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  1. Fulltext Tobacco use and attitudes towards tobacco control activities of Malaysian dental students
    Mohd Nor NA, Abdul Razak I, Ab-Murat N, Ismail N, Ibrahim F
    Archives of Orofacial Sciences, 2018;13(1):6-15.
    MyJurnal
    Tobacco usage among dental students and the amount of training they received may have an impact on tobacco cessation activities undertaken for their patients. This study aims to assess Malaysian dental students’ tobacco use, exposure to second-hand smoke and their attitude towards tobacco control activities and curriculum. This was a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Global Health Professions Students Survey (GHPSS). The questionnaire was distributed to all Malaysian fourth and fifth year
    dental students in four public dental schools (n=372), namely University of Malaya (UM), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). The data were analysed using descriptive and chi square tests. In total, (n=349) respondents completed the questionnaire, yielding a 93.8% response rate. Although the prevalence of Malaysian dental students who ‘ever smoked’ was 21.2%, the prevalence of current smokers was low (2.3%). About 62% and 39% of students reported having been exposed to second-hand smoke in public and at home, respectively. USIM students were significantly less likely to recall having received training about approaches to smoking cessation (52.9%, p<0.001). Significantly fewer smokers than nonsmokers agreed on tobacco banning policy. Regardless of their smoking status, the majority of dental students showed positive attitudes towards dentists’ role in tobacco cessation. Tobacco user among Malaysian dental students was low. There were statistically significant differences between ever smokers and non-smokers’ attitudes towards tobacco banning policy. The majority of dental students showed positive attitudes towards dentists’ role in
    tobacco cessation.
    Keywords: Attitudes; GHPSS; public health; smoking; tobacco
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  2. Fulltext Knowledge, attitude and practice towards pelvic floor muscle training among childbearing women
    Mohd Fauzey NF, Muda SM, Hasan H, Nusee Z, Mustapa Kamal Basha MA
    Arch Ital Urol Androl, 2023 May 29;95(2):11298.
    PMID: 37254928 DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2023.11298
    OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify knowledge, attitude, and practice of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and to identify the prevalence of urinary incontinence.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The method used was a cross-sectional study. Self-administered knowledge, attitude, and practice questionnaires were distributed among childbearing women attending Maternal & Child Health Clinics in the East Coast region of Malaysia.

    RESULTS: The findings revealed that most respondents (N = 896) had good or moderate knowledge (80.1%) and attitudes (77.3%) regarding PFMT but most of them (87.2%) still lacked practice. However, there was no association between urinary incontinence and PFMT practice. On the contrary, married women showed a higher risk of urinary incontinence.

    CONCLUSIONS: The practice of pelvic floor muscle training should be recommended and emphasized to childbearing women by healthcare professionals.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  3. Fulltext Parental perception of their children's weight status, and its association with their nutrition and obesity knowledge
    Muhammad NA, Omar K, Shah SA, Muthupalaniappen L, Arshad F
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2008;17(4):597-602.
    PMID: 19114396
    BACKGROUND: Worldwide the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is escalating. Parents’ recognition of overweight or obesity in their own children is very important for a successful intervention in these children. This study examined parental perception of their children’s weight status, and its association with their knowledge on nutrition and obesity.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross sectional study of parents with children aged 9 to 12 years, in a primary school of Kuala Lumpur. Parents responded to a self-administered questionnaire which contains parental perception of their child weight status as well as knowledge on nutrition and obesity. The parents’ perception of the children’s weight status was then compared with the actual measured weight status.
    RESULTS: There were 204 parents who participated in the study. Parents were found to underestimate their child weight status and 38.2% were inaccurate in their perception. The mean score of knowledge on nutrition and obesity was 78.5±14.4; and this did not associate with the accuracy of their perception on the child weight status. Parents showed inadequate knowledge in food pyramid and preparation of low fat meals.
    CONCLUSION: The Malaysian Health Campaigns had resulted in overall good knowledge on nutrition and obesity in the parents except in few domains. However, this was insufficient to make the parents recognize the growing overweight and obesity problem in their children.
