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  1. Fulltext Linkage disequilibrium between polymorphisms of ABCB1 and ABCC2 to predict the treatment outcome of Malaysians with complex partial seizures on treatment with carbamazepine mono-therapy at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital
    Subenthiran S, Abdullah NR, Joseph JP, Muniandy PK, Mok BT, Kee CC, et al.
    PLoS One, 2013;8(5):e64827.
    PMID: 23717663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064827
    Carbamazepine (CBZ) is used as the first line of treatment of Complex Partial Seizures (CPS) in the Epilepsy Clinic, Neurology Department of Kuala Lumpur Hospital (KLH). More than 30% of the patients remain drug resistant to CBZ mono-therapy. CBZ is transported by the P-glycoprotein (P-gp). The P-gp encoded by the ABCB1 and ABCC2 genes are expressed in drug resistant patients with epilepsy. A few studies have shown significant association between CBZ resistant epilepsy and Linkage Disequilibrium (LD) with adjacent polymorphisms of these genes. Our study is aimed at determining the correlation between patients' response to CBZ mono-therapy to Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms G2677T and C3435T of the ABCB1 gene as well as G1249A and -24C>T of the ABCC2 gene.
    Matched MeSH terms: Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  2. Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction: a rare first manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus
    Khairullah S, Jasmin R, Yahya F, Cheah TE, Ng CT, Sockalingam S
    Lupus, 2013 Aug;22(9):957-60.
    PMID: 23761180 DOI: 10.1177/0961203313492873
    Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a rare clinical syndrome of ineffective intestinal motility characterised by clinical and radiological evidence of intestinal obstruction with no identifiable mechanical lesion. CIPO can either be idiopathic or secondary to a systemic disease, like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Fewer than 30 cases of CIPO secondary to SLE have been reported so far. Here we describe a case of SLE with the initial presentation of CIPO. In SLE-related CIPO, treatment includes a combination of high-dose intravenous corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and supportive care. With awareness of this condition, unnecessary surgical intervention and repeated invasive procedures could be avoided. Early initiation of treatment would avoid complications and bring about resolution of symptoms.
    Matched MeSH terms: Chronic Disease
  3. Contribution of the MLH1 -93G>a promoter polymorphism in modulating susceptibility risk in Malaysian colorectal cancer patients
    Nizam ZM, Abdul Aziz AA, Kaur G, Abu Hassan MR, Mohd Sidek AS, Yeh LY, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2013;14(2):619-24.
    PMID: 23621208
    BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) exists in a more common sporadic form and less common hereditary forms, associated with the Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and other rare syndromes. Sporadic CRC is believed to arise as a result of close interaction between environmental factors, including dietary and lifestyle habits, and genetic predisposition factors. In contrast, hereditary forms such as those related to the Lynch syndrome result from inheritance of germline mutations of mismatch repair (MMR) genes. However, in certain cases, the influence of low penetrance alleles in familial colorectal cancer susceptibility is also undeniable.

    AIM: To investigate the genotype frequencies of MLH1 promoter polymorphism -93G>A and to determine whether it could play any role in modulating familial and sporadic CRC susceptibility risk.

    METHODS: A case-control study comprising of 104 histopathologically confirmed CRC patients as cases (52 sporadic CRC and 52 Lynch syndrome patients) and 104 normal healthy individuals as controls was undertaken. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and the polymorphism was genotyped employing PCR-RFLP methods. The genotypes were categorized into homozygous wild type, heterozygous and homozygous variants. The risk association between these polymorphisms and CRC susceptibility risk was calculated using binary logistic regression analysis and deriving odds ratios (ORs).

    RESULTS: When risk association was investigated for all CRC patients as a single group, the heterozygous (G/A) genotype showed a significantly higher risk for CRC susceptibility with an OR of 2.273, (95%CI: 1.133-4.558 and p-value=0.021). When analyzed specifically for the 2 types of CRC, the heterozygous (G/A) genotype showed significantly higher risk for sporadic CRC susceptibility with and OR of 3.714, (95%CI: 1.416-9.740 and p-value=0.008). Despite high OR value was observed for Lynch syndrome (OR: 1.600, 95%CI: 0.715-3.581), the risk was not statistically significant (P=0.253).

