Displaying publications 21 - 39 of 39 in total

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  1. Husin MH, Lim YK
    Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol, 2020 08;15(6):701-707.
    PMID: 31729282 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2019.1615999
    Background/Purpose: Visual impairment is a disability more commonly caused by diseases that lead to several disadvantages to the daily activities amongst those blind. For almost a century since the white cane was first introduced, the cane has remained as the most reliable tool for those affected by blindness.Methods: By using a combination of the capabilities of Internet of Things (IoT) and existing devices, such as mobile phones, an InWalker system is proposed to expand the functionality of the typical white cane, so as to introduce several new features that enhance the safety and confidence amongst people who are blind. As such, this paper explores the existing works and projects to comprehend the motivation and the standard practices for each proposed feature. Each of the strength and drawback has been assessed thoroughly to refine the scope of this project.Results: The proposed project, InWalker, is an intelligent system that has an embedded board system with various sensors to enhance the usability of white cane. The inputs from the sensor are processed on a microcontroller, which then pass the data to a smartphone via Bluetooth for additional features, such as global positioning system (GPS) tracking and SMS services.Conclusions: Based on the initial user testing, the proposed system has successfully fulfilled most of the users' need.Implication for RehabilitationVisual impairment is a disability more commonly caused by diseases that lead to several disadvantages amongst those blind.The white cane has been seen as the most reliable tool for the visual impaired.This tool could be further improved with the integration of additional sensors that works with today's mobile devices.The proposed system, InWalker, is able to improve the overall quality of life among people who are blind through several features: obstacle detection, GPS tracking and a light illumination in dark environments for increased safety.
    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging/instrumentation*
  2. Usmani S, Rasheed R, Al Kandari F
    J Nucl Med Technol, 2020 Jun;48(2):181-183.
    PMID: 32111663 DOI: 10.2967/jnmt.119.235986
    Textitis is a new term used to refer to the degenerative-strain osteoarthritis that comes from excessive use of a smart phone. 18F-NaF is increasingly used in diagnosing skeletal pain that is not identified on radiographs. We report a case of a 26-y-old woman with left breast cancer referred for 18F-NaF PET/CT, who was complaining of right thumb and wrist pain. Findings were negative for bone secondaries. Dedicated hands views were acquired on a positron emission mammography scanner and showed focal uptake at the first carpometacarpal and second metacarpophalangeal joints. On the basis of the strong history, the findings were likely due to active arthritic changes caused by repetitive strain injury from excessive text messaging.
    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging*
  3. Tang YH, Chong MC, Chua YP, Chui PL, Tang LY, Rahmat N
    J Clin Nurs, 2018 Dec;27(23-24):4311-4320.
    PMID: 29777560 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14538
    AIMS: To determine the effect mobile messaging apps on coronary artery disease patient knowledge of and adherence to a healthy lifestyle.

    BACKGROUND: Due to the increasing incidence of coronary artery disease in recent years, interventions targeting coronary artery disease risk factors are urgent public priorities. The use of mobile technology in healthcare services and medical education is relatively new with promising future prospects.

    DESIGN: This study used a quasiexperimental design that included pre- and posttest for intervention and control groups.

    METHODS: The study was conducted from January-April 2017 with both intervention and control groups, in a teaching hospital in Klang Valley. Convenience sampling was used with inclusive criteria in choosing the 94 patients with coronary artery disease (intervention group: 47 patients; control group: 47 patients). The pretest was conducted as a baseline measurement for both groups before they were given standard care from a hospital. However, only the intervention group was given a daily information update via WhatsApp for 1 month. After 1 month, both groups were assessed with a posttest.

