Employee satnfaction surveys can provide the information needed to improved levek of productivity, job and loyalty. Management can identify the factors of job issues and provide solutions to improve the working environment. A cross sectional descriptive study on employee satisfaction among a health care district office’s staff was conducted in Perak in March - April 2006. A total of 19 staff were randomly picked and interviewed in the data collection process. Almost all understand the objectives of the administration unit (94%) and were satisfied with the management leadership’s style (78%- l 00%) . Majority agreed that their relationship with immediate superior and within the group was harmonious and professional (89%) and they preferred an open problem solving method in handling conflict (72 %). The most common type of incentive rewarded by the administration to express gratitude to their staff was certificate (56%); bonus and medal (33%); and informal gesture (28%). Majority (83%) were also satisfied by the method used to disseminate the information in their units. Majority agreed that the working environment in the administration unit were conducive (72%), their ideas were equally considered during decision making sessions (89%) and training opportunities were similarly given to them by the management (72%). This study revealed that employee satisfaction was determined by several factors such as management leadership's style, opportunity to contribute skills and idea; reward and incentive; and conducive king environment.
Malaysian high school students, 142 boys and 154 girls (M age= 13.3 yr., SD = 0.3) were compared on a talent measure, the Khatena-Morse Multitalent Perception Inventory. Boys obtained significantly higher means on the overall score of Versatility and the talent areas of Artistry, Creative Imagination, Initiative, and Leadership. Further replications involving other age groups and nationalities are recommended.
Cancer screening is an important part of any cancer control program and the success of any screening program is partly dependent on having large numbers of the high risk population availing themselves of the service. The purpose of this study was to assess the cancer screening behavior of fulbtime employed women staff of an institute of higher learning using the Health Belief Model (HBM) construct. The results showed that the rate of reported regular cancer screening behavior (Pap smear screening, breast self examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography screening) were low. The rates for regular screening were 42.5% (Pap smear), 20.9% (BSE), 15.5% (CBE) and 9.4% (mammography). There were differences in the dimensions of the HBM between the women who reported regular screening and those that did not. The perceived barriers", "perceived benefits” and “motivation” dimensions were different in Pap smear screening, whereas the "confidence” dimension was different in BSE. Recommendations were made for a health education program targeting both women and men to increase uptake of cancer screening services by women.
The aim of the study was to assess the potential role of dentists as smoking cessation counsellors in their practice. The target group comprised of all public and private sector dentists in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur (FTKL) and Selangor. Data were collected via a twenty-six item questionnaire which was mailed to 831 dentists. A response rate of 67.1% was obtained. Results revealed that the majority of the respondents (97.8%) perceived that in addition to providing oral care, dentists should also be interested in their patients’ general health. Generally, about two-thirds of dentists (69.1%) and especially those from the public sector (76.4%) considered that they have an important role to play as smoking cessation counsellors. However, less than half of the respondents (40.3%) perceived that patients do not expect smoking cessation advice from their dentists. Yet, more than half of the respondents (55.1%) provided advice or helpful hints in order to motivate their patients to quit smoking. About 65% of the overall respondents did explain to their patients regarding the health risk due to smoking and its detrimental effects. Perceived obstacles to smoking cessation include lack of information between dentistry and smoking cessation (86.1%) followed by lack of training and lack of time.
