MyMedR

Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 730 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext Oral health status of a group of visually impaired school children in Kuala Lumpur

Afsary Jahan Khan, Mas Suryalis Ahmad, Ahmad Shuhud Irfani Zakaria, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Tanti Irawati Rosli

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(1):100-105.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Children with visual impairment are reported to be at higher risk of poor oral health. They faced dif- ficulties in basic skills including oral care. For this reason, they may develop dental caries and periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status of a group of visually impaired school children in Kuala Lumpur. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on students from a Special Education School in Kuala Lumpur. Oral examination was conducted to determine caries experience and oral hygiene status. Caries was mea- sured using DMFT index and simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) for oral hygiene status. Oral examination was based on modified World Health Organization (WHO) oral health assessment criteria for children. Chi-square test was used to determine associations between demographic variables and oral health status. Results: A total of 91 visually impaired students (41 blind, 50 low vision) within the age group of 13 to 17 years old participated in this study. The mean OHI-S score was 1.68 (SD 0.87) with majority of students had fair oral hygiene (39.6%) and 29.7% with poor and very poor oral hygiene. The mean DMFT score of total students were 0.80 (SD 1.62). Male students demonstrated significantly better oral health status than female in relation to prevalence and mean score of dental caries. Conclusion: Most of the visually impaired children in this study showed fair oral health status. Regular oral health education is recommended to improve the oral hygiene especially in the totally blind group.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Asthma control and care among Malaysian primary school children: a cross-sectional study

Ahad A, Khoo EM

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2017 Jul;29(5):422-429.
PMID: 28719788 DOI: 10.1177/1010539517717766

Children with uncontrolled asthma have high risk of poor health outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess asthma control and care in primary school children with reported asthma. A total of 6441 primary school children were first screened for parent-reported physician-diagnosed asthma and 448 (8.9%) children were reported to have asthma. Of these, 311 (69.4%) parents
agreed to participate in assessment of asthma control study using Global Initiative for Asthma
2009 guidelines. Only 161 (51.8%) children were found to have good asthma control, 99 (31.8%) had partly controlled asthma, and 51 (16.4%) had uncontrolled asthma in the past one week. In the past 1 year, 157 (50.5%) children had asthma exacerbations, 21 (6.8%) had hospitalizations, and 104 (33.4%) had received emergency asthma care. Only 108 (34.7%) asthmatic children received regular follow-up care. Controller medications were underutilized (12.2%) compared to reliever medications (35.0%). Asthma control among primary school children was poor indicating suboptimal care.
Keywords: asthma, control, exacerbation, management, school childrenStudy site: primary schools, Port Dickson District, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Fulltext School-based health education for dengue control in Kelantan, Malaysia: Impact on knowledge, attitude and practice

AhbiRami R, Zuharah WF

PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2020 03;14(3):e0008075.
PMID: 32218580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008075

The massive flood in Malaysia's east coast in December 2014 has placed Kelantan in a possible dengue outbreak risk. At this point, community awareness is essential in preventing disease spread. However, no data on knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of dengue in Kelantan have existed in relevance to flood disaster, although such information is necessary for the vector control programs. The purpose of this study is to assess the KAP regarding dengue among school children from flooded and unflooded areas and to evaluate the effectiveness of the dengue health education program in improving their KAP level. A school-based pre- and post-tests design was utilized in this study whereby a booklet on dengue was distributed during the interphase of the tests. The information collected was on the socio-demographic, KAP and the source of dengue information. We statistically compared the KAP between the two study sites and the pre- and post-test scores to evaluate the health education program. A total of 203 students participated in the survey, and 51.7% of them were flood victims. When comparing the baseline KAP, the respondents from the unflooded area had higher knowledge scores compared to those from the flooded area (P<0.05), while non-significant differences were observed in the attitude and practice between the two study areas (P>0.05). The health education program significantly improved knowledge and practice in the flooded area and knowledge only in the unflooded area (P<0.05). The multinomial regression analysis suggests that age and dengue history are the primary determinants that influence the high practice level in both areas. We suggest the need to increase routine dengue health education programs to all age groups targeting both high and low dengue risk areas, and the necessity to ensure the translation of positive knowledge and attitude changes into real dengue preventive practices.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Fulltext Beliefs, attitudes and self-use of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy medicines among senior pharmacy students: An exploratory insight from Andhra Pradesh, India

