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Point prevalence surveys of antimicrobial use: a systematic review and the implications

Saleem Z, Hassali MA, Godman B, Versporten A, Hashmi FK, Saeed H, et al.

Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther, 2020 09;18(9):897-910.
PMID: 32394754 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1767593

Introduction: In view of increasing concerns with antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the World Health Organization (WHO) instituted a Global Action Plan (GAP) to address this. Area covered: One of the strategies to achieve the goals of GAP is to conduct regular surveillance of antimicrobial use through point prevalence surveys (PPS). In this review, PubMed, EBSCO, Proquest, Cinahl, and Scopus were searched for PPS of antimicrobial use published in English between January 2000 and December 2019. After systematic database screening of 2,893 articles, 60 PPS met the inclusion criteria and consequently were incorporated in this systematic review. Expert opinion: This review highlighted that most of the PPS were conducted in upper-middle and high-income countries. Prevalence of antimicrobial use was significantly higher in non-European hospitals compared with European hospitals. The domination of third-generation cephalosporin and fluoroquinolones use across all the regions suggests substantial use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials across countries. Among all identified regions around the world, India was the region where the highest use of antimicrobials was observed. Although PPS is a useful tool to assess the pattern of antimicrobial use and provides a robust baseline; however, a standardized surveillance method is needed. In order to optimize antimicrobial use, more efforts are required to improve antimicrobial use.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Gallic acid induced apoptotic events in HCT-15 colon cancer cells

Subramanian AP, Jaganathan SK, Mandal M, Supriyanto E, Muhamad II

World J Gastroenterol, 2016 Apr 21;22(15):3952-61.
PMID: 27099438 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i15.3952

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory action of diet-derived phenolic compound gallic acid (GA) against HCT-15 colon cancer cells.
METHODS: The antiproliferative effect of GA against colon cancer cells was determined by performing thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The colony forming ability of GA treated colon cancer cells was evaluated using the colony forming assay. The cell cycle changes induced by GA in HCT-15 cells were analyzed by propidium iodide staining. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential of HCT-15 exposed to GA was assessed using 2',7'-dichlorfluorescein-diacetate and rhodamine-123 respectively, with the help of flow cytometry. Morphological changes caused by GA treatment in the colon cancer cells were identified by scanning electron microscope and photomicrograph examination. Apoptosis was confirmed using flow cytometric analysis of GA treated HCT-15 cells after staining with Yo-Pro-1.
RESULTS: MTT assay results illustrated that GA has an inhibitory effect on HCT-15 cells with IC50 value of 740 μmol/L. A time-dependent inhibition of colony formation was evident with GA treatment. Cell cycle arrest was evident from the accumulation of GA treated HCT-15 cells at sub-G1 phase (0.98 ± 1.03 vs 58.01 ± 2.05) with increasing exposure time. Flow cytometric analysis of GA treated HCT-15 cells depicted early events associated with apoptosis like lipid layer breakage and fall in mitochondrial membrane potential apart from an increase in the generation of ROS which were in a time dependent manner. SEM and photomicrograph images of the GA-treated cells displayed membrane blebbing and cell shrinking characteristics of apoptosis. Further apoptosis confirmation by Yo-Pro-1 staining also showed the time-dependent increase of apoptotic cells after treatment.
CONCLUSION: These results show that GA induced ROS dependent apoptosis and inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells.
KEYWORDS: Apoptosis; Cell cycle; Colon cancer; Gallic acid; Lipid layer break; Reactive oxygen species

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext The association between sleep quality and quality of life among undergraduate student in private university