Background: The Medical Faculty of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) runs an undergraduate medical programme which is a combination of the traditional and the newer trends of medical curriculum. The IIUM curriculum in Phase I (Years 1, 2: preclinical) is integrated organ system based, with lectures being the main method of curriculum delivery and also incorporating problem-based learning (PBL) as one of the teaching-learning approaches. Methods: The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of PBL teaching-learning method in IIUM in achieving the aims of the medical school as viewed by the students. A total of 287 students from Phase I and Phase II (Year 3: clinical) participated in this study at the end of academic session 2006/2007. The questionnaires distributed consisted of 33 items with four different aspects of PBL being evaluated namely; i) PBL objectives, ii) assessment of performance of the facilitators, iii) assessment of the PBL packages and iv) preferred teaching-learning approach. Results: An average of 86.4 % of students agreed that PBL sessions achieved its aims of preparing students for professional training in the clinical years. Also approximately 80% of students felt that the facilitators fulfilled their roles as PBL tutors. Students were generally satisfied with the PBL packages prepared. However about 50% of Year 2 students did not look forward to PBL sessions and only about 20% of preclinical students wanted more PBL sessions to be scheduled. This latter finding differed as 60% of the clinical (Year 3) students wanted more PBL sessions to be implemented. A significant proportion of the students also believed that they needed some prior information about the PBL case in question in order to generate lively exchange of ideas in the first sessions. Preclinical students preferred lectured-based approach as compared to PBL in contrast to the clinical (Year 3) students of whom 57% (62) preferred the PBL teaching-learning approach. Nearly 80% of the Year 3 students found the exposure to PBL sessions during their preclinical years beneficial during the clinical year. Discussion: Although our findings supported the effectiveness of PBL as one of the teaching-learning approaches (as perceived by our students) there are a few areas of concern. These include believing that a prior knowledge of the topic in question is needed to generate a lively discussion; the group not being motivated; the group members confining themselves to individual assignments only; PBL not being supportive of on-going self- assessment; the consequence of a facilitator being too dominant; and cases constructed do not reflect real clinical scenarios. Despite agreeing to its effectiveness preclinical students still preferred lecture-based approach to the PBL as they are more confident with the knowledge as obtained through the former learning modality. Conclusion: PBL is an effective learning strategy and it contributes to the teaching-learning process of IIUM undergraduate preclinical medical programme which implements a non-Problem Based Curriculum. We are of the opinion that a combination of lecture sessions and PBL best suit the IIUM medical students.
Khat (Catha edulis) is an evergreen tree/shrub that is thought to affect sexual motivation or libido. Its positive effect on sexual desire is more frequently observed in females than in males and occurs when khat is chewed. Thus, khat's effects on sexual behavior may depend on the release mode of its active constituent.
Changes to the nursing profession over recent decades have provoked an increasing migration of nursing education into the tertiary sector. For nurses who live and work in developing nations, such as Malaysia, opportunities for further study might be limited, particularly for those located in more remote regions. This paper reports on a research study of registered nurses who undertook baccalaureate degree studies in off-campus mode in Malaysian Borneo. A grounded theory methodology was employed in this research, which is part of a larger study into the nature and outcomes of change experienced as a result of postregistration degree studies. This paper explores the reasons why nurses in this location enrolled in one such course and the extent to which completion of their studies addressed their motivational goals. The findings indicate that the experience of learning and acquisition of knowledge was well beyond what was expected, resulting in a sense of achievement that was similarly unanticipated.
Introduction : Flood disaster in Johor started at the end of 2006 until the early year of 2007 causing the distruction of property and human life and it was the worse flood disaster in the history of Malaysia. The Muar and Kluang Health Office had been taken all the measures in the District Plan of Action for flood disaster in the early phase of the flood. Management of the Health and Medical team was one of the measures taken for the deployment of staff systematically and optimumly use of man power during a disaster.
Metodology : The objective for this article is to share the experience regarding human resource management during flood disaster. Data collected base on flood activities rosters used by health staff during morning briefing, analysis of record and daily flood report, interviewing the staff and flood victim involved regarding the experience and challengers they face and lastly by observing the services given to flood victim during the disasters.
Finding : There were 41 Medical and Health Team formed and responsible at 108 flood relived centre homing 26,824 flood victims in Muar District while in Kluang, 21 Medical and health Team were providing services in 60 flood relieve centre with 36,126 flood victims. All of the activities conducted by the Medical and Health team were coordinated by the district flood operation centre. District of Muar had been receiving 16 additional staff from other state while 34 additional staff had been providing services in Kluang. Challengers that had been identified include shortage of human resource compared to the increasing need and task during the flood disaster, shortage of personal protective equipments, frequent changers and inconsistency in the format use during flood reporting and lack of psychosocial support and motivation among the staff involved in the flood disaster operation.
Conclusion : Partnership among other department are very importance and the collaboration between them were very good.
