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  1. Ariff KM, Khoo SB
    Aust J Rural Health, 2006 Feb;14(1):2-8.
    PMID: 16426425 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1584.2006.00747.x
    Background: Understanding the sociocultural dimension of a patient’s health beliefs is critical to a successful clinical encounter. Malaysia with its multi-ethnic population of Malay, Chinese and Indian still uses many forms of traditional health care in spite of a remarkably modern rural health service.
    Objective: The objective of this paper is discuss traditional health care in the context of some of the cultural aspects of health beliefs, perceptions and practices in the different ethnic groups of the author’s rural family practices. This helps to promote communication and cooperation between doctors and patients, improves clinical diagnosis and Management, avoids cultural blind spots and unnecessary medical testing and leads to better adherence to treatment by patients.
    Discussion: Includes traditional practices of ‘hot and cold’, notions of Yin-Yang and Ayurveda, cultural healing, alternative medicine, cultural perception of body structures and cultural practices in the context of women’s health. Modern and traditional medical systems are potentially complementary rather than antagonistic. Ethnic and cultural considerations can be integrated further into the modern health delivery system to improve care and health outcomes.
    KEY WORDS: alternative medicine, child health, cultural healing, traditional medicine, women’s health
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Health Services*
  2. Mohd Sidik S, Azhar MZ, Mohd Yunus A, Azlan Hamzah SA
    Med J Malaysia, 2005 Aug;60 Suppl D:54-7.
    PMID: 16315625
    The Community Follow-up Project (CFUP) is a project where medical students choose a hospital in-ward patient during their clinical ward-based attachments and follow-up this patient's progress after discharge from the hospital. The students do a series of home visits and also accompany their patients for some of their follow-ups at the hospital, government clinics, general practitioners' clinics and even to the palliative care or social welfare centres. The students assess the physical, psychological and social impact of the illness on the patient, family and community. By following their patients from the time their patients were in the hospital and back to their homes and community, the students are able to understand in depth the problems faced by patients, the importance of communication skills in educating patients on their illness and the importance of good communication between primary, secondary and tertiary care.
    Matched MeSH terms: Community Health Services*
  3. Zainudin BM, Lai CK, Soriano JB, Jia-Horng W, De Guia TS, Asthma Insights and Reality in Asia-Pacific (AIRIAP) Steering Committee
    Respirology, 2005 Nov;10(5):579-86.
    PMID: 16268910 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2005.00753.x
    OBJECTIVE: The Asthma Insights and Reality in Asia-Pacific (AIRIAP) survey collected detailed information on asthma severity and management in the urban centres of eight areas of the Asia-Pacific region. This study compared asthma morbidity and management practices in these areas.
    METHODOLOGY: Following recruitment, face-to-face interviews were completed with 2323 adults with diagnosed asthma, who had current symptoms or were using asthma medication. Comparisons between areas were made for asthma severity, asthma burden and management practices.
    RESULTS Asthma severity varied significantly between areas (P < 0.01), with Vietnam and mainland China reporting the most cases with severe, persistent symptoms. Severity of asthma was significantly associated with advancing age and a lower level of education in a multivariate analysis (P < 0.001). The total use of acute healthcare for asthma was significantly associated with increased asthma severity. Work absence due to asthma was highest in the Philippines (46.6%) and lowest in South Korea (7.5%). The use of inhaled corticosteroids was associated with age in a non-linear manner. There was significant variation among countries in usage of inhaled corticosteroids, from 1.3% in South Korea to 29.0% in Taiwan (P < 0.00001). A peak flow meter was owned by a total of 7.7% of respondents, and overall, 17.9% of adults had a written action plan for asthma management.
    CONCLUSIONS: Within the Asia-Pacific region, asthma in adults differs significantly in disease severity, management and treatment according to area of residence. International recommendations on the management of asthma are generally not being followed.
    Study site: urban areas in several countries in Asia-Pacific region (via random street interception, random door-to-door recruitment, or telephone recruitment)
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Services/utilization
  4. Saokaew S, Sugimoto T, Kamae I, Pratoomsoot C, Chaiyakunapruk N
    PLoS One, 2015;10(11):e0141993.
