Obesity is a risk factor for chronic diseases which can affect work productivity and physical function of employees
particularly among those in security sector. The study aimed to determine the association between obesity with total
days of sick leave and health related quality of life (HRQoL) among Malay male security officers. A cross-sectional
study was conducted among Malay male security officers working in a Malaysian higher learning institution. Subjects
were evaluated using anthropometric measurements, quality of life and number of sick leave taken within two months
prior to the study. A total of 194 subjects (mean age 40.12 ± 11.41 years) were recruited. A total of 30.4% were obese,
39.7% were pre-obese and only 29.9% had normal body weight or underweight. Central obesity was observed in 57.7%
of them and 87.1% shown excessive body fat percentage. Number of sick leave days was positively correlated with Body
Mass Index (BMI) (r = 0.162, p = 0.024) and waist circumference (r = 0.181, p = 0.012). Score of the general health
component was negatively correlated with BMI (r = -0.161, p = 0.025), waist circumference (r = -0.194, p = 0.007) and
body fat percentage (r = -0.191, p = 0.008). Physical functioning score was lowest in obese subjects than normal and
pre-obese subjects (p = 0.046). Score of the bodily pain component was positively correlated with waist circumference (r
= 0.156, p = 0.030). Obesity is associated with number of sick leave days and quality of life in the studied group. Hence,
body weight of the security staff should be monitored and appropriate intervention should be conducted to improve their
work attendance and quality of life.
The effects of salinity on the embryonic and larvae stage of Crassostrea iredalei
were investigated. Fertilised eggs and one day old D-larvae were subjected to salinities
ranging from 0 to 30 ppt at temperature of 30±2°C. At salinity lower than 10 ppt, 100%
mortality was observed. For embryo development, the highest survival was observed at
salinity 25 ppt with 80.9±2.2% survival with no significant difference compared to 15 and
30 ppt. Shell height and length were both greatest at salinity 30 ppt. Throughout the 11
days culture, the highest larval survival occurred at salinity 15 ppt with no significant
difference compared to all other salinities except 10 ppt. Larval shell sizes showed no
significant differences between salinities, except for 10 ppt. Optimum culture condition for
larvae growth are salinities ranging from 15 to 30 ppt whereby the larval of this species
can tolerate wider range of salinity compared to other oyster species and thus, making it a
competitive species to be cultured.
A small scale laboratory study was conducted to determine the effects of
salinity ranging from 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 ppt on the filtration rates of juvenile
oyster Crassostrea iredalei with 25 ppt as the control. Three juvenile oysters (shell weight:
1.04 ± 0.12 g; shell length: 1.9 ± 0.2 cm; shell height: 1.9 ± 0.1 cm) were used to test the
filtration rates in each salinity over the course of 8 hours. The hourly filtration rates were
determined from the exponential decrease in algal (Chaetoceros calcitrans) concentration
as a function of time. The oyster in 35 ppt salinity produced the highest overall filtration
rate (FR2) with 134.06 ± 15.66 mL–1 hr–1 oyster–1 and the lowest overall filtration rate (FR2)
occurred in oyster exposed to 15 ppt and 45 ppt with 31.30 ± 6.90 mL–1 hr–1 oyster–1 and
32.11 ± 7.68 mL–1 hr–1 oyster–1
respectively throughout the 8 hours. The result from this
study can be useful for optimum oyster culturing and the oysters can be employed as a
natural biofilter in marine polyculture farming.
With the increase of consumers’ privacy concerns and the government-enforced regulations on data protection, it is necessary for organizations to implement Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) to protect consumers’ personal data. PETs refer to any protection in the form of technology. Since employees are the main stakeholders who are directly involved in the PETs implementation and execution process, it is important to understand employees’ perceptions especially those daily tasks involving the process of collecting and processing consumers’ data. Prior literature showed limited research on the effects of PETs implementation through employees’ work process and their perception on the implementation in protection personal data. Hence, the purpose of this research is to explore how PETs adoption affects employees’ work process and their perception. A qualitative single case study was adopted in a telecommunications company in Malaysia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews from nine respondents who were involved in data collecting, data processing and data controlling in their daily tasks. The results showed that employees experience difference levels of change depending on their work nature. The affected areas of change in implementing PETs are workload, communication level and data access. Employees also raised their concerns on vendors’ accountability. This research provides an insight into employees’ perception towards personal data protection based on their experience in implementing PETs. Continuous awareness, updates, monitoring and evaluating of system are perceived as the key to successful PETs implementation in protecting personal data.
