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The risk of under-nutrition in hospitalised Malaysian children: Use of 3-minute nutrition screening-paediatrics (Paediatric 3-MinNS)

Yeo PS, Majid HA

J Pak Med Assoc, 2024 Jun;74(6):1074-1078.
PMID: 38948974 DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.9616

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the under-nutrition risk of children admitted to hospitals using a validated tool.
METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2017 to June 2018 in the paediatrics wards of a tertiary referral paediatric government hospital, a tertiary teaching hospital and a government district hospital in Malaysia. The sample comprised paediatric patients aged 2-12 years within 24-72 hours of hospital admission. Data was collected using the 3-Minute Nutrition Screening-Paediatrics tool. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.
RESULTS: Of the 341 patients screened, 284(83.3%) were included; 170(59.9%) boys and 114(40.1%) girls. The overall median age was 4.85 years (interquartile range: 4.33 years). The median length of hospital stay was 3 days (interquartile range: 3 days). There were 72(25.4%) participants at high under-nutrition risk, with the highest proportion being at the district government hospital 31(33%). Among those with high risk, 5.4% subjects had severe acute malnutrition, 9.7% had severe chronic malnutrition, and 11.1% had severe thinness.
CONCLUSION: The 3-Minute Nutrition Screening-Paediatrics scale was found to be effective as a nutrition screening tool for hospitalised children in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening/methods; Mass Screening/statistics & numerical data
Fulltext Barriers to cervical cancer screening among immigrant Yemeni women in Malaysia

Ba-Alawi E, Azzani M, Alsaidi NA, Atroosh WM, Anaam BT, Roslan D, et al.

BMC Cancer, 2025 Jan 07;25(1):4.
PMID: 39762830 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-13310-6

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is preventable cancer through pap test screening. Despite the benefits of cervical cancer screening, immigrant women have markedly lower use of Pap smear testing. Hence, this study aims to determine the barriers to cervical cancer screening among Yemeni female immigrants in Malaysia and the factors related to these barriers.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among immigrant Yemeni women staying in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Data were collected using a validated modified Arabic version of the Cervical Cancer Awareness Measure (Cervical CAM). Descriptive and inferential analyses were utilized. Adjusted binary logistic regression was performed to find out the factors that increase the probability of facing barriers to the Pap test.
RESULTS: A total of 370 questionnaires were collected. Cognitive barriers were the highest recognized type of barrier to undertaking the Pap test among study participants (74.9%) followed by emotional barriers (13%). Unemployed women were significantly less likely than employed to report an emotional barrier to the Pap test (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.03-0.95). Higher educated women (OR = 3.11, CI: 1.02-9.48) and those still studying (OR = 3.11, CI: 1.02-9.48) were significantly more likely to report practical barriers. Regarding the cognitive barriers, women with tertiary education were significantly less likely than those with primary education to have cognitive barriers (OR = 0.41, CI: 0.19-0.90).
CONCLUSION: access to health services among immigrant women, including screening for cervical cancer, is a complex issue involving a wide range of barriers. Cognitive barriers associated with sexual activity and the absence of symptoms are the main reason for the decision to not undergo cervical cancer screening. To address this, we recommend adopting a comprehensive approach that integrates education, community engagement, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity to promote the uptake of cervical cancer screening within the Yemeni immigrant community.

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening/psychology; Mass Screening/statistics & numerical data
Fulltext Inflammatory Bowel Disease-related Colorectal Cancer in the Asia-Pacific Region: Past, Present, and Future

