteen ESRF patients were interviewed. The themes and subthemes were: (I) physical suffering-physical symptoms and functional limitations, (II) psychological suffering-the emotions and thoughts of suffering, (III) social suffering-healthcare-related suffering and burdening of others and (IV) spiritual suffering-the queries of suffering.

    CONCLUSIONS: These findings may help healthcare professionals to fill in the gaps in the delivery of best renal palliative care.

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology*
  13. Bisong SA, Ukoh IE, Nna VU, Ebong PE
    Andrologia, 2018 Sep;50(7):e13050.
    PMID: 29806220 DOI: 10.1111/and.13050
    Previous studies showed that exposure to stress or nicotine induced reproductive impairment in male rats. Here, we assessed the effect of an antioxidant (vitamin E) on nicotine-, stress- and nicotine + stress-induced reproductive impairment in male rats. Forty-eight male albino Wistar rats were divided into eight groups as follows; control, stress (generator noise 90-120 dB, 8 hr/day), nicotine (1.5 mg kg-1 day-1 ), nicotine + stress, vitamin E (100 mg kg-1 day-1 ), stress + vitamin E, nicotine + vitamin E and stress + nicotine + vitamin E. Sperm count, viability, motility and rapid progressive forward movement decreased significantly (p stress, nicotine and nicotine + stress groups, compared with control. Serum testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone decreased significantly (p stress, nicotine and nicotine + stress groups, compared with control. Serum luteinising hormone decreased (p stress and nicotine + stress groups, compared with the control. Histology of the testes showed loss of germ cells in numerous seminiferous tubules, and epididymal histology showed decreased sperm density in stress, nicotine and nicotine + stress groups compared with the control. These negative changes were more severe in the nicotine + stress group. Vitamin E ameliorated the negative changes in the above parameters. This may be attributable to its antioxidant property.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology
  14. Ruhaila AR, Chong HC
    Med J Malaysia, 2018 08;73(4):226-232.
    PMID: 30121685 MyJurnal
    OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, correlates and independent predictors of self-reported depression, anxiety and stress in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Hospital Melaka.

    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey using convenient sampling of 192 RA patients who attended the Rheumatology Clinic outpatient appointment, Hospital Melaka from June 2013 to December 2013. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS21) questionnaire was used to evaluate symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. RA disease activity was assessed using the DAS28-ESR formula. Functional status was assessed via the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI).

    RESULTS: Out of 189 completed questionnaires, 46%(n=86) patients reported psychological distress symptoms, and 25%(n=48) experienced more than one negative emotional states. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among our patients were 23.3%(n=44), 42.3%(n=80) and 20.1%(n=38) respectively. There were significant positive correlations (p<0.05) between these psychological symptoms with disease activity, number of tender joints, general health, pain and HAQ score. Age was inversely correlated with depression, anxiety and stress. Higher number of swollen joints correlated positively with depression but not with anxiety and stress. HAQ was the only independent predictor for depression (Odds Ratio [OR]=2.07; 95%CI: 1.19 to 3.61) and anxiety (OR=1.81; 95%CI: 1.1 to 3.0) whilst pain was found to be independent predictor for stress (OR=1.04; 95%CI: 1.0 to 1.1).

    CONCLUSION: The incidence of depression and anxiety in our Malaysian sample of RA patient was comparable to that observed in Caucasian populations. Functional status was an independent predictor of depression and anxiety, whereas pain was an independent predictor of stress.

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology*
  15. Mohammadzadeh M, Awang H, Kadir Shahar H, Ismail S
    Community Ment Health J, 2018 01;54(1):117-125.
    PMID: 28315972 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-017-0128-5
    This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of depression, anxiety, stress and low self-esteem among institutional Malaysian adolescents. This cross-sectional descriptive study included 287 adolescents aged 12-18 years living in six selected orphan homes. Study's instruments included Socio-demographic questionnaire, validated Malay version of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The findings revealed that 85.2, 80.1 and 84.7% of participants had depression, anxiety and stress respectively. Females were more likely to be depressed. Furthermore, anxiety was significantly associated with race and age but no significant associations between stress and the demographic factors were found. The study also showed that 70.8% of males and 69.2% of females had low self-esteem and the self-esteem was associated with depression, anxiety and stress.Therefore, mental health problems are very common among adolescents in Malaysian orphanages. Results reveal the urgency of immediate actions to reduce the mental health problems among Malaysian institutional adolescents.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology
  16. Ibrahim N, Sherina MS, Phang CK, Mukhtar F, Awang H, Ang JK, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2017 08;72(4):221-227.
    PMID: 28889133 MyJurnal
    No abstract available.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology
  17. Al Maghaireh DF, Abdullah KL, Chong MC, Chua YP, Al Kawafha MM
    J Pediatr Nurs, 2017 06 19;36:132-140.
    PMID: 28888494 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2017.06.007
    PURPOSE: To investigate the stressors and stress levels among Jordanian parents of infants in the NICU and their relationship to three factors: anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two hospitals in Jordan among 310 parents of infants in the NICU by using PSS: NICU and PROMIS.