    RESULTS: The split-plot ANOVA analysis indicates that there is a significant and positive effect of the intervention on coronary artery disease patients' knowledge on coronary artery disease risk factors [F(1, 92) = 168.15, p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging*
  4. Saud, Safaa Najah, Manivannan, Dasarataan, Adzliza Binti Salmi, Lilysuriazna Raya
    MyJurnal
    Nowadays, the scientific knowledge is developing frequently in numerous characteristics to be able to offer versatile and also safe and sound tendency for the users. At this time many of prevalent together with employed indicate by the visually impaired people are using the ivory stick, nonetheless it possesses constraints. With the recent technological innovation, it is easy to prolong the assistance acquire for people who have visual disability throughout their movability; this design endorses a cost-effective ultrasonic stick for visually encountered people today, to be able to achieve an exclusive self-reliance and even exempt from the additional assist. A portable convenient to use technology is designed which could recognize the obstructions in the way working with ultrasonic sensors in addition to vibrator. Ultrasonic sensors will be able to inspect three types of distinct heights. Vibrator is frequently used as a substitute gadget in the areas that surrounds with the minimal signal coverage also nosy environment. The buzzer and vibration motor are initialized while any kind of hindrance is identified. Global positioning system device presents the details about to the proceeding approach both work or even home, that has been supplied considering that control keys together with a contingency switch. Text message unit is utilized by the blind to send out SMS info to the saved phone numbers in the Arduino in the event of unexpected emergency.

    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging
  5. Poudel RR, Singh VA, Yasin NF
    Indian J Orthop, 2020 Apr;54(2):208-214.
    PMID: 32257039 DOI: 10.1007/s43465-019-00002-8
    Background: The family of patients undergo profound anxiety when their family member is undergoing major oncological surgery. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of periodic intraoperative text messages regarding the status of ongoing surgery in reducing anxiety levels among the patients' family members.

    Materials and Methods: Family members of 60 patients (one for each patient) who were undergoing major oncological surgery lasting more than 1 h were recruited and randomized into two groups (30 patients each). Group 1 (no SMS group) did not receive any text message while Group 2 (SMS group) received periodic intraoperative text messages. Respondents aged less than 16 years, those with associated psychiatric illnesses, and those who did not consent to the study were excluded. Anxiety among family members was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A) and Anxiety component of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A) at five different periods; (P1) 1 day prior to surgery (P2) at separation from family at the operation theatre (P3) 1 h after commencement of surgery (P4) immediately after completion of surgery, and (P5) 1 day after surgery.

    Results: The mean VAS-A and HADS-S scores between both the groups did not show a statistically significant difference for P1, P2 and P5 assessment periods (preoperative period, separation in operation theatre, post-operative period). However, mean VAS-A and HADS-A scores were significantly higher for Group 1 compared to Group 2 during P3 and P4 periods, 1 h after commencement of surgery and completion of surgery, respectively.

    Conclusion: Periodic text messages updating the status of ongoing surgery helps to reduce anxiety for family members of patients undergoing oncological surgery during the intraoperative period.

    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging
  6. Lua, P.L., Wan Dali, W.P.E., Shahril, M.R.
    Malays J Nutr, 2013;19(3):339-352.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: This cluster randomised controlled study design aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing nutrition education intervention (NEI) that targeted at incremental reduction of body weight and increased physical activity level among university students. Methods: Body weight and physical activity level were assessed before and after intervention. A total of 417 university students from four public universities in Terengganu participated in the study. They were randomly selected and assigned into two arms, that is, intervention group (IG) or control group (CG) according to their cluster. The IG received 10 weeks intervention focused on NEI promotion using three modes which were conventional lecture, three brochures as take-home messages and text messages for intervention reinforcement while CG did not receive any intervention. Analysis of covariance (ANCOV A) and adjusted effect size were used to determine differences in body weight and physical activity levels between groups and time. Results: No significant changes in body weight were observed among both groups. The average weight and body mass index (BMI) were slightly reduced in IG compared to CG after the 10-week intervention (p>0.05). Nevertheless, physical activity level improved significantly among IG participants compared to CG with increased metabolic equivalent (MET) min/week spent for walking, moderate and vigorous activities and significantly decreased sitting time. The largest adjusted effect size was shown in total physical activity (0.75). Conclusion: The multimodal NEI had a positive influence on physical activity outcomes among university students. NEI should be continuously implemented in this particular population group.
    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging
  7. James RJE, O'Malley C, Tunney RJ
    Br J Psychol, 2017 Aug;108(3):608-625.
    PMID: 27753063 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12226
    This manuscript reviews the extant literature on key issues related to mobile gambling and considers whether the potential risks of harm emerging from this platform are driven by pre-existing comorbidities or by psychological processes unique to mobile gambling. We propose an account based on associative learning that suggests this form of gambling is likely to show distinctive features compared with other gambling technologies. Smartphones are a rapidly growing platform on which individuals can gamble using specifically designed applications, adapted websites or text messaging. This review considers how mobile phone use interacts with psychological processes relevant to gambling, the games users are likely to play on smartphones, and the interactions afforded by smartphones. Our interpretation of the evidence is that the schedules of reinforcement found in gambling interact with the ways in which people tend to use smartphones that may expedite the acquisition of maladaptive learned behaviours such as problem gambling. This account is consistent with existing theories and frameworks of problem gambling and has relevance to other forms of mobile phone use.
    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging
  8. Muhammad Faiz Mohd Ishak, Safirah Jaan Jaafar, Noor Hazmi Noor Hassim, Azmawati Mohammed Nawi, Rohaizat Mohd Hassan, Norfazilah Ahmad
    MyJurnal
    ABSTRACTS FOR THE 1ST INTERNATIONAL BORNEO HEALTHCARE AND PUBLIC HEALTH CONFERENCE AND 4TH BORNEO TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE CONGRESS
    New Frontiers in Health: Expecting the Unexpected
    Held at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,
    Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia On 3rd-5th September 2019

