Displaying publications 301 - 320 of 6695 in total

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  1. Isa MR, Ming MF, Abdul Razack AH, Zainuddin ZM, Zainal NZ
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2012;13(12):5999-6004.
    PMID: 23464393
    Measurement of quality of life among prostate cancer patients helps the health care providers to understand the impact of the disease in the patients' own perspective. The main aim of this study is to measure the quality of life among prostate cancer patients at University Malaya Medical Center (UMMC) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) and to ascertain the association factors for physical coefficient summary (PCS) and mental coefficient summary (MCS). A hospital based, cross sectional study using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire was conducted over a period of 6 months. A total of 193 respondents were recruited. Their total quality of life score was 70.1± 14.7 and the PCS score was lower compared to MCS. The factors associated for PCS were: age, living partner, renal problem, urinary problem of intermittency, dysuria and hematuria. Factors associated for MCS were: age, living partner, renal problem, presenting prostatic specific antigen and urinary problem of intermittency and dysuria. Our prostate cancer patients had moderate quality of life in the physical health components but their mental health was less affected.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  2. Muslim D, Mohd E, Sallehudin A, Tengku Muzaffar T, Ezane A
    Malays Orthop J, 2012 Mar;6(1):35-9.
    PMID: 25279040 MyJurnal DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1203.011
    The Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA) score has been developed to identify women at risk of osteoporosis. It can be used as a screening tool for patients at risk who would benefit from bone mineral density measurement and treatment. It was developed based on data from eight countries including Malaysia. However, most subjects were of Chinese (59%). This study evaluated the performance of OSTA among 152 post-menopausal Malay women. OSTA score calculation and DEXA scan were performed. Our results showed that the OSTA score is a good predictor of patients at risk of osteoporosis based on BMD measurements at the proximal femur. Instrument sensitivity was 87.5%, specificity was 95.8%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 0.538, negative predictive value (NPV) was 0.993, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was 0.895. We conclude that use of the OSTA score in postmenopausal Malay women is effective and has adequate sensitivity and specificity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  3. Rahman AA, Mohamad N, Imran MK, Ibrahim WP, Othman A, Aziz AA, et al.
    Malays J Med Sci, 2011 Oct;18(4):63-8.
    PMID: 22589674 MyJurnal
    No previous study has assessed the impact of childhood disability on parents and family in the context of Malaysia, and no instrument to measure this impact has previously been available. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the reliability of a Malay version of the PedsQL™ Family Impact Module that measures the impact of children with disabilities (CWD) on their parents and family in a Malaysian context.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  4. Soo WK, Thong YL, Gutmann JL
    Int Endod J, 2015 Aug;48(8):736-46.
    PMID: 25130364 DOI: 10.1111/iej.12371
    To compare four gutta-percha filling techniques in simulated C-shaped canals based on filling quality at three cross-sectional levels, filling time and the apical extrusion of gutta-percha.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  5. Cheah YK, Poh BK
    PMID: 24955308 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrp.2013.12.002
    Objectives: In light of the importance of physical activity, the aim of the present study is to examine the factors affecting participation in physical activity among adults in Malaysia.
    Methods: A logistic regression model and the Third National Health and Morbidity Survey consisting of 30,992 respondents were used.
    Results: Age, income, gender, education, marital status, region, house locality, job characteristics, and medical conditions are significantly associated with participation in physical activity. In particular, old individuals, high income earners, females, the well-educated, widowed or divorced individuals, East Malaysians, urban dwellers, the unemployed, and individuals who are not diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia are less likely to be physically active than others.
    Conclusion: Because sociodemographic and health factors play an important role in determining physical activity, the government should take them into account when formulating policy.
    Keywords: Malaysia; demography; health; participation; physical activity.
    Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2006)
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  6. Azmin S, Sahathevan R, Rabani R, Nafisah WY, Tan HJ, Raymond AA, et al.
    EXCLI J, 2013;12:907-15.
    PMID: 27092036