    Key Words: overweight, obesity, children, parental perception, knowledge
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  4. Diet, nutritional knowledge and health status of urban middle-aged Malaysian women
    Pon LW, Noor-Aini MY, Ong FB, Adeeb N, Seri SS, Shamsuddin K, et al.
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2006;15(3):388-99.
    PMID: 16837432
    The objective of the study was to assess nutritional and health status as well as nutritional knowledge in urban middle-aged Malaysian women. The impact of menopause on diet and health indices was also studied. The study included 360 disease free women, non users of HRT,aged > or =45 years with an intact uterus recruited from November 1999 to October 2001. Personal characteristics, anthropometric measurements and blood sample were acquired followed by clinical examination. Nutrient intake and nutritional knowledge was determined by a quantitative FFQ and KAP. The findings showed that urban middle-aged women, aged 51.65+/-5.40 years had energy intakes (EI) 11% below RDA, consisting of 53% carbohydrates, 15% protein and a 32% fat which declined with age. The sample which comprised of 42.5% postmenopausal women had a satisfactory diet and healthy lifestyle practices. Premenopausal women consumed more dietary fat (6%) with other aspects of diet comparable to the postmenopausal women. Iron intake was deficient in premenopausal women, amounting to 56% RDA contributing to a 26% prevalence of anaemia. Overall, calcium intake reached 440 mg daily but dairy products were not the main source. The postmenopaused had a more artherogenic lipid profile with significantly higher total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-C, but more premenopausal women were overweight/obese (49% versus 35%). EI was the strongest predictor for BMI and waist circumference (WC), with WC itself an independent predictor of fasting blood sugar and TC with BMI strongly affecting glucose tolerance. High nutritional knowledge was seen in 39% whereas 20% had poor knowledge. Newspapers and magazines, followed by the subject's social circle, were the main sources of nutritional information. Nutritional knowledge was positively associated with education, household income, vitamin/ mineral supplementation and regular physical activity but inversely related to TC. In conclusion, middle-aged urban women had an adequate diet with low iron and calcium intakes. Nutritional knowledge was positively associated to healthier lifestyle practices and lower TC. A comparable nutrient intake and lifestyle between pre and postmenopausal women suggested that health changes associated with menopause was largely independent of diet.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  5. Fulltext Body image differences among Malay, Samoan, and Australian women
    McDowell AJ, Bond M
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2006;15(2):201-7.
    PMID: 16672204
    Comparisons of body attitudes and associated behaviours were undertaken using Malay, Samoan, and Australian female students. The general goal of the research was to determine the degree to which the observed pattern of attitudes and behaviours was attributable to culture. The specific analyses comprised an examination of group differences using standard measures that included the Body Attitudes Questionnaire, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire and detailed questions concerning the use of diet and exercise as weight control strategies. The main findings concerned a number of cultural differences, particularly in relation to diet and exercise, that were evident even with the effect of body mass index held constant. These results are interpreted in terms of the efficacy of entrenched cultural beliefs in protecting against introduced, more dominant, cultural values. The Australian sample exhibited the most negative body image, although there was some evidence that Malays and Samoans were influenced by Western ideals of weight and shape. It is proposed that to fully understand the differential meaning of negative body image across cultures and the potential impact of westernisation, both within-group and between-group differences in body size need to be acknowledged.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  6. Fulltext A nutrition care process knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers questionnaire
    Bahari Z, Ibrahim Z, Adznam SNA, Yusof BNM
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2017 8 15;26(5):781-787.
    PMID: 28802285 DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.102016.02
    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Assessment of the nutrition care process (NCP) knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers (KAPB) of dietetics practitioners is imperative before NCP is implemented completely in dietetics practice. No questionnaire assessing NCP KAPB has been developed and validated. Hence, we developed an NCP KAPB questionnaire called the KAPB-NCP and established its content validity.

    METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A total of 116 items associated with sociodemographic characteristics (7 items), professional development (3 items), organisational culture's support for the NCP (2 items), knowledge (27 items), attitudes (39 items), practices (20 items), and perceived barriers to implementing the NCP (14 items) were generated for potential inclusion in the KAPB-NCP questionnaire. The questionnaire was reviewed online by an expert panel for its content validity. An in-depth review was conducted by the research team for evaluating the overall comprehensiveness of the questionnaire.

    RESULTS: In total, 87 of 100 items of the KAPB sections showed an excellent content validity index (CVI; k* >0.74), whereas 10 showed a satisfactory CVI (k*=0.60-0.74). Only 3 items had a low CVI (k* <0.40). According to the expert panel revisions and the in-depth review, 72 items were incorporated into the questionnaire.

    CONCLUSIONS: The KAPB-NCP questionnaire is a content-valid instrument that can assess NCP KAPB.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  7. Use of contraceptives in three south-east Asian countries
    Lun KC
    Asia Oceania J Obstet Gynaecol, 1983 Jun;9(2):185-92.
    PMID: 6615332 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.1983.tb00620.x
    Use of contraceptives by some selected characteristics was studied for married women in the reproductive age range (MWRA) in three south‐east Asian countries. The data were obtained from each country's national family planning/fertility survey conducted around the mid‐seventies. Only the gross relationship between each of the selected characteristics and contraceptive use was compared. The proportion of MWRA using contraceptives for Singapore was almost twice as high as the corresponding proportions for Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand. The pattern of contraceptive use was largely similar for Thailand and Malaysia but different from Singapore. The differences were largely attributed to the absence of a large rural population in Singapore, the apparently greater tendency of women in Singapore to use reversible contraceptive methods for birth spacing and the easier access by women to family planning information and services, particularly sterilisation, than in Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  8. Patterns of maternal tobacco use among Cambodian women: findings from a nationwide sample
    Singh PN, Kheam T, Lopez J, Job JS, Yel D
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2013 Sep;25(5 Suppl):54S-63S.
    PMID: 23666842 DOI: 10.1177/1010539513487014
    Although current trends indicate that the rate of cigarette smoking tends to be low among women in the Western Pacific Region (<10%), recent epidemiologic data from South Asia (India, Bangladesh) and Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia) identify that a large proportion of women of reproductive age and older chew tobacco--often as part of a betel quid mixture that includes other potentially harmful ingredients (eg, areca nut). Our findings from currently pregnant women identified during a nationwide survey of adult tobacco use in Cambodia indicate that 13.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8% to 17%) were current users of smoked or smokeless (in the form of a betel quid) tobacco. Most pregnant women who used tobacco indicated that their habit was either initiated (29.1%; 95% CI = 16.3-46.3) or increased (33.7%; 95% CI = 18.3-53.5) during pregnancy. Pregnancy-related symptoms such as morning sickness were reported as the reason for more than half (54.9%; 95% CI = 34.8-73.4) of the currently pregnant users to have started a tobacco habit during their lifetime. Among those pregnant women who did not use tobacco, we found strong associations (odds ratios from 2 to 14) with beliefs about the harmful effects of tobacco on adult health, faith-based beliefs in addictive substances, and beliefs that influential members of the community, health professionals, and children should not use tobacco. Our findings indicate that tobacco cessation and prevention programs in Cambodia should specifically target pregnant and reproductive-age women.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  9. Knowledge about osteoporosis in a Malaysian population
    Yeap SS, Goh EM, Das Gupta E
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2010 Apr;22(2):233-41.
    PMID: 20457652 DOI: 10.1177/1010539509343948
    To determine the depth and sources of knowledge about osteoporosis (OP) among the public in Malaysia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to attendees of health-related public forums. A total of 87.1% of the attendees had heard of OP. Of these, 89.5% were concerned about getting OP. Significantly more women than men (P = .015), those with more than 10 years of schooling (P < .001), and those earning more than $US285 per month (P = .022) had heard of OP. Knowledge of OP risk factors was good: 97.1% identified low calcium intake, 87.8% lack of exercise, 80.0% family history of OP, and 75.8% postmenopausal status. A total of 38.7% of the attendees thought that OP was more serious than cancer and 35.1% more serious than heart disease; 55.7% obtained information about OP from newspapers and 46.4% from magazines. In this self-selected population, women, the better educated, and those earning higher incomes were more aware of OP. Knowledge of OP was obtained mainly from printed materials.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  10. Fulltext Exploring why girls smoke in Malaysia--a qualitative approach
    Al-Sadat N, Binns CW
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2008 Oct;20 Suppl:6-14.
