Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 118 in total

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  1. Impact of 24 hour critical care physician staffing on case-mix adjusted mortality in paediatric intensive care
    Goh AY, Lum LC, Abdel-Latif ME
    Lancet, 2001 Feb 10;357(9254):445-6.
    PMID: 11273070
    The 24 h availability of intensive care consultants (intensivists) has been shown to improve outcomes in adult intensive care units (ICU) in the UK. We tested whether such availability would improve standardised mortality ratios when compared to out-of-hours cover by general paediatricians in the paediatric ICU setting of a medium-income developing country. The standardised mortality ratio (SMR) improved significantly from 1.57 (95%CI 1.25-1.95) with non-specialist care to 0.88 (95%CI 0.63-1.19) with intensivist care (rate ratio 0.56, 95% CI 0.47-0.67). Mortality odds ratio decreased by 0.234, 0.246 and 0.266 in the low, moderate and high-risk patients. 24 h availability of intensivists was associated with improved outcomes and use of resources in paediatric intensive care in a developing country.
    Matched MeSH terms: Medical Staff, Hospital/supply & distribution*
  2. Fulltext Assessment of Healthcare System Capabilities and Preparedness in Yemen to Confront the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak: A Perspective of Healthcare Workers
    Zawiah M, Al-Ashwal FY, Saeed RM, Kubas M, Saeed S, Khan AH, et al.
    Front Public Health, 2020;8:419.
    PMID: 32850608 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00419
    Background: In the past decade, Yemen has witnessed several disasters that resulted in a crumbled healthcare system. With the declaration of COVID-19 a global pandemic, and later the appearance of first confirmed cases in Yemen, there is an urgent need to assess the preparedness of healthcare facilities (HCFs) and their capacities to tackle a looming COVID-19 outbreak. Herein, we present an assessment of the current state of preparedness and capabilities of HCFs in Yemen to prevent and manage the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: An online survey for HCFs was developed, validated, and distributed. The questionnaire is divided into five main sections: (1) Demographic variables for participants. (2) HCFs capabilities for COVID-19 outbreak. (3) Support received to face the emergence and spread of COVID-19. (4). Current practices of infection prevention and control measures in the HCFs. The last section focused on the recommendations to ensure effective and timely response to this outbreak in Yemen. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze data using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), version 23. Results: Responses were received from healthcare workers (HCWs) from 18 out of 22 governorates in Yemen. Out of the 296 HCWs who participated in the study, the vast majority (93.9%) believed that the healthcare system in Yemen does not have the resources and capabilities to face and manage a COVID-19 outbreak. Approximately 82.4% of participants rated the general preparedness level of their HCFs as very poor or poor. More specifically, the majority of HCWs rated their HCFs as very poor or poor in term of availability of the following: an adequate number of mechanical ventilators (88.8%), diagnostic devices (88.2%), ICU rooms and beds (81.4%), and isolation rooms (79.7%). Conclusions: The healthcare facilities in Yemen are unprepared and lack the most basic resources and capabilities to cope with or tackle a COVID-19 outbreak. With the current state of a fragile healthcare system, a widespread outbreak of COVID-19 in Yemen could result in devastating consequences. There is an urgent need to provide support to the healthcare workers and HCFs that are on the frontline against COVID-19.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Resources/supply & distribution
  3. Fulltext Factors that hinder organ donation: religio-cultural or lack of information and trust
    Tumin M, Noh A, Jajri I, Chong CS, Manikam R, Abdullah N
    Exp Clin Transplant, 2013 Jun;11(3):207-10.
    PMID: 23432623 DOI: 10.6002/ect.2012.0194
    This paper examines factors that influence Malaysian persons with a tertiary level of education on their willingness to donate organs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Tissue Donors/supply & distribution
  4. Antiretrovirals shortage in Kenya amid COVID-19
    Ullah I, Hassan W, Tahir MJ, Ahmed A
    J Med Virol, 2021 Oct;93(10):5689-5690.
    PMID: 34143897 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27134
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Retroviral Agents/supply & distribution*
  5. Fulltext COVID-19: Is herd immunity the only option for fragile Yemen?
    Noushad M, Al-Saqqaf IS
    Int J Infect Dis, 2021 May;106:79-82.
