Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 115 in total

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  1. Syaqirah Akmal, Nizam Baharom
    Int J Public Health Res, 2012;2(2):184-191.
    MyJurnal
    In the cold winter month of January 2012, two post graduate students from the Department of Community Health, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), went on a two weeks field attachment with the Division of International Health (Public Health), Niigata University Graduate School of Medical & Dental Sciences (NU). This report is an account of our first hand learning experience about the public health system and culture in Niigata, Japan. Famously known as the 'Snow Country', Niigata prefecture is approximately 350 kilometers north of Tokyo, in the middle of the west coast of Honshu island, facing the Sea of Japan. It borders on the east with Fukushima prefecture, which was badly affected by the great tsunami disaster in March 2011. Niigata has a population of two and a half million, of which 21.3% is above the age of 65. Niigata University is located in Niigata City, the capital of Niigata prefecture. This attachment was under the UKM-Global Student Mobility Programme (Outbound) and it was taken as an opportunity to improve the memorandum of understanding between UKM and NU. The objectives were to gain knowledge and experience in various public health issues in a developed nation like Japan. Specifically, we were interested to learn about the local public health programmes, the influenza surveillance system, public health programmes for the elderly population, the Geographical Information System (GIS) and the Japanese culture in general. (Copied from article).
  2. Nor Azian Mohd Zaki, Norhafizah Sahril, Mohd Azahadi Omar, Muhammad Hasnan Ahmad, Azli Baharudin, Noor Safiza Mohd Nor
    Int J Public Health Res, 2016;6(1):670-676.
    MyJurnal
    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
  3. Safurah Khairul Fadzil, Marhanis Salihah Omar, Noorlaili Mohd Tohit
    Int J Public Health Res, 2018;8(2):998-105.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction The use of dietary supplements had risen over the years among chronic
    disease patients with most of it were of patients' own initiative. This study
    aimed to describe the supplements use, assess the knowledge and attitude
    towards supplements and its interaction with prescribed medication, and
    determine whether knowledge and attitude towards supplements could
    influence treatment adherence in chronic disease patients.
    Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among chronic disease patients in
    Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur from
    September to November 2016 upon their written informed consent. This
    study consists of a collection of validated instruments that measured the use
    of dietary supplements and its reason; the knowledge and attitude on dietary
    supplements and supplements-drug interaction and medication adherence.
    Results A total number of 250 respondents were interviewed and 72.4% was found to
    use supplements of own initiatives. Most of the respondents were using
    supplements to maintain health (78.8%), prevent health problems (72.4%)
    and improve overall health (63.2%). It was found that respondents'
    knowledge on supplement-drug interactions were not at the satisfactory level.
    The treatment adherence was found not to be associated with knowledge and
    attitude towards supplements nor numbers of supplements use.
    Conclusions Chronic disease patients mainly knew on the purpose of supplements for
    health and wellness, but had less knowledge on supplement-drug interactions,
    warranting patients' education on that particular field.
  4. Zoharah Omar, Roohangiz Karimi, Nor Azida Nayan, Najwa Haneem Mohamad, Nor Aina Emran
    Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(2):457-464.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction This study investigates work engagement of employed breast cancer
    survivors in comparison to unmatched control samples of healthy working
    women without cancer and any other chronic diseases from the general
    population.

    Methods A case-control study design using unmatched controls was adopted in this
    study. The case comprised of 80 female breast cancer survivors who have
    returned to full-time employment selected using purposive sampling
    technique. Meanwhile, controls were 88 healthy female working women in
    full time paid employment, selected using quota sampling. Questionnaire
    covering socio-demographic characteristics and self-rated work engagement
    measured using Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) was distributed to
    the cancer survivors through face-to-face meeting during their hospital visits.
    For the healthy controls the questionnaires were distributed using drop-andcollect
    method through the human resource personnel of the participating
    organization.