Zhiqin W, Palaniappan S, Raja Ali RA

Intest Res, 2014 Jul;12(3):194-204.
PMID: 25349593 DOI: 10.5217/ir.2014.12.3.194

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), and key contributing factors include chronic colonic inflammation and the extent and duration of disease. This increase in risk is more likely to result from chronic inflammation of the colonic mucosa than from any clearly defined genetic predisposition. However, globally, the true magnitude of this risk is debatable, since results from different studies are heterogeneous in terms of geographical and methodological variables. The prevalence of IBD-related CRC in the Asia-Pacific region ranges from 0.3% to 1.8% and a recent study found that the cumulative incidence of IBD-related CRC is comparable to that in Western countries. However, the CRC mortality rate in the Asia-Pacific region is on the rise compared with that in Western countries, and a few Asian countries show particularly rapid upward trends in CRC incidence. Although our understanding of the molecular and clinical basis for IBD-related CRC has improved substantially, our means of prevention, endoscopic surveillance, chemoprevention, and prophylactic surgery remain modest at best. Furthermore, published data on IBD-related CRC in the Asia-Pacific region is lacking, and this review addresses many aspects including epidemiology, natural history, etiopathogenesis, morphology, and biological behaviors of IBD-related CRC and sporadic CRC in the Asia-Pacific region. In this review, we will also discuss the risk factors for CRC in IBD patients, endoscopic technology screening, and surveillance programs and management strategies for IBD-related CRC.

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening
Fulltext Cancer prevention in the Asia Pacific region

Yoo KY

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2010;11(4):839-44.
PMID: 21133587

Cancer incidences as well as the most prevalent cancer types vary greatly across Asian countries since people have differing health behaviors as well as lifestyle factors related to cancer risk. Countries have varying systems of government organization, laws, resources, facilities, and management strategies for addressing the cancer burden. Examples such as Korea and Japan with existing national cancer control programs need to focus on early screening and detection and quality of screening methods. If screening and detection increase to cover more than 50% of the target population, survival rate increases and thus the number of cancer patients detected increases resulting in higher medical cost. Thus, expansion of cancer screening, in addition to smoking prevention, immunization increase, and diet control awareness, are needed for cancer prevention strategies. Countries such as Thailand, China, Malaysia, and Turkey need to begin organized efforts to reduce cancer deaths through state-wide cancer screening programs. Strategies focused on increasing survival among cancer patients are also needed. In addition, government organizations and law regulations need to be in place as the first step towards cancer prevention. For the countries such as Nepal, Pakistan, Mongolia, and Iraq which do not have any cancer-related organizations in place, the first step that is needed is to raise public awareness about cancer; a public awareness campaign is the number one priority and should begin immediately. The easiest and most feasible step at this point is dissemination of cancer education materials during school health education and physical health screening. This must be started immediately because we need to avoid the development of existing cancers where patients will need to seek specialized cancer treatment facilities that are non-existent in these regions. In addition, hospitals need to take a step further and start undergoing registration of cancer prevalence and incidence cases beginning at the regional level. Through the hospital census, countries will be able to determine the magnitude of the cancer burden. Moreover, countries with professionals and researchers with advanced cancer research, education, and training also need to contribute through international cooperation.

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening
Breast cancer in Asia

Yip CH

Methods Mol Biol, 2009;471:51-64.
PMID: 19109774 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-59745-416-2_3

Breast cancer is the commonest cancer in most countries in Asia. The incidence rates remain low, although increasing at a more rapid rate than in western countries, due to changes in the lifestyle and diet. There are many differences between breast cancer in Asia compared with western countries. The mean age at onset is younger than in the west, and unlike the west, the age-specific incidence decreases after the age of 50 years. Because there is no population-based breast cancer screening program in the majority of Asian countries, the majority of patients present with advanced disease. There is a higher proportion of hormone receptor-negative patients, and some evidence that the cancers in Asia are of a higher grade. Most of the Asian countries are low- and middle-income countries, where access to effective care is limited. Because of the late detection and inadequate access to care, survival of women with breast cancer in Asia is lower than in western countries. Improving breast health in most of the Asian countries remains a challenge that may be overcome with collaboration from multiple sectors, both public and private.

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening
Fulltext Rheumatic heart disease: how big is the problem?

