Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 438 in total

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  1. Rajamoorth, Yogambigai, Niazlin Mohd Taib, Khalid Abdul Rahim, Munusamy, Subramaniam
    MyJurnal
    Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an upcoming public health problem in Malaysia. This study analysed the
    trend of Hepatitis B (HB) cases from 2003 to 2012 and project the cases for an 18-year period (2013–2030).
    Based on the national data of annual reported cases and the Malaysian population projections (2010–2040),
    trend/regression lines were fitted to analyse the trend and estimated HB incidence. The number of HB
    cases decreased for six consecutive years and began to increase from 2010 onwards. During the 10-year
    period (2003–2012), the highest number of HB cases was reported in Sabah, followed by Pahang and
    Wilayah Persekutuan; the lowest was reported in Perlis. The exponential curve shows a decrease of HB
    cases by an average of 6.3%. However, the polynomial curve shows fluctuations in the trend, with a higher
    degree of R-square (0.8655). Most states appear to be at moderate vulnerability to HBV infection (Kedah,
    Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Terengganu, Sabah, and Sarawak), except for Melaka, Wilayah Persekutuan, and
    Selangor, which were at high risk of HB incidences. Overall, the estimated HB cases indicate that the
    number of cases and the incidence rates will increase in the future in all states, except for Penang. As the
    estimated HB cases and incidence rates show an increasing pattern, the government should strengthen
    their strategies in the management of HB and take preventive measures such as educating the public
    through awareness programmes, conducting compulsory blood screening, and sustaining the Expanded
    Programme on Immunization effectively.
  2. Loke, Shuet Toh
    MyJurnal
    The objective of this pilot cross-sectional study was to assess effcacy of training dental officers (DO) and nurses (DN) in the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). A conventional training method of lectures, manual; and md5,0n* exettise was used for bath Lest groups. 30 study models in all grades in the Aesthetic component (AC) and dental health component (DHC) were graded by 27 subjects (13 DO, 14 DN) after training. Results were cnrrlparedfor agreement with an exper; group, Kappa statistic: was used to assess strength in agreement in correct grouping of AC and DHC in the Categorie; gf treatment need, Wilcoxon Rank sum test was used to compare mean kappa and % 0 correct res ames in the test. Spearman rank correlation was used to test association of 11g experience with mean kappa values. There was ‘m0demte’ agreement in correct groupingfor ojjqcers in AC (K=O.5l) and DHC (K`=O.4l); Cmd 'fair’ j‘0'f TluTS€S in AC (K=O.40) and DHC (K:O,34). There was no significant difference between groups. Subjects were better at identifying cases with definite need than little/ borderline need for treatment. There was more inaccurate grading in DHC Gmde+qualifier for both groups (p
  3. Rosnah, I., Rohani, J., Farina, Z.
    MyJurnal
    The Healthy City concept was taken by Malaysia in 1994 and Malacca State has initiated this project in late 1997 and launched in September 1998. The aim of the project is to had ways of achieving a better quality of urban life. The objective of this study was to assess the views and responses of Melaka Tengah community with regards to the existing facilities and services rendered in the district. The views will be incorporated into ideas for the policymakers and planners to develop Malacca into a healthy city. Three methods were used to collect the data. Questionnaires were given to the community of Melaka Tengah District. The respondents were selected by multistage sampling, Observation was carried out at selected public places to assess the community's practices and contribution, Ten focus group discussion were conducted consisting of health staff and public to discuss on environmental, social, physical and economic issues of Malacca. There were 3 sectors that had mean scores above 3.0 (the cut off level for being satisfed). They were health, housing and environment, ln terms of dissatisfaction, there were 4 sectors scoring below 3.0, These include domestic waste dnposal, road system, public transportation and recreational park. The community
    expected the services to be improved especially in terms of cleanliness, They agreed to contribute in their own ways in developing the sectors discussed except for public transportation, wet market and food premises which were beyond their control. Observation showed that some of the community members exhibit bad behaviours that can contribute to an unhealthy city. The Melaka
    Tengah community expected ejficient and quality services and they agreed to contribute in making Malacca into a Healthy City.
