The earwig (Dermaptera) fauna of Penang Island, Malaysia, was evaluated by means of an extensive field survey together with revision of the few published data. Based on the results of the field survey, 31 species are recognized (2 Diplatyidae, 3 Pygidicranidae, 5 Anisolabididae, 2 Labiduridae, 14 Spongiphoridae, 4 Chelisochidae, 1 Forficulidae). Fifteen of these taxa are new to Peninsular Malaysia (=West Malaysia): Diplatys annandalei Burr, 1911, Diplatys mutiara n. sp., Euborellia philippinensis Srivastava, 1979, Metisolabis punctata (Dubrony, 1879), Pseudovostox brindlei Srivastava, 2003, Chaetospania anderssoni Brindle, 1971, Chaetospania javana Borelli, 1926, Chaetospania huisiangi n. sp., Paralabellula boettcheri (Borelli, 1923), Paralabellula rotundifrons (Hincks, 1954), Nesogaster amoenus (Stål, 1855), Hamaxas crassus Borelli, 1926, Proreus coalescens (Borelli, 1927), Hypurgus humeralis (Kirby, 1891), and an unidentified Echinosoma sp. Species composition of the island are compared with the dermapteran fauna of Thailand. Descriptions of females (or female genitalia) are given for some species for the first time.
A cross-sectional study of 71 laboratory technicians in Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) Hospitals (response rate 89.9%) was conducted from September ZOO1 till February 2002. Seven MOH Hospitals in Kelantan were chosen. Karase job Content — Questionnaire (Malay Version) was used as research instrument in this study. There were five scales in the questionnaire; two scales were used to dehne job strain - decision latitude and psychological demands. Results showed that the majority of laboratory technicians in MOH Hospitah were classified as passive. However, the proportion of high strain group was the second highest after passive group. The percentage of laboratory technicians in MOH Hospitals which was classified as having a high job strain was 26.8%. The “high strain" group scored significantly higher for hazardous conditions, toxic exposures, total psychological stressors, total physical hazard, and total physical stressors as compared to the “non»high strain” group. Laboratory technicians in “high strain" group had significantly younger in age (18-34 years) group (42.1%) compared to those in “non·high strain" group (7.7%) and shorter total duration of employment (yr) ( 15 .3 x 6.8) compared to those in “non»high strain" group (19.2 x 6.7). We therefore conclude that less experienced and higher psychosocial factors at work experiencing higher job strain compared to those who were more experienced and less psychosocial factors.
Background : Safety and health is one of major concerns in public health issues. There are lots of injuries or accidents reported in the news which include school accidents and injuries.
Methodology : This survey was conducted among head of primary schools in Kota Bharu from May to June 2004. The objective of this study was to investigate the awareness about safety and health status among school’s head using a questionnaire.
Result : The study showed that knowledge on safety and health among the school’s heads were relatively low (7.7%). Forty-two percent of the schools did not implement any safety and health programme while more than 50 % did not have safety policies in their school.
Conclusions : It is necessary to have specific safety programmes in school in order to improve the safety and health awareness among teachers, staff, students and community.
This study is premised on the increasing global concerns over the widespread resistance to polio eradication campaign in northern Nigeria. It aims to determine the level of campaign acceptance and compare the influences of mass media and interpersonal communication sources in Zaria local government area, being one of the high-risk (WPV-endemic) areas in northern Nigeria, where campaign resistance is known to be high. By way of quantitative survey, the study utilized 10% sample of the populations of eight out of the thirteen Wards in Zaria local government area, with a response rate of 78.6%. Findings reveal close ranks between campaign acceptance and resistance in the local government area, thus further confirming the difficulties still faced in polio eradication campaign in the region. This study also indicates higher performance of Interpersonal than Mass Media sources in influencing campaign acceptance and resistance in the local communities. Contact with friends and relations was rated the most influential interpersonal sources in the acceptance and resistance decision of individuals, while newspapers and magazines were rated most influential media sources that influenced campaign resistance in the local communities. The study concludes that a polio eradication campaign, backed with competent and sufficient communication expertise that utilizes knowledge-based indigenous interpersonal communication strategies will likely result in greater community acceptance in northern Nigeria.
