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  1. Fulltext The prevalence of the duodenal ulcer promoting gene (dupA) in Helicobacter pylori isolates varies by ethnic group and is not universally associated with disease development: a case-control study
    Schmidt HM, Andres S, Kaakoush NO, Engstrand L, Eriksson L, Goh KL, et al.
    Gut Pathog, 2009;1(1):5.
    PMID: 19338650 DOI: 10.1186/1757-4749-1-5
    The putative H. pylori pathogenicity-associated factor dupA has been associated with IL-8 induction in vitro, and duodenal ulcer (DU) and gastric cancer (GC) development in certain populations, but this association is inconsistent between studies. We aimed to investigate dupA prevalence in clinical isolates from Sweden, Australia and from ethnic Chinese, Indians and Malays resident in Malaysia and Singapore and to examine the association with DU and GC. In addition we investigated the sequence diversity between isolates from these diverse groups and compared the level of IL-8 secretion in isolates possessing and lacking dupA.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  2. Fulltext Sociodemographic factors of mental health literacy among housewives living in low cost apartments in Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia
    Siti Nor Amirah M.H., Husna H., Muhamad Afnan A., Suriani I., Ahmad Iqmer Nashriq M.N.
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(1):121-125.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Evaluation of mental health literacy is important in assisting the development of intervention and policies toward preventing mental health problems. This study aims to explore mental health literacy and its socio- demographic predictors in a group of housewives living in low-cost apartments in Selangor, Malaysia. Methods: A Malay version of the self-administered Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) was used in this cross-sectional study. Age, ethnicity, religion, educational level and family income were tested using one-way ANOVA and independent t-test. Result: A total of 103 eligible respondents participated in the study. Most respondents were from the age group of 30 and above, from the Malay ethnic group, Muslims, had formal education up to secondary level with a monthly family income below RM4000 (USD980). The overall mean (sd) mental health literacy score was low 106.65 (11.21) and was significantly associated with ethnicity, religion, educational level and family income (p>0.05). Conclusion: Mental health literacy scores were low and showed variations within sociodemographic groups.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  3. Fulltext Coping with COVID-19 and movement control order (MCO): experiences of university students in Malaysia
    Kamaludin K, Chinna K, Sundarasen S, Khoshaim HB, Nurunnabi M, Baloch GM, et al.
    Heliyon, 2020 Nov;6(11):e05339.
    PMID: 33134570 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05339
    This study examined how university students in Malaysia coped with the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on movement (also known as MCO). A total of 983 students participated in a survey conducted online between April 20 and May 24, 2020. The psychological impact was measured using Zung's Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). The students were assessed on the usage of adaptive (humanitarian and seeking social support) and maladaptive coping strategies (acceptance and mental disengagement). The results showed that the students used maladaptive coping strategies more than adaptive coping strategies to deal with anxiety caused by the pandemic and the effect of restriction of movement. Seeking social support and acceptance coping strategies were significantly associated with the level of anxiety. The student's gender, age, ethnicity, level and type of study, and living arrangement were associated with coping strategies. The students' selection of coping strategies mirrors typical Asian culture, that is, submissiveness. The study proposes several practical and professional suggestions to address students' mental health issues.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  4. Fulltext Factors associated with falls among the elderly attending a government clinic in Kuala Lumpur
    Leong Joyce W.S, Intan Nadia Mohd Zukri, Siew Mooi Ching, Navin Kumar Devaraj
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(1):183-190.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Falls among the elderly can be associated with serious complications such as fractures, injuries and death. This study aims to ascertain the factors associated with falls among the elderly patients attending a government clinic located in Kuala Lumpur. Method: This was a cross-sectional study using a convenience sampling method. Data collection in 2017 from 322 elderly who attended the above clinic. A modified assisted self-administered ques- tionnaire was used that contained the socio-demographic data, falls profile as well as extrinsic and intrinsic factors associated with falls. Analysis was done with SPSS v20.0. Results: 120 (37.27%) elderly reported falls in the past one year. The majority who had falls were females (n=76, 41.8%) and between the age of 80-89 years old (n=29, 44.6%). Malay ethnicity group, reported more falls compared to other ethnicities (n=93,44.5%). Significant associations were found between age, ethnicity and history of falls with falling (p