Ibrahim A, Rahman AR

Med J Malaysia, 1995 Jun;50(2):121-4.
PMID: 7565179
Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening
Fulltext Malaria in Malaysian soldiers, 1980

Supramaniam V

Med J Malaysia, 1981 Sep;36(3):136-41.
PMID: 7035854

The 1980 malaria notifications in Malaysian soldiers are analysed. The number of new cases notified was 964, giving an annual incidence of11.81/1000 soldiers. Sixty-three percent were falciparum and 36 percent were vivax infections. There were 48 relapses and recrudescences. Twenty-three carriers were detected on mass screening. The yield from mass screening was very low - 5.09/1000 screened. The current practice of chemotherapy, though generally acceptable, was unsuitable for a number of patients. Recommended regimens are not being adhered to. There were two cases ofcerebral malaria, one of whom died.

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening
Fulltext Effect of compressed breast thickness on average glandular dose (AGD) during screening mammography using full-field digital mammography (FFDM)

Nur Izzati Najwa Suliman, Rafidah Supar, Hairenanorashikin Sharip

Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2020;8(1):34-44.
MyJurnal

Application of compression during mammography is crucial to reduce breast thickness and reducing
average glandular dose (AGD). With increasing participation in regular breast screening programmes, the
total AGD received by patient remains a concern. Therefore, this paper aimed to evaluate the effect of
compressed breast thickness (CBT) on the AGD during screening mammography using full field digital
mammogram (FFDM). This study involved retrospective collection of mammographic data and reports
from 148 women who came for screening mammography. Mammographic parameters which include
CBT, AGD, compression force and breast density for both breast on craniocaudal (CC) view and
mediolateral oblique (MLO) view were recorded and analysed. There was statistically significant
variation in the mammographic parameters value between CC and MLO projections but no significant
variation between right and left breasts. For CC projection, a weak positive correlation was identified
between CBT and AGD (r=0.115, p=0.049) and between CBT and compression force (r=0.172, p=0.003).
In addition, a weak positive correlation was also found between CBT and compression force (r=0.200,
p=0.001) and between CBT and AGD (r=0.292, p

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening
Fulltext The use of modified checklist for autism in toddlers (Malay version) in differentiating between autism spectrum disorders and other developmental behavioural disorders

Lau, Doris Sie Chong, Juriza Ismail, Zarina Latiff

Malaysian Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 2019;25(1):6-12.
MyJurnal

Objective: The present study examined the sensitivity and specificity of M-CHAT-Malay version [M-CHAT(MV)] to discriminate ASD from other developmental-behavioural disorders. Methods: This study was carried out in the Child Development Centre at a tertiary referral centre. Parents of 130 children aged 18–60 months, referred for developmental-behavioural disorders were asked to complete M-CHAT(MV). A child was considered to have ASD ifthey failed any 3 of the 23 total items or 2 or more of the 6 critical items. Results: Looking at the total items, M-CHAT(MV) has a good sensitivity (88.9%) to differentiate between ASD and other developmental-behavioural disorders, although specificity was only 47.8%. However, the critical items only has sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity of 77.6%. Sensitivity for children aged 49–60 months old was lower (80.0%) compared to those in the younger age group (100.0% and 90.3% for those aged 25-36 months and 37–48 months respectively). Based on the ROC curve, the optimal criteria to detect ASD was failing 1 out of 6 critical items or 3 out of 23 total items. Conclusion: M-CHAT(MV) is a good screening tool in differentiating ASD from other developmental-behavioural disorders although the critical items’ criteria may need to be lowered to improve its sensitivity in selected cohorts.

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening
The prevalence of depression among elderly patients attending a rural primary health care clinic

Mohd Noor N, Mohd Sidik S

Family Physician, 2003;12:30-35.

Introduction: Depression is an important problem in primary care practice and is the commonest psychiatric disorder among the elderly.
Aim: To assess the prevalence of depression among the elderly patients attending a rural primary health care clinic in Malaysia and to identify its associated factors.
Method: The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) questionnaire was used as a screening instrument. Patients with positive GDS scores for depression were further assessed for Major Depression.
Results: 14% of the patients were found to have depression. The associated factors identified were gender, marital status, educational level, total family monthly income, living arrangement and if they had someone to confide in. Further clinical evaluation using the DSM IV Criteria for major depression revealed that two-thirds of the patients with depression were suffering from major depression.
Conclusion: The prevalence of depression among the elderly patients at a rural primary health care clinic was high. Primary health care doctors and staff should take extra care to detect depression when managing elderly patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening
Screening for hemoglobinopathies among patients in a government hospital and health clinics in Perlis, Malaysia

Chin YM, Esa E, Mohd Yacob A, Ramachandran S, Zakaria Z

Journal of Medical Science & Technology, 2014;3(2):82-86.

