Displaying publications 21 - 33 of 33 in total

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  1. Malaysian burden of disease: years of life lost due to premature deaths
    Khaw WF, Chan YM, Nasaruddin NH, Alias N, Tan L, Ganapathy SS
    BMC Public Health, 2023 Jul 18;23(1):1383.
    PMID: 37464344 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16309-z
    BACKGROUND: In Malaysia, the previous mortality burden has been a significant concern, particularly due to the high prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) as the leading cause of death. Estimates of mortality are key indicators for monitoring population health and determining priorities in health policies and health planning. The aim of this study was to estimate the disease burden attributed to 113 major diseases and injuries in Malaysia in 2018 using years of life lost (YLL) method.

    METHODS: This study included all deaths that occurred in Malaysia in 2018. The YLL was derived by adding the number of deaths from 113 specific diseases and multiplying it by the remaining life expectancy for that age and sex group. Data on life expectancy and mortality were collected from the Department of Statistics Malaysia.

    RESULTS: In 2018, there were 3.5 million YLL in Malaysia. Group II (NCDs) caused 72.2% of total YLL. Ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of premature mortality among Malaysians (17.7%), followed by lower respiratory infections (9.7%), road traffic injuries (8.7%), cerebrovascular disease (stroke) (8.0%), and diabetes mellitus (3.9%).

    CONCLUSIONS: NCDs are a significant health concern in Malaysia and are the primary contributor to the overall burden of disease. These results are important in guiding the national health systems on how to design and implement effective interventions for NCDs, as well as how to prioritise and allocate healthcare resources. Key strategies to consider include implementing health promotion campaigns, adopting integrated care models, and implementing policy and regulatory measures. These approaches aim to enhance health outcomes and the managements of NCDs in Malaysia.