    BACKGROUND: Aspirin use is known to reduce the recurrence of stroke. However, the clinical response to aspirin has been mixed. The rate of stroke recurrence whilst on aspirin treatment is still unacceptably high. A plausible explanation for this may be resistance to the effects of aspirin. The causes of aspirin resistance are manifold and multi-factorial. We conducted a study to investigate the prevalence rate of biochemical aspirin resistance in a cohort of aspirin-naïve stroke patients. We also sought to determine the inherent factors that may predispose towards the development of aspirin resistance.
    METHOD: This was a cross-sectional, observational study conducted on patients admitted to our centre with an acute stroke who were aspirin-naïve. The diagnosis of an acute stroke was confirmed by clinical history and brain imaging. Fifty consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled. Socio-demographic data were collected and baseline blood investigations were performed. Patients were tested for biochemical aspirin resistance using Multiplate platelet analyser (Dynabyte, Munich, Germany) after 5 doses of aspirin, corresponding to a total dose of 900 mg.
    RESULTS: The median age of patients was 65.5 years and 54 % of patients were female. There were 11 smokers; of these 10 were male. Twenty-six (52 %) patients were Chinese, 21 (41 %) were Malay and 3 (6.0 %) were Indian. Aspirin resistance was present in 14 % of our patients. There was an inverse relationship between the presence of aspirin resistance and plasma HDL levels (r = -0.394; p = 0.005). There was no relationship observed between aspirin resistance and total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HbA1c, ALT, ALP, urea and creatinine levels. There were no significant differences in demographic profiles or smoking status between the aspirin resistant and non-aspirin resistant groups. We did not find any link between ethnicity and aspirin resistance.
    CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that a lower HDL level is associated with biochemical aspirin resistance. This may increase platelet aggregation and consequently increase the risk of a recurrent stroke. The clinical implications for aspirin resistance are far reaching. Any evidence that correctable factors may negatively influence the action of aspirin warrants further investigation. The prevalence rate of biochemical aspirin resistance in our study is comparable to the findings in other studies performed in an Asian population. Further research is required to determine how our findings translate into clinical aspirin resistance and stroke recurrence.
    KEYWORDS: Asia; antiplatelet therapy; aspirin; aspirin resistance; developing countries; ischaemic stroke; risk factors
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  7. Baharuddin KA, Mohamad N, Nik Abdul Rahman NH, Ahmad R, Nik Him NA
    Malays J Med Sci, 2010 Jan;17(1):17-22.
    PMID: 22135521 MyJurnal
    BACKGROUND: Pain management in the Emergency Department is challenging. Do we need to ask patients specifically about their pain scores, or does our observational scoring suffice? The objective of this study was to determine the inter-rater differences in pain scores between patients and emergency healthcare (EHC) providers. Pain scores upon discharge or prior to ward admission were also determined.
    METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in which patients independently rated their pain scores at primary triage; EHC providers (triagers and doctors) separately rated the patients' pain scores, based on their observations.
    RESULTS: The mean patient pain score on arrival was 6.8 ± 1.6, whereas those estimated by doctors and triagers were 5.6±1.8 and 4.3±1.9, respectively. There were significant differences among patients, triagers and doctors (P< 0.001). There were five conditions (soft tissue injury, headache, abdominal pain, fracture and abscess/cellulites) that were significantly different in pain scores between patients and EHC providers (P<0.005). The mean pain score of patients upon discharge or admission to the ward was 3.3 ± 1.9.
    CONCLUSIONS: There were significant differences in mean patient pain scores on arrival, compared to those of doctors and triagers. Thus, asking for pain scores is a very important step towards comprehensive pain management in emergency medicine.
    KEYWORDS: emergency medicine; neurosciences; pain assessment; pain management; pain score
    Study site: Emergency department, Hospital Kuala Lumpur
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  8. Moy FM, Johari S, Ismail Y, Mahad R, Tie FH, Wan Ismail WA
    Malays J Nutr, 2009 Sep;15(2):165-74.
    PMID: 22691814 MyJurnal