  4. Yusoff, A.R., Deros, B.M., Daruis, D.D.I., Joseph, H.L.
    MyJurnal
    Proper driving requires a proper posture to bring comfort to drivers. A problem that commonly exists in driving is incorrect driving posture which can cause discomfort to the driver, especially when interacting with automotive pedals. Research on contraction of tibialis anterior (TA) muscle on driver's posture based on the knee angle less than 101º in a position of pressing and releasing a pedal was conducted to investigate and overcome this problem. This is a field experiment study and surface electromyography (sEMG) is used in collecting data on the TA muscle. The procedure of collecting data on the TA muscle before and after experiments follows the Surface ElectroMyoGraphy for the Non-Invasive Assessment of Muscles (SENIAM) recommendations. The result of the experiment shows that there is a strong negative relationship between driver's postures in nature based on the angle of the knee with TA muscle contractions, where the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) is - .993. While the temporal analysis measurements based on Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC) 60% in a position of releasing a pedal exceeding rms μV 39.38, are 39.71 and 40.25 respectively. On the other hand, MVIC 2% rms μV values: 1.19 and 1.2 are obtained in the position of pressing the pedal. The knee angle with TA muscle contractions is significant [F (1, 10) = 660, p
  5. Zailina, H., Junidah, R., Jamal Hisham, H.
    MyJurnal
    Blood lead concentration and 6»aminolevulinic acid in urine were used as indicator for lead exposure among school children in an industrial area south of the peninsular Malaysia. A group of 1 00 Malay children which consist of 48 boys and 52 girb with the age range of 61/2 to 81/2 years from a primary school were selected as chiMren. Blood samples were collected and analyzed with Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The urine 6-aminolevulinic acid concentrations were measured with UV/VIS Spectrophotometer. The mean blood lead was 3.75ug/dl. Based on the biological index, 76% of the children are in the “normal range" (
  6. Mohd Hidayat, A.R., Nurul Ain, M., Mohd Nazri, A., Mohd Hairizal, O., Mohammad Khalid, W., Tan, W.H., et al.
    MyJurnal
    The main objective of this research is to compare the seating pressure during the driving session between two
    different types of national cars. The objective of this research is to conduct object pressure distribution study on
    two different types of car seat using CONFORMat (model 5330) with system model CER2, compare and analyse the
    results based on object pressure between both car seat. Twelve respondents participated a driving session with
    TekscanCONFORMat (model 5330) setup using the same route for both national car. We select two types of national
    cars equipped with automatic transmission for this research. The seat pressure on the subject along the journey is
    recorded using TekscanCONFORMat Research 7.60 software. Later, comparison made with respect to the seat
    pressure experiencedby twelve respondents. The results shows different values of backand seat pressure recorded
    among the twelve subjects. Lastly, the results are analysedand discussed at the end of this paper. Model B seat
    design has better ability to distribute evenly the pressure to both seat and back. However, results for Model A
    showed the pressure is more concentrated on the seat area.
  7. Adlina, S., Narimah, A.H.H., Hakimi, Z.A., Suthahar, A., M Nor Hisyam, R., Ruhaida, M.K., et al.
    MyJurnal
    Stress has been recognized one of the factors causing disease. About 70-80% of all diseases may be stress related. Thus, stress management can be a part of an early measure of disease prevention. A descriptive cross sectional, randomized study was conducted to determine the stress inducing factors among preclinical students (universal sampling) in a public university in Selangor, Malaysia from 24th April to May 2005. A total of 163 students (52.8% year 1, 36.8% year 2 and 10.4% year 3) were interviewed in the data collection process. The main reasons students entered - medical school was because of their own interest or ambition (65%) and family influence (20.9%). Majority (76.4%) suffered moderate to great stress over hot conditions in lecture hall, tutoriaV small group session rooms and laboratories while 53.4% suffered when using the other facilities like cafeteria, toilet and transportation:. Almost all (95.1%) felt that examination was the most stressful, followed by early clinical exposure sessions (68.1%), problem·based learning sessions (62.5%), hospital visitations (59.7%), tutoriay small group sessions (49.3%), practical class (44.5%) and attending lectures (3 8.5%). Musculoskeletal System was the most stressful module among the first year students, followed by Nervous System and Gastrointestinal System with the percentage of 94.2%, 90.7% and 88.4% respectively while, 95% of the second year students felt that General, Hemopoietic ci? Lymphoid and Nervous System are the most stressful modules. This study revealed that academic sessions and lack of conducive teaching and learning environment as the main stress inducing contributors to preclinical medical students.
