Introduction Helminthiasis is a common parasitic condition particularly among children in
rural areas in developing countries where poor hygiene standard is practiced.
The study aimed to determine the prevalence of helminthiasis among Indian
preschoolers in urban areas in Penang and its associated factors.
Methods A total of 194 urban Indian preschoolers aged 4 to 6 years old were selected
randomly from 11 kindergartens in the state of Penang for this cross sectional
study. Data collection was carried out in 2 phases. First, microscopic stool
examinations were done to examine the presence of helminths. Second, self
administered questionnaires which inquired about human, environment and
socioeconomic factors were completed by the parents/guardians.
Results The overall prevalence of helminthiasis was 7.2% and the most frequently
encountered infective agent was Ascaris lumbricoides (57.1%) and followed
by the tapeworms (42.86%). The logistic regression indicated that habitual
thumb sucking (AOR= 5.6. 95%CI: 1.73-18.39) and families owning
domestic pets (AOR= 3.2; 95%CI: 1.03-10.14) were the significant
contributing factors to helminthiasis among the Indian pre-schoolers in urban
Penang. Although the prevalence of helminth infection among the urban
Indian preschoolers is lower than rural area, it is still a public health concern.
Children habitual thumb sucking and rearing domestic pets at home were the
significant contributing factors in helminthiasis.
Conclusion Prevention strategy should focus on health education and promotion among
adults and children, awareness on domestic animal hygiene and maintaining
good environmental sanitation. Multi agency collaboration is clearly
essential, especially between state health, education and veterinary
departments in curbing this disease.
Introduction Anxiety and depression were known to bring detrimental outcome in patients
with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Notwithstanding their high prevalence
and catastrophic impact, anxiety and depression were unrecognized and
untreated. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anxiety
and depression among IHD patients and the association of this condition with
clinical and selected demographic factors.
Methods This was a cross-sectional study on 100 IHD patients admitted to medical
ward in UKMMC. Patients diagnosed to have IHD were randomly assessed
using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Perceived Social
Support (PSS) Questionnaire. Socio-demographic data were obtained by
direct interview. Fifteen percent of IHD patients in this sample were noted to
have anxiety, fourteen percent noted to have depression while thirty two
percent was noted to have both anxiety and depression. Patients’ age group
and the duration of illness were found to have significant association with
anxiety. Socio-demographic data were obtained by direct interview.
Results Fifteen percent of IHD patients in this sample were noted to have anxiety,
fourteen percent noted to have depression while thirty two percent was noted
to have both anxiety and depression. Patients’ age group and the duration of
illness were found to have significant association with anxiety. The other
clinical and selected demographic factors such as gender, race, marital status,
education level, occupation, co-existing medical illness and social support
were not found to be significantly associated with anxiety or depression
among the IHD patients.
Conclusions In conclusion, proper assessment of anxiety and depression in IHD patients,
with special attention to patients’ age and duration of illness should be
carried out routinely to help avert detrimental consequences.
Introduction Physical activity reduces risk of non-communicable diseases. Physical
activity prevalence is low due to barriers to physical activity. This study was
conducted to translate the Barrier to Physical Activity (BPA) questionnaire
into Malay and assess the reliability and validity of the translated version
among nurses.
Methods The Malay version of BPA was developed after translating the English
version of BPA through back to back translation process. The Malay BPA
was distributed among 306 volunteered nurses from 5 government hospitals
in Selangor state. Factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha test and test – retest
reliability was conducted to determine psychometric properties of BPA.
Results Chronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.79 for perceived benefits items and 0.51
for perceived barrier items (overall was 0.73). The ICC was 0.88 (95% CI:
0.78-0.93) for test-retest testing after 7 days. Two factors components were
yielded through exploratory factor analysis with eigenvalues of 3.9 and 2.0
respectively. Both the factors accounts for 31.4 % of the variance. Factor 1
included 14 items and explained 19.9% of the variance. Factor 2 consisted of
5 items and explained 11.5% of variance. CFA yielded two factor structures
with acceptable goodness of fit indices [x2/df = 23.99; GFI = 0.82, SRMR =
0.09; PNFI = 0.49 and RMSEA = 0.10 (90%CI = 0.09-0.11)].