Ahmad A, Khan MU, Kumar BD, Kumar GS, Rodriguez SP, Patel I

Pharmacognosy Res, 2014 10 1;7(4):302-8.
PMID: 26692742 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.158438

OBJECTIVES: To assess the beliefs, attitudes and self-use of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) medicines among senior pharmacy students.
METHODOLOGY: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among pharmacy students in four pharmacy schools located in Andhra Pradesh in South India. This study was conducted from the August to September 2014. The study population included all pharmacy students enrolled in Doctor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Pharmacy and Diploma in Pharmacy programs in studied pharmacy schools. The pretested AYUSH survey had 8 questions on AYUSH related beliefs and 8 question on AYUSH related attitudes. The survey also asked participants about AYUSH related knowledge, frequency of use of AYUSH and the reason for using AYUSH. The data analysis was performed using SPSS Version 20. Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U-test were employed to study the association between the independent and dependent variables.
RESULTS: A total of 428 pharmacy students participated in the survey. 32.2% of the study population was females and 32.5% of the population resided in rural areas. Males were more likely to have positive beliefs about AYUSH when compared to females (odd ratio [OR] = 4.62, confidence interval [CI] = 2.37-8.99, P < 0.001). Similarly, students living in hostels were more positive in their beliefs about AYUSH compared with students living at home (OR = 2.14, CI = 1.12-4.07, P < 0.05). Students living in hostel also had a positive attitude about AYUSH use (OR = 1.74, CI = 1.03-2.93, P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Pharmacy students held favorable attitude and beliefs about AYUSH use. This baseline survey provides important information about the pharmacy student's perception about AYUSH. Further research is needed to explore the reasons that shape the pharmacy student's beliefs and attitudes about AYUSH.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools, Pharmacy
Fulltext Obesity determinants among Malaysian 12-year old school adolescents: findings from the HAT study

Ahmad A, Zulaily N, Shahril MR, Wafa SW, Mohd Amin R, Piernas C, et al.

BMC Pediatr, 2021 09 23;21(1):418.
PMID: 34556071 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02899-3

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity has been associated with increased odds of adult obesity and co-morbidities in later life. Finding the key determinants may help in designing the most appropriate and effective interventions to prevent obesity. This study aimed to identify the determinants of obesity among school adolescents in a sub-urban state of Malaysia.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 1,404 school adolescents aged 12 years (46% boys and 54% girls). Socio-demographic, dietary and physical activity data were collected using questionnaires whilst body weight and height were measured and body mass index was classified based on WHO BMI-for-age Z-scores cut-off.
RESULTS: A multivariable linear regression model showed that BMI z-score was positively associated with parents' BMI (P<0.001), birth weight (P=0.003), and serving size of milk and dairy products (P=0.036) whilst inversely associated with household size (P=0.022). Overall, 13.1% of the variances in BMI Z-scores were explained by parents' BMI, birth weight, servings of milk and dairy products and household size.
CONCLUSION: This study found important determinants of body weight status among adolescents mainly associated with family and home environmental factor. This evidence could help to form the effective and tailored strategies at the earliest stage to prevent obesity in this population.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Fulltext Body weight status of school adolescents in Terengganu, Malaysia: a population baseline study

Ahmad A, Zulaily N, Abdul Manan NS, Shahril MR, Syed Saadun Tarek Wafa SW, Mohd Amin R, et al.