Len Xen Mei, ThavamalarParamasivam, Ng Siow Fam, Lim Pek Hong, Fong Ka Ling, Mohammed Abdul Razzaq Jabbar, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(105):16-0.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Studies found that low sleep quality (SQ) is associated with many factors such as health, quality of life (QOL), work or academic performance and co-curriculum activities. Hence, improvement to maintain SQ to en- hance students’ QOL is important. Approximately 43% of Malaysian were unaware of their sleep problem and how it affects their physical and mental health, especially among the younger generation. The study aims to investigate the association between SQ and QOL among undergraduate students in UTAR Sungai Long Campus. Method: A cross-sectional study among 256 undergraduate students recruited by purposive sampling was conducted. The Pitts- burgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instruments (WHOQOL-BREF) were administered to evaluate SQ and QOL, respectively. Self-reported demographic data were collected with a structured sociodemographic profile. Associations were evaluated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, Chi- square test and independence t-test. The level of significance was p< 0.05. Result: Results showed more than one half of students had poor SQ (F=137, 53.5%) and poor QOL (F= 159, 62.1%). All seven PSQI components were significantly associated with at least one QOL domain. Sleep disturbances, sleep latency and daytime dysfunction were correlated with all four QOL domains which are physical health, psychological, social relationships, and envi- ronment. Among the sociodemographic variables, only time travelled from place of stay to campus was associated to SQ (p = 0.04). However, there was no significant association between SQ and the selected sociodemographic vari- ables such as gender, working part-time job, and travel distance from place of stay to campus. Conclusion: Overall, the results from this study showed one half of students suffered from poor SQ and QOL. SQ among undergraduate students is vital in developing good QOL.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Synthesis and Anti-Pancreatic Cancer Activity Studies of Novel 3-Amino-2-hydroxybenzofused 2-Phospha-γ-lactones

Balam SK, Soora Harinath J, Krishnammagari SK, Gajjala RR, Polireddy K, Baki VB, et al.

ACS Omega, 2021 May 04;6(17):11375-11388.
PMID: 34056293 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c00360

A series of 3-amino-2-hydroxybenzofused 2-phosphalactones (4a-l) has been synthesized from the Kabachnik-Fields reaction via a facile route from a one-pot three-component reaction of diphenylphosphite with various 2-hydroxybenzaldehyes and heterocyclic amines in a new way of expansion. The in vitro anti-cell proliferation studies by MTT assay have revealed them as potential Panc-1, Miapaca-2, and BxPC-3 pancreatic cell growth inhibitors, and the same is supported by molecular docking, QSAR, and ADMET studies. The MTT assay of their SAHA derivatives against the same cell lines evidenced them as potential HDAC inhibitors and identified 4a, 4b, and 4k substituted with 1,3-thiazol, 1,3,4-thiadiazol, and 5-sulfanyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol moieties on phenyl and diethylamino phenyl rings as potential ones. Additionally, the flow cytometric analyses of 4a, 4b, and 4k against BxPC-3 cells revealed compound 4k as a lead compound that arrests the S phase cell cycle growth at low micromolar concentrations. The ADMET properties have ascertained their inherent pharmacokinetic potentiality, and the wholesome results prompted us to report it as the first study on anti-pancreatic cancer activity of cyclic α-aminophosphonates. Ultimately, this study serves as a good contribution to update the existing knowledge on the anticancer organophosphorus heterocyclic compounds and elevates the scope for generation of new anticancer drugs. Further, the studies like QSAR, drug properties, toxicity risks, and bioactivity scores predicted for them have ascertained the synthesized compounds as newer and potential drug candidates. Hence, this study had augmented the array of α-aminophosphonates by adding a new collection of 3-amino-2-hydroxybenzofused 2-phosphalactones, a class of cyclic α-aminophosphonates, to it, which proved them as potential anti-pancreatic cancer agents.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Pre-schoolers' tooth brushing behaviour and association with their oral health: a cross sectional study

Khan IM, Mani SA, Doss JG, Danaee M, Kong LYL

BMC Oral Health, 2021 Jun 02;21(1):283.
PMID: 34078349 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01643-8

BACKGROUND: Toothbrushing is an important yet neglected behaviour that affects the oral health of preschool children. Little is reported on parental supervision, an essential aspect of routine effective toothbrushing in this age group. The aim of this study was to evaluate pre-schoolers' toothbrushing behaviour including parental involvement and its association with their oral health.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 92 preschool children (4-6 years) were invited to participate with their parents/guardians. Nine parameters of toothbrushing behaviour were assessed from parental responses (questionnaire) and observation of child and parents/guardians (video recording). Oral examination included recording plaque, gingival and dental caries indices. BORIS software was used to assess toothbrushing parameters and Smart PLS was used to perform association with a second-generation multivariate analysis to create models with and without confounding factors.
RESULTS: Girls were slightly more (53%) than boys (47%). Children aged 4 years were slightly more in number (38%), followed by 6-year-olds and 5-year-olds. Nearly, 90% parents had tertiary education and 46% had more than 2 children. Differences were recorded in the reported and observed behaviour. Thirty-five percent parents/guardians reported using pea-size toothpaste amount but only 28% were observed. Forty percent reported to brush for 30 s-1 min, however 51% were observed to brush for 1-2 min. Half the children were observed to use fluoridated toothpaste (F

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Nutritional assessment of pre-school children in rural villages of the family dynamics, lifestyles and nutrition study (1997-2001) I. Socio-economic status of households

Chee HL, Khor G, Arshad F, Wanmuda W, Shabdin A, Abusamah A, et al.