    Introduction: Obesity is a global epidemic with major healthcare implications and costs. The availability of Smart-phone app as a new technological innovation developed is increasing rapidly. This new technological innovation can have a huge potential for interventions to help weight loss and combat obesity. To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies to compare the effectiveness of Smartphone apps compared with other methods to promote weight loss and obesity. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant studies identified by a search of independently screened studies for inclusion criteria and extracted data. We included arti-cles that assessed any (Smartphone/Mobile phone app intervention with anthropometric measurement like weight/BMI, waist circumference), adult or children population then exclude articles in which the primary outcome is not weight/BMI/Waist circumference, non-original articles (Reviews, Editorials, Non-research letters), case reports or case series, non RCT study design, participant with co-morbidities or condition like pregnancy and Intervention using SMS or any text messaging. Results: We included 7 articles in this systematic review and meta-analysis. This me-ta-analysis shows that smartphone app interventions compared with conventional or other interventions is non-sig-nificant decreases in body weight, with the pooled estimates of the net change in body weight being -1.62 kg (95% CI –3.61 to 0.36; I2 = 93%). Pooled results indicated a non-significant net difference in BMI between smart phone app and control intervention groups (WMD 0.26 kg/m2, 95% CI -0.83 to 1.34; I2 = 68%). For waist circumference, there is non-significant net difference in BMI between smart phone app and control intervention groups (WMD -5.2 cm 95% CI --0.15 to 4.60; I2 = 93%). Conclusion: Smartphone apps intervention alone is not producing substantial evidence of weight loss despite there might be effective for certain groups. However, there are still explorable pros-pect on the use of smartphone app in combination of other approach to assist and promote weight loss as the use of smartphone are proven to influence health related behavioural modification.
    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging
  9. Akhtari-Zavare M, Ghanbari-Baghestan A, Latiff LA, Khaniki H
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2015;16(4):1337-41.
    PMID: 25743795
    BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second principal cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide, including Malaysia. This study focused on media choice and attempted to determine the communication channels mostly used and preferred by women in seeking information and knowledge about breast cancer.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was carried out to examine the breast cancer prevention information seeking behavior among 450 students at one private university in Malaysia.

    RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 25±4.3 years. Common interpersonal information sources were doctors, friends, and nurses and common channel information sources were television, brochure, and internet. Overall, 89.9% used cell phones, 46.1% had an interest in receiving cell phone breast cancer prevention messages, 73.9% used text messaging, and 36.7% had an interest in receiving text breast cancer prevention messages. Bivariate analysis revealed significant differences among age, eduation, nationality and use of cell phones.

    CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of health information seeking behavior is important for community health educators to target populations for program development.