    Results The results revealed, after controlling for age, marital status, ethnic group and
    tenure with organization, no significant differences in the overall work
    engagement was found between the breast cancer survivors [mean (SD) =
    4.66 (0.92)] and the healthy controls [mean (SD) = 4.75 (0.85)]; F(1, 163)
    =1.70. In comparison to the work engagement domains, only the Vigor
    domain was found to be significantly lower for the survivors, survivors [F (1,
    163) =14.94; p
  5. Najwa Haneem Mohamad, Zoharah Omar, Nor Aina Emran
    Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(1):376-383.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction Breast cancer is ranked number one from the ten most frequent cancers in
    female, Peninsular Malaysia. Various studies provide negative evidence on
    malignancies and one of the end results is impaired quality of life (QOL).
    Studies show lifestyle approaches are key factors in enhancing the QOL
    among cancer survivors. The purpose of this study is to describe the lifestyle
    practices (LP) among breast cancer survivors (BCS) which consist of dietary
    intake, exercise habits, and stress management and to determine whether
    these practices have influence on the QOL among Malaysian BCS.

    Methods This study adopts a cross-sectional study design using a self-administered
    questionnaire. A total of 280 BCS from public and private hospitals
    throughout Peninsular Malaysia had participated. The questionnaire covers
    QOL and LP items which consist of dietary intake (consumption of high-fat
    food, high-fibre food, fruits and vegetables), exercise habits, and stress
    management. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were used to
    determine the relationship between LP and QOL.

    Results Mean age of the study sample was at 41 (SD=7.37). Majority of them were
    Malay (74%), 53% were diagnosed with breast cancer between 1 to 2 years
    whereas 54% were presented with stage 2 at diagnosis. There was a
    statistically significant difference (p
  6. Rahmah Mohd Amin, Noraishah Jaafar
    Int J Public Health Res, 2011;1(1):7-12.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction Elderly are often associated with multiple social and health problems. Family members are important in helping them doing their daily activities. For elderly diabetics, family support has a role in diabetes management and glucose control. The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions of elderly diabetics regarding the role of family support on their glucose control.
    Methods This qualitative technique was a part of the study on glucose control and its associated factors among elderly diabetics. It was conducted from February until May 2009 in Kulim. Ten respondents were purposively sampled based on their glucose control. HbA1c 6.5% or less was considered as good glucose control. In depth interview, using semi-structured interview guide was used in this study. The conversation had been taped, transcribed to verbatim and analyzed manually using thematic analysis.
    Results All ten respondents perceived that family support did not play a role on their glucose control. They believed that self-awareness and self-determination were important to control the glucose level. Those with good glucose control practiced healthy diet, and not affected by food prepared by their family members compared to those with poor glucose control. However, both groups claimed that, they did not receive much advice from their family members and no special food was prepared for them. Conclusions Elderly diabetics should be motivated on self-determination and focusing on good glucose control. Health education should be given to patients and their family members to increase their diabetes knowledge especially on useful advice and proper food preparation. It could motivate the elderly diabetics to control their glucose level.
  7. Rohaya Mohd-Nor, Rose Nanju@Manju, Samuel Lihan, Sidiah John Siop, Rekaya Vincent Balang, Constance Rinen Justin Wah, et al.
    Int J Public Health Res, 2013;3(2):334-346.
    MyJurnal
    To date, there has been no systematic research that investigates the rural community awareness and attitudes towards pandemic influenza H1N1 and its prevention measures in the context of Sarawak. There is also no systematic study about whether the initiatives to educate the public undertaken by the government and other agencies have empowered the rural communities to practice an effective self-care within the context of community, that assist to curb the potential spread of this disease. Our research aims to address these limitations. In this paper, we report a survey finding about the awareness and attitudes of the Serian community with regard to this area of research interest. We also investigate the relevant sources of information that the community relies on in understanding about the influenza and how it can spread. Overall, the outcomes of the survey reveal that a majority of our respondents has a relatively low level of knowledge and awareness particularly about the characteristics of the illness and how H1N1 virus can transmit. With regard to prevention measures, a majority of them reported good understanding and awareness about the effective self-care practices that can help to curb the potential spread of the influenza. The top five sources to obtain information about the influenza were: information from family, relatives, friends or neighbours; radio; TV; newspapers; and government health talk seminar or campaigns. The research outcomes can offer pragmatic contributions that can benefit the health campaigners and policy makers.
