Displaying publications 401 - 420 of 492 in total

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  1. Biocompatible ionic liquids assisted transdermal co-delivery of antigenic protein and adjuvant for cancer immunotherapy
    Chowdhury MR, Moshikur RM, Wakabayashi R, Moniruzzaman M, Goto M
    Int J Pharm, 2021 May 15;601:120582.
    PMID: 33872711 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120582
    Human skin contains numerous antigen-presenting cells that are a potential target for several immune-based therapies, including vaccination and cancer immunotherapy. However, the outermost layer of the skin-the stratum corneum-acts as a major physical barrier against the permeation of antigens that have a molecular weight > 500 Da. In this study, an ionic liquid-assisted delivery system (ILDS) was developed, which enabled the successful transdermal delivery of an antigenic protein, ovalbumin (OVA), with a toll-like receptor agonist, imiquimod, as an adjuvant, to stimulate a specific immune response. Both the ionic liquids and ILDS were completely biocompatible for topical or transdermal application for therapeutic purposes. The skin permeation of the antigenic protein and adjuvant was found to be significantly enhanced because of the incorporation of a surface-active ionic liquid in the ILDS. An in vivo immunization study showed that there was a high level of OVA-specific IgG antibody production because of the enhanced permeation of the antigen and adjuvant across and into the skin. In a preclusive anticancer study, vaccination through ILDS showed stronger tumor-growth inhibition compared to control group. These results indicated that the ILDS could be a promising strategy for transdermal immunization as future therapeutics.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  2. Fulltext Diphtheria anti-toxoid antibody levels among pre-clinical students and staff in an institute of higher learning in Malaysia: are they protected?
    Hamat, R.A., Malina, O., Chua, Y.J., Seng, K.L., Zubaidah, M., Norhanim, K., et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2011;7(1):-.
    MyJurnal
    Little is known about the sero-prevalence of diphtheria anti-toxoid antibody levels among medical students in Malaysia. They too, just like other health care workers (HCWs) are at risk of contracting and transmitting diphtheria. Fortunately, this can be prevented by giving a specific vaccine: the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) vaccine. Nonetheless, data from local or regional surveys are needed before any decision is made by the respective authorities. General objective: We studied the epidemiology of diphtheria anti-toxoid antibody levels and vaccination history amongst medical students and staff in Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Specific objectives: We determined the level of diphtheria anti-toxoid antibodies amongst pre-clinical students and staff. Methodology: A total of 152 sera were collected from subjects aged 19 to 63, and diphtheria anti-toxoid levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: One hundred and fifty-two (94.4%) blood samples out of 161 participants were successfully withdrawn, which comprised 105 (69.1%) and 47 (30.9%) medical students and staff, respectively. A total of 77.6% and the other 22.4% of the subjects had full and basic protection, respectively. Higher levels were predominant amongst males and they were 1.3 times more protected than females in 20-29 year-old group (85.1% vs 66.2%; odd ratios 1.25 [95% CI 1.03-1.50]; P=0.03). No significant difference in the levels of immunity among subjects for ethnicity and academic position (P>0.05). Recommendations: Level of full protection against diphtheria toxin should be clearly defined by broad population based studies using several comparable detection methods. Medical students and staff with basic protection should be closely monitored or should be given a booster dose for those who are at high risk of acquiring the disease. Thus, a standard degree of coverage should be clearly determined for health workers to prevent a potential outbreak. Conclusion: Students and staff possess immunity towards diptheria toxin however the level of full protective antibody is yet to be determined in future.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  3. Risk factors for under-immunisation in hospitalised preschool children
    Mariana, D., Quah, B.S., Mazidah, A.R.
    Malaysian Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 2005;14(1):33-40.