Malays J Nutr, 2002 Mar;8(1):13-31.
PMID: 22692437

This paper presents the socio-economic profile of households in the Family Dynamics Study (FDS) (1997-2001) and makes comparisons with the earlier Functional Groups Study (FGS) (1992-1996). For the current study, FGS villages with a high prevalence of child malnutrition were purposively selected. In each village selected, all households were included, and interviews with a structured questionnaire were conducted in April-May 1998. Incomes were generally low and incidence of poverty was high; 49.6% of the households were under the poverty line income, of which 37.2% were poor and 12.4% were hard core poor. Overall, only 23.2% of heads of households were in agricultural occupations, others being primarily waged workers and petty traders. Livestock rearing was widespread (57.8%), and most households (90.4%) owned at least one motorised vehicle, the most common being the motorcycle. The majority of households had refrigerators (73.6%), washing machines (58.8%), and televisions (91.1%); but telephones (42.2%), mobile phones (6.1%) and computers (2.3%) were less common. Although 99.7% of households had electricity supply and 95.1% had either a flush or pour flush latrine, only 57.4% had piped water supply. In comparison to the FGS, poverty in the current study is lower (49.6% of FDS households are poor compared to 55.2% of FGS households), the proportion of household heads in agricultural occupations is also lower (26.9% compared to 55.3%), while all other socioeconomic indicators were better, except for piped water supply, which remains inadequate for households in the current study.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Effects of wealth on nutritional status of pre-school children in Bangladesh

Mostafa Kamal, S.M., Rosliza, A.M., Md Aynul, I.

Malays J Nutr, 2010;16(2):219-232.
MyJurnal

This paper explores the relationship between household wealth and nutritional status of pre-school children in Bangladesh using the nationally representative 2007 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey data. Chronic malnutrition was measured by z-score of height-for-age and the effect of household wealth on adverse childhood growth rate was assessed by multivariate logistic regression analyses. Overall, 43% of the children were stunted. The multivariate binary logistic regression analysis yielded significantly increased risk of stunting among the poorest (OR=2.26, 95% CI=1.77-2.89) as compared to the richest. The multivariate multinomial logistic regression produced elevated risk of moderate stunting (OR=1.98, 95% CI=1.50-2.61) and severe stunting (OR=2.88, 95% CI=2.00-4.14) of children in the poorest category compared to their richest counterparts. Children’s age, duration of breastfeeding, mother’s education, body mass index, mother’s working status and place of region were also identified as important determinants of children’s nutritional status. The findings suggest that apart from poverty reduction, maternal education, and strengthening of child and maternal health care services are important to improve health and nutritional status of the children.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Risks and burdens of third-generation cephalosporin resistant Enterobacteriaceae in neonatal sepsis

Thatrimontrichai A, Premprat N, Janjindamai W, Dissaneevate S, Maneenil G

Trop Biomed, 2020 Sep 01;37(3):663-670.
PMID: 33612780 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.3.663

Third-generation cephalosporin resistant Enterobacteriaceae (TCRE) is a global concern especially in neonatal sepsis. We performed a secondary data analysis in a Thai neonatal intensive care unit to identify the risk factors for acquisition of TCRE sepsis and mortality of Enterobacteriaceae sepsis between 1991 and 2017. Multivariate logistic and Cox proportional regression were used for analysis. Numbers of neonates with TCRE and nonTCRE sepsis were 100 and 41 patients, respectively. Medians (interquartile ranges) of gestational age, birthweight, onset of sepsis and total hospital stay of neonates with Enterobacteriaceae sepsis were 32 (28, 38) weeks, 1670 (1025, 2750) grams, 11 (6, 25) days and 41 (22, 74) days, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analysis, neonates with TCRE sepsis were more likely to have birth asphyxia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-6.0; p = 0.02) and history of aminoglycoside exposure (aOR = 2.9; 95% CI 1.3- 6.7; p = 0.01). In-hospital case fatality rate from Enterobacteriaceae sepsis was 26% (36/141). In Cox regression, neonates with TCRE sepsis was not an independent risk of non-survivors, but septic shock (adjusted hazard ratio = 9.9; 95% CI 5.0-19.7, p < 0.001) increased 30-day mortality in the final model. Asphyxia and previous aminoglycoside consumption were risks of acquisition for neonatal TCRE sepsis while the burden was not a significant difference. Infection prevention and control must be strictly implemented in high multidrug-resistant area.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
The health burden of malaria and household choices regarding treatment and prevention in Pakistan