    PMID: 26560127 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141993
    Health technology assessment (HTA) has been continuously used for value-based healthcare decisions over the last decade. Healthcare databases represent an important source of information for HTA, which has seen a surge in use in Western countries. Although HTA agencies have been established in Asia-Pacific region, application and understanding of healthcare databases for HTA is rather limited. Thus, we reviewed existing databases to assess their potential for HTA in Thailand where HTA has been used officially and Japan where HTA is going to be officially introduced.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Services Research/methods*
  5. Tey NP, Siraj SB, Kamaruzzaman SB, Chin AV, Tan MP, Sinnappan GS, et al.
    Gerontologist, 2016 08;56(4):603-9.
    PMID: 26553738 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnv153
    Multiethnic Malaysia provides a unique case study of divergence in population aging of different sociocultural subgroups within a country. Malaysia represents 3 major ethnicities in Asia-the Malay, Chinese, and Indian. The 3 ethnic groups are at different stages of population aging, as they have undergone demographic transition at different pace amidst rapid social and economic changes. Between 1991 and 2010, the Malaysian population aged 60 and over has more than doubled from about 1 million to 2.2 million, and this is projected to rise to about 7 million or 17.6% of the projected population of 40 million by 2040. In 2010, the aging index ranged from 22.8% among the Bumiputera (Malays and other indigenous groups), to 31.4% among the Indians and 55.0% among the Chinese. Population aging provides great challenges for Malaysia's social and economic development. The increasing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases in older adults, coupled with the erosion of the traditional family support system has increased demands on health care services with an overwhelming need for multidisciplinary and specialized geriatric care. Following the adoption of the National Policy for the Elderly in 1995, issues of population aging have gained increasing attention, especially among researchers. There is an urgent need to increase public awareness, develop infrastructure, as well as support action oriented research that will directly translate to comprehensive and cohesive social strategies, policies, and legislation to protect not just the current older Malaysians but the future of all Malaysians.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Services for the Aged*
  6. Jacob SA, Chin JR, Ying Qi T, Palanisamy UD
    Res Social Adm Pharm, 2016 03 04;12(4):664-5.
    PMID: 27012972 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2016.02.009
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Services Needs and Demand*
  7. Aborigo RA, Allotey P, Reidpath DD
    Soc Sci Med, 2015 May;133:59-66.
    PMID: 25841096 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.03.046
    Traditional medical systems in low income countries remain the first line service of choice, particularly for rural communities. Although the role of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) is recognised in many primary health care systems in low income countries, other types of traditional practitioners have had less traction. We explored the role played by traditional healers in northern Ghana in managing pregnancy-related complications and examined their relevance to current initiatives to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. A grounded theory qualitative approach was employed. Twenty focus group discussions were conducted with TBAs and 19 in-depth interviews with traditional healers with expertise in managing obstetric complications. Traditional healers are extensively consulted to manage obstetric complications within their communities. Their clientele includes families who for either reasons of access or traditional beliefs, will not use modern health care providers, or those who shop across multiple health systems. The traditional practitioners claim expertise in a range of complications that are related to witchcraft and other culturally defined syndromes; conditions for which modern health care providers are believed to lack expertise. Most healers expressed a willingness to work with the formal health services because they had unique knowledge, skills and the trust of the community. However this would require a stronger acknowledgement and integration within safe motherhood programs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Maternal Health Services/manpower*
  8. Saub R, Evans RW
    Aust Dent J, 2001 Sep;46(3):198-202.
    PMID: 11695159
    BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the oral health status and treatment needs of elderly hostel residents in Melbourne.

    METHOD: One hundred and seventy-five subjects aged 65+ were selected from 20 hostels within a 10 km radius of Melbourne's central business district.

    RESULTS: Subjects were clinically examined and interviewed using a standard questionnaire. In the course of the clinical examination, coronal caries, root caries, periodontal disease, denture status and related treatment needs were assessed. The mean age of the subjects was 83.7, the majority of whom were female (80 per cent). About 35 per cent of the sample were dentate. The mean number of teeth present among dentate persons was 13.8, the mean coronal caries experience was 24.9 DMFT and mean root caries was 2.3 R-DF. Of the dentate subjects, 46 per cent required at least one restoration for coronal caries and 30 per cent required at least one restoration for root caries. Most dentate subjects had calculus and none had deep pockets, therefore, indications for periodontal treatment did not include complex care. More than 50 per cent of lower full dentures were retained unsatisfactorily and about half of the total number of subjects required prosthetic treatment.

    CONCLUSIONS: Although there was a high number of treatment needs, most requirements involved simple technologies that could be delivered by auxiliaries.

