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Fulltext Dataset of driving behaviours in Selangor, Malaysia

You HW, Abdul Rahman A, Hendri Dwisatrya LH

Data Brief, 2020 Aug;31:105783.
PMID: 32642504 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.105783

Road traffic accidents have been recognised as a leading cause of death, and one of the prominent public health problems. The human factor, which is the driving behaviour in particular, is said to be the main cause. In line with this, the objective of this research is to present a data article on the response of driving behaviours among drivers. Driving behaviours have been classified into five dimensions, which are speeding, improper overtaking, mobile phone use while driving, tail-gating and disobeying traffic lights. A quantitative study was conducted with a sample size of 160 drivers consisting of residents in a suburban of Selangor, Malaysia. A stratified random sampling method was adopted to identify the respondents. Data analysis was presented in the form of descriptive statistics and tables. The findings show that the majority of respondents agreed that they have driving behaviours that involve improper overtaking, tail-gating and disobeying traffic lights.

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
Fulltext Vaccine knowledge, awareness, and hesitancy among Malaysian parents attending health clinics in Sandakan, Sabah

James Yau Hon Voo, Baharudin Ibrahim, Mohamed Azmi Hassali, Foong Ming Moy

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):21-21.
MyJurnal

Introduction: There has been a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases in Malaysia over the recent years. In overcoming this issue, parents as the main caregiver of their children play a major role, which is to protect their children against diseases via vaccinations. This study aimed to examine the parents’ vaccine knowledge, aware-ness, and hesitancy in relation to their children’s immunisation status and to determine the association between the parents’ vaccine knowledge, awareness, and hesitancy. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a sample size of 405 parents was conducted in the Sandakan health clinics from February 2018 to April 2018 by employing validated questionnaires adapted from two studies. Results: The median ± IQR of the total vaccine knowledge and awareness scores (ranging from 0-10) were 7.00±3.00 and 8.00±4.00, respectively. Meanwhile, the median ± IQR of the total vaccine hesitancy scores (ranging from 0-100) was 16.67±20.00, with only 27 (6.8%) parents being vaccine-hesitant (scores >50). Most of the children (n=376, 92.8%) were immunised in the study. It observed a significant association between the children’s immunisation status and the parents’ vaccine knowledge scores (p = 0.005). Nevertheless, the children’s immunisation status was not significantly associated with the parents’ vaccine awareness and hesitancy scores. The positive Spearman correlation value (r = 0.551) signified that the parents’ vaccine knowledge was posi-tively associated with their vaccine awareness. On the other hand, both the vaccine knowledge and awareness were negatively correlated to the vaccine hesitancy as indicated by the negative Spearman correlation value (r = -0.397 and r = -0.351 respectively). Conclusion: The study established that the parents with a better understanding about vaccinations were more likely to keep their children’s immunisation up-to-date. It was also revealed that improving the parents’ knowledge and raising their awareness about the importance of vaccination are vital in reducing their vaccine hesitancy.

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
Fulltext Plausible impact of forward head posture on upper cervical spine stability

Chu ECP, Lo FS, Bhaumik A

J Family Med Prim Care, 2020 May;9(5):2517-2520.
PMID: 32754534 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_95_20

The cervical spine is responsible for allowing mobility and stability to the head and neck. Any deviation to the center of gravity of the head results in an increase in cantilever loads, which can be particularly damaging to the upper cervical joints. Excessive neck bending also exaggerates stretching through the cervical spine and all of the spinal structures below. It has been reported that forward head posture (FHP) can cause a multitude of disorders including cervical radiculopathy, cervicogenic headaches and cervicogenic dizziness. Most of these conditions manifest with clusters of painful symptoms and spine dysfunctions. The purpose of this case study is to describe the radiographic imaging considerations and to illustrate the potential impacts in symptomatic adults with FHP. We randomly selected radiographs of three individuals with FHP who had undergone cervical adjustment for cervical pain. The occipito-axial (C0-C2) and atlanto-axial (C1-C2) joints were assessed via the C0-2 distance from the C2 base to the McGregor line (Redlund-Johnell criterion) and the Ranawat C1-2 index, in addition to subjective radiographic parameters. By comparing the radiographs of before-and-after intervention of each patient, a regressive joint spacing was observed from both indices. Such a long-lasting stretching concordant with FHP was assumed to be hazardous to joint stability. A definite conclusion, however, cannot be drawn due to the small sample size and a lack of convincing measurements.