  2. Reshaping the Curriculum for Academy in Factory in Malaysia
    Jamaludin KA, Ealangov S, Saleh SNHM, Zabidi NA, Alias N, Yasin MHM, et al.
    Front Psychol, 2023;14:1120611.
    PMID: 37082577 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1120611
    Academy in Factory (AiF) was recently introduced in Malaysia to cater to the talent development and education attainment for a future-ready workforce. Though ideally expected to be an effective initiative, a lack of a strong curriculum framework hinders its implementation. To date the literature on AiF is very limited. It was found that its vague definition and characteristics, non-harmonised interaction between industry and academia, and non-existing curriculum framework are among contributing factors to its ineffective implementation. Thus, this study is aimed at reshaping a curriculum framework that is responsive to its aims and objectives. Building upon an extensive review of literature on AiF, industry-based curriculum, employability and human capital development, and best practices in the international context, the proposed framework is hoped to serve as a reference to improve its current practice.
  3. Fulltext Design of a Clinical Practice Guideline in Nurse-Led Ventilator-Weaning for Nursing Training
    Awang S, Alias N, DeWitt D, Jamaludin KA, Abdul Rahman MN
    Front Public Health, 2021;9:726647.
    PMID: 34869147 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.726647
    Cardiothoracic intensive care unit (CICU) nurses have shared the role and responsibility for ventilator-weaning to expedite decision-making in patient care. However, the actions taken are based on individual's unstructured training experience as there is no clinical practice guideline (CPG) for nurses in Malaysia. Hence, this study aims to design a CPG for the process of weaning from mechanical ventilation (MV) for a structured nursing training in a CICU at the National Heart Institute (Institut Jantung Negara, IJN) Malaysia. The Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) was employed to seek consensus among a panel of 30 experts in cardiac clinical practice on the guidelines. First, five experts were interviewed and their responses were transcribed and analyzed to develop the items for a FDM questionnaire. The questionnaire, comprising of 73 items, was distributed to the panel and their responses were analyzed for consensus on the design of the CPG. The findings suggested that the requirements expected for the nurses include: (a) the ability to interpret arterial blood gases, (b) knowledge and skills on the basics of mechanical ventilation, and (c) having a minimum 1-year working experience in the ICU. On the other hand, the CPG should mainly focus on developing an ability to identify criteria of patient eligible for weaning from MV. The learning content should focus on: (a) developing the understanding and reasoning for weaning and extubating and (b) technique/algorithm for extubating and weaning. Also, the experts agreed that the log book/competency book should be used for evaluation of the program. The CPG for structured nursing training at IJN in the context of the study is important for developing the professionalism of CICU nurses in IJN and could be used for training nurses in other CICUs, so that decision for ventilator-weaning from postcardiac surgery could be expedited.
  4. Formation of grassy TiO2 nanotube thin film by anodisation in peroxide electrolyte for Cr(VI) removal under ultraviolet radiation
    Taib MAA, Alias N, Jaafar M, Razak KA, Tan WK, Shahbudin IP, et al.
    Nanotechnology, 2020 Oct 23;31(43):435605.
    PMID: 32640434 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aba3d8
    Arrays of TiO2 nanotubes (TiO2 NTs) with grassy surfaces were observed on titanium foil anodised at 60 V in fluorinated ethylene glycol (EG) with added hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The grassy surface was generated by the chemical etching and dissolution of the surface of the TiO2 NTs walls, which was accelerated by the temperature increase on the addition of H2O2 . Upon annealing at 600 °C, the grassy part of the TiO2 NTs was found to consist of mostly anatase TiO2 whereas the bottom part of the anodic oxide comprised a mixture of anatase and rutile TiO2. The TiO2 NTs were then used to reduce hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) under ultraviolet radiation. They exhibited a rather efficient photocatalytic effect, with 100% removal of Cr(VI) after 30 min of irradiation. The fast removal of Cr(VI) was due to the anatase dominance at the grassy part of the TiO2 NTs as well as the higher surface area the structure may have. This work provides a novel insight into the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) on grassy anatase TiO2 NTs.
  5. ISSR marker-assisted genetic diversity analysis of Dioscorea hispida and selection of the best variety for sustainable production
    Nudin NFH, Ali AM, Ngah N, Mazlan NZ, Mat N, Ghani MNA, et al.
    C. R. Biol., 2017 Aug;340(8):359-366.
    PMID: 28888550 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2017.08.003
    Plant breeding is a way of selection of a particular individual for the production of the progeny by separating or combining desired characteristics. The objective of this study was to justify different characteristics of Dioscorea hispida (Ubi gadong) varieties using molecular techniques to select the best variety for sustainable production at the farmer's level. A total of 160 germplasms of Ubi gadong were collected from different locations at the Terengganu and Kelantan states of Malaysia. Forty eight (48) out of 160 germplasms were selected as "primary" selection based on yield and other qualitative characters. Selected collections were then grown and maintained for ISSR marker-assisted genetic diversity analysis. Overall plant growth and yield of tubers were also determined. A total of 12 ISSR markers were tested to justify the characteristics of Ubi gadong varieties among which three markers showed polymorphic bands and on average 57.3% polymorphism were observed representing the highest variation among germplasms. The ISSR marker based on UPGMA cluster analysis grouped all 48 D. hispida into 10 vital groups that proved a vast genetic variation among germplasm collections. Therefore, hybridization should be made between two distant populations. The D. hispida is already proved as the highest starch content tuber crops and very rich in vitamins with both micro and macro minerals. Considering all these criteria and results from marker-assisted diversity analysis, accessions that are far apart based on their genetic coefficient (like DH27 and DH71; DH30 and DH70; DH43 and DH62; DH45 and DH61; DH77 and DH61; DH78 and DH57) could be selected as parents for further breeding programs. This will bring about greater diversity, which will lead to high productive index in terms of increase in yield and overall quality and for the ultimate target of sustainable Ubi gadong production.
  6. Impact of Quran in Treatment of the Psychological Disorder and Spiritual Illness
    Saged AAG, Mohd Yusoff MYZ, Abdul Latif F, Hilmi SM, Al-Rahmi WM, Al-Samman A, et al.
    J Relig Health, 2020 Aug;59(4):1824-1837.
    PMID: 29484510 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-018-0572-8