  8. Azmawati Mohammed Nawi, Jonathan Lamit, Nor Farahana Razali, Ong, Li Chin, Naim Syahidah Zulkafli, Norfazilah Ahmad
    Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(2):494-500.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction Sleep has played a very important role in maintaining our health with good
    living quality therefore the aim of this study is to determine the pattern of
    sleep duration, especially short sleep and its associated factors among
    workers in a tertiary institution.
    Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from January until May 2012 among
    128 randomly selected Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre
    (UKMMC) staffs. Data was collected using a guided standardized data sheet
    which consist of three sections; (1):sociodemographic &socioeconomic, (2):
    lifestyle and, (3): anthropometric measurement and sleep diary. Data entry
    and analysis were done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
    version 20.0.
    Results Majority of the staffs had normal sleep duration (67.2%) followed by short
    sleep duration (26.6%) and long sleep duration (6.3%). Simple logistic
    regression analysis indicated that late night snacking was significantly related
    to short sleep (cOR=3.47, 95% CI: 1.12, 12.23, p=0.048).
    Conclusions Adequate sleep is important to maintain one’s health. Steps can be taken to
    limit late night snacking in order to improve the sleep pattern in this study
    population.
  9. Minhat Halimatus Sakdiah, Liyana Najwa Inche Mat, Abdul Syafiq A. Radzis, Ng, Yiet Fai, Nur Syazwany Nasir Khan
    Int J Public Health Res, 2018;8(1):894-898.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and the most frequent sub-cortical degenerative disease, characterized by universal progressive disorder of the
    nervous system that affects movement. This cross sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of PD among elderly attending the neurology clinic in Serdang Hospital.
    Methods A total of 150 records of patients attended the clinic from January to December 2016 were randomly selected. Data was collected using a proforma form seeking information related to age, gender, race, locality, and presence of comorbidity particularly diabetes mellitus. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (IBM SPSS) version 22.0.
    Results The prevalence of PD among the elderly involved in the study was 34%. Majority of the respondents were aged 60 to 70 years old (54.7%), male (53.3%), Chinese (56.7%), from urban locality (93.0%) and were not diabetic (69.3%). The inferential statistics showed no significant association between all the factors with PD. However, the associations between age and diabetes mellitus with PD were almost significant with p values of 0.07 and 0.08 respectively.
    Conclusions Overall, the prevalence of PD among elderly who attended the neurology clinic in year 2016 was less than half with none of the factors under study were significantly associated with PD. However with bigger sample size, possible significant association may be obtained between age and diabetes mellitus.

    Study site: neurology clinic in Hospital Serdang
  10. Suraya Hani Mohd Sinon, Nur Syazwani Che Husin, NurulJannah Yusof
    Int J Public Health Res, 2013;3(2):325-333.
    MyJurnal
    The aim of this study was to determine the profile of patients referred to a specialist oral medicine and oral pathology unit in Kuala Lumpur by reviewing clinical dental records received in Oral Pathology Diagnostic Service (OPDS) in Faculty of Dentistry, UKM from 2001 until 2010. A total of 547 archival biopsy clinical dental records were reviewed and analysed using SPSS version 17.0. Oral and maxillofacial diseases were frequently seen in female (1.3:1), young adults (30.0%) of Malay ethnicity (64.6%). Most of the acquired specimens were from dental specialists (n=451, 84.8%), particularly from oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) (n=349, 63.8%) compared to general dental practitioners (GDPs) (n=81, 14.8%). Almost all of the biopsy specimens were of soft tissue origin (n=462, 84.4%), derived from lining mucosa (n=197, 36.0%) and were biopsied excisionally (n=325, 59.4%) more often than by incisional biopsy (n=207, 37.8%). A large proportion of the oral and maxillofacial diseases were of reactive (n=188, 34.4%) and inflammatory (n=121, 22.1%) cause. Tumours are mainly benign (n=69, 12.6%) with only small cases are malignant (n=34, 6.2%). The most common histological diagnoses were accounted by mucocele (n=56, 10.2%), pyogenic granuloma (n=47, 8.6%), fibroepithelial polyp (n=38, 6.9%), radicular cyst (n=33, 6.0%) and periapical granuloma (n=29, 5.3%). This study characterizes the clinical profile of patients seen in our oral medicine and oral pathology unit. Present findings can be used as a reference to the clinicians and pathologists in effective patient management and organization in the future.