    Matched MeSH terms: Health Services Needs and Demand/statistics & numerical data*
  9. Chong LA, Lee WS, Goh AYT
    Med J Malaysia, 2003 Mar;58(1):89-93.
    PMID: 14556330
    The profile of admissions staying less than 24 hours admitted to the paediatric wards of University Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, over a period of six weeks was reviewed to ascertain the need of a short-stay ward. Ninety-three (22%) of the 428 admissions admitted during the study period were discharged within 24 hours, 56 (60%) were discharged within 12 hours. Major categories of admissions were: elective investigative procedures (43%), and emergency admissions (44%). Reasons for emergency admissions: infections 42%, minor trauma/cerebral concussion 25% and febrile/afebrile seizures 11%. Only 20% required percutaneous oximetry monitoring and 2% required observations more frequently than 2 hourly. There may be a case for a short stay ward in a big paediatric unit in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Services Needs and Demand/statistics & numerical data*
  10. O'Boyle SJ, Power JJ, Ibrahim MY, Watson JP
    Int J Tuberc Lung Dis, 2002 Apr;6(4):307-12.
    PMID: 11936739
    SETTING: Kota Kinabalu and surrounding communities in Sabah, Malaysia.
    OBJECTIVES: To establish factors affecting compliance of patients with anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy, their knowledge of the disease, and views on improving the DOTS strategy.
    DESIGN: Interviews with compliant patients attending clinics for DOTS treatment and with non-compliant patients in their homes, in August and September 2000.
    RESULTS: A total of 63 compliant and 23 non-compliant patients were interviewed. For non-compliant patients, reaching the treatment centre entailed greater cost (P < 0.005) and travel time (P < 0.005) compared to compliant patients. Cost of transport was the reason most frequently given for non-attendance. Non-compliant patients were more likely to have completed secondary education (P < 0.05), and to be working (P < 0.01). More non-compliant patients had family members who had had the disease (P < 0.01). There was no difference between the groups for overall tuberculosis knowledge scores; however, non-compliant patients were more likely to think that treatment could be stopped once they were symptom free (P < 0.01). Most patients (73%) felt that the DOTS system could be improved by provision of more information about tuberculosis.
    CONCLUSION: Compliance with DOTS in the Kota Kinabalu area is affected by travel expenses, time spent travelling to treatment centres, and having family members who have had the disease. Patients would like more information on tuberculosis.
    Study site: Tuberculosis clinics, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Services Accessibility/economics
  11. Lee WS, Lee SP, Boey CCM
    Med J Malaysia, 1999 Mar;54(1):22-5.
    PMID: 10972000
    Two hundred and ninety five children admitted with acute gastroenteritis from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 1996 to the Paediatric unit, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, were reviewed. Eighty-nine percent of children received treatment before admission. Information regarding the type of treatment received were available in 152 (52%) cases. Eighty percent of them were prescribed medications, 40% were prescribed glucose-electrolyte mixtures, and 13% were advised a change of formula. Only 18 children (12%) were advised to take glucose-electrolyte mixtures alone. The four most common prescribed drugs were: antibiotics (43%), antipyretics (39%), antidiarrhoeal agents (30%), and antiemetics (24%). The use of antibiotics, antiemetics and antidiarrhoeal drugs for children with acute gastroenteritis among primary care doctors appears to be common. The use of glucose-electrolyte mixtures was uncommon.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Services Misuse*
  12. Abdullah MS, Rock WP
    Community Dent Health, 2001 Dec;18(4):242-8.
    PMID: 11789703
    To assess the prevalence and severity of malocclusion in a large sample of 12-13-year-old children and to compare assessments of treatment need according to three methods.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Services Needs and Demand/statistics & numerical data
  13. Kusago T
    Asian Pac Migr J, 1998;7(4):483-523.
    PMID: 12295220 DOI: 10.1177/011719689800700404
    "This paper analyzes the determinants of female migration to export processing zones (EPZs) in Malaysia. A comparison of the individual and household migration models reveals interesting and important contrasting results. First, the role played by the expected net income gains is opposite in the two models: negative in the individual model, positive in the household model. Second, family migration experience is significant in the individual model but not in the household model. Third, attitudes matter to the household decision on a daughter's migration but not in the individual model. These contrasting results suggest that explaining the daughter's migration decision may require more than separation of the individual motives and familial needs."