    MyJurnal
    Even though vaccines are effective for prevention of diseases, compliance with recommended schedules of immunisation in early childhood is not always complete. Identification of potential risk factors associated with under-immunisation may help increase vaccination uptake. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and risk factors of under-immunisation in hospitalised preschool children in Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital (HUSM). Children aged 1 month to 2 years admitted between December 1998 and December 2000 in medical paediatric wards at HUSM were studied. Parents/guardians were interviewed during admission regarding immunisation status and potential risk factors. Children who did not have home-based cards during admission were excluded. Among 401 children, 37.9% had complete immunisation, 43.4% had delayed immunisation and 34.9% had incomplete immunisation. The uptake of BCG, DPT/OPV 1, DPT/OPV2, Hepatitis B3, DPT/OPV3, and measles were 98.5%, 90.7%, 83.2%, 81.4%,79.2% and 72.9% respectively. Vaccines scheduled to be given at later ages were significantly less likely to be taken (p=0.002) compared with vaccines scheduled to be given at an earlier age. Significant independent risk factors for under-immunisation were elderly mothers (3 40 years old) (OR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2-8.0), low birth weight £2.0 kg (OR 6.2; 95% CI: 1.8-21.4) and presence of chronic illness in the child (OR 4.5; 95% CI: 2.5-7.9). In children whose father's education was low (primary school or no education), low maternal education was significantly associated with lower rate of under-immunisation (p = 0.005, OR 0.11 95%CI 0.02-0.51).
    In conclusion this study showed that a large proportion of hospitalised preschool children were under-immunised, and vaccines scheduled to be given at a later age had lower uptakes. The situation can be rectified if every opportunity is taken to immunise all children, who have lapsed in their immunisation schedule.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  4. Fulltext Food safety issues in recent Flood 2006-2007 in Johore
    Daud, A.R., Thayalan, R., Farhatun Najmi, M.G.
    Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2009;15(3):55-59.
    MyJurnal
    Background and Objective : Johor was affected by the worst flood in 100 years in December 2006 and again in January 2007. The concern that improper sanitary facilities and contaminated water supply at relief centres would result in contaminated food made monitoring of food hygiene vital. The objective of this paper is to describe food hygiene surveillance activities carried out in flood relief centres and flood affected areas and the challenges faced in carrying out these activities.
    Methodology : The food hygiene surveillance activities were carried out by the Assistant Environmental Health Officers (AEHO) in the districts. Among the surveillance activities carried out are inspection of food preparation areas in relief centres, inspection of food premises in flood affected areas and food sampling. Premise inspections were carried out using a specific inspection format. Food samples taken were sent to Public Health Laboratory, Johor Bahru for microbiological analysis. Anti typhoid vaccination for food handlers were also carried out. Apart from that, observations made by the health teams were alsotaken into account.
    Results : A total of 3,159 food preparation areas in relief centres were inspected. During the same period, a total of 2,317 food premises in flood affected areas were inspected as soon these premises started operating after the floods. Inspections showed that 69 food preparation areas in relief centres and 181 food premises in flood affected areas had unsatisfactory hygiene. A total of 1,566 holding samples were taken and 425 samples were sent to the laboratory for analysis. Forty-six of the samples analysed were found to be positive for pathogenic bacteria such as e. coli, staphylococcus aureus and salmonella.
    Conclusion : The health personnel from the Johor Health Department in various districts carried out an excellent job in ensuring food safety during the floods. There were no outbreaks of food poisoning. However analysis of food samples taken during the floods did show the presence of pathogenic organisms but probably their numbers were not high enough to cause any food poisoning. The promotion and enforcement of food hygiene requirements should be carried out continuously to ensure that every individual understands the need for hygiene and food safety during disaster situation such as flood.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  5. Fulltext Pathological findings in a mouse model for Coxsackievirus A16 infection
    Hooi, Yuan Teng, Ong, Kien Chai, Perera, David, Wong, Kum Thong
    Neurology Asia, 2015;20(4):343-347.
    MyJurnal
    Coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16) is the leading cause of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD), which usually
    presents as mild and self-limiting symptoms in young children. Rarely, CV-A16 has been reported
    to cause severe and fatal neurological complications but little is known about these complications.
    In the present study, 1-day and 7-day old mouse models of CV-A16 were developed using a clinical
    strain via subcutaneous inoculation. All infected mice exhibited clinical signs of infection, including
    reduced mobility, limb weakness and paralysis between 3 to 6 days post-infection. Pathologically,
    the main organs involved were the central nervous system (CNS), skeletal muscles and brown fat. In
    the CNS, viral antigens as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, were localized mainly to neurons
    in the brain stem and spinal cord, suggesting that CV-A16 is neurotropic although inflammation is
    very mild. The skeletal muscles showed necrosis and myositis due to viral infection as evidenced by
    the dense viral antigens. Focal viral antigens were also detected in the brown fat. These preliminary
    pathological findings indicate that our mouse models can be further developed to be useful models
    for pathogenesis studies, and vaccine and anti-viral drug evaluation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  6. Fulltext Nationwide Survey of Knowledge and Health Beliefs regarding Human Papillomavirus among HPV-Vaccinated Female Students in Malaysia
    Wong LP, Raja Muhammad Yusoff RN, Edib Z, Sam IC, Zimet GD
    PLoS One, 2016 09 22;11(9):e0163156.