    CONCLUSION: Our results suggest an influence of MLH1 promoter polymorphism -93G>A in modulating susceptibility risk in Malaysian CRC patients, especially those with sporadic disease.

    Matched MeSH terms: Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  4. Pyranocycloartobiloxanthone A, a novel gastroprotective compound from Artocarpus obtusus Jarret, against ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer in vivo
    Sidahmed HM, Hashim NM, Amir J, Abdulla MA, Hadi AH, Abdelwahab SI, et al.
    Phytomedicine, 2013 Jul 15;20(10):834-43.
    PMID: 23570997 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2013.03.002
    Pyranocycloartobiloxanthone A (PA), a xanthone derived from the Artocarpus obtusus Jarret, belongs to the Moraceae family which is native to the tropical forest of Malaysia. In this study, the efficacy of PA as a gastroprotective compound was examined against ethanol-induced ulcer model in rats. The rats were pretreated with PA and subsequently exposed to acute gastric lesions induced by absolute ethanol. The ulcer index, gastric juice acidity, mucus content, histological analysis, glutathione (GSH) levels, malondialdehyde level (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and non-protein sulfhydryl group (NP-SH) contents were evaluated in vivo. The activities of PA as anti-Helicobacter pylori, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor and free radical scavenger were also investigated in vitro. The results showed that the oral administration of PA protects gastric mucosa from ethanol-induced gastric lesions. PA pretreatment significantly (p<0.05) restored the depleted GSH, NP-SH and NO levels in the gastric homogenate. Moreover, PA significantly (p<0.05) reduced the elevated MDA level due to ethanol administration. The gastroprotective effect of PA was associated with an over expression of HSP70 and suppression of Bax proteins in the ulcerated tissue. In addition, PA exhibited a potent FRAP value and significant COX-2 inhibition. It also showed a significant minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against H. pylori bacterium. The efficacy of PA was accomplished safely without the presence of any toxicological parameters. The results of the present study indicate that the gastroprotective effect of PA might contribute to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as the anti-apoptotic mechanism and antibacterial action against Helicobacter pylori.
    Matched MeSH terms: Acute Disease
  5. Identification of Toxoplasma gondii in-vivo induced antigens by cDNA library immunoscreening with chronic toxoplasmosis sera
    Amerizadeh A, Idris ZM, Khoo BY, Kotresha D, Yunus MH, Karim IZ, et al.
    Microb Pathog, 2013 Jan;54:60-6.
    PMID: 23044055 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2012.09.006
    Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Chronically-infected individuals with a compromised immune system are at risk for reactivation of the disease. In-vivo induced antigen technology (IVIAT) is a promising method for the identification of antigens expressed in-vivo. The aim of the present study was to apply IVIAT to identify antigens which are expressed in-vivo during T. gondii infection using sera from individuals with chronic toxoplasmosis. Forty serum samples were pooled, pre-adsorped against three different preparations of antigens, from each in-vitro grown T. gondii and Escherichia coli XLBlue MRF', and then used to screen a T. gondii cDNA expression library. Sequencing of DNA inserts from positive clones showed eight open reading frames with high homology to T. gondii genes. Expression analysis using quantitative real-time PCR showed that SAG1-related sequence 3 (SRS3) and two hypothetical genes were up-regulated in-vivo relative to their expression levels in-vitro. These three proteins also showed high sensitivity and specificity when tested with individual serum samples. Five other proteins namely M16 domain peptidase, microneme protein, elongation factor 1-alpha, pre-mRNA-splicing factor and small nuclear ribonucleoprotein F had lower RNA expression in-vivo as compared to in-vitro. SRS3 and the two hypothetical proteins warrant further investigation into their roles in the pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Chronic Disease
