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Fulltext Religion, Culture and Meaning-Making Coping: A Study Among Cancer Patients in Malaysia

Ahmadi F, Mohamed Hussin NA, Mohammad MT

J Relig Health, 2019 Dec;58(6):1909-1924.
PMID: 29948793 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-018-0636-9

The present study aimed to explore the use of meaning-making coping mechanisms (existential, spiritual and religious coping) among ethnic Malay cancer patients in Malaysia and to investigate the impact of culture on their choice of coping methods. Twenty-nine participants with various kinds of cancer were interviewed. Four kinds of coping resources emerged from analyses of the interview transcripts: (1) relying on transcendent power, (2) supernatural or mystical beliefs, (3) finding oneself in relationships with others and (4) nature. In this article, the two first resources are in focus. The present findings suggest that Malay culture, which is imbued with Islamic belief, strongly influences cancer patients' coping methods and ways of looking at their experience of being cancer patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Existentialism/psychology*; Neoplasms/psychology*; Religion and Psychology*
Psychosocial risk factors and cognitive decline in people living with HIV: results from the Malaysian HIV and aging (MHIVA) study

Neelamegam M, Ahmad A, Chong ML, Wong PL, Zulhaimi NS, Cysique L, et al.

AIDS Care, 2024 Aug;36(8):1041-1049.
PMID: 37666210 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2254543

HIV-associated mortality has improved with the advent of antiretroviral therapy, yet neurocognitive decline persists. We assessed the association between psychosocial risk factors and cognitive function among Malaysian PLWH. Data of virally suppressed PLWH (n = 331) on stable ART, from the Malaysian HIV and Aging study was assessed. Psychosocial factors were assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (social isolation) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) with normative standards for the Malaysian population was used to determine cognitive function. Linear and logistic regression were used to assess the associations between cognition, and psychosocial risk factors. Median age of participants was 43.8 years (IQR 37.7-51.0). Participants were predominantly male (82.8%), with secondary education or higher (85.2%). Participants were on ART for 5.7 years (IQR 3.0-9.7), with a mean MoCA score of 24.6 (±3.7). Social isolation was found in 34.6% of participants, and severe depression, severe stress, and severe anxiety in 10.6%, 15.4%, and 6.0% respectively. After adjusting for demographic, clinical, and HIV parameters, MoCA scores were significantly associated with severe stress (β = -0.11, p = 0.02) and having marginal friendship ties (β = -0.13, p = 0.03). Social isolation and severe stress are associated with neurocognitive impairment in PLWH.

Matched MeSH terms: Aging/psychology; Anxiety/psychology; Social Isolation/psychology; Stress, Psychological/psychology
A study on the psychological functioning of children with specific learning difficulties and typically developing children

Adi NS, Othman A, Kuay HS, Mustafa QM

BMC Psychol, 2024 Dec 05;12(1):725.
PMID: 39633446 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-02151-4

INTRODUCTION: Dyslexia is a widespread Specific Learning Difficulty, and children with dyslexia often face significant psychological difficulties due to their challenges with reading, spelling, and writing. Objective This study examines the psychological functioning of children with dyslexia and compares it with typically developing children.
METHOD: This cross-sectional study used the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to evaluate behavioral issues and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to assess anxiety levels. Primary school teachers, who had known the children for at least a year, provided the reports. Data were analyzed using an independent sample t-test.
RESULTS: Forty children with dyslexia (n = 40) and fifty typically developing children (n = 50) were assessed, in which both groups are predominantly boys (70%, 54%) aged 7-12 years (Mean age:9.3 ± 1.5). The results indicate a significantly greater degree of behavioural problems t(88) = 8.39,p

Matched MeSH terms: Problem Behavior/psychology; Specific Learning Disorder/psychology; Child Behavior/psychology; Depression/psychology
Fulltext Quality of life and overall well-being between healthy individuals and patients with varied clinical diagnoses

Bujang MA, Lai WH, Tiong XT, Ratnasingam S, Kim ARJ, Husin M, et al.

