Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 1141 in total

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  1. Athirajan V, Razak IA, Thurairajah N, Ghani WM, Ching HN, Yang YH, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2014;15(19):8183-9.
    PMID: 25339003
    BACKGROUND: A comparative cross-sectional study involving oral cancer patients and healthy individuals was designed to investigate associations between retinol, α-tocopherol and β-carotene with the risk of oral cancer.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included a total of 240 matched cases and controls where subjects were selected from the Malaysian Oral Cancer Database and Tissue Bank System (MOCDTBS). Retinol, α-tocopherol and β-carotene levels and intake were examined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) respectively.

    RESULTS: It was found that results from the two methods applied did not correlate, so that further analysis was done using the HPLC method utilising blood serum. Serum levels of retinol and α-tocopherol among cases (0.177±0.081, 1.649±1.670μg/ml) were significantly lower than in controls (0.264±0.137, 3.225±2.054μg/ml) (p<0.005). Although serum level of β-carotene among cases (0.106±0.159 μg/ml) were lower compared to controls (0.134±0.131μg/ml), statistical significance was not observed. Logistic regression analysis showed that high serum level of retinol (OR=0.501, 95% CI=0.254-0.992, p<0.05) and α-tocopherol (OR=0.184, 95% CI=0.091-0.370, p<0.05) was significantly related to lower risk of oral cancer, whereas no relationship was observed between β-carotene and oral cancer risk.

    CONCLUSIONS: High serum levels of retinol and α-tocopherol confer protection against oral cancer risk.

    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  2. Atia AE, Norsidah K, Nor Zamzila A, Rafidah Hanim M, Samsul D, Aznan MA, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2012 Feb;67(1):25-30.
    PMID: 22582545
    Polymorphisms within the beta2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) gene have been repeatedly linked to hypertension. Among the ADRB2 polymorphisms detected, Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu codons are considered the two most important variations. The amino acid substitution at these codons may lead to abnormal regulation of ADRB2 activity. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between ADRB2 polymorphisms and hypertension. This case-control study consisted of 100 unrelated subjects (50 hypertensive and 50 matched normal controls). Arg16Gly and the Gln27Glu polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. There were no significant evidence of association in allelic and genotypes distribution of Arg16Gly and Glu27Gln with blood pressure and hypertension. These findings suggest that the variation within codon 16 and 27 of ADRB2 gene were unlikely to confer genetic susceptibility for hypertension in our population samples.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  3. Au Eong KG, Tay TH, Lim MK
    Singapore Med J, 1993 Dec;34(6):489-92.
    PMID: 8153707
    Computerised data of 110,236 Singaporean males aged 15 to 25 (mean 17.75) years who underwent compulsory medical examination from April 1987 to January 1992 were used to estimate the prevalence and severity of myopia among young Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian Singaporean males with different educational levels. The prevalence and severity of myopia amongst the groups with different educational levels were compared. These groups were fairly well-matched for important known confounding factors such as age, sex, race and degree of urbanisation of place of residence. Our data showed a positive association between educational attainment and both the prevalence and severity of myopia. Both the prevalence of myopia and the proportion of myopes with severe myopia were in general higher among those with more years of formal education.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  4. Ayyamani UD
    Med J Malaysia, 1986 Mar;41(1):4-11.
    PMID: 3796347
    Selected students were subjected to a general health appraisal including vision and hearing tests by teachers, nurses and finally a medical officer. The findings of all three examiners were then compared taking the results of the medical officer as the indicator of accuracy. The findings of the survey indicated that the problems of school children were similar to those reported by other workers and by MCH Division of the Ministry of Health namely dental caries, head lice, malnutrition, skin infections and visual disability. Other problems like skeletal deformity and abnormalities of heart, lung, speech and behaviour were extremely uncommon and formed only 1.5% of the total. Teachers and nurses performed extremely well in relation to the doctor with 93% and 95.8% concurrence respectively in detecting these abnormalities. Teachers were also requested to give a feedback on their view of and role in the SHS as well as problems faced in following the school health card. The majority perceived the SHS as a joint effort between the Ministry of Health and Education and agreed that they had a role to play in the SHS. Many teachers also indicated a willingness to carry out the various tasks in the SHS. The main problem in filling the school health card seemed to be in getting relevant details from parents though over 50% of teachers complained that there were too many details to fill. The role of teachers in the SHS is discussed in the light of the findings of the study and recommendations are made.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  5. Azian M, Goh KL
    Med J Malaysia, 1993 Dec;48(4):443-5.
    PMID: 8183170
    We report a case of idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) in association with autoimmune thyroiditis occurring in a 39 year old woman. Ultrasonography revealed a normal liver echotexture. Spleno-portogram confirmed portal hypertension and liver biopsy showed features in keeping with IPH. She was also found to be biochemically hypothyroid with markedly elevated thyroid autoantibodies. These findings may suggest an autoimmune link in the pathogenesis of IPH.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  6. Azimatun, N.A., Salmiah, B., Ahamad, J.