    PMID: 27656876 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163156
    The National HPV Immunization Programme, which offers free human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to teenaged female students, was launched in Malaysia in 2010. HPV vaccination paired with adequate knowledge about HPV infection provides the best protection against cervical cancer. To identify the level of knowledge and the health beliefs towards HPV and the HPV vaccine among HPV-vaccinated female students in Malaysia. A nationwide cross-sectional survey among 14 years old female students who had received three doses of the HPV vaccine was conducted in 32 randomly selected schools from 13 states and 3 federal territories in Malaysia between February 2013 and April 2013. Among 2482 respondents, knowledge about HPV infection and the HPV vaccine was extremely poor. The mean total knowledge score was only 3.56 (SD ± 1.76), out of a possible score of 10. The majority of respondents were unaware that vaccinating boys with HPV can help protect girls against HPV infection (91.6%), HPV cannot be cured (81.6%) and that HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (70.3%). Most of the respondents had the misconception that only females get HPV (95.1%), and that the HPV vaccine eliminates the need for Pap smear tests (68.3%). Most respondents (91.6%) believed that they would not get an HPV infection. Almost half of the respondents (42.9%) held the misconception that HPV infection could not lead to serious illness. Findings revealed poor knowledge about both HPV and the HPV vaccine, low perceived susceptibility to HPV infection and misinformation about HPV infection among HPV-vaccinated girls. Therefore, it is essential to increase the knowledge and awareness of health risks regarding HPV infection among teenaged girls who have received the HPV vaccine.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  7. The early immunisation of infants in Malaysia
    Chen ST, Choong MM
    Med J Malaya, 1971 Sep;26(1):15-9.
    PMID: 4258569
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  8. Fulltext Hepatitis B infection: what the primary care doctors should know
    Kew ST, Loh KY
    Malays Fam Physician, 2006;1(1):8-10.
    MyJurnal
    Hepatitis B virus infection is a global public health problem. The prevalence of hepatitis B infection is higher in Asia. The rate of HBsAg carriage in the general population ranges from 2-20%. The WHO has recommended that by the end of 21st century hepatitis B vaccination should be incorporated into routine childhood immunisation programmes for all nations. Vaccination against hepatitis B remains the most important aspect of preventive care. Most importantly hepatitis B vaccination can protect individual from fulminant hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Primary care physicians must be familiar with the pathology, epidemiological and clinical presentations of this disease and be able to refer patients for appropriate treatment at the tertiary centre.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  9. Knowledge, attitude and practice in breast-feeding among working mothers in Temerloh, Pahang
    Omar, K.
    Malaysian Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 1998;10(2):40-45.
    MyJurnal
    A cross-sectional study using structured questionnaires was conducted to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice on breast-feeding among working mothers. A total of 200 working mothers who attended the Child Health Clinics in Temerloh, for their chil-dren's third DPT/Polio vaccination were interviewed. Eighty-nine percent of the mothers successfully initiat-ed breast-feeding. However, there was a rapid decline in breast-feeding each month especially during the period when the mothers returned to work. Only 33.5% of the mothers had at least one experience in expressing and feeding expressed breast milk to their babies and only 47% reported that they had been taught by health work-ers. The mothers scored highest on the 'benefits of breast-feeding' with a mean knowledge score of 77.9% and lowest on "storage of expressed breast milk" (35.4%). Overall the mothers showed a positive attitude towards breast-feeding. The two main reasons given for stopping breast-feeding were "work" (61.4%) and "insufficient milk" (57.9%). In conclusion, other areas of breast-feeding besides benefits such as "expressing and storing breast milk" and "how" to practise breast-feeding while working away from home are also impor-tant for working mothers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  10. Control of vitamin a deficiency for reducing morbidity and mortality in children
    Muhilal
    Malaysian Journal of Child Health, 1997;9(1):49-52.