BMC Public Health, 2025 Feb 04;25(1):443.
PMID: 39905413 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-21475-3

BACKGROUND: Chronic diseases are known to detrimentally impact an individual's quality of life (QOL) and well-being. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the QOL and overall well-being among both healthy individuals and those with diverse primary diagnoses.
METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study and data collection took place from May 2022 to May 2023. Information regarding healthy participants was gathered from healthcare workers without any comorbidities. Data for non-healthy participants were collected from individuals diagnosed with various conditions across four specialist clinics: nephrology, oncology, psychiatry, and cardiology. All participants completed the Significant Quality of Life Measures (SigQOLM), a comprehensive assessment tool consisting of 69 items that evaluate 18 domains of QOL and well-being.
RESULTS: The study included a total of 452 participants, with 284 (62.8%) classified as healthy. Among the non-healthy participants, 41 (9.1%) had end-stage renal diseases (ESRD), 48 (10.6%) were diagnosed with cancer, 40 (8.8%) had depressive disorder, and the remaining had heart disease (8.6%). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p

Matched MeSH terms: Chronic Disease/psychology; Heart Diseases/psychology; Kidney Failure, Chronic/psychology; Neoplasms/psychology
Fulltext A systematic review on mental health and its associated factors among educators in Malaysia

Munusamy S, Ramasamy S, Sukir NI

BMC Public Health, 2024 Sep 27;24(1):2634.
PMID: 39333967 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19855-2

BACKGROUND: Mental health is a vital aspect of health and wellbeing that supports our capacity as individuals and as a society to make choices, form bonds with one another, and influence the world we live in. This review aims to identify and synthesize research on mental health and its associated factors among educators in Malaysia. Given the rise in mental health issues among educators, it is crucial to understand the risk factors and develop supportive environments to promote mental well-being. By investigating the causes of poor mental health among educators, this review seeks to provide recommendations based on evidence for future research priorities, policy, and practice, particularly in Malaysia.
METHODS: This systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. A total of 488 studies were identified from five databases namely Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and PsycINFO with 30 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Covidence tool is used for screening and data extraction.
RESULTS: The findings highlighted six major themes as significant predictors of poor mental health among educators in Malaysia were work-family conflict and demands, pandemic impact, work environment, physical health, personality traits, and workload.
CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of this review support future policy research on academic well-being, aiming to improve work-life balance for educators. Stakeholders can work towards creating a more supportive, productive, and sustainable academic environment in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Mental Disorders/psychology; Workload/psychology; Workplace/psychology; Educational Personnel/psychology
Fulltext Quality of life in dementia patients: nursing home versus home care

Nikmat AW, Hawthorne G, Al-Mashoor SH

Int Psychogeriatr, 2011 Dec;23(10):1692-700.
PMID: 21729416 DOI: 10.1017/S1041610211001050

BACKGROUND: Care management providing a high quality of life (QoL) is a crucial issue in dealing with increasing numbers of dementia patients. Although the transition from informal (home-based) care to formal (institutional) care is often a function of dementia stage, for those with early dementia there is currently no definitive evidence showing that informal or formal care provides a higher QoL, particularly where informal care is favored for local cultural reasons. This paper outlines the research protocol for a study comparing formal and informal care in Malaysia. It seeks to provide evidence regarding which is more appropriate and results in higher QoL in early dementia.
METHODS: This is a quasi-experimental study design involving 224 early dementia patients from both nursing home and community settings. Participants will be assessed for cognitive severity, QoL, needs, activities of daily living, depression and social isolation/connectedness by using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Cognitive Impairment Scale - 4 items (CIS-4), EUROPE Health Interview Survey-Quality of Life (WHO8), Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL8), Camberwell Assessment of Need for the Elderly - Short Version (CANE-S), Barthel Index (BI), Cornell Scale for Depression (CSDD), Geriatric Depression Scale - 15 items (GDS-15), and Friendship Scale (FS) respectively.
CONCLUSION: This study aims to provide a better understanding of care needs in early dementia. Given population aging, the study findings will provide evidence assisting decision-making for policies aimed at reducing the burden of caregiving and preserving the QoL of dementia patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Activities of Daily Living/psychology*; Dementia/psychology; Quality of Life/psychology*; Caregivers/psychology
The perceptions of Australian oncologists about cognitive changes in cancer survivors

