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Fulltext The effectiveness of tocotrienol rich fraction and αlpha tocoferol with combination of vitamin C in the management of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)

Husam, Y.E., Raha, A.R., Jaafar, M.Z., Mohd Heikal, M.Y.

Journal of Surgical Academia, 2017;7(1):4-12.
MyJurnal

The pathophysiology of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) had been described to involve various strong oxidative reactions affecting the status and progress of the patients. Antioxidant therapy had been suggested in many studies involving SIRS management. The objective of this study was to compare the role of vitamin E Tocotrienol and vitamin E Tocopherol combined with vitamin C as antioxidant therapy in the management of critically ill patients diagnosed with SIRS, admitted to the intensive care unit and high dependency wards of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). It was a single blind randomized clinical trial with a total of 72 patients in which 44.4% Malays, 34.7% Chinese, 19.4% Indians and 1.4% others with 59.7% males and 40.3% females were recruited. Patients in TRI E group received Tocotrienol with Vitamin C while TOCO group received Tocopherol with Vitamin C and a control group did not receive any antioxidant. The clinical parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure) showed improvements with significant difference at the end of study (post-intervention) as compared to admission (pre-intervention).Whereas, the sepsis (temperature, PCT, CRP and WBC) and oxidative stress (8-OHdG/Creatinine) parameters showed improvements with significant difference at the end of study (post-intervention) as compared to admission (pre-intervention). The TRI E group showed obvious improvement in clinical, sepsis and oxidative stress parameters, as compared to TOCO and control groups. This study showed that Vitamin E Tocotrienol and Vitamin E Tocopherol in combination with Vitamin C demonstrated significant improvement in the clinical and laboratory parameters during the management of SIRS. Therefore, Vitamin E in combination with Vitamin C had therapeutic benefits in the treatment of critically ill patients with SIRS.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
The effectiveness of theory-based intervention to improve haemoglobin levels among women with anaemia in pregnancy

Hasneezah H, Rosliza AM, Salmiah MS, Appanah G

Med J Malaysia, 2020 11;75(6):626-634.
PMID: 33219169

BACKGROUND: Anaemia in pregnancy is considered a public health problem throughout the world. The effects of the existing intervention in ensuring compliance to the subscribed regimen and the impact of nutrition education in enhancing dietary modification during pregnancy in Malaysia have been minimal. This study aims to develop, implement and evaluate the effects of the Health Belief Model educational intervention on haemoglobin level among anaemic pregnant women.
METHODS: This is a quasi-experimental research with prepost test design with control group involving 81 participants per group from two health clinics in Sepang. The primary outcome was a change in the haemoglobin levels following educational intervention. Secondary outcomes include knowledge on anaemia, Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs, dietary iron intake and compliance towards iron supplementation. The intervention group received a HBMbased education intervention programme.
RESULTS: The response rate in the intervention and control group were 83.9% and 82.7% respectively. Generalised estimating equations analysis showed that the intervention was effective in improving the mean haemoglobin level (β=0.75, 95%CI=0.52, 0.99, p<0.001), the knowledge score (β=1.42, 95%CI=0.36, 2.49, p=0.009), perceived severity score (β=2.2, 95%CI= 1.02, 3.39, p<0.001) and increased proportion of high compliance level (AOR=4.59, 95%CI=1.58, 13.35, p=0.005).
CONCLUSION: HBM-based health education programme has proven to be effective in improving the haemoglobin levels, knowledge scores, perceived severity scores and compliance level of participants. The study results emphasized on the effectiveness of such an approach, therefore it is recommended that future educational interventions which aim at increasing preventive healthy behaviours in pregnant women may benefit from the application of this model in primary health care settings.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
The effectiveness of seated combined extension-compression and transverse load traction in increasing cervical lordosis- challenging the underlying framework

Tamara Gien Pooke, Rozi Mahmud, Suraini Mohamad Saini, Yap, Poh Sin, Sharifah Roohi Syed Waseem Ahmad, Harwant Singh