    PMID: 19533855
    The fast increase in the rate of uptake of smoking amongst adolescent girls in Malaysia is a public health concern. The objective of this study was to investigate factors that influenced the initiation of smoking and the effects of advertisement on consolidating the smoking habit among teenage girls in the urban city of Kuala Lumpur. Qualitative research was conducted using both interviews and focus group discussions with groups of adolescent girls. Data collected was analysed using grounded thematic theory methodology and validated using methodological triangulation. The reasons for initiating smoking elicited from the study can be grouped into 4 general themes; influence by peers, influence of seeing parents smoking, misguided belief that it could alleviate stress and finally that it would impress others. Smoking imageries in media and advertisements were not primary influencing factors in the initiation of smoking but it encouraged them to progress to become regulars. Ways should be sought to empower girls to feel more confident about resisting pressures to initiate smoking. This could be done through activities such as positive peer sports, education on how to alleviate stress and curbing of smoking imageries in the media.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  11. Variation in the prevalence, awareness, and control of diabetes in a multiethnic population: a nationwide population study in Malaysia
    Rampal S, Rampal L, Rahmat R, Zain AM, Yap YG, Mohamed M, et al.
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2010 Apr;22(2):194-202.
    PMID: 19443875 DOI: 10.1177/1010539509334816
    The purpose of this study was to determine the association between different ethnic groups and the prevalence, awareness, and control of diabetes in Malaysia. A population-based cross-sectional study using multistage sampling was conducted in Malaysia. Diabetes is defined as having a fasting blood glucose > or =7 mmol/L or a self-reported diabetic on treatment. Among the 7683 respondents aged > or =30 years, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 15.2% (95% CI = 14.1, 16.4). Multivariate analysis showed that compared with Malays, Chinese had lower odds (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.71; 95% CI = 0.56, 0.91) and Indians had higher odds of having diabetes (aOR 1.54; 95% CI = 1.20, 1.98). The odds of diabetes increased with age, family history of diabetes, body mass index, and lower education levels. Among those with diabetes mellitus, 45.0% were aware and 42.7% were under treatment. Among treated diabetics, 25.1% had their fasting blood sugar under control. There is a significant association between prevalence of diabetes and different ethnic groups.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  12. Smoking among young urban Malaysian women and its risk factors
    Manaf RA, Shamsuddin K
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2008;20(3):204-13.
    PMID: 19124314 DOI: 10.1177/1010539508316973
    This study was conducted to measure the prevalence of cigarette smoking and to determine the individual, family, and environmental factors associated with smoking among young urban women. A cross-sectional study through self-administered questionnaire was conducted on female students enrolled in private higher learning institutions in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Malaysia, between July and October 2005. Analysis on 408 respondents showed that current smoker prevalence rate was 18.6%. Adjusted analyses showed significant association between smoking and individual factors, which are the importance of slim image, average monthly allowance, and car ownership. For family factors, analyses showed significant association between smoking and parental marital status and smoking status of male siblings. Strong associations were seen between female smoking and environmental factors, such as having more smoker friends, having smokers as best friends, keeping cigarette-brand items, being offered free cigarette, and perceiving female smoking as normal. The identified risk factors could be used to develop more effective prevention programs to overcome smoking among young urban women.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  13. Clinical pathways in primary dental care in Malaysia: clinicians' knowledge, perceptions and barriers faced
    Tay HL, Raja Latifah RJ, Razak IA
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2006;18(2):33-41.