    PMID: 33737135 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.03.030
    The first case of COVID-19 in Yemen was confirmed on 10 April 2020. Having faced with a six-year long conflict that has destroyed half of its healthcare facilities and displaced millions, predictions of infections and mortality in Yemen suggested a looming healthcare catastrophe. Difficulty in implementing coordinated lockdowns and preventive measures due to the daily labor working nature of the majority of the population, provided the perfect breeding ground for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, official figures of infections and mortality are very low and there have not been confirmed reports of excess mortality. This could indicate that Yemen is silently marching towards forced herd immunity. Seroprevalence studies will provide useful insight into the COVID-19 transmission trajectory in Yemen, which can serve as a guide in planning vaccine distribution strategies and allocating the limited funds wisely.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Resources/supply & distribution*
  6. Fulltext Exploring views on long term rehabilitation for people with stroke in a developing country: findings from focus group discussions
    Mohd Nordin NA, Aziz NA, Abdul Aziz AF, Ajit Singh DK, Omar Othman NA, Sulong S, et al.
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2014;14:118.
    PMID: 24606911 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-14-118
    The importance of long term rehabilitation for people with stroke is increasingly evident, yet it is not known whether such services can be materialised in countries with limited community resources. In this study, we explored the perception of rehabilitation professionals and people with stroke towards long term stroke rehabilitation services and potential approaches to enable provision of these services. Views from providers and users are important in ensuring whatever strategies developed for long term stroke rehabilitations are feasible and acceptable.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Resources/supply & distribution
  7. Balancing access and safety in prescribing opioid agonist therapy to prevent HIV transmission
    Bachireddy C, Weisberg DF, Altice FL
    Addiction, 2015 Dec;110(12):1869-71.
    PMID: 26464200 DOI: 10.1111/add.13055
    Matched MeSH terms: Buprenorphine/supply & distribution; Methadone/supply & distribution; Narcotic Antagonists/supply & distribution
  8. Fulltext Gender identity, healthcare access, and risk reduction among Malaysia's mak nyah community
    Gibson BA, Brown SE, Rutledge R, Wickersham JA, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL
    Glob Public Health, 2016 Aug-Sep;11(7-8):1010-25.
    PMID: 26824463 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2015.1134614
    Transgender women (TGW) face compounded levels of stigma and discrimination, resulting in multiple health risks and poor health outcomes. TGW identities are erased by forcing them into binary sex categories in society or treating them as men who have sex with men (MSM). In Malaysia, where both civil and religious law criminalise them for their identities, many TGW turn to sex work with inconsistent prevention methods, which increases their health risks. This qualitative study aims to understand how the identities of TGW sex workers shapes their healthcare utilisation patterns and harm reduction behaviours. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 male-to-female transgender (mak nyah) sex workers in Malaysia. Interviews were transcribed, translated into English, and analysed using thematic coding. Results suggest that TGW identity is shaped at an early age followed by incorporation into the mak nyah community where TGW were assisted in gender transition and introduced to sex work. While healthcare was accessible, it failed to address the multiple healthcare needs of TGW. Pressure for gender-affirming health procedures and fear of HIV and sexually transmitted infection screening led to potentially hazardous health behaviours. These findings have implications for developing holistic, culturally sensitive prevention and healthcare services for TGW.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Services for Transgender Persons/supply & distribution*
  9. Outposts of Empire: the dawn of pharmacy in the Straits Settlements 1786 to 1867
    Anderson S
    Pharm Hist (Lond), 2012 Sep;42(3):54-63.
    PMID: 24620479
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Preparations/supply & distribution
  10. Fulltext The crux of Pakistan's prolonged rabies vaccine shortage: A rising mortal threat in the COVID-19 pandemic
    Siddiqui A, Ahmed A, Tanveer M, Arshad A
    J Med Virol, 2021 Sep;93(9):5221-5222.
    PMID: 33851738 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27024
    Matched MeSH terms: Rabies Vaccines/supply & distribution*
  11. Discontinuation of penicillamine in the absence of alternative orphan drugs (trientine-zinc): a case of decompensated liver cirrhosis in Wilson's disease
    Ping CC, Hassan Y, Aziz NA, Ghazali R, Awaisu A
    J Clin Pharm Ther, 2007 Feb;32(1):101-7.
    PMID: 17286794
    To report a case of early-decompensated liver cirrhosis secondary to discontinuation of penicillamine therapy in a patient with Wilson's disease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Trace Elements/supply & distribution; Trientine/supply & distribution; Zinc/supply & distribution
  12. A survey exploring knowledge and perceptions of general practitioners towards the use of generic medicines in the northern state of Malaysia
    Chua GN, Hassali MA, Shafie AA, Awaisu A
    Health Policy, 2010 May;95(2-3):229-35.