    MyJurnal
    Various studies conducted in Indonesia have shown that administration of Vitamin A to pre-school children had decreased the mortality and morbidity rates among them. In the first study conducted in the province of Acheh in North Sumatra, a twice yearly high dose of vitamin A led to a 34% decrease in mortality. In a second study in Bogor, conducted by fortifying the nutritional additive MSG with vitamin A and distributing the product in a designated area, the mortality rate among preschool children was 45% less than in a control area. In the third study also conducted in Bogor, where vitamin A was given to lactating women 2 weeks after giving birth and then directly to the infants themselves after 5 months of age, the mortality rate was 38% lower. The prevalences of respiratory and diarrhoeal infections were statistically lower than in the control gorups. Another study on preschool children showed a two-fold increase of anti TT IgG on primary immunisation against tetanus when compared to a control group and a four-fold increase with a secondary immunisation. Other studies conducted in Bogor and other parts of the world have showed that smaller doses given more often are more effective than bigger doses given less often.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  11. Fulltext Needlestick injury: a review of twelve theses among healthcare personnel in Malaysia
    Noor Hassim Ismail, Rosnah Ismail, Rampal, K.G.
    Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2009;15(1):47-50.
    MyJurnal
    Aims : The review was to determine the prevalence of needlestick injury especially among health care personnel and to determine the score of knowledge and compliance to the Standard Universal Precaution.
    Method : Twelve theses were reviewed from year 1996 to 2007 of Master in Community Health Science, Master in Community Health and Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health of Community Health Department Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center involving of 1645 respondents of health care personnel, support staff and student of nursing and medical. Eleven studies were cross sectional design and only one study was retrospective.
    Results : Respondents were dominated by female (74.6%) and Malay ethnicity (65%), as young as 19 years old to 56 years old of age. Majority had received Hepatitis B vaccination (79.4%) but only 37.1% had completed the 3 doses regime. The incidence of episodes of needle stick injury among health care personnel was double (53.7%) compared to final year medical students (20.9%). Needle stick injuries did not occur at random as there were a few health care personnel injured repeatedly. Those who had higher mean or median score for compliance to Standard Universal Precaution were non case of needlestick injury. Work practices had been highlighted in few studies of being risk factors for needlestick injury such as blood withdrawing related activities. Other risk factors were job category, predictive factor for compliance to Standard Universal Precaution, risk perception and training.
    Conclusion : Even though the review could not extrapolated to general population of healthcare personnel but it gave some illustrated pictures to what had happened in small clustered locations. Episodes of needle stick injury was 53.7% for past 12 years, it was double in comparison to final year medical students in year 2001. 13.2% were injured repeatedly. The score of knowledge was more the 50% of range but compliance to Standard Precaution made differences in being cases or non cases among respondents. The seroconversion status till date was unknown.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  12. Fulltext Suburban breastfed infants in Klang Valley are at higher risk of dioxins toxicity
    Mohd Hasni Jaafar
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2015;15(1):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    Dioxins are a most toxic compound ever studied by human until today. Their significant health effects involved all ranges of age, including infants due to exposure to contaminated breast milk. The objective of the study was to appraise the status of dioxin contamination in breast milk among postnatal mothers live in urban and suburban areas in Klang Valley. It was conducted as a cross sectional study involving 101 postnatal mothers who came for their infant second hepatitis B vaccination. The samples were analysed using High Resolution Gas Chromatography (HRGC) following the USEPA Method 8290. About 70.3% of the samples were found detected with dioxin congeners. More suburban mothers have positive breast milk dioxins compared to urban mothers, 100.0% and 67.0% respectively. Significant associated factors include high fat daily intake (p=0.013), high milk daily intake (p= 0.044), high meat daily intake (p=0.001), body mass index more than 30 kg/m2 (p=0.005), and body fat % of more than 26% (p=0.046). In conclusion, amount daily intake of fat diet, meat, milk, body mass index and body fat are significant associated factors for the present of dioxins in breast milk among postnatal mothers in Klang Valley. More suburban mothers contain dioxins in their breast milk, which poses higher risk of health problems among their infants. A comprehensive study need to be conducted and regular followup need to be established in monitoring the future severity of maternal breast milk contamination to ensure the health of the next generations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  13. Fulltext Factors influencing childhood immunization defaulters in Sabah, Malaysia
    Shamsul Azhar, S., Rohaizat, H., Azimatun Noor, A., Rozita, H., Nazarudin, S., Nirmal, K.