BMC Public Health, 2017 01 05;17(1):9.
PMID: 28056904 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3911-2

BACKGROUND: Body weight is highly associated with overall health status. Being severely thin or obese may impose the risk of many health problems. Early detection of body mass index (BMI) status may help to reduce the associated comorbidities. Although many studies in the literature have investigated the BMI of school adolescents in Malaysia, the data on status of body weight among school adolescents in suburban states like Terengganu is limited. This study aimed to describe the body weight status of the whole population of school adolescents in all seven districts in Terengganu, Malaysia.
METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study design, body weight and height were measured, and BMI was calculated and classified using WHO BMI-for-age Z-score. Data was obtained using the National Fitness Standard (SEGAK) assessment, which was uploaded in a specific Health Monitoring System (HEMS).
RESULTS: From a total of 62,567 school adolescents, 50.7% were boys and 49.3% were girls. Girls had significantly higher BMI than boys in age groups of 13 to 15 and 16 to 17 years old. Among boys and girls, there were significant differences in mean BMI of school adolescents between rural and urban school locations in all age groups (p

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Fulltext The Effects of a Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Body Image Intervention on Girls in Intermediate Schools in Saudi Arabia

Ahmad Bahathig A, Abu Saad H

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Sep 08;19(18).
PMID: 36141585 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811314

This cluster-randomized study aimed to evaluate the effects of an intervention focused on physical activity, nutrition, and body image perception among girls in intermediate schools in Saudi Arabia. A seminar was delivered to the mothers of the girls in the experimental group. The experimental group then attended six interactive sessions within 3 months featuring physical activity, nutrition, and body image perception, followed by a 3-month follow-up period. A total of 138 respondents (68 in the experimental group and 70 in the control group) completed the intervention. Each participant's body mass index-for-age z-score and waist circumference were measured, and they completed a physical activity, sedentary behavior, and body image perception questionnaires before and after the intervention and at the follow-up. The intervention was evaluated using within- and between-groups generalized estimating equations. There were no significant changes in the respondents' body mass index-for-age z-score or waist circumference (p > 0.05). However, immediate significant improvements were seen in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and body image satisfaction among the experimental group, and these improvements remained at follow-up (p < 0.001). These differences were more significant among the experimental group than among the control group. We found this intervention effective. Future studies can adapt this intervention for adolescent boys and extend its duration to improve the body mass index outcome.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Fulltext Prevalence and sources of stress among postgraduate medical trainees: initial findings

Ahmad Fuad Abdul Rahim, Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2010;11(2):180-0.
MyJurnal

Objective: Postgraduate medical training has always been regarded as a highly stressful environment to students. This article described an initial finding on prevalence and sources of stress among postgraduate students. Method: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on postgraduate students in the School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Sample size as calculated for this preliminary study was 38 and convenient sampling method was applied. The 12 items General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Postgraduate Stressors Questionnaire (PSQ) were administered during a workshop involving postgraduate students. Data was analysed using SPSS version 12. Results: Thirty three participants participated in this study. This study found that the prevalence of distressed postgraduate students was 36.4%. The top ten stressors were tests and examinations, large amount of content to be learnt, time pressure to meet deadlines, doing work beyond
ability, work overload, unfair assessment by superior, fears of making mistakes that can lead to serious consequences, doing work that mentally straining, work demands affect my personal and home life, and lack of time to review what have been learnt. Conclusion: This study found that there was a high prevalence of distressed postgraduate students. It also found that the major stressors were related to academic and performance pressure.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Fulltext The implementation of 1 student 1 Sport Policy among secondary school teachers in Kluang, Johor