    MyJurnal
    Improvement in the service quality system of health clinics in Malaysia had increase with the increase of national development. However, customer dissatisfaction towards regular service still has become an issue in the provision of health service in clinics throughout this country. This study aims to identify factors that influence customer satisfaction such as sociodemographic factors of patients, the location of clinic (rural or urban) and the most important SERVQUAL dimensions in determining customer satisfaction. This study conducted in October and November 2008 in Hulu Langat District. SERVQUAL questionnaires were used. Probabilistic sampling was used for the selection of respondents and the number of samples for each clinic was based on the workload of the clinic. Overall, the results showed that there are differences in levels of customer satisfaction between urban clinic (25.8%) and rural (30.7%). The most critical service quality dimensions for urban clinics are the responsiveness and reliability dimensions with a mean value of -0.7018 and -0.7434. Responsiveness, existence and reliability are the weakest quality service dimensions (mean -0.6317, -0.6718 and -0.6028) in rural clinics. It was found that customers’ ethnicity and education affect customer satisfaction in both the urban and rural clinics. Gender and type of work are factors that affect customer satisfaction only in urban clinics. Overall customer satisfaction at health clinics in Hulu Langat District is low. The difference between urban and rural clinics show the customers' needs in the area is different.
    Key words: Customer satisfaction, SERVQUAL, health clinics, services.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  7. Azit NA, Sahran S, Voon Meng L, Subramaniam M, Mokhtar S, Mohammed Nawi A
    PLoS One, 2021;16(12):e0260675.
    PMID: 34882716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260675
    Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasingly known as a risk factor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we determined the risk factors associated with HCC in T2DM patients. This was a matched case-control study conducted at two hepatobiliary referral centres in a developing country. Patients' sociodemographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics between 1 January 2012 and 30 June 2018 were extracted from the electronic medical records and analysed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 212 case-control pairs were included. Significant risk factors included Chinese and Malay ethnicities that interacted with viral hepatitis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 11.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39-99.79) and (AOR = 37.94, 95% CI: 3.92-367.61) respectively, weight loss (AOR = 5.28, 95% CI: 2.29-12.19), abdominal pain/ discomfort (AOR = 6.73, 95% CI: 3.34-13.34), alcohol (AOR = 4.08, 95% CI: 1.81-9.22), fatty liver (AOR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.40-7.76), low platelet (AOR = 4.03, 95% CI:1.90-8.55), raised alanine transaminase (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.16-3.86). and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.17-4.00). Statins reduced the risk of HCC by 63% (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.21-0.65). The identification of these factors aids the risk stratification for HCC among T2DM patients for early detection and decision-making in patient management in the primary care setting.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  8. Aziz AM, Ibrahim MI
    Med J Malaysia, 1999 Jun;54(2):192-9.
    PMID: 10972029
    A study was conducted among out-patients attending the Melaka Tengah Health Clinic to determine their compliance status towards antihypertensive, antidiabetic and antiasthmatic drugs. A total of 585 patients were enrolled in this study. Assessment of compliance was carried out using pill-counting and house-to-house interviews 14 days from the date of medication dispensed at the counter. The noncompliance rate among the 464 successfully interviewed patients was 56%. The mean noncompliance percentage was 78.0 +/- 43.1% (range: -10.0-314.3%). Among the four variables of compliance studied, race was not seen as a determinant of compliance. The older age group and those taking two or more drugs were statistically significant to be a noncomplier. Females were highly likely not to comply with drug therapy. Patients who conform to their refill dates were not really drug compliers. Forgetting to take their drugs and inability to read instructions on drug labels were the main reasons given. Underdosing was more common than overdosing, with an estimated cost of RM20,261.00 of unused medications per year.
    Study site: Klinik Kesihatan Melaka Tengah, Melaka, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  9. Aziz NA, Norzila MZ, Hamid MZ, Noorlaili MT
    Med J Malaysia, 2006 Dec;61(5):534-9.
    PMID: 17623952 MyJurnal
    The increasing prevalence of childhood asthma has become a concern among health practitioners. Effective management emphasizes long-term management and inhaled therapy has become the mainstay home management for children. However, proper utilization of medication is pertinent in improving control. Proper asthma education is mandatory in improving skills and confidence amongst parents. To assess the skills of using the metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer among asthmatic children before and after educational intervention and to analyse any difficulties which may occur amongst the participants in executing the assessment steps. A cross-sectional clinic based study involving 85 parents and children with asthma. A standardized metered-dose inhaler-spacer checklist of eight steps of medication usage and five steps of cleaning the spacer were used as the assessment tools for pre and post intervention. The performance on using the inhaler-spacer and spacer cleaning knowledge pre and two months post intervention was evaluated. One point was given for each correct step and zero points for incorrect answers/steps. The mean score for skills of inhaler technique improved significantly after educational intervention (3.51 to 6.01, p < 0.0001) as did the mean score for parental knowledge of spacer cleaning technique (1.35 to 3.16, p 0.001). Analysis showed only a limited improvement even after an educational session in three steps of inhalation technique: step 5 (23.5%/69.4%), step 6 (28.2%/68.2%) and step 7 (25.9%/61.2%). Parents with asthmatic children had poor skills in utilizing their children's medication. A short-term educational intervention was able to improve overall knowledge and skill but certain skills need more emphasizing and training.