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
Fulltext Relationship between ISO 9001:2015 and operational and business performance of manufacturing industries in a developing country (Indonesia)

Nurcahyo R, Zulfadlillah, Habiburrahman M

Heliyon, 2021 Jan;7(1):e05537.
PMID: 33506119 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05537

Previous research has emphasized the need to further investigate the impact of ISO 9001 on company performance in the manufacturing sector of developing countries. Indonesia is one of those developing countries where the implementation of ISO 9001 is yet to be adequately researched. The Indonesian automotive manufacturing industry is still unable to compete with Malaysia and Thailand even though many companies have implemented ISO 9001. This study aimed to examine the relationship between ISO 9001 and operational (productivity, customer satisfaction, and product quality) and business (sales growth, profit rate, and market share) performance of Indonesian automotive component manufacturing industries. It also aimed to identify major obstacles in the effective implementation of ISO 9001. Multiple linear regression analyses about operational and business performance were employed for this purpose. The sample size comprised 50 automotive component manufacturing industries located in the Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang, and Bekasi region of Indonesia. The study demonstrates that the implementation of the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system has a significant positive impact on the operational performance as well as the business performance. Additionally, the operational performance has a significant positive impact on the business performance. This study also reveals the major obstacles in the effective implementation of ISO 9001 in the manufacturing industry, which include a lack of qualified personnel, inadequate training, employee resistance, and lack of commitment among top-level management executives. It offers clear implications for managers who focus on elements that will enhance the effectiveness of ISO 9001 implementation by choosing the correct strategies, allocating sufficient resources, and improving their firm's performance. The novelty of this study lies in filling the existing research gap, which involves a detailed examination of the relationship between the implementation of ISO 9001 and the company's performance, particularly in manufacturing industries of developing countries.

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
An Additional 30-s Observation of the Right-Sided Colon with Narrow Band Imaging Decreases Missed Polyps: A Pilot Study

Yoshida N, Inoue K, Yasuda R, Hirose R, Dohi O, Naito Y, et al.

Dig Dis Sci, 2018 12;63(12):3457-3464.
PMID: 30232637 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-018-5275-1

INTRODUCTION: Previous narrow-band imaging (NBI) was dark and reported not to be useful for polyp detection. In this study, we analyzed the efficacy of an additional 30-s observation of the right-sided colon with the recent bright high-resolution NBI.
METHODS: We enrolled patients undergoing colonoscopy from February 2015 to May 2017 in two institutions. All procedures were performed with the latest system (EVIS LUCERA ELITE, Olympus). The cecum and ascending colon were first observed with white light imaging (WLI) in both the NBI and WLI group. Then, the colonoscope was re-inserted, and the cecum and ascending colon were observed for an additional 30 s. In this second observation, NBI was performed for the first 130 patients in the NBI group and WLI for the next 130 in the WLI group. The number of adenoma and sessile serrated polyps (ASPs) in the second observation were examined in both groups. According to our initial pilot study, the sample size was estimated at 126.
RESULTS: In the first observation, the number of ASPs was 72 in the NBI group and 72 in the WLI group (p = 1.0). In the second observation, the number of ASPs was 23 in the NBI group and 10 in the WLI group (p = 0.02). The polyp and adenoma detection rates in the second observation were 16.2% and 12.3% in the NBI group and 7.7% (p = 0.03) and 6.2% (p = 0.09) in the WLI group.
CONCLUSIONS: The additional 30-s observation with recent NBI decreased missed polyps in the right-sided colon.