  6. Fulltext Lack of association between Gly82Ser, 1704G/T and 2184A/G of RAGE gene polymorphisms and retinopathy susceptibility in Malaysian diabetic patients
    Ng ZX, Kuppusamy UR, Poh R, Tajunisah I, Koay AC, Fong KC, et al.
    Genet. Mol. Res., 2012 Mar 01;11(1):455-61.
    PMID: 22427038 DOI: 10.4238/2012.March.1.2
    Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease, occurring in about 60% of type 2 diabetic patients. Other than known clinical risk factors, the influence of genes has been suggested as part of the development of diabetic retinopathy. We investigated the association of Gly82Ser, 1704G/T and 2184A/G polymorphisms in the RAGE gene with retinopathy in type 2 diabetic patients in Malaysia. Ninety-eight unrelated retinopathy patients and 185 unrelated healthy controls from all over Malaysia were recruited in this study. The allele and genotype frequencies of the three gene polymorphisms were investigated using PCR-RFLP. The allele frequency of the three polymorphisms did not differ significantly between the control and the retinopathy group (P > 0.05). Analysis of the frequency of GA+AA, GT+TT and AG+GG in the retinopathy group did not reveal significant differences (P > 0.05) compared to the control group. We conclude that RAGE gene Gly82Ser, 1704G/T and 2184A/G polymorphisms are not associated with retinopathy development in the Malaysian population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  7. Fulltext Solid-pseudopapillary carcinoma: a case study and literature review
    Mat Zin AA, Shakir KA, Aminuddin AR, Mahedzan MR, Irnawati WA, Andee DZ, et al.
    BMJ Case Rep, 2012;2012.
    PMID: 22927280 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2012-006495
    Solid-pseudopapillary tumour (SPT) is a rare exocrine tumour of the pancreas and is considered to have low malignant potential. Few morphological criteria are used to predict malignant behaviour such as equivocal perineural invasion, angioinvasion and invasion to surrounding tissue, and should be designated as solid-pseudopapillary carcinoma (SPC). We report a case of SPC. Clinical and radiological findings are typical for SPT with no metastatic disease. There is no tumour recurrence after 4&emsp14;months postresection. Clinical history and radiological findings were retrieved from the patient's record sheet and Viarad system. H&E staining and few immunoproxidase staining were reviewed by several pathologists. The histological findings are typical for SPT, with additional perineural invasion. There is no angioinvasion or capsular invasion identified. This is our first experience in diagnosing and managing SPC. We look forward to seeing the patient's disease status during her next routine follow-up. We expect good disease-free survival and very low risk of tumour recurrence, in view of only one risk factor (perineural invasion) and uninvolved surgical margins by the tumour.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease-Free Survival
  8. Fulltext Immunization with recombinant enterovirus 71 viral capsid protein 1 fragment stimulated antibody responses in hamsters
    Ch'ng WC, Stanbridge EJ, Wong KT, Ong KC, Yusoff K, Shafee N
    Virol J, 2012;9:155.
    PMID: 22877087 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422X-9-155
    Enterovirus 71 (EV71) causes severe neurological diseases resulting in high mortality in young children worldwide. Development of an effective vaccine against EV71 infection is hampered by the lack of appropriate animal models for efficacy testing of candidate vaccines. Previously, we have successfully tested the immunogenicity and protectiveness of a candidate EV71 vaccine, containing recombinant Newcastle disease virus capsids that display an EV71 VP1 fragment (NPt-VP11-100) protein, in a mouse model of EV71 infection. A drawback of this system is its limited window of EV71 susceptibility period, 2 weeks after birth, leading to restricted options in the evaluation of optimal dosing regimens. To address this issue, we have assessed the NPt-VP11-100 candidate vaccine in a hamster system, which offers a 4-week susceptibility period to EV71 infection. Results obtained showed that the NPt-VP11-100 candidate vaccine stimulated excellent humoral immune response in the hamsters. Despite the high level of antibody production, they failed to neutralize EV71 viruses or protect vaccinated hamsters in viral challenge studies. Nevertheless, these findings have contributed towards a better understanding of the NPt-VP11-100 recombinant protein as a candidate vaccine in an alternative animal model system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  9. Fulltext BDNF and DARPP-32 genes are not risk factors for schizophrenia in the Malay population