International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2016;10(3):24-33.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of seated combined extension-compression and transverse load (ECTL) traction as a new method for increasing a reduced lordosis of less than 30 degrees in a Malaysian population between the ages of 18 and 60 years. Possible changes in disc height were measured in accordance with the underlying theoretical framework, that suggests the anterior cervical structures would elongate due to creep over the fulcrum of the traction device.
Method: This was a single centre, randomised, blinded controlled clinical trial with parallel groups, used to test the superiority of the seated combined ECTL traction together with physiotherapy exercises when compared with the same physiotherapy exercises used as a control. Fifty randomly allocated subjects who completed the forty treatments over the fourteen weeks were analysed using non-parametric tests for changes in outcomes.
Results: There were no significant changes in outcomes for disc height changes seen in this study. The findings of a greater overall increase in posterior disc height changes compared with anterior disc height changes were in contrast with the proposed underlying theoretical framework for this type of ECTL traction. The greater height changes occurring in the control group were also unexpected.
Conclusion: The findings in this study of the contrasting changes in disc height of greater posterior than anterior height changes, question the underlying theoretical framework as postulated for this type of traction.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext The effectiveness of psychiatric therapy against Malaysian cancer patients with depressive disorders: a systematic review

Amir MC, Mousavi L, Shahizan H

Jurnal Psikologi Malaysia, 2016;31:57-66.

The aim of this study is to compare depression in terms of treatment between psychotherapy and medical approach or to combine these approaches among cancer patients in Malaysia with respect to the cancer categories. It also studies the major prevalence of depressive disorder in the group together with the specialized clinical connection to the health outcomes. The annual incidence of cancer cases in Malaysia is 30,000 at late stage of the disease. We found 17 eligible researches out of 142 articles which most were under designed of cross-sectional or prospective study, and contained 2,523 cancer patients. This study was conducted on systematic electronic review using the databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Wiley Online Library were carried out from the period of time between 2006 and 2015. For data collection purposes, the study goes through the Malaysian articles in English language, in which some of the considered factors were general management principles, cancer level among the depressed patients, the selection of the psychological therapies and the use of antidepressant medication. However, the evidences are still not enough to present an effective diagnostic method for the depressive disorders in cancer patients, and to find a successful antidepressant drug and/or an appropriate psychotherapy in this group of patients. Hence, many different approaches could be presented for psychotherapy. In conclusion, we found increased hazard rates for the cancer death among psychiatric patients compared to the control group without a registered mental illness.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext The effectiveness of group dietary counselling among non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients in resettlement scheme areas in Malaysia

Talib R, Ali O, Arshad F, Kadir KA

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 1997 Jun;6(2):84-7.
PMID: 24394705

A study was undertaken in FELDA (Federal Land Development Authority) resettlement scheme areas in Pahang, Malaysia, to determine the effectiveness of group dietary counselling in motivating diabetic patients to achieve good dietary habits, and weight and diabetes control. Sixty-one non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group received six sessions of group dietary counselling over 5 months and the control group received mass media diabetes-educational program during the same period. The one hour group dietary counselling sessions discussed general knowledge of diabetes, food groups for meal planning, the importance of dietary fibre-rich foods, types of fat in food, exercise and weight control. The experimental group met monthly with a dietitian as a counsellor. Effectiveness was assessed by improvement in food choice, and decline in percentage glycated haemoglobin (total HbA1) or body mass index (BMI). Measurements were made at a baseline visit, every two months during the six month program, and six months afterwards. Patients in the experimental group improved their food choices, resulting in a healthier diet high in unrefined carbohydrates and dietary fibre rich foods, and low in fat. There were significant reductions of their percentage total HbA1 levels and BMI following the counselling sessions, which decreased further six months after the program compared with patients in the control group. Thus group dietary counselling is effective in motivating NIDDM patients to achieve better food choice, and related weight and glycaemic control in a Malaysian setting.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext The effectiveness of a voice care program among primary school teachers in northeastern Malaysia

Sundram ER, Norsa'adah B, Mohamad H, Moy FM, Husain NRN, Shafei MN

Oman Med J, 2019 Jan;34(1):49-55.
PMID: 30671184 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2019.08