    An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in a public university in Kuala Lumpur among a random sample of 2665 undergraduates. The objective was to study the prevalence of breakfast skipping and its associated factors. Data collection was conducted via a self-administered pre-tested questionnaire. There were 43.5% male respondents, with Malays being the majority (58.3%). The prevalence of breakfast skipping was 29.2 (95% CI: 27.3 - 30.3)%. The factors significantly associated with breakfast skipping (p<0.05) were age, race, accommodation, faculty and skipping dinner. As the respondents' age increased, their risk of breakfast skipping was lower (OR: 0.95; 0.89 - 0.99). Malays (OR: 1.94; 1.48 - 2.54), Indians (OR: 1.70; 1.08 - 2.66), and students from the Sabah and Sarawak indigenous communities (OR: 2.13; 1.37 - 3.33) were more likely to skip breakfast compared to their Chinese counterparts. Respondents who stayed in their own houses were also less likely to skip breakfast compared to those staying in hostel with meals catered (OR: 2.32; 1.39 - 3.84), hostel with cafeteria (OR: 2.92; 1.74 - 4.91) or in rented houses (OR: 2.08; 1.25 - 3.46). Respondents majoring in Arts and Economics had 1.40 (1.07 - 1.82) times risk of breakfast skipping compared to those majoring in Life Sciences. Those who skipped dinner too had twice the odds (1.47 - 2.77) of breakfast skipping. In conclusion the prevalence of breakfast skipping among the undergraduates of this university was moderately high. Health awareness campaigns or introduction of healthy eating guidelines should be initiated for the undergraduates as well as food caterers in campus. The policy and pricing of catered food in campus should also be reviewed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  9. Ngui R, Lim YA, Chow SC, de Bruyne JA, Liam CK
    Med J Malaysia, 2011 Mar;66(1):27-31.
    PMID: 23765139 MyJurnal
    A survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of bronchial asthma and their contributing risk factors among Orang Asli subgroups living in Malaysia using IUATLD questionnaire and spirometry without being discriminatory towards age or gender. Of the 1171 distributed questionnaires, 716 (61.1%) comprising of 62.7% Semai Pahang, 51.3% Temiar, 74.2% Mah Meri, 65.6% Semai Perak, 53.6% Temuan, 53.8% Semelai, 61.1% Jakun and 67.4% Orang Kuala subgroups completed their questionnaire and were included in the data analysis. Participants comprised 549 (76.7%) children and 167 (23.3%) adults, age between 1 to 83 years old, 304 (42.5%) males and 412 (57.5%) females. The overall prevalence of bronchial asthma was 1.4% of which 1.5% was children, 1.3% adults, 1.0% male and 1.7% female, respectively. Of the 8 subgroups surveyed, 5 out of 10 confirmed asthma cases were Semai Pahang, followed by 3 cases among Mah Meri, and one case each among Temuan and Semai Perak subgroups, respectively. This study also demonstrated that the prevalence of self-reported and confirmed bronchial asthma tend to be higher among those who had close contact with pets, smoking individuals and among those who had a family history of asthma.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  10. Ng TKW, Chow SS, Chan LP, Lee CY, Lim SQ
    Malays J Nutr, 2010 Aug;16(2):271-80.
    PMID: 22691932 MyJurnal
    This article presents findings from three separate data sets on food consumption in apparently healthy Malaysian adult males and females aged 22-60 years, and secondary data extracted from the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS) 2003. Assessment of food intake by 24-hour recall or the food diary method and use of the nutrient calculator- DietPLUS- to quantify intake of macronutrients and dietary fibre (DF) in the primary data, revealed low mean DF intakes of 10.7±1.0 g/day (Course participants, n=52), 15.6 ±1.2 (University sample, n=103), and 16.1±6.1 (Research Institute staff, n=25). An alarmingly high proportion of subjects (75 to 95%) in these three data sets did not meet the national population intake goal of 20-30 g DF/day. A list of 39 food items which contain fibre, extracted from the MANS 2003 report as being average amounts consumed daily by each Malaysian adult, provided 19.2 g DF which meant that >50% of Malaysian adults consumed less than the recommended DF intake of 20-30 g/day. This large deficit of actual intake versus recommended intakes is not new and is also observed in developed western nations. What is of great concern is that the preliminary findings presented in this article indicate that the national population goal of 20-30 g DF/day may be beyond the habitual diets of the majority of Malaysians. Appropriately, the authors propose the inclusion of a daily minimum requirement for DF intake in the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines, which would somewhat mimic the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines 1999 for dietary fat, as well as the stand taken by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) of the United Kingdom. This minimum requirement, if agreed to, should not be higher than the 16 g DF or so provided by the hypothetical 'high-fibre' healthy diet exemplified in this article.
    Study name: Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS-2003)
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  11. Gan RK, Ogbodo JC, Wee YZ, Gan AZ, González PA
    Am J Emerg Med, 2024 Jan;75:72-78.
    PMID: 37967485 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.10.034
    AIM: The objective of our research is to evaluate and compare the performance of ChatGPT, Google Bard, and medical students in performing START triage during mass casualty situations.

    METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis to compare ChatGPT, Google Bard, and medical students in mass casualty incident (MCI) triage using the Simple Triage And Rapid Treatment (START) method. A validated questionnaire with 15 diverse MCI scenarios was used to assess triage accuracy and content analysis in four categories: "Walking wounded," "Respiration," "Perfusion," and "Mental Status." Statistical analysis compared the results.

    RESULT: Google Bard demonstrated a notably higher accuracy of 60%, while ChatGPT achieved an accuracy of 26.67% (p = 0.002). Comparatively, medical students performed at an accuracy rate of 64.3% in a previous study. However, there was no significant difference observed between Google Bard and medical students (p = 0.211). Qualitative content analysis of 'walking-wounded', 'respiration', 'perfusion', and 'mental status' indicated that Google Bard outperformed ChatGPT.

    CONCLUSION: Google Bard was found to be superior to ChatGPT in correctly performing mass casualty incident triage. Google Bard achieved an accuracy of 60%, while chatGPT only achieved an accuracy of 26.67%. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.002).

    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  12. Nur AM, Aljunid SM, Almari M
    BMC Health Serv Res, 2023 Nov 28;23(1):1314.
    PMID: 38017444 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10287-z
    BACKGROUND: Among the GCC countries affected by COVID-19 infections, Kuwait has been significantly impacted, with 658,520 cases and 2,563 deaths reported by the WHO on September 30, 2022. However, the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on Kuwait's economy, especially in the healthcare sector, remains unknown.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the total cost of managing COVID-19 in-patients in Kuwait.

    METHOD: A cross-sectional design was employed for this study. A total of 485 COVID-19 patients admitted to a general hospital responsible for COVID-19 cases management were randomly selected for this study from May 1st to September 31st, 2021. Data on sociodemographic information, length of stay (LOS), discharge status, and comorbidities were obtained from the patients' medical records. The data on costs in this study cover administration, utility, pharmacy, radiology, laboratory, nursing, and ICU costs. The unit cost per admission was calculated using a step-down costing method with three levels of cost centers. The unit cost was then multiplied by the individual patient's length of stay to determine the cost of care per patient per admission.

    FINDINGS: The mean cost of COVID-19 in-patient care per admission was KD 2,216 (SD = 2,018), which is equivalent to USD 7,344 (SD = 6,688), with an average length of stay of 9.4 (SD = 8.5) days per admission. The total treatment costs for COVID-19 in-patients (n = 485) were estimated to be KD 1,074,644 (USD 3,561,585), with physician and nursing care costs constituting the largest share at 42.1%, amounting to KD 452,154 (USD 1,498,529). The second and third-largest costs were intensive care (20.6%) at KD 221,439 (USD 733,893) and laboratory costs (10.2%) at KD 109,264 (USD 362,123). The average cost for severe COVID-19 patients was KD 4,626 (USD 15,332), which is almost three times higher than non-severe patients of KD 1,544 (USD 5,117).