    RESULTS: Both parents experienced high levels of stress, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance. There was a significant difference in stress level between mothers and fathers [t (308)=3.471, p=0.001], with the mothers experiencing higher stress than the fathers [mean: mothers=108.58; fathers=101.68]. The highest and lowest sources of stress were infant behavior and appearance (M=4.09) and sights and sounds in the NICU (M=3.54), respectively. The correlation between stress levels with anxiety (r=0.79) and depression (r=0.75) was strong and positive while sleep disturbance was significant and moderate (r=0.43).

    CONCLUSIONS: The mothers experienced higher levels of stress compared to fathers, with positive correlations between stress and anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance.

    PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings of this study create nursing awareness of parent stress and its impact, which will help them to improve nursing care for parents.

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology
  18. Janvier A, Lantos J, Aschner J, Barrington K, Batton B, Batton D, et al.
    Pediatrics, 2016 09;138(3).
    PMID: 27489297 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2016-0655
    For parents, the experience of having an infant in the NICU is often psychologically traumatic. No parent can be fully prepared for the extreme stress and range of emotions of caring for a critically ill newborn. As health care providers familiar with the NICU, we thought that we understood the impact of the NICU on parents. But we were not prepared to see the children in our own families as NICU patients. Here are some of the lessons our NICU experience has taught us. We offer these lessons in the hope of helping health professionals consider a balanced view of the NICU's impact on families.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology
  19. Tajik E, Latiffah AL, Awang H, Siti Nur'Asyura A, Chin YS, Azrin Shah AB, et al.
    Obes Res Clin Pract, 2016 Mar-Apr;10(2):114-23.
    PMID: 26204813 DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2015.06.001
    BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Missing main meals and an unhealthy snacking pattern can lead to poor diet quality and consequently to the presence of chronic diseases among which mental disorder is no exception. Since there is little research on diet, skipping meals and psychological status in Asian countries, this study tries to determine eating behaviour and predicting symptoms of stress and depression of adolescents in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia.

    SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Form 1 secondary school-going adolescents (n 1565, response rate: 90%) in southern Malaysia from April to May 2013. A self-administered structured and validated questionnaire (socio-demographic, eating behaviour questionnaire, and depression, anxiety and stress scales (DASS-21)) was used for data collection.

    RESULTS: Among respondents, 803 (51.3%) were female, 1125 were Malay (71.9%) with a mean age of 13.7 (SD=0.8) years. Logistic regression analysis indicated that students who were underweight (OR=3.07, 95% CI 1.21, 7.76), obese (OR=2.64, 95% CI 1.01, 6.87), used to eat out of home (OR=1.37, 95% CI 1.28, 2.13), eat dinner (>4 days/week) (OR=1.59, 95% CI 1.04, 2.43) were more likely to have depression or stress symptoms. Moreover, participants with 4-7 days/week eating breakfast (OR=0.88, 95% CI 0.21, 0.89) were less likely to be at mild/moderate stress.

    CONCLUSIONS: Findings underscore the effect of unhealthy eating practices among adolescents on mental health. Targeted education should be implemented to improve psychological well-being.
    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology*
  20. Amin NA, Quek KF, Oxley JA, Noah RM, Nordin R
    Int J Occup Environ Med, 2015 10;6(4):232-42.
    PMID: 26498051 DOI: 10.15171/ijoem.2015.632
    BACKGROUND: The Job Content Questionnaire (M-JCQ) is an established self-reported instrument used across the world to measure the work dimensions based on the Karasek's demand-control-support model.

    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychometrics properties of the Malay version of M-JCQ among nurses in Malaysia.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on nurses working in 4 public hospitals in Klang Valley area, Malaysia. M-JCQ was used to assess the perceived psychosocial stressors and physical demands of nurses at their workplaces. Construct validity of the questionnaire was examined using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Cronbach's α values were used to estimate the reliability (internal consistency) of the M-JCQ.

    RESULTS: EFA showed that 34 selected items were loaded in 4 factors. Except for psychological job demand (Cronbach's α 0.51), the remaining 3 α values for 3 subscales (job control, social support, and physical demand) were greater than 0.70, indicating acceptable internal consistency. However, an item was excluded due to poor item-total correlation (r<0.3). The final M-JCQ was consisted of 33 items.

    CONCLUSION: The M-JCQ is a reliable and valid instrument to measure psychosocial and physical stressors in the workplace of public hospital nurses in Malaysia.

    Matched MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological/etiology
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