METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from May to August 2022 with health practitioners commonly involved in obesity management in Peninsular Malaysia, including doctors in primary care, internal medicine and bariatric surgery, and allied health practitioners. The survey explored practitioners' perceptions, barriers and needs in managing obesity, and evaluated weight stigma using the Universal Measures of Bias - Fat (UMB Fat) questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify demographic and clinical-related factors associated with higher negative judgment towards patients with obesity.
RESULTS: A total of 209 participants completed the survey (completion rate of 55.4%). The majority (n = 196, 94.3%) agreed that obesity is a chronic disease, perceived a responsibility to provide care (n = 176, 84.2%) and were motivated to help patients to lose weight (n = 160, 76.6%). However, only 22% (n = 46) thought their patients were motivated to lose weight. The most frequently reported barriers to obesity discussions were short consultation time, patients' lack of motivation, and having other, more important, concerns to discuss. Practitioners needed support with access to multi-disciplinary care, advanced obesity training, financing, comprehensive obesity management guidelines and access to obesity medications. The mean (SD) of the UMB Fat summary score was 2.99 (0.87), with the mean (SD) domain scores ranging between 2.21 and 4.36 (1.06 to 1.45). No demographic and clinical-related factors were significantly associated with negative judgment from the multiple linear regression analyses.
CONCLUSION: Practitioners in this study considered obesity a chronic disease. While they had the motivation and capacity to engage in obesity management, physical and social opportunities were the reasons for not discussing obesity with their patients. Practitioners needed more support to enhance their capability and opportunity to engage with obesity management. Weight stigma in healthcare settings in Malaysia should be addressed, given the possibility of hindering weight discussions with patients.
METHODOLOGY: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and PubMed (1985-January 2022) and trial registries for relevant randomised clinical trials were used. Relevant and published randomised clinical trials were reviewed and evaluated. The primary outcomes were anthropometry measurements, which were weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentages. The secondary outcomes were changes in quality of life, psychological impact, lipid profile measurement, presence of adverse events, and changes in blood pressure and blood glucose. We assessed the data for risk of bias, heterogeneity, sensitivity, reporting bias, and quality of evidence.
RESULTS: 15 studies are included, involving 1161 participants. The analysis performed is based on three comparisons. For the first comparison between yoga and control, yoga reduces the waist circumference (MD -0.84, 95% CI [-5.12 to 3.44]), while there is no difference in body weight, BMI, or body fat percentages. In the second comparison between yoga and calorie restriction, yoga reduces body weight (MD -3.47, 95% CI [-6.20 to -0.74]), while there is no difference in waist circumference, BMI, or body fat percentage. In the third comparison between yoga and exercise, yoga reduces the body weight (MD -7.58, 95% CI [-11.51 to -3.65]), while there is no difference in waist circumference or BMI. For the secondary outcomes, yoga intervention reduces total cholesterol (MD -17.12, 95% CI [-32.24 to -2.00]) and triglycerides (MD -21.75, 95% CI [-38.77 to -4.73]) compared to the control group, but there is no difference compared to the calorie restriction and exercise group. There is no difference in the rest of the outcomes, which are LDL, HDL, quality of life, psychological impact, adverse events, blood pressure, and blood glucose. However, findings are not robust due to a high risk of bias and low-quality evidence.
CONCLUSION: From our review, there were methodological drawbacks and very low to moderate quality of evidence across all comparisons, and hence, it is inconclusive to say that yoga can significantly improve anthropometric parameters. More well-designed trials are needed to confirm and support the beneficial effects of yoga.
DESIGN: Using a descriptive qualitative research approach informed by Levesque's framework of access to healthcare, we conducted phone interviews in the Malaysian language, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed inductively using a reflexive thematic analysis approach.
SETTING: Primary care clinics in five states in Peninsular Malaysia.
PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients with obesity receiving face-to-face care for obesity from healthcare providers in Peninsular Malaysia.
RESULTS: We interviewed 22 participants aged 24-62, with the majority being female (77%), Malay (95%), married (73%) and with tertiary education (82%). Most participants attended obesity management services at public primary care clinics. We identified five themes: (1) moving from perceiving the need to seeking obesity care is a non-linear process for patients, (2) providers' words can inspire patients to change, (3) patients' needs and preferences are not adequately addressed in current obesity care, (4) over-focusing on weight by patients and healthcare providers can lead to self-blame and loss of hope for patients and (5) obesity healthcare can have consequences beyond weight loss.