Ahmad MF, Muhamad TA, Surat S, Hassim JZ, Lamat SA

Jurnal Sains Sukan & Pendidikan Jasmani, 2016;5(2):24-43.
MyJurnal

The implementation of the 1 Student 1 Sport Policy (D1M1S) focuses on the involvement of students who are less active in sports activities in order to polish and further developed their talent potential. It is
believed that the responsibility and the role of teachers are vital in ensuring the implementation of D1M1S conducted at the school level. However, the use of teachers as executors in ensuring that this policy is carried out must be studied and identified to achieve the goal of D1M1S besides improving the quality of work to a higher level. This study was conducted to identify the implementation level of D1M1S among teachers in secondary schools in Kluang, Johor, implementation of D1M1S based on gender differences and category of school and existing relationships such as elements of skill, understanding,
commitment and sports facilities. The key success of D1M1S implementation is closely
related to the teachers as executors. This study was carried out on 389 secondary school
teachers in Kluang, Johor. Questionnaire containing 36 items was developed and
administered to measure the elements of skill, commitment, understanding and sport
facilities. Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient value of the instrument was 0.95. The data
were analysed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation and frequency) and
inferential analysis (independent samples t-test and Pearson correlation). The findings
showed high level of understanding towards D1M1S while the elements of skill, commitment
and sports facilities were at a moderate level. In addition, there were significant difference in
terms of mean scores reported for the implementation of D1M1S based on the genders of the
teachers with the skills element (p = 0.00

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Educating medical students in oral health care: current curriculum and future needs of institutions in Malaysia and Australia

Ahmad MS, Abuzar MA, Razak IA, Rahman SA, Borromeo GL

Eur J Dent Educ, 2017 Nov;21(4):e29-e38.
PMID: 27273317 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12211

Poor oral health has been associated with compromised general health and quality of life. To promote comprehensive patient management, the role of medical professionals in oral health maintenance is compelling, thus indicating the need for educational preparation in this area of practice. This study aimed to determine the extent of training in oral health in Malaysian and Australian medical schools. An audio-recorded semi-structured phone interview involving Academic Programme Directors in Malaysian (n = 9, response rate=81.8%) and Australian (n = 7, response rate = 35.0%) medical schools was conducted during the 2014/2015 and 2014 academic years, respectively. Qualitative data was analysed via thematic analysis, involving coding and grouping into emerging themes. Quantitative data were measured for frequencies. It was found that medical schools in Malaysia and Australia offered limited teaching of various oral health-related components that were mostly integrated throughout the curriculum, in the absence of structured learning objectives, teaching methodologies and assessment approaches. Barriers to providing oral health education included having insufficient expertise and overloaded curriculum. As medical educators demonstrated support for oral health education, collaboration amongst various stakeholders is integral to developing a well-structured curriculum and practice guidelines on oral health management involving medical professionals.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools, Dental*
Undergraduate education in special needs dentistry in Malaysian and Australian dental schools

Ahmad MS, Razak IA, Borromeo GL

J Dent Educ, 2014 Aug;78(8):1154-61.
PMID: 25086148

Meeting the oral health care needs of the growing population of people with special health care needs (SHCN) starts with dental students' acquisition of sound knowledge and development of clinical competence at the predoctoral level. The aim of this study was to review the level of undergraduate education in Special Needs Dentistry (SND) in Malaysian and Australian dental schools. The deans of all six Malaysian public dental schools and eight of nine Australian dental schools participated in a postal survey on current undergraduate didactic and clinical training in SND at their institutions. The results showed the number of dental schools in Malaysia with teaching in SND as a specific discipline was relatively low compared to that of Australia. However, a high percentage of Malaysian and Australian dental schools reported incorporating teaching of SND into pediatric dentistry (83.3 percent vs. 75 percent), oral medicine/oral pathology (66.7 percent vs. 75 percent), and oral surgery (66.7 percent vs. 25 percent). Most respondents said their school delivered SND clinical training in dental school clinics, hospital-based settings, and residential aged care facilities. Respondents in both countries viewed lack of faculty expertise as the greatest barrier to providing SND education. The study provides valuable information that can direct SND curriculum development in the two countries.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools, Dental*
Fulltext Family-based intervention using face-to-face sessions and social media to improve Malay primary school children's adiposity: a randomized controlled field trial of the Malaysian REDUCE programme

Ahmad N, Shariff ZM, Mukhtar F, Lye MS

Nutr J, 2018 08 02;17(1):74.
PMID: 30071855 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-018-0379-1

