Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 1329 in total

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  1. Fulltext Sex preference for children in Thailand and some other South-East Asian countries
    Wongboonsin K, Ruffolo VP
    Asia Pac Popul J, 1995 Sep;10(3):43-62.
    PMID: 12290694
    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries
  2. Malaysian society and health: issues and challenges in the 21st century
    Wong YL, Mohd Amin J
    JUMMEC, 2005;8:53-58.
    Malaysia, like many aspiring developing countries, is undergoing a health transition that has seen the concomitant decrease in communicable diseases and increase in chronic diseases due to urbanization, modernization and ageing population. Health in the Malaysian society will thus increasingly focus on emerging problems that are both chronic and infectious in nature, such as, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, mental health, hepatitis and HIV/AIDS. Re-emerging diseases previously well-controlled, such as, tuberculosis for instance is another addition to these immediate health issues facing Malaysian society today. Despite the tremendous health gains and above average health status that Malaysians now enjoy, we are compelled to take stock of these urgent issues as well as to anticipate and handle serious challenges to our health in the 21st century. In this paper, we review the changing trends and discuss related challenges in disease pattern, environmental health, demographic impacts on health, migration influxes and health, effects of globalization on health, mental health and wellness as well as fundamental access and equality in health care. Being proactive, resilient and innovative, Malaysian society would forge ahead towards our Vision for Health in this new era. KEYWORDS: Society and health, health trends and issues, Vision for Health, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries
  3. Treatment outcome for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in a developing country: University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia from 2003-2010
    Wong YF, Yusof MM, Wan Ishak WZ, Alip A, Phua VC
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2015;16(7):2903-8.
    PMID: 25854381
    BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the eighth most common cancer as estimated from worldwide data. The incidence of HNC in Peninsular Malaysia was reported as 8.5 per 100,000 population. This study was aimed to determine the treatment outcomes for HNC patients treated in the Oncology Unit of University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC).

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: All newly diagnosed patients with squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (HNSCC) referred for treatment to the Oncology Unit at UMMC from 2003-2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment outcomes were 5-year overall survival (OS), cause specific survival (CSS), loco-regional control (LRC) and radiotherapy (RT) related side effects. Kaplan-Meier and log rank analyses were used to determine survival outcomes, stratified according to American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage.

    RESULTS: A total of 130 cases were analysed. Most cases (81.5%) were at late stage (AJCC III-IVB) at presentation. The 5-year OS for the whole study population was 34.4% with a median follow up of 24 months. The 5-year OS according to AJCC stage was 100%, 48.2%, 41.4% and 22.0% for stage I, II, III and IVA-B, respectively. The 5-year overall CSS and LCR were 45.4% and 55.4%, respectively. Late effects of RT were documented in 41.4% of patients. The most common late effect was xerostomia.

    CONCLUSIONS: The treatment outcome of HNSCC at our centre is lagging behind those of developed nations. Efforts to increase the number of patients presenting in earlier stages, increase in the use of combined modality treatment, especially concurrent chemoradiotherapy and implementation of intensity modulated radiotherapy, may lead to better outcomes for our HNC patients.

    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries
  4. Fulltext Rationale and protocol paper for the Asia Pacific Network for inherited eye diseases
    Wong WM, Tham YC, Simunovic MP, Chen FK, Luu CD, Chen H, et al.
    Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila), 2024;13(1):100030.
    PMID: 38233300 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjo.2023.100030
    PURPOSE: There are major gaps in our knowledge of hereditary ocular conditions in the Asia-Pacific population, which comprises approximately 60% of the world's population. Therefore, a concerted regional effort is urgently needed to close this critical knowledge gap and apply precision medicine technology to improve the quality of lives of these patients in the Asia-Pacific region.

    DESIGN: Multi-national, multi-center collaborative network.

    METHODS: The Research Standing Committee of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and the Asia-Pacific Society of Eye Genetics fostered this research collaboration, which brings together renowned institutions and experts for inherited eye diseases in the Asia-Pacific region. The immediate priority of the network will be inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), where there is a lack of detailed characterization of these conditions and in the number of established registries.