Smidt K, Mackenzie L, Dhillon H, Vardy J, Lewis J, Loh SY

Support Care Cancer, 2016 11;24(11):4679-87.
PMID: 27320905 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-016-3315-y

OBJECTIVE: Cancer-related cognitive changes (CRCC) can have a profound impact on a cancer survivor's quality of life. However, cancer survivors frequently report receiving limited information about their experience of CRCC from their oncology specialists. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perceptions of oncology specialists regarding CRCC and the potential for their views to influence their decisions about patient care.
METHODS: Thirteen medical oncologists and five radiation oncologists currently practising in Australia participated in this study. Data collection involved individual semi-structured interviews via telephone. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach.
RESULTS: Four key themes emerged: (1) beliefs about the impact of priming on cancer survivors' perceived cognitive function, (2) perceptions of who is more likely to raise concerns of cognitive change, (3) uncertainty of how to best manage CRCC, and (4) the perceived role of oncologists in the management of CRCC.
CONCLUSIONS: CRCC and its impact on the cancer survivor's journey have been under-addressed by oncology specialists, and they are uncertain of potential management strategies. With cancer survival rates increasing, there is a need for specific interventions and management guidelines addressing CRCC and their effects on cancer survivors. Future exploration should focus on the survivor as central to their care and holistic approaches to CRCC management involving all members of the multidisciplinary team.

Matched MeSH terms: Neoplasms/psychology*; Survivors/psychology*
Perception of lower extremity loading in stroke

Kumar SN, Joseph LH, Pharmy Jalil A

Clin Neurophysiol, 2015 Jul;126(7):1453-4.
PMID: 25468242 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2014.09.031
Matched MeSH terms: Survivors/psychology*; Stroke/psychology*
Validity and Reliability Analysis of the 'SayangKU' (MyLove) in Intervention for Addressing Adolescents Involved in Free Sex

Ghani FA, Latif AA, Aziz AA, Khan A

J Relig Health, 2015 Aug;54(4):1375-86.
PMID: 25189148 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-014-9935-y

A module entitled 'SayangKU' (MyLove), based on the Islamic perspective, was developed as an instrument to assist adolescents that involved in premarital sexual activity. The module comprises four phases: Love of God (Allah), Love of the Prophet, Love of Oneself, and Love of the Ummah (world). From analysis of Rasch, the value of item reliability was .80 and an individual reliability was .95. Dimensionality value was more than 40 % variance explained by measures, and level of agreement among experts was 86.88 %. The posttest shows the better result from pretest and proves the effectiveness of the module.

Matched MeSH terms: Adolescent Behavior/psychology*; Sexual Behavior/psychology*
Hardiness as a mediator between perceived stress and happiness in nurses

Abdollahi A, Abu Talib M, Yaacob SN, Ismail Z

J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs, 2014;21(9):789-96.
PMID: 24661763 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12142