Tieshangang Bay in the Beibu Gulf, Guangxi of China, is a strategic location for pearl farming. Although water pollution has been reported in this bay but the general health of the pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata martensii, farmed there has never been assessed. The present study examined the condition of P. fucata martensii farmed in the Tieshangang Bay by analyzing its length-weight relationship (LWR) and relative condition factor (RCF). A total of 111 specimens were sampled for measuring their shell height and total weight for determining the LWR and RCF. The coefficient of correlation of the LWR was high (R2 = 0.93), significant at 0.01 level. Negative allometric growth (b = 2.7048) was observed. However, P. fucata martensii achieved the expected growth in terms of weight, as determined through the RCF (mean 1.13). Negative allometric growth is commonly reported on the wild Pinctada spp. collected from different regions. Apparently, the water pollution in the Tieshangang Bay did not compromise the general health of the pearl oyster cultured there. Nevertheless, further study on the farm’s surrounding water quality and plankton availability is necessary to investigate the interaction between the growth of the oyster and its culture environment. In conclusion, the P. fucata martensii farmed in the Tieshangang Bay was considered healthy and the bay is still suitable for pearl oyster farming.
Migration is a widespread phenomenon throughout the world and it has been under way since time immemorial. While studies have focused on the causes of migration and the impact of migrants, studies focusing on the emotional experience of the left-behind older persons’ adjustments in their twilight years after the departure of their adult children, are few and far between. Thus, the perspectives of these left-behind older parents/persons are less understood. This paper aims to contribute to the literature by addressing the gap which will be filled through the experiences of left-behind Malaysian older persons. Drawing on in-depth interviews extracted from a qualitative study that focused on the strength of long-term marriages among Malaysian Chinese couples, this paper captures four older couples’ experiences that depict their feelings about their adult children’s migration. Analysis suggests that the children’s migration was induced by a lack of support and resources, followed by unequal educational opportunities. To deal with the gap left by their children, these older urban parents depend on kinship connection and community support in times of need. Government initiatives may also be able to empower the community in innovating and implementing plans which are tailored to the needs of the older parents left behind by children who have migrated. The living arrangements and recent bereavement experiences captured from the older couples can serve as cues for healthcare professionals and social support providers to assess the risks of social isolation and suicide among these left-behind older parents.
In dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals are having difficulties in coping with stress and enhancing their happiness due to the lack of proper social support. The phenomenon is highly alarming as the mental health issues of Malaysians begin to surface during the period of adversity. The study aims to investigate the mediating effect of resilience on the relationship between social support and happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 104 Malaysian adults participated in the study through a convenience sampling method. They completed an online survey which measured levels of social support, resilience, and happiness. A Pearson correlation analysis showed that social support and resilience were positively associated with happiness. Besides that, resilience was evidenced as a partial mediator on the association between social support and happiness. The study concluded that individuals with a higher level of social support showed a higher level of resilience which eventually led to a higher level of happiness. In facing adversity, Malaysian adults with poor social support should improve their resiliency to boost their happiness.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anaemia in children aged six months to fifteen years old treated in a single centre from 2008 to 2018. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted among 274 children age six months to fifteen years old, treated in Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) from 2008 to 2018. The data was obtained from computerised hospital data (CARE2X), Laboratory Information System (LIS) or medical record. Parents of the eligible participants were called for any incomplete data and verbal consents were obtained. Descriptive analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence whereas the relationship between independent variables with types of anaemia were examined using simple logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of anaemia was 22.3%. Among the anaemic children, the predominant morphology form was hypochromic microcytic anaemia (82%) followed with normochromic normocytic anaemia (18%). Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) was found to be the commonest cause (24%) of hypochromic microcytic anaemia, followed by IDA with concomitant thalassaemia (14%) and thalassaemia alone (8%). In simple logistic regression analysis, no significant association was found. Conclusions: The prevalence of anaemia was 22.3%, which is considered as moderate public health problem according to WHO. Hypochromic microcytic anaemia was the predominant red cell morphology (82%) and IDA was the commonest causes (24%).