  8. Shafie, O., Sanimah, A.R.
    MyJurnal
    The status ofhve l1eavy metals: cadmium, lead copper, zinc and mercury were determined in seafood and its products imported_ti·om Thailand via Bukit Kayu Hiram, Kedah, Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used to determine the level of these heary metals except for mercury, where the cold vapor technique was used, Randomized sampling was done according to a predetermined sampling plan based on the previous years consignments. Data collected were compared with the maximum permitted level of -metal contaminants in fish and fish products- ofthe Fourteenth Schedule (Regulation 38) of Food Act I983 and Food Regulations I 985 to ascertain compliance. lt was noted form this study, that the level of metals detected in seafood and its products had a very wide range, The levels detected for cadmium was at a range of 0. 00] - 3.9/2, 0.07 — 0.29, 0,04 - 4,4 mg/kg in fish, shellfish and cuttlefish respectivelv. In general, cadmium level in some samples was notably higher particularly in shellfish. All samples had lead level less than the permitted value except for fish where the highest value detected was 3.28 mg/kg. The level of copper and zinc was higher than the permitted value in octopus, prawn and crab, Mercury level in all samples analvzed was found to be below the detection level. As for fish samples, zinc level was found to be higher whereas copper was within the limit. However, it was also noted that the level of all the heavy metals in jiozen jish was within the permitted limit.
  9. Mirta Widia, Siti Zawiah Md Dawal, Nukman Yusoff
    MyJurnal
    Most studies have examined the association of ergonomic risk factors and musculoskeletal discomfort in developed countries. Meanwhile the data are still lacking in developing countries such as Malaysia. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between risk factors and musculoskeletal discomfort among manual material handling workers in Malaysian automotive industries. A total of211 manual material handling workers from automotive industries completed a set of questionnaire on the individual, physical and environmental factors and the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort. The Chi-Square test and logistics regression analysis were used to determine the relationship of the risk factors and musculoskeletal. The findings highlighted that job tenure was significantly correlated with musculoskeletal discomfort among the workers (OR=2.33-5.56). The most significant physical risk factor that was associated with musculoskeletal discomfort was bending the trunk forward slightly, hands above knee level, which was significantly related to lower back discomfort (OR=5.13, 95%CI=1.56-16.8), thigh discomfort (OR=5.1, 95%CI=1.01-25.53) and wrist discomfort (OR=3.65, 95%CI=1.06-12.53). Twisting of the trunk (over 45o) and bending sideways were significantly associated to lower back discomfort (OR=4.04, 95%CI=1.44-14.44), and thigh discomfort (OR=4.3, 95%CI=1.29-8.50). The findings also highlighted that environmental factors was associated with musculoskeletal discomfort (p < 0.05. Musculoskeletal discomfort can be reduced by lowering work-related risk factors among automotive manual material handling workers, particularly by focusing on significant factors, including job tenure, bending or twisting postures and environmental factors.