The hemoglobinopathies include all genetic diseases of hemoglobin (Hb) and fall into two main groups: the thalassemias and structural hemoglobin variants (abnormal hemoglobins). Thalassemia is a public health problem in Malaysia. About 4.5% of the Malays and Chinese are β-thalassemia carriers. We performed hemoglobin analysis on a total of 499 patients from a Government Hospital and Health Clinics in the state of Perlis, Malaysia. About 91.4% of the patients were Malays. All patients had microcytic hypochromic anemia except for a few who went for thalassemia screening. Female patients outnumbered male patients in the ratio of 3.5:1. About 75.7% of the female patients were of childbearing age (17 - 40 years) and a majority of them were there for their antenatal checkup. Using our screen tests (full blood count, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and agarose gel electrophoresis), the common hemoglobinopathies detected were HbE trait (19.3%), β-thalassemia trait (14.6%), HbH disease (1.8%), Hb Constant Spring (1.6%), Homozygous HbE (1.4%), and HbE- β-thalassemia (1.4%). Thalassemia is preventable through screening and education programmes, and prenatal diagnosis. Thalassemia screening is provided free of charge at various government hospitals and health clinics throughout the country.
Key words: Hemoglobinopathies screening, β-thalassemia trait, HbE trait, Thalassemic diseases

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening
Psychiatric morbidity and attitudes towards mental illness among patients attending primary care clinic of Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Riana AR, Che Bakar O, Omar A

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2008;17:30-43.

The prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among patients attending primary care clinics is high and their attitudes towards psychiatry are often negative. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity and attitudes towards mental illness in relation to socio-demographic factors among primary care patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 245 patients attending the primary care clinic of Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia at Bandar Tasik Selatan. A two-stage case identification process was used to detect psychiatric morbidity. The Malay translation of General Health Questionnaire-30 (GHQ-30) was used for screening and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) was used to generate Axis-1 diagnosis. The Attitudes Towards Mental Illness Questionnaire was used to assess their attitudes towards mental illness. 8.2% of patients were found to have psychiatric morbidity, and they were significantly associated with the younger age group (p<0.05). Nevertheless, there was no significant association between psychiatric morbidity and sex, race, marital status, educational level, and social class of patients. The attitudes towards mental illness were significantly associated with age, race, marital status, educational level, social class and the presence of family history of psychiatry illness (p<0.05). There was no significant association between attitudes towards mental illness and patients'sex. Primary care doctors need to be equipped with psychiatry knowledge in order not to miss patients with psychiatry morbidity. Patients with psychiatry morbidity significantly believed in supernatural causes of mental illness compared with those without psychiatric morbidity. Keywords: Primary care, psychiatric morbidity, attitude towards psychiatry

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening
Fulltext Use of Smartphone to Seek Sexual Health Information Online Among Malaysian Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM): Implications for mHealth Intervention to Increase HIV Testing and Reduce HIV Risks

Shrestha R, Lim SH, Altice FL, Copenhaver M, Wickersham JA, Saifi R, et al.

J Community Health, 2020 02;45(1):10-19.
PMID: 31375976 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-019-00713-x