    PMID: 16883968 DOI: 10.1177/10105395060180020601
    The Oral Health Division, Ministry of Health in Malaysia piloted clinical pathways (cpath) in primary care in early 2003. This study investigated the knowledge, perception of cpaths and barriers faced by the clinicians involved in the pilot project. Self-administered questionnaires were sent to the clinicians (n=191). Dentists (67.9%) and dental nurses (70.6%) had good overall knowledge of cpaths. The majority of the clinicians (67.9% to 95.6%) perceived cpath positively in all areas. Only 9.2% of dentists encountered difficulties in using cpath forms compared to 28.4% of dental nurses. A higher proportion of dental nurses (73.5%) compared to dentists (64.8%) were willing to continue using cpath. The majority of dentists (76.7%) and dental nurses (73.1%) were willing to participate in future development of cpaths. Overall, there was evidence of managerial support for the pilot project. A follow-up of the pilot project was somewhat lacking as less than half (43.3%) of the clinicians reported that the state coordinator obtained feedback from them. The findings auger well for the future implementation of cpath should the Oral Health Division decide to adopt cpath routinely in the public oral health care service.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  14. Improving nutrition knowledge
    Khor GL
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2005;17(2):65.
    PMID: 16425647 DOI: 10.1177/101053950501700201
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  15. General dental practitioners' views on early childhood caries and timing of the first dental visit in Selangor, Malaysia
    Hussein AS, Schroth RJ, Abu-Hassan MI
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Mar;27(2):NP2326-38.
    PMID: 23420056 DOI: 10.1177/1010539513475645
    This survey evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of general dental practitioners (GDPs) in Selangor regarding early childhood caries (ECC) prevention and the recommended timing of a child's first dental visit. A questionnaire was mailed to 521 licensed GDPs. Descriptive statistics were used, and bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed. The response rate was 52.6%. Although 89.8% mentioned counseling parents and caregivers, only 44.2% were familiar with anticipatory guidance. Whereas 98.2% agreed that early examinations are important to prevent ECC, only 51.8% were aware of the recommendation for a first visit by 12 months of age. GDPs who recommended early dental visits were significantly more likely to be recent graduates, more familiar with professional guidelines, and less likely to be deterred by a child's crying or behavior. In conclusion, GDPs in Selangor are aware about the importance of early dental visits in ECC prevention. However, a considerable number of them are still not aware of the recommendation that children must first visit the dentist by 12 months of age. Furthermore, some of their current practices in ECC management and prevention do not match professional recommendations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  16. Sexual health education for youths--a Malaysian experience
    Zulkifli SN, Low WY
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2000;12 Suppl:S58-66.
    PMID: 11338741
    A survey was conducted to assess student's sexual knowledge and attitudes using a questionnaire based on the Sex Knowledge and Attitude Test (SKAT-II) to compare medical and nursing students with students (non-medical/nursing) who registered for a sexual health course. 85 Sexual Health, 115 medical and 81 nursing students voluntarily participated in the survey. This study showed that all the student groups showed relatively low scores in knowledge. Furthermore, average knowledge scores differed significantly between the three student groups with medical students scoring highest and nursing students lowest. Besides student groups, several other factors were found to be significantly associated with Knowledge score namely, race, religion, age, perception of the importance of religion and the extent to which religious beliefs influence sexual attitudes. Furthermore, multivariate statistical analyses showed that among these factors, student group, race/religion and religious importance were significant predictors of sexual knowledge. Specifically, being a medical student was associated with higher scores relative to a non-medical student, being a Malay student was independently associated with a lower average score compared to other races, and perceiving religion as extremely important was associated with a lower score.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  17. Sexual issues of the disabled: implications for public health education
    Low WY, Zubir TN
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2000;12 Suppl:S78-83.
