MyMedR

Fulltext New insights into the genetic diversity of Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobiumin Yemen

Sady H, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Webster BL, Ngui R, Atroosh WM, Al-Delaimy AK, et al.

Parasit Vectors, 2015;8:544.

PMID: 26482435 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1168-8

Human schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease of great importance that remains highly prevalent in Yemen, especially amongst rural communities. In order to investigate the genetic diversity of human Schistosoma species, a DNA barcoding study was conducted on S. mansoni and S. haematobium in Yemen.

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

Infant mortality in rural Malaysia: an analysis and their causes (1970-1984)

Yadav H

J Trop Pediatr, 1986 10;32(5):244-8.

PMID: 3795334 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/32.5.244

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

Fulltext The identification of floras used as traditional and complementary medicine: a study in ramsar site, Sabah, Malaysia

Kunjuraman, Velan

Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 2018;3(1):68-71.

MyJurnal

The practice of traditional medicine has been deduced based on
available evidences from the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities in
Malaysia. Based on extensive review of previous literature, the study
discovered that there is limited empirical documentation on the types of floras
used as Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) by the rural
communities in Sabah, especially those residing along the Ramsar site. Thus,
this article aims to document the types of floras used in TCM by the rural
communities in the Dagat village at the Lower Kinabatangan-Segama area.
The data for the study were obtained from a series of in-depth interviews and
field observations. The findings revealed that the rural communities in the
Dagat village utilized floras available around the village as TCM in their daily
lives. TCM using floras have helped to save lives in emergency cases,
especially for pregnant women with high risks during pregnancy. This study is
significant as it presents an empirical documentation of floras for TCM
practices among the local community in Sabah, Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

Fulltext Peer-led group tele-supervision of clinical psychologists: optimizationof resources – a malaysian case study

Umi Izzatti Saedon, Nicholas Pang Tze Ping, Loo, Jiann Lin

Borneo Journal of Medical Sciences, 2019;14(1):67-71.

MyJurnal

Inaccessibility to clinical supervision is an issue faced by solo clinical psychologist practitioners. Combination use of web-based instant messaging and video call application were tried by 28 clinical psychologists in conducting a peer-led group tele-supervision to address ethical dilemmas, discuss case management, provide technical instruction, explore resistance and analyse countertransference, provide emotional support, and share knowledge and updated guidelines. Despite facing challenges including difficulty in face-to-face session scheduling, limited time for in-depth discussion, internet connection issues, and documentation dilemma, we believe it has potential to influence supervision practice for clinicians working in isolation in rural or remote locations.

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

Demand for quality vegetables in Malaysia

Tey, Y.S., Mad Nasir, S., Zainalabidin, M., Jinap, S., Abdul Gariff, R.

International Food Research Journal, 2009;16(3):313-327.

MyJurnal

The objective of this study is to investigate the demand for quality vegetables in Malaysia. This study estimates quality elasticities from the difference between expenditure and quantity elasticities in order to show the demand for quality vegetables in Malaysia. By using the Household Expenditure Survey 2004/2005, expenditure and quantity Engel equations are estimated via two stage least square. The positive estimated quality elasticities (except root and tuberous vegetable) show that Malaysian consumers tend to increase their demand for quality vegetables in response to their incomes rise. To be more specific, urban consumers are expected to demand more of higher quality vegetables (except root and tuberous vegetable) than rural consumers.

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

Malaria in rural Malaya

Sandosham AA

Med J Malaya, 1970 Mar;24(3):221-6.

PMID: 4246806

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

Does abuse in late life worsen sleep quality? A two-year prospective cohort study among rural older adults

Yunus RM, Hairi NN, Yuen C, Sooryanarayana R, Hairi F, Ismail N, et al.

Int J Geriatr Psychiatry, 2019 01;34(1):60-66.

PMID: 30230023 DOI: 10.1002/gps.4986

BACKGROUND: Elder abuse and neglect (EAN) is a growing public health problem, and numerous adverse health effects of abuse in late life have been documented. Little is known, however, about the impact of elder abuse on sleep quality. This study examines the longitudinal relationship between EAN and sleep quality.

METHODS: This was a 2-year prospective cohort study involving 1927 older adults in a rural Malaysian district, Kuala Pilah. A multi-stage cluster sampling strategy was employed. After 2 years, 1189 respondents were re-assessed. EAN was determined using the modified Conflict Tactic Scale, while sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

RESULTS: The prevalence of elder abuse was 8.1% (95% CI:6.9,9.3). Longitudinal analysis using generalized estimating equations showed that elder abuse contributed to higher PSQI scores (B:0.49, 95% CI:0.17,0.58). Sub-analyses demonstrated that psychological abuse and neglect had significant longitudinal relationships with increase of PSQI scores, while other subtypes did not.