In settings where stigma and discrimination toward men who have sex with men (MSM) are high or illegal, like in Malaysia, innovative methods to anonymously reach them are urgently needed. The near ubiquitous availability of mobile technology, including smartphones, has the potential to open new frontiers (such as mHealth) to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The extent to which MSM use mHealth tools for HIV and STI prevention in the Malaysia context, however, is unknown. A cross-sectional online survey in 622 Malaysian MSM was conducted between July and November 2017. Participants were recruited via advertisements on mobile apps frequently used by MSM. In addition to demographic, smartphone access and utilization, and other information were assessed using logistic regression to determine factors associated with the use of a smartphone to search for online sexual health information. Nearly all (99.2%) participants owned a smartphone, with 63% reported having used one to seek sexual health information, including HIV/STIs. Overall, 96% used smartphones to find sexual partners, with high levels of HIV risk behavior reported. Independent correlates of smartphone use to seek online sexual health information included older age (aOR 0.943, p = 0.005), higher education (aOR 2.14, p = 027), recent (past year) HIV testing (aOR 3.91, p = 0.026), and seeking sexual partners using geosocial networking apps (aOR 5.58, p = 0.006). These findings suggest high smartphone use by high-risk MSM to seek sexual health information and suggests that mHealth strategies may be an effective strategy to engage MSM in HIV prevention activities.

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening
Fulltext The feasibility of a public-private mix program on pulmonary tuberculosis screening in Penang: A pilot study

Tang WS, Chan MW, Kow FP, Ambigapathy R, Wong JHW, Thiruvengadam V, et al.

Malays Fam Physician, 2021 Mar 25;16(1):75-83.
PMID: 33948145 DOI: 10.51866/oa1096

Background: The low detection rate of tuberculosis (TB) cases in Malaysia remains a challenge in the effort to end TB by 2030. The collaboration between private and public health care facilities is essential in addressing this issue. As of now, no private-public health care collaborative program in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) screening exists in Malaysia.
Aim: To determine the feasibility of a collaborative program between private general practitioners (GPs) and the public primary health clinics in PTB screening and to assess the yield of smear-positive PTB from this program.
Methods: A prospective cohort study using convenient sampling was conducted involving GPs and public health clinics in the North-East District, Penang, from March 2018 to May 2019. In this study, GPs could direct all suspected PTB patients to perform a sputum acid fast bacilli (AFB) direct smear in any of the dedicated public primary health clinics. The satisfaction level of both the GPs and their patients were assessed using a self-administered client satisfaction questionnaire. IBM SPSS Statistical Software was used to analyze the data.
Results: Out of a total of 31 patients who underwent the sputum investigation for PTB, one (3.2%) was diagnosed to have smear-positive PTB. Most of the patients (>90%) and GPs (66.7%) agreed to continue with this program in the future. Furthermore, most of the patients (>90%) were satisfied with the program structure.
Conclusion: It is potentially feasible to involve GPs in combating TB. However, a more structured program addressing the identified issues is needed to make the collaborative program a success.

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening
Fulltext Level of knowledge and perceived barriers of mammography among female lecturers in Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences (KAHS), IIUM Kuantan, Pahang

Fatin Amirah Burhanuddin, Moey Soo Foon

International Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 2018;2(2):319-338.
MyJurnal

Breast cancer is commonest disease amongst women throughout the world and the second leading cause of women’s death. Since 2014, it was reported that approximately 5000 women
were diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Malaysia. Adoption of mammography screening
amongst Malaysian women remains under-utilized because it depends on self-initiatives of
individuals. Amongst the perceived barriers are low knowledge, cost, embarrassment and pain which may then give a negative psychological aspect to health behavior actions. The study aims to determine the level of knowledge and perceived barriers pertaining to mammography amongst female lecturers in Kulliyah of Allied Health Sciences (KAHS), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan, Pahang. Methods: A survey was carried out on female lecturers aged 35 years and above in KAHS, IIUM Kuantan. A self-administered questionnaire which consists of three sections; demographic factors, knowledge about breast cancer and perceived barriers pertaining to
mammography were distributed to 30 respondents. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 19.0.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 39.9 years old (SD ± 5.15). Majority of respondents possessed good knowledge of breast cancer. The perceived barriers pertaining to mammography amongst respondents were pain and the procedure being expensive. Conclusions: This study found that most female lecturers in KAHS, IIUM Kuantan possessed good knowledge on breast cancer but have fair knowledge pertaining to breast lumps and the best time for breast screening. The perceived barriers amongst respondents were pain and cost of the procedure.