  11. Odeyemi, Olumide Adedokun
    Int J Public Health Res, 2013;3(1):214-222.
    MyJurnal
    Influx of foreign students in Malaysia calls for a study on safety of food in Malaysia restaurants as perceived by them. This study aims to investigate perception of foreign students regarding food safety and personal hygiene practice of food handlers in Malaysia restaurants. A six sections Likert scale questionnaire was used. A total of 350 questionnaires were distributed during this study between March 2011 and March 2012 to the international students from 26 countries of the world in various public and private institutions of higher learning in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Among the distributed questionnaires, only 155 were correctly filled, retrieved and analyzed. Ninety-one respondents (59%) were male while 63 (41%) were females. A total of 107 (69%) were undergraduates and 29 (19%) were postgraduate students. One hundred and thirty-nine (90%) respondents were local or foreign restaurants. Eleven respondents (7%) did not patronize any of the restaurants. Among factors influencing choice of restaurants are closeness to residence, price of food and quality of food were the most important factors 62 (38%). Twenty-seven (28%) eat in restaurants because of the similarity of the food to that of their home country. Of the most preferred food, Nasi ayam, 89 (57%) top the list, next was Nasi goreng ayam, 14 (14%) and African food, 23 (15%). Nasi lemak was the least food preferred 3 (2%). A total of 104 (67%) respondents were of the opinion that handlers kept short nails, 91 (59%) do not pick nose, 108 (55%) stated that food handlers cough or sneeze while handling food. Ninety-eight respondents (64%) also stated that serving of food with unprotected hands were observed. The result of this study showed that although food handlers are aware of the need for personal hygiene, more awareness needs to be created.
  12. Lai BF, Safii R, Nyulang L, Dunggau C, Riffin MA, Khu FM, et al.
    Int J Public Health Res, 2011;1(2):237-241.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the effectiveness of using TelePrimary Care (TPC) to monitor immunization programmed in a clinic. Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccination was selected as an example because its coverage has not been satisfactory when compared to that of other vaccinations, which generally exceed 90%.
    Methods Data for all children who were eligible for JE vaccination (age range from 9 months to 30 months) who attended Sarikei Health Clinic between 1 January 2007 till 31 June 2008, was extracted from the TPC database and analyzed for completeness and timeliness of JE vaccination.
    Results The analysis showed that although 1,243 children were eligible to receive their first dose of J vaccine at 9 months of age, only 560 (45%) received it. 15 (3%) received on time, and 545 (97%) received it late (age range from 10 months to 20 months). Out of the 560 who were scheduled to receive their second dose of JE vaccine four weeks after the first, 382 (88%) received it on time, and 55 (12%) received it late. Only 78 (18%) out of 429 children aged between 18 months to 24 months received their booster dose; 52 (67%) received it on time and 26 (33%) received it late.TPC not only enables health staff to monitor immunization coverage and timeliness accurately, but it also helps them to identify defaulters quickly so that these children can be traced and immunized. Doing these tasks manually is time-consuming and tedious, leading to delays in tracing defaulters.
    Conclusions TPC provides an effective system for staff to easily access real time child health data to monitor and audit their immunization programme and take remedial action where necessary.
    Study site: Klinik Kesihatan Sarikei, Sarawak, Malaysia
  13. Omar A, Yusoff MF, Hiong TG, Aris T, Morton J, Pujari S
    Int J Public Health Res, 2013;3(2):297-305.
    PMID: 26451348 MyJurnal
    INTRODUCTION: Malaysia participated in the second phase of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in 2011. GATS, a new component of the Global Tobacco Surveillance System, is a nationally representative household survey of adults 15 years old or above. The objectives of GATS Malaysia were to (i) systematically monitor tobacco use among adults and track key indicators of tobacco control and (ii) track the implementation of some of the Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC)-recommended demand related policies.