Validity test is important during the development of ergonomics measurement. Failure to conduct validity tests will result in the measurement method being developed to be incapable of providing reliable ergonomics measurements. The objective of this study is to conduct validity test on the simple method ergonomics measurement which was developed. The method named Simple Ergonomics Risks Assessment (SERA). Content validity test and criterion validity test were conducted. The content validity test consists of 6 ergonomics experts who actively provide inputs and positive feedbacks to improve the measurement method being developed. Meanwhile, the criterion validity test involves data collection of complaints on body parts among oil palm workers which were derived from Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and ergonomics risk assessment scores obtained from SERA. Both findings were tested with the Chi-square test to explore possible relations between the two findings. Results from the test conducted showed that there are significant relations in the scores of neck posture; hip, right and left shoulder, right and left wrists and the right hand associated with fresh fruit bunch (FFB) harvesting activities. In the loose fruits collection, the Chi-square test showed significant relations in the scores of neck posture, hip, right and left shoulders, right wrist, right arm and the left hand. However, there are body parts such as the legs which showed no significant relation. More tests should be conducted to further explore the validity of the method being developed. Findings from both validity tests show that SERA were verified by the experts and tested with validated method so that it is valid to be applied in the future.
Drivers’ posture is one of the factors that can contribute to driving discomfort. Subjective evaluation is needed in determining the driving discomfort problem. The purpose of this study is to examine the reliability of different driving postures that may lead to drivers’ discomfort. A total of thirty-four healthy Malaysian drivers were involved in this study. Respondents were required to sit on the driver’s seat with the required adjustments of three different postures and fill-in the given subjective evaluation form. The same procedure was repeated for each respondent after three days for purpose of conducting test retest evaluation. The reliability statistical analysis result shows the study was reliable and valid with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient equal to 0.827. The comparison means that ANOVA analysis also shows significance difference between these three groups of postures for all measured parameters. In conclusion, the result from this study shows the subjective evaluation conducted is reliable and can be used for drivers’ posture discomfort study.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2007 on stress and stress self management among the prisoners and wardens of a prison in Selangor. This study was conducted as part of an elective posting for second year medical students and the topic was chosen to add on to the body of knowledge on stress among prisoners and wardens. A self administered questionnaire was distributed by random sampling and the respondents consisted of 100 prisoners and 97 wardens. Majority of the prisoners did not have stress with reference to interpersonal factors such as conflict with cellmates, conflict with wardens and conflict with inmates, For interpersonal factors, majority of the prisoners experienced stress because they felt bored (78%), thought they had no bright future (63%) and they also had no visitors (61%). Stress resulted in physical effects, whereby 67% admitted that they experienced health problems and 64% experienced sleep disturbance. Emotional effects of stress experienced by the prisoners were sadness (67%), anxiousness (63%) and confusion (56%). The major spiritual effect was regret (84%) followed by feeling closer to God (78%) and feeling high spirited (59%). The major social effects experienced by
the prisoners were low self esteem (63%) and embarrassment (58%). Methods of stress self management were prayers and conduct of religious activities (87%), sharing problems with friends (78%), doing recreational activities (77%), sleeping (72%) , doing a hobby (68) and seeking help from doctors (57%). As for the wardens, with reference to interpersonal factors, high level of stress was experience with reference ta prisoners behavior (82.5%) and problems with higher authorities (83.5 %), For intrapersonal factors, sleep disturbances (64%), career problems (76.3%), financial problems (73.2%) and feeling bored (75.3%) highly contributed to stress. Wardens physical effects were 38.1% health problems and 29.9% sleep disturbances. For emotional effects, must of them were depressed (54.6%), anxious (67%), angry (63.9%), confused (64.9%), frustrated (59.8%), threatened (53.6%) and patriotic (51.5%). The spiritual effect were feeling closer to God (86.6%), feeling responsible for duties (82.5%), regret doing the job (74.2%), feeling high spirited (58.8%). For social effects, low self esteem is the highest effect experienced (68%). Wardens managed stress by praying and conducting religious activities (91.8%), recreational activities (88.7%), doing a hobby (85.6%), sleeping (74.2%), and sharing problems (68%).