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening
Fulltext Effectiveness of audio-visual and print media intervention on knowledge of cervical health among rural women in Southern India

Nagamma T, Ashok L, Konuri A, Chandrasekaran V

Niger Postgrad Med J, 2020 11 7;27(4):343-347.
PMID: 33154288 DOI: 10.4103/npmj.npmj_148_20

Background: Cervical cancer health education programmes are not accessible to rural women in developing countries.
Objective: Our study aimed at assessing the health literacy about cervical cancer amongst the rural women in Udupi district, southern India, before and following intervention using audio-visual aid/face-to-face interactive sessions versus pamphlets alone.
Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study. A total of 166 women participated in the study. Participant groups were allocated into two interventional (Experimental/Control) groups. Participants in the experimental group received education through the video followed by face-to-face interaction with a health educator while those in the control group received a pamphlet. A validated questionnaire was used to assess knowledge about numerous risk factors, Pap smear test and treatment of cervical cancer (pre- and post-intervention test). The findings are presented as frequencies and percentages. Paired responses were compared for individual questions using McNemar test and P < 0.05 was fixed as statistically significant.
Results: Former to the intervention, 13.5% and 19.1% in the experimental and control groups, respectively, felt that personal hygiene was important to prevent cervical cancer. Both the groups had very limited knowledge regarding risk factors (93.6%; 94%), symptoms (96.3%; 97.6%) and knowledge that Pap smears can reduce the risk of cervical cancer (91.7%; 93.9%). The change in knowledge pre-and post-intervention in both groups increased significantly.
Conclusion: Intervention with face-to-face interactive sessions showed a positive impact on knowledge regarding cervical cancer. These findings indicate both methods can be effective in providing health education in the community.

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening
Fulltext The relationship of socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge of breast cancer on stage of behavioral adoption of breast self-examination

Moey SF, Mutalib AMA, Mohamed NC, Saidin N

AIMS Public Health, 2020;7(3):620-633.
PMID: 32968682 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2020049

Background/aim: In Malaysia, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. As such, early diagnosis and screening practices are important to increase the survival rate. Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of the main screening methods for breast cancer. Socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge of breast cancer are amongst the crucial roles in determining women's behavioral adoption in performing BSE. This study aims to assess the relationship of socio-demographic factors and knowledge of breast cancer on the stage of behavioral adoption of BSE among Malaysian women in Kuantan, Pahang.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 520 women from three different government health clinics in Kuantan and IIUM Family Health Clinic from February to April 2018. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic factors and knowledge of breast cancer and its effect on the behavioral adoption of BSE.
Results: Significant difference was found between socio-demographic characteristics and behavioral adoption of BSE. However, only breast screening and the best time for screening were found to be significant with the behavioral adoption of BSE and knowledge of breast cancer.
Conclusion: It is found that most women in Kuantan, Pahang perform BSE but were still unaware of the importance of performing BSE for early breast cancer detection. This study was expected to enhance women's awareness of the benefits of performing BSE.

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening
Exploring Intimate Partner Violence Among Women Attending Malaysian Primary Care Clinics

Othman S, Yuen CW, Mohd Zain N, Abdul Samad A

J Interpers Violence, 2021 08;36(15-16):NP7920-NP7941.
PMID: 30938233 DOI: 10.1177/0886260519839426

Victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) are frequent attendees at health care facilities. Although most literature on this subject focuses on developed or Western countries, there is a dearth of information from Asian countries. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of IPV among women attending urban primary care services in Malaysia and to identify the risk factors associated with IPV. Six out of 15 available public primary care clinics in the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were randomly selected. The sampling size for each clinic was conducted proportionate to the clinic's average daily patient attendance. A total of 882 women participated in this study via a self-administered questionnaire. We administered the women's experience with battering scale (WEB-scale) to estimate the prevalence of psychological violence and included a screening question for physical and sexual assault. The results showed that 22.0% of the women surveyed reported experiencing IPV. Ethnicity appears to be a significant predictor, with Chinese and Indian women reporting IPV at a higher rate than Malay women. Women with IPV are more likely to come from lower income households, have witnessed parental IPV, receive less social support, and have poorer psychological well-being. Our findings indicate that the prevalence of IPV among women attending urban public primary care clinics is high. Health care providers should pay close attention during clinical encounters for any sign of IPV, particularly among those presenting with risk factors.