Introduction: Maternal death is a sensitive health indicator being monitored closely by the Ministry of Health. Obstetric emergency (OE) protocol is introduced to manage OE and to improve maternal outcome. However, there is no national OE guideline available and the OE protocol varies among different institutions. The current audit aims to evaluate the service quality during OE in Duchess of Kent Hospital (DOKH) in accordance with OE protocol DOKH revision-2017.
The edible shoots of Dendrocalamus asper (family Poaceae) is an underutilised food. The
present work was conducted to evaluate the nutritional compositions, biological activities, and
phytochemical contents of the shoots of D. asper obtained from different regions of Malaysia,
Peninsular (DP) and East Malaysia (DS). The nutritional analysis was conducted using the
Official Methods of Analysis of the AOAC International. All minerals were quantified using
an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer, except for potassium which was measured
using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined
using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were assayed using
a colourimetric broth microdilution method, while antioxidant activity was tested using DPPH
radical scavenging activity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assays. Enzyme inhibitory activities were examined using α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Both bamboo shoots (boiled at 100°C for 20 min) were high in moisture (> 93 g/100 g
FW), crude protein (> 21 g/100 g DW), and crude fibre contents (> 9 g/100 g DW), but low in
fat content (< 4 g/100 g DW). Potassium was the most abundant mineral at 205.67 and 203.83
µg/100 g DW of bamboo shoots of DP and DS, respectively. The extracts (hexane, ethyl
acetate, ethanol, and water) of both shoots showed stronger antifungal activity than antibacterial activity against selected human pathogens. All extracts of DP shoots demonstrated higher
CAA in HeLa cells and α-amylase inhibitory activity than that of DS shoots. In contrast, the
extracts of DS shoots exhibited stronger inhibition on α-glucosidase and contained higher
TPC than that of DP shoots. The D. asper shoots obtained from the Peninsular Malaysia and
East Malaysia contained different types of secondary metabolites which account for the differences in the biological activities. In conclusion, D. asper shoots have potential as a nutritional
and functional food.
Introduction: One of the aims outlined in Malaysia’s Health Vision 2020 is to be a nation of healthy individuals, families, and communities through an equitable, affordable, efficient, environmentally adaptable, and consumer friendly healthcare system. Sabah faces tremendous challenges to provide the best care for patients. For example, Sabah's unique geographical location and landscape, such as steep hills and rivers, is one of the challenges that health staff faces. Objectives of this study aimed to examine the prevalence of geographical accessibility, types of healthcare services, and the types of health seeking behaviour in 2 northern rural areas of Sabah to assess the geographic accessibility and availability of healthcare services.
Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in two rural areas in Sabah—Kudat and Pitas. Data collection was done by using questionnaire and face–to-face interviews
Results: It was found that 48% of the study population sought healthcare and they mainly chose healthcare services from hospitals and health clinics.
Conclusion: Half of the population in the areas studied used healthcare in the last year. The choice of using a public hospital or community health clinics was determined by distance from residence
Introduction: Despite advancement of treatment modalities, Tuberculosis (TB) treatment interruption rate has glob- ally accelerating, calling for greater framework shifting towards psychosocial intervention. Similarly, Selangor state had reported the perturbing TB treatment interruption rate, which was figured persistently above 10% in the interval year of 2014 to 2018, thus signifies an empirical assessment on Information-Motivation-Behavioural skills (IMB) determinants of TB intensive phase treatment. This study aims to determine the time to intensive phase TB treatment interruption and its prognostic factors among newly diagnosed pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) smear positive patients in urban district Selangor. Methods: A multi-centric prospective cohort study will recruit 695 newly diagnosed PTB smear positive patients at treatment centres in urban districts, Selangor. This study will utilize validated self-admin- istered questionnaire and standardised data collection form (PROFORMA). At baseline, we will elicit information on IMB models constructs, additionally on socio-demographics, health service factors and clinical characteristics. Meanwhile, four points follow up will be executed to retrieve information on treatment status and time varying effects of body weight, treatment side effects, symptoms improvement and internalised stigma. Finally, survival analysis will be computed to identify the time to intensive phase treatment interruption and its prognostic factors. Conclusion: This study will enlighten IMB model determinants of intensive phase treatment interruption, hence to endeavour psychosocial elements in designing time relevant public health strategies in TB case management.
