MyMedR

Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 212 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext Pattern of Sexual Offences Attended at Accident and Emergency Department of HUSM from Year 2000 to 2003: A Retrospective Study

Islam MN, See KL, Ting LC, Khan J

Malays J Med Sci, 2006 Jan;13(1):30-6.
PMID: 22589588

This paper investigates the pattern of sexual offence cases attended at the One Stop Crisis Center (OSCC) of the Accident and Emergency Department, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan. A total of 439 reported sexual offence cases were examined over a period of 4 years from 2000 to 2003. Sexual offence constituted by male partner or boyfriend in 18.9%, by relatives in 27.3% and by "others" in 53.8% of cases. Only 0.7% of victims did not attempt to lodge a police report. There is a significant relationship between occupation and the risk of experiencing sexual violence. Students were mostly targeted by the perpetrator throughout the study period. Among the offences, rape cases were the highest in number, among those who attended at the OSCC, HUSM with a total of 72.7%; followed by 27.3% of incest; 26.4% of child sexual abuse; 4.8% of sodomy and lastly 1.6% of gerontophilia cases. Only 70% of the specimens obtained from sexual offences victims were sent for laboratory analysis. The result remained negative in 82.4% specimens and thus the laboratory analysis result is merely functioning as a supportive evidence for sexual offence cases attended at OSCC. The studies showed that most of the sexual assault perpetrators were known to the victims. The place of crime was also known to the perpetrators. Health sectors of various levels should be working in conjunction to promote a societal changes to improve more of the women's right and thus to reduce the violence crime.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
Fulltext Dietary and blood folate status of Malaysian women of childbearing age

Khor GL, Duraisamy G, Loh SP, Green T

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2006;15(3):341-9.
PMID: 16837426

The protective role of folic acid taken during the periconceptual period in reducing the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTD) has been well documented by epidemiological evidence, randomized controlled trials and intervention studies. Much of the evidence is derived from western populations while similar data on Asian subjects is relatively nascent. Baseline data on folate status of Malaysian women is lacking, while NTD prevalence is estimated as 10 per 10,000 births. This study was conducted with the objective of determining the dietary and blood folate status of Malaysian women of childbearing age. A total of 399 women comprising 140 Malay, 131 Chinese and 128 Indian subjects were recruited from universities and worksites in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur. Inclusion criteria were that the subjects were not pregnant or breastfeeding, not taking folic acid supplements, not habitual drinkers or smokers. Based on a 24-hour recall, the median intake level for folate was 66 microg (15.7-207.8 microg), which amounts to 16.5% of the Malaysian Recommended Nutrient Intakes level. The median (5-95th percentiles) values for plasma and red cell folate (RBC) concentrations were 11 (4-33) nmol/L and 633 (303-1209) nmol/L respectively. Overall, nearly 15.1% showed plasma folate deficiency (< 6.8 nmol/L), with Indian subjects having the highest prevalence (21.5%). Overall prevalence of RBC folate deficiency (<363 nmol/L) was 9.3%, and an almost similar level prevailed for each ethnic group. Only 15.2% had RBC concentration exceeding 906 nmol/L, which is associated with a very low risk of NTD. The result of this study point to the need for intervention strategies to improve the blood folate status of women of childbearing age, so that they have adequate protection against the occurrence of NTD at birth.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
Fulltext Musculoskeletal pain in Malaysia: a COPCORD survey

Veerapen K, Wigley RD, Valkenburg H

J Rheumatol, 2007 Jan;34(1):207-13.
PMID: 17216688

Objective. To assess the nature and extent of rheumatic complaints in a semirural area in a multiracial (Malay, Indian, Chinese) community in Malaysia using the Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) protocol initiated by ILAR and the WHO.
Methods. All members of a community of 2700 persons over the age of 15 years were offered a questionnaire based interview in Phase 1 of the study. Those with rheumatic complaints (pain in the last 1 week) were invited for a physical examination by a rheumatologist in Phase 2.
Results. In total, 2594 (96%) persons agreed to a questionnaire based interview. Of those interviewed, 21.1% had a current rheumatic complaint. The pain rate was higher in women (23.8%) than in men (17.8%). Chinese men had the lowest age-standardized pain rate (9.9%), while Indian women had the highest rate (28.4%). In the study population, 14.4% complained of pain in the joints and/or musculoskeletal pain and 11.6% had low back pain. The knee was responsible for 64.8% of all complaints pertaining to the joints, and more than half those examined with knee pain had clinical evidence of osteoarthritis (OA). The complaint rate increased with age, up to 53.4% in the group age > 65 years. The major disability encountered was the inability to squat (3.1%). Fibromyalgia, soft tissue lesions, and localized OA of the knees were the main clinical diagnoses. Inflammatory arthritis was uncommon. Both Western and traditional sources of healthcare were used, often together. Self-medication was common (58.8%).
Conclusion. Knee and back pain are the main rheumatic complaints in Malaysia, with complaint rates differing according to race and gender.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
Fulltext Cercarial dermatitis in Kelantan, Malaysia an occupation related health problem

