Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 70 in total

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  1. Konter E, Kueh YC, Kuan G
    PMID: 32635576 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17134834
    While courage is widely attributed to athletic pursuits, it has received little scientific attention from both researchers and applied practitioners. A reliable measurement is required to examine courage in sports and competitive activities. Therefore, this research aimed to adapt the original Turkish Sports Courage Scale-31 into American English (SCS-AE). The SCS-31 measure was translated from Turkish into the American English language by the Brislin forward and backward translation technique and language validity. Then, the translated SCS-AE was administered to 548 American university college students (Mean age = 19.02, SD = 1.21). All participants played a sport (e.g., football, soccer, basketball, gymnastics). Based on confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), 31 items of SCS-AE were reduced to 24 items with four factors (i.e., assertiveness, determination, mastery, and venturesome). The fit indices were satisfactory (RMSEA = 0.06, CFI = 0.97, SRMR = 0.06, NFI = 0.96 and NNFI = 0.97). The internal consistency measured by Cronbach alpha, ranging from 0.73 to 0.78, were considered acceptable. The convergent validity and discriminant validity of SCS-AE were also achieved. Our findings indicate strong support for research using the four-factor model of the SCS-AE and adequate support for the five-factor model with sufficient caution regarding the internal consistency of the self-sacrifice factor. While cultural differences in courage perception might exist between these countries, the findings showed more similarities than differences in courage. Results indicated that the SCS-AE is usable for research purposes in the suggested format. Future directions are discussed using the SCS-31 and SCS-AE for research.
  2. Konter E, Gledhill A, Kueh YC, Kuan G
    PMID: 35457519 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084654
    The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between female soccer players’ courage and key performance variables (level of participation, injury past, being selected or non-selected by a national team, being starter or substitute). Methods: The Sport Courage Scale-31, by Konter and Ng (2012) and key performance variables were collected from 210 female soccer players aged 12 to 27 (M = 17.97 ± 3.34 years old). Spearman correlations and Mann−Whitney U tests were used to analyse the collected data. Results: The correlations between mastery (r = 0.196), determination (p = 0.239), assertiveness (r = 0.325), sacrifice behaviour (r = 0.182), total sport courage (r = 0.265) and age of female soccer players were found to be significant (p < 0.05). Female soccer players who have sustained an injury in the past scored significantly higher on the venturesome scale (p = 0.006) than those who have not sustained an injury in the past. In comparison, female soccer players who have not sustained an injury in the past or who have not been substituted had significantly more mastery than female soccer players who have sustained an injury in the past or who have been substituted (p = 0.017, p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusions: This study indicates that sport courage is related to key performance variables among female soccer players. Mastery and age seem to be related to courageous behaviour, whereas increasing venturesomeness might cause injuries in female soccer. Some relevant implications for practitioners can be drawn from the present findings.
  3. Konter E, Kueh YC, Kuan G
    Malays J Med Sci, 2020 Jul;27(4):85-96.
    PMID: 32863748 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2020.27.4.8
    Background: The nature of the relationship between passion and courage and its influence on soccer performance has yet to be revealed. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine passion attributes (i.e. harmonious and obsessive inclinations) among male soccer players in relation to the level of courageous characteristics (i.e. mastery, determination, assertiveness, venturesome and sacrificial behaviour), other demographic and player characteristics.

    Methods: Data were collected from 278 male soccer players aged 13-38 years (mean [M] = 17.42 ± 4.36) with the number of competitive soccer experiences ranging from 1-28 years (M = 7.51 ± 4.23 years). Participants had at least a year of experience in the sport of soccer completed the validated passion scale, sports courage scale and demographic form.

    Results: Analyses revealed that soccer players with higher levels of total courage (P < 0.001), have more experience in soccer (P = 0.011), and their soccer level being professional (P < 0.001) had a significantly higher score in harmonious passion. There was no significant difference in obsessive passion among different level of total courage (P = 0.154). However, soccer players with more experience (P = 0.011) and higher soccer level being professional (P < 0.001) demonstrated a significant higher score in obsessive passion.

    Conclusion: In conclusion, soccer players with higher harmonious and obsessive passionate attributes had higher courage (except for mastery). In addition, the courageous and passionate traits of the soccer players played meaningful roles in indicating individual and performance variables.