  10. Nur Jannah Ambak, Aniza Abd Aziz, Nor Azwany Yaacob, Siti Raihan Ishak, Wan Mohd Razin Wan Hassan, Syaratul Emma Hashim, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Diabetic retinopathy (DR) may result in progressive visual impairment and blindness which affects the diabetic patients‟ morbidity and quality of life significantly. The objective of this study was to determine the proportions and prognostic factors of DR severity among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. A cross sectional study was conducted at the Ophthalmology Clinic in a tertiary hospital using the medical record database from 2005 to 2011. A total of 216DR patients were randomly selected. The study outcome was DR severity which was classified into four grading based on the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Scale. Descriptive statistics and Ordinal Logistic Regression were applied using Stata SE/11. The mean (SD) age of DR
    in this study was 56.06 (9.98) years old with almost equal sex ratio. Proportion of mild non proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) was 48.6% (95% CI: 40.0, 60.0), moderate NPDR was 28.2% (95%CI: 22.0, 40.0), severe NPDR was 6.9% (95% CI: 4.0, 11.0) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) was 16.2% (95%CI: 10.0, 22.0). Diabetic patients that suffered from diabetes mellitus for more than 10 years, having nephropathy, every increased of HbA1c by 1% and higher total cholesterol were at increased risk of worsening DR.
    Note: content of full text inconsistent with title and abstract. Author informed.
  11. Loke, S.T., Jalil, N.A., Giant, E.W., Lee, S.H.C.
    MyJurnal
    The main objective of the study was to determine the oral health status and possible factors influencing oral hygiene in the institutionalized elderly in Sabah. A cross sectional study in all four institutions for the elderly in QM ii Sabah was conducted using oral examination and interview/questionnaires. Qualitative assessment using Focus Group Discussion was carried out in the caregivers of the institutions. Plaque score was used to assess oral hygiene status. A total of 94.0% of inmates were above 55 years old. There were 13.4 % non-respondents in the total sample of 284. Of the n0n—respondents, 42.4 % had mental disorders and this was statistically signnicant. Of those who responded 34.6% had good 33.3% fair and 32.1% poor oral hygiene. 33.5% were completely edentulous, 86.4% had gingivitis which required scaling, 22.0% had decayed teeth and 54.9% required extraction. Gingivitis, decayed teeth and number of teeth for extraction were signwcantly associated with poor oral hygiene. 14.2% had at least one type of oral disease. Dental abscess was the most common muco»cutaneous lesion found. Mental disorders showed a trend towards poor oral hygiene and this was statistically signyicant. Although 40.8% had physical handicap, 23.3% visual impairment and 8.2% hearing impairment, there was no significant association with oral hygiene status. In conclusion, oral health status of the population is poor and treatment needs are high. Although there was high objective need for oral care (88.6%), perceived need was low (32.0%).
  12. Mohd Yunus, A., Sherina, M.S., Nor Afiah, M.Z., Rampal, L., Tiew, K.H.
    MyJurnal
    Hypertension and smoking are established and independent risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. There are important inter-relationships between these two factors that may explain the aetiology of coronary heart disease. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hypertension and smoking in a rural community setting in Malaysia, and to identify their associated factors. A cross sectional study was conducted among residents aged 15 years and above in Mukim Dengkil, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia from June to October 1999. Systematic random sampling was used to select the respondents. Results: Five-hundred and seventy respondents agreed to participate giving a response rate of 86.7%. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 26.8%. The prevalence was 31.7% among males, and 23.5% among females. Factors found to be significantly associated with hypertension were males and age. The overall prevalence of smoking was 21.2%. The prevalence among males was 48.7%, where as the prevalence was only 2.6% among females. The factors associated with smoking were males, ethnicity with Malays showing the highest prevalence of 27.2% and age. However, there was no significant association between hypertension and smoking. The prevalence of hypertension in this study is high. However, the prevalence of smoking in this study was slightly lower compared to the result found by the 2nd Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS2).