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  5. Fulltext Critical factors in quality of life: a qualitative explorations into the experiences of Malaysian with heart failure
    Nor Firdous Mohamed, Nor Azwany Yaacob, Aizai Azan Abdul Rahim, Oteh Maskon, Mohamed Hatta Shaharom, Othman Lebar
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(2):52-62.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Heart failure (HF) prevalence is increasing in Malaysia and brings about significant poor outcomes especially on the patients’ wellbeing. Despite the devastating physical symptoms of HF experienced by patients, other social consequences on patients are often not discussed by their health care professionals. Hence, this qual- itative study aims to explore and understand the quality of life (QOL) for patients in Malaysia of various ethnicity who have been diagnosed with heart failure. Methods: Nineteen (n = 19) patients with recurrent HF were recruited via purposive sampling. One-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted after patients’ informed consent was obtained. The aforementioned sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Finally, the transcribed data was analysed through Braun and Clarke’s framework for thematic analysis. Results: The findings revealed that Malaysians with HF reported either positive or negative experiences related with QOL which had an effect on their well-being. Four main themes emerged included physical, psychological, social, and spirituality. Interestingly, cul- tural and beliefs consideration were important to understand these QOL themes of HF patients as a whole, especially in Malaysia’s multi-ethnic communities. Conclusion: Informants were able to give vivid descriptions of living with HF experiences and the way it affected their QOL due to the disruptive and uncertain nature of HF in four major themes. However, the individual themes of QOL in HF patients need to be comprehended in detail including the local cultural perspectives, particularly by health professionals who deal with HF patients of minority ethnicities, in order to improve treatment and health outcomes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  6. Fulltext Vast opportunity to study microrna (miRNA) in head and neck cancer among Malaysian population
    Mohd. Arifin Kaderi, Kahairi Abdullah, Wan Ishlah Leman, Azmir Ahmad
    International Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 2018;2(3):475-488.
    MyJurnal
    Head and neck cancer (HNC) is among the common cancer in Malaysia. Depending on the location of the cancer in head and neck region, each type of HNC has its own characteristics and prevalence to specific gender and ethnicity. The remote and inaccessible location of the cancer also cause the difficulty to detect the cancer. This make the cancer usually diagnosed at late stage and make the treatment very challenges and ended with low survival rate of post-treatment among HNC patients. In fact, the detection of HNC at early stage could promise high successful recovery rate. This situation demand lots of studies to explore the carcinogenesis of HNC and searching for robust diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a class of non-coding RNA that regulate cellular physiology at post-transcriptional level. miRNAs expression has
    been found to deregulate in various disease state, including cancer. A few studies revealed that miRNAs can behave as oncogenic and tumour suppressor in HNC. Even HNC is common in Malaysia, the studies of miRNA in HNC are still scarce. In this review article, we highlight the studies of miRNA in HNC that have been published by Malaysian researchers with aim to call more Malaysian researchers to focus on miRNA researches in HNC.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  7. Fulltext Factors associated with tuberculosis among children and adolescents in kelantan: a cross-sectional study
    Hafizuddin Awang
    Malaysian Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 2018;24(1):1-14.
    MyJurnal
    Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the proportion of tuberculosis patients among children and adolescents, to describe the socio-demography and clinical factors for tuberculosis infection among children and adolescents in Kelantan from 2012 until 2015. Methods: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study between tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis cases among children and adolescents using Tuberculosis Information System as a source population. All notified cases that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. Descriptive statistics, simple and multiple logistic regressions were used for data analysis. Results: Out of 5412 tuberculosis cases, 8.4% were children and adolescents group with mean age of 15. Among 322 children and adolescents with tuberculosis, majority of them were Malay (91.2%), 7.5% illiterate and 79.6% resided in non-urban area. By clinical factors, 2.8% were Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive and 14.6% were cigarettes smokers. Older age, cigarettes smoking, female gender, Malay ethnicity, good education level and non-urban residence were the significant associated factors for tuberculosis infection among children and adolescents with AOR 1.41 (95%CI: 1.29,1.54; p
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  8. Fulltext Trends of prevalence of anaemia among adolescents in a middle-income country: a cohort study