BACKGROUND: Social media may be an effective medium by which parents could be trained to promote healthy eating behaviour and physical activity for their children. This trial evaluates the effectiveness of a family-based intervention using social media in combination with face-to-face sessions - the REDUCE (REorganise Diet, Unnecessary sCreen time and Exercise) programme - on adiposity of Malay children.
METHODS: Five primary schools in an urban area in Selangor, Malaysia participated in this two-arm randomized controlled field trial. Participants were parents (n = 134) and their primary school-going children 8-11 years of age who were either overweight or obese. These parent-child dyads were randomly allocated to intervention and wait-list control groups and were blinded to group assignment. The intervention was a four-week training programme using two face-to-face sessions and two Facebook sessions followed by weekly booster sessions over a three-month period using WhatsApp. The primary outcome was body mass index (BMI) z-score. Height, body weight, waist circumference and percentage of body fat were measured by blinded assessors. Data were collected at baseline (T1), immediately post-training (T2) and at three- (T3) and six-month post training (T4) and were analysed using generalized linear mixed modelling adjusted for covariates to estimate the intervention effects. Subgroup analysis was conducted for overweight and obese children.
RESULTS: Ninety-one percent of parents completed the study, 64 in intervention group and 58 in wait-list group. At the sixth month post-training, BMI z-scores were significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to the wait-list group, for the all children (overweight and obese children) and within the obese subgroup ((F(6, 517) = 2.817, p = 0.010) and (F(6, 297) = 6.072, p

Matched MeSH terms: Schools*
Cracking the code: uncovering the factors that drive COVID-19 standard operating procedures compliance among school management in Malaysia

Ahmad NS, Karuppiah K, Praveena SM, Ali NF, Ramdas M, Mohammad Yusof NAD

Sci Rep, 2024 Jan 04;14(1):556.
PMID: 38177620 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49968-4

Malaysia's government's decision to reopen schools during the COVID-19 outbreak, especially for students taking important exams, has alarmed the public. However, the Ministry of Education has implemented a COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for educational institutions. The school management's ability to protect children from COVID-19 rests on their understanding, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19 SOP compliance. This study investigated Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya school management's COVID-19 SOP compliance determinants. Multistage sampling was used to sample 740 school management from Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Selangor. A self-administered questionnaire collected sociodemographic, occupational, and lifestyle data, knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 SOP compliance. The school management had good knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19 SOP. Monthly income, school location, smoking status, and physical activity differed significantly from KAP (p

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Fulltext A study of road hazards faced by Malaysian school children using HIRARC

Ahmad Rasdan Ismail, Noor Adilah Hamzah, Nor Kamilah Makhtar, Nurul Husna Che Hassan, Darliana Mohamad, Baba Md Deros

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2018;18(102):10-17.
MyJurnal

Road transport is the movement of passengers or goods on the road. To date, issues concerning the safety of students
and school institutions have continued to attract public attention. The recent spate of incidents inside and outside
the school compound has brought the issue of children safety into our attention. These include the escalating number
of road casualties. This study was conducted to observe road hazard outside the school compound and analyse the
safety risks faced by school children by using the risk matrix. The risks are calculated to include likelihood and
severity of hazard as identified in the Guideline of HIRARC 2008. The area selected was the East Coast state of
Peninsular Malaysia, with over 111 schools randomly selected in Kelantan. Results were then analysed and six
highlighted hazards were discussed. The results show that the main road posed the highest risk due to speeding
vehicles. These vehicles failed to slow down when approaching the school area. The school
administration must enhance the safety of the staff, students, and public while in the school area. In conclusion, road
safety awareness must be instilled among teachers, students, parents and road users alike.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Fulltext Effects of augmented feedback on squat technique among eleven years old children

Ahmad Syariff Ahmad Tajudin, Mohammad Hamka Nizam Mohamad Rosni, Lee, Jeffrey Low Fook