Objectives: We sought to determine the effectiveness of a voice care program among primary school teachers in a northeastern district in Malaysia.
Methods: We conducted a randomized community trial in eight primary schools in a northeastern district in Malaysia. The self-administered and validated Malay-Voice Handicap Index-10 (M-VHI-10) questionnaire was used to assess overall voice handicap scores pre-intervention and eight weeks post-intervention. Teachers with a score of five or more (n = 86) were randomized into intervention (n = 41) and control groups (n = 45). The intervention group received portable voice amplifiers and vocal hygiene instruction, which was delivered by lectures and a booklet. The control group was not prescribed any intervention.
Results: The sociodemographic, lifestyle, and occupational characteristics of the teachers (except maximum number of students per class) were similar between both groups. The baseline M-VHI-10 scores between both groups were also comparable. After the intervention phase, there was a significant effect observed in the total M-VHI-10 scores (p = 0.021, F-stat (df): 5.33 (1,79)) between both groups after controlling for the maximum number of students per class.
Conclusions: Our results support the use of voice amplification in adjunct with vocal hygiene instruction as a prevention and treatment modality to reduce voice handicap among teachers. Our study demonstrated encouraging evidence on the low-cost voice care program as well as the success of group and workplace-based approaches in the school setting.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext The effectiveness of a DEAL-Based intervention to reduce stress and depression symptoms

Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff, Mohd Jamil Yaacob, Nyi, Nyi Naing, Abdul Rahman Esa

Education in Medicine Journal, 2015;7(1):1-15.
MyJurnal

Many researchers have emphasized the importance of teaching stress management and self-care skills to medical students as they are vulnerable to develop psychological health problems. The researchers designed a 4-hour intervention based on the DEAL model to address these problems. This study aimed to determine outcomes of the DEAL-based intervention on medical students’ stress, anxiety and depression symptoms. Methods: A randomized controlled trial study was conducted on 171 medical students. Their stress, anxiety and depression symptoms were measured by the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale at five intervals; at 2 weeks before the intervention, and at 1 week, 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 32 weeks after the intervention. The mixed model ANCOVA was applied to determine the effect of the intervention on the participants’ psychological health at five intervals. Results: A total of 153 medical students (intervention = 73 and control = 80) completed this study. Results showed that the intervention group experienced significantly lower stress and depression symptoms than the control group. Although anxiety scores are consistently lower in the intervention group, no significant differences between groups were found. Conclusion: These results support the favourable outcomes of the intervention on psychological health of medical students. It is a promising intervention to be considered by medical schools as it consumes minimal amount of time, money, training and man power as well can be implemented easily.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext The effectiveness of Realistic Mathematics Education approach: The role of mathematical representation as mediator between mathematical belief and problem solving

Yuanita P, Zulnaidi H, Zakaria E

PLoS One, 2018;13(9):e0204847.
PMID: 30261056 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204847

This study aims to identify the role of mathematical representation as a mediator between mathematical belief and problem solving. A quasi-experimental design was developed that included 426 Form 1 secondary school students. Respondents comprised 209 and 217 students in the treatment and control groups, respectively. SPSS 23.0, ANATES 4 and Amos 18 were used for data analysis. Findings indicated that mathematical representation plays a significant role as mediator between mathematical belief and arithmetic problem solving. The Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach successfully increased the arithmetic problem-solving ability of students.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext The effectiveness of Hyoscine-N-Butylbromide (Buscopan) in reducing physiological bowel uptake in 18F-FDG PET/CT