    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging/statistics & numerical data*
  10. Khonsari S, Subramanian P, Chinna K, Latif LA, Ling LW, Gholami O
    Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs, 2015 Apr;14(2):170-9.
    PMID: 24491349 DOI: 10.1177/1474515114521910
    Medication non-adherence leads to a vast range of negative outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. An automated web-based system managing short message service (SMS) reminders is a telemedicine approach to optimise adherence among patients who frequently forget to take their medications or miss the timing.
    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging*
  11. Lee YL, Verma RK, Yadav H, Barua A
    Eur J Dent Educ, 2016 Nov;20(4):218-228.
    PMID: 26277860 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12164
    BACKGROUND: Facebook and mobile texting are prevalent in the lives of almost every student. However, little is known about the relationship between Facebook usage or mobile texting and their impacts on health amongst undergraduate dental students. In this study, excessive Facebook use and excessive mobile texting were studied as they relate to impacts on health.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a private university in Malaysia. A total of 188 undergraduate dental students were interviewed using a pre-tested and self-rated questionnaire. Data collected from participants were analysed using SPSS version 18.0. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and multiple logistic regression analyses were applied to study the relationship between explanatory variables and excessive Facebook use and excessive mobile texting.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of excessive Facebook use and excessive mobile texting amongst undergraduate dental students was found to be 33.2% and 33.0%, respectively. According to a multivariate analysis, texting habits, such as the presence of daytime sleepiness after texting late at night (aOR = 2.682, 95% CI = 1.142-6.301) and the presence of anxious feelings if students failed to receive a timely response (aOR = 3.819, 95% CI = 1.580-9.230), were determined to be significant predictors of excessive mobile texting. Excessive Facebook use was found to be significantly related to three variables as follows: fewer numbers of close friends (aOR = 2.275, 95% CI = 1.057-4.898), the checking of updates on the Facebook walls of their friends (aOR = 2.582, 95% CI = 1.189-5.605) and the absence of active and vigorous feelings during Facebook use (aOR = 3.401, 95% CI = 1.233-9.434).

    CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-third of undergraduate dental students in this study experienced excessive Facebook use and/or excessive mobile texting. Health education and promotion should be instituted to create awareness, whilst students should be advised to practise self-control with respect to both mobile texting and Facebook usage.

    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging/utilization*
  12. Lua PL, Neni WS
    Qual Life Res, 2013 Oct;22(8):2123-32.
    PMID: 23329469 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-013-0352-6
    BACKGROUND: Improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among people with epilepsy (PWE) has become the focus of various treatment programmes and behavioural interventions which continue to be challenging to both patients and healthcare professionals.

    AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of SMS-based epilepsy education programme on PWE's HRQoL status and to determine the predictors for good HRQoL.

    METHODS: Eligible epilepsy out-patients from three public hospitals in East Coast Peninsular Malaysia were randomized into two groups: intervention (IG) and control (CG). Patients in the CG were supplied with only printed epilepsy educational module, while those in the IG additionally received short message service (SMS) from the Mobile Epilepsy Educational System (MEES). The Malay Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-30 (MQOLIE-30) was utilized for HRQoL assessment. Descriptive statistics, paired t test, analysis of covariance and multiple logistic regression were employed for data analyses (SPSS 16).

    RESULTS: One hundred and forty-four PWE were recruited for the study (age = 30.5 ± 11.8; unmarried = 60.4 %; education level ≤ SPM/Cambridge O' level = 76.4 %; illness duration > 5 years = 51.1 %). After controlling for possible confounders, IG exhibited positive changes in HRQoL profile compared to CG particularly in Seizure Worry, Overall Quality of Life, Emotional Well-Being, Social Functioning and Overall Score (p < 0.05). After adjusting for covariates, being employed and receiving additional SMS-based epilepsy education programme emerged as the significant predictors of good HRQoL among PWE.

    CONCLUSION: Receiving continuous SMS-based epilepsy information from the MEES seemed to generate positive impacts on PWE's overall HRQoL. This study has provided a basis for future innovations to inspire efforts in ensuring the welfare and HRQoL of PWE and their families.

    Study site: Eligible epilepsy out-patients from three public hospitals in East Coast Peninsular Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging*
  13. Chakranon P, Lai YK, Tang YW, Choudhary P, Khunti K, Lee SWH
    Diabet Med, 2020 12;37(12):1966-1976.
    PMID: 31631398 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14156
    AIM: To summarize and evaluate the existing evidence on the effectiveness of distal technology with regard to multiple health outcomes in people with diabetes.

    METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from database inception to 31 August 2018 for systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses of studies that examined the impact of distal technology and reported any clinical or patient-related outcomes among people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

    RESULTS: The umbrella review identified 95 reviews, including 162 meta-analyses with 46 unique outcomes. Evidence from meta-analyses of randomized controlled studies supports the use of distal technology, especially telehealth and mHealth (healthcare delivered by mobile technology), in people with diabetes for improving HbA1c values by 2-4 mmol/mol (0.2-0.4%). For other health outcomes, such as changes in fasting plasma glucose levels, risk of diabetic ketoacidosis or frequency of severe hypoglycaemia, the evidence was weaker. No evidence was reported for most patient-reported outcomes including quality of life, self-efficacy and medication-taking. The evidence base was poor, with most studies rated as low to very low quality.

    CONCLUSION: Distal technologies were associated with a modest improvement in glycaemic control, but it was unclear if they improved major clinical outcomes or were cost-effective in people with diabetes. More robust research to improve wider outcomes in people with diabetes is needed before such technologies can be recommended as part of routine care for any patient group.

    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging*
  14. Lua PL, Neni WS
    Telemed J E Health, 2012 Dec;18(10):777-84.
    PMID: 23078181 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2012.0047
    Telemedicine innovations, including short message service (SMS), have been used to address a range of health concerns in a variety of settings. Practical, safe, and cost-effective, this simple tool can also potentially improve patients' understanding toward their own diseases via knowledge enhancement. This study was designed to develop and assess the feasibility and acceptability of an SMS-based epilepsy educational program for epilepsy patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging
  15. Mohd Suan MA
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Sep;27(6):601-9.
    PMID: 26041835 DOI: 10.1177/1010539515588943
    A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence and characteristics of women who received a postpartum oral glucose tolerance test and to examine barriers as reported by women who failed to return for the test. Data were collected using a mobile phone-based short messaging service. Only 352 (81.9%) women returned for the test. Women who failed to return for the test were younger (30.1 vs 32.1, P = .003) and did not have a previous history of gestational diabetes (93.6% vs 84.9%, P = .043) compared to women who returned for the test. The commonest reasons given for not returning for the test was "Still waiting for the appointment date for the test" (37.2%), "had family/health problems" (11.5%), and "busy/no time" (10.3%). Flexible time for the test, active involvement from health care staff, and strengthening continuous care system were among the interventions needed to improve the return rate for this screening test.
    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging
  16. Correia JC, Meraj H, Teoh SH, Waqas A, Ahmad M, Lapão LV, et al.
    Bull World Health Organ, 2021 Mar 01;99(3):209-219B.
    PMID: 33716343 DOI: 10.2471/BLT.19.250068
    Objective: To determine the effectiveness of telemedicine in the delivery of diabetes care in low- and middle-income countries.

    Methods: We searched seven databases up to July 2020 for randomized controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of telemedicine in the delivery of diabetes care in low- and middle-income countries. We extracted data on the study characteristics, primary end-points and effect sizes of outcomes. Using random effects analyses, we ran a series of meta-analyses for both biochemical outcomes and related patient properties.

    Findings: We included 31 interventions in our meta-analysis. We observed significant standardized mean differences of -0.38 for glycated haemoglobin (95% confidence interval, CI: -0.52 to -0.23; I2 = 86.70%), -0.20 for fasting blood sugar (95% CI: -0.32 to -0.08; I2 = 64.28%), 0.81 for adherence to treatment (95% CI: 0.19 to 1.42; I2 = 93.75%), 0.55 for diabetes knowledge (95% CI: -0.10 to 1.20; I2 = 92.65%) and 1.68 for self-efficacy (95% CI: 1.06 to 2.30; I2 = 97.15%). We observed no significant treatment effects for other outcomes, with standardized mean differences of -0.04 for body mass index (95% CI: -0.13 to 0.05; I2 = 35.94%), -0.06 for total cholesterol (95% CI: -0.16 to 0.04; I2 = 59.93%) and -0.02 for triglycerides (95% CI: -0.12 to 0.09; I2 = 0%). Interventions via telephone and short message service yielded the highest treatment effects compared with services based on telemetry and smartphone applications.