    CONCLUSION: Managing COVID-19 cases comes with substantial costs. This cost information can assist hospital managers and policymakers in designing more efficient interventions, especially for managing high-risk groups.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  13. Abdullah B, Idris S, Md Jaafar SA, Ghazali NLA, Mat Liki NS, Aminuddin AA
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Nov;78(6):768-773.
    PMID: 38031219
    INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to determine the level of awareness of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and factors that influence the attitude towards the treatment of POP among Malaysian women.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 400 women from registered non-government organisations (NGOs) in Malaysia who voluntarily answered questionnaires distributed through Google form via emails. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test and one-way ANOVA test.

    RESULTS: Four hundred respondents participated in this study. The mean age was 40.42 years old (SD=12.566). The mean score for the studied population was 4.96 (SEM 0.124). Only 58 (14.5%) respondents obtained a score of eight or more, and 235 (58.8%) respondents scored between 4 and 7. The rest of 107 (26.7%) respondents scored 3 and less. There were statistically significant differences in the mean score for level of awareness between marital statuses, menopausal status, number of children and occupation. There were only 273 (68%) respondents who will seek treatment if they experience symptoms of POP. The most frequent reasons for not seeking treatment were unawareness of the availability of medical treatment for POP (69 %).

    CONCLUSION: Majority of the respondents have an inadequate level of awareness on POP. Although more than half of the respondents will seek treatment if they experience symptoms of POP, concerns raised by those who chose not to seek treatment should be addressed by a more effective public awareness programme. This includes the unawareness of the availability of medical treatment and the embarrassment to see medical practitioners.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  14. Shalihin MSE, Suhaimi NAN, Hamzah HA, Abidin S, Aidid ME, Musa R
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Nov;78(6):830-844.
    PMID: 38031228
    INTRODUCTION: Mounting evidence has shown the significant correlation between periodontitis and the development of other comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease due to periodontopathogenic bacterial migration and colonisation. As the main etiologic agent of periodontitis, the role of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) has been widely explored as the main culprit and its early detection is crucial to control the exacerbation of diseases. This review aims to identify and summarise all clinical diseases that potentially developed due to the presence of P. gingivalis and discover all its detection methods that have been developed.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Full-text articles of case report, case control, cohort and cross-sectional studies that were published from 1st January 2012 until 30th June 2022, were searched using PubMed, CINAHL and Scopus. Periodontal related diseases were excluded in this review due to its wellknown associated disease with P. gingivalis. A comparison studies of detection methods were also excluded in this review.

    RESULTS: Out of 612 articles that were screened, only 106 met the eligibility criteria to be selected for further review. Risk of bias was performed using FEAT principles and reviewers' discussion. A total of 21 final articles that were reviewed showed significant correlation with P. gingivalis and were classified into several clinical domains. Twelve out of 13 detection methods showed high sensitivity and specificity with short duration analysis.

    CONCLUSION: Due to asymptomatic periodontal disease and the high prevalence of P. gingivalis-associated clinical diseases, this review suggests the need for oral public health awareness and early screening for the bacterium detection especially among elderly groups to maintain their quality of life.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  15. Nurhani MA, Farah HMS, Ili NMA, Zahidah AR, Rahimah B, Nabilah HK, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Nov;78(6):803-807.
    PMID: 38031224
    INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a global drive for vaccination, including children. Despite the urgency, understanding the safety and side effects remains crucial. Our study aimed to evaluate the safety of the Pfizer- BioNTech (BNT162b2) vaccine in children by determining the proportion of vaccinated children who experienced side effects and identifying factors associated with postvaccination side effects.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among children who received the COVID-19 vaccine between 3 February and 8 May 2022. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire filled out by the parent or legal guardian.

    RESULTS: The mean age of the study participants was 9 years old and 43.1% were males. Out of the 195 participants in the study, 62 (31.8%) reported side effects after vaccination. The most frequently reported side effects were pain at the injection site (29.7%, n=58), fever (15.9%, n=31), localised inflammation (10.8%, n=21) and arthralgia/myalgia (9.2%, n=18). There were no reported severe adverse events such as anaphylaxis or myocarditis. Most side effects occurred within the first two days post-vaccination. There was a higher proportion of side effects among children with underlying co-morbidities. No significant differences were observed based on age, weight, ethnicity and the presence of allergies, or the use of premedication.

