METHODS: An unmatched hospital based case-control study was conducted from October 2002 to December 2016 in Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 3,683 cases and 3,980 controls were included in this study. Unconditional logistic regressions, adjusted for potential confounding factors, were conducted. The breast cancer risk factors were compared across four birth cohorts by ethnicity.
RESULTS: Ever breastfed, longer breastfeeding duration, a higher soymilk and soy product intake, and a higher level of physical activity were associated with lower risk of breast cancer. Chinese had the lowest breastfeeding rate, shortest breastfeeding duration, lowest parity and highest age of first full term pregnancy.
CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that breastfeeding, soy intake and physical activity are modifiable risk factors for breast cancer. With the increasing incidence of breast cancer there is an urgent need to educate the women about lifestyle intervention they can take to reduce their breast cancer risk.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey to explore knowledge of, and attitudes towards PrEP among providers from hospital and Key Population Led Health Services (KPLHS) settings. The questionnaire was distributed online in July 2020. Descriptive and univariate analysis using an independent-sample t-test were applied in the analyses. Attitudes were ranked from the most negative (score of 1) to the most positive (score of 5).
RESULTS: Overall, there were 196 respondents (158 from hospitals and 38 from KPLHS) in which most hospital providers are female nurse practitioners while half of those from KPLHS report current gender as gay. Most respondents report a high level of PrEP knowledge and support provision in all high-risk groups with residual concern regarding anti-retroviral drugs resistance. Over two-fifths of providers from both settings perceive that PrEP would result in risk compensation and half of KPLHS providers are concerned regarding risk of sexual transmitted infections. Limited PrEP counselling time is a challenge for hospital providers.
CONCLUSIONS: Service integration between both settings, more involvement and distribution of KPLHS in reaching key populations would be essential in optimizing PrEP uptake and retention. Continuing support particularly in raising awareness about PrEP among healthcare providers and key populations, facilities and manpower, unlimited quota of patient recruitment and PrEP training to strengthen providers' confidence and knowledge would be essential for successful PrEP implementation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients who underwent IBCT were allocated to Group I (n = 30; microscopic IBCT) and Group II (n = 30; endoscopic IBCT) by the dates of their visits. Anatomical success was defined as an intact, repaired tympanic membrane; functional success was defined as a significant decrease in the air-bone gap. Postoperative discomfort was analyzed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Thirteen trainees completed structured questionnaires exploring anatomical identification and the surgical steps.
RESULTS: The surgical success rates were 96.7% in Group I and 100% in Group II. We found no between-group differences in the mean decrease in the air-bone gap or the extent of postoperative discomfort. Significant postoperative hearing improvements were evident in both groups. The mean operative time was shorter when the microscopic approach was chosen (17.7±4.53 vs. 26.13±9.94 min). The two approaches significantly differed in terms of the identification of external and middle ear anatomical features by the trainees, and their understanding of the surgical steps.
CONCLUSION: Both endoscopic and microscopic IBCT were associated with good success rates. The endoscopic approach facilitates visualization, and a better understanding of the middle ear anatomy and the required surgical steps and thus is of greater educational utility.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 respondents who were selected through simple random sampling. Data was generated using a validated and reliable self-administered questionnaire.
RESULTS: The majority of the respondents are male, aged less than 35 years old, non-Malaysian, single, first-degree holders, not working, received a monthly income of less than 3264 Malaysian Ringgit, aware of food poisoning outbreak and the sources of their information of the food poisoning outbreak were television, the internet, newspaper, Online journals, friends, Facebook, community, nurse, drinking raw milk for the second time, information from their parents, relatives, restaurant, and radio. Majority had previous history of food poisoning illness but didn't correctly confirm the causes of their food poisoning illness. Majority had poor knowledge, acceptable attitude, and good practice of food poisoning. A significant association was observed for citizen, marital status, awareness of food poisoning outbreak, and previous history of food poisoning illness with knowledge. Gender and awareness of food poisoning outbreak were significantly associated with attitude. Attitude and practice were significantly associated. Logistic regression revealed that being married, awareness of food poisoning outbreak, and previous history of food poisoning illness are predictors for good knowledge. Female respondents and awareness of food poisoning outbreak are predictors for acceptable attitude.
CONCLUSION: Documentation of the identified poor knowledge and factors affecting knowledge, attitude, and practice provides essential information on the baseline indicators towards the risk of food poisoning among the respondents. A relevant interventional program is highly recommended to prevent the potential risks of food poisoning outbreak among them.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study at an outpatient Neurology Clinic of a tertiary government hospital in Malaysia. Between March and July 2019, we identified 217 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy, receiving oral ASM therapy and able to administer their medications. We performed a semi-structured interview to gather information on sociodemographic background, clinical and medication history, and perceptions on healthcare services. Adherence to ASM therapy was evaluated using the Medication Compliance Questionnaire (MCQ). Patient's illness perception was assessed by the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ).
RESULTS: 208 patients participated in this study. The median age of the study participants was 35 years (IQR 26-44). 58.2% were females and majority, 55.8%, were from the Malay ethnic group. Based on the MCQ scoring, 89 patients (42.8%) were non-adherent. Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that being employed or students (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.26, 95%CI: 1.19-4.29 p = 0.012) and having an average or below average perceived access to pharmacy services (aOR 2.94, 95%CI: 1.38-6.24, p = 0.005) were significant contributors to non-adherence.
CONCLUSION: Being employed or students and having an average or below average perceived access to pharmacy services were associated with ASM non-adherence Efforts to improve ASM adherence should adopt a comprehensive approach considering the success of adherence is contingent on the interrelationship of multiple dimensions.