  4. Joo CL, Husain M, Fadzil NA, Kueh YC
    Malays J Med Sci, 2022 Oct;29(5):105-116.
    PMID: 36474540 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2022.29.5.11
    BACKGROUND: Medical officers (MOs) face multiple sources of work-related stress, including work system transition, job insecurity, dissatisfaction with income and intense working environments. This study aimed to examine the quality of life (QOL), effort-reward imbalance (ERI) and their association among MOs working in government hospitals in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among MOs from Sarawak General Hospital and Hospital Sentosa from May 2018 to March 2020. A total of 614 participants were selected through convenient sampling. An email with a link to three sets of questionnaires via Google forms including a questionnaire on sociodemographic data and job characteristics, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief version (WHOQOL-BREF) (Malay version) and the effort-reward imbalance (ERI-Q) (long version) was sent to potential participants. A total of 276 MOs completed and returned the questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive, simple and multiple logistic regression analysis. A P-value of less than 0.05 was taken as a statistically significant result.

    RESULTS: Most MOs reported no adversity in the workplace (i.e. 29% low effort/high reward, 5.1% high effort/high reward, 6.2% low effort/low reward and 23.6% high effort/low reward). More than half of MOs (54%) reported poor general QOL and were associated with a combination of active and passive on-calls (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21, 23.79). Poor QOL in the physical domain was associated with the presence of chronic illness (AOR = 23.35; 95% CI: 4.25, 128.45), active on-calls (AOR = 14.75; 95% CI: 1.16, 188.35) and a combination of active and passive on-calls (AOR = 18.25; 95% CI: 1.39, 238.98). Men had a higher risk of poor QOL in the environmental domain (AOR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.04, 3.98). Only 23.6% of MOs reported psychosocial adversity at work (high effort/low reward). High effort/low reward was associated with poor QOL in general (AOR = 4.71; 95% CI: 1.71, 13.01), physical (AOR = 4.53; 95% CI: 2.02, 10.17), psychological (AOR = 5.95; 95% CI: 2.82, 12.58) and environmental domains (AOR = 4.21; 95% CI: 1.95, 9.08). Low effort/high reward was found to have a lower likelihood of poor QOL in the social domain (AOR = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.44).

    CONCLUSION: Higher ERI was found to be associated with poor QOL among MOs in government hospitals. Future research should focus on interventions to improve working conditions.

  5. Ibrahim MF, Kuan G, Hashim HA, Hamzah NA, Kueh YC
    PMID: 33450935 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020622
    The objective of this study was to validate the translated Malay version of the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q-M) scale among Malaysian primary school children using the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The Q-LES-Q-M measures the level of enjoyment and satisfaction experienced with relation to physical health, feelings, homework, and leisure. The participants were 607 Malay students, 240 (39.5%) boys and 367 (60.5%) girls, with an age range from 10 to 11 years old. The original version of the Q-LES-Q was translated into the Malay language by forward to backward translation procedures with consideration for the local culture and suitable vocabulary for primary school students. The participants then completed the Q-LES-Q-M. CFA was performed using Mplus 8 software. Using CFA, the initial model did not result in a good data fit. Further analysis of the CFA suggested some changes to the model to improve the fit indices. Model modification included the deletion of three problematic items and co-varying some error items. This resulted in improved fit indices and 40 items remained in the final model. The final model showed good reliability based on two indicators of composite reliability (CR) and Cronbach's alpha (CA). The factors with their CR and CA were physical activity (CR = 0.857, CA = 0.854), feelings (CR = 0.808, CA = 0.813), homework (CR = 0.837, CA = 0.837) and leisure (CR = 0.742, CA = 0.737). The final measurement consists of 40 items. The retained items were deemed suitable for Malay primary school children. The revised Q-LES-Q-M with 40 items is suitable for measuring the levels of children's involvement in determining the enjoyment and satisfaction of learning and physical activity.
  6. Ibrahim MF, Kuan G, Hashim HA, Hamzah NA, Kueh YC
    BMC Public Health, 2021 10 07;21(1):1798.
    PMID: 34620133 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11869-4
    BACKGROUND: This study aimed to verify a translated Malay version of the Achievement Emotions Questionnaire for Physical Education (AEQ-PE) by assessing the level of achievement emotions in six constructs among the Malaysian primary school pupils using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA).