  13. Shamsul Bahri Mohd Tamrin, Nor MaizuraYusoff, Anita Abd Rahman, Dayana Hazwani, M.S.N., Mansour A. Balkhyour
    MyJurnal
    The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of hand-arm vibration (HAVS) among the automobile
    assembly workers and the associated risks. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of
    HAVS and also ascertain the association between HAVS and reduction in VPT among workers using vibration hand held
    tool in automobile industry. Aim of this study was to determine the prevalence Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
    (HAVS) among vibrating hand held tool exposed workers. A cross sectional study design using structured
    questionnaire and invasive measurement of vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) at the fingertips was conducted
    in one of the automobile company in Klang Valley. All the respondents were hand arm vibration exposed workers. A
    total 109 assembly line workers with at least one year job tenure participated in this study. The finding revealed
    that 27.5% of workers reported HAVS through questionnaire. This study consisted of 109 respondents. All of them
    were male. The mean age was 32.9 years. The mean daily vibration exposure for 8-hours was 1.41m/s2. There was
    11% of the tools measured were above the Action Level recommended by European Union Directive 2002. The overall
    prevalence of HAVS based on reported symptom through questionnaire was 27.5%. None of the respondent reported
    any whiteness at their fingers due to exposure to vibration. However, 36.7% of the respondent reported tingling
    sensation and 57.8 % reported the feeling of numbness in their hands. Only 10.1% claim that the pain was
    persistence. Since this study was done among exposed workers without control group, the thresholds were measured
    by comparing the observed VPT with the VPT of healthy population provided by ISO 13091-2. The result showed that
    98.2% of the respondent in this study having positive threshold which indicate the percentage of respondent that
    having deterioration in finger tactile perception. The positive threshold from comparison above showed that the
    respondent of this study was affected with the vibration exposure. The value proven that the exposure has caused
    the deterioration of tactile sensitivity in 98.2% of respondent in this study which showed by having positive threshold
    compared to healthy population. The result also showed that there was a significant correlation between daily
    vibration exposure A (8) and VPT at both frequency tested which was 31.5Hz (r = 0.417, p = 0.002) and 125Hz (r =
    0.480, p = 0.001). Even though the mean daily vibration exposure for 8-hours was low and below the recommended
    level, the workers still exposed to the effect of hand arm vibration.
  14. Mardiana binti Mansor, Khatijah Lim Abdullah, San, San Oo, Kamal Akhtar, Ayu Sulaini Jusoh, Suriawati Ghazali, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Family planning is a method of controlling fertility which helps to prevent unwanted pregnancies among couples. Unwanted pregnancy has negative effects for mothers and children. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of family planning practices among women in Serdang area and associated factors with their family planning practices. A cross sectional study was conducted with a systematic random sampling of 349 women of reproductive age, who attended Sri Kembangan Polyclinic. Descriptive analysis with chi-square and multiple regression analysis were conducted to identify factors associated with the family planning practice. The prevalence of family planning practice was 38.4%. Family planning was significantly associated with age (p=0.001), marital status (p=0.001), mode of delivery of the last pregnancy (p=0.001), number of children (p=0.001), source of information (p=0.004), level of knowledge (p=0.001), and the attitude (p=0.004). Using multiple logistic regression, four factors contributed to family planning practice, were identified as statistically significant: marital status (married OR=40, 95% CI: 9.45, 169.8), religion (Muslim OR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.4), number of children (children>4 OR=2.98, 95% CI:1. 74, 5.09) and attitude (positive attitude OR=1.88, 95% CI:1.11, 3.18). The prevalence of family planning practice in Serdang was low even though knowledge was sufficient. The use of pamphlets and booklets are still needed to enhance efforts in health education. Currently, practice on family planning will determine the future structure of the community and the economic wellbeing of a country. Future study should focus on family planning practice among teenager and types of methods for women.