Introduction: Diabetic control depends partially on self-management. Diabetes self-care is reported to be a strong predictor of glycemic control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients. Factors contributing to better self-care include self-efficacy and social support. We aim to determine effects of these factors on glucose control in T2DM patients in a primary care clinic. Methods: This study utilised data from a bigger study looking into factors affecting social support and self-efficacy and their correlation in T2DM patients. This study was done among 329 T2DM pa- tients attending a primary care clinic in Selangor, Malaysia between November 2013- January 2014. Systematic ran- dom sampling was used. Instruments used were the MOS Social Support Survey and the Diabetic Management Self Efficacy Scale (DMSES). Patients’ socio-demographic data and glucose monitoring records were obtained. The asso- ciation between social support and self-efficacy with blood glucose control was determined using logistic regression. Results: The mean age of the respondents is 54.6 (+11.2), mostly female (55.3%) and Malay ethnicity (63.5%). Being older and retired were predictors for good glucose control (OR=1.05,p=0.01 and OR=2.2,p=0.023) respectively. There is also significant correlations between number of close friends/relatives with social support and self-efficacy (r=0.162,p=0.030 and r=0.190,p=0.01) respectively. The correlation of social support and self-efficacy with HbA1c levels are r= -0.044(p=0.426) and r= -0.08(p= 0.744) respectively. Conclusion: There were no correlations between social support and self-efficacy with the level of HbA1c among patients with T2DM in this study. We found older aged and retired patients to have better HbA1c levels.
Mental illness is expected to become the second biggest health problem affecting Malaysians by 2020. Doctors and medical students are more prone to mental illness compared to the general population. However, they are often reluctant to and resist seeking help because of stigma and a (strong) sense of shame. This can lead to detrimental consequences for themselves and their patients. That said, a doctor with a mental illness receiving appropriate treatment and who is in a stable condition may still be permitted to practise provided patient safety is not compromised. Determining this is a key responsibility of a healthcare regulator like the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC). Using some prominent cases to illustrate this point, this article reviews the MMC guideline on ‘Managing Impaired Registered Medical Practitioners’. In the absence of similar local guidelines for medical students, we also allude to the UK General Medical Council’s guideline on ‘Supporting Medical Students with Mental Health Conditions’. The article recommends that doctors and medical students with mental illness should seek help; outlines a number of factors to consider in deciding whether a doctor should continue practising; and explores alternative career paths in instances where they should not. The article concludes that appropriate support goes a long way for doctors and medical students who grapple with mental health issues in that there is hope and a way through a seemingly devastating situation.
Pogostemon cablin (patchouli) is a medicinal herb well known for its
essential oil derived from the leaves. Patchouli oil shows excellent base note
in fragrance industries for its fixatives properties and its patchouli alcohol
(patchoulol) is used as quality indicator for its oil. However, the P. cablin is
the only commercial source of patchoulol and cannot be obtained
synthetically in the laboratory. Higher demand in the production of its
essential oil gave a significant contribution for in vitro grown P.cablin to
meet the market supply for industries. Hence, in this study, the essential oil
in both in vitro and ex vitro P.cablin were extracted from its leaves by means
of hydrodistillation method and its phytochemical constituents were
identified and compared using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry.
The yield and quality of its essential oil from both in vitro and ex vitro
P.cablin’s leaves were investigated. In vitro patchouli essential oil extraction
gaves higher yield (40 ml) than the ex vitro patchouli essential oil (26 ml)
under similar condition for hydrodistillation. Six major components were
identified through GC-MS and was compared between two samples which
are β- patchoulene, Caryophyllene, α- guaiene, α- cedrene, α- bulnesene and
Patchouli alcohol. The patchoulol, which is the main constituents that is
important in fixative had doubled (42.18 %) in the in vitro P.cablin essential
oil compared to ex vitro (29.24%). This finding was reflected based on the
peak area percentage of each substance through GC-MS. Other constituents
in the in vitro P.cablin were found still competitive to the ex vitro in slightly
lower values. Overall, in vitro P.cablin showed higher yield and quality
compared to the ex vitro grown P.cablin.