Mohd Fahmi Shukur Ramli, Fadzilah Hamzah, Muhamad Zabidi Ahmad

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2018;14(201):1-7.
MyJurnal

Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT) was introduced over four decades ago as an imaging tool to evaluate functional and anatomical aspects of disease such as malignancy. Besides pathological uptake, PET-CT also shows physiological uptake, especially in the gastrointestinal system, thus impacting diagnostic accuracy in these cases. There are many conditions that can attribute to increasing physiological uptake in PET-CT including microbial activity and drugs. Therefore, certain anti-spasmodic agents have been introduced to help reduce physiological uptake during scanning such as Hyoscine-n-butylbromide (Buscopan). This study aims to establish its effectiveness in reducing physiological bowel uptake on 18F-FDG PET-CT scan. Methods: 133 subjects were recruited in random for this study and divided into hyoscine (68 subjects) and control groups (65 subjects), respectively. Subjects in control group not given any anti-spasmodic medications and both groups received intravenous 18F-FDG according to body weight. PET-CT scan and images were interpreted by experienced nuclear medicine physician who scored the images according to the degree of bowel uptake and difficulty of image interpretation. Results: There were no statistical difference in bowel uptake based on SUV mean of the bowel and bowel-to-liver ratio between hyoscine and control groups. Conclusion: There was no significant effect of Hyoscine-n-butylbromide in reducing physiological bowel uptake in PET-CT scan.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
The effect of tocotrienol-rich fraction on the expression of glutathione s-transferase isoenzymes in mice liver

Ahmed Atia, Nadia Salem Alrawaiq, Azman Abdullah

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:2799-2809.

Glutathione S-transferase isoenzymes (GSTs) catalyze the conjugation reaction between glutathione and electrophilic
compounds. GSTs are involved in the detoxification of toxic and carcinogenic compounds, thus protecting the body from
toxic injuries. Tocotrienols are part of the vitamin E family and is believed to possess potent antioxidant activity. The
objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing doses of tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) supplementation
on liver GSTs gene and protein expression. A total of 30 male ICR white mice were divided into five groups (n=6 for each
group) and given treatment for 14 days through oral supplementation. Groups were divided as follows: - three groups
administered with TRF at doses of 200, 500 and 1000 mg/kg, respectively, a positive control group administered with 100
mg/kg butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and a control group administered with only the vehicle (corn oil). At day 15, the
mice were sacrificed and their livers isolated. Total RNA was extracted from the liver and quantitative real-time polymerase
chain reaction (qPCR) assays were performed to analyze GSTs gene expression. Total liver protein was also extracted
and the protein expression of GSTs was determined by Western blotting. The results showed that TRF oral supplementation
caused a significant dose-dependent increase in liver GST isoenzymes gene and protein expression, compared to controls.
In conclusion, TRF oral supplementation for 14 days resulted in increased gene and protein expression of GST isoenzymes
in mice liver dose-dependently, with the highest expression seen in mice treated with 1000 mg/kg TRF.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
The effect of tocotrienol-rich fraction on oxidative liver damage induced by fenitrothion

Putri Ayu Jayusman, Siti Balkis Budin, Putri Ayu Jayusman SBB, Izatus Shima Taib, Ahmad Rohi Ghazali

Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:1603-1609.

Exposure to organophosphate pesticide including fenitrothion (FNT) has led to many adverse effects on human health.
However, a potent antioxidant like palm oil tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) can reduce oxidative damage in various
pathological conditions, could also reduce the adverse effects by FNT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect
of TRF on oxidative liver damage in FNT induce hepatotoxicity in experimental rats. A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley
rats were randomly divided into four groups of 10, namely control, TRF, FNT and TRF+FNT group. TRF (200 mg/kg
body weight) and FNT (20 m/kg body weight) were administered through oral gavage for 28 days. Corn oil which
served as vehicle was given orally to the control group. At the end of the study period, liver and blood was taken for
oxidative damage and biochemical evaluation and histological observation. TRF supplementation prevents oxidative
liver damage by reducing the hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO) level significantly. Besides,
TRF also restored the endogenous antioxidants particularly reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)
and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP). TRF also prevent liver damage by reducing the liver enzymes, alanine
aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The attenuation of liver damage by TRF was also showed
histologically. In conclusion, TRF supplementation showed a potential in preventing oxidative liver damage in FNTtreated
rats by reducing the oxidative damage and improving the antioxidant status.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
The effect of thyroxine on the renal function of asphyxiated neonates

Rostenberghe, H.V., Haider, D., Abdullah, Y., Amir, H., Abdul Razak, A.R.