Chiew, Eng Wooi, Lim, Susan Lee Hong, Ambu, Stephen

International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2007;1(2):69-73.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Kelantan, an east coast state of Peninsular Malaysia is rich in culture and supports a population that is dependent on agriculture. The crops cultivated are mainly paddy and rubber but in recent years tobacco is beginning to gain importance over paddy. We centered our study around Bachok District which is about 25 kilometers east of Kota Bharu, the state capital.
Methods: Based on case reports we focused our study on cercarial dermatitis and also recorded the socioeconomic status of the people in the four study villages.
Result: The ducks and cows were the common livestock kept by the farmers and these were found to be significantly associated (P=0.05) with the occurrence of dermatitis. Cercariae shedding by snails were found in waters used for irrigation.
Conclusion: The results indicate that cercarial dermatitis is occupation specific, and its debilitating effect was having an influence on the socioeconomic status and general wellbeing of the population in these villages. The dermatitis occurred only during the field preparation and transplanting stages of paddy and was found to be significantly associated (P=

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
Fulltext Personality profile among hypertensive patient undergoing pharmacological treatment in primary care setting

Azlin Baharudin, Hatta Sidi, Norzila Zakaria, Sharifah Ezat Wan Puteh

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2007;8(2):51-63.
MyJurnal

Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between the personality traits and
social factors with compliance to anti-hypertensive pharmachotherapy. Methods: This cross
sectional study was conducted from 1st of June until 31st of December 2004, which involved
Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Primary Polyclinic in Bandar Tasik Selatan,
Cheras and Salak Polyclinic in Sepang, Selangor. A total of 200 patients who fulfilled all the inclusion criteria, were selected as respondents. This study used the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I) for the psychiatric diagnoses and personality characteristics were assessed by using Personality Assessment Schedule (PAS) Results: The prevalence rate of non-compliance was 38.5%. Paranoid personality trait (27.3%) was the most common type of personality traits that associated with non-compliance to the medications prescribed. The results of this study revealed a statistically significant difference between drug compliance and age, race, gender and the site where the study was conducted. No association was found between patients’ education level, occupation, income, marital status, family history of hypertension and personality traits and drug compliance. Conclusion: This study suggested that drug compliance among hypertensive patients was influenced by the presence of psychosocial factors. Hence, it is important for medical practitioners to understand these factors and administer treatment more individual.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
Fulltext Determination of chemical content of pm10 and tsp using SEM-EDAX

Masitah Alias, Zaini Hamzah

Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2007;2007(1):217-226.
MyJurnal

The growing concern over the workers safety and health has lead many factories and organizations do the air monitoring to ensure the airborne at their workplace is safe for the worker’s health and complying the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514). In this study, the monitoring covers an indoor air quality and chemical exposure to the workers in one of the power plant repair shop. A few workers from different sections namely blasting, welding, grinding, fitting and maintenance area were chosen to assist in the personal monitoring for 8 hours measurement. PM10 were measured at a few sampling points to collect dusts for 24 hours duration. The samples were brought back to the laboratory for gravimetric and SEM-EDAX analysis. The results were certainly exceed the limit for air quality, and many elements were detected such as Fe, Ni, Al, Si, Ca, K, Ba, S, Cr, Zn and Cl. The present of these elements shows that exposure to these particulate matters is quite risky and some measure needs to be taken for remedial action.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
Fulltext Blood pressure patterns and the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors in a rural community in Northern Malaysia

Narayan, K.A., A Rashid, K.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2007;7(1):14-19.
MyJurnal