The relevance of the study of happiness and stress in nurses has been emphasized. In this sense, the intelligent use of hardiness is enable nurses to cope better with stress and contribute to being happier. This study aimed to examine the relationship among hardiness, perceived stress, and happiness in nurses. Moreover, we examined the mediator role of hardiness on the relationship between perceived stress and happiness in nurses. Our study revealed that hardi-attitude nurses evaluate situations as less stressful which results in a higher happiness. This study showed hardiness as being a protective factor against perceived stress and a facilitating factor for happiness in nurses. The findings could be important in training future nurses so that hardiness can be imparted, thereby giving them the ability to control their stress. Nursing is a stressful occupation with high levels of stress within the health professions. Given that hardiness is an important construct to enable nurses to cope better with stress and contribute to being happier; therefore, it is necessary we advance our knowledge about the aetiology of happiness, especially the role of hardiness in decreasing stress levels and increasing happiness. The present study sought to investigate the role of hardiness as a mediator between perceived stress and happiness. The participants, comprising 252 nurses from six private hospitals in Tehran, completed the Personal Views Survey, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Oxford Happiness Inventory. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data and answer the research hypotheses. As expected, hardiness partially mediated between perceived stress and happiness among nurses, and nurses with low levels of perceived stress were more likely to report greater hardiness and happiness. In addition, nurses with high levels of hardiness were more likely to report happiness. This study showed hardiness as being a protective factor against perceived stress and a facilitating factor for happiness in nurses. The findings could be important in training future nurses so that hardiness can be imparted, thereby giving them the ability to control their stress.

Matched MeSH terms: Nurses/psychology*; Stress, Psychological/psychology*
Victims' barriers to discussing domestic violence in clinical consultations: a qualitative enquiry

Othman S, Goddard C, Piterman L

J Interpers Violence, 2014 May;29(8):1497-513.
PMID: 24323695 DOI: 10.1177/0886260513507136

Victims of domestic violence frequently attend health care facilities. In many cases, their abusive experience is neither disclosed nor discussed during clinical consultations. This study examined the barriers faced by women when discussing abuse with health care providers, specifically in cases involving Malaysian women with a history of domestic violence. A qualitative study using in-depth interviews was conducted with 10 women with a history of domestic violence residing at a shelter. Purposive sampling was conducted until data saturation. Using the grounded theory approach of analysis, themes that emerged from these interviews were then further analyzed to examine the barriers faced by these women. Women who experienced domestic violence faced multiple barriers while discussing their accounts of abuse with others. Values placed on the privacy of domestic violence; upholding the traditional gender roles; preserving the family unity; minimizing the abuse, the feeling of shame, self-blame; and fearing their abuser generally create internal barriers when discussing their encounters of abuse with health care providers. The perceived unknown role of health care professionals when dealing with patients experiencing domestic violence as well as the previous negative experiences in clinical consultations acted as external barriers for discussing abuse with health care providers. Women with domestic violence experiences faced internal and external barriers to discussing their abuse during clinical consultations. Physicians and health care providers must consider domestic violence in consultations with female patients. A good doctor-patient relationship that encompasses empathy, confidence, trust, support, assurance, confidentiality, and guidance can help patients with abusive backgrounds overcome these barriers, leading to the disclosure and discussion of their abusive encounters. Proper education, guidelines, and support for health care providers are required to help them assist women with histories of domestic violence.

Matched MeSH terms: Domestic Violence/psychology*; Crime Victims/psychology*
Quality of life among Malaysian mothers with a child with Down syndrome

Geok CK, Abdullah KL, Kee LH

Int J Nurs Pract, 2013 Aug;19(4):381-9.
PMID: 23915407 DOI: 10.1111/ijn.12083

The purpose of this paper is to examine the quality of life (QOL) among mothers with a child with Down syndrome using The World Health Organization Quality of Life scale instrument. A convenience sample of 161 mothers was accessed through the various institutions which provide interventional or educational programmes to children with disabilities within two of the regions of the Borneo State of Malaysia (Sarawak). Nearly half of the group of mothers perceived their QOL as neither poor nor good (n = 73). An overall QOL score of 14.0 ± 1.84 was obtained. The highest and lowest domain scores were found for social relationship domain (Mean = 14.9 ± 2.1) and environmental support domain (Mean = 13.3 ± 2.1) respectively. Correlation analysis of selected background variables (i.e. locality, education, income and marital status) and overall QOL indicated rho (161) = 0.22-0.28 (P < 0.01). Inverse correlation between maternal age and overall QOL score was indicated, with rho (161) = -0.17 (P < 0.05). Linear regression analysis indicated that the combination of these few variables together accounted for 14.5% of the QOL variability in the sample. Findings point to implications for priorities of care provisions by policy-makers and care professionals in their practice.