CONCLUSION: Patients lack the self-regulatory skills to continue their lifestyle changes and struggle with self-blame and hopelessness. Over-focusing on weight by patients and obesity healthcare increase patients' self-stigmatisation. While provider-initiated weight discussions and engaging and personalised consultation provide the initial step towards weight management, obesity healthcare could be enhanced by behavioural support and patient education on the complexity of obesity. Further considerations could be given to shifting from a weight-centric to a more holistic health-centred approach in obesity healthcare.
METHODS: This qualitative study, conducted within the phenomenological framework, focused on sexually active husbands whose wives faced SD after being diagnosed with BC in Kelantan. Husbands with an International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score above 11, indicating the absence of erectile dysfunction, were invited to participate in in-depth interviews conducted between September 2019 and March 2021. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and the transcriptions were then managed and analyzed using the NVivo® analytic computer software. Thematic analyses were performed, taking into account the meaning-making theory.
RESULTS: To grasp husbands' experiences, three themes emerged. "Sex, a calming act," delves into their understanding of sexuality and its impact severity. "Distressing sequelae yet provide better tolerance" underscores that husbands experienced adverse consequences due to their wives' imperfections and sexual challenges, but they exhibited improved tolerance in dealing with these difficulties. Lastly, "Improving lives with multiple strategies" highlights how husbands sought alternative activities in response.
CONCLUSION: This study illuminates the experiences of husbands coping with their wives' SD following a BC diagnosis. Husbands had to reconsider their understanding of sexuality and sexual needs and employed various response and coping strategies. These strategies included emphasizing influences of culture (husbands' roles and rights), religious beliefs, and self-distraction, redirecting the focus to health concerns, and engaging in alternative activities.
Methods: A single blind randomized controlled trial on 34 patients with COPD was conducted. The participants were divided into two groups, including honey (n = 22) and standard care (n = 12). St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) was used to assess the QoL. The QoL total score was analysed using repeated measure ANOVA.
Result: There were no significant differences between the honey and standard care groups for socio-demographic and QoL variables. The within-time analysis showed statistically significant differences between baseline and post 2, 4 and 6-months in the total QoL score in the honey group. Otherwise, only marginally significant difference was detected between baseline and post 2-months in the standard care group. A comparison of total QoL score between the two groups, based on time (between and within), favoured the honey group. The honey group demonstrated a significantly lower mean total QoL score compared with the standard group at 4-months (28.89; 95% CI: 21.19, 36.59 vs 42.38; 95% CI: 31.95, 52.81) and 6 months (22.91; 95% CI: 14.94, 30.87 vs 41.95; 95% CI: 31.17, 52.73).
Conclusion: Supplementation of honey in patients with COPD results in better intermediate and long-term changes in the overall QoL.
METHOD: A total of 64 depressed Iranian perimenopausal women were randomly assigned to two formats of treatments; sixteen sessions of group CA-CBT and eight sessions of individual CA-CBT, as well as a waitlist control group. Depression and sexual satisfaction were measured using BDI-II and ENRICH, respectively, at T1 (pre-treatment), T2 (post-treatment) and T3 (follow-up).
RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA indicated that the women who underwent both group and individual CA-CBT had effectively reduced depression and increased sexual satisfaction between pre-treatment and post-treatment, and it was sustained after six months of follow-ups with large effect sizes of significant differences (p < 0.001), but the control group did not.
CONCLUSION: The results showed promising evidence for the efficacy of both treatment groups of CA-CBT for depression and sexual satisfaction among perimenopausal women. The population mental health burden among perimenopausal women may likely be reduced by propagating this effective treatment.
METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted using a face-to-face interview method with HCPs from two tertiary hospitals in North East Malaysia. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and transferred to NVivo ® for data management. The transcriptions were analyzed using thematic analysis.
RESULTS: Three key barriers were identified through the thematic analysis: a scarcity of related knowledge; the influence of socio-cultural ideas about sex; and the specialty-centric nature of the healthcare system. Most HCPs interviewed had a very narrow understanding of sexuality, were unfamiliar with the meaning of FSD, and felt their training on sexual health issues to be very limited. They viewed talking about sex to be embarrassing to both parties that are both to HCPs and patients and was therefore not a priority. They focused more on their specialty hence limited the time to discuss sexual health and FSD with their patients.
CONCLUSION: Therefore, interventions to empower the knowledge, break the socio-cultural barriers, and improve the clinic settings are crucial for HCPs in managing FSD confidently.