    Loh HC, Tang PY, Tee SF, Chow TJ, Cheah YC, Singh SS
    Genet. Mol. Res., 2012;11(1):725-30.
    PMID: 22576830 DOI: 10.4238/2012.March.22.2
    A number of studies have pointed to the association of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and DARPP-32 (dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein, 32 kDa) with schizophrenia. The purpose of this study was to determine whether these two genes are involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia in the Malay population. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms Val66Met of BDNF, -2036C>G and g.1238delG of DARPP-32 were genotyped in the Malay population in 200 patients with schizophrenia and 256 healthy controls. Analysis of allele and genotype frequencies in these two groups revealed no significant association of BDNF or DARPP-32 polymorphisms with schizophrenia in Malays. This is the first such association study in the Malay population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  10. Fulltext Hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade: rare complication of radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma
    Loh KB, Bux SI, Abdullah BJ, Raja Mokhtar RA, Mohamed R
    Korean J Radiol, 2012 Sep-Oct;13(5):643-7.
    PMID: 22977334 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2012.13.5.643
    Local treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been widely used in clinical practice due to its minimal invasiveness and high rate of cure. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is widely used because its treatment effectiveness. However, some serious complications can arise from percutaneous RFA. We present here a rare case of hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade secondary to an anterior cardiac vein (right marginal vein) injury during RFA for treatment of HCC.
    Matched MeSH terms: Iatrogenic Disease
  11. Fulltext Understanding cellular mechanisms underlying airway epithelial repair: selecting the most appropriate animal models
    Yahaya B
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2012;2012:961684.
    PMID: 23049478 DOI: 10.1100/2012/961684
    Understanding the mechanisms underlying the process of regeneration and repair of airway epithelial structures demands close characterization of the associated cellular and molecular events. The choice of an animal model system to study these processes and the role of lung stem cells is debatable since ideally the chosen animal model should offer a valid comparison with the human lung. Species differences may include the complex three-dimensional lung structures, cellular composition of the lung airway as well as transcriptional control of the molecular events in response to airway epithelium regeneration, and repair following injury. In this paper, we discuss issues related to the study of the lung repair and regeneration including the role of putative stem cells in small- and large-animal models. At the end of this paper, the author discuss the potential for using sheep as a model which can help bridge the gap between small-animal model systems and humans.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  12. Fulltext Treatment patterns and outcomes in management of solid cancer patients suffering from anemia in Penang hospital
    Hassan BA, Yusoff ZB
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(6):1573-6.
    PMID: 22126501
    INTRODUCTION: Anemia is one of the most frequent hematological demonstration of malignant diseases, leading to impairment of function in all tissues and organs of cancer patients and associated with serious stress. This major problem may be exacerbated by radiotherapy or chemotherapy. It is characterized by lower hemoglobin (Hb) level or inadequate circulating red blood cells (RBCs). The present study evaluated the effectiveness of treatment guidelines for anemia among solid cancer patients in Penang hospital and to find associations between treatments and anemia onset and severity.

    METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study was conducted on 534 cancer patients with anemia who were admitted to a government hospital on Penang island i.e., Penang General Hospital in the period between 2003 to 2009.

    RESULTS: Effectiveness of standard anemia treatment guidelines was not sufficient because correction of anemia was just temporary.

    CONCLUSION: According to the results, erythropoietin must be used as a cornerstone even for patients who suffer from moderate anemia and blood transfusion should be used just for emergency cases when anemia leads to a critical situation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Management
  13. Fulltext Expression of human mammaglobin and clinicopathologic correlations in breast cancer: the findings in Malaysia
    Al-Joudi FS, Kaid FA, Ishak I, Mohamed N, Osman K, Alias IZ
    Indian J Pathol Microbiol, 2011 Apr-Jun;54(2):284-9.
    PMID: 21623075 DOI: 10.4103/0377-4929.81596
    Human mammaglobin (hMAG) is a secreted protein which has been detected in breast epithelial cells of mammary glands and has been used as a specific marker for breast cancer.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Progression
  14. Fulltext A comparative evaluation of dengue diagnostic tests based on single-acute serum samples for laboratory confirmation of acute dengue
    Chua KB, Mustafa B, Abdul Wahab AH, Chem YK, Khairul AH, Kumarasamy V, et al.
    Malays J Pathol, 2011 Jun;33(1):13-20.
    PMID: 21874746
    A prospective study was carried out to evaluate the sensitivity of dengue NS1 antigen-capture ELISA in comparison with dengue virus isolation, conventional RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR for laboratory confirmation of acute dengue based on single-acute serum samples. Four primary healthcare centres were involved to recruit patients with clinical diagnosis of dengue illness. Patient's demographic, epidemiological and clinical information were collected on a standardized data entry form and 5 ml of venous blood was collected upon consent. In the laboratory, six types of laboratory tests were performed on each of the collected acute serum sample. Of the 558 acute serum samples collected from 558 patients with clinical diagnosis of dengue from mid-August 2006 to March 2009, 174 serum samples were tested positive by the dengue NS1 antigen-capture ELISA, 77 by virus isolation, 92 by RT-PCR and 112 by real-time RT-PCR. A total of 190 serum samples were tested positive by either one or a combination of the four methods whereas, only 59 serum samples were tested positive by all four methods. Thus, based on single-acute serum samples, 190 of the 558 patients (34.1%) were laboratory-confirmed acute dengue. The overall test sensitivity was 91.6%, 40.5%, 48.4% and 58.9% for dengue NS1 antigen-capture ELISA, virus isolation, conventional RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR respectively. Statistically, dengue NS1 antigen-capture ELISA was the most sensitive and virus isolation was the least sensitive test for the laboratory confirmation of acute dengue based on single-acute serum specimens. Real-time RT-PCR was significantly more sensitive than the conventional RT-PCR.
    Matched MeSH terms: Acute Disease
  15. Treatment outcomes of alginate-embedded allogenic mesenchymal stem cells versus autologous chondrocytes for the repair of focal articular cartilage defects in a rabbit model
    Tay LX, Ahmad RE, Dashtdar H, Tay KW, Masjuddin T, Ab-Rahim S, et al.
    Am J Sports Med, 2012 Jan;40(1):83-90.
    PMID: 21917609 DOI: 10.1177/0363546511420819
    Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising alternative form of cell-based therapy for cartilage injury. However, the capacity of MSCs for chondrogenesis has not been fully explored. In particular, there is presently a lack of studies comparing the effectiveness of MSCs to conventional autologous chondrocyte (autoC) treatment for regeneration of full-thickness cartilage defects in vivo.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  16. A survey on the management of acute rhinosinusitis among Asian physicians
    Wang DY, Wardani RS, Singh K, Thanaviratananich S, Vicente G, Xu G, et al.
    Rhinology, 2011 Aug;49(3):264-71.
    PMID: 21866280 DOI: 10.4193/Rhino10.169
    BACKGROUND: Based on the `European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal polyps (EP3OS 2007)`, this study aimed to investigate general practitioners (GPs) and other specialists` understanding when managing patients with acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) in Asia.
    METHODOLOGY: Among a total of 2662 questionnaires completed, 2524 (94.8%) were valid for analysis. There were 1308 GPs (51.8%), 989 otolaryngologists (39.2%) and 227 paediatricians (9%) from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan.
    RESULTS: ARS is affecting an estimated 6 - 10% of patients seen in a daily out-patient practice. The EP3OS criteria are well supported by Asian physicians (94.1%). Most physicians (62.7%) agreed that radiological investigation is not needed to diagnose ARS. However, even for mild ARS (common cold), medical treatments were still recommended by 87% of GPs, 83.9% of otolaryngologists, and 70% of paediatricians. The top three first-line treatments prescribed were antihistamines (39.2%), nasal decongestants (33.6%), and antibiotics (29.5%). Antibiotics usage increased as the first line treatment of moderate (45.9%) and severe (60.3%) ARS.
    CONCLUSION: ARS is commonly managed by GPs, otolaryngologists, and paediatricians in Asia. However, understanding of the management of ARS needs further improvement to minimize unnecessary use of radiological investigations, overuse of antibiotics, and under use of nasal corticosteroids.
    Matched MeSH terms: Acute Disease
  17. Modulation of C-reactive protein and tumour necrosis factor-α in collagen-induced arthritis in Dark Agouti rats: impact of collagen concentration on severity of arthritis
    Tudave D, Radhakrishnan A, Chakravarthi S, Haleagrahara N
    Inflamm Res, 2011 Oct;60(10):897-907.
    PMID: 21633874 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-011-0349-y
    OBJECTIVES: The study investigated the effect of collagen-induced arthritis in Dark Agouti (DA) rats on the level of C-reactive protein and inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).