Jurnal Sains Sukan & Pendidikan Jasmani, 2016;5(1):1-8.
MyJurnal

The purpose of this study was to compare the acquisition of performing the squat technique using visual and verbal feedback among eleven years old children. Thirty standard 5 students from a semi urban primary school were recruited for this study. Each participant performed the squat without any provision of feedback in the pre-test. Their performance was assessed using the Motion Competency Screen (MCS) scale. The pre-test scores were used to divide the participants randomly into three groups (i.e., visual-, verbal-feedback and control). During the acquisition phase (two weeks), the visual group (video recordings of their performance) received feedback about the correct squat technique by a qualified trainer while the verbal feedback group received verbal instructions and feedback from the same instructor on their performance. The control group did not participate in any trials during acquisition phase. All participants were tested again in the post- and retention test a week after the post-test. A 3 group x 3 tests mixed between-within ANOVA with repeated measures on the second factor was used to measure the between and within group mean differences. There was no significant different between groups for the pre-test. However, both the visual and the verbal feedback groups were significantly better than the control group in the post test. However, in the retention test, the verbal group significantly outperformed the visual group. Again both groups were significantly better than the control group. In conclusion, both visual and verbal feedbacks were effective in learning a motor skill. Interestingly, verbal feedback showed to be more effective for long term retention (learning).

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Fulltext Rasch Model analysis of the Beck Depression Inventory-ii among Malaysian school students

Ahmad Zamri Khairani, Nor Shafrin Ahmad, Aziah Ismail, Rahimi Che Aman

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(1):221-229.
MyJurnal

Introduction: This study examines the psychometric characteristics of a translated version of the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI – II) among Malaysian school students. Methods: The sample consisted of 257 boys and 302 girls. This study employed WINSTEPS 3.74 to provide statistics and other information from Rasch Model analysis, namely, the fit statistics, dimensionality analysis, rating scale analysis, reliability and separation indices, differential item func- tioning analysis, and distribution of items difficulty and students’ ability. Results: Rating scale analysis showed that category 2 and category 3 of the ratings were not different. Meanwhile, Item 19 did not fit the model’s expectations; and thus, it was omitted from further analyses. The scale demonstrated a high person reliability and a high person separation index. There were no items demonstrating gender DIF. The school students endorsed feeling guilty as the least severe symptom of depression, while committing suicide as the most serious symptom. Conclusion: In general, the BDI-II demonstrated acceptable properties in measuring depression symptoms among school students.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Fulltext Measuring Pro-Environmental Behavior Triggered by Environmental Values

Ahmat Zainuri N, Abd-Rahman N, Halim L, Chan MY, Mohd Bazari NN

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Nov 30;19(23).
PMID: 36498088 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316013

Pro-environmental behavior in addressing climate change is influenced by multi-dimensional factors-knowledge, values, intention and sociodemographic background. Correlational studies between environmental values and environmental behaviors have not been able to determine values or behaviors that need to be given priority in future interventions. Therefore, this study firstly determined the environmental values and pro-environmental behavior that are easy or difficult to embrace by 152 respondents with low socioeconomic background. Secondly, we identified the extent pro-environmental behavior is triggered by environmental values. This survey study employs the Rasch analysis model. The respondents had difficulty in associating themselves with biospheric values however readily demonstrated consideration toward altruistic values, especially related to concerns for future generations. In terms of environmental conservation behavior, the respondents were not willing to relinquish comfort easily, such as giving up self-driving and taking public transportation or reducing usage of electricity. In addition, adults of low socioeconomic background find it difficult to endorse statements such as getting involved in campaigns related to environmental conservation. Thus, younger family members must be educated about conservation behaviors such as environmental campaigns commonly offered at schools, and these youngsters can be encouraged to extend their role by educating their parents.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools
Soil-transmitted helminthiasis: a critical but neglected factor influencing school participation of Aboriginal children in rural Malaysia

Ahmed A, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Azam MN, Ithoi I, Al-Adhroey AH, Abdulsalam AM, et al.