This study was conducted to study the blood pressure pattern and the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors in a rural community in two coastal villages in rural Kedah, Mahysia. Out of the total population 504 were above 20 years of age and were eligible to participate. There were 227 males and 252 females. The mean systolic blood pressure was found to rise with age, peaking in the 6l·70 years age group, For women the mean blood pressure rose earlier from the age group of 4-l· 50 years. Mean blood pressures rose with increasing body mass index. lt also varied with occupation and education. The retired and unemployed had a higher blood pressure than those employed and there was an inverse relationship with increasing education. The prevalence of hypertension was 33.6%. More females were hypertensive (36.5%) as compared to males (3 0.4%) and this finding was the same for both systolic and diastolic hypertension. Majority (71.4%) of the hypertensives were undiagnosed. 72.5% of hypertensives who were on treatment were not under control. Hypertension was more prevalent among retirees and illiterates. Prevalence of hypertension increased correspondingly with age. Obesity was associated with hypertension. There was no association with family history of hypertension. Multiple logistic regression showed a positive association only for obesity. ln conclusion, given the high prevalence of hypertension at
present, it appears that the prevalence will increase as each age cohort grows older. Obesity, especially among housewives is a significant assorted factor.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
Prevalence and type of injuries and its associated factors among small scale fishermen in Northern Kedah

Abdul Rashid, K., Narayan, K.A., Azizah, A.M.

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2007;4(1):5-9.
MyJurnal

Fishing industry in Malaysia is dominated by small scale fishing, scattered along the coast of the country. The risk associated with fishing industry is well known but few studies have been done among those in the small scale fishing community. Fishermen not only have to cope with the uncertainty of nature but also the physical demands of the occupation. The objective of the study was to determine the injuries and its associated factors related to the small scale fishing industry. The study was conducted in a fishing village in northern Malaysia, which was hit by tsunami. Most of the boats and fishing gear were donated by many relief agencies. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted using a standardized questionnaire. 50 (83.3%) of the 60 fishermen had consented for the study. All the fishermen were Malays males. 46% (n=23) of the fishermen reported to having sustained injuries. Most of the injuries occurred offshore (p

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
Fulltext Placenta Praevia: Preach and Perception

Tan, KC, Chuah, CY, Fong, KY, Phang, SL, Nor Azlin, M.I.

Medicine & Health, 2007;2(2):139-145.
MyJurnal

Placenta praevia is a known obstetric condition that causes complications to mother and fetus. This study was done to evaluate the knowledge of placenta praevia amongst the obstetric patients. A cross sectional study was carried out in Hospital Ipoh, Perak among 323 antenatal and postnatal patients. Socio-demographic parameters (ie age, race, parity, occupation, educational level) and history of placenta praevia were studied in relation to level of knowledge and attitude towards placenta praevia. Twenty (6.2%) from 323 women had current or past history of placenta praevia. Three had history of placenta praevia while 17 had current placenta praevia with prevalence of 5.3%. The mean score of knowledge achieved by patients was 11.8 which indicated overall poor knowledge. Occupation, level of education and history of placenta praevia were found to have a relationship with level of knowledge regarding placenta praevia in all obstetric patients. There was a significant relationship between attitude of patients with current and history of placenta praevia to level of knowledge regarding placenta praevia. (p=0.037,

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
Fulltext An unusual presentation of a rare rhabdomyosarcoma of urinary bladder and prostate - case report

Shanggar, K., Muhilan, P., Dublin, N., Lee, George E.G., Azad Hassan, A.R.

JUMMEC, 2007;10(2):57-59.
MyJurnal

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the genitourinary tract is rare and predominantly affects paediatric patients. We present an unusual case of such a lesion in an adult with extensive occupation of the bladder cavity by the lesion, resulting in bilateral ureteric obstruction, without evidence of ureteric outlet invasion. We outline the unusual CT and macroscopic appearance of this lesion. We also discuss the literature data and management strategies of rhabdomyosarcoma of the genitourinary tract.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among migrant workers from different Asian countries working in Malaysia

Chan BT, Amal RN, Hayati MI, Kino H, Anisah N, Norhayati M, et al.

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2008 Jan;39(1):9-13.
PMID: 18567437

A serologic study of Toxoplasma antibodies among 501 foreign migrant workers in Malaysia was conducted in a plantation and detention camp. The highest prevalence rate of 46.2% was among Nepalese workers. Statistical analysis indicated the IgG positivity rate among local residents was significantly higher than the migrants studied (p < 0.05). The IgM positivity rate showed no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). No significant difference in the prevalence rate was noted between the migrants and the local workers when grouped by agricultural and non-agricultural occupations (p > 0.05). The continuous introduction of these infections may influence the epidemiology and further compromise efforts in control and prevention. It is therefore important to monitor of non-notifiable diseases.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
The association between maternal periodontitis and low birth weight infants among Malay women