    Vanitha Krishnan, Hazreen Abdul Majid, Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki, Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(104):105-105.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Anaemia is a significant public health problem among adolescents globally but there is limited data in many countries, including Malaysia. This study aims to investigate the 5-years incidence of anemia among Malaysian adolescents by gender, ethnicity, locality of schools, Body Mass Index, stature and diet intake. Methods: A secondary analysis of existing data from MyHeART study was conducted within a closed cohort of 528 adolescents (aged 13 years) attended 15 public secondary schools from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Perak. The adolescents who were followed up at 15 and 17 years old had completed haemoglobin assessment, anthropometric measurements and -days diet history. The data was cleaned and missingness was handled accordingly with multiple imputation. SPSS Software version 21 was used to analyse the data, with Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE) showing the effect of time on the trajectory of prevalence of anaemia over the 5 years. Results: The prevalence or incidence? of anaemia in 2012, 2014 and 2016 was 7.9% (95%CI: 5.0-12.3), 13.9% (95%CI: 10.0-19.0) and 15.8% (95%CI:11.3-21.7). In females, anaemia increased from 11.1% (95%CI:6.7-18.7) to 15.7% (11.4-21.3) and 23.1%(95%CI: 16.8-31.0); the change was significant from 13 to 15 years old. Similar trend was noticed in those who are stunted, overweight/obese, in both urban/rural schools and didn’t meet their daily recommended nutrient intake for total calorie, protein and iron. Conclusion: Anaemia is increasing in trend among the adolescents over the years and deems attention from the relevant stakeholders to create a robust anemia prevention program.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  9. Fulltext A review on hindering factors to maximize healthcare potential in poverty and Islamic way of promoting health
    Farrah Farzana Abdullah, Mohd Rahman Omar
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(104):106-106.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Malaysia has been nominated among the top four well-established healthcare system in the world. However, with the status of a developing country, there are still lacking in offering healthcare services and aware-ness among poverty. The objective of this review is to look into the factors hindering healthcare coverage in poverty. Methods: These literature reviews were carried out by using the electronic databases included, Google Scholars, Medline, PUBMED and EBSCOhost. Results: In current economic status, poverty status needs to be revised as the cost of living has markedly increased especially in the urban. Many factors affect the health status, which include the issues in term of rising health expenditure, demography-geography and imbalance workload distribution. Less expo-sure to health and wellness and geographical-demographic profile are the main reasons for the lack of self-awareness in assessing health services. Various actions had been taken by the stakeholders to improve health statuses such as telehealth, referral system and integration between agencies. Suggestion to improve the existing plan with the atten-tion given especially in the rural area which composed of multi-ethnicity and demography-geographical distribution. In Islam, Prophet Muhammad PBUH promotes health through his eating habits, physical activities include prayer and sports, proper sleep habit and through fasting. Conclusion: Poor and lack of awareness of healthcare services and health ownership have been the main reason for low health-seeking in poverty. Factors such as rising health expenditure, demography-geography factors and lack of facilities provided and unbalance workload distribution in the public-private sector contribute to the issue of concern.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  10. The comparison of basal physiological values in racial groups. Part 2. Erythrocytes, haemoglobin content & cell count
    Macgregor RGS, Loh GL
    Journal of the Malaya Branch of the British Medical Association, 1941;4:385-404.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  11. Parasuicide and suicide: demographic features and changing trend among cases in Hospital Sungai Bakap 2001-2005
    Teo GS, Teh LC, Lim JH
    Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2008;17:3-12.
    Parasuicide has become an increasingly common response to emotional distress in young adults. The general pattern of parasuicide shows variations among the developing countries. The objectives of this study were to determine the pattern of parasuicide and suicide beside comparing the characteristics between different ethnic groups. The study was a retrospective case review of all parasuicide cases treated in Hospital Sungai Bakap and all suicides from the hospital mortuary from January 2001 to December 2005. We collected data concerning demographic data, information on method used and the circumstances. A total of 189 cases of parasuicide were analysed. There was a significant increase of parasuicide from 26.5 per 100,000 persons in 2001 to 32.1 per 100,000 persons in 2005. Seventy two percent of the cases were female. Indians constituted 64 % of the cases, followed by the Chinese (19 %), Malays (13 %) and foreigners (4 %). The age group 18-30 years ranked at the