    CONCLUSION: The BNT162b2 vaccine was generally welltolerated in children, with most side effects being mild and self-limiting. These findings support the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine and would guide healthcare professionals, parents and policy-makers in making informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccination, especially among high-risk groups.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  16. Wider W, Tanucan JCM, Lin J, Jiang L, Udang LN
    PLoS One, 2023;18(12):e0294658.
    PMID: 38117775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294658
    The first year of university is one of the most difficult times in a student's life due to numerous changes that occur. This cross-sectional study explores the concept of parental and peer attachment, which has been researched for its ability to predict students' success in higher education. Yet, less research has investigated the mechanisms underpinning the relationship between attachment and university adjustment among first-year students. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the impact of parent and peer attachment on first-year university students, and understand how these attachments can facilitate university adjustment through identity exploration. This investigation is underpinned by Bowlby and Ainsworth's attachment theory and Arnett's emerging adulthood theory. Data were collected from 568 first-year students at a public university in Sabah, Malaysia, via adapted questionnaires. Structural equation modelling was employed using SmartPLS Software 3.0 to analyse the data. The study found that identity exploration mediates the relationship between parental trust, peer communication, and university adjustment. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for professionals working with emerging adult clients, especially those in higher education institutions, aiming to enhance the adjustment level among first-year students.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  17. Brannigan JFM, Davies BM, Mowforth OD, Yurac R, Kumar V, Dejaegher J, et al.
    Spinal Cord, 2024 Feb;62(2):51-58.
    PMID: 38129661 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-023-00945-8
    STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey.

    OBJECTIVE: Currently there is limited evidence and guidance on the management of mild degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and asymptomatic spinal cord compression (ASCC). Anecdotal evidence suggest variance in clinical practice. The objectives of this study were to assess current practice and to quantify the variability in clinical practice.

    METHODS: Spinal surgeons and some additional health professionals completed a web-based survey distributed by email to members of AO Spine and the Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS) North American Society. Questions captured experience with DCM, frequency of DCM patient encounters, and standard of practice in the assessment of DCM. Further questions assessed the definition and management of mild DCM, and the management of ASCC.

    RESULTS: A total of 699 respondents, mostly surgeons, completed the survey. Every world region was represented in the responses. Half (50.1%, n = 359) had greater than 10 years of professional experience with DCM. For mild DCM, standardised follow-up for non-operative patients was reported by 488 respondents (69.5%). Follow-up included a heterogeneous mix of investigations, most often at 6-month intervals (32.9%, n = 158). There was some inconsistency regarding which clinical features would cause a surgeon to counsel a patient towards surgery. Practice for ASCC aligned closely with mild DCM. Finally, there were some contradictory definitions of mild DCM provided in the form of free text.

    CONCLUSIONS: Professionals typically offer outpatient follow up for patients with mild DCM and/or asymptomatic ASCC. However, what this constitutes varies widely. Further research is needed to define best practice and support patient care.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  18. Subramaniam TS, Valuyeetham PS, Kamaru Ambu V
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 May;78(3):344-349.
    PMID: 37271844
    INTRODUCTION: Empathy is the ability to put oneself in another's emotional space and experience what they feel. Either due to lack of experience or mundaness of practice, a state of empathy can become premised, and individuals become indifferent or detached. We aimed to explore the level of empathy among doctors at different levels of practice, age, gender, academics, non-academics and discipline.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, observational study on empathy among doctors practicing in the private, public hospital sector and faculty at a medical university in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia that utilised convenience sampling for data collection. The Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ) a validated tool was used to measure empathy.

    RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 127 doctors, 52% (n= 66) were males and 48% (n=61) females. There was no significant difference in empathy between male (M=46.44; SD=6.01) and female (M=45.05, SD=5.69) doctors; t (123) = 1.326, p=0.187. Pearson correlation coefficient was computed to assess the linear relationship between age and empathy and revealed no correlation between the two variables: r (125) =0.15, p=0.099. Medical-based doctors (M= 47.47, SD=5.98) demonstrated more empathy than surgicalbased (M=44.32, SD=5.41); t (123) =-3.09, p=0.002. Those already specialised in their fields (M=47.38, SD=4.57) had more empathy than those who had not (M= 44.36, SD=6.52); t (123) =-2.96, p = 0.004. Doctors in the university (M=47.97, SD=4.31) tended to have more empathy than those in the public hospitals (M= 44.63, SD=6.27); t (117) =-2.91, p=0.004. Academicians had more empathy than non-academicians but there was no difference between those who were in clinical practice and not.

    CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that medical-based doctors demonstrate more empathy than surgical-based doctors, and there appeared to be no correlation between age and empathy. However, clinical experience and growth within the specialty seem to improve empathy. Doctors teaching in the university setting demonstrated more empathy than those practicing in the hospital setting. Inclusion of empathy-related sessions in the undergraduate and post-graduate curriculum could bridge the gap in empathy noted with age, discipline, and experience in practice. Further research on empathy among doctors using a wider population in Malaysia and a TEQ questionnaire validated to the Asian population would provide better insight regarding this area of medical practice. Future research on outcomes of inclusion of programmes targeted at improving empathy to create awareness during practice would support patient satisfaction and safety.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  19. Flecia K, Mohd FA
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 May;78(3):329-335.
    PMID: 37271842
    INTRODUCTION: A patient's trust in their physician is associated with their self-reported health outcome. However, the relationship between trust in physician with therapeutic and health outcome has not been adequately explored. Therefore, this study aims to assess the level of trust in physician among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and its association with treatment adherence and glycaemic control.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Luyang Health Clinic from 1st June 2020 to 3rd September 2020. A self-interviewed questionnaire comprises of three sections; sociodemographic, Wake Forest Physician Trust Scale (WFS) and Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) was completed by 281 respondents. Glycaemic control is based on the latest Hba1c profile of the respondents. Descriptive and nonparametric bivariate analysis were performed using IBM SPSS version 26.

    RESULTS: The median (IQR) level of trust in physician was 43(8) out of a possible score range of 10 to 50. Trust in physician was correlated with treatment adherence (r=-0.12, p=0.048). There was no significant association between trust in physician with sociodemographic factors, which include age (p=0.33), gender (p=0.46), ethnicity (p=0.70), education level (p=0.50), and household income (p=0.37). Similarly, there was no significant association between the level of trust in physician with glycaemic control (p=0.709).

    CONCLUSION: In conclusion, trust in physician was associated with treatment adherence but not with glycaemic control. In our local context, the glycaemic control could be due to other factors. Further studies should include a multicentre population to assess other potential factors that could contribute to glycaemic control.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  20. Ibrahim RL, Al-Mulali U, Solarin SA, Ajide KB, Al-Faryan MAS, Mohammed A
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Jun;30(30):75694-75719.
    PMID: 37225949 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27472-6
    Global warming remains the most devastating environmental issue embattling the global economies, with significant contributions emanating from CO2 emissions. The continued rise in the level of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions serves as a compelling force which constitutes the core of discussion at the recent COP26 prompting nations to commit to the net-zero emission target. The current research presents the first empirical investigation on the roles of technological advancement, demographic mobility, and energy transition in G7 pathways to environmental sustainability captured by CO2 emissions per capita (PCCO2) from 2000 to 2019. The study considers the additional impacts of structural change and resource abundance. The empirical backings are subjected to pre-estimation tests consisting of cross-sectional dependence, second-generation stationarity, and panel cointegration tests. The model estimation is based on cross-sectional augmented autoregressive distributed lag, dynamic common correlated effects mean group, and augmented mean group for the main analysis and robustness checks. The findings reveal the existence of EKC based on the direct and indirect effects of the components of economic growth. The indicators of demographic mobility differ in the direction of influence on PCCO2. For instance, while rural population growth negatively influences PCCO2 in the short-run alone, urban population growth increases PCCO2 in the short-run and long-run periods. Nonrenewable energy, information computer technology (ICT) imports, and mobile cellular subscriptions serve as positive predictors of PCCO2, while ICT exports and renewable energy moderate the surge in PCCO2. Policy implications that enhance environmental sustainability are suggested following the empirical verifications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
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