    PMID: 11338746
    Sexuality of persons with spinal cord injury has received increased attention especially in the Western countries. However, in the local context, studies pertaining to the sexuality of the disabled are almost nil. This paper utilized a qualitative approach in assessing sexual knowledge, attitudes and practices of persons with spinal cord injury. Eight focus group discussions consisting of 28 adult spinal cord injured persons were carried out. The results showed that the frequency of sexual activity decreased following injury. The disabled themselves have a negative self-concept and a low self-esteem and this affects their attitudes towards sexuality and their sexual behaviour. Health care professionals tend to neglect this issue perhaps due to their insensitivity to the sexual needs for the disabled or a lack of understanding and expertise in this area. A need for sexual information related to their disability is warranted in the areas of reproduction, contraception and their ability/disability in achieving an erection or ejaculation. This study indicated a need for more comprehensive research in this neglected area of sexual issues of persons with disabilities. Public health education and counseling is deemed necessary for the disabled themselves so as to accommodate their sexual lives to their physical capabilities and desires. Attitudes and misconceptions of the public need to be corrected. Above all, there is a need for education and training for health care professionals in the area of sexual rehabilitation, which is currently non-existent in the country. Perhaps, it is timely to incorporate sexual rehabilitation as part of a holistic medical rehabilitation of the disabled.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  18. Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions related to drug abuse in peninsula Malaysia: a survey report
    Low WY, Zulkifil SN, Yusof K, Batumalai S, Aye KW
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 1995;8(2):123-9.
    PMID: 9037810
    Given the magnitude of drug addiction in Malaysia, the government has given top priority to this issue. It is timely that an assessment of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions related to drug abuse and drug dependents among the general public be carried out. Thus, a nationwide survey was undertaken. A representative sample of 2,591 respondents aged 13 years and above from households were surveyed throughout the 11 states and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur in Peninsula Malaysia. The results revealed that the respondents are moderately knowledgeable on drug abuse, especially information pertaining to treatment, rehabilitation and aftercare services, including education to families against drug abuse. The public possess a negative attitude towards drug dependents. Majority felt that drug addicts do not have the will power to rid themselves of drugs and they also lack a supportive family network system. Many believe that the most vulnerable group are the adolescents. Respondents were aware of the type of drugs commonly abused, although they failed to realise their long-term effects. Respondents do not attribute low education, large family and marginal income to the background of drug dependents. The findings showed gaps and misconceptions in terms of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the public. Accurate knowledge on, and right attitudes and perceptions towards drug related issues would certainly benefit the public in timely prevention of drug abuse.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  19. Observations of human behavior influencing the use of insecticide-impregnated bednets to control malaria in Sabah, Malaysia
    Leake DW, Hii JL
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 1994;7(2):92-7.
    PMID: 7946656
    Observational and survey methodologies were used to probe human behavioral factors influencing the use of insecticide-impregnated bednets to control malaria in rural Sabah, Malaysia. One aim was to investigate why a field trial of such nets in an interior area yielded disappointing results. A second aim was to gather baseline data prior to a field trial proposed for a coastal area. Interior villagers reported a significantly higher net usage rate than that observed directly, suggesting that subject self-reports need to be validated in some way. The poor results of the interior field trial appeared related to reluctance to regularly use nets, which were not in wide use previously. Prospects for reducing malaria transmission through bednets appeared better for the coastal area since nearly half of observed villagers were sleeping in them. However, significantly more coastal than interior villagers were observed watching television at night, an activity that may increase malaria risk by keeping villagers awake and out of bednets.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  20. Smoking behavior, knowledge and opinion of medical students
    Yaacob I, Abdullah ZA
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 1994;7(2):88-91.
    PMID: 7946655 DOI: 10.1177/101053959400700202
    A questionnaire survey on smoking was conducted among 395 medical students (40% males, 60% females) at the School of Medical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia at Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. Thirty-five students (9%), all of them males, were current smokers. Twenty-eight percent of the smokers smoked more than ten cigarettes per day and 88% began smoking before entering the medical school. Social influence and cigarette advertisements were the main reasons given for starting smoking. Both smokers and nonsmokers were adequately informed of the common adverse effects of smoking. Ninety percent of smokers had tried to give up smoking but failed. Among the ex-smokers and nonsmokers, the main reasons given for not smoking was that smoking was useless. Among the female students, one-third felt that cigarette smoking was socially unacceptable among females. This was one of the three main reasons for not smoking. Very few of the students (4.6%) considered that doctors' advice would play an important role in smoking prevention.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
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