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2012;11(1):17-22.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of defaulters of immunization, and their associated risk factors among children age 12 to 24 months. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in all government's maternal child health clinics in District of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Data was collected using a standardised questionnaire from July to November 2006. Results: The prevalence rate for defaulting immunization was 16.8% from the 315 respondents. Bivariable analysis showed various significant factors associated with defaulters such as mother’s employment status, family mobility, transportation and cost. Nonetheless, multivariable analysis showed only mother’s age, mother employment status and family size were the significant predictors for defaulting immunization. Immunization that had the highest rate of defaulters was DPT–OPV booster dose (56.6%), followed by MMR immunization (43.4 %) and
    DPT-Hib/OPV and Hep B third dose (37.7%).Conclusion: Employed mothers with bigger family size should be more closely monitored and advised to reduce the chance of defaulting on the immunization. Health promotion activities also should focus to these groups of mothers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  14. Fulltext Lack of meaningful genotype-phenotype association in SCN1A-related infantile-onset epileptic encephalopathies
    Siti Aishah Abdul Wahab, Yusnita Yakob, Khoo,Teik-Beng, Sangita Dharshini Terumalay, Vigneswari Ganesan, Teh,Chee-Ming, et al.
    Neurology Asia, 2017;22(2):99-111.
    MyJurnal
    Background & Objective: SCN1A gene which encodes for sodium channel alpha 1 subunit has been
    found to be the most common mutated gene in patients with epilepsy. This study aims to characterize the
    SCN1A mutations as well as to describe genotype and phenotype association in children with SCN1Arelated
    infantile-onset epileptic encephalopathies in Malaysia.

    Methods: Children with infantile-onset
    epileptic encephalopathy mostly suspected to have Dravet syndrome who had mutational analysis for
    SCN1A gene from hospitals all over Malaysia were included in the study. Their epilepsy syndrome
    diagnosis was classified into severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy and its variants. Polymerase chain
    reaction and bidirectional sequencing were used to identify SCN1A mutations.

    Results: A total of 38
    children with heterozygous mutations were analysed, 22 (57.9%) of which were novel mutations.
    Truncated mutations were the most common mutation type (19, 50%). Other mutation types were
    missense mutations (14, 36.8%), splice site mutations (4, 10.5%) and in-frame deletion (1, 2.6%). The
    mean age of seizure onset was 4.7 months. Seizure following vaccination was observed in 26.3% of
    the children. All of them had drug resistant epilepsy. There was no significant association between
    the type of mutation with the syndromic diagnosis, age of seizure onset, tendency of the seizures to
    cluster or having status epilepticus, mean age when developmental delay was observed and response
    to various antiepileptic drugs.

    Conclusion: This study expands the spectrum of SCN1A mutations and proves the importance of
    SCN1A gene testing in diagnosing infantile-onset epileptic encephalopathies patients. Although, our
    study does not support any clinically meaningful genotype-phenotype association for SCN1A-related
    infantile-onset epileptic encephalopathies, the clinical characteristics of our cohort are similar to those
    that have been described in previous studies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  15. Fulltext Prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus infection in Malaysia: a retrospective study
    Sivagurunathan A, Atwa AM, Lobetti R
    JFMS Open Rep, 2018 03 13;4(1):2055116917752587.
    PMID: 29568541 DOI: 10.1177/2055116917752587
    Objectives: Feline ownership is popular and represents the largest segment of the pet population in Malaysia. Most feline owners own, on average, 2-3 cats, with some having >10 cats per household. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) are two clinically important viral infections in cats. Documenting the prevalence of these diseases in the feline population is important for both veterinarians and the public.

    Methods: This was a retrospective study, using data collected from the domestic cat population seen at a 24 h private veterinary hospital in Malaysia, to determine the prevalence of FIV and FeLV in an urban area and risk factors associated with these infections. Between 2010 and 2016, 2230 blood samples were collected and tested for FIV antibodies and FeLV antigen using commercially available ELISA test kits.

    Results: In total, 10.0% (n = 224; 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.80-11.26) were seropositive for FIV; 12.0% (n = 267; 95% CI 10.62-13.32) were seropositive for FeLV; and 2.6% (n = 58; 95% CI 2.01-3.17) were seropositive for both.