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
Fulltext Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii among farmers and cattle in Gombak District, Selangor, Malaysia - a preliminary report

Normaznah Y, Saniah K, Fuzina Noor H, Naseem M, Khatijah M

Trop Biomed, 2004 Dec;21(2):157-9.
PMID: 16493409

A survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies among cattle farmers and cattle in the Gombak District, Selangor. A total of 79 human and 73 cattle serum samples were tested for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies by the immunofluorescent technique (IFAT). Results of the survey showed that anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were found in 27.8% of the farmers, while in cattle the positive rate was only 3.8%. The prevalence rate obtained in this study did not differ much from the prevalence reported in previous studies. This suggests that the same degree of risk to this infection exists in the community. In view of the relatively low antibody prevalence in cattle, the risk of acquiring this infection from consuming undercooked beef is realtively low. Further survey on larger sample size is needed to validate the observation.

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
Fulltext Approaches in methodology of a population-based study in Malaysia: the national health and morbidity survey 2011 (NHMS 2011)

Fadhli, Y., Azaadi, O., Noor Ani, A., Balkish, M.N., Ahmad Jessree, K., Tahir, A.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2013;9(2):25-33.
MyJurnal

The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011 was a nationally representative household survey of non-institutionalized Malaysian population who were residing in Malaysia for at least 2 weeks prior to data collection. The aim of the survey was to provide health related community–based data and information to support Ministry of Health, Malaysia, in reviewing health priorities, programme strategies and activities, and planning for allocation of resources. There were twelve research scopes included in the survey. The sample size was calculated based on the requirement for each scope. A two-stage stratified sampling was adopted in the survey. The methods for data collection were via the questionnaire, clinical examination, and biochemical analysis. Quality controls were also instituted to ensure collection of high quality data. The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011 (NHMS 2011) adopted an appropriate methodology for a population survey and all the necessary steps were taken to ensure valid and reliable findings.
Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2011)

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
Fulltext Prevalence and sources of stress among postgraduate medical trainees: initial findings

Ahmad Fuad Abdul Rahim, Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2010;11(2):180-0.
MyJurnal

Objective: Postgraduate medical training has always been regarded as a highly stressful environment to students. This article described an initial finding on prevalence and sources of stress among postgraduate students. Method: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on postgraduate students in the School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Sample size as calculated for this preliminary study was 38 and convenient sampling method was applied. The 12 items General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Postgraduate Stressors Questionnaire (PSQ) were administered during a workshop involving postgraduate students. Data was analysed using SPSS version 12. Results: Thirty three participants participated in this study. This study found that the prevalence of distressed postgraduate students was 36.4%. The top ten stressors were tests and examinations, large amount of content to be learnt, time pressure to meet deadlines, doing work beyond
ability, work overload, unfair assessment by superior, fears of making mistakes that can lead to serious consequences, doing work that mentally straining, work demands affect my personal and home life, and lack of time to review what have been learnt. Conclusion: This study found that there was a high prevalence of distressed postgraduate students. It also found that the major stressors were related to academic and performance pressure.

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
Fulltext Comparison of melting behaviors of edible oils using conventional and hyper differential scanning calorimetric scan rates

Abdulkarim, S.M., Ghazali, H.M.

International Food Research Journal, 2007;14(1):25-35.
MyJurnal

HyperDSC™(fast scan rate) was used to study the melting behavior of canola (CLO), sunflower (SFO), palm olein (PO), rice bran oils (RBO), and cocoa butter (CB), and was compared to the melting behaviors using conventional DSC. There was an increase in sensitivity with increase in scan rate. Slow scan rate (5 to 20C/min) gave low sensitivity, which increased when the scan rates were increased to 50, 100 and 200C/min. Peak resolution was affected by scan rate depending on the sample weight. Increase in the size of sample coupled with the use of fast scan rate decreased the peak resolution. Generally small sample sizes gave better peak resolution. Results of the effect of scan rate on glass transition (Tg) shows that Tg, which is a weak transition especially in crystalline and low amorphous materials was not detected using conventional scan rates (5 to 20oC/min). It was however detected using of hyperDSC™ scan rates (100 to 200oC/min). Increasing the scan rate resulted in an increase in the peak temperature and the elimination of shoulder peaks, which were caused due to the polymorphic behavior of the triacylglycerols in the oils. The increase in peak temperature caused a shift in the peak position towards a higher temperature value. There is a positive correlation between the peak temperature and scan rate. The correlation coefficients (r) for CLO, SFO, PO, RBO and CB were 0.96, 0.95, 0.97, 0.96 and 0.96 respectively.