Conclusions The Malay version of BPA had demonstrated satisfactory level of validity
and reliability to assess barriers to physical activity. Therefore, this
questionnaire is valid in assessing barriers to physical activity among
working population.
Introduction Following the reveal of borderline iodine sufficiency among the Sarawakians
from the 2008 National Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) survey, a
mandatory universal salt iodization (USI) was implemented in Sarawak
thereafter. This study aimed to determine the current status of USI in
Sarawak after a 3-year implementation of USI from 2008 to 2011.
Methods The IDD survey was conducted between Jun 2011 to July 2011 involving six
districts in Sarawak (Sarikei, Mukah, Kapit, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri). The
schools were selected via multistage proportionate-to-population size
sampling technique and the children were randomly selected via systematic
sampling. A total of 19 schools and 661 children were recruited into the
survey. Thyroid size was determined by palpation and was and graded
according to the classification of the World Health Organization (grade 0-2).
The iodine excretion level in spot morning urine was measured using inhouse
microplate method. The urinary iodine concentration (UIC) values
were compared by Kruskal-Wallis test and Chi-square tests were used to
compare categorical variables.
Results A total of 610 school children were participated in the study (92.3%). The
TGR of grade 1 and 2 was found to be 0.3% (n = 2). Overall the median UIC
level was 154.2 (IQR, 92.7 - 229.8) μg/L, with the highest median UIC been
observed in Sarikei [178.0 (IQR, 117.6 - 308.9) μg/L], followed by Mukah
[174.8 (IQR, 99.0 - 224.3) μg/L)], Miri [158.6 (IQR, 92.3 - 235.4) μg/L],
Sibu [147.0 (IQR, 89.8 - 221.4) μg/L], Bintulu [142.3 (IQR, 52.8 - 245.1)
μg/L] and Kapit [131.0 (IQR, 88.6 - 201.9) μg/L]. One in every ten child was
of iodine deficient (UIC < 50μg/L) while a third of the child (32%) were of
adequate level of UIC.
Conclusion The present findings indicate that the mandatory USI successfully improves
the iodine level of children in Sarawak. However, regular and proper
monitoring of the UIC level in the communities is needed to prevent
excessive iodine intake.
Introduction: In maternal healthcare, pre-pregnancy weight is used to predict pregnancy outcomes. Since no recorded data on pre-pregnancy weight, perceived weight is used alternatively. This study examines the relationship between perceived and actual weight among non-pregnant urban Malaysian women of childbearing age and identifies differences in perceived and actual weight by selected socio-demographic characteristics.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2013 among urban Malaysian women attending public health clinics in the Klang Valley. Information on height, perceived current weight and time when their weight was last taken were obtained and actual weight was the average of two measurements (TANITA-HD-323-digital-scale). Socio-demographic data collected were age, ethnicity, education level, marital and employment status and total household income.
Results: Mean age of 371 women in this study was 28.81±5.65, 82.2% were Malays, 62.8% had tertiary education, over 75% were married and employed, with more than half from middle-income households. Overall, the mean perceived and actual weight was 59.29±11.59 and 59.20±11.90 respectively. Pearson‟s Correlation test showed a very strong positive correlation between perceived and actual weight (r=0.957;p<0.0001), ranging between 0.852 to 0.994 among subgroups; 258 (69.5%) perceived their weight accurately (±2.0 kg of actual weight), 49 (13.2%) under and 64 (17.3%) overestimated their weight.Main outliers were among younger women, Malays, tertiary educated, employed, middle-income and had weight last measured a month or more ago.
Conclusion: Strong correlation between perceived and actual weight among women in this study reassured weight perception can be used more confidently in patients‟ history taking and future research among urban Malaysian women using public health services.
Introduction In Malaysia although mortality rate among women of reproductive ages has
reduced over the years, the reduction has been stagnant for the past ten years.
In order to achieve the 5th Millennium Development Goal, several measures
need to be taken including a proper implementation of pre-pregnancy
services in this country. This study explores the awareness, intention and
usage of pre-pregnancy care (PPC) services and its determinant among
women of reproductive ages in Kedah, Malaysia.
