Displaying publications 61 - 62 of 62 in total

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  1. Ke GN, Gow A, Wong RMM, Raman S, Mohammad Z, De-Lima N, et al.
    PLoS One, 2024;19(4):e0301009.
    PMID: 38630742 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301009
    The world's health, economic, and social systems have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdown measures being a common response strategy in most countries, many individuals were faced with financial and mental health challenges. The current study explored the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological well-being, perception of risk factors and coping strategies of two vulnerable groups in Malaysia, namely women and older adults from low-income households (USD592). A purposive sample of 30 women and 30 older adults was interviewed via telephone during Malaysia's Movement Control Order (MCO) regarding the challenges they faced throughout the pandemic. Thematic analysis was subsequently conducted to identify key themes. The themes identified from the thematic analysis indicated a degree of overlap between both groups. For women, seven themes emerged: 1) Psychological challenges due to COVID-19 pandemic, 2) Family violence, 3) Finance and employment related stress and anxiety, 4) Women's inequality and prejudice, 5) Coping strategies, 6) Professional support, and 7) Women's empowerment. Similarly, there were six themes for the older adults: 1) Adverse emotional experiences from COVID-19, 2) Threats to health security, 3) Loss of social connections, 4) Government aid to improve older adults' psychological well-being, 5) Psychological support from family members and pets, and 6) Self-reliance, religion, and spirituality. The findings provide valuable information on the specific burdens faced by these groups, and support psychological interventions and mitigations that would be appropriate to improve well-being during the recovery phase.
  2. Kwan MSK, Tan SL, Keowmani T, Goh SL, Voo JYH, Tan HS, et al.
    Asia Pac Allergy, 2023 Sep;13(3):121-126.
    PMID: 37744958 DOI: 10.5415/apallergy.0000000000000115
    BACKGROUND: Given the deficits in allergists and testing capacity, the diagnosis of drug allergy is largely dependent on the clinician's and pharmacist's judgment. The ability to recognize drug allergies and respond appropriately is crucial to patient safety. Currently, there is a void in the evidence that limits the ability to recommend comprehensive and swift improvements on this front.

    OBJECTIVE: This study thus aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward drug allergy among doctors and pharmacists working in public healthcare facilities in Sabah, Malaysia.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 24 hospitals and 11 clinics in Sabah. A validated Drug Allergy Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Questionnaire was adapted from a published study and developed on an online survey platform. The questionnaire was distributed to all listed eligible respondents via email and personal messenger service.

    RESULTS: A total of 549 doctors and pharmacists responded, with an overall response rate of 18.2%. The total mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 8.3 (SD, 1.98), 18.9 (SD, 2.55), and 17.3 (SD, 4.4), respectively. It was found that pharmacists performed significantly poorer than both medical officers (mean score difference = -0.5; P = 0.006) and specialists (mean score difference = -0.9; P = 0.020) in the knowledge domain. As the time in service doubles, the knowledge score increases significantly by 0.3 (P = 0.015).

    CONCLUSION: Knowledge, attitude, and practice on drug allergy among doctors and pharmacists in Sabah were poor. It is thus timely for advanced educational programs on drug allergy to be formalized and implemented.

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