    SUBJECTS: Female Dark Agouti (DA) rats.

    METHODS: Three different dosages of (2 mg/kg of body weight, 3 mg/kg of body weight and 4 mg/kg of body weight) collagen and complete Freund's adjuvant suspension were tested. After 45 days, serum C-reactive protein, TNF-α, superoxide dismutase and total glutathione assays were done. Radiographic and histopathological changes in the joints were compared.

    RESULTS: All three groups showed signs of arthritic changes, confirmed by histopathological and radiographic changes. Severe arthritic changes were seen in the rats injected with 4 mg/kg of body weight of collagen. There was a significant increase in C-reactive protein, TNF-α, super oxide dismutase and total glutathione levels in the plasma in arthritis rats and the changes were more significant with 4 mg/kg of collagen.

    CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that the optimal dose to inject to experimental animals in order to get server arthritic changes was 4 mg/kg of collagen with complete Freund's adjuvant suspension. Severe arthritis changes induced significant elevation in plasma C-reactive protein and TNF-α levels.

    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  18. Efficacy evaluations of Mimosa pudica tannin isolate (MPT) for its anti-ophidian properties
    Ambikabothy J, Ibrahim H, Ambu S, Chakravarthi S, Awang K, Vejayan J
    J Ethnopharmacol, 2011 Sep 1;137(1):257-62.
    PMID: 21640180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.05.013
    Evaluations of the anti-snake venom efficacy of Mimosa pudica tannin isolate (MPT) obtained from root of the plant.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disease Models, Animal
  19. Stigmatization and discrimination towards people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS by the general public in Malaysia
    Wong LP, Syuhada AR
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2011 Sep;42(5):1119-29.
    PMID: 22299438
    Globally, HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discriminatory attitudes deter the effectiveness of HIV prevention and care programs. This study investigated the general public's perceptions about HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination towards people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in order to understand the root of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discriminatory attitudes. Study was carried out using qualitative focus group discussions (FGD). An interview guide with semi-structured questions was used. Participants were members of the public in Malaysia. Purposive sampling was adopted for recruitment of participants. A total 14 focus group discussions (n = 74) was carried out between March and July 2008. HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) was profound. Key factors affecting discriminatory attitudes included high-risk taking behavior, individuals related to stigmatized identities, sources of HIV infection, stage of the disease, and relationship with an infected person. Other factors that influence attitudes toward PLWHA include ethnicity and urban-rural locality. Malay participants were less likely than other ethnic groups to perceive no stigmatization if their spouses were HIV positive. HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination were stronger among participants in rural settings. The differences indicate attitudes toward PLWHA are influenced by cultural differences.
    Matched MeSH terms: Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
  20. Fulltext Health seeking behavior among Malaysians with acute diarrheal disease
    Tee GH, Kaur G, Ramanathan P, Amal NM, Chinna K
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2011 Mar;42(2):424-35.
    PMID: 21710867
    About 1.8 million people die annually from acute diarrheal disease globally. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted via face-to-face interview with eligible subjects to determine the incidence and health seeking behavior of Malaysians with acute diarrheal disease (ADD). An acute diarrheal episode was defined as having three or more loose stools in any 24 hour period during the four weeks period prior to the interview. The exclusion criteria included pre-existing chronic diarrhea, such as with cancer of the bowel, ulcerative colitis or Chrohn's disease. Forty three point three percent of those with ADD (95% CI 41.3-45.4) sought treatment for the illness. Younger age groups (0-4 years, 67.7%; 95% CI 61.5-73.4; 5-9 years, 56.5%; 95% CI 48.6-64.1) were more likely to seek care for ADD. Seventy-one point eight percent of those seeking treatment, (95% CI 69.0-74.4) did so within 12 hours of the onset of symptoms. Most people with ADD sought treatment at private clinics. The main reasons given for not seeking treatment were the illness was mild and did not warrant treatment and the practice of self-medication (22.4%; 95% CI 20.0-24.9). These findings show self-medication is a major health seeking behavior among Malaysians with ADD. Self-medication of ADD deserves more in-depth study to ensure it is safe.
    Keywords: NHMS-2006
    Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2006)
    Matched MeSH terms: Acute Disease
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