    METHODS: A total of 607 Malay pupils, comprising 240 (39.5%) boys and 367 (60.5%) girls aged between 10 and 11, were recruited from 10 schools to answer the questionnaire, which measured their views on 24 items through a five-point Likert scale. The AEQ-PE was translated into Malay language (AEQ-PE-M) using forwarding to backward translation techniques. Certain phrases were adopted in accordance with the local culture and vocabulary appropriate for primary school pupils. CFA was performed using the Mplus 8.0 software, and the final model demonstrated high reliability in terms of the composite reliability and Cronbach's alpha.

    RESULTS: Analysis of the CFA showed an acceptable fit indices in CFI (0.936), TLI (0.926), RMSEA = 0.039 (90% CI, 0.034, 0.045) and SRMR (0.049) of the AEQ-PE measurement model. All of the items in the original AEQ-PE version were retained and deemed suitable for Malay primary school pupils.

    CONCLUSION: The AEQ-PE-M with 24 items was a suitable tool for measuring the level of school children's involvement in determining achievement emotions and their motivation towards physical education.

  7. Ho JJ, Adnan AS, Kueh YC, Ambak NJ, Van Rostenberghe H, Jummaat F
    Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2019 Jul 12;7(7):CD009692.
    PMID: 31425606 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009692.pub2
    BACKGROUND: Oedema is a common clinical symptom in people with nephrotic syndrome and human albumin has been widely used in the treatment of oedema by increasing vascular volume and this inducing diuresis. It may be used with or without diuretics such as furosemide. However, the quantitative contribution of human albumin in treating oedema is not fully understood. If human albumin were found to be effective and safe in the treatment of oedema, it could help clinicians to develop therapeutic strategies to improve the management of diuretic resistance associated with nephrotic syndrome.

    OBJECTIVES: This review aimed to examine the benefits and harms of human albumin infusion for treating oedema associated with nephrotic syndrome.

    SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 23 June 2019 through contact with the Information Specialists using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Specialised Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

    SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs evaluating the effect of human albumin infusion compared with placebo or no intervention, human albumin with diuretics compared with diuretic alone, human albumin compared with diuretics and other treatments, clinical outcomes, death, quality of life, kidney function and adverse effects in people with nephrotic syndrome. We excluded cross-over studies but data for the first period was to be included if available.

    DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Standard methods of the Cochrane Collaboration were used. Two authors independently assessed eligibility, risk of bias, study quality and extracted data. We calculated mean difference (MD) for continuous data with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE.

    MAIN RESULTS: One study met our inclusion criteria (26 children with minimal change nephrotic syndrome) and 11 were excluded (nine cross-over studies, one where albumin was not used for nephrotic syndrome and one where authors did not state whether the children had oedema). Risk of bias for the included study was unclear for selection bias, high for performance and detection bias, low for attrition bias, and high for selective reporting. The included study compared albumin plus furosemide with an equal volume of dextrose. Of our prespecified outcomes, the authors reported clinical improvement as weight change, serum sodium and adverse outcomes (blood pressure). The authors reported a greater weight loss in the albumin treated group initially but no difference overall at 10 days. However, the data in the text and the figures were inconsistent so we could not confirm the authors statements (very low certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether albumin infusion improves serum sodium when compared with an equal volume of dextrose (MD 2.00 mEq/L, 95% CI -0.09 to 4.09), systolic blood pressure (MD 2.00 mmHg, 95% CI -3.52 to 7.52) or diastolic blood pressure (MD 2.00 mmHg, 95%CI -4.29 to 8.29). Death, quality of life, and kidney function were not reported.

    AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We identified only one small study that was relevant to our review, therefore we are unable to draw any conclusions regarding the use of human albumin with or without diuretics in nephrotic syndrome. More RCTs are needed.