    RESULTS: The network comprises 55 members from 35 centers, spanning 12 countries and regions, including Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. The steering committee comprises ophthalmologists with experience in consortia for eye diseases in the Asia-Pacific region, leading ophthalmologists and vision scientists in the field of IRDs internationally, and ophthalmic geneticists.

    CONCLUSIONS: The Asia Pacific Inherited Eye Disease (APIED) network aims to (1) improve genotyping capabilities and expertise to increase early and accurate genetic diagnosis of IRDs, (2) harmonise deep phenotyping practices and utilization of ontological terms, and (3) establish high-quality, multi-user, federated disease registries that will facilitate patient care, genetic counseling, and research of IRDs regionally and internationally.

    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries*
  5. Fulltext An Application of Bayesian Approach in Modeling Risk of Death in an Intensive Care Unit
    Wong RS, Ismail NA
    PLoS One, 2016;11(3):e0151949.
    PMID: 27007413 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151949
    There are not many studies that attempt to model intensive care unit (ICU) risk of death in developing countries, especially in South East Asia. The aim of this study was to propose and describe application of a Bayesian approach in modeling in-ICU deaths in a Malaysian ICU.
    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries
  6. Factors limiting deceased organ donation: focus groups' perspective from culturally diverse community
    Wong LP
    Transplant Proc, 2010 Jun;42(5):1439-44.
    PMID: 20620450 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2009.11.053
    BACKGROUND: In-depth understanding of cultural and religious factors limiting organ donation of three ethnic populations (Malay, Chinese, and Indian) in Southeast Asia is lacking. Identification of factors limiting organ donation among these three ethnic groups will provide insights into culturally appropriate strategies to promote acceptance of organ donation in a multiethnic Asian community.
    METHODS: A total of 17 focus group discussions (105 participants) were conducted between September and December 2008. Participants were members of the general public aged 18 to 60 years, recruited through convenient sampling around the Klang Valley area of Malaysia.
    RESULTS: Although the majority had favorable attitudes toward deceased organ donation and transplantation, a diversity of myths and misinformation were unearthed from the discussions across the ethnic groups. These include perceived religious prohibition, cultural myths and misperceptions, fear of disfigurement, fear of surgery, distrust of the medical system, and family disapproval. Culture and religious beliefs played important prohibitive roles among those opposed to organ donations. There were distinctive ethnic differences in cultural and religious concerns regarding organ donation. Less-educated and rural groups appeared to have more misconceptions than the well-educated and the urban groups.
    CONCLUSION: Our findings may assist organ donation and transplantation organizations to reach diverse sociodemographic and ethnic communities with culture-specific information about organ donation. The involvement of community and religious leaders is critical in organ donation requests.
    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries
  7. Knowledge and attitudes about HPV infection, HPV vaccination, and cervical cancer among rural southeast Asian women
    Wong LP
    Int J Behav Med, 2011 Jun;18(2):105-11.
    PMID: 20524163 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-010-9104-y
    BACKGROUND: The incidence of cervical cancer in developing countries is high and even higher among women in rural areas in these countries.
    PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards human papillomavirus (HPV), HPV vaccination, and cervical cancer among young women in rural settings in a Southeast Asia country.
    METHODS: A convenience sample of ethnically diverse young rural women in Malaysia was surveyed. Participants were interviewed using a standard questionnaire.
    RESULTS: Among the participants (N = 449), knowledge of HPV, HPV vaccination, cervical screening, and cervical cancer risk factors was extremely poor. The mean total knowledge score (14 items) was 2.37 (SD ± 1.97). Although many had never heard of the newly released HPV vaccine, two-thirds professed an intention to receive the HPV vaccine. Intention to receive the vaccine was significantly associated with knowledge of cervical screening and cervical cancer risk factors (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.03-1.33; P = 0.013). Reasons for vaccine refusal were doubts about safety and efficacy of the new vaccine (27.4%), perceived embarrassment at receiving an STI vaccine (20.7%), and perception of not being at risk of HPV infection (20.0%).
    CONCLUSIONS: Providing HPV education to the rural residents is a high priority.
    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries
  8. HPV information needs, educational messages and channel of delivery preferences: views from developing country with multiethnic populations
    Wong LP
    Vaccine, 2009 Feb 25;27(9):1410-5.
    PMID: 19150379 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.12.045
    This qualitative study used focus group discussions (FGDs) to evaluate information needed in order to make informed human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination decision, opinion on the most acceptable public education messages, and channel of delivery in a multiethnic, multicultural and multireligion country. A total of 19 FGDs were conducted among mothers of eligible vaccinees, young women eligible for the vaccine, and men. Messages that carry accurate information about HPV-cervical cancer link, the HPV preventive vaccines and at the same time minimize the stigma of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) vaccine were preferred. Educational messages for future HPV educational intervention were developed and methods to effectively convey to the public the need for HPV vaccination were identified. The findings serve as a basis for future intervention to develop research-based communication materials and strategies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries
  9. Physicians' experiences with HPV vaccine delivery: evidence from developing country with multiethnic populations
    Wong LP
    Vaccine, 2009 Mar 4;27(10):1622-7.
    PMID: 19100803 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.11.107
    Physicians' experiences in providing human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization were assessed by mailed questionnaire. Response rate of 41.4% was achieved. Malay Muslim physicians were more likely to agree that cultural sensitivity is an issue when recommending HPV vaccines. Pediatricians and family physicians were more likely to agree that acceptance is better if vaccines were recommended to prevent cervical cancer than to prevent a sexually transmitted disease. Near 70% rated success of HPV vaccines recommendation in their practice as very poor with the majority patients preferred to postpone immunization. Physicians reported cultural disparities in vaccine uptake and perceived high vaccination cost limits its use.
    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries
  10. Knowledge, attitudes, practices and behaviors regarding deceased organ donation and transplantation in Malaysia's multi-ethnic society: a baseline study
    Wong LP
    Clin Transplant, 2011 Jan-Feb;25(1):E22-31.
    PMID: 20718827 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2010.01312.x
    Malaysia's organ and tissue donation rates are among the lowest in the world. The study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, practices and behaviors regarding deceased organ donation and transplantation in the diverse ethnic communities in the state of Selangor, Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries
  11. Effect of the oral contraceptive pill on protein S and antithrombin-III levels in Malaysian women
    Wong KK, Ng SC, Koong PL
    Med Sci Res, 1992 Jun;20(12):439-40.
    PMID: 12288974
    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries
  12. Intracranial aneurysms in Sarawak General Hospital over a 30-month period
    Wong JS, Ng KH, Wong SH
    J Clin Neurosci, 2004 Apr;11(3):254-8.
    PMID: 14975412
    This is a prospective study conducted from February 2000 to July 2002 in a single neurosurgeon neurosurgical service in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. There were 66 cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage or intracranial aneurysm presenting to this hospital over the study period. Fifty cases had their aneurysms clipped. Eighty percent of our patients were operated within 48 h of presentation. Forty-four percent presented with poor WFNS grades of 4 and 5. We had a 20% operative mortality and 29% total management mortality. Twenty-nine (58%) of the operated cases had a favorable outcome with a mean follow-up of 32 weeks. Multiple aneurysms were less common. The diagnosis of aneuysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and clipping of aneurysms have increased dramatically over the previous two and half years indicating an increased awareness of the diagnosis and treatment. This series supports the previously reported beliefs that the lower rate of aneurymal subarachnoid hemorrhage in developing countries is likely due to both underdiagnosis and undertreatment. Good results can be achieved in developing countries with early diagnosis and intensive management.
    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries
  13. Fulltext Libido, sexuality and the levonorgestrel IUS in Malaysia
    Wong CY
    J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care, 2001 Jan;27(1):56.
    PMID: 12457552 DOI: 10.1783/147118901101194976
    Hysterectomy and tubal sterilisation are two commonly performed gynaecological procedures in Malaysia. Little has been published about the psychological impact on sexuality of such operations in the Far East. Many Malaysian patients believe that surgery to the pelvic organs may be detrimental to the sexual health and needs of women. There is a widespread belief that the uterus is essential for the libido and sexual wellbeing of women. It is also believed that tubal sterilisation may result in the loss of libido and thus of sexual desire for her husband. Despite counselling to dispel these misconceptions, patients frequently refuse surgical management for fear of losing their libido and sexuality. Inability to satisfy and consummate marriage is a valid reason for the partner to find another wife (Muslims in Malaysia are legally allowed to have four wives). This fear of ultimately losing the husband to another woman due to lack of libido and loss of sexuality often causes women to refuse appropriate surgery. The recent availability of the levonorgestrel intra-uterine system (IUS) in Malaysia provides a suitable medical alternative to surgery in managing some of these patients. There is good evidence to suggest the effectiveness of the levonorgestrel IUS in the treatment of menorrhagia. The use of the levonorgestrel IUS in women whose cultural beliefs/misconceptions are not amenable to counselling, may help in the psychological preservation of their libido and sexuality.
    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries
  14. Treatment and care for injecting drug users with HIV infection: a review of barriers and ways forward
    Wolfe D, Carrieri MP, Shepard D
    Lancet, 2010 Jul 31;376(9738):355-66.
    PMID: 20650513 DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(10)60832-X