Women and elderly are often linked to several disadvantages and constraints in many aspects of life. The scenario could be even worse for an elderly woman. Participating in leisure has proven to be beneficial for elderly in general. Yet little is known about the pattern of leisure and constraints faced by elderly women in order for them to pursue leisure activities. This study aims to explore the various leisure constraints faced by the elderly women. A total of 20 elderly women were involved in this study, which were selected purposively and also by snowballing technique. An in-depth interview was conducted with each respondent lasted approximately 15 to 30 minutes. The identified constraints were categorized into three main themes, which were structural, intrapersonal and interpersonal constraints. Among factors that had been identified were preoccupation with domestic affairs, the unavailability of appropriate space or area to perform desired leisure activities, lack or unavailability of transportation, safety issue, misperceptions that being old should focus on religious activity and becoming effortless, domestic activities are comparable to exercise and lacking of elderly people to perform certain activities together. In view of the modifiable nature of most of constraints faced by the elderly women to pursue leisure activities, necessary actions should be taken by the relevant authorities in tackling the constraints and at the same time developing a more active and healthy elderly women society. The right of the elderly women and women in general should be acknowledged, including their desire to actively involve in certain leisure activities. They should also appropriately educate on the importance of leisure and involvement in other type of leisure activities other than religious activities.
This study aimed to determine the psychosocial factors associated with school truancy in secondary school students attending three high risk schools in Kuala Lumpur. It is a cross-sectional study involving 373 Form Four students. Socio demographic, family, living and school characteristics of the respondents were obtained through self-administered questionnaires. There were significantly greater percentage of divorced parents (p=0.025, OR=2.52, 1.01
An appraisal of the regional reconnaissance geophysical, geochemical and geological data obtained under the Central Belt Project in 1977 – 1978 appeared to constitute favourable uranium exploration targets. Follow-up surveys conducted until the year 1990 have proposed the exploration area to be divided into three transects. Transect 1 covers the western part of the state of Kelantan, northwest Pahang and the eastern half of Perak. Transect 2 covers southeastern tip of Perak, west Pahang, eastern half of Wilayah Persekutuan, eastern portion of Selangor, and the northwest portion of Negeri Sembilan. Transect 3 covers central Kelantan, northwestern of Terengganu and northern portion of Pahang. Results of the study indicate that the Main Range, Bujang Melaka, and Bukit Tinggi Plutons are most fertile with uranium spectrometric rock values range from 13 to 25 ppm. Further investigations to zero down the target areas for uranium mineralization are strongly recommended over these areas.
Objectives: Occupational stress among healthcare workers is an important concern due to its crucial contribution in attaining maximum job output and optimal quality of working life. Our study aims to compare job stress levels of healthcare employees based on 1) sector, 2) category and 3) specialisation. Methods: Stress severity and frequency were evaluated using the 9-point scale Job Stress Survey (Job Stress, Job Pressure, Lack of Support). A crosssectional sample of 223 healthcare providers were enrolled from seven health institutions in Peninsular Malaysia (East Coast = 55%; mean age = 30 years; female = 78.9%; < 2 years experience = 35.9%; government-based = 48%; supportive = 62.8%). Results: No significant difference was found between government and private sector workers. Supportive staff reported significantly higher stress frequency in contrast to professionals who demonstrated significantly higher stress severity in all dimensions (p < .05). Within the supportive group, radiographers were the most stressed, followed by nurses and medical laboratory technologists (p > .05). Research-based professionals experienced significantly worse stress frequency in all components compared to professional practitioners (p < .05). Conclusion: Because stress levels are affected by job category and specialisation, flexible strategies to ensure employees’ job productivity, contentment and personal well-being should be implemented.