  8. Hidrus AB, Kueh YC, Arifin WN, Konter E, Kuan G
    PMID: 32155904 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17051736
    Sports courage is one of the most important attributes to help competitive athletes overcome anxiety, nervousness, and other psychological obstacles, but this field of study is still being overlooked by most athletes and coaches. The purpose of this study is to validate the Malay language version of the Sports Courage Scale (SCS-M) for Silat athletes using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Data were collected during 9th UPSI International Pencak Silat Championship in Malaysia. A total of 258 competitors (male = 66.7%, female = 33.3%), with a mean age of 18 years (SD = 2.6), volunteered to participate in this study. The original SCS with 50 items underwent forward and backward translations into the Malay language and was pre-tested with ten martial arts athletes. Then, Silat athletes were asked to complete the translated SCS-M questionnaire. There were five factors in the SCS-M (i.e., mastery, determination, assertiveness, venturesome, and self-sacrificial behaviour). The first hypothesised model with 50 items did not result in a good fit to the data (RMSEA = 0.06, CFI = 0.93, NFI = 0.87, NNFI = 0.93, RMR = 0.14, SRMR = 0.09). A total of 17 problematic items were identified and were removed iteratively. The final measurement model with 33 items fit the data well (RMSEA = 0.06, CFI = 0.94, NFI = 0.89, NNFI = 0.94, RMR = 0.05, SRMR = 0.07). The reliability of each subscale based on Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.64 to 0.76. The convergent and discriminant validities were achieved for the final measurement model. The revised version of SCS-M with 33 items was considered valid and reliable for measuring the sports courage in Silat athletes in Malaysia.
  9. Hidrus A, Kueh YC, Norsa'adah B, Kuan G
    PMID: 32024257 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17030922
    Exercise self-efficacy (ESE) is one of the psychological constructs in the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). The objective of the present study is to assess the validity and reliability of the Malay version of Exercise self-efficacy scale (ESE-M) among Malaysians with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling method using a self-administered questionnaire was carried out. Participants were invited to complete the ESE-M with 18 items. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted and composite reliability (CR) was computed using Mplus 8. A total of 331 Malaysians with T2DM with a mean age of 63 years old (Standard Deviation = 0.57) completed the questionnaire. Most of the participants were male (52%) and Malay (89.4%). Two initial CFA models (single factor and three factors) of ESE-M scale were tested and they did not fit to the data well. Several re-specifications of the models were conducted. The final model for the ESE-M showed improvement on the value of model fit indices for the single factor model (comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.952, Tucker and Lewis index (TLI) = 0.938, standardised root mean square (SRMR) = 0.044, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.054) and three factors model (CFI = 0.891, TLI = 0.863, SRMR = 0.049, RMSEA = 0.081). The CR for the self-efficacy factor was 0.921 (single factor), while CR for internal feelings, competing demands and situational (three factors) were 0.762, 0.818 and 0.864, respectively. The final model of single factor ESE-M showed better fit to the data compared to the three factors ESE-M. This indicated that the single factor ESE-M is more suitable to be adopted for future study among Malaysians with T2DM.
  10. Hidrus A, Kueh YC, Norsaádah B, Chang YK, Hung TM, Naing NN, et al.
    PMID: 32268601 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072507
    Brain Breaks videos are web-based structured physical activity (PA) videos that aim at stimulating an interest in learning and promoting health. Exercise is one of the important treatment regimens for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effects that Brain Breaks videos have on the motives for PA, as measured by the Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale-Malay (PALMS-M), and the amount of PA, as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Malay (IPAQ-M), in T2DM patients (the most common type of diabetes mellitus patients). This study was conducted using a randomized, double-blind design and grouped subjects under two research conditions: an experimental group given Brain Breaks videos and a control group. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit 70 T2DM patients (male = 39, female = 31) with the mean age of 57.6 (SD = 8.5) from Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan. Over a four-month period, the participants in the experimental group were asked to perform PA daily based on a Brain Breaks video (10 min in duration) that was shared through a WhatsApp group. All participants from both groups answered the PALMS-M questionnaire five times: pre-intervention, the end of the first month, second month, and third month, and post-intervention. A repeated measure multivariate analysis of variance and a repeated measure analysis of variance were performed for the analyses of the data. The results demonstrated that four (appearance, others' expectations, physical condition, and mastery) out of eight motives for PA produced a significant mean score difference between the two study groups. All eight motives for PA showed an upward trend for the experimental group during the study period, while the control group showed a downward trend for all motives during the study period. As for the amount of PA, both groups showed significant differences (p = 0.001). The amount of PA increased in the experimental group during the study period, while it decreased in the control group. Therefore, Brain Breaks videos can be considered as an effective intervention for motivating T2DM patients for PA and improving their amount of PA.
  11. Hidrus A, Kueh YC, Norsa'adah B, Chang YK, Kuan G
    PMID: 34501562 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18178972
    Brain Breaks® are structured physical activity (PA) web-based videos designed to promote an interest in learning and health promotion. The objective of this study was to examine its effects on decision balance (DB) which consists of the perceived benefits (Pros) and perceived barriers (Cons) of exercise in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A randomised controlled trial was conducted among people with T2DM at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. The intervention group received Brain Breaks videos for a period of four months. The intervention and control groups completed the validated Malay version of DB questionnaire for five times, at pre-intervention, the first month, the second month, the third month, and post-intervention. Multivariate Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance was performed for data analysis. A total of 70 participants were included (male = 39; female = 31) with a mean age of 57.6 years (SD = 8.5). The intervention group showed a significant change in the Pros and Cons factors of DB scores over time. The intervention group showed significantly higher scores for the Pros (p-value < 0.001) and lower scores for the Cons (p-value = 0.008) factors than the control group. In conclusion, the Brain Breaks video is an effective intervention to improve decisional balance in patients with T2DM to help them in deciding on behaviour change to be more physically active.
  12. Hidrus A, Kueh YC, Norsa'adah B, Kim Y, Chang YK, Kuan G
    PLoS One, 2022;17(3):e0266104.
    PMID: 35358248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266104
    BACKGROUND: This study aimed determine the structural relationship between psychological constructs of the transtheoretical model (TTM; processes of change, decisional balance, and exercise self-efficacy), motives for physical activity (PA), and amount of PA among Malaysians with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