    This paper studies the effect of Quranic therapy on psychological diseases and spiritual diseases. The experiments have been conducted on a random sample with 121 patients from both genders. The procedures that have been followed were different sessions with the patients, who were given some verses from the Holy Quran to listen within a specific period of time. After that, each patient was given a remedy program. This study aimed to measure the effectiveness and responsiveness of patients to receive treatment through Quran. This study highlighted the employment of a quantitative research, which achieved its objective through validity and reliability. The results of the effectiveness factor came after ability and willingness and gave a result of 92.6% for those who support the contention that the Quran has a significant healing influence. Also, some of the patients who regularly attended Quranic therapy sessions have been successfully cured, 81.8% of the sample believe that Quranic therapy sessions support their health needs. This study has empirically proved that the sound of the Holy Quran is an effective treatment for those who suffer from spiritual and psychological issues. Folk medicine and other traditional methods of treatment are important field of study that require further investigation. The study also illustrates that it's highly important for patient to have confidence in his doctor or healer. Furthermore, our results show that the ability and willingness positively and significantly are related to the effectiveness and responsiveness, also effectiveness positively and significantly related to the responsiveness. Therefore, the patients satisfied to receive treatment through Quran and they have the ability and willingness to do so as they believe that Quran is an essential part of their life.
  7. Fulltext Socio-demographic factors and healthy lifestyle behaviours among Malaysian adults: National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019
    Khaw WF, Nasaruddin NH, Alias N, Chan YM, Tan L, Cheong SM, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2022 Oct 04;12(1):16569.
    PMID: 36195767 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20511-1
    This study aimed to investigate the association between socio-demographic factors and designated healthy lifestyle behaviours in a nationally-representative sample of Malaysian adults aged 18 years and above. Secondary data involving 7388 participants aged 18-96 years from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019, a national cross-sectional survey, was used in this study. A healthy lifestyle score (0-5 points) was calculated based on five modifiable lifestyle factors: non-smoker, body mass index 
  8. Fulltext Computed tomography perfusion of ischaemic stroke patients in a rural Malaysian tertiary referral centre
    Man K, Kareem AM, Ahmad Alias NA, Shuaib IL, Tharakan J, Abdullah JM, et al.
    Singapore Med J, 2006 Mar;47(3):194-7.
    PMID: 16518552
    Computed tomography (CT) perfusion is a new method to diagnose ischaemic stroke especially in developing countries. It identifies the area and is useful to predict the size of final infarction. The aim of this study was to assess cerebral ischaemia with CT perfusion (CTP) among patients with acute ischaemic stroke in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, a tertiary referral centre in a rural setting.
  9. Fulltext Air-Processable Perovskite Solar Cells by Hexamine Molecule Phase Stabilization
    Alias N, Ali Umar A, Sadikin SN, Ridwan J, Hamzah AA, Ali Umar MI, et al.
    ACS Omega, 2023 May 30;8(21):18874-18881.
    PMID: 37273642 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01236
    Perovskite solar cells have emerged as a potential energy alternative due to their low cost of fabrication and high power conversion efficiency. Unfortunately, their poor ambient stability has critically limited their industrialization and application in real environmental conditions. Here, we show that by introducing hexamine molecules into the perovskite lattice, we can enhance the photoactive phase stability, enabling high-performance and air-processable perovskite solar cells. The unencapsulated and freshly prepared perovskite solar cells produce a power conversion efficiency of 16.83% under a 100 mW cm-2 1.5G solar light simulator and demonstrate high stability properties when being stored for more than 1500 h in humid air with relative humidity ranging from 65 to 90%. We envisage that our findings may revolutionize perovskite solar cell research, pushing the performance and stability to the limit and bringing the perovskite solar cells toward industrialization.
  10. Fulltext Anemia among Men in Malaysia: A Population-Based Survey in 2019
    Awaluddin SM, Shahein NA, Che Abdul Rahim N, Mohd Zaki NA, Nasaruddin NH, Saminathan TA, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Oct 17;18(20).
    PMID: 34682667 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010922
    This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia and factors associated with anemia among men in Malaysia. The researchers used data from the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS). The hemoglobin levels of men aged 15 years and above who gave their consent was measured using the HemoCue® Hb 201+ System©. The majority of them (87.2%) were men aged 15-59 years, referred to as the younger age group in this study. The prevalence of anemia among men was 12.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 10.9, 14.5). The prevalence was higher among older men (30.7%; 95% CI: 26.6, 35.1) than younger men (10.0%; 95% CI: 8.2, 12.2). Anemia among men was associated with older age (adjusted odds ratios (aOR) = 3.1; 95% CI: 2.1, 4.4) and those with diabetes (aOR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.1) via a logistic regression analysis. In conclusion, older men were more affected by anemia than younger men in this study. Anemia among older men in Malaysia is at the level of moderate to severe public health significance. The likelihood of developing anemia is increased among older men with diabetes compared to older men without diabetes. These often-overlooked issues among men need to be detected and treated early in order to prevent complications and improve their quality of life.
  11. Photoelectrical Dynamics Uplift in Perovskite Solar Cells by Atoms Thick 2D TiS2 Layer Passivation of TiO2 Nanograss Electron Transport Layer
    Alias N, Ali Umar A, Malek NAA, Liu K, Li X, Abdullah NA, et al.
    ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 2021 Jan 20;13(2):3051-3061.
    PMID: 33410652 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c20137
    A deficiency in the photoelectrical dynamics at the interface due to the surface traps of the TiO2 electron transport layer (ETL) has been the critical factor for the inferiority of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) in the perovskite solar cells. Despite its excellent energy level alignment with most perovskite materials, its large density of surface defect as a result of sub lattice vacancies has been the critical hurdle for an efficient photovoltaic process in the device. Here, we report that atoms thick 2D TiS2 layer grown on the surface of a (001) faceted and single-crystalline TiO2 nanograss (NG) ETL have effectively passivated the defects, boosting the charge extractability, carrier mobility, external quantum efficiency, and the device stability. These properties allow the perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to produce a PCE as high as 18.73% with short-circuit current density (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), and fill-factor (FF) values as high as 22.04 mA/cm2, 1.13 V, and 0.752, respectively, a 3.3% improvement from the pristine TiO2-NG-based PSCs. The present approach should find an extensive application for controlling the photoelectrical dynamic deficiency in perovskite solar cells.
  12. Relationship between urinary incontinence and quality of life of older persons in Malaysia
    Taufik Ramli MH, Lodz NA, Abdul Aziz FA, Maw Pin T, Alias N, Abdul Mutalip MH, et al.
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2020 Dec;20 Suppl 2:38-42.
    PMID: 33370861 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14028
    AIMS: As the Malaysian population is aging rapidly, there is an urgent need for an effective management plan for healthy aging, to extend life expectancy and to improve quality of life (QoL). Urinary incontinence (UI), which is common in older persons, is often linked to reduced QoL. This study aimed to determine the effects of UI on QoL among older persons in Malaysia.