Matched MeSH terms: Down Syndrome/psychology*; Mothers/psychology*
Caring for families of the terminally ill in Malaysia from palliative care nurses' perspectives

Namasivayam P, Lee S, O'Connor M, Barnett T

J Clin Nurs, 2014 Jan;23(1-2):173-80.
PMID: 23651099 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.12242

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the process that nurses experienced in engaging with families in Malaysian palliative care settings and the challenges they faced.
BACKGROUND: In palliative care settings, nurses and the terminally ill person's family members interact very closely with each other. It is important for nurses to work with families to ensure that the care of the terminally ill person is optimised.
RESEARCH DESIGN: A qualitative design using grounded theory methods was used to describe how nurses engaged with families and the challenges they faced.
METHODS: Twenty-two nurses from home care and inpatient palliative care settings across Malaysia participated in this study. Data were collected through seven interviews and eight focus group discussions conducted between 2007-2009.
RESULTS: The main problem identified by nurses was the different expectations to patient care with families. The participants used the core process of Engaging with families to resolve these differences and implemented strategies described as Preparing families for palliative care, Modifying care and Staying engaged to promote greater consistency and quality of care. When participants were able to resolve their different expectations with families, these resulted in positive outcomes, described as Harmony. However, negative outcomes of participants not being able to resolve their different expectations with families were Disharmony.
CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of engaging and supporting families of the terminally ill as well as providing a guide that may be used by nurses and carers to better respond to families' needs and concerns.
RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The study draws attention to the need for formal palliative care education, inclusive of family care, to enable nurses to provide the terminally ill person and their family effective and appropriate care.
KEYWORDS: Malaysia; beliefs; families; grounded theory; multicultural; nurses; nursing care; palliative care; terminally ill

Matched MeSH terms: Family/psychology*; Nursing Staff/psychology*
Fulltext Female international students and sexual health - a qualitative study into knowledge, beliefs and attitudes

Burchard A, Laurence C, Stocks N

Aust Fam Physician, 2011 Oct;40(10):817-20.
PMID: 22003488

BACKGROUND: International students make up an increasing proportion of university students in Australia. Research suggests that they have poor sexual health knowledge compared with local students.
METHODS: Thematic analysis was undertaken on focus groups carried out at the University of Adelaide (South Australia), with 21 female international students from Malaysia and China.
RESULTS: Four themes were identified: poor sexual health knowledge; complex attitudes about premarital sex; difficulty accessing sexual health information, and poor understanding the role of general practitioners in this area; and ideas about future education.
DISCUSSION: Participants believed that international students have insufficient sexual health education when they arrive in Australia. They were concerned that some students may become more sexually active in Australia, and may not have adequate access to health services and information. All participants felt it was necessary for international students to receive better sexual health education. International students are important to Australian universities, and it should be mandatory to ensure that culturally appropriate sex education is made available to this group.

Matched MeSH terms: Sexual Behavior/psychology*; Students/psychology*
Knowledge towards breast cancer among Malaysian university students

Khan TM, Anwar M, Gillani W

Breast J, 2011 Sep-Oct;17(5):553-4.
PMID: 21827564 DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4741.2011.01142.x
Matched MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms/psychology*; Students/psychology*
In response to "suicide and ethnicity in Malaysia"

Babu GR

Am J Forensic Med Pathol, 2011 Jun;32(2):e15.
PMID: 21540724 DOI: 10.1097/PAF.0b013e318219c81b
Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups/psychology; Suicide/psychology
Negative social reaction to strabismus in school children ages 8-12 years

Lukman H, Kiat JE, Ganesan A, Chua WL, Khor KL, Choong YF

J AAPOS, 2011 Jun;15(3):238-40.
PMID: 21683635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2011.01.158

To investigate children's willingness to sit next to a child with noticeable exotropia as a measure of social alienation.