    METHOD: All participants were recruited from the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia using a cross-sectional study design with purposive) sampling method. A total of 331 participants were recruited for the present study. Before participation in the study, they were informed that participation in the study was totally voluntary. Those who agreed to participate voluntarily were required to complete the self-administered questionnaire set, which included the processes of change, decisional balance, exercise self-efficacy, physical activity and leisure motivation, and international physical activity questionnaires. Data analysis of structural equation modeling was performed using Mplus 8.

    RESULTS: From the 331 participants, most of whom were male (52%) and Malay (89.4%), with a mean age of 62.6 years (standard deviation = 10.29). The final structural equation model fit the data well based on several fit indices [Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.059, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.953, Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.925, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) = 0.031]. A total of 16 significant path relationships linked between the TTM, motives for PA, and amount of PA.

    CONCLUSION: The pros of decisional balance, others' expectations, and psychological condition were constructs that directly affected PA, whereas the other constructs had a significant indirect relationship with the amount of PA. A positive mindset is crucial in deciding a behavioral change toward an active lifestyle in people with T2DM.

  13. Hidrus A, Kueh YC, Bachok N, Kuan G
    Malays J Med Sci, 2020 May;27(3):125-136.
    PMID: 32684813 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2020.27.3.13
    Background: Processes of change (POC) comprise one of the psychological constructs in the Transtheoretical Model. The objective of this study is to test the validity and reliability of the Malay version of the POC scale among university students by using a confirmatory approach.

    Method: A cross-sectional study design with a convenience sampling method using a self-administered questionnaire was carried out. University undergraduate students were approached to fill in the questionnaire, which consisted of demographic information and a POC scale. The POC scale consisted of 30 items and two main factors (i.e., cognitive and behavioural). The POC scale was translated into the Malay language using a standard procedure of forward and backward translation. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed, and composite reliability was computed using Mplus version 8.

    Results: A total of 620 respondents with a mean age of 20 years (standard deviation = 1.15) completed the questionnaire. Most of the participants were female (74.7%) and Malay (78.2%). The initial CFA model of the POC scale did not exhibit fit based on several fit indices (comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.880, Tucker Lewis index (TLI) = 0.867, standardised root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.075 and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.058). Several re-specifications of the model were conducted and the modification included adding correlation between the items' residuals. The final model for the Malay version of the POC scale showed acceptable values of model fit indices (CFI = 0.922, TLI = 0.911, SRMR = 0.064 and RMSEA = 0.048). The composite reliability of both the cognitive and behavioural processes was acceptable at 0.856 and 0.752, respectively.

    Conclusion: The final model presented acceptable values of the goodness of fit indices, indicating that the scale is fit and acceptable to be adopted for future study.

  14. Hassim SR, Arifin WN, Kueh YC, Yaacob NA
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 May 28;17(11).
    PMID: 32481559 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113820
    BACKGROUND: At present, the validity and reliability evidence of the Malay version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-M) is only available by exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The aim of this study is to validate and determine the psychometric properties of the SAS-M by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 323 medical students in Universiti Sains Malaysia. The students were given questionnaire forms consisting of socio-demographic information, the SAS-M and the Malay version of the Internet Addiction Test (MVIAT). The CFA was conducted using robust maximum likelihood estimator. The internal consistency reliability was determined by Raykov's rho coefficient. The concurrent validity was assessed by the Pearson's correlations between the factor scores of the SAS-M and the MVIAT.