    Conclusions and relevance: The prevalence of FIV is lower and FeLV higher than previously documented for this region. Because of the immunosuppressive potential of both viruses, client education and use of appropriate control strategies such as routine screening, vaccination and eradication should be considered.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  16. Fulltext Japanese encephalitis in Malaysia: An overview and timeline
    Kumar K, Arshad SS, Selvarajah GT, Abu J, Toung OP, Abba Y, et al.
    Acta Trop, 2018 Sep;185:219-229.
    PMID: 29856986 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.05.017
    Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a vector-borne zoonotic disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). It causes encephalitis in human and horses, and may lead to reproductive failure in sows. The first human encephalitis case in Malaya (now Malaysia) was reported during World War II in a British prison in 1942. Later, encephalitis was observed among race horses in Singapore. In 1951, the first JEV was isolated from the brain of an encephalitis patient. The true storyline of JE exposure among humans and animals has not been documented in Malaysia. In some places such as Sarawak, JEV has been isolated from mosquitoes before an outbreak in 1992. JE is an epidemic in Malaysia except Sarawak. There are four major outbreaks reported in Pulau Langkawi (1974), Penang (1988), Perak and Negeri Sembilan (1998-1999), and Sarawak (1992). JE is considered endemic only in Sarawak. Initially, both adults and children were victims of JE in Malaysia, however, according to the current reports; JE infection is only lethal to children in Malaysia. This paper describes a timeline of JE cases (background of each case) from first detection to current status, vaccination programs against JE, diagnostic methods used in hospitals and factors which may contribute to the transmission of JE among humans and animals in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  17. Fulltext Perspectives about Pandemic Influenza and Its Prophylactic Measures among Final Year Pharmacy Students in Karachi, Pakistan
    Rahim N, Iffat W, Shakeel S, Naeem MI, Qazi F, Rizvi M, et al.
    J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2017 Apr-Jun;9(2):144-151.
    PMID: 28717338 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_328_16
    AIMS: In flu pandemics, pharmacy students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices are critical to save patients life. The objective of study was to determine the knowledge of and attitude toward the pandemic influenza among the pharmacy students of Karachi, Pakistan.
    SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2014 by adopting a prevalidated questionnaire distributed to senior pharmacy students (final year) in seven private and public sector universities of Karachi.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 443 pharmacy students responded the survey. Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics of the students, perceptions, level of knowledge and attitudes toward influenza, and prophylactic measures were collected.
    STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: To compute the correlation between different variables, data were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square statistic method. P < 0.05 was considered statistical significance for all analysis.
    RESULTS: Influenza was identified as a viral disease (n = 423; 95.48%) and 282 (71.2%) students correctly identified it as disease affecting humans and pigs. Textbooks reported as most common source of knowledge (n = 282; 64%). Most common symptoms identified were fever (81.94%), sore throat (64.1%), and nonproductive cough (43.34%). The most common preventive measures were covering nose and mouth (268; 60.5%) and wearing protective coverings (254; 57.3%). Only half of the students correctly reported about the route of administration (180; 40.6%) and strains in vaccine (186; 41.98%). The best time for administration of such vaccine was known by only 156 pharmacy students (35.34%). The majority of the students (82.6%) had no idea about the manifestation of influenza pandemic. Knowledge regarding influenza differed according to gender and institutions differing in their affiliation with tertiary care hospitals.
    CONCLUSION: It was observed that knowledge about disease progression, transmission, vaccination, and treatment in pharmacy students, especially those who are not getting clinical training in tertiary care hospitals was limited. There is an urgent need to develop awareness programs to increase knowledge of influenza among clinical pharmacists as they are more susceptible to infections and community as a whole.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  18. Fulltext Acceptability of multipurpose human papillomavirus vaccines among providers and mothers of adolescent girls: A mixed-methods study in five countries
    Vielot NA, Goldberg SK, Zimet G, Smith SB, Anne McDonald M, Ramos S, et al.
    Papillomavirus Res, 2017 Jun;3:126-133.
    PMID: 28720446 DOI: 10.1016/j.pvr.2017.04.001
    INTRODUCTION: Multipurpose vaccines (MPVs) could be formulated to prevent multiple sexually transmitted infections simultaneously. Little is known about acceptability of MPVs among vaccine health care providers (HCPs) or mothers of adolescent girls.