    PMID: 20044165 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2009.11.019
    OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the general practitioners' (GPs') knowledge and perceptions towards generic medicines in a northern state of Malaysia.
    METHOD: A postal cross-sectional survey involving registered GPs in Penang, Malaysia was undertaken. A 23-item questionnaire was developed, validated and administered on the GPs. Eighty-seven GPs responded to the survey (response rate 26.8%).
    RESULTS: The majority of the respondents (85.1%) claimed that they actively prescribed generic medicines in their practice. On the other hand, only 4.6% of the respondents correctly identified the Malaysia's National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau's bioequivalence standard for generic products. There were misconceptions among the respondents about the concepts of "bioequivalence", "efficacy", "safety", and "manufacturing standards" of generic medicines. GPs in this survey believed that a standard guideline on brand substitution process, collaboration with pharmacists, patient education and information on safety and efficacy of generic medicines were necessary to ensure quality use of generics. Furthermore, advertisements and product bonuses offered by pharmaceutical companies, patient's socio-economic factors as well as credibility of manufacturers were factors reported to influence their choice of medicine.
    CONCLUSION: Although it appeared that GPs have largely accepted the use of generic medicines, they still have concerns regarding the reliability and quality of such products. GPs need to be educated and reassured about generic products approval system in Malaysia concerning bioequivalence, quality, and safety. The current findings have important implications in establishing generic medicines policy in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Drugs, Generic/supply & distribution
  13. Hemovigilance in developing countries
    Ayob Y
    Biologicals, 2010 Jan;38(1):91-6.
    PMID: 20133151 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2009.10.002
    Hemovigilance like quality systems and audits has become an integral part of the Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) in the developed world and has contributed greatly to the development of the blood service. However developing countries are still grappling with donor recruitment and efforts towards sufficiency and safety of the blood supply. In these countries the BTS is generally fragmented and a national hemovigilance program would be difficult to implement. However a few developing countries have an effective and sustainable blood program that can deliver equitable, safe and sufficient blood supply to the nation. Different models of hemovigilance program have been introduced with variable success. There are deficiencies but the data collected provided important information that can be presented to the health authorities for effective interventions. Hemovigilance program modeled from developed countries require expertise and resources that are not available in many developing countries. Whatever resources that are available should be utilized to correct deficiencies that are already apparent and obvious. Besides there are other tools that can be used to monitor the blood program in the developing countries depending on the need and the resources available. More importantly the data collected should be accurate and are used and taken into consideration in formulating guidelines, standards and policies and to affect appropriate interventions. Any surveillance program should be introduced in a stepwise manner as the blood transfusion service develops.
    Matched MeSH terms: Blood Banks/supply & distribution; Blood Donors/supply & distribution; Health Resources/supply & distribution
  14. Patient inaccessibility to antifungal drugs in developing nations: The case of Pakistan
    Saleem A, Khan A, Ahmad A, Khan MU, Babar ZU
    Res Social Adm Pharm, 2017 Nov;13(6):1218.
    PMID: 28768574 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2017.07.010
    Matched MeSH terms: Antifungal Agents/supply & distribution*
  15. Fulltext Trans-Pacific Partnership Provisions in Intellectual Property, Transparency, and Investment Chapters Threaten Access to Medicines in the US and Elsewhere
    Baker BK
    PLoS Med, 2016 Mar;13(3):e1001970.
    PMID: 26954325 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001970
    Brook Baker describes the potential harms to global health from the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement and its failure to balance the interests of patients and the public with those of industry.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pharmaceutical Preparations/supply & distribution; Drugs, Generic/supply & distribution*
  16. Improving access to essential drugs for people living with HIV/AIDS
    Balasubramaniam K
    Issues Med Ethics, 2000 Jan-Mar;8(1):26-7.
    PMID: 16323335
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-HIV Agents/supply & distribution
  17. Using overseas registered nurses to fill employment gaps in rural health services: quick fix or sustainable strategy?
    Francis K, Chapman Y, Doolan G, Sellick K, Barnett T
    Aust J Rural Health, 2008 Jun;16(3):164-9.
    PMID: 18471187 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1584.2008.00967.x
    OBJECTIVE:This study sought to identify and evaluate approaches used to attract internationally trained nurses from traditional and non-traditional countries and incentives employed to retain them in small rural hospitals in Gippsland, Victoria.
    DESIGN: An exploratory descriptive design.
    SETTING: Small rural hospitals in Gippsland, Victoria.