top, constituting 59.7% of the cases. Majority of the cases were by intentional poisoning and only 2 cases (1.1 %) were intentional injuries by sharp objects. In the past 5 years, the agents implicated were drugs (43.9 %), pesticides (23.5 %), household products (11.8 %), and others (20.8 %). Intentional Paracetamol poisoning had doubled from 11.7 % in 2001 to 23.4 % in 2005 while the use of pesticides had decreased from 32 % in 2001 to 17 % in 2005. Only 2 % of the cases had history of underlying disorders like schizophrenia and personalities disorders. As for suicide, the rates remained relatively unchanged at 5 per 100,000 populations. In this study, the demographic characteristics of suicide differ from parasuicide as suicides were associated with higher percentage of males and Chinese. There were 2 peaks in the age group of 31-40 and above 60 years old. The highest mode of suicide was hanging (53.5 %), followed by pesticide poisoning (25.6 %) and inhaled carbon monoxide (9.3 %).There is a need to improve on prevention and interventions for parasuicide and decrease suicide prevalence. Keywords: parasuicide, suicide, self-harm, Penang
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  12. Fulltext Adaptation of Demirjian’s method for age estimation via third molar development among adolescents and young adults of Malay ethnicity: a preliminary assessment
    Eva Tan Lee Yin, Kuck Peng Sim, Mohd Yusmiaidil Putera Mohd Yusof
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(101):14-18.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Identification of remains recovered at advanced stages of decomposition can be problematic due to the lack of physical evidence. Nonetheless, human dentition is least susceptible to decomposition and as such carry a significant value in personal identification of decomposed remains. Demirjian’s method of age estimation was developed specifically for children with developing dentition. In this article, a method on adapting the Demirjian’s method for Malay ethnic-specific age estimation using the third molar development is presented. Methods: Orthop- antomograms of Malay subjects aged 18 to 25 were obtained from UiTM Sungai Buloh. Total of 318 samples were taken, comprising of 123 and 195 images from male and female subjects. Development of right and left mandibular third molar was classified according to the eight stages of development as illustrated in Demirjian’s method. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis such as descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. The intra- and inter-gender variation between left and right mandibular third molar was evaluated using independent student t-test and analysis of variance, respectively. Results: Intra-gender comparison analysis revealed a significant difference in the female and male with a p-value of 0.000 and 0.003, respectively. Regression equation to estimate age based on third molar development were formulated according to dental age and maturity score. Conclusion: The Demirjian’s method was successfully adapted for age estimation of individuals of Malay ethnicity. These findings can help with victim identification in cases of poor skeletal framework recovery and highly decomposed remains.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  13. Photogrammetric Analysis of Eyebrow and Eyelid Dimensions in Indian American Adults
    Sadacharan CM, Packirisamy V
    J Craniofac Surg, 2020 Jul 14.
    PMID: 32675767 DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000006757
    In cosmetic surgery, knowledge of the average dimensions of periorbital features based on gender and ethnicity is essential to improve the patient appearance and maintain the ethnicity. The aim the study was to establish gender-specific periorbital anthropometric and anthroposcopic data for Indian Americans (IA) and to assess the statistically ethnic differences by comparing with published data of Malaysian Indians (MI). Evaluation of periorbital features was done on the standardized frontal photographs of 400 IA, aged 18 to 26 years. The measured values were evaluated by an independent t-test. Sexual dimorphism was found in all 15 measurements. The eyebrow height, combined height of the orbit and eyebrow, eyebrow apex inclination, apex to lateral canthus distance, medial end of brow to medial canthus distance, lateral end of brow to lateral canthus distance; pretarsal skin height, palpebral fissure height, palpebral fissure inclination (PFI), and medial canthus tilt were significantly greater in female than the males. In males, eyebrow apex hairline distance, apex to lateral limbus distance, eyebrow apex angle (EAA), lower eyelid height, and interpupillary distance was significantly greater than the females. Significant ethnic difference was found between IA and MI for eyebrow height, apex to lateral limbus distance, EAA, palpebral fissure height, and PFI in male group. In female group, EAA, medial canthus tilt, and PFI were significantly greater in MI. Four types of epicanthus were observed and the brow apex between lateral limbus and lateral canthus was the most common position. The generated normative data may be useful during diagnosis and treatment planning.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  14. Fulltext Sociocultural factors affecting drive for muscularity among male college students in Malaysia
    Sai A, Furusawa T, Othman MY, Tomojiri D, Wan Zaini WFZ, Tan CSY, et al.
    Heliyon, 2020 Jul;6(7):e04414.