Methods This is a qualitative study, which consisted of a focus group discussion
(FGD) among women in the ages of 18 to 45 years old from all ethnic groups
who attended four government clinics in the state of Kedah. The mothers
were chosen through purposive sampling from twelve districts that were
selected through a multistage random sampling. A semi-structured
questionnaire was utilized during the FGD. The results from the FGD were
recorded verbatim and thematic analysis was finalized once saturation of
information from respondents was achieved.
Results These are two themes was identified, namely personal reasons and reasons of
service and there are several subthemes under two main themes. Under the
Personal reason themes, the subthemes including awareness and intention to
used the services, knowledge, perception, social support and history of
medical illness. While under pre-pregnancy care services themes, the
subthemes including the promotion of the services, the communication
relationship with the health staff, the waiting time and also the accessibility
of the service.
Conclusions As a conclusion, there is still part of society who was unaware of prepregnancy
services and its importance in reducing maternal mortality rate as
well as producing good pregnancy outcome. Information and knowledge on
pre-pregnancy care services should be disseminated among community
members through various means including roadshows and pre wedding
workshops.
Introduction: Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) has been thought as a disease of poor socioeconomic status. It is more prevalent in underdeveloped and developing countries than in developed countries. It is also common among the population with multiple social issues such as overcrowded dwellings, undernutrition, poor sanitation and suboptimal medical care. This study was done to review the socio demographic profiles of RHD patients in Hospital Queen Elizabeth (HQE) II, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Methods: A secondary data review of all patients registered under the RHD registry in HQE II for one- year starting from July 2013 to June 2014.
Results: 204 RHD patients were included. Nearly three quarter (74.0%) were female. The mean age was 40.43 (14.75) years old. 61.1% has completed secondary
education. 42.7% were housewives. The mean monthly income was RM 1363.83 (1297.05) which was categorized under the vulnerable income group. When they were categorized under the poverty level and the vulnerable income group, 42.6% and 76.5% of them fell under those categories respectively. The nearest health facilities to their houses were district hospitals (33.3%) with the mean distance of 9.17 km and health clinics (30.8%) with the mean distance of 4.27 km. Only 11.5% of them lived near the specialist hospitals with the mean distance of 21.32 km.
Conclusions: Results from this review suggested that majority of RHD patients were in the low socioeconomic group with less access to health care facilities with specialist care. They are the most vulnerable groups and need to be prioritized in the specialized care program. .
Introduction The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Malaysia shows a
rising trend that influences the society in many respects. Country specific
evidence is vital for effective intervention. The aims of this study were to
identify the role of gender and urbanisation status on NCDs prevalence and
its effect on health care demand, specifically doctor visits among elderly in
Malaysia. We focused on two of the highest occurrence NCDs in the country
– diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
Methods A total of 1,414 respondents aged 60 years and above were selected using a
multistage sampling for face-to-face interview. We started the analysis with
descriptive analysis of the prevalence, taking the effect of gender and
urbanisation status of residing area. We extended the study with parametric
analysis to find the effect of these health problems on the likelihood of doctor
visits as it reflects the equity for access and utilisation issues.
Results Results showed that there were no significant difference of prevalence by
gender and urbanisation for hypertension and diabetes mellitus. By utilising
probit model, we found that those with diabetes mellitus or hypertension,
controlling for other variables, were more likely to utilise doctor services.
Conclusion This result implies that the prevalence of NCDs may further increase demand
for health care, especially in the state with a high proportion of older age
groups.
Introduction Drug abuse has been a global threat not only in Malaysia but worldwide,
especially among adolescents. This is alarming issue had been a serious
public health problem worldwide. The aim of the study is to access the
knowledge and attitude on drug abuse among Pahang Matriculation students
in 2016.
Methods A cross¬-sectional study was conducted involving 217 matriculation
students. A self-determined questionnaire was distributed among the students
regarding knowledge and attitude about drugs.
Results The prevalence of good knowledge on drug abuse was (82.03%). The
prevalence of students’ attitude on drug abuse has higher number of good
attitude with the sum of 182 (83.9 %). Only gender showed a significant
association with students’ knowledge (P= 0.046).