Objectives: To determine the association of students’ perception of schooling with externalizing/internalizing scores; and to examine the different perceptions related to truancy. Methods:A total of 373 predominantly 16 year-old students attending three high risk schools in Pudu, Kuala Lumpur completed the questionnaires on schooling variables (four items) and externalizing/internalizing syndromes (Youth Self-Report, 112 items). Results: Certain negative perceptions (uncertainty of the schooling purpose, thinking schooling as time wasting) were significantly associated with higher internalizing (p
Individual factors have been considered to be a key issue to organizations’ performance and survival. Specifically, previous studies provide evidence that individual factors are closely associated with accidents in the workplace. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the relationship between individual factors and workplace safety. 50 respondents have been randomly chosen from a manufacturing company in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Data are collected using a survey and are analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. A descriptive statistic, cross tabulation, independent sample t-test and one-way between groups ANOVA are employed to interpret findings of the study. Findings show that employees’ perception on safety performance is at high level (Mean= 115, Standard Deviation= 17.73). Furthermore, the results of cross tabulation demonstrate that individual factors play a key role to determine the organization safety performance level. Another significant finding reveals that there is a significant difference of safety performance mean to two of individual factors namely gender and tenure of service. Individual factors namely gender, age, tenure of service and academic qualification give a significant impact to employees’ perception on safety performance.
The research is focus generally to identify and investigate the issue of accessible design for wheelchair users on selected Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) commuter stations in the city of Kuala Lumpur. The objectives are to ensure that the design of accessibility is comply with the law, regulations, standard requirements and guidelines; to understand the recent condition and their needs in commuter stations and to allow their secure equal rights and opportunities as others. The research began by gaining reliable information through literature study and a checklist for building audit was prepared to evaluate the accessibility. A building access survey was carried out on selected stations which enclosed three main stages to show the pattern of passengers’ path. Stage 1: From the road to the ticket counter. Stage 2: From the ticket counter to the platform. Stage 3: From the platform to the train. A series of structured questionnaire was also constructed to study and get a feedback from selected target of users. Result of findings in this study had been analyzed to assist the management and the station concerned in upgrading their station facilities to a comfortable, accessible, friendly and safe environment in order to encourage more users, including disabled persons to benefit from it.
Work shift has been shown to correlate with accident rates. Understanding of such correlation is pertinent especially among emergency response personnel since the decisions that they make determines not only the outcome of their responses but also the risks of accidents to themselves. A questionnaire data derived study used together with a semi quantitative risk analysis method was adopted to estimate the levels of accident risks between firefighters working on two work shifts. Two hundred and forty eight Malaysia’s Fire and Rescue Department firemen from 24 fire stations working on shifts were selected as respondents. The accident rate among firefighters in year 2006 was 52.8 %. Results showed that the Accident Risk Index (ARI) among firefighters working the 24 hours shift was higher (ARI = 3.14) compared with those in the 12 hours shift (ARI = 2.98). However, there were no significant difference in overall severity of the accidents between the two shifts (p>0.05). The difference in risk levels was attributed to the difference in the likelihood of accident occurrence.
This is a cross sectional study to determine the attitudes and practices in smoking cessation counselling among dentists in Kelantan and to identify the barriers that prevent them from doing so. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 152 dentists practising in Kelantan. A total of 84 (55.2%) questionnaires were completed and returned. Although majority of the dentists (98.8%) agreed that they have a role in smoking cessation counselling, only few of them (17.9%) were actually involved in a considerable extent. The main barriers cited were lack of training and time in their practice. In conclusion, dentists in Kelantan believed that they have a role in smoking cessation counselling but their involvement was rather limited.