    METHODS: This study was based on data obtained from 3716 Malaysians aged ≥60 years as part of the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2018. QoL was measured using the Control, Autonomy, Self-realization and Pleasure 19-item (CASP-19) questionnaire. UI was measured using the Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID) score. Association between UI and QoL were examined using linear regression analysis, after controlling socio-demographic variables and comorbidities.

    RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of UI was 5.2%. By subtypes, the prevalence of stress UI and urge UI were both 2.0%, while that of mixed UI was 1.3%. The UI group rated their lives more negatively in all four domains of QoL compared with non-UI group. Those who were incontinent had lower standardized scores on control and autonomy domains of CASP-19 as well as total score. Results from linear regression analysis indicated that UI had a significantly negative impact on control and autonomy domains of QoL after controlling for socio-demographic factors and comorbidities.

    CONCLUSION: UI contributes to a significant reduction on QoL of older persons. Healthcare providers need to be sensitive in evaluating and discussing UI, particularly with their older patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 38-42.

  13. Prevalence of Nonfatal Serious Injury Due to Motor Vehicle Accidents Among Malaysian School-Going Adolescents: Findings From the Adolescent Health Survey 2017
    Awaluddin SM, Ahmad FH, Jeevananthan C, Ganapathy SS, Sooryanarayana R, Mohamad Anuar MF, et al.
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2019 Nov;31(8_suppl):65S-72S.
    PMID: 31522523 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519872662
    Serious injury due to motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) significantly contributes to the adolescents' health status. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of nonfatal injury due to MVAs and its associated factors among Malaysian school-going adolescents. Nationally representative samples were selected via 2-stage stratified cluster sampling. Data was collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between the variables. A total of 1088 out of 27 497 adolescents reported that they had sustained serious injury due to MVAs with a prevalence of 4.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.7-4.5). Serious injury due to MVAs among adolescents was positively associated with being current cigarette smokers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.5; 95% CI = 2.2-2.9), followed by Malay ethnicity (aOR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.9-3.0), current drug users (aOR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.9-3.0), boys (aOR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.8-2.4), Indian ethnicity (aOR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.2-2.5), and those who were in upper secondary school (aOR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.2-1.5). Targeted intervention and curbing substance use among boys may reduce the morbidities from MVAs and its resulting complications.
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