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
Fulltext Rapid isolation of genomic DNA from Asian green-lipped mussel (Perna viridis) for random amplified microsatellite polymorphism

Chai, L.C., Fatimah, C.A., Norhisyam, M.S., Rozila, A., Nadzirah, A.S., Natasha, L.H.Y.

International Food Research Journal, 2009;16(1):113-118.
MyJurnal

The objective of the present study was to develop a rapid, reliable and yet inexpensive protocol for genomic DNA extraction from frozen and ethanol-preserved Asian green-lipped mussels for random amplified microsatelite (RAM) analysis. The procedure comprised of three major steps: (1) Tissue degradation by boiling in 6% Chelex 100 resin in TE buffer; (2) Protein digestion by Proteinase K; and (3) DNA precipitation by adding 2 volumes of cold absolute ethanol. The entire procedure can be completed within two hours. The resulting RAM profiles were clear and reproducible. Our results demonstrate that the combined protocol of Chelex 100-Proteinase K-ethanol precipitation is a powerful yet economical DNA isolation method for population genetic studies involving a large sample size.

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
Fulltext Development of an anthropometry database for the malaysian population: problems and challenges

Rosnah Mohd. Yusuff, Siti Zawiah Md. Dawal, Dian D.I. Daruis, Siti Nurani Hassan

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(20):36-43.
MyJurnal

Ergonomics is generally to design for human use and optimizing the working and living conditions. The comfort, safety and ease of use of systems, products and machines require the principles of ergonomics to be incorporated into the design. Anthropometry is a part of ergonomics which deals with the measurement of body dimensions, its capability and limitations of the human ability. Studies have indicated that body dimensions differ for various populations, depending on ethnic group, sex and age. The measurement of physical characteristics and abilities of people provides information that is essential for the appropriate design of occupational and non- occupational environments, as well as for the design of consumer products, clothing, tools and equipment. It has been considered as the very basic core of ergonomics in an attempt to resolve the dilemma of 'fitting people to machines'. It has also been regarded as a branch of anthropology which deals with physical characteristics of the man in time and space, particularly with individual variation, ontogenesis and generic development. Knowledge about man from the point of view of physical anthropometry is very useful for the purpose of ergonomics and design. Thus it is important that an anthropometric database for each nation is developed to ensure design of products and systems are compatible with the user population. In Malaysia, many researchers have conducted anthropometric studies on various groups of people, focused on a small sample size and used for specific designs. Unfortunately, the measurements are not representatives of the population. The work has been individually based, confined to certain group of researchers in various universities and there is no concerted effort towards developing a national anthropometric database.This paper discusses some of the anthropometry work conducted in Malaysia, the problems and challenges in developing the national database, the importance of anthropometry and the roles that the government has to play in developing the database.

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
Fulltext Relative power performance of t-test and bootstrap procedure for two-sample

Nor Aishah Ahad, Suhaida Abdullah, Lai, Choo Heng, Nazihah Mohd. Ali

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2012;20(1):43-52.
MyJurnal

The classical procedures of comparing two groups, such as t-test are, usually restricted with the assumptions of normality and equal variances. When these assumptions are violated, the rates of the Type I errors of the independent samples t-test are affected, particularly when the sample sizes are small. In this situation, the bootstrap procedure has an advantage over the parametric t-test. In this study, the performances of the bootstrap procedure and the independent sample t-test were investigated. The investigation focused on the power of both the test procedures to compare the two groups under different design specifications for normal and chi-square distributions. The results showed that the bootstrap procedure has a slight edge over the conventional t-test in term of the rate of achieving the benchmark level for both the distributions. In fact, the bootstrap procedure consistently outperformed the conventional t-test across all the combinations of the test conditions.