    We review evidence for effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and coverage of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for injecting drug users (IDUs) infected with HIV, with particular attention to low-income and middle-income countries. In these countries, nearly half (47%) of all IDUs infected with HIV are in five nations--China, Vietnam, Russia, Ukraine, and Malaysia. In all five countries, IDU access to ART is disproportionately low, and systemic and structural obstacles restrict treatment access. IDUs are 67% of cumulative HIV cases in these countries, but only 25% of those receiving ART. Integration of ART with opioid substitution and tuberculosis treatment, increased peer engagement in treatment delivery, and reform of harmful policies--including police use of drug-user registries, detention of drug users in centres offering no evidence-based treatment, and imprisonment for possession of drugs for personal use--are needed to improve ART coverage of IDUs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries/economics*
  15. [Family planning programs and birth control in the third world]
    Wohlschlagl H
    Demogr Inf, 1991;?:17-34, 153.
    PMID: 12343122
    PIP: The population explosion has been abating since the 2nd half of the 1960s. The birth rate of the 3rd World dropped from 45/1000 during 1950-55 to 31/1000 during 1985-90. From the 1st half of the 1960s to the 1st half of the 1980s the total fertility of such countries dropped from 6.1 to 4.2 children/woman. In Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Malaysia living standards improved as a result of industrialization, and fertility decreased significantly. In Sri Lanka, China, North Vietnam, and Thailand the drop of fertility is explained by cultural and religious factors. In 1982 about 78% of the population of developing countries lived in 39 states that followed an official policy aimed at reducing the population. Another 16% lived in countries supporting the concept of a desired family size. However, World Bank data showed that in the mid-1980s in 27 developing countries no state family planning (FP) programs existed. India adopted an official FP program in 1952, Pakistan followed suit in 1960, South Korea in 1961, and China in 1962. In Latin America a split policy manifested itself: in Brazil birth control was rejected, only Colombia had a FP policy. In 1986 the governments of 68 of 131 developing countries representing 3.1 billion people considered the number of children per woman too high. 31 of these countries followed concrete population control policies. On the other hand, in 1986 24 countries of Africa with 40% of the continent's population took no measures to influence population growth. In Latin America and the Caribbean 18 of 33 countries were idle, except for Mexico that had a massive state FP program. These programs also improve maternal and child health with birth spacing of at least 2 years, and the prevention of pregnancies of too young women or those over 40. The evaluation of rapidly spreading FP programs in the 1970s was carried out by the World Fertility Survey in 41 countries. The impact of FP programs was more substantial than socioeconomic factors. Contraceptive use increased in Mexico from 13% in 1973 to 41% in 1978 among women of fertile age. According to 1984 and 1988 UN data modern methods of contraception were used by 70% of women in China, 60-65% in Southeast Asia, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico. In contrast, less than 5% used them in most countries of Africa, 15-20% in West Asia, 25-30% in South Asia, and 40% in Latin America. The pill was the most popular method. From the early 1980s in South and East Asia 1/5 of women got sterilized after attaining the desired family size. Less than 10% of women used IUDs in developing countries. FP programs have benefited from higher education levels and economic incentives and sanctions and exemplified in Singapore, China, South Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan.
    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries*
  16. The challenge of HIV spread among and from injecting drug users in Asia
    Wodak A
    Dev Bull, 2000 Jun.
    PMID: 12179449
    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries
  17. Access to pathology and laboratory medicine services: a crucial gap
    Wilson ML, Fleming KA, Kuti MA, Looi LM, Lago N, Ru K
    Lancet, 2018 05 12;391(10133):1927-1938.
    PMID: 29550029 DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30458-6
    As global efforts accelerate to implement the Sustainable Development Goals and, in particular, universal health coverage, access to high-quality and timely pathology and laboratory medicine (PALM) services will be needed to support health-care systems that are tasked with achieving these goals. This access will be most challenging to achieve in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), which have a disproportionately large share of the global burden of disease but a disproportionately low share of global health-care resources, particularly PALM services. In this first in a Series of three papers on PALM in LMICs, we describe the crucial and central roles of PALM services in the accurate diagnosis and detection of disease, informing prognosis and guiding treatment, contributing to disease screening, public health surveillance and disease registries, and supporting medical-legal systems. We also describe how, even though data are sparse, these services are of both insufficient scope and inadequate quality to play their key role in health-care systems in LMICs. Lastly, we identify four key barriers to the provision of optimal PALM services in resource-limited settings: insufficient human resources or workforce capacity, inadequate education and training, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient quality, standards, and accreditation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries
  18. Improving patient satisfaction: the virtual breakthrough series collaborative
    Wijaya MI, Mohamad AR, Hafizurrachman M
    Int J Health Care Qual Assur, 2019 Feb 11;32(1):296-306.
    PMID: 30859877 DOI: 10.1108/IJHCQA-01-2018-0014
    PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to improve the Siloam Hospitals' (SHs) patient satisfaction index (PSI) and overcome Indonesia's geographical barriers.

    DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The topic was selected for reasons guided by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement virtual breakthrough series collaborative (VBSC). Subject matter experts came from existing global quality development in collaboration with sales and marketing, and talent management agencies/departments. Patient satisfaction (PS) was measured using the SH Customer Feedback Form. Data were analysed using Friedman's test.

    FINDINGS: The in-patient (IP) department PSI repeated measures comparison during VBSC, performed using Friedman's test, showed a statistically significant increase in the PSI, χ2 = 44.00, p<0.001. Post hoc analysis with Wilcoxon signed-rank test was conducted with a Bonferroni correction applied, which resulted in a significant increase between the baseline and action phases ( Z=3.317, p=0.003) between the baseline and continuous improvement phases ( Z=6.633, p<0.001), and between the action and continuous improvement phases ( Z=3.317, p=0.003), suggesting that IP PSI was continuously increasing during all VBSC phases. Like IP PSI, the out-patient department PSI was also continuously increasing during all VBSC phases.

    RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The VBSC was not implemented using a control group. Factors other than the VBSC may have contributed to increased PS.

    PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The VBSC was conducted using virtual telecommunication. Although conventional breakthrough series might result in better cohesiveness and commitment, Indonesian geographical barriers forced an alternative strategy, which is much more cost-effective.

    ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The VBSC, designed to improve PS, has never been implemented in any Indonesian private hospital group. Other hospital groups might also appreciate knowing about the VBSC to improve their PSI.

    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries
  19. Is there a role for academic medical centers in emerging markets?
    Wiener CM, Thompson SJ, Wu S, Chellappa M, Hasham S
    World Hosp Health Serv, 2012;48(4):4-6.
    PMID: 23484425
    Governments in emerging markets face mounting challenges in managing health spending, building capability and capacity, modernizing ageing infrastructure, and investing in skills and resources. One path to overcoming these challenges is to establish new public-private models of health care development and delivery based on United States academic medical centers, whose missions are to advance medical education and clinical delivery. Johns Hopkins Medicine is a participant in the collaboration developing between the Perdana University Hospital and the Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine in Malaysia. These two organizations comprise an academic health science center based on the United States model. The Perdana project provides constructive insights into the opportunities and challenges that governments, universities, and the private sector face when introducing new models of patient care that are integrated with medical education, clinical training, and biomedical research.
    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries
  20. Women in development
    White EH
    Aisa Found News, 1980 May-Jun.
    PMID: 12261905
    Matched MeSH terms: Developing Countries
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