Conclusion The knowledge, attitude, and practice of drug abuse among Pahang
Matriculation students are good.
Introduction The risk factors associated with mental health among adolescents are usually
described by researchers at an individual level. Neighbourhood factors and
health have opened a new insight into the field of epidemiology. The aim of
this study was to assess the reliability and validity of a newly developed
Neighbourhood Factors on Mental Health Questionnaire among Malaysian
adolescents.
Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in four secondary schools in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia using a newly developed questionnaire which comprised
of two main domains and seven items. Exploratory factor analysis and
Cronbach‟s alpha were used to measure the instrument‟s construct validity
and reliability.
Results A total of 106 adolescents participated in this research. The majority of
adolescents were 13 years old (40.6%), female (55.7%), Malays (68.9%),
have parents who only studied until secondary school (66.0%) and lived in
flats (32.1%). Bartlett‟s Test of Sphericity was significant (Chi-square =
258.361, p
Introduction Physical activity assessment in children is the first step in assessing the
relationship between activity and health, as well as the determinants of
childhood physical activity and changes in activity level.Physical Activity
Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) is self- administered
questionnaire to assess physical activity among older children. The objective
of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of Physical Activity
Questionnaire for Older Children in Malay language PAQ-C (M).
Methods The validation study was done among 73 students aged 10 to 17 years old.
The PAQ-C was translated into Malay language using forward and backward
translation. The evaluation of the psychometric properties included internal
consistency, test-retest reliability and criterion validity. Reliability of PAQ-C
(M) was determined using Cronbach alpha and intra-class correlation
coefficient (ICC). The PAQ-C (M) was administered twice in one week
interval to assess test-retest reliability. Criterion validity was assessed
between PAQ-C (M) and 3 Day Physical Activity Recall (3DPAR).
Results The internal consistency of PAQ-C (M) assessment calculated in this study
was α = 0.75 and α = 0.77 for assessments one and two, respectively. The
ICC between individual items of PAQ-C (M) was 0.59 to 0.91, indicating
moderate to good correlation. The Spearmen correlation coefficient between
PAQ-C (M) and 3DPARwas acceptable (r=0.60, p
Introduction The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing worldwide
and many of these affected individuals remain unidentified. Undiagnosed
T2DM may impose substantial public health implications because these
individuals remain untreated and at risk for complications. The objective of
this study was to determine the national prevalence of undiagnosed T2DM
and to identify the associated risk factors.
Methods A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted involving 17,783
respondents. Two-stage stratified sampling design was used to select a
representative sample of the Malaysian adult population. Structured
validated questionnaires with face to face interviews were used to obtain
data. Respondents, who claimed that they were not having diabetes, were
then asked to perform a fasting blood glucose finger-prick test by Accutrend
GC machine.
Results The prevalence of undiagnosed T2DM was 8.9% (n=1587). The highest
percentage of undiagnosed T2DM was found among males (10.2%), 55-59
years old (13.4%), highest education attainers of primary school (11.1%),
Indians (10.3%), married (10.3%), working (8.9%) and living in the urban
areas (9.2%). Multivariate analyses showed that factors associated with
undiagnosed T2DM were gender, age group, ethnicity, marital status, obesity
and hypertension.
Conclusion This study found an increasing trend of undiagnosed T2DM in Malaysia
compared to 2006. This finding is alarming as risk factors associated with
undiagnosed diabetes were related to most of the socio-demographic factors
studied. Therefore, early diabetic screening is crucial especially among adults
aged 30 and above to prevent more serious complications of this disease.
Introduction During haze, at what level should Air Pollutant Index (API) showed, public
or private school be closed is not without controversy and is very much
debated. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to objectively quantify the
potential inhaled dose of PM10 associated with exposure at school and home
microenvironments during haze. The result of the health risk assessment will
be used to propose the API level for closing the school during haze episode.
Methods A hypothetical haze exposure scenario was created using the breakpoints of
PM10 concentration for calculation of API and respective inhaled dose during
haze. To determine the potential inhaled dose, we have considered many
factors that include time spent for specific physical intensity at school and
home microenvironments, age-specific and physical intensity-specific
inhalation rate (m3/min), and the indoor/outdoor ratio of PM10. To calculate
risk quotient (RQ), the inhaled dose was compared with the health reference
dose computed based on the concentration of PM10 in the Malaysian
Ambient Air Quality Standard.