Common or external iliac artery injury due to blunt trauma is unusual without an associated pelvic fracture. Here we report on a 62 years old man that sustained left external iliac artery thrombosis due to blunt trauma following fall from motorbike. There was no immediate circulatory compromise. Contrasted CT of abdomen revealed an associated left lower abdominal wall traumatic hernia. The iliac artery was intervened with an endovascular stent to restore luminal flow and the hernia was repaired electively. The entire clinical course and management dilemma are described in this article.
Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) should be interpreted with clinical, epidemiological history and exposure risk to avoid misdiagnosis. We report a cruise-ship worker with significant travelling history, presented with acute respiratory symptoms and radiographic evidence of viral pneumonia. Initial RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene confirmatory assay was negative. Use of a more robust RT-PCR assay detected ORF1ab, N and S genes for COVID-19, and the diagnosis was supported by an IgM and IgG positive COVID-19 serology. Subsequent follow up samples which reported inconsistencies in detecting RdRp gene also raise the concern of reliability of RdRp gene as the confirmatory assay for diagnosis of COVID-19. Patient later had prolonged viral shedding beyond serological recovery, with a negative viral culture reflecting non-infectivity.
Intramedullary nailing is the preferred method of closed shaft fracture fixation of long bones. One of the most dread- ed complications to occur following internal fixation of a lower limb fracture is pseudo- or false aneurysm which can lead to the loss of the limb due to acute ischemia. This diagnosis is made by contrast angiogram of the limb. Pointers to the diagnosis include absent distal limb pulsation as well as other signs of acute ischemia post trauma or surgery. We present a case of development of pseudo-aneurysm in an elderly patient following open reduction and internal fixation of a femoral fracture. This case report outlines a prompt multidisciplinary approach of management in a rare case of pseudoaneurysm post fixation of long bone.
Introduction: Nursing is a highly stressful profession that affects the nurses’ physical and mental health. To maintain the quality of health services, nurses must have physically and mentally healthy. Given this, the present study aimed to examine the level of Stress and Psychological Well-Being among nurses and the methods used by nurses to cope with them. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess psychological well-being and coping strat- egies with stress which include Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being (RPWB), Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WOCQ) and Nursing Stress Scales (NSS) for the data collection on 637 nurses in nine hospitals in Sabah. Results: The results revealed that the main Sources of Stress among nurses was Conflict with Other Nurses. Also, Purpose in Life was found to have the highest mean score in terms of psychological well-being among nurses. Furthermore, Positive Re- appraisal was found to be employed by nurses in dealing with stress. The study also revealed there was relationship between the sources of stress and the psychological well-being among nurses. Conclusion: Thus, to reduce work stress among nurses, hospital administration should keep themselves aware of the work dynamics and address the negative conflict occurred in nurses as soon as it is recognized. Recognizing the impact of work stress and using the technique of coping plays a vital role in minimizing the stress of nurses.
Introduction: Hypertension treatment aims to reduce morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular and renal com- plications. In Malaysia, there is a high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension among patients on treatment. This study aimed to identify the predictors of uncontrolled hypertension among patients receiving treatment from public primary care clinics in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Methods: An unmatched case-control study with 1:1 ratio was con- ducted among 334 hypertensive patients receiving treatment from selected public primary care clinics. Mean blood pressure measurements from the last two clinical visits were used to determine the hypertension status, and uncon- trolled hypertension was defined as 140/90 mm Hg or higher. The cases were those with uncontrolled hypertension, while the controls were those with controlled hypertension. Participants were recruited by simple random sampling. Independent variables were sociodemographic factors, clinical and psychosocial factors, medication adherence, lifestyle modification, and clinical inertia. Data were collected using validated questionnaires and review of medi- cal records. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed by using IBM SPSS Statistics 25. Results: The mean age of respondents was 59 years (SD=11). Patients with medication non-adherence had 11.36 times higher odds of uncontrolled hypertension (aOR=11.36, 95% CI=6.59, 19.56, p