Khan M, Mahmood HZ, Noureen S, Muhmood K, Husnain MIU, Hameed Khaliq I

Trop Biomed, 2019 Sep 01;36(3):664-676.
PMID: 33597488

The extent of the economic burden of malaria and its imposed mechanisms are both relevant to public policy. This paper investigates the economic burden of malaria and household behaviour in relation to the treatment and prevention of the illness in Pakistan. In this regard, data were collected from a randomly selected sample of 360 households using structured questionnaires. The survey results indicate that 23.4% of household members contracted malaria during the three-month reference period. The average per person cost of malaria is estimated at 3116 Pakistani rupees (PKR) (USD 32). The estimated cost of the illness was found to be equivalent to, on average, 6.7% of monthly household income. Although high-income households face a higher financial burden due to better preventive and mitigation measures, the negative consequences hit low-income households harder due to liquidity constraints and poor access to effective treatment. We recommend that malaria control policies be integrated into development and poverty reduction programs.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Lung function and cognitive performance of primary school children exposed to secondhand smoke at home in Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Sharina D, Zulkifli A, Naing NN

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2004;4(2):19-23.
MyJurnal

Exposure to secondhand smoke has consistently been linked to adverse health effects in children, including reduced lung function and various respiratory diseases. There is also increasing evidence that secondhand smoke exposure is associated with cognitive impairment and behavioral problems in children, This cross sectional study was done on 795 chiildren to determine the association between secondhand smoke exposure and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and cognitive performance among the primary school children in Kota Bharu Kelantan. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demography and smoking status of the household. The PEER was measured using a child Mini Wright peak expiratory flow meter while cognitive performance was assessed by four subtests of Weschler Intelligence Scale For Children (WISC III). Data analysis was done using SPSS version 11. Children were classified as exposed to secondhand smoke when at least one househoH member smoked. There were 442 (55 .6%) children exposed to secondhand smoke at home. The mean (SD) PEFR for unexposed and exposed children were 266.18 (60.80) l/min and 266 .06 (57. 70) l/min respectively, The mean (SD) scores for Digit Span Forward, Digit Span Backward Coding and Arithmetic in unexposed chiMren were 6.84 (1.80), 4.Z7(1.68), 45.25 (9,99) and 8.04 (1.04) respectively. The mean (SD) scores for exposed children were 6.73 (1 .77). 4.07 (l .65), 45.1 I (1 I ,03) and 8.13 (1 .00) respectively. Multivariate analysis of variance showed no signincant dijference in the PEFR (p=O.816) and the cognitive scores between exposed and unexposed primary school children in Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Prevalence of Falls among Older People attending a Primary Care Clinic in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sazlina, S.G., Krishnan, R., Shamsul, A.S., Zaiton, A., Visvanathan, R.

Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2008;14(1):11-0.
MyJurnal

Introduction : The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the pattern of falls in community dwelling older people attending a primary care clinic in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Methods : A cross sectional study was conducted in an urban primary care clinic. Participants aged 60 years and older were included in the study. A structured questionnaire, assessing socio-demographic variables, medical and falls history was administered by one investigator over a 3-month period in 2004.
Results : A total of 151 respondents participated in this study with a response rate of 72%. The prevalence of falls was 47.0% over the previous 12-months period. Fifty-seven percent reported experiencing recurrent falls. Majority (61%) of falls occurred in the home and the two most common places were the bathroom (27%) and stairs (27%). Sixty-one percent of older people who fell, sustained an injury and most sought medical attention.
Conclusion : In conclusion, falls are common amongst older people attending this primary care clinic. It occurred commonly in the home in the bathroom and near stairs. However, a larger local community study is warranted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for falls in Malaysia.