    RESULTS: The analysis showed the five-factor model of the SAS-M has an acceptable model fit after the inclusion of 12 correlated errors (SRMR = 0.067, RMSEA 0.059 (90% CI: 0.054, 0.065), CFI = 0.895, TLI = 0.882). The factor loadings ranged from 0.320 to 0.875. The internal consistency reliability was good (Raykov's rho = 0.713 to 0.858) and it showed good concurrent validity with the MVIAT.

    CONCLUSIONS: The CFA showed that the SAS-M is a valid and reliable self-administered questionnaire to measure the level of smartphone addiction among medical students.

  15. Hamid N, Muhamad R, Kueh YC, Zahari Z, Mohamad Nor N, Abdullah N, et al.
    J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2020 10 08;12(4):444-448.
    PMID: 33679091 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_265_19
    Background: In Malaysia, the problem of marital distress is fast becoming an important public health concern. A major shortcoming is inadequate marital evaluation. There are, however, very few localized instruments for married women in Malaysia. The objective of this study was to translate the original version of the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS) and to evaluate for its psychometric properties. Multiple aspects of validity and reliability were also assessed.

    Materials and Methods: The questionnaire was first translated into the Malay language (RDAS-M). In this cross-sectional study, healthy married Malay women in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, were recruited from January to April 2018. Participants were asked to complete the RDAS-M that consists of three domains, that is, dyadic consensus, dyadic satisfaction, and dyadic cohesion with a total of 14 items. The concept, content, and construct validity using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and reliability of the RDAS-M were assessed.

    Results: Of the 164 recruited participants, 150 consented to participate. The mean age of the participants was 34.1 years (standard deviation [SD], 9.5 years), ranging from 20 to 57 years. All 14 items were considered comprehensible by more than 95% of the subjects. Based on EFA, total variance extracted was 69.08%, and the original three factors were retained. The Malay version of the RDAS was valid based on factor loadings for dyadic consensus, dyadic satisfaction, and dyadic cohesion, which ranged from 0.64 to 0.80, 0.79 to 0.98, and 0.37 to 0.78, respectively. The internal consistency was good with coefficient α of 0.87 for dyadic consensus, 0.93 for dyadic satisfaction, and 0.78 for dyadic cohesion.

    Conclusions: The Malay version of the RDAS is easy to understand, and is a reliable and valid instrument for married women. It is also comparable with the original version of the RDAS in terms of structure and psychometric properties.

  16. Hajar MS, Rizal H, Kueh YC, Muhamad AS, Kuan G
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2019 Jul 02;16(13).
    PMID: 31269644 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16132331
    Brain breaks is a physical activity (PA) video designed for school settings that is used to stimulate student's health and learning. The purpose of this study is to measure the effects of brain breaks on motives of participation in PA among primary school children in Malaysia. Purposive sampling was used to divide 159 male and 176 female students aged 10 to 11 years old, mean (standard deviation (SD)) = 10.51 (0.50), from two schools in Kelantan, Malaysia into intervention (n = 183) and control (n = 152) groups. Students undertook brain breaks activities on school days (five minutes per session) spread out for a period of four months. Mixed factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the students' motives of participation in PA for pre-, mid-, and post-tests using the Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale-Youth-Malay (PALMS-Y-M). Mixed factorial ANOVA showed significant changes in enjoyment, F(2, 392) = 8.720, p-value (ηp2) = 0.001 (0.043); competitiveness, F(2, 195) = 4.364, p-value (ηp2) = 0.014 (0.043); appearance, F(2, 392) = 5.709, p-value (ηp2) = 0.004 (0.028); and psychological condition, F(2, 392) = 4.376, p-value (ηp2) = 0.013 (0.022), whereas mastery, affiliation, and physical condition were not significant (p < 0.05). Further post-hoc analysis revealed a significant downward trend in the control group (p < 0.05). Brain breaks is successful in maintaining students' motives for PA in four of the seven factors.
  17. Fadzil NA, Heong WO, Kueh YC, Phang CK
    Malays J Med Sci, 2021 Dec;28(6):121-128.
    PMID: 35002496 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.6.12
    Background: Among healthcare workers, nurses have a particularly high risk of stress. Stressful conditions in the workplace increase the possibility of burnout and psychological distress. Short mindfulness-based interventions can help to decrease stress, anxiety and depression. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention in reducing perceived stress, anxiety and depression among public teaching hospital staff nurses.