    METHODS: GATS Malaysia 2011 was a nationwide cross-sectional survey using multistage stratified sampling to select 5112 nationally representative households. One individual aged 15 years or older was randomly chosen from each selected household and interviewed using handheld device. GATS Core Questionnaire with optional questions was pre-tested and uploaded into handheld devices after repeated quality control processes. Data collectors were trained through a centralized training. Manuals and picture book were prepared to aid in the training of data collectors and during data collection. Field-level data were aggregated on a daily basis and analysed twice a week. Quality controls were instituted to ensure collection of high quality data. Sample weighting and analysis were conducted with the assistance of researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA.
    RESULTS: GATS Malaysia received a total response rate of 85.3% from 5112 adults surveyed. Majority of the respondents were 25-44 years old and Malays.
    CONCLUSIONS: The robust methodology used in the GATS Malaysia provides national estimates for tobacco used classified by socio-demographic characteristics and reliable data on various dimensions of tobacco control.
    Study name: Global Adults Tobacco Survey (GATS-2011)
  14. Norfazilah Ahmad, Mohd Rohaizat Hassan, Incham Manggat, Mohd Rizam Abdul Rahman, Hazlina Mohd Miskam, Sazman Wahab, et al.
    Int J Public Health Res, 2018;8(1):913-923.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction The Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and a disease with high morbidity and mortality.Young mothers are sub-populations that are at high risk for HIV through sexual activity. In addition, information on the level of knowledge, attitude and practice among young mothers in Malaysia regarding HIV/AIDS prevention is still limited.Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the prevention of HIV/AIDS among young mothers and the factors that influence them.
    Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in a city center among 147 young mothers aged 18-30 years old at the Post Natal and Obstetrics and Gynecology Ward (O & G). Data collection was conducted in April-November 2014 and the respondents' selection was based on simple random sampling. A questionnaire containing validated instruments was used in this study. Approval for conducting research has been obtained from the UKM Research Ethics Committee before the data collection procedure is implemented.
    Results Majority of the young mothers have good knowledge (78.8%) and practice (71.2%) towards HIV/AIDS prevention. While more than half of them (56.7%) have positive attitude towards the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Living in the urban area and being married are significantly associated with having good knowledge and positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS prevention. While, mothers who are 5 years older compared to the younger ones and being married are significantly associated with having good practice towards HIV/AIDS prevention.
    Conclusions The level of knowledge, attitudes and practices as well as the associated factors could be the baseline to formulate health intervention to prevent HIV/AIDS among this vulnerable group.
  15. Rohayu Sarani, Hizal Hanis Hashim, Wan Fairos Wan Yaakob, Norlen Mohamed, Radin Umar Radin Sohadi
    Int J Public Health Res, 2013;3(1):267-275.
    MyJurnal
    The increase in car usage due to economic prosperity has led to increase in occupant injuries. One way to reduce the injuries encountered by road accident victims is by implementing the rear seatbelt (RSB) law. Rear seatbelt wearing has been proven to save lives. In Malaysia, the implementation of the restraint system for front occupant has started in the 70's. However, the rear seatbelt enforcement law only came in 2009, after six months of an advocacy program. Prior to the introduction of the rear seatbelt law, rear seatbelt wearing rate was rather low, started to increase gradually during the advocacy period and jumped to the highest level after two month of the enforcement. This paper attempts to assess the effectiveness of the rear seatbelt intervention in reducing injuries among passenger car occupants in Malaysia using the generalized linear model (GLM). In GLM procedure, the dependent variable is the number of people from passenger vehicles that sustained severe and slight injuries, for the study period. The study period selected covers six months before implementation, six months during advocacy program, and six months after the law is implemented. The independent variables considered are enforcement and balik kampung activities (both are dummy variables) and time effect. Our results suggest that RSB intervention (p-value= 0.0001) had significantly reduced the number of people sustained serious and slight injuries by about 20%. The implementation of change in the RSB law has benefited not only in reducing the number of injuries but also result to great impact to the health outcomes.