AIM: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with FSD among breast cancer patients in Kelantan.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited female patients, aged 18-65, who were married and sexually active with their partner, diagnosed with breast cancer, and had undergone breast surgery. Those with underlying psychiatry disorders, previous pelvic surgery, and husbands with sexual problems were excluded. The questionnaire contained demographic and clinical information, together with the Malay Version of the Breast Impact of Treatment Scale and the Malay Version of Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised. Their sexual function was evaluated using the Malay Version of the Female Sexual Function Index-6. The data were analyzed with simple and multiple linear regressions.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence and associated factors for FSD in breast cancer patients.
RESULTS: Ninety-four eligible patients were recruited for this study. In total, 73.4% (n = 69) of the patients reported having sexual dysfunction. A family history of breast cancer (P = 0.040), duration of marriage (P = 0.046), and frequency of sexual intercourse (P = 0.002) were significant factors associated with FSD in breast cancer patients after surgery.
CONCLUSION: The significant associated factors shown to influence the FSD score include family history of breast cancer, duration of marriage, and frequency of sexual intercourse. About 73.4% of patients have risk of developing FSD after receiving breast cancer treatment. Siang OP, Draman N, Muhamad R, et al. Sexual Dysfunction Among Women With Breast Cancer in the Northeastern Part of West Malaysia. Sex Med 2021;9:100351.
Methods: This school-based, non-randomised controlled study was conducted among secondary school students with a total of 236 respondents. The KAPS score were assessed before and 1 month after using self-administered validated KAPS questionnaire on TB. Analysis was done using repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: The mean percentage score (SD) for baseline knowledge, attitude, practice and stigma score for the respondents were 54.0 (4.48), 65.6 (1.74), 70.0 (1.43) and 66.0 (6.88), respectively. There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the knowledge and stigma score for intervention group compared to control group, adjusted for gender, ethnicity and smoking status 4 weeks post-TB educational programme. However, with regards to attitude and practice score, there was no significant difference (P = 0.210 and P = 0.243, respectively).
Conclusion: TB education programme was effective in improving knowledge and stigma related to TB. This health education programme can be used as one of the strategies for the prevention and control of TB in schools.
METHODS: This study applied a mixed design. It was conducted in three phases: i) Phase I: literature search and focus group discussions (FGDs), ii) Phase II: module development and iii) Phase III: content and face validation of Universiti Sains Malaysia-Insulin Adherence Module (USM-IAM). FGDs were used to gather patients' opinions. All researchers repeatedly discussed about the module content and arrangement, the words and images used, and the grammar in producing the final draft. Specialists and target audience performed content and face validation of the module.
RESULTS: Thirty-six participants were involved in the FGDs. Data saturation was achieved at the 4th FGD. Three themes emerged from qualitative data analysis and were incorporated into the module. USM-IAM was finalised with five units. The content validity index (CVI) was 0.92, while face validity agreements were between 86% and 97%.
CONCLUSION: The CVI and face agreement for USM-IAM exceed the cut-off point for a sound module. It has good potential to be used as a resource for educating patients in enhancing insulin adherence.
METHODS: Eligibility criteria are those diagnosed with T2DM, aged between 18 and 65 years, with HbA1c between 8 and 15% and on insulin therapy for 1 year. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either the USM-IAM-based counselling or the standard counselling (SC) at baseline and the second visit. Patients were instructed to adjust insulin doses based on blood glucose levels. Outcomes were changes in adherence score, FBS and HbA1c levels from baseline to 3 months and baseline to sixth month.
RESULTS: Ninety patients were randomised to each group. The baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were homogenous among groups. Ninety patients were analysed for each group. Adherence score changes between baseline to 3 months were - 8.30 (- 11.47, - 5.14) in USM-IAM-based counselling group (USM-IAM) and - 7.64 (- 10.89, - 4.40) in standard counselling group (SCG), between baseline to sixth month were - 10.21 (- 13.40, - 7.03) in USM-IAM and - 10.79 (- 14.64, - 6.97) in SCG. FBS changes between baseline to 3 months were 1.374 (0.25, 2.50) in USM-IAM and 0.438 (- 0.66, 1.54) in SCG, and between baseline to sixth month were 1.713 (0.473, 2.95) in USM-IAM and 0.998 (- 0.02, 2.01) in SCG. HbA1c changes between baseline to 3 months were 1.374 (0.25, 2.50) in USM-IAM and 0.547 (0.12, 0.98) in SCG, and between baseline to sixth month were 1.03 (0.65, 1.41) in USM-IAM and 0.617 (0.20, 1.03) in SCG. Between-subjects effects for all outcomes were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: Both groups had significant improvements in adherence score and HbA1c with time, with higher improvement in patients receiving the USM-IAM. FBS reductions were significant in the intervention group but not in the control group.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study protocol is registered with Clicaltrials.gov with ID NCT05125185 dated 17th November 2021.