Bicycle fatalities constituted 5% of road fatalities in 1995. A helmet, properly worn, is the most effective measure to prevent head injury to a cyclist in the event of a crash. We studied the knowledge, attitude and practice of children in two secondary schools (Ipoh and Kulim) with respect to bicycle helmet use before instituting a program for helmet use. Although there were no major differences in knowledge, attitude and practice of students in the two groups, children in the Ipoh program failed to wear helmets while the children in the Kulim program complied over a one year period. The main reason for failure of the helmet progranl in Ipoh were negative peer influence. The Kulim helmet program was integrated with a bicycle safety course conducted by dedicated teachers. The quasi experimental study resulted in increased awareness of the importance of bicycle helmets among school children in Kulim Keywords: Bicycle helmet, road traffic injury, prevention.
We studied the knowledge, attitude and practice of 27 parents of children with Thalassaemia towards their children's disease. The parents' knowledge was satisfactory. Most of them did not reveal details of the disease to their affected children. Some of them had further children despite being explained the risk of recurrence. Parents found it difficult to obtain regular blood donors and some had to resort to 'buying' blood. The Malaysian Association of Thalassaemia has a role to play in the education of patients, their parents and the public.
Temporomandibular disorders are the commonest orofacila pain. Many of them present themselves to the primary care physician. A fundamental familiarity with this disorder is essential for proper diagnosis and management.
The cultural and socioeconomic determinants (including the accessibility, costs and perceived effectiveness of medical care) of why and how individuals engaged in health-improving behaviours are essential information for policy makers in designing strategies towards increasing the efficient utilisation of public health services and interventions. Studies on such determinants are particularly needed for urban populations given their socioeconomic and cultural heterogeneity.
A 7 year-old Malay child with lightning burns is reported. Lightning injuries are rare. Victims who are clinically 'dead' may recover normally if resuscitation is carried out for prolonged periods.