  16. Diana Maha, Zaleha Md Isa, Azmi Mohd Tamil, Mohd Ihsani Mahmood, Fatimah Othman, Rashidah Ambak
    Int J Public Health Res, 2017;7(2):860-870.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction The most effective and affordable public health strategy to prevent
    hypertension, stroke and renal disease is by reducing daily salt consumption.
    Therefore, this study aims to determine the association of knowledge, attitude
    and practice on salt diet intake and to identify foods contributing to high
    sodium intake.
    Methods Secondary data analysis was performed on MySalt 2016 data. It was
    conducted from November 2015 until January 2016 which involving Ministry
    of Health Staff worked at 16 study sites in Malaysia. Salt intake was
    measured using 24 hours urinary sodium excretion. Food frequency
    questionnaire was used to determine the sodium sources. Knowledge, attitude
    and practice of salt intake were assessed using a validated questionnaire
    adapted from WHO. Demographic data and anthropometric measures also
    were collected. Sodium levels of more than 2400mg/day was categorised as
    high sodium intake. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 21.
    Results The mean sodium intake estimated by 24 hours urinary sodium excretion was
    2853.23 + 1275.8 mg/day. Food groups namely rice/noodles (33.8%),
    sauces/seasoning (20.6%), meat and poultry (12.6%) and fish/seafoods
    (9.3%) were the major contributors of dietary sodium. In multiple logistic
    regression analysis, being a male (aOR=2.83, 95% CI 2.02 – 3.96) and obese
    (aOR=6.78, 95% CI 1.98 – 23.18) were significantly associated with high
    urinary sodium excretions. In addition, those who were unsure that high salt
    intake can cause hypertension (aOR=1.24, 95% CI 0.65 – 2.36), those who
    think that they consumed too much salt (aOR=2.10, 95% CI 1.13 – 3.87) and
    those who only use salt rather than other spices for cooking (aOR=2.07, 95%
    CI 1.29 – 3.30) were significantly associated with high urinary sodium
    excretion.
    Conclusions This study showed that the main sources of sodium among Malay healthcare
    staff is cooked food. Poor knowledge and practice towards reducing salt
    consumption among them contributes to the high sodium consumption. The
    practice of healthy eating among them together with continuous awareness
    campaign is essential in order to educate them to minimize sodium
    consumption and to practice healthy eating.
  17. Abai G, Henry J, Lian CB, Wee ASF, Bili H, Ratu I
    Int J Public Health Res, 2011;1(2):92-99.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction Neonatal jaundice occurs in about 60% of newborns. If not managed properly, it can progress to severe neonatal jaundice (SNNJ) leading to death or permanent disability. The incidence of SNNJ in Kuching District increased from 119.3 per 100,000 live births in 2005 to 123.3 per 100,000 live births in 2008, which was above the Standard National QAP Indicator of 100 per 10,000 live births. SNNJ can be prevented by early detection and proper management of neonatal jaundice. The objective is to increase the knowledge and practise of early detection of neonatal jaundice by nurses in Kuching District. Methods This was an interventional study covering a period of six months. The sample comprised 113 nurses of all categories working in urban and rural maternal and child health clinics in Kuching District. Tools used in the study were self-administered questionnaires in English and Bahasa Malaysia. The preintervention survey started in July 2009 while the post-intervention survey was done in January 2010. The interventions were done through Continuing Nursing Education sessions and included new nursing formats and new reporting procedures. New vehicles were also provided for home nursing. Data was collected and analyzed using MS Excel program. Results The pre-intervention survey on nurses showed that only 56.6% were able to identify the risk of factors causing jaundice; 94.6% able to define jaundice; 41.5% able to detect jaundice while 70.8% knew sign of Kernicterus. In term of recommended post natal nursing schedule only 40.7% able to practice the schedule while only 69.0% able to give advice on management of jaundice. Post intervention; 63.2% of nurses were able to identify the risk factors causing jaundice; 97.2% able to define jaundice while 97.2% were able to detect jaundice and 88.6% know sign of Kernicterus. On recommended post natal nursing schedule, 49.9 % practice the recommended schedule while 92.0% were able to give advice to mother on management of jaundice. The incident of jaundice of Severe Neonatal Jaundice dropped to 78 per 100,000 live births in 2010.