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
Fulltext Stress and coping strategies among Management and Science University students: A qualitative study

Redhwan, A.A.N., Sami, A.R., Karim, A.J., Chan, R., Zaleha, M.I.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2009;8(2):11-16.
MyJurnal

Introduction: This study aimed to explore the associated factors related to causes of stress and coping strategies among university students. Materials and Methods: As a focus group discussion, it was universal sampling, conducted among 39 of Medical Science and Biomedicine students on their second semester from Management and Science University (MSU), Shah Alam, Malaysia. Three issues were discussed: firstly, how they define the stress; secondly, what the most important causes of stress in their life are; and thirdly, how they cope with stress. Verbal consent was obtained from all participants. Due to the small sample size, the data was analyzed manually. Results: Total of participants were 39 students, their age ranged from 21 to 26 years. Seventeen (43.6%) of the students were 21 years old and the majority were female 31 (79.5%). The
most important causes of stress reported by the students were financial, lack of sleep, and family problems. In terms of coping with stress, the students were able to describe a variety of strategies to cope with their stressful situations. These included counseling services, doing meditation, sharing of problems, getting adequate sleep, and going out with friends. Conclusion: Most of the students defined stress as “a mental condition”. Lack of sleep, financial, and family problems were the most causes of stress among students. The students were able to identify some strategies to cope with stress.

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
Fulltext Intraclass correlation in practice: assessment of reliability of manual blood pressure measurement among assessors in a clinical trial

Wan Nor Arifin, Wan Arfah Nadiah, Muhammad Irfan, Chen, Xin Wee, Nani Draman, Nyi, Nyi Naing

Education in Medicine Journal, 2011;3(2):44-52.
MyJurnal

To ensure the reliability of manual blood pressure (BP) readings in a clinical trial, sources of error due to measurement must be reduced as much as possible. Apart from following standard procedure for BP measurement and ensuring good equipments, the measurement errors that come from the assessors themselves should be assessed. Objective: To demonstrate the use of two-way random effects, interactions absent, absolute agreement (Type A), single measures (Type 1) intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) in the assessment of reliability of manual BP readings among assessors involved in a clinical trial using manual BP measurement, by using an interrater reliability study conducted by the authors as an example study. Methods: The steps involved in obtaining ICC in the study were discussed. Sample size given the number of assessors in the study was calculated. BP was measured using regularly maintained mercury sphygnomanometers, following recommendations by Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) for BP measurement in office setting. The outcomes were systolic and diastolic BP readings. A type of ICC, two-way random effects, interactions absent, absolute agreement (Type A), single measures (Type 1) ICC was chosen for the analysis and specifically discussed. Pre-requisite assumptions for ICC were meticulously checked and described. The interrater reliability for systolic and diastolic BP readings as expressed by ICC (single measure) were presented with confidence interval (CI). The ICCs obtained in the example study were discussed and concluded. The flaws of the study were also criticised. Results: The interrater reliability for systolic and diastolic BP measurements as expressed by ICC (single measure) were 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.722, 0.956) and 0.77 (95% CI 0.560, 0.918) respectively. Conclusion: We demonstrated the steps required to obtain ICC. Since the use of manual BP measurement using mercury sphygmomanometer is still considered as gold standard of BP measurement, it is important that studies in which the BP outcome is measured using such method conduct interrater reliability studies properly.