    PARTICIPANTS: Hospital staff responsible for recruitment of nurses and overseas trained nurses from traditional and non-traditional sources (e.g. England, Scotland, India, Zimbabwe, Holland, Singapore, Malaysia).
    RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Recruitment of married overseas trained nurses is more sustainable than that of single registered nurses, however, the process of recruitment for the hospital and potential employees is costly. Rural hospitality diffuses some of these expenses by the employing hospitals providing emergency accommodation and necessary furnishings. Cultural differences and dissonance regarding practice create barriers for some of the overseas trained nurses to move towards a more sanguine position. On the positive side, single overseas registered nurses use the opportunity to work in rural Australian hospitals as an effective working holiday that promotes employment in larger, more specialized hospitals. Overall both the registered nurses and the employees believe the experience to be beneficial rather than detrimental.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nurses/supply & distribution*
  18. Fulltext Iraqi parents' views of barriers to childhood immunization
    Al-Lela OQ, Bahari MB, Al-Abbassi MG, Salih MR, Basher AY
    East Mediterr Health J, 2013 Mar;19(3):295-7.
    PMID: 23879083
    Deficiencies in knowledge about immunization among parents often leads to poor utake or errors in immunization dosage and timing. The aims of this study were to determine Iraqi parents' views of barriers to immunization and beliefs about ways to promote immunization. A questionnaire survey was carried out among 528 Iraqi parents with children who had incomplete immunization status. The main barriers to immunization agreed by the parents were lack of vaccine availability (51.5% of parents) and parents' lack of education (42.4%), while 88.4% of parents thought that lack of funding was not an important barrier. More than 60% of the parents suggested promoting childhood immunization via the media, and 77.5% thought that an increase in funding would not remove barriers to childhood immunization. Better vaccine availability in public health clinics and improving parents' literacy might enhance immunization uptake in Iraq.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccines/supply & distribution*
  19. Fulltext Impact of COVID-19 on Neurosurgical Training in Southeast Asia
    Wittayanakorn N, Nga VDW, Sobana M, Bahuri NFA, Baticulon RE
    World Neurosurg, 2020 12;144:e164-e177.
    PMID: 32805466 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.08.073
    OBJECTIVE: Neurosurgery departments worldwide have been forced to restructure their training programs because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this study, we describe the impact of COVID-19 on neurosurgical training in Southeast Asia.

    METHODS: We conducted an online survey among neurosurgery residents in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand from May 22 to 31, 2020 using Google Forms. The 33-item questionnaire collected data on elective and emergency neurosurgical operations, ongoing learning activities, and health worker safety.

    RESULTS: A total of 298 of 470 neurosurgery residents completed the survey, equivalent to a 63% response rate. The decrease in elective neurosurgical operations in Indonesia and in the Philippines (median, 100% for both) was significantly greater compared with other countries (P < 0.001). For emergency operations, trainees in Indonesia and Malaysia had a significantly greater reduction in their caseload (median, 80% and 70%, respectively) compared with trainees in Singapore and Thailand (median, 20% and 50%, respectively; P < 0.001). Neurosurgery residents were most concerned about the decrease in their hands-on surgical experience, uncertainty in their career advancement, and occupational safety in the workplace. Most of the residents (n = 221, 74%) believed that the COVID-19 crisis will have a negative impact on their neurosurgical training overall.

    CONCLUSIONS: An effective national strategy to control COVID-19 is crucial to sustain neurosurgical training and to provide essential neurosurgical services. Training programs in Southeast Asia should consider developing online learning modules and setting up simulation laboratories to allow trainees to systematically acquire knowledge and develop practical skills during these challenging times.

    Matched MeSH terms: Personal Protective Equipment/supply & distribution
  20. Dental education in Malaysia
    Komabayashi T, Razak AA, Bird WF
    Int Dent J, 2007 Dec;57(6):429-32.
    PMID: 18265775
    There was only one dental school in Malaysia until 1997 but five new schools have been established since 1998. This review provides information about dental education in Malaysia including; the history of dental education, the current dental school system and curriculum, and dental licensure. There are four public and two private dental schools in Malaysia. High school graduates are required to take the nationwide matriculation entrance examination or the Higher School Certificate (HSC) to apply for a dental degree programme. A five-year dental programme leads to the BDS or the DDS degree. National or state examinations are not required to practise dentistry. Currently, there are approximately 2,500 dentists, with a ratio of 1 dentist for every 10,000 people.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dentists/supply & distribution
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