This survey elucidated the perceptions and implementation 0f orthodontic Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) by all ortlmduntistc and dental officers in the Ministry of Health Mahysia (MOH). Two different set: uf xelf-administered questionnaires were targeted at first·year dental officers (FYDO), dental officcrx (DO) and administrative Senior Dental Officers (SDO) in one group and unhocluntists in another group. Only 30% responded from a total of 1,327 MOH dental officers, with no participation from three States. Majority (89%) of officers have heard of CPG: although some were unsure of their purpose and usage. About 69% have read orthodontic CPG; of whom 87% have read other MOH dental CPG:. About 78.6% found CPGs 'gaud to excellenf but 16,0% did not answer this question. Same comments received included: language was confusing, inadequate details and pictures, need improvement, irrelevant, need CPG: for other orthodontic problems, need more knowledge first and requests for mare copies. Only 27.7% used them often, 53% occasionally and 15% hardly follow CPG:. About 82% felt that they were encouraged to use CPGx in their workplace and the majority (86%) knew where they were kept especially SDC: and DO; About 90% in the orthndonzist group have received hard copies of orthodontic CPGs but the majority (76%) has not seen them on the website. Although all felt that CPG; were useful to officers and encouraged their use, only 62.5% have introduced CPGs to their officers. There was generally more awareness and usage of CPGS among SDOs compared with DOs and FY DO; The dissemination and availability of orthodontic CPG: is reasonably good. However, the implementation by mthodontists and administrative officers can be improved for better awareness, understanding and usage by dental officers, especially FYDOs.
We conducted a multi-institutional case study to identify the issues associated with the adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) in five private care hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We conducted interviews with 37 respondents primarily comprising IT professionals.
We found that there were three determinants of behavioural intentions in this case study: organisation objectives, facilitating conditions and social influence where there are no effects of performance expectancy or effort expectancy. In all five cases, none of the moderators (age, gender, experience and voluntariness) in the original united theory of acceptance and use of technology model were considered critically important by IT professionals. In the present paper, all qualitative elements such as themes, patterns and overarching in the data were analysed to reach a conclusion. In addition, the various perspectives of using ICT are discussed.
The purpose of the study was to examine the developmental pathways of elite youth swimmers. Swim-related developmental activities of elite and sub-elite youth swimmers were examined. Fifteen elite (8 males; 7 females) and 15 subelite (5 males; 10 females) youth swimmers were recruited for the study. A semistructured questionnaire was used to record retrospectively the hours engaged in swim-related activities (i.e., structured and unstructured activities) from beginning of career. No significant differences were found for swim-related developmental milestones for both elite and sub-elite swimmers. Overall, the elite swimmers accumulated more hours in swim-related activities than the sub-elites between 6-15 years of age. Although the former accumulated more hours in both structured and unstructured swimming activities between 6-12 years of age, no significant differences were found between the groups. However, the elite swimmers accumulated significantly more hours in structured swimming activities between 13-15 years of age. Both groups had analogous developmental pathways during childhood but the onset of adolescence led to different outcomes. The increased hours in structured practice during adolescence is suggested to have influenced the level of attainment in swimmers. Incremental amount of training at certain age period is critical in developing optimum performance in sports.
This study assessed the level of public awareness pertaining to risk factors, symptoms, treatment and source of information in relation to stroke and transient schaemic attack. Stroke risk profile of the respondents was correlated with their level of knowledge. Using a validated pre-tested questionnaire, 112 respondents were recruited during two separate community events. Respondents completed the questionnaire and underwent health screening. The data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Overall knowledge was poor. Only 35% of the respondents had satisfactory knowledge of the warning signs (p= 0.94) and 29% had satisfactory knowledge on the risk factors (p=0.46). When analysed according to risk groups, 26%, 30% and 41% of respondents had satisfactory awareness in the low, intermediate and high risk group, respectively. None of the respondents knew about the availability of treatment of acute stroke in the emergency department or the importance of rehabilitation as part of stroke management. Public awareness on stroke risk factors, symptoms and management is poor.