Malaysian Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 1998;10(2):19-23.
MyJurnal

Thyroxine has been shown to have a beneficial effect on renal function in cases of impending renal failure in ani-mal studies.'5 Studies of the use of thyroxine in humans in impending renal failure are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of oral thyroxine on the renal function of asphyxiated term neonates who often have renal impairment.
A randomised control trial was conducted, involving 30 term asphyxiated neonates. The study group (n=15) was given thyroxine (50 pg) orally on days 1, 2 and 3 of life and placebo was given to the control group (n=15). Renal function was studied on day 1 and day 4 of life. The two groups did not differ significantly as regards gestational age, birth weight, severity of asphyxia, preg-nancy or delivery complications, fluids administered and drugs used. There was no significant difference in urine output, creatinine clearance and fractional excretion of sodium on day 1 but there was a trend towards a worse renal function on day 1 in the treatment group. The creatinine clearance was significantly better in the treat-ment group on day 4 (p = 0.017). Urine output and fractional excretion of sodium on day 4 were better in the treatment group but the differences did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.14 and 0.057 respectively). Statistical analysis on the differences between day 4 and day 1 showed statistical significance only for creatinine clearance: creatinine clearance day 4 minus creatinine clearance day 1 was 52.6 (±32.4) for the thyroxine group and 7.3 (±7.8) for the controls (p= 0.006).
These data support the hypothesis that thyroxine may have a significant beneficial effect on the renal function in term neonates with perinatal asphyxia. Thyroxine may be proven useful in future for patients with impending renal failure.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext The effect of piper sarmentosum aqueous extract on buccal ulcer healing

Md Ismail, N.H., Nik Mohd Alwi N.A.

JUMMEC, 2019;22(1):13-19.
MyJurnal

Oral ulcer is a lesion with multifactorial causes and occurs worldwide. The lesion usually resolved within 14
days, but the pain may have an impact on the quality of patient’s life. Therefore, having a natural derived
remedy that can reduce healing time would be a great advantage. This study aims to investigate histological
sections of buccal ulcer on rats treated with aqueous extract of Piper sarmentosum (AEPS). Glacial acetic acid
was used to induce buccal ulcer on male Sprague Dawley rats. Control group received normal saline while
the experimental group received AEPS for treatment. On certain days of post-ulcer induction, buccal ulcer
tissue samples were harvested, sectioned and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E). Histological slides
were examined for inflammation and scored. The inflammation severity reduced from day 2 to day 12. In the
experimental group there was a statistically significant differences of inflammation score, particularly on day
2 with a score of (2.8 + 0.2). Neutrophils were less in the experimental group and the tissue debris clearance
was faster compared to control group. Full reepithelization was observed on both treated tissue sections on
day 12 with less severe inflammation. Topical application of AEPS is proven to have anti-inflammatory effect
by reducing the number of neutrophils during inflammation phase of oral ulcer healing.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext The effect of low intensity electromagnetic field (emf) exposure on pericytes in brain tissues and blood oxidative stress level in rats

Syahirah Samsudin, Yanti Rosli Asmah Hamid

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2020;18(2):93-99.
MyJurnal

Studies on the potential effect of EMF exposure on permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in humans are virtually absent. This study was conducted to study the effect of EMF exposure on pericytes in brain tissues and its effect on oxidative stress level in the blood through total protein and malondialdehyde (MDA). About 16 male rats (Wistar) were used and divided into two groups which were negative control and treatment group. In negative control group, the animals were placed in a solenoid without any EMF exposure for 3 hours daily for 5 days. In the treatment group, the animals were placed in a solenoid with 0.3 mT EMF exposure for the same time duration. On day 3 and day 5, animals were sacrificed and the brain was removed for histological examination while on day 1, day 3 and day 5, the blood was collected for biochemistry analysis. Histological observation showed the presence of morphological changes in the brain tissues of rats that exposed to EMF. Statistical analysis showed that there is no significant decrease in total protein (p>0.05) between negative control group and treatment group. Meanwhile, MDA level in blood showed a significant increase in treatment group (p