    PMID: 32743089 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04414
    Compared with females, little research on muscularity and the sociocultural influences on this domain has been conducted with males in non-Western societies. The current study explored these sociocultural predictors of drive for muscularity among Malaysian male college students, specifically in terms of ethnicity and exposure to media (i.e., Internet and social media). In total, 166 male college students from two universities in Kuala Lumpur were asked to rate the questionnaires as to muscularity-oriented attitudes and behaviours. Multivariable general linear model analyses revealed that being Chinese was a strong predictor of muscularity-oriented attitudes and behaviours. In addition, modern media, particularly, Internet use and the number of followers on Instagram, was found to significantly predict males' drive for muscularity. Overall findings suggest that males of particular ethnic groups may be at higher risk for negative body image compared to the other ethnic populations and modern media use may accelerate drive for muscularity, which may also in turn place males at higher risk for excess muscularity-oriented thoughts and behaviours.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  15. Fulltext Risk Factors Associated with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Sabah: Study Protocol of a Case Control Study
    Raja Muhammad Raja Omar
    Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2018;12(101):43-0.
    MyJurnal
    In Malaysia nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is ranked as number fourth (5.2%) from all cancer and third (8.4%) most common cancer among male population. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Malaysia mostly occurs among Chinese (49%), followed by natives of Sabah and Sarawak (28%) and Malay (22%). There were multiple researches done to determine the risk factors for nasopharyngeal carcinoma and most of them from western pacific region. Prevalence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Sabah in 2013 is about 106 cases while in 2012 is 75 cases. It shows almost 30% increment from previous year. A total of 53 patients were diagnosed NPC in 2013 from Kota Kinabalu locality and it contributes more than 50% from total prevalence NPC in 2013. NPC is common in local Sabahan, especially in Kadazan and Dusun ethnicity. In 2013, the youngest are 11 years old and the eldest are 84 years old. The upward trend of NPC cases in younger age group is worrisome for us. Thus it is very important to determine the risk factors associated with NPC and this would help the health provider and other stakeholders to do planning in prevention of NPC such as awareness programme or cancer screening for the target high risk group especially for Sabah population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  16. Fulltext Impact of socio-economic status on access and outcome of kidney transplantation in Malaysia
    Peter Gan Kim Soon, Sanjay Rampal, Lim Soo Kun, Tin Tin Su
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):33-33.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Low socio-economic status (SES) has been associated with poorer access and worse outcome in kid-ney transplantation (KT) for high-income countries. In contrast, relatively little is known about the KT access and outcome between the socio-economic gradient in Malaysia, which is a low- and middle-income country. The aim is to determine the association of SES with access and outcome of kidney transplantation in Malaysia. Methods: We examined the Malaysian National Renal Registry for kidney transplant candidates listed between 2002 to 2011. Cox’s regression was used to assess associations of SES with transplant access and outcome (survival). Results: 1234 patients were transplanted in 2002-2011 after excluding pediatric patients and multiple transplantations. The mean age of patients was 42.3 ± 12.3 years, 789 (63.9%) were male and 797 (65.0%) were of Chinese ethnicity. After multivariate adjustment, the highest income group were 20% less likely to access KT compared the lowest income group (adjusted HR=0.80, CI: [0.62, 1.04] producing trend for P-Value = 0.001. While patient with highest education were 50% more likely to survive compared to patient with lowest education (adjusted HR=0.50, CI: [0.34, 0.73] producing trend for P-Value < 0.001. Conclusion: Even in a healthcare system that is almost achieving universal health coverage, disparities exist in both extremes of the socio-economic gradient for the access and outcomes for KT in Malaysia. Reducing the SES disparities in KT will require policy initiatives addressing the components of SES (income, education, and employment) as well as the pathways by which this affect the health of KT patient.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  17. Fulltext Traditional Medicine in Sabah: A Case Study from the District of Kota Marudu
    David Matanjun, Mohammad Saffree Bin Jeffree, Julius Kulip, Md Shamsur Rahman, Sadia Choudhury Shimmi
    Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2018;12(101):73-0.
    MyJurnal
    As in other parts of the world, the practice of traditional healing has been part of the local healthcare system for most of the indigenous ethnic groups, since time immemorial. Using descriptive research format, this study looked into the practice of a traditional medicine practitioner in one of the villages of Kota Marudu in Sabah, Malaysia. The practitioner comes from the Dusun Tagahas subethnic group which is one of the numerous ethnic groups in Sabah. The large number of ethnic group in Sabah has made the research of ethnomedicine rather challenging. The practitioner acquired knowledge of traditional healing and treatment which is mainly herbal medicines alluded with some spiritual aspects. He used many herbal preparations in various forms and applications. Similar to the other traditional medicine practitioners, his knowledge and skill regarding his practice are impressive but the practitioner is unable to explain on the mechanism of how the therapy works. Generally their philosophy rests on the notion that disease responds to right medicine but not explanation. There is an urgent need to capture all the knowledge and skill possessed by traditional medicine practitioners, who generally belong to an ageing and fading population, especially those live in remote and hard to reach areas. Scientific research should be conducted to help traditional medicine healers and herbalists to understand their practices before they suffer the consequences of inexorable extinction.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  18. Web elements for health promotion in Malaysia
    Noman M, Koo AC, Tee SH, Krishnan M
    Health Promot Int, 2020 Jun 01;35(3):458-469.