    Methods: Thirty-five nurses from various specialities were recruited from Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). The intervention comprised a 1-day brief mindfulness-based intervention workshop and 1 h group practice session each month for 3 months together with daily follow-up via WhatsApp group. All the participants completed a self-administered sociodemographic questionnaire validated for use in a Malay population. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS 21) and Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS 10) were used to measure perceived stress, anxiety and depression before the intervention, and 3 months later upon completion of the intervention.

    Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in the scores for stress perception (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06, 2.92; P = 0.04) and anxiety (95% CI: 0.06, 2.34; P = 0.04) post-intervention.

    Conclusion: A brief mindfulness-based intervention was effective in reducing perceived stress and anxiety among nurses.

  18. Das, Priscilla, Naing, Nyi Nyi, Nadiah Wan-Arfah, Noorjan, K.O.N., Kueh, Yee Cheng, Rasalingam, Kantha
    MyJurnal
    Astrocytic gliomas are the most common primary brain tumours that originated from human glial cells. The tumours rely upon endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) for neoangiogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the association between tissue resident EPCs in a brain tumour and normal adjacent tissue in relation to age and grade of astrocytic glioma. Astrocytic glioma patients (n=22), grade I to grade IV were consented from Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Brain tumour tissue and normal adjacent brain tissue samples were obtained from each patient during surgery. The EPCs were stained with CD133+ and VEGFR-2+ markers. The tissue residents EPCs for each sample were determined using the immunofluorescence microscopy method. The age of the patients increased by disease severity in the following order (Grade I: 21.33±20.79 years) < (Grade II: 46.50±0.707 years) < (Grade III: 47.38±11.95 years) < (Grade IV: 48.44 ±10.66 years). The EPCs in brain tumour correlated significantly with the age of the patients with positive correlation (Spearman’s rho correlation test, r=0.52; p=0.013). The tissue resident EPCs in the brain tumour (median=0.40, IqR=0.59) were significantly higher compared with the adjacent normal brain (median=0.067, IqR=0.29) (Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, Z stat=-3.587, p
  19. Dariah Mohd Yusoff, Junaiti Yusof, Kueh, Yee Cheng
    MyJurnal
    Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are known as
    high-risk groups for developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Adequate related knowledge among them
    helps to increase their awareness towards CKD and adapt healthy attitude and practices for CKD
    prevention, which will result in better health outcomes. This study aimed to identify the patients'
    knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) towards the risks for CKD. This cross-sectional study used a selfadministered
    survey questionnaire on 103 adult male and female patients at four general surgical and
    medical wards in a teaching hospital using convenient sampling method. The data were computed using
    STATA version 12. Data on KAP were obtained through the Chronic Kidney Disease Screening Index
    questionnaire. The majority of respondents had poor knowledge (69.9%, n=72), but most of them had good
    attitude (68.9%, n=71) and good practices (88.3%, n=91) towards the risk of CKD. Significant associations
    were indicated between education level, occupation and monthly family income with knowledge (p-value <
    0.05). Significant associations were also indicated between age, sex, marital status and occupation with
    their attitude (p-value < 0.05). Meanwhile, marital status was found to be significantly associated with the
    practices towards the risk for CKD (p-value=0.008).
    Poor knowledge on the risk of getting CKD among hospitalized adults in this study implied the need for
    improvement in the public understanding towards the risk for CKD.
  20. Chin, Chee Kee, Dariah Mohd Yusoff, Kueh, Yee Cheng
    MyJurnal
    Blood donation is important for lives saving and the need is unceasing. However, the shortage of blood supply
    is a common issue. While the public is the main source of blood donation, it is unknown whether they are
    aware about it. This study was carried out to determine the public's knowledge, perceptions and barriers
    towards blood donation. Atotal of 384 male and female respondents were conveniently selected to participate
    in this study. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS software
    version 22.0. Most of the respondents (60.9%) had never donated blood but their knowledge towards blood
    donation was high (79.9%). Some misconceptions were indicated among respondents. Afraid of the needle
    prick, pain or discomfort were the top barriers among non-donors respondents (45.3%). The majority of the
    respondents believed that blood donation is a practice or selfless concern for the well-being of others (98.7%).
    A significant relationship was indicated between age and level of education with status of blood donation
    (p
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