Study site: primary care clinic in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Trichuriasis among orang asli children at Pos Lenjang, Pahang, Malaysia

Hartini Yusof, Mohamed Kamel Abd. Ghani

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2012;10(1):49-52.
MyJurnal

A cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2006 to determine the prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection among Orang Asli (Aborigine) children at Pos Lenjang, Pahang. A total of 71 faecal samples were collected from the children (40 girls and 31 boys) aged between 1-12 years. The samples were examined for the presence of Trichuris trichiura ova using direct smear and formalin-ether concentration techniques. The result revealed that the overall prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection was 43.7%. The infection was higher in males (51.6%) compared to females (37.5%), though not statistically significant (p > 0.05). According to age group, the school-aged children had higher prevalence of infection (56.8%) than preschool children (29.4%) (p < 0.05). Low socioeconomic status, large family size, poor environmental sanitation and poor personal hygiene are possible contributing factors that increase the prevalence of infection among the Orang Asli children at Pos Lenjang. In 31 samples positive for Trichuris trichiura, a detection rate of 100% was obtained using formalin-ether concentration, compared to 25.8% with direct smear technique. Thus, it is recommended that both techniques be performed in routine faecal examination for a more accurate diagnosis.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Factors affecting smoking Menthol brand cigarette among the adult population in Sarawak, Malaysia

Md Mizanur Rahman, Mohd Taha Arif, Mohd Fadzillah Abd Razak, Mohd Raili bin Suhaili, Zainab Tambi, Akoi, Cliffton, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2015;15(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

Menthol brand cigarette has been found to be linked with early initiation of smoking and addiction of nicotine. This study was designed to find out the factors associated with smoking menthol brand cigarettes among adult population in Sarawak. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among the adult population in Sarawak. Data were collected from ten villages in Kota Samarahan and Kuching Division by face to face interview using modified Global Adult Tobacco Survey questionnaire. Non-probability purposive sampling method was adopted to select the villages. All the households of the villages were visited, and an adult member was selected randomly from each household irrespective of sex. After missing value imputation, 1000 data sets were analysed using statistical software SPSS 19.0 version. Analysis showed that 28.8% of the respondents were current smokers, and 7.8% were past smokers. Among the smokers, 56.3% were habituated with menthol brand cigarette. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age at initiation of smoking before 15 years of age (OR=11. 68, 95% CI: 4.25, 32.10), smoking within five minutes of wake up from sleep (OR=3. 20, 95% CI: 1.35, 7.54), nature of job as business (OR=4. 81, 95% CI: 2.13, 10.86) and service holders (OR= 3.85, 95% CI: 2.07, 7.16) and family size 5 and above (OR=2. 22, 95% CI: 1.25, 3.94) appeared to be important determinants of smoking any menthol brand cigarette (p< 0.05). Menthol is a prominent design feature to attract and retain younger smokers. It does not necessarily make the transition from experimenting with cigarettes, but to encourage early smokers to become a confirmed smoker. So, anti-tobacco public health programme should focus on age-specific community approach.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Influencing factors for cholera and diarrhoea: water sanitation and hygiene in impoverished rural villages of Beluran District, Sabah Malaysia

Zin, Thant, SabaiAung, Tin, Sahipudin Saupin, Myint, Than, KhinSN, Daw, Aung, Meiji Soe, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2015;15(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

The lower percentage of water, sanitation and hygiene are the root causes of diarrhoea and cholera. Cholera is a sudden onset of acute watery diarrhoea which can progress to severe dehydration and death if untreated. The current pandemic, Vibrio Cholera O1 started in 1961. This study explores water, sanitation, hygiene and cholera and diarrhoea in three affected villages of Beluran District, Sabah Malaysia to support effective and timely public health intervention. This cross sectional study uses purposive sampling. All (114) households were interviewed and household water samples collected. The study reported lower coverage improved sanitation facilities (35.3% to 52.3%), no latrine at home (37% to 63%), improved water supply (52% to 60%), and prevalence of hand washing after toilet (57% - 74%). For water quality, Ecoli was present in household water (32% to 37%) but Vibrio cholerae was not isolated in any of the water samples tested. Statistically significant associations were found for; 1) occupation−nonagriculture and unimproved sanitation facility and 2) house ownership and correct knowledge of ORS preparation. Predictors for household water quality were: latrine at home, and improved household toilet. Aggressive strategies to improve water supply, sanitation and hygiene−hand washing after toilet−were recommended for future prevention of cholera and diarrhoea in the affected area.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext A study of occupational stress and coping strategies among correctional officers in Kedah, Malaysia

Mohd Zukri, I., Noor Hassim, I.

Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2010;16(2):66-74.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The effect of stress among correctional officers at the workplace can contribute to various health problems and this also affect their work performance and motivation.
Methodology: Study was done at a prison located at the rural district in Kedah. The study was conducted by using randomized stratified sampling method. A total of 418 self administrated questionnaires were distributed. These questionnaires included socio demographic factor, family and marriage factor, Personal Stress Inventory (using Stress Symptom Scale with 52 items), work related stressors (Job Stress Survey) and Brief COPE (Coping Orientation for Problems Experienced with 28 items).
Result: Response rate was 90.9%. Stress prevalence for correctional officers was 45.8%. Socio demographic factors which have significant relation with stress status were marital status, promotion factor, age, monthly salary, duration of service and number of children (p< 0.05). Family and marriage factor which have significant relation with stress status among married officer were pressure from relatives, clean up house, sexual frustration, conflict with spouse, conflict with children, conflict due to household work and no babysitter (p< 0.05).
Discussion: The study showed that work related stressors that have influence with stress were excessive workload, working after work hours, not enough staff, disgraced words from fellow workers, competition in carrier development and excessive work stress (p< 0.05). Multiple linear regression model was done in this study and revealed factors that explained 52% of variation in stress score distributions were behavioural disengagement, no babysitter, denial, conflict with children, replace other worker’s duty, not enough time with family, competition in carrier development, venting of emotion, positive reframing and emotional support. Coping strategies that have significant effect in reducing stress symptoms are positive reframing and emotional support.
Conclusion: Stress management programs should be implemented and emphasizing on specific stressors and coping mechanism are important to reduce the risk of occupational stress among correctional officers.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Review article food production strategies for improving household food security amidst rising food prices: sharing the Malaysian experience

Khor, G.L.

International Food Research Journal, 2008;15(3):249-257.
MyJurnal

Food and fuel prices have soared in recent years affecting most adversely the poor and those with fixed incomes. Since 2000, wheat price in the international market has more than tripled and maize prices have more than doubled. The price of rice, the staple of billions in Asia, has tripled in the past year. The surge of food prices has been blamed on multiple factors including higher energy and fertilizer costs, greater global demand, drought, the loss of arable land to biofuel crops and price speculation. In light of the spiraling rise in food prices, there is the prospect of increasing rates of under-nutrition worldwide. As it is, 800 million are estimated to be suffering from chronic malnourishment, with another 2.1 billion people living close to subsistence levels on less than US$2 a day. Some perspectives of the food production experience of Malaysia are shared here as a case of a country that has built up capabilities and resources through high level of foreign and domestic investment leading to a diversified economy. In response to the recent surge in the price of rice, the Malaysian government announced the setting up of a dedicated fund amounting to US$1.25 billion to increase production of food including fruits and vegetables, and targeting 100% self-sufficiency in rice, by growing rice on a massive scale in Sarawak. During the current five-year development plan for the period of 2006-2010, (Ninth Malaysia Plan), the role of the agriculture sector is considerably enhanced to be the third pillar of economic growth, after manufacturing and services. Among the measures taken, are those aimed at increasing incomes of smallholders and fishermen mainly through improving productivity. These measures include encouraging more rice farmers to participate in mini-estates and group farming, providing financial assistance to rehabilitate cocoa, pepper and sago smallholdings, enhancing the capabilities of coastal fishermen, and setting up of a special program to assist poor households in the agriculture sector to diversify their sources of income. The various socio-economic programs in Malaysia that have been put in place over the years may have cushioned to some extent so far the severity of the dramatic hikes in food prices.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Disposal practices of unused and expired pharmaceuticals among general public in Kabul

Bashaar M, Thawani V, Hassali MA, Saleem F

BMC Public Health, 2017 01 07;17(1):45.
PMID: 28061902 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3975-z