Results When considering the specific exposure at each microenvironment (school
and home), the potential inhaled dose of PM10 was substantially lower when
school is closed for both primary and secondary school. The calculated risk
quotient (RQ) indicates that primary school children are likely to be affected
at slightly lower PM10 concentration (equivalent to API of 197) as compared
to secondary school children. Short duration of high physical activity
intensity during school breaks has contributed to a large proportion of inhaled
dose among school children indicating the important to avoid physical
activities during haze.
Conclusion Based on the assessment, taking into account the uncertainty of risk
assessment methodology, we proposed school to be closed when API reach
190 for both primary and secondary schools. These findings and
recommendations are only valid for naturally ventilated school and applicable
in the context of the current API calculation system and the existing
Recommended Air Quality Guideline values in Malaysia.
Introduction Prolonged mechanical ventilation among cardiac surgery patient has been
found to be correlated with negative clinical outcome and increased
healthcare resources utilization. Prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV)
was defined as the accumulative duration of 24 hours or more of
postoperative endotracheal intubation starting from transfer of the patient to
cardiac ICU. This study is aimed to identify the risk factors preoperative,
intra operative and postoperative for prolonged ventilation among cardiac
patients in AL-Thawra Modern General Hospital (TMGH).
Methods Observational study design was conducted during a two-month period (from
1 August 2014 to 30 September 2014). It was among 70 patients who were
admitted to cardiac surgery intensive care unit in Al-Thawra Modern General
Hospital and selected by convenient sampling. The soci-demographic
characteristic and clinical patient data were collected using short
questionnaire developed by researcher. All patients had the same anesthetic
and postoperative management. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS
version 20 and using bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression.
The p-value of < 0.05 was found to be statistically significant.
Results Incidence of prolonged mechanical ventilator post cardiac surgery was 37.1%
(26/70) through bivariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression. Low
Ejection fraction of Left Ventricle was inversely related to mechanical
ventilation time (AOR= 0.872) with 95% confidence interval [0.790 - 0.963],
hemodynamic instability were associated with prolonged mechanical
ventilation time (AOR=16.35) with 95% confidence interval [2.558 -
104.556].
Conclusion Low ejection fraction of Left Ventricle and Hemodynamic Instability post
operation were identified risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation
post cardiac surgery.
Air pollution has been widely known to have an influence on health of the general population.
Air pollution can result from natural causes, human activities and transboundary air pollution.
Weather and climate play crucial role in determining the pattern of air quality. In recent years,
air pollution and recurrent episodes of haze has become a major concern in Malaysia.
Surveillance data on concentrations of main air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, (CO2),
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Ozone (O3), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM10)
were found to be higher during the haze days and this may have an impact on health of the
community as reflected by an increase in hospital admissions particularly the respiratory and
cardiovascular diseases.
Introduction Overweight and obesity is a major public health problem in Malaysia. This study aims to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the Malaysian adult population and their association with socio-demographic characteristics (gender, ethnic, and age groups).
Methods A total of 17,257 adults aged 18 years and older (8,252 men, 9,005 women)
were assessed for BMI status, with a response rate of 97.8%, through a household survey from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), conducted in all states of Malaysia in 2011.
Results All socio-demographic factors were consistently associated with higher chance of being overweight (except gender and location) and obesity (except location and household income). The identified risk of overweight were
Indian (aOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.8), aged 50-59 years (aOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 2.0-3.9), widower (aOR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.3-2.0), subject with secondary education (aOR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0-1.4), Homemaker/unpaid worker (aOR:
1.3, 95% CI: 1.1-1.4), and with high household income group (aOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.2-1.6). The identified risk of obesity were women (aOR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2-1.6), Indian (aOR: 1.7, 95% CI: 0.9-3.2), aged 30-39 years (aOR: 3.6,
95% CI: 2.4-5.5), widower (aOR: 1.2, 95% CI: 0.9-1.6), subjects with primary education (aOR: 1.2, 95% CI: 0.9-1.6), Homemaker/unpaid worker (aOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1-1.6), and with middle household income group (aOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.2-1.6).