Saddki N, Bachok N, Hussain NH, Zainudin SL, Sosroseno W

Community Dent Oral Epidemiol, 2008 Aug;36(4):296-304.
PMID: 19145718

OBJECTIVES: Maternal periodontitis has been suggested as one of the risk factors for low birth weight (LBW) infants. The objective of this study was to determine the association between maternal periodontitis and LBW infants among Malay women.
METHODS: Screening periodontal examinations were carried out on all eligible Malay pregnant women in the second trimester of pregnancy attending two randomly selected community maternal and child health clinics in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Patients with four or more sites with pocket depth 4 mm or higher, and clinical attachment loss 3 mm or higher at the same site with presence of bleeding on probing were diagnosed as having periodontitis in this study. Using this definition, systematic random sampling was utilized for selection of 250 subjects for each exposed and non-exposed group. Of 500 subjects enrolled in the study, 28 (5.6%) were either dropped or lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 472 subjects, 232 with periodontitis were in the exposed group and 240 with healthy periodontium were in the nonexposed group.
RESULTS: The incidence of LBW was 14.2% (95% CI: 9.70-18.75) in women with periodontitis, and 3.3% (95% CI: 1.05-5.62) in women without periodontitis. The relative risk of having LBW infants was 4.27 times higher for women with periodontitis compared with those without periodontitis (95% CI: 2.01-9.04). After adjustment for potential confounders using multiple logistic regression analysis, significant association was found between maternal periodontitis and LBW (OR = 3.84; 95% CI: 1.34-11.05).
CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide additional evidence that pregnant women with periodontitis are at a significantly higher risk of delivering LBW infants.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
Occupational disease among non-governmental employees in Malaysia: 2002-2006

Abas AB, Said AR, Mohammed MA, Sathiakumar N

Int J Occup Environ Health, 2008 Oct-Dec;14(4):263-71.
PMID: 19043913

In the absence of systematic occupational disease surveillance, other data collected by governmental agencies or industry is useful in the identification of occupational diseases and their control. We examined data on occupational diseases reported by non-governmental employees to the national workers' social security organization in Malaysia, 2002-2006. The overall incidence rate of occupational disease was 2.8 per 100,000 workers. There was an increase in the annual number and rates of occupational disease over time. The most frequently reported conditions were hearing impairment (32%) and musculoskeletal disorders (28%). Workers in the non-metallic manufacturing industry had the highest average incidence rate of hearing impairment (12.7 per 100,000 workers) and musculoskeletal disorders (3.5 per 100,000 workers), compared to all other industries. Preventive measures should focus on safety education, engineering control and workplace ergonomics. Enforcing workplace standards and incorporating an ongoing surveillance system will facilitate the control and reduction of occupational disease.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
Fulltext Factors influencing smoking behaviours among male adolescents In Kuantan District

Rapeah, M.Y., Munirah, Y., Latifah, K., Faizah, K., Norsimah, S., Maryana, M., et al.

Ann Dent, 2008;15(2):77-81.
MyJurnal

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and factors that influenced smoking behaviours among male adolescents in Kuantan, Pahang. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the form four male students in Kuantan District. Three hundred and twenty three students were randomly selected from eight secondary schools. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all the respondents. Almost half of the sample was smokers (45.8%) and half of them were Malays (53.1%). Students whose parents had lower level of occupation were more likely to smoke (58.8%). Among smokers, 34.5% of them smoked since primary school and a majority (91.7%) smoked 10 or less cigarettes per day. Half of them (53.4%) reported that they bought loose cigarettes and most of them used their school pocket money to purchase the cigarettes (81.7%). From the multivariate analysis, it was found that Non-Science Stream classes (OR=3.92, 95% CI= 2.10, 7.32), peers' smoking (OR=6.07, 95% CI= 2.32, 15.92), and attitude towards smoking (OR= 21.93, 95% CI= 9.71,49.51) were significantly associated with smoking habit. The prevalence of smoking among male adolescents was considerably high'in this population. It is recommended that antismoking activities in school be carried out regularly and should involve an active participation from the adolescents themselves since peers have great influence on smoking habits.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
Fulltext Stress and psychological wellbeing among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder

Nikmat AW, Ahmad M, Ng LO, Razali S

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2008;9(2):65-72.
MyJurnal

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of parental stress and psychological wellbeing among parents with autistic children and their associations with dimensions of support system.
Methods: This is a preliminary cross sectional study which randomly selected parents with clinically diagnosed autistic children. Those parents who attended psycho-education session on management of autistic children at Health Psychology Unit were randomly selected to enroll in the study. Psychological wellbeing, parental stress and dimensions of support system were assessed by using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) and the Provision Social Relation (PSR), respectively.
Results: Of 52 parents with autistic children (34 female and 18 male), about 90.4% of parents had significant parenting stress, and 53.8% of parents showed clinical disturbance in psychological wellbeing. Gender (t=1.67, p=0.02) and occupation (F=4.78, p=0.01) showed statistically significant association with psychological wellbeing. No association found between other socio-demographic factors, parental stress and psychological wellbeing with dimensions of support system among parents with autistic children.
Conclusion: Parents with autistic children have high prevalence of stress and psychological disturbances. Interactions of various factors need to be acknowledged and considered in order to reduce the burden of parents with autistic children.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
Fulltext Road traffic injuries among patients who attended the accident and emergency unit of the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur

Moe, H.

JUMMEC, 2008;11(1):22-26.
MyJurnal

A retrospective cross-sectional study of injury patients who attended the Accident and Emergency Unit was conducted at the University of Malaya Medical Centre. Demographic data with regards to age, sex, race, occupation and the relevant data such as type of accident, type of injury sustained and also severity seen during the month of January 2005 were selected retrospectively from medical record. The objectives were to review road traffic accidents and their severity of injuries among the patients. There were two hundred and forty-three (197 males and 46 females) patients involved: 60% Malays, 16% Chinese, 21% Indians and 3% other ethnic groups. Peak accidents occurred among the 21 to 30 years age group. Among the type of accidents, 65.8% involved motorbike riders, 10.3% car drivers, 8.6% pillion riders, 7.8% car passengers, 5.8% pedestrians and 1.6% were bicycle rider injuries. About 57.6% sustained minor injuries and 42.4% major injuries. There was no significant association between outcome of road traffic accidents and sex, age group and race. However, there was a significant association between type of accidents and severity of injuries (p = 0.014). Males sustained more major injuries and motorbike accidents were the highest among road injuries. Therefore, further prevention and control with emphasis on behavioural changes, education and law enforcement may reduce the number of road traffic accidents in the future.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
Fulltext The prevalence and factors associated with obesity among adult women in Selangor, Malaysia

Sidik SM, Rampal L

Asia Pac Fam Med, 2009 Apr 09;8(1):2.
PMID: 19358728 DOI: 10.1186/1447-056X-8-2

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of obesity in developing countries especially among women is on the rise. This matter should be taken seriously because it can burden the health care systems and lower the quality of life.
AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity among adult women in Selangor and to determine factors associated with obesity among these women.
METHODS: This community based cross sectional study was conducted in Selangor in January 2004. Multi stage stratified proportionate to size sampling method was used. Women aged 20-59 years old were included in this study. Data was collected using a questionnaire-guided interview method. The questionnaire consisted of questions on socio-demographic (age, ethnicity, religion, education level, occupation, monthly income, marital status), Obstetric & Gynaecology history, body mass index (BMI), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).
RESULTS: Out of 1032 women, 972 agreed to participate in this study, giving a response rate of 94.2%. The mean age was 37.91 +/- 10.91. The prevalence of obesity among the respondents was 16.7% (mean = 1.83 +/- 0.373). Obesity was found to be significantly associated with age (p = 0.013), ethnicity (p = 0.001), religion (p = 0.002), schooling (p = 0.020), educational level (p = 0.016), marital status (p = 0.001) and the history of suffering a miscarriage within the past 6 months (p = 0.023).
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity among adult women in this study was high. This problem needs to be emphasized as the prevalence of obesity keeps increasing, and will continue to worsen unless appropriate preventive measures are taken.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
Fatal lightning strikes in Malaysia

Murty OP, Kian CK, Ari Husin MH, Nanta Kumar RK, Mohammed Yusuf WY

Am J Forensic Med Pathol, 2009 Sep;30(3):246-51.
PMID: 19704405 DOI: 10.1097/PAF.0b013e31819d20a4