BACKGROUND: Most of the medicine users remain unaware about the disposal of unused or expired medicines. The aim of this study was to know the disposal practices of unused and expired medicines among the general public in Kabul.
METHODS: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional survey, conducted through face-to-face interviews using prevalidated structured questionnaire. Returned questionnaires were double-checked for accuracy. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23 was used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS: Total of 301 valid questionnaires were returned with a response rate of 100% in which 73.4% men and 26.6% women participated. More than half of the respondents were university graduates. Interestingly, 83.4% of the interviewees purchased medicines on the prescription of which 47.2% were university graduates, while 14.6% purchased medicine over the counter. Among the respondents, 46.5/100 purchased antibiotics and the remaining purchased NSAIDs, anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic medicines. Significantly, 97/100 checked the expiry date of medicine before buying. Majority (95.3%) of the respondents' stored medicines at home. 77.7% of the respondents discarded the expired medicines in household trash. Majority of respondents held government responsible for creation of awareness for proper medicine disposal. Almost entire sample (98%) felt that improper disposal of unused and expired medicines can affect the environment and health.
CONCLUSION: Gaps exist in practices, therefore robust, safe and cost-effective pharmaceutical waste management program supported with media campaign is needed. Healthcare practitioners and community pharmacists should offer training to educate customers on standard medicine disposal practices.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Ninety-six Malay psychiatric patients--characteristics and preliminary epidemiology

Hartog J

Int J Soc Psychiatry, 1973;19(1):49-59.
PMID: 4789139
Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext Factors influencing childhood immunization defaulters in Sabah, Malaysia

Shamsul Azhar, S., Rohaizat, H., Azimatun Noor, A., Rozita, H., Nazarudin, S., Nirmal, K.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2012;11(1):17-22.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of defaulters of immunization, and their associated risk factors among children age 12 to 24 months. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in all government's maternal child health clinics in District of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Data was collected using a standardised questionnaire from July to November 2006. Results: The prevalence rate for defaulting immunization was 16.8% from the 315 respondents. Bivariable analysis showed various significant factors associated with defaulters such as mother’s employment status, family mobility, transportation and cost. Nonetheless, multivariable analysis showed only mother’s age, mother employment status and family size were the significant predictors for defaulting immunization. Immunization that had the highest rate of defaulters was DPT–OPV booster dose (56.6%), followed by MMR immunization (43.4 %) and
DPT-Hib/OPV and Hep B third dose (37.7%).Conclusion: Employed mothers with bigger family size should be more closely monitored and advised to reduce the chance of defaulting on the immunization. Health promotion activities also should focus to these groups of mothers.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics
Fulltext The prevalence of family planning practice and associated factors among women in Serdang, Selangor

Mardiana binti Mansor, Khatijah Lim Abdullah, San, San Oo, Kamal Akhtar, Ayu Sulaini Jusoh, Suriawati Ghazali, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2015;15(3):147-156.
MyJurnal

Family planning is a method of controlling fertility which helps to prevent unwanted pregnancies among couples. Unwanted pregnancy has negative effects for mothers and children. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of family planning practices among women in Serdang area and associated factors with their family planning practices. A cross sectional study was conducted with a systematic random sampling of 349 women of reproductive age, who attended Sri Kembangan Polyclinic. Descriptive analysis with chi-square and multiple regression analysis were conducted to identify factors associated with the family planning practice. The prevalence of family planning practice was 38.4%. Family planning was significantly associated with age (p=0.001), marital status (p=0.001), mode of delivery of the last pregnancy (p=0.001), number of children (p=0.001), source of information (p=0.004), level of knowledge (p=0.001), and the attitude (p=0.004). Using multiple logistic regression, four factors contributed to family planning practice, were identified as statistically significant: marital status (married OR=40, 95% CI: 9.45, 169.8), religion (Muslim OR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.4), number of children (children>4 OR=2.98, 95% CI:1. 74, 5.09) and attitude (positive attitude OR=1.88, 95% CI:1.11, 3.18). The prevalence of family planning practice in Serdang was low even though knowledge was sufficient. The use of pamphlets and booklets are still needed to enhance efforts in health education. Currently, practice on family planning will determine the future structure of the community and the economic wellbeing of a country. Future study should focus on family planning practice among teenager and types of methods for women.

Matched MeSH terms: Family Characteristics

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