  15. A Rashid, K., Narayan, K.A., Azizah, A.M.
    MyJurnal
    The population of the world is ageing and Malaysia is no exception. The proportion of those above 60 will be 9.5% by the year 2020. Cognitive impairment and depression are two common problems in this age group. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment and depression and their associated factors in the elderly population in a rural community in Kedah. The study design was descriptive cross sectional study. A standardized questionnaire was used in two villages in Mukim Kota Kuala Muda. Barthels index, geriatric depression scale and elderly cognitive assessment questionnaire were also used. The prevalence rate of cognitive impairment was 18.5%. Cognitive impairment was higher among females (22.6%) than males (12.8%). 34.8% of the widowed were cognitively impaired and it increases with age 15.1% within age groups 60 to 69 years, 42.9% in age groups 80 to 89 years and the one and only participant above 90 years was cognitively impaired. Among those with disability, the only one with very severe disability had cognitive impairment, 40% among the severely disabled and 33. 3% among the moderately disabled (p<0.05). Those with cognitive impairment were living with some functional disabilities involving feeding (p<0.05), bathing (p<0.05), grooming (p<0.05), dressing (p<0.05), bladder control (p<0.05), toilet use (p<0.05), transfer from bed to chair (p<0.05), mobility on level surfaces (p<0.05) and climbing stairs (p<0.05). The prevalence of depression was found to be 46.4%. Higher among males (48.4%) as compared to females (44.7%). Depression was 50.0% among the age groups 80 to 89 and 52.4% among the age groups 70 to 79. 63.6% of those living alone were depressed as were 54.8% of the unemployed. 43.8% of those depressed had functional disability. The only one with severe disability was depressed and 66. 7% of those with severe disability were depressed. 47.5% of those with hypertension were depressed. It is a matter of concern that even in a small population the rate of cognitive impairment and mental depression is very high. Health screening is an important aspect of health promotion and disease prevention in people over 60 years. Although screening for many conditions cannot conclusively prove benefit, special attention to these factors can decrease morbidity and improve quality of life in aging population.
    Key words: elderly, cognitive impairment, depression, rural community, Malaysia
    Study site: Two villages in Mukim Kota Kuala Muda, Kuala Muda District, Kedah, Malaysia
    Device, Questionnaire & Scale: Barthels index; Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30); Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire
  16. Che Asiah, T., Zulkifli, A., Mohd Hashim, M.H., Halim, S.
    MyJurnal
    A cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and some associated factors among primary one schoolchildren, aged 7 years from rural areas of Tumpat and Bachok in Kelantan was carried out. A total of 922 chiMren from 18 primary schools were examined. The parents completed self-administered questionnaires eliciting demographic and socio-economic information. The weight and height of each child was taken. The nutritional status was assessed by the z-scores of weight-for-age (WAZ) , height- or-age (HAZ) and weight-for-height (WHZ). The prevalence of underweight was 25 .2% , stunting was 21 .1% and wasting was 6 .2%. Less than 1 .0% ofthe children were overweight. Risk factors of underweight were lueinga male (OR=l .4),
    having an unemployed father (OR=2 .6) and a monthly family income of RM 251 -500 (OR=2 .0) . Being a male (OR=1 .6) was the only risk factor for stunning and working mother (OR=2 .0) was the only risk factor of wasting. In conclusion, there is still a high prevalence of undemutrition among primary one schoolchildren in rural areas of Tumpat and Bachok. This may be due to the poor socioeconomic status of the rural community and the lack of emphasis ofthe supplementary feeding program on the late preschool children. A comprehensive nutrition support program is essential, especially targeting the preschool children in these rural communities
  17. Lekhraj Rampal, G.R., Wong, C.H.
    MyJurnal
    This is a cross»sectional study to determine the nutritional status of Malay children aged 6 to 10 years in Kampongknderam Hilir. A cross sectional study design was used.All households were included in the study. All the 218 Malaysian children aged 6 to 10 years in Kamponglenderam Hilir were included in the study. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data.
    Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 10. The minority of the chihlren were within normal range for weight·for-age, normal height for age status and weight for height status. However in small proportion of children, there was a persistence of protein·energy malnutrition problems. Overall 11% were underweight. There was no significant difference in the prevalence ofunderweight between males and females. The prevalence of overweight and stunting was 5 .3% and 11 .5%. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of sturtting in male compared to females. Although stunting was prevalent in all age groups (4.4% to 19.6%) a significant higher prevalence was observed in the age group 9 - 9.9 years compared to other age groups (p< 0.05). Wasting was present in 7.6% of the respondents. The 6 - 6.9 years age group had the highest wasting prevalence compared to other age groups. The prevalence of wasting was significantly higher in males. ln conclusion the overall nutritional status of children aged 6 to 10 years old in Kampong]enderam Hilir was satnfactory. However, there was still malnutrition in a small proportion of chihlren. Underweight, stunting and overweight were seen in all age groups. As such there is a need to identify these chiMren and improve their nutritional status.