Lightning strike is a natural phenomenon with potentially devastating effects and represents one of the important causes of deaths from environmental phenomena. Almost every organ system may be affected as lightning current passes through the human body taking the shortest pathways between the contact points. A 10 years retrospective study (1996-2005) was conducted at University Hospital Kuala Lumpur (20 cases) also including cases during last 3 years from Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Klang (7 cases) from the autopsy reports at Forensic Pathology Units of these 2 hospitals. Both these hospitals are attached to University of Malaya. There were 27 fatal cases of lightning strike with male preponderance(92.59%) and male to female ratio of 12.5:1. Majority of victims of lightning strike were from the age group between 30 and 39 years old. Most of the victims were foreign workers. Indonesians workers contributed to 59.26% of overall cases. Majority of them were construction workers who attributed i.e.11 of 27 cases (40.74%). Most of the victims were brought in dead (37.04%). In majority of the cases the lightning incidence occurred in the evenings, with the frequency of 15 of 27 cases (62.5%). The month of December represented with the highest number of cases (5 cases of 23 cases); 2004 had the highest incidence of lightning strike which was 5 (19.23%). Lightning strike incidence occurred when victims had taken shelter (25.9%) under trees or shades. Lightning strike in open areas occurred in 10 of 27 cases (37.0%). Head and neck were the most commonly affected sites with the incidence of 77.78% and 74% respectively in all the victims. Only 29.63% of the cases presented with ear bleeding.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations/statistics & numerical data
Bed sharing among mother-infant pairs in Klang district, Peninsular Malaysia and its relationship to breast-feeding

Tan KL

J Dev Behav Pediatr, 2009 Oct;30(5):420-5.
PMID: 19827222 DOI: 10.1097/DBP.0b013e3181ba083a

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of mother-infant bed sharing in Klang district, Peninsular Malaysia and to identify factors associated with bed sharing.

METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study involving 682 mother-infant pairs with infants up to 6 months attending government clinics in Klang district, Peninsular Malaysia. Data were collected by face-to-face interview using a pretested structured questionnaire for a 4-month period in 2006. Data regarding maternal, paternal, obstetric, infant, occupancy, breast-feeding characteristics, and bed-sharing practice were collected. Data on bed sharing were based on practice in the past 1-month period. Bed sharing was defined as an infant sharing a bed with mother, and infant must be within arms reach from the mother, whereas a bed was defined as either a sleeping mattress placed on a bed frame or placed on the floor. The prevalence of bed sharing was estimated. Relationship and magnitude of association between independent factors and bed sharing were examined using odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Logistic regression analysis was used to control for confounding factors.

RESULTS: The prevalence of bed sharing among mothers with infants aged between 1 and 6 months was 73.5% (95% confidence interval: 70.0-76.7). In multivariate analysis, urban/rural differences, mothers' ethnicity, occupation, family income, husbands' support on bed sharing, number of children younger than 12 years staying in the house, and breast-feeding were associated with bed sharing.

CONCLUSIONS: These factors need to be considered in analyzing the overall risks and benefits of bed sharing, paying attention to breastfeeding practices.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
Risk factors for prostate cancer in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre: a case-control study

Subahir MN, Shah SA, Zainuddin ZM

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2009;10(6):1015-20.
PMID: 20192575

INTRODUCTION: In Malaysia, prostate cancer is ranked 6th among male cancer and expected to increase in the future. Several factors have shown to be related to prostate cancer such as sociodemographic, lifestyle, diet, occupational exposure, medical and health status. This is the first time a similar study was conducted in Malaysia to recognize the risk factors for prostate cancer patients who came for treatment at University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC).
METHODS: Prostate cancer cases diagnosed between 2003 and 2008 which met with the inclusion criteria were included in the study. One hundred and twelfth (112) pairs of cases and controls matched by age and ethnicity were analysed. McNemar Odds Ratios (OR(M)) were calculated using McNemar Calculator software for univariate analysis while conditional logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis, both using SPSS version 12.0.
RESULTS: Most of the prostate cancer patients (68.8%) that came for treatment in UKMMC were above 70 years old. The majority were Chinese (50.0%) followed by Malay (46.4%) and Indian (3.6%). Multivariate analysis showed cases were more likely to have a first-degree relative with a history of cancer (OR= 3.77, 95% CI= 1.19-11.85), to have been exposed to pesticides (OR= 5.57, 95% CI= 1.75-17.78) and consumed more meat (OR= 12.23, 95% CI= 3.89-39.01). Significantly reduced risks of prostate cancer were noted among those consuming more vegetables (OR= 0.12, 95% CI= 0.02-0.84), more tomatoes (OR= 0.35, 95% CI= 0.13-0.93) and those who had frequent sexual intercourse (OR= 0.44, 95% CI= 0.19-0.96).
CONCLUSION: Some lifestyle and occupation factors are strong predictors of the occurrence of prostate cancer among patients in UKMMC. More importantly, with the identification of the potentially modifiable risk factors, proper public health intervention can be improved.

Matched MeSH terms: Occupations

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links