Conclusions Our data indicate a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the
population. Several sociodemographic characteristics are associated with both overweight and obesity. This study highlights the serious problem ofoverweight and obesity among Malaysia adults. Documentation of these problems may lead to research and policy agendas that will contribute both to our understanding and to the reduction of these problems.
Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2011)
Emotional and behavioural problems among children have been increasing in many western as
well as the eastern countries. Although the problem has been given attention and priority in
terms of early detection, many children with early symptoms of emotional and behavioural
problems has still not been detected at the early stages. This phenomenon is worrying as mental
health problems were shown to be stable in the long run and if left undetected it may manifest
into various problems in adulthood. This paper explores the issues on emotional and
behavioural problems in terms of its definition, prevalence, aetiology, long term consequences
and treatment. It also explores on mental health problems in a non-western country, i.e.
Malaysia including its prevalence and intervention strategies which has been carried out in
overcoming this worrying issue. Finally this review paper stresses the importance of providing
a well-designed epidemiological study in Malaysia in assessing the current prevalence of
emotional and behavioural problems in young children and adolescent
Introduction A study was conducted to determine the level of mothers' perception on children with cleft deformity and its associated factors
Methods This was a cross sectional study involving 110 mothers with children attending the Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery Clinic. Data was gathered from a face to face interview based on a questionnaire that assesses the level of perception and its associated factors. The level of perception was evaluated from a scoring method and divided into four domains namely psychosocial, care management, treatment and education.
Results The level of perception was high in all four domains ranged from 62% for treatment and 80% for education. Factors that were significantly associated with the level of perception were ethnicity, religion, type of cleft deformity and level of information.
Conclusions Information regarding cleft deformity must be tailored toward mothers’ personal characteristics and type of cleft deformity to improve mothers' perception on this problem.
Study site: Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery Clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Introduction The quality of education is one of the controversial topics and vital issues that
requires more emphases from researchers due to the current challenges in
education at the university level. Involvement and participation from the
studentis essential to implement quality assurance and to reach for academic
accreditation. The aim of this study is to assess knowledge, attitudes, and
practices (KAP) of students towards TQM in education and its influencing
factorsatHigh Institute of Health Sciences (HIHS) in Sana'a, Yemen.
Methods A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was
conducted in 2016. A total of 208 students from second and third study levels
in HIHS had participated from 268 students were observed (study
population). Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and one-way ANOVA were
used to determine the association between students’ KAP towards TQM in
education with its influencing factors.
Results Mean age of the students were 22.44(SD±2.027) year old. Majority of HIHS
students were male 135 (64.9%) and 108 (51.9%) were from the third
studying level. The highest students' KAP scores were 53.4%, 65.4%, and
41.3% for good knowledge, good attitudes, and moderate practices
respectively. Education Department was found to be significantly associated
with students' knowledge and practices with p
Introduction Tong Nibong is a Bidayuh village located at Sarawak Kalimantan border.
Since the year 2004 to 2009, a total of 537 cases of malaria were recorded in
Serian District of which 14 cases were reported from Kampung Tong
Nibong. Community empowerment programme for malaria infection
prevention showed tremendous improvement in implementation. This
intervention study aims to gauge the effectiveness of community
empowerment approach in malaria elimination programme in Kampung Tong
Nibong Serian.
Methods An intervention study was conducted with pre and post data collection. Data
was collected using validated questionnaire by face to face interview.
Universal sampling method was used to select respondents from head of
household and post data was collected after intervention activities were
carried out within a year of study period.
Results The study showed significant difference on level of knowledge of
respondents on vector of malaria between pre and post data with a P < 0.05.
There was significant difference between pre and post data on practices on
control and prevention of malaria with a P < 0.05. The same goes to level of
positive attitude of respondents towards malaria control.
Conclusions In conclusion, the study can be considered successful because there is
significant difference in knowledge, attitude and practice among the
respondents between pre and post data. This indicates that community
empowerment (voluntary participation) measures can be implemented in high
risk or endemic areas where malaria is a persistent problem to the community
and health institutions faces many limiting factors.