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
Fulltext The client perception on the quality of the counter service at ministry of health hospitals

Noriah, B., Roslan Johari, M.G., Teng, Seng Chong, Tahir, A., Nadhirah, R.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2007;7(1):37-44.
MyJurnal

The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of counter service at the Ministry of Health hospitals as perceived by patients. This was a cross sectional study using selfadrninistered questionnaires distributed to patients at the outpatient departments in all Ministry of Health Hospitals. By the end ofthe data collection period, 118 of 121 hospitals (total number of MOH Hospitals) participated with 93.2% response rate., The hospitals were divided into four categories, for the purpose of this study 1000 sample size were needed in each category, the number of sample size were obtained using Epi Info Program based on assumption that 30% Of patients were dissatisyded with the services provided and with a precision of 10%. In this study the quality were based on clarity and provision of services based on Client Charten deliverance of clear infomation by the healthcare personnel, priority treatment given to urgency of the cases, cleanliness of the facilities and teamwork among the staff This study revealed about 64% of patients perceived that the hospitals had provided quality services at the counter: Only about 11% of patients were not happy with the quality of the services given at the counter. The proportion of happy patients increased from the smaller to the bigger hospitals. In terms of delivering services according to the Client Charter; only about 15% said that service was not provided by the counter staff according to the Client’s Charter On the aspect of priority on the urgent cases, about 64% of the patients perceived that urgent cases were not seen immediately. About 64% of the respondents felt that the hospitah do provide quality services. Strategies should focus on the bigger hospitals because non conformance to quality occurs more frequently there. The post of Counter Supervisor should be created to ensure that quality services are delivered.

Study site: outpatient departments in all Ministry of Health Hospitals

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
Fulltext The effect of using games in teaching conservation

Tan CKW, Lee JW, Hii A, Loo YY, Campos-Arceiz A, Macdonald DW

PeerJ, 2018;6:e4509.
PMID: 29736327 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4509

Games are an increasingly popular approach for conservation teaching. However, we know little about the effectiveness of the games on students' experiences and knowledge acquisition. Many current games are supplemental games (SG) that have no meaningful interaction with the subject matter. We adapted the experiential gaming (EG) model where students were immersed in goal-orientated tasks found in real-life situations, and they tackled questions to complete actions for their main task. Classroom-based games were created for eight different conservation topics for an annual Wildlife Conservation Course and an annual Diploma in International Wildlife Conservation Practice. Data were collected over two cycles, a total sample size of 55 multinational students. We used a combination of repeated-measures design and counterbalanced measures design; each student was subjected at least twice to each of the EG and didactic instruction (DI) treatments, and at least once to the SG approach. We compared students' perception, learning and behavioural responses to the treatments, including measures of student personality types and learning styles as explanatory variables. Findings revealed multiple benefits of the classroom EG compared to the DI approach, such as increased attention retention, increased engagement and added intrinsic motivation. The improved level of intrinsic motivation was mainly facilitated by increased social bonding between participants. Further, we show that this EG approach appeals to a wide range of learning styles and personalities. The performance of SG was generally intermediate between that of EG and DI. We propose EG as a beneficial complement to traditional classroom teaching and current gamified classes for conservation education.

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
Fulltext Association between organizational factors, occupational stress and cortisol level among lecturers in a private university in Selangor

Noormaliza, H., Najibah, A.R., Fauzana, M., Azizah, A., Nukhdiha, O.

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2017;14(1):25-29.
MyJurnal

Stress reduces the performance and productivity of employees.
One of the most important stressors originate from organizational factors,
which are decision latitude, psychological demand, social support and job
insecurity. This creates four kinds of jobs: passive, active, low strain and high
strain. The objective of the study is to determine the association between
organizational factors with occupational stress and cortisol level among
lecturers in University Selangor. This cross-sectional study used a purposive
sampling, which involved 45 lecturers from various faculties. The instrument
used in this study was Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) which is a
Psychosocial Job Assessment Instrument designed by Karasek et al., (1998).
The questionnaire has been translated to Malay version by Edimansyah et al.,
(2006). 10ml of blood sample was collected from each respondent by certified
phlebotomist. Results from the statistical analysis showed that majority of the
respondents were female (75.6%), aged below forty years old (82.2%), married
(77.8%) and hold a master degree (68.9%). Most of the respondents were
found having low decision latitude 35(77.5%). Majority of the respondents
were also found in passive group 13(28.9%) which were having low
psychological job demand and low decision latitude, while others are in low
strain 11(24.4%), high strain 11(24.4%) and active group 10(22.2%)
respectively. There was a significant association between two organizational
factors with occupational stress level, which are decision latitude and
psychological job demand (p0.05). As a
conclusion, two out of four organizational factors, which are decision latitude
and psychological job demand showed a significant association with
occupational stress levels. Cortisol as one of stress biomarkers may not be
significant due to small sample size.