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Services Needs and Demand*
  14. Zulkifli SN, U KM, Yusof K, Lin WY
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 1994;7(3):151-8.
    PMID: 7794653 DOI: 10.1177/101053959400700302
    This paper describes selected maternal and child health indicators based on a cross-sectional study of citizens and migrants in Sabah, Malaysia. A total of 1,515 women were interviewed from a multi-stage random sample of households in eight urban centers. Among the 1,411 women in the sample who had experienced a pregnancy before, 76% were local citizens and 24% were migrants. There were statistically significant differences between citizens and migrants in ethnicity, religion, education, household income, and access to treated water supply and sanitary toilet facilities. Significantly fewer migrants practiced any form of contraception and obtained any antenatal care during any pregnancy. Furthermore, citizens tended to initiate care as early as three months but migrants as late as seven months. Despite these differences, only the infant mortality rate, and not pregnancy wastage, was statistically significantly higher among migrants. Pregnancy interval was also similar between the two groups. The influence of several socioeconomic factors on pregnancy wastage and infant mortality was explored.
    Matched MeSH terms: Maternal Health Services/utilization
  15. Kaur SR
    Health Millions, 1993 Apr;1(2):7-9.
    PMID: 12286471
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Services*
  16. Rhi BY, Ha KS, Kim YS, Sasaki Y, Young D, Woon, et al.
    Int J Soc Psychiatry, 1995;41(3):190-209.
    PMID: 8847200
    The patterns of health care seeking behavior of 1061 schizophrenics and the factors that affect the determination of the patterns were studied in 6 areas of 5 nations in east Asia: Hunan and Sichuan Provinces in China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines. The information was gathered through a structured questionnaire developed by the authors. The subjects generally favored psychiatry-oriented health care, but with frequent interruptions or combination with other types of managements. Most Japanese subjects sought care in western medicine, while subjects from Hunan, Sichuan and Korea alternated between western medicine and magicoreligious therapies or traditional herbal medicine. In the Philippines and Malaysia, the majority of the subjects sought magicoreligious therapies first, then later sought western psychiatric care. The choice of western psychiatric care was mostly influenced by the decision maker's knowledge and interpretation of the patient's illness. In determining the choice of management among various types of non-psychiatric management, cost, location, and societal attitudes played substantial roles as well as knowledge and interpretation. Suggestions and opinions were discussed to improve health care services for schizophrenic patients in each community.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Services Accessibility/statistics & numerical data
  17. Yonese T
    Integration, 1994 Dec.
    PMID: 12319132
    Matched MeSH terms: Marketing of Health Services*
  18. Reid E
    PMID: 12287485
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Services Research*
  19. Bennett CL, Pei GK, Ultmann JE
    West. J. Med., 1996 Jul-Aug;165(1-2):37-42.
    PMID: 8855683
    Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia are initiating health care reform to meet the changing demands of populations with improved socioeconomic status and access to modern technologies and who are living longer than in previous generations. Hong Kong, in particular, is facing a unique set of circumstances as its people prepare for the transition in 1997 from a British colony to a Special Administrative Region of China. While spending only 4% of its gross domestic product on health care, it has a large and regulated public hospital system for most inpatient medical care and a separate, loosely regulated private health care system for most outpatient medical care. In 1993 the Secretary for Health and Welfare of Hong Kong initiated a year-long process to debate the pros and cons of 5 fundamental programs for health care reform. After a year of open consultation, options were chosen. We describe the Hong Kong health care system, the fundamental changes that have been adopted, and lessons for reformers in the United States.
    Matched MeSH terms: Health Services Accessibility; Health Services Needs and Demand
  20. Ngeow TF, Chia SF, Ong CB
    Aust Fam Physician, 1981 May;10(5):397-9, 401-3.
    PMID: 7283844
    In a survey of 5233 patients seen in the clinics of three general practitioners, 339 patients were found to be doctor hoppers (6.48 per cent). Respiratory symptoms and fever were the commonest presentation affecting mainly the paediatric age group. No improvement in the symptoms was quoted as the most common reason for switching to another doctor. Many factors contributed to doctor hopping and these were best considered in relation to the illness, the patient and the doctor: From the point of prevention, the doctor himself has a significant role to play, particularly in improving the doctor-patient relationship and patient compliance.
    Study site: Johor (Johor Bahru, Batu Pahat, Muar)
    Matched MeSH terms: Personal Health Services/utilization*
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