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext The effect of lead exposure of mice during pregnancy on the concentration and motility of epididymal and testicular spermatozoa in offspring mature male mice

al-Khfaji, I.N., Fakhrildin, M.B., Al-Ani, I.M., Mangalo, H.H., Al-Obaidi, S.R.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2011;10(1):37-42.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of lead on concentration and motility of spermatozoa recovered from epididymis and testes in mature male offspring whose mothers were exposed to different doses and concentrations of lead acetate during gestation period. Materials and Methods: Seventy two healthy mature female mice were divided into three major groups according to the number of injections involving 1, 2 and 3 injections. Each major group was subdivided into four minor groups according to the concentration dose of (0, 25, 50 and 100) mg/Kg of lead acetate. Sperm concentration, percentage of motility and grade of activity were microscopically examined and statistically analyzed. Results: A significant reduction in the sperm functions were seen in relation to an increased in the number of injections and/or concentration of lead acetate dose as compared with the control groups. Conclusion: The toxic effects of lead acetate may interfere with spermatogenesis and metabolism of spermatozoa.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext The effect of increased consumption of edible palm oil on the nutritional status, lipid profiles and lipid peroxidation among Malaysian aborigines

Iskandar Zulkarnain Alias, Zaleha Md. Isa, Osman Ali, Khalid Abdul Kadir

Malays J Nutr, 2002;8(2):137-156.
MyJurnal

This study was conducted to determine the effects of increased edible palm oil consumption on community health status in the aboriginal communities in Tual Post (treatment group) and Sinderut Post (control group), Kuala Lipis, Pahang. Nutritional status, blood pressure, lipid profiles, fasting blood glucose (FBG), vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) levels and lipid peroxidation product (malonaldehyde) levels were taken as indicators of health status. This is a pre-and post-controlled community trial in which similar variables were measured in each group. Every family of 2–6 household members was given 2–5 kg cooking palm oil per month for a period of 18 months. All subjects were measured for height (cm), weight (kg) and waist-hip ratio (WHR). For calorie intake measurement, house-to-house interviews were conducted using 24-hour dietary recall method. Blood pressure, percent body fat, lipid profiles, namely total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were also measured. Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) levels and lipid peroxidation products (MDA) were also determined. There was a significant increase (p

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
The effect of food safety education on handwashing practices in school canteens’ food handlers

Nik Rosmawati N, Wan Manan W, Noor Izani N, Nik Nurain N, Razlina A

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:2119-2128.

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a newly developed food safety education to improve the handwashing
practices of food handlers in school canteens. A community-based intervention study was carried out over a 2-year period.
Sixteen out of 98 primary schools were randomly selected and assigned into intervention and control groups using a
simple random sampling method. The study population included food handlers who worked in the canteens of the school
selected. The Food Safety Education Programme (FSEP) for the intervention group was developed based on the theory of
planned behaviour. The main outcome measures used were handwashing practices from the observations carried out at
baseline, 6-weeks (Post1) and 12-weeks (Post2) after the intervention. Out of 79 food handlers who participated in this
study, 33 (41.8%) were in the intervention group and 46 (58.2%) were in the control group. Prior to FSEP, handwashing
was not commonly practiced following critical events and the majority did not perform correctly. The time-effect of the
mixed design analysis of variance showed a significant increase (p=0.004) in the mean percentage of the total observed
handwashing practices from 29% at the baseline to 50.8% at Post1 (p=0.004). However, the intervention-effect of mixed
design ANOVA did not show any significant difference in the handwashing practices (p=0.210). The FSEP was effective in
improving the handwashing practices of the food handlers in the selected primary school canteens.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
The effect of core stability training with ball and balloon exercise on respiratory variables in chronic non-specific low back pain: An experimental study

Mohan V, Paungmali A, Sitilertpisan P, Henry LJ, Omar FA, Azhar FZ

J Bodyw Mov Ther, 2020 Oct;24(4):196-202.
PMID: 33218511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.07.007