CONCLUSION: Abuse in late life, particularly psychological abuse and neglect, result in greater PSQI scores. Even though this may imply decline in sleep quality, our findings were not considered clinically significant as they did not exceed the clinical cut-off score of five. Nevertheless, sleep quality is an important determinant of health and a predictor of mortality among older adults; thus, understanding its relationship with abuse is useful to health care providers and policy-makers in improving health services and upgrading preventive measures.

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

Fulltext Lightning safety awareness level in Malaysia

Nazri K, Lim SC, Gomes C

F1000Res, 2021;10:921.

PMID: 34909192 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.73064.2

Introduction: Malaysia is one of the countries with the highest lightning flash density globally. While sufficiency of lightning protection system is crucial to ensure human safety against lightning strikes, the public awareness towards lightning safety is also equally important in Malaysia. Hence, this study was conducted to understand the current lightning safety awareness level of the Malaysian population. Methods: An online questionnaire survey which consists of 22 scientific statements of lightning was first developed in Malay and English. The questionnaire allows the respondent to also check their own score upon completion of the questionnaire. It was then distributed to the public for data collection. The sample size comprised of both genders, all layers of society from various educational level and social background. Results: Overall, the awareness on lightning safety amongst Malaysian is at moderate level with an average score of slightly above 50%. Urbanites scored marginally better than their rural counterparts. One's education level does not dictate their awareness level of lightning safety. Discussion: In conclusion, the public in Malaysia needs to be better educated on lightning safety. Similar studies should be replicated in other countries experiencing similar levels of lightning activity to better understand the public's perception on lightning.

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

Fulltext The impact of COVID-19 movement restrictions on physical activity in a low-income semi-rural population in Malaysia: A longitudinal study

Salway R, Su TT, Ismail R, Glynis Armstrong ME, Foster C, Johnson L

J Glob Health, 2021;11:05029.

PMID: 35003716 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.05029

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted movement restrictions in countries worldwide, impacting on physical activity (PA), a major non-communicable disease risk factor, and thus may have unintentional long-term health implications. In semi-rural areas of low-middle-income-countries (LMICs), where occupational activity is the main source of PA, changes in PA associated with COVID-19 restrictions are unknown. We investigated the impact of Movement Control Order (MCO) restrictions in a semi-rural region of Malaysia.

METHODS: The South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO) is a dynamic prospective community cohort. We contacted a random sample of 1007 adults (18+) who had previously provided PA data in 2018. We asked about PA during the MCO (March-May 2020) and at the time of interview (June 2020).

RESULTS: During the MCO, PA reduced by a mean of 6.7 hours/week (95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.3, 8.0) compared to 2018, with the largest reductions among those in employment. By June, PA was 3.4 hours/week (95% CI = 2.0, 4.8) less than 2018, leaving 34% of adults currently inactive (20% in 2018). Reductions in occupational PA were not replaced with active travel or activity at home. Despite these observed reductions, most participants did not think the MCO had affected their PA.

CONCLUSIONS: Movement restrictions are associated with lower PA lasting beyond the period of strict restrictions; such longer-term reductions in PA may have a detrimental impact on health. Future MCOs should encourage people to be active, but may additionally need targeted messaging for those who don't necessarily realise they are at risk. In particular, policies developed in more affluent countries may not easily translate to LMICs.

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

Urbanization and physical activity in the global Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology study

Boakye K, Bovbjerg M, Schuna J, Branscum A, Varma RP, Ismail R, et al.

Sci Rep, 2023 Jan 06;13(1):290.

PMID: 36609613 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26406-5

Urbanization may influence physical activity (PA) levels, although little evidence is available for low- and middle- income countries where urbanization is occurring fastest. We evaluated associations between urbanization and total PA, as well as work-, leisure-, home-, and transport-specific PA, for 138,206 adults living in 698 communities across 22 countries within the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. The 1-week long-form International PA Questionnaire was administered at baseline (2003-2015). We used satellite-derived population density and impervious surface area estimates to quantify baseline urbanization levels for study communities, as well as change measures for 5- and 10-years prior to PA surveys. We used generalized linear mixed effects models to examine associations between urbanization measures and PA levels, controlling for individual, household and community factors. Higher community baseline levels of population density (- 12.4% per IQR, 95% CI - 16.0, - 8.7) and impervious surface area (- 29.2% per IQR, 95% CI - 37.5, - 19.7), as well as the rate of change in 5-year population density (- 17.2% per IQR, 95% CI - 25.7, - 7.7), were associated with lower total PA levels. Important differences in the associations between urbanization and PA were observed between PA domains, country-income levels, urban/rural status, and sex. These findings provide new information on the complex associations between urbanization and PA.