Floods are natural disasters that occur without much warning. Natural disasters can result in negative impact due to highly stressful event. Floods can cause mental and emotional disorders to the victims and could also induce stress and trauma either in the short or long terms. This research was carried out to recognize the psychological sequelae of floods and how to overcome them. This study describes the cross sectional descriptive pattern of flood victims in Johor. The DASS Test Questionnaire which is a measurement tool endorsed by the Family Development Institute, Ministry of Health Malaysia was used. We carried out the research in 3 districts of Johor which were the worst hit areas by the flood disaster. Twenty-three percent of the participants were males while 77% were females. The DASS Test Questionnaire showed that 13% were mildly depressed, 7% moderately depressed and 3% were severely depressed. It also revealed that 22% were mildly anxious, 19% moderately anxious, 5% severely anxious and 4% had very severe anxiety. On the stress scores, 15% suffered mild stress, 11% were moderately stressed while 2% were severely stressed. A committee to conduct the motivation programme for the state of Johor was formed by Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Johor with the cooperation of the PROKEM committee from Hospital Permai, Johor Bahru. This committee headed by the Deputy Director of Health (Medical Division) attempted to overcome the psychological sequelae suffered by flood victims. The activities conducted by the PROKEM staff and staff from the Ministry of Health were monitored by the committee based at Hospital Permai, Johor Bahru. The Bilik Gerakan was in operation for 24 hours a day with meetings conducted every morning and evening to brief and debrief members of staff who were going to carry out the motivation programme. Feedback was also obtained from staff on their return from the various relief centres.
The exclusive breastfeeding rate in Malaysia is very low. However in recent years the awareness of breastfeeding among mothers has increased. A preliminary qualitative research was carried out on these motivated mothers. The objective of this study was to understand the challenges encountered by breastfeeding mothers and to explore the support and motivation received by them. Information from the motivated mothers was obtained from focus group discussion. Some obstacles faced by the mothers were lack of knowledge on breastfeeding and lack of support from health professionals, parents and siblings. Facilities to express breast milk while at work were not readily available. The main motivation to breastfeed came from the mother herself and support from the husband. A holistic approach must be used to help mothers to continue breastfeeding. This includes breastfeeding promotion and education, setting up more Baby Friendly Hospitals, availability of breastfeeding support groups and provision of enough breastfeeding facilities at work and public places.
AIMS: To examine the relationships between nurses' empowerment, job satisfaction and organizational commitment in culturally and developmentally different societies.
BACKGROUND: Employment and retention of sufficient and well-committed nursing staff are essential for providing safe and effective health care. In light of this, nursing leaders have been searching for ways to re-engineer the healthcare system particularly by providing an environment that is conducive to staff empowerment, job satisfaction and commitment.
METHODS: This is a descriptive correlational survey of 556 registered nurses (RNs) in two teaching hospitals in England and Malaysia.
RESULTS: Although the Malaysian nurses felt more empowered and committed to their organization, the English nurses were more satisfied with their job.
CONCLUSION: The differences between these two groups of nurses show that empowerment does not generate the same results in all countries, and reflects empirical evidence from most cross cultural studies on empowerment.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nursing management should always take into consideration cultural differences in empowerment, job satisfaction and commitment of nursing staff while formulating staff policies.
Limited longitudinal studies on smoking cessation have been reported in Asia, and it remains unclear whether determinants of quitting are similar to those found in Western countries. This study examined prospective predictors of smoking cessation among adult smokers in Thailand and Malaysia.
OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the pattern of use, reasons for use, and perceived effect of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), accompanied by identification and comparison of the factors that are potentially associated with CAM use.
DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 325 randomly sampled patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), at HIV/AIDS referral clinics in the Hospital Sungai Buloh, Malaysia. Simple random sampling was used, where randomization was done using patients' medical record numbers.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Semistructured face-to-face interviews were conducted using 38 questions pertaining to type, pattern, perceived efficacy, adverse effects, and influential factors associated with CAM use. In addition, CD4 count and viral load readings were recorded.
RESULTS: Of 325 randomly sampled patients with HIV/AIDS, 254 of them were using some forms of CAM, resulting in a utilization rate of 78.2%. Vitamins and supplements (52.6%), herbal products (33.8%), and massage (16.6%) were the top three most frequently used CAM modalities. Sociodemographic factors including education level (p = 0.021, r(s) = 0.148), monthly income (p = 0.001, r(s) = 0.260), and family history of CAM use (p = 0.001, r(s) = 0.231) were significantly associated and positively correlated with CAM use. However, the majority of these patients (68%) did not disclose CAM use to health care professionals. About half of those who rated their health as good or very good perceived it as a result of CAM use.
CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the range of 30%-100% CAM use among individuals infected with HIV/AIDS. Although, on the one hand some types of CAM reduced viral load and enhanced the immune system, on the other hand some forms of CAM produced a detrimental effect on the virological suppression, opening this platform to more research and investigation in order to optimize the use of CAM among patients with HIV/AIDS.
Study site: HIV/AIDS clinic, Hospital Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
The current issue of JUMMEC touches on many diverse topics and in many ways reflects the evolution of modern medicine from the practice of acupuncture to epidemics facilitated by modern travel to the subject of ethics including controversies surrounding financial incentives given in promoting organ donation.(Copied from article).
Introduction: The effect of stress among correctional officers at the workplace can contribute to various health problems and this also affect their work performance and motivation.
Methodology: Study was done at a prison located at the rural district in Kedah. The study was conducted by using randomized stratified sampling method. A total of 418 self administrated questionnaires were distributed. These questionnaires included socio demographic factor, family and marriage factor, Personal Stress Inventory (using Stress Symptom Scale with 52 items), work related stressors (Job Stress Survey) and Brief COPE (Coping Orientation for Problems Experienced with 28 items).
Result: Response rate was 90.9%. Stress prevalence for correctional officers was 45.8%. Socio demographic factors which have significant relation with stress status were marital status, promotion factor, age, monthly salary, duration of service and number of children (p< 0.05). Family and marriage factor which have significant relation with stress status among married officer were pressure from relatives, clean up house, sexual frustration, conflict with spouse, conflict with children, conflict due to household work and no babysitter (p< 0.05).
Discussion: The study showed that work related stressors that have influence with stress were excessive workload, working after work hours, not enough staff, disgraced words from fellow workers, competition in carrier development and excessive work stress (p< 0.05). Multiple linear regression model was done in this study and revealed factors that explained 52% of variation in stress score distributions were behavioural disengagement, no babysitter, denial, conflict with children, replace other worker’s duty, not enough time with family, competition in carrier development, venting of emotion, positive reframing and emotional support. Coping strategies that have significant effect in reducing stress symptoms are positive reframing and emotional support.
Conclusion: Stress management programs should be implemented and emphasizing on specific stressors and coping mechanism are important to reduce the risk of occupational stress among correctional officers.
Introduction : An organization performs well with proper management methods. Participation is a process involving cooperation and collaboration within all levels of individuals, groups or community for the purpose of organization improvement. Empowerment brings the organization further by delegation of power and responsibilities to others for better result.
Methodology : This is a systematic review on various publications, articles and studies based on the findings and researches conducted by experts and scholars involved with participation and empowerment of organizations.
Results : Participation and empowerment are crucial in every organization including healthcare. Its success depends on factors such as proper planning, mutual understanding, regular training and continuous education. They contribute towards better outcome in goal setting, decision making, problem solving and organizational development. There are also various levels of empowerment and participation depending on the type of activities, organisation’s performance and level of authority.
Conclusion : The prerequisite for an organisation’s success is dependent upon holistic participation and appropriate empowerment. The benefits gained from these measures are indeed invaluable. It creates sense of ownership, increases motivation and satisfaction, optimizing resources, promote innovations, enhancing quality and improving efficiency.
Background: Nosocomial infection is among the leading problem in many major hospitals resulting in soaring cost expenditure in managing its affect.Hand washing practice is a crucial preventive way to contain such mischief but many ignored its importance. This is perhaps due to lack of appropriate role modeling from senior practitioners.
Subjects and methods: Our study examined the prevalence of hand washing practice among medical students from year 3 to 5 and compared it to their knowledge and level of awareness on its importance in clinical practice. 142 students were randomly observed during their clinical work in the wards on this practice and questionnaires were later distributed to 268 students from all semesters on their knowledge on the technique and awareness on its importance.
Results: Out of 142, almost 80% washed their hands but only 41.6% performed effective hand washing. In contrary, 80 to 90% showed good level of knowledge and awareness as well as perception about its importance in clinical practice.
Conclusions: The contradictory findings between the actual practice of hand washing and knowledge as well as awareness suggest that enforcement on the practice is necessary. This requires motivation and cooperation from all health alliances and higher authority in the health system. Remedial measures are much needed in order to contain high incidence of nosocomial infection in our local practice.