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown the involvement of respiratory characteristics and their relationship with impairments in non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP). The effects of core stability with a combined ball and balloon exercise (CBB) on respiratory variables had not been investigated.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of CBB on respiratory variables among NS-LBP patients.
STUDY DESIGN: pre- and post-experimental study.
PARTICIPANTS: Forty participants were assigned to an experimental group (EG) [n = 20] and control group (CG) [n = 20] based on the study criteria.
INTERVENTIONS: The EG received CBB together with routine physiotherapy and the CG received routine physiotherapy over a period of 8 weeks. Participants were instructed to carry out the exercises for 3 days per week. The training was evaluated once a week and the exercises progressed based on the level of pain.
OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV). The secondary outcomes were measured in the numeric rating scale (NRS), total faulty breathing scale (TFBS), cloth tape measure (CTM) and lumbo-pelvic stability.
RESULTS: The MIP increased significantly among the EG when compared with that in the CG (p > 0.05).The EG showed a significant increase in MVV (p = 0.04) when compared to the CG (p = 0.0001). There was a significant reduction in pain for both groups. The MEP, TFBS, chest expansion and core stability showed no changes in either group.
CONCLUSION: CBB was effective in improving respiratory variables among NS-LBP patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext The effect of MCQ vetting on students' examination performance

Majed Mohammed Wadi, Ahmad Fuad Abdul Rahim, Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff, Kamarul Aryffin Baharuddin

Education in Medicine Journal, 2014;6(2):16-26.
MyJurnal

Context: Question vetting is important to ensure validity, reliability, and other quality indicators of assessment tools, including the MCQ. Faculty members invest a substantial amount of time and effort into the MCQ vetting process. However, there is shortage of scientific evidence showing its effectiveness and at which level it needs to be focused on. This study aimed to provide scientific evidence regarding the effects of question vetting process on students’ examination performance by looking at their scores and pass-fail outcomes.

Method: A parallel randomized control trial was conducted on third year medical students in a medical school. They were randomly assigned into two equal groups (i.e. control and experimental). Two mock examinations were conducted (i.e. time I and time II). At time I, non-vetted MCQs were administered to both groups as a baseline measurement. At time II, vetted MCQs were administered to the experimental group, while the same non-vetted MCQs were administered to the control group.

Results: Out of 203 students, 129 (63.5%) participated in both mock examinations. 65 students were in the control group and 64 students were in the experimental group. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in mean examination scores and pass-fail outcomes between or within the control and experimental groups.

Conclusion: This study indicated that the MCQ vetting process did not influence examination performance. Despite these findings, the MCQ vetting process should still be considered an important activity to ensure that test items are developed at the highest quality and standards. However, it can be suggested that such activity can be done at the departmental level rather than at the central level.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups
Fulltext The comparative effects of listening to prayer recitation and music therapy intraoperatively on postoperative pain

Farah Syaza Rahman, Nurlia Yahya, Nor Mohammad Md Din, Azarinah Izaham, Wan Rahiza Wan Mat

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(2):107-116.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Non-pharmacological interventions are considered as successful adjuncts to manage pain. We are studying the comparative effects of listening to prayer recitation and music therapy intraoperatively as non-pharmacological interventions on postoperative pain and intraoperative haemodynamics. Materials and Methods: Seventy two muslim patients with acute appendicitis requiring open, emergency appendicectomies under general anaesthesia were recruited and randomised into three groups: Group A: patients who listened to prayer recitation, Group B: patients who listened to music, Group C: control group - patients who did not listen to any prayer or music. Intraoperative blood pressure, heart rate and postoperative pain scores were monitored. Results: The demographic data, pre- and post-headphones application haemodynamics were compared. There were significantly lower heart rates at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 minutes for Group A and at 50 and 60 minutes for Group B patients when compared to Group C. Significant reduction in postoperative pain scores were seen in Group A patients at 30 minutes and 8 hours as compared to Group C patients. No significant differences in pain scores were seen between Group B and C patients. No significant differences in additional analgesic requirements postoperatively were seen in all three groups. Conclusion: Listening to prayer recitation or music intraoperatively significantly lowered intraoperative heart rates, however only prayer recitation significantly reduced postoperative pain scores as compared to the control group.

Matched MeSH terms: Control Groups

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