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

Maternal health in Malaysia: progress and potential

Karim R, Ali SH

Lancet, 2013 May 18;381(9879):1690-1.

PMID: 23683616 DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60904-6

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

Fulltext Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal helminth infection among rural malay children

Huat LB, Mitra AK, Jamil NI, Dam PC, Mohamed HJ, Muda WA

J Glob Infect Dis, 2012 Jan;4(1):10-4.

PMID: 22529621 DOI: 10.4103/0974-777X.93753

Soil-transmitted intestinal helminth infection is prevalent in rural communities of Malaysia. Risk factors contributing to helminth infections are largely unknown in the country.

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

Physical Activity Measurement by Accelerometry Among Older Malay Adults Living in Semi-Rural Areas-A Feasibility Study

Zainol Abidin N, Brown WJ, Clark B, Muhamed AM, Singh R

J Aging Phys Act, 2016 10;24(4):533-539.

PMID: 26964887

We evaluated feasibility of physical activity measurement by accelerometry among older Malay adults living in semi-rural areas in Malaysia. Results showed that 95% of 146 participants (aged [SD] 67.6 [6.4] years) were compliant in wearing the accelerometer for at least five days. Fifteen participants were asked for re-wear the accelerometer because they did not have enough valid days during the first assessment. Participants wore the accelerometer an average of 15.3 hr in a 24-hr day, with 6.5 (1.2) valid wear days. No significant difference in valid wear day and time was found between men and women. Participants who are single provide more valid wear days compared with married participants (p < .05), and participants with higher levels of education provide longer periods of accelerometer wearing hours (p < .01). Eighty-seven percent of participants reported 'no issues' with wearing the meter. This study suggests that accelerometry is a feasible method to assess the physical activity level among older Malay adults living in semi-rural areas.

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

An analysis of the personal reasons for discontinuing IUD use

Petta CA, Amatya R, Farr G, Chi I

Contraception, 1994 Oct;50(4):339-47.

PMID: 7813222

The objective of this study was to evaluate possible factors associated with discontinuing use of TCu 380A IUDs due to personal reasons among 2748 users. Overall, a total of 88 subjects discontinued using the TCu 380A IUD within 12 months postinsertion for personal reasons. The most common reasons were planned pregnancy (32%) and husband or family opinion against IUD use (26%). The gross cumulative 12-month life table discontinuation rate for all personal reasons was 4.0 per 100 women. Having no education and/or living in a rural area were the sociodemographic characteristics associated with an increased risk of discontinuation for personal reasons. Effective and regular counseling about IUD use, especially among illiterate women, may help prevent IUD discontinuations related to personal reasons.

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

Fulltext Development of supplementary food at the home and community level

Valyasevi A, Dhanamitta S

Med J Malaysia, 1986 Mar;41(1):53-8.

PMID: 3796351

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

Blood cadmium levels in Malaysian pregnant women

Lim HH, Ong CN, Domala Z, Phoon WO

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1983 Sep;14(3):394-8.

PMID: 6658508

Blood cadmium levels in Malaysian pregnant women were determined. There was no significant urban-rural difference in mean blood cadmium levels.

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

Lead concentrations in breast milk of Malaysian urban and rural mothers

Huat LH, Zakariya D, Eng KH

Arch. Environ. Health, 1983 7 1;38(4):205-9.

PMID: 6614999

This study was conducted to determine lead concentrations in breast milk among urban and rural mothers in Malaysia, and to determine if lead absorption among urban maternal populations in Malaysia poses a potential health hazard to infants through breastfeeding. Milk samples, which were collected from 89 urban and 91 rural mothers, were analyzed by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The mean lead level in urban samples was 0.0253 microgram/ml, which was significantly higher than that of the rural samples (0.0211 microgram/ml). The estimated daily lead intake of breast-fed infants in Malaysia was well below proposed tolerable levels. There also appeared to be no specific pattern in the milk lead levels at different periods of lactation. The significance of the higher milk lead concentrations in urban mothers is also discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

Breastfeeding in a rural area in Malaysia

Kee TS

Med J Malaysia, 1975 Mar;30(3):175-9.

PMID: 1160675

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

Maternal mortality amongst the rural Malays

Yusof K

Med J Malaysia, 1974 Mar;28(3):149-53.

PMID: 4278186

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

The cost of health services

Hubble D

Lancet, 1973 Jun 09;1(7815):1323-4.

PMID: 4126117

Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population

Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 513 in total