    METHODS: 151 adolescent vaccine providers and 118 mothers of adolescent girls aged 9-14 were recruited from five geographically-diverse countries: Argentina, Malaysia, South Africa, South Korea, and Spain. We assessed providers' preferences for single-purpose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine versus MPVs (including HPV+herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2, HPV+HIV, or HPV+HSV-2+HIV) via quantitative surveys. Maternal MPV attitudes were assessed in four focus group discussions (FGDs) in each country.

    RESULTS: Most providers preferred MPVs over single-purpose HPV vaccination, with preference ranging from 61% in Malaysia to 96% in South Africa. HPV+HSV-2+HIV was the most preferred MPV formulation (56-82%). Overall, 53% of the mothers preferred MPVs over single-purpose HPV vaccines, with strongest support in South Africa (90%) and lowest support in South Korea (29%). Convenience and trust in the health care system were commonly-cited reasons for MPV acceptability. Safety and efficacy concerns were common barriers to accepting MPVs, though specific concerns differed by country. Across FGDs, additional safety and efficacy information on MPVs were requested, particularly from trusted sources like HCPs.

    CONCLUSIONS: Though maternal acceptability of MPVs varied by country, MPV acceptability would be enhanced by having HCPs provide parents with additional MPV vaccine safety and efficacy information. While most providers preferred MPVs, future health behavior research should identify acceptability barriers, and targeted provider interventions should equip providers to improve vaccination discussions with parents.

    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  19. Knowledge, Decision-Making and Acceptance of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination among Parents of Primary School Students in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
    Mohd Sopian M, Shaaban J, Mohd Yusoff SS, Wan Mohamad WMZ
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2018 Jun 25;19(6):1509-1514.
    PMID: 29936724
    Background: The incidence of cervical cancer in younger women remains high. This is worrisome as it affects
    future generations. Therefore Malaysia implements human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination as a national vaccination
    program. Parents play an important role in determining the success of this HPV vaccination program among schoolaged
    girls by their compliance. Objective: To assess parental knowledge, decision-making and acceptance of HPV
    vaccination. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 280 randomly selected parents of primary
    school students aged 11 in Kota Bharu using a pre-validated self-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge and
    decision-making with regard to HPV vaccination. Results: Most parents (62%) were shown to have poor knowledge
    while most decision-making was shared. Age of respondents (adjusted odds ratio ‘AOR’= 1.09; 95% confidence interval
    ‘CI’= 1.04-1.14; p <0.001) and good knowledge of HPV vaccination (AOR= 16.32; 95% CI= 7.32-36.4; p <0.001) were
    significantly associated with HPV vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: The majority of parents exhibited poor knowledge
    which may affect their decision-making and uptake of HPV vaccination among their children. This highlights the need
    to better educate parents on HPV vaccination.
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
  20. Fulltext Inadequate health literacy on childhood immunization and its predictors among antenatal mothers
    Mohamad Yusof NY, Mohd Zulkefli NA, Ismail S, Abd Rashid MF
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2017;13(3):51-59.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Outbreak of vaccine preventable disease still persists despite good coverage of immunization in Malaysia. Health literacy on childhood immunization is one of essential factor for the outbreak to happen. Thus, this study determined the predictors of health literacy on childhood immunization among antenatal mother in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.
    Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among 424 antenatal women using a cluster sampling approach. Antenatal women who were Malaysian and not illiterate were chosen in this study. A selfadministered, validated and pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic, socio economic, awareness on immunization, utilization of health care services and health literacy on childhood immunization. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Chi Square test was used in bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of inadequate health literacy on childhood immunization.
    Result: Out of 362 respondents, 81.2% were inadequate health literacy. The predictors were maternal education (AOR= 2.608, 95% CI 1.477-4.604), parity (AOR= 1.067, 95% CI 1.103-3.876), residential area (AOR= 2.344, 95% CI 1.184-4.641) and utilization of government hospital (AOR= 2.344, 95% CI 1.184-4.641).
    Conclusion: Accessibility of health education with regard to immunization need to be strengthen among primigravida, low education and those staying in rural area. In addition, health education also needs to emphasize on the individual that is employed and low economic status with underutilization of government hospital. A simplified education material with interesting pictures and using visual aids help illiterate people for better understanding.
    Study site: Klinik Kesihatan, Seremban district, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Vaccination
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