Matched MeSH terms: Exotropia/psychology*; Social Alienation/psychology*
Impact of cancer on psychosexuality: cultural perspectives of Asian women

Khoo SB

Int J Nurs Pract, 2009 Dec;15(6):481-8.
PMID: 19958401 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-172X.2009.01797.x

Cancers and related treatments have devastating effects on psychosexual life of patients. This study helps us to understand the cultural perspectives of 50 Asian women diagnosed with cancer. Median age was 50+ years. Median duration of time from diagnosis to interview was 23 months. Thirty-eight per cent stopped sex before illness, 36% stopped sex completely whereas 18% stopped gradually after diagnosis; 8% continued to have sex till time of interview. Overall, 70% were living with spouse but not engaged in sexual intercourse; 31.4% slept in different room, 48.6% slept in the same room but without any form of sexual contact. Thirty-eight per cent believed sexual activity could cause cancer recurrence, and 30% believed cancer could be sexually transmitted. Eighty-two per cent reported acceptance of changes to physical appearance. Approximately 70-86% did not discuss sexuality with their doctor or spouse; 90% agreed doctors should ask about psychosexual issues on a routine basis. Approximately 74.4% reported good cooperation from spouse. Cultural beliefs of Asians pose as barriers to providing and receiving psychosexual affection between women diagnosed with cancer and their spouse. However, these beliefs also serve as protective factors in their mutual acceptance of change in psychosexual activities. Health-care professionals need to be sensitive to the vast cultural differences in psychosexual expressions and needs of women diagnosed with cancer.

Matched MeSH terms: Neoplasms/psychology; Women/psychology*
Satisfaction with the oral health services. A qualitative study among Non-Commissioned Officers in the Malaysian Armed Forces

Esa R, Rajah P, Abdul Razak I

Community Dent Health, 2006 Mar;23(1):15-20.
PMID: 16555714

Patient satisfaction is critical for the growth and prosperity of any oral health service or practice. The success of any oral health service can be assessed by an evaluation of the degree of satisfaction/dissatisfaction of its patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Dental Care/psychology*; Military Personnel/psychology*
Fulltext Attitude towards rape: a comparative study among prospective physicians of Malaysia

Sivagnanam G, Bairy KL, D'Souza U

Med J Malaysia, 2005 Aug;60(3):286-93.
PMID: 16379181 MyJurnal

The global statistics reveal that at least one in every five women experiences rape or attempted rape during her lifetime. Rape myths encompass a set of (false) beliefs. Adolescents have high rates of rape victimization than other age groups. Rape myths among health care providers may have a negative influence on proper care of the victims. A total of 422 medical undergraduates of both sexes, studying at two Malaysian Institutes took part in the study. A validated questionnaire used in an earlier study was used for the present study, with a slight modification of scoring system. The age range of medical students was 17 to 34 years: mean +/- SD of men and women, were 20.6 +/- 2.1 and 20.3 +/- 2 respectively. Only about 19% of women and 11% of men had a very good positive attitude. Nearly 1/3 of women and 1/2 of men had a more negative attitude. On the whole the average total score of women was significantly higher (p=0.0004) than men. Nearly 50% of candidates with a village background carried more negative attitude. Violence against women is a significant public health problem. The major revelation of the present study is that only less than 20% of the medical undergraduates had a more positive attitude towards rape. Introduction of courses on 'sexual violence' in medical curriculum is likely to increase a) awareness, b) skills in management, c) in providing support and care for the victims and d) in implementing preventive actions.

Matched MeSH terms: Rape/psychology*; Students, Medical/psychology*

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