    Conclusions The study shows that the interventions taken helped to improve the knowledge and practice of recommended measures to detect neonatal jaundice early. Stronger emphasis must be placed on using the new reporting procedures and new nursing sheets. Continuous monitoring through regular nursing audits by clinic supervisors is also essential to reduce the incidence of SNNJ. Provision of vehicles for all busy maternal and child health clinics for home nursing care is highly recommended.
  18. Williams, Craig R., Aishah Hani Azil, Ritchie, Scott A.
    Int J Public Health Res, 2019;9(2):1135-1139.
    MyJurnal
    There is an enduring disconnect between the routine surveillance of mosquitoes that transmit dengue viruses and control activities to limit disease spread. A great variety of methods used to collect vector surveillance data exists globally, with program design typically influenced by historical, socio-cultural and cost factors. Surveillance data can be expensive to collect, meaning that without demonstration of its usefulness in directing mosquito control it may be deprioritized or even abandoned. Given that universally prescribed surveillance methods are unlikely to be sustainable and successful, we propose that strategies be designed according to the local terroir of dengue transmission. Strategy design should consider not only costs, but the amenability of workers and the public to various methods, the utility of methods for directing control and reducing disease, and the underlying spatial structure of the vector populations locally. A process of evaluating each of these factors should precede strategy design and be part of on-going review processes. In the case that the usefulness of vector surveillance cannot be demonstrated, then it may be argued that resources could be allocated to other aspects of disease control.
  19. Ummi Nadiah Yusoff, Diana Mahat, Azahadi Omar, Teh, Chien Huey, Norzawati Yoep, Riyanti Saari
    Int J Public Health Res, 2013;3(1):249-258.
    MyJurnal
    Mortality estimates are important parameters for health monitoring and are routinely used as evidence for health policy and planning. This study aimed to estimate the mortality component of Burden of Disease in Malaysia in 2008. The 2008 mortality data from the Statistics Department were used to estimate cause-specific mortality (by age and sex) in Malaysia. Data were coded using the ICD10 (International Classification of Disease) coding. Calculation of mortality component of Burden of Disease (ie: Years of Life Lost (YLL) was done using the standard Global Burden of Disease Methodology. The total estimated deaths in Malaysia in 2008 were 124,857, of which 72,202 (57.8%) were males. The total years of life lost (YLL) for the Malaysian population in 2008 was 1.51 million in which 0.92 million (60.7%) was among males. Almost three quarter (68%) of the burden of premature deaths resulted from non-communicable diseases, followed by communicable diseases (20%) and injury (12%). Among the top three leading causes of YLL were ischaemic heart disease (17.1%), stroke (9.6%) and road traffic injuries (8.3%). In Malaysia, premature mortality mainly contributed by non-communicable diseases followed by communicable diseases and injury. A multi-agency collaboration is needed to prevent premature death and to improve quality of life.
  20. Haslina Hassan, Rosnah Sutan, Nursazila Asikin Mohd Azmi, Shuhaila Ahmad, Rohana Jaafar
    Int J Public Health Res, 2013;3(1):241-248.
    MyJurnal
    The aim of the Fourth Millennium Developmental Goal is to reduce mortality among children less than 5 years by two thirds between 1990 and 2015. Efforts are more focus on improving children's health. The aim of this study was to describe the trend of stillbirth and neonatal deaths in University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre from 2004 to 2010. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using hospital data on perinatal mortality and monthly census delivery statistics. There were 45,277 deliveries with 526 stillbirths and neonatal deaths. More than half of the stillborn cases were classified as normally formed macerated stillbirth and prematurity was common in neonatal deaths. The trend of SB and NND was found fluctuating in this study. However, by using proportionate test comparing rate, there was a transient significant decline of stillbirth but not neonatal deaths rates between 2004 and 2006. On the other hand, the neonatal deaths rate showed significant increment from 2006 to 2008. When both mortality rates were compared using proportionate test, from the start of the study, year 2004 with end of the study, year 2010, there was no significant decline noted. Trends of stillbirth and neonatal death rates in University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre within 7 years study period did not show the expected outcome as in Millennium Developmental Goal of two thirds reduction.
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