  18. Nurul Izzah Abd Rahman, Siti Zawiah Md Dawal
    MyJurnal
    It was suggested by most researchers that train drivers’ workload and alertness levels attribute to train accidents. The main objective of this study is to determine the significant patterns of mental workload and alertness levels of train drivers with respect to the conditions. The data are collected from simulation experiments on 15 professional train drivers. The simulation experiments are performed under three driving conditions (i.e. daytime, rainy daytime and rainy night) using a train driving simulator set. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are collected from six significant points on the body of the subjects. It is found that the mental workload of the train drivers tends to be high during rainy night driving condition and sleepiness occurs which is indicative of low vigilance. The beta amplitude increases under rainy night driving condition which may be attributed to viewing difficulties while driving in the dark. The results reveal that there is a significant different between each session (p = 0.042) especially with the pattern for rainy night driving. It is also observed that there is lower mental workload among the train drivers, which indicates that the train drivers are detached from their work.
  19. Sanaz Aazami, Khadijah Shamsuddin, Syaqirah Akmal
    MyJurnal
    Purpose of the present study was to assess effect of work-family conflict (along with its four dimensions) on physical health status. In particular, we examined the mediating role of health related behaviors on the linkage between all dimensions of work-family conflict and physical health status. The current cross-sectional research was conducted among 567 women who were working in the public departments of Malaysia. Self-administrated questionnaire was used for data collection. Our findings showed that work-family conflict (along with its four dimensions) significantly and negatively correlated with physical health status. The findings from mediational analysis showed that all dimensions of work-family conflict indirectly deteriorate physical health status via increasing the chance of not using food strategies. However, our results did not support the mediating function of physical activity on the proposed relationship. Results of the current study indicated that women with greater level of work-family conflict are more likely to suffer from poor physical health status. Having multiple strategies for managing food and eating reduce the adverse effect of work-family conflict on physical health. Organizations may benefit from Family Friendly Policies (FFP) that can alleviate level of conflict and eventually avoid or decrease rate of engagement in unhealthy behavior that have detrimental effect on health status.
  20. Siti Fatimah, M.N., Rosminah, M., Suhaimi, A.W., Omar, O.
    MyJurnal
    Hajj and ‘Umrah pilgrimage are a huge congregation performed by Muslims in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The pilgrimage causes overcrowding and congestion that can lead to a high risk of health problems, especially when pilgrims have health problems. The purpose of this study is to assess the reliability of EQ-5D as a measuring tool to capture the health status of the pilgrims. Data collection was done during Ramadhan’s ‘Umrah in 2014. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 300 self-administered questionnaires attached with the EQ-5D-5L questions were distributed to Malaysian ‘Umrah pilgrims in Makkah and willing to participate in the study. The outcomes from the questionnaires and EQ-5D-5L were systematically analysed by using the SPSS software. The response rate was 64%, involved female (53%) and male (47%) respondents with the mean age of 55 years old. Hypertension (21.5%) and diabetes (16.2%) were the commonest underlying health problems suffered by the respondents in this study. Based on the EQ-5D outcomes, 53.3% of the respondents had no problem in their movement. However, the mean of EQ-VAS (visual analogue scale) presented 83 out of 100 scaling point, which means they might have problems in their health status. In addition, this study revealed, respondents with underlying illnesses had difficulty in some dimensions in EQ-5D. Hypertension was identified as the commonest underlying disease amongst the pilgrims. A contradicted outcome from the objective and subjective measuring scales of EQ-5D and EQ-VAS respectively; presented its sensitivity of EuroQol as a measuring tool for the quality of life among pilgrims living within such congestion.
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