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
Fulltext Effectiveness of Malaria intervention programmes among patent medicine vendors: a systematic review

Yahaya Mohammed Katagum, Hayati Kadir @ Shahar, Faisal Ibrahim

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2017;13(3):81-91.
MyJurnal

Poor diagnosis, treatment and prevention practices had characterised Patent Medicine Vendor (PMV) activities in malaria control despite expectations on their contributions to check the menace. Interventions reversing this situation reduces disease burden and legitimise PMV inclusion in basic healthcare delivery. This study seeks to identify and review studies addressing this priority problem. Steps outlined in PRISMA guidelines were adopted to search and conduct reviews via electronic databases. Randomized trials with intervention effects on PMVs were considered and thirteen articles were ultimately reviewed and narratively evaluated. Analysis of search outputs identified intervention types, methods used, sample sizes, intervention periods, knowledge, attitude and practice variables, other outcomes and listing of priority systematic review topics, using pre-determined criteria. All reviewed studies were found to be effective despite adopting different intervention approaches. Furthermore, identifying and prioritizing reviews greatly improves future malaria interventions and results thereof, thereby maximising opportunities to deliver appropriate and evidence-based healthcare.

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
Fulltext Knowledge and Perception of Facial Candling for Allergic Rhinitis among University Staff and Students

Hamdan NKA, Lean QY, Neoh CF, Abdullah AH, Lim SM, Ramasamy K, et al.

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2020;2020:5713134.
PMID: 32831870 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5713134

Introduction: Facial candling is a traditional method used for relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR). This study aims to investigate the knowledge and perception of facial candling in a sample of staff and students in a public university in Malaysia.
Methods: An online questionnaire survey method was used. Based on sample size calculation, a total of 1,508 UiTM staff and students from ten selected campuses of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) were invited to participate in this survey. An up-to-date e-mail list of staff in the selected campuses was used as the sampling frame for the study, whereas the students were recruited from the official university student Facebook portal.
Results: A total of 788 respondents participated in this survey, 72.2% of them knew about facial candling, though only 35.4% had tried the treatment. Approximately one-fifth of respondents agreed that facial candling might treat AR. It was found that a higher number of users than nonusers agreed that facial candling was a traditional medicine (78.9% vs 55.0%); could be used on the face and ears (83.5% vs 45.4%); and could be self-administered at home (83.5 vs 45.4%). Interestingly, more than half of them were uncertain about its long-term effects and adverse reactions.
Conclusion: This study confirms the facial candling use among patients with AR although the percentage is low. The patients and general public need to be better informed about the use of facial candling in AR and its associated risks.

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size
Fulltext Sample Size Calculation in Animal Studies Using Resource Equation Approach

Arifin WN, Zahiruddin WM

Malays J Med Sci, 2017 Oct;24(5):101-105.
PMID: 29386977 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2017.24.5.11

Animal research plays an important role in the pre-clinical phase of clinical trials. In animal studies, the power analysis approach to sample size calculation is recommended. Whenever it is not possible to assume the standard deviation and the effect size, an alternative to the power analysis approach is the 'resource equation' approach, which sets the acceptable range of the error degrees of freedom (DF) in an analysis of variance (ANOVA). The aim of this article is to guide researchers in calculating the minimum and maximum numbers of animals required in animal research by reformulating the error DF formulas.

Matched MeSH terms: Sample Size

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