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening
Diagnostic performance of the STOP-Bang questionnaire as a screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea in different ethnic groups

Waseem R, Chan MTV, Wang CY, Seet E, Tam S, Loo SY, et al.

J Clin Sleep Med, 2021 03 01;17(3):521-532.
PMID: 33112227 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.8940

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The STOP-Bang questionnaire is a concise and easy screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Using modified body mass index (BMI), we assessed the diagnostic performance of the STOP-Bang questionnaire in predicting OSA in ethnically different groups of patients undergoing surgery.
METHODS: This was a multicenter prospective cohort study involving patients with cardiovascular risk factors who were undergoing major noncardiac surgery. Patients underwent home sleep apnea testing. All patients completed the STOP-Bang questionnaire. The predictive parameters of STOP-Bang scores were calculated against the apnea-hypopnea index.
RESULTS: From 4 ethnic groups 1,205 patients (666 Chinese, 161 Indian, 195 Malay, and 183 Caucasian) were included in the study. The mean BMI ranged from 25 ± 4 to 30 ± 6 kg/m² and mean age ranged from 64 ± 8 to 71 ± 10 years. For the Chinese and Indian patients, diagnostic parameters are presented using BMI threshold of 27.5 kg/m² with the area under curve to predict moderate-to-severe OSA being 0.709 (0.665-0.753) and 0.722 (0.635-0.808), respectively. For the Malay and Caucasian, diagnostic parameters are presented using BMI threshold of 35 kg/m² with the area under curve for predicting moderate-to-severe OSA being 0.645 (0.572-0.720) and 0.657 (0.578-0.736), respectively. Balancing the sensitivity and specificity, the optimal STOP-Bang thresholds for the Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Caucasian groups were determined to be 4 or greater.
CONCLUSIONS: For predicting moderate-to-severe OSA, we recommend BMI threshold of 27.5 kg/m² for Chinese and Indian patients and 35 kg/m² for Malay and Caucasian patients. The optimal STOP-Bang threshold for the Chinese, Indian, Malay and Caucasian groups is 4 or greater.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Postoperative Vascular Events in Unrecognized Obstructive Sleep Apnea; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT01494181; Identifier: NCT01494181.

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening
Fulltext Effect of intervention on pap smear screening among rural women in Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Asmani AR, Aziah D, Group 8

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2006;6(1):38-43.
MyJurnal

Cervical cancer is preventable by detecting precancerous states through Pap smear screening, followed by appropriate treatment. In Malaysia, even with a high incidence of cervical cancer and accessible screening program, the uptake of Pap smear screening was still low. Lack of knowledge, embarrassment, fear for the test and results are the factors reducing participation. The aim of this study was to determine the change in knowledge and attitude regarding the Pap smear screening as well as knowledge on cervical cancer among women in Mukim ]aya Setia after educational intervention. A community trial was conducted in August 2005 where 80 women were randomly selected. The women were interviewed for assessment prior to the intervention, using a set of structured questionnaire. The women underwent educational intervention programmes on cervical cancer and Pap smear screening. After a week, the women were re-assessed using the same set of questionnaire for their post intervention knowledge and attitudes. Scores were given for each answer, which were totaled and analyzed. The mean (SD) age was 41.1 (10.37) years. Most were housewives (87.5%), within the low income group (91.2%), of less than RM 1000.00 income per household. Most of the women received their education up to the secondary level only (97.5%). Despite their poor economic status, most of them had more than three children (68.8%). There was a significant improvement in knowledge of Pap smear (mean difference= 4.3, 95% CI= 3.55, 5.10) and cervical cancer (mean difference= 10.7, 95% CI= 10.03, 11.37) as well as attitude to Pap smear (mean difference= 7.1, 95% CI= 5.72, 8.47) after educational intervention. The knowledge and attitudes towards Pap smear screening as well as knowledge on cervical cancer among rural women in Mukim ]aya Setia, Kota Bharu improved after educational intervention.

Matched MeSH terms: Mass Screening

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