Parasitology, 2012 May;139(6):802-8.
PMID: 22310239 DOI: 10.1017/S003118201100237X

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH), among the most common neglected tropical diseases, is a major public health problem in Malaysia with a possible impact on the nutritional status and school participation of rural children. This study was carried out among Aboriginal schoolchildren, living in an endemic area for STH in Malaysia, to determine the possible relationship between intestinal helminthiasis and school absenteeism. We also evaluated whether successful treatment of the infection will affect school attendance among the subjects. Stool analysis revealed that more than 90% of the subjects were infected with at least 1 helminth species, with Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infections being most prevalent. Infection of moderate-to-heavy worm burdens, low level of fathers' education and anaemia were identified as the significant predictors of high absenteeism among the subjects (P<0·05). Following treatment of the infected children, it was found that school absenteeism was reduced significantly (P<0·01). In conclusion, STH continues to have significant impacts on public health, particularly in rural communities with a negatively significant effect on the school participation of Aboriginal children. A school-based de-worming programme should be introduced and incorporated in the current educational assistance targeted towards the Aboriginal communities, under the auspices of the government.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools*
Fulltext Child maltreatment experience among primary school children: a large scale survey in Selangor state, Malaysia

Ahmed A, Choo WY, Marret MJ, Guat-Sim C, Othman S, Chinna K

PLoS One, 2015;10(3):e0119449.
PMID: 25786214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119449

Official reports of child maltreatment in Malaysia have persistently increased throughout the last decade. However there is a lack of population surveys evaluating the actual burden of child maltreatment, its correlates and its consequences in the country. This cross sectional study employed 2 stage stratified cluster random sampling of public primary schools, to survey 3509 ten to twelve year old school children in Selangor state. It aimed to estimate the prevalence of parental physical and emotional maltreatment, parental neglect and teacher- inflicted physical maltreatment. It further aimed to examine the associations between child maltreatment and important socio-demographic factors; family functioning and symptoms of depression among children. Logistic regression on weighted samples was used to extend results to a population level. Three quarters of 10-12 year olds reported at least one form of maltreatment, with parental physical maltreatment being most common. Males had higher odds of maltreatment in general except for emotional maltreatment. Ethnicity and parental conflict were key factors associated with maltreatment. The study contributes important evidence towards improving public health interventions for child maltreatment prevention in the country.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools/statistics & numerical data*
Drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) situation in primary schools of Pakistan: the impact of WASH-related interventions and policy on children school performance

Ahmed J, Wong LP, Chua YP, Hydrie MZI, Channa N

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2022 Jan;29(1):1259-1277.
PMID: 34355319 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15681-w

The United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals include the target of ensuring access to water and sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for all; however, very few studies have assessed comprehensive school WASH service in Pakistan. The purpose of this study was to identify WASH services in primary schools of Pakistan, and to assess how recent WASH interventions and policies are associated with the school's academic performance. A representative cross-sectional study was conducted in primary schools in the Sindh province of Pakistan. Structured observations and interviews were done to ascertain the schools' WASH conditions. The primary exposures of interest were the implementation of previous WASH interventions and National WASH policy in the school and the WASH coverage. Outcomes of interest included WASH conditions and school performance. The structural equation modeling (SEM) using a bootstrap resampling procedure was employed to characterize how WASH exposures were associated with WASH conditions and school performance. Data were collected from 425 schools. The Basic WASH facilities coverage in the primary schools of Sindh remains overall low according to WHO WASH service ladder criteria. Also, inconsistency in all three inclusive domains of WASH (availability, accessibility, and functionality) facilities were found. The school performance was significantly associated (P<0.001) with the presence of WASH interventions and/or WASH policy, while WASH policy and/or recent WASH intervention at the school were not associated with overall water quality. Our assessment unveiled several WASH gaps that exist, including high heavy metal and fecal contamination. Adoption of national WASH policy and financing of evidence-based WASH interventions are recommended in primary schools to improve educational outcomes.

Matched MeSH terms: Schools

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links