    PMID: 31071202 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz040
    The needs for health promotion is increasingly important for Malaysian. Government invests in the development to improve health education. Malaysia lacks the development of online solutions to help to maintain the health of the nation through prevention and mass education. This paper addresses important questions about the development of those health promotion websites by considering the motivation of web elements. It seeks to provide information on the barriers to the use and success as a method of health promotion. The empirical work is a perceptions study that aims to identify the barriers of web-based health promotion in the different user characteristics for health promotion purposes. This work is a qualitative research project directed at ascertaining the perceptions of Malaysians concerning the use of health promotion websites. It pertains to those factors which stop the uptake of website use and seeks to discern the views of users on how the health promotion websites may be more engaging. The principal finding is that the ethnicity of the user is mainly relevant in terms of the socio-economic status of the user. Users across all ethnicities respond to the same qualities of websites. The same web elements are motivating to users regardless of the characteristics of the users because the uptake of the Internet and the use of websites for health promotion has been more a phenomenon of the young. The study concludes with some recommendations for the Ministry of Health and the developers of health promotion websites in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  19. Fulltext Sociodemographic factors associated with waist circumference among male and female adults: findings of the Malaysian adult nutrition survey 2014
    Yong Kang Cheah, Mohd Azahadi, Noor Safiza Mohamad Nor, Siew Nooi Phang, Noor Hazilah Abd Manaf
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(3):207-215.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: This study examined how waist circumference (WC) varied across sociodemographic characteristics of Malaysian adults using a nationally representative data. Methods: Data from the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey 2014 (n = 2696) was used. In the sample, 46.55% were males and 53.45% were females. The outcome variable was WC. Waist circumference was categorised into four ordinal outcomes: very low, low, high and very high. The ex- planatory variables were age, monthly individual income, education, gender, marital status, ethnicity, employment status and household location. Ordered probit models were utilised. Results: The majority of males had a low WC (54.66%), and only a small proportion had a very high WC (0.96%). Similarly, a high proportion of females had a low WC (55.59%), and only 1.94% had a very high WC. Younger males were more likely to have a high WC than their older counterparts. Males who had monthly income of RM2000-2999 or RM3000-3999 were more likely to have a high WC compared with those who had monthly income of RM999. Chinese and Indian males were more likely to have a high WC than Bumiputera males. For females, those who were married, widowed/divorced and Bu- miputera were likely to have a high WC. Conclusion: WC was associated with various sociodemographic profiles of males and females. In particular, there were positive associations between the likelihoods of having a high WC and younger age group, higher income, Chinese, Indian, and being married. Our findings provided policy makers with better information on formulating intervention measures.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
  20. Fulltext Impact of fatigue on quality of life among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
    Muthanna FMS, Karuppannan M, Hassan BAR, Mohammed AH
    Osong Public Health Res Perspect, 2021 Apr;12(2):115-125.
    PMID: 33980002 DOI: 10.24171/j.phrp.2021.12.2.09
    Objective: Fatigue is the most frequently reported symptom experienced by cancer patients and has a profound effect on their quality of life (QOL). The study aimed to determine the impact of fatigue on QOL among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and to identify the risk factors associated with severe fatigue incidence.

    Methods: This was an observational prospective study carried out at multiple centers. In total, 172 breast cancer patients were included. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Questionnaire was used to measure QOL, while the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) was used to assess the severity of fatigue.

    Results: The total average mean and standard deviation of QOL were 84.58±18.07 and 4.65±1.14 for BFI scores, respectively. A significant association between fatigue and QOL was found in linear and multiple regression analyses. The relationships between fatigue severity and cancer stage, chemotherapy dose delay, dose reduction, chemotherapy regimen, and ethnicity were determined using binary logistic regression analysis.

    Conclusion: The findings of this study are believed to be useful for helping oncologists effectively evaluate, monitor, and treat fatigue related to QOL changes.

    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups
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