    Conclusion: Although we determined that telemedicine is effective in improving several diabetes-related outcomes, the certainty of evidence was very low due to substantial heterogeneity and risk of bias.

    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging
  17. Kee, C. C., Lim, K. H., Sumarni, M. G., Ismail, M. N., Poh, B. K., Amal, N. M.
    MyJurnal
    Physical inactivity is strongly associated with obesity and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents. A cross-sectional study using multistage random sampling was conducted to determine associations between demographic characteristics, sedentary behaviours and physical activity among adolescents. Data were collected from 785 (414 males and 371 females) Form four students attending 15 schools in Petaling District, Selangor using an adapted self-administered questionnaire. Results showed that more females (50.1%) were physically inactive compared to males (39.6%) (Adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12-2.15). Physically inactive adolescents were less likely to participate in intramural/house league sports (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.19-2.44), school team sports (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.03-2.04) and individual physical activities outside school (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.11-2.12) compared to their physically active counterparts. Physically inactive adolescents were also less engaged in sedentary activities, such as television watching (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50-0.94), playing computer/video game (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.28-0.72), talking on the telephone/mobile phone text messaging (OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.32-0.69) and reading (OR:0.45, 95% CI: 0.24-0.86) compared to those who were physically active. In this study, physical activity coexists with sedentary behaviour in adolescents. Sedentary activities may not necessarily displace physical activity among youth. In addition, these data suggest that promoting organised sports in school and outside the school among youths may be a potential strategy for increasing physical activity in this population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging
  18. Kc B, Lim D, Low CC, Chew C, Blebil AQ, Dujaili JA, et al.
    JMIR Med Inform, 2020 Jul 08;8(7):e17982.
    PMID: 32463787 DOI: 10.2196/17982
    BACKGROUND: Information and communication technology (ICT) is an essential element of modern "smart" cities. These smart cities have integrated housing, marketplace, public amenities, services, business, and transportation via ICT. ICT is also now widely used in urban health care delivery.

    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the positioning and roles of ICT in community pharmacies in the state of Selangor, Malaysia.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to January 2019 across 9 different subdistricts in the state of Selangor, including Subang Jaya, Cheras, Puchong, Port Klang, Kota Kemuning, Selayang, Chow Kit, Ampang, and Seri Kembangan. A total of 90 community pharmacists were approached from the 9 subdistricts and invited to participate in the study.

    RESULTS: Of the 90 community pharmacies approached, 60 agreed to participate in the study, representing a response rate of 67%. The majority (36/60, 60%) of the respondents were women, and more than half (32/60, 53%) of the community pharmacies were run by young adults (ie, 30 years old and younger). More than three-quarters of the community pharmacies (46/60, 77%) used electronic health records. Half of the community pharmacies used online social media platforms for advertising and promoting their pharmacies. The vast majority of the community pharmacies (55/60, 92%) were using modern electronic payment systems, and some were also using other new electronic payment methods. Moreover, most of the community pharmacies (41/60, 68%) were using software and programs for accounting and logistics purposes. In addition, 47/60 (78%) of the community pharmacies used a barcode reading system for medicines/health products, and 16/60 (27%) of the pharmacies had online stores, and consumers could buy medicines and health products from these pharmacies via their online portal. In addition, 20/60 (33%) of the community pharmacies used at least one of the common online business platforms available in Southeast Asia to sell products/medicines. The telephone was the most commonly used means of communication with patients, although some pharmacies also used email, WhatsApp, SMS text messaging, and other communication platforms.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the majority of community pharmacies in Selangor, Malaysia are using ICT for different purposes. However, there is still limited use of mobile apps to provide health services. Overall, community pharmacies have been adopting ICT apps for pharmacy services but the rate of adoption is relatively slower than that in other sectors of Malaysia.

    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging
  19. Low SK, Khoo JK, Tavintharan S, Lim SC, Sum CF
    Ann Acad Med Singap, 2016 Jan;45(1):1-5.
    PMID: 27118222
    Matched MeSH terms: Text Messaging
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