    Study site: Klink HUKM Taman Jaya, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (primary care clinic for Hospital University Kebangsaan Malaysia)
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  10. Azizah MR, Ainoi SS, Kuak SH, Kong NCT, Normaznah Y, Rahim MN
    Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol, 2001 Jun;19(2):93-100.
    PMID: 11699726
    The frequency of the HLA class II antigens/alleles (HLA-DR, DQ and DP) were studied in 70 Malaysian Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to examine the contribution of these genes to disease susceptibility, their clinical expression and Immunological responses. This was done using modified PCR-RFLP technique. These samples were then compared with 66 ethnically matched controls. We found a strong association of the DQA1*0102 (p corr = 0.032, rr = 3.39), DQB1*0501 (p corr = 0.003, rr = 4.55), *0601 (p corr = 0.006, rr = 4.22) and DPB1* 0901(p corr = 0.02, rr = 4.58) with SLE. Clinically, we found a strong association of DR2 and DQA1*0301 with renal involvement and DQA1*0102 with alopecia. Immunologically, statistical analysis (Chi-square test ) showed a strong association of DQA1*0102 with anti-Ro/La antibodies while DQA1*0301 was observed to be strongly associated with antibodies to ds DNA. DQA1*0102 was found more frequently in those with a later disease onset (30 years of age or above). From these data we suggest that the HLA class II genes play a role in conferring disease susceptibility and clinical and immunological expression.
    Study site: SLE clinics, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  11. Azizah MR, Kuak SH, Ainol SS, Kong NCT, Rahim MN, Normaznah Y
    Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic disease of autoimmune nature. Genetic pre-disposition has been known to play a role. With a number of genes already named, the IL-RA is no exception. Polymorphism in the human cytokine gene, an uncommon allele of a variable repeat polymorphism in intron 2 of the IL1-RA gene has been found to be associated with SLE. Objective: The aim of this present study was to study the polymorphism of the IL-1RA gene in Malay and Chinese SLE patients and to investigate the possible contribution of the IL-RA gene polymorphism in disease susceptibility. Materials and Methods: We thus investigated the allele frequencies of the IL-RA gene polymorphism in 87 Malay and 100 Chinese SLE population at the Hospital of National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur by PCR and direct analysis by electrophoresis on agarose gel. Unrelated healthy ethnically-matched individuals were taken as controls. Results: Allelic frequencies of the IL1-RN*4 were most dominant in all groups (patients and controls) but there was no significant differences among them. We found an increased allelic frequency and carriage rate of the IL1-RN*2 repeat in both the Malay and Chinese SLE cases compared to controls. However they were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Thus from this finding we postulate that the polymorphism of the IL-1RA gene (both alleles 2 and 4) does not influence susceptibility to SLE.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  12. Azizi BH, Zulkifli HI, Kassim MS
    Med J Malaysia, 1994 Jun;49(2):132-7.
    PMID: 8090091
    Circumstances surrounding accidental ingestion of poisons were investigated in families of 70 hospitalised children. Indian children were more likely to be hospitalised for poisoning. Poor safety measures directly contributed to poisoning incidents. Poisons had not been stored safely and only in 12.9 per cent of families were the poisons allegedly kept in cupboards. Kerosene had been ingested from soft drink containers in 70 per cent of instances. Medications had been taken mainly from plastic envelopes (57.9%) or bottles (31.6%). Safety practices in the homes of cases and 140 controls were compared. As a whole parents of victims had poor safety practices when compared with parents of controls. Poisoning incidents were discovered by mothers in 75.0 per cent of the cases. Vomiting was induced by parents in 32.3 per cent of cases involving medications and non-volatile items, and in 41.6 per cent of kerosene ingestions. Before hospitalisation 59.4 per cent were brought to general practitioners and 22.7 per cent to government clinics. Mothers were the main attendants when children were brought for medical care. This study highlights the need for measures to prevent childhood poisoning and reduce its morbidity. Household products and medications should be made safer to children through improved packaging, prescribing instructions and education. Safety and first aid education may be directed towards parents, particularly mothers, through the media and health facilities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  13. Azlin Baharudin, Hatta Sidi, Norzila Zakaria, Sharifah Ezat Wan Puteh
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2007;8(2):51-63.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between the personality traits and
    social factors with compliance to anti-hypertensive pharmachotherapy. Methods: This cross
    sectional study was conducted from 1st of June until 31st of December 2004, which involved
    Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Primary Polyclinic in Bandar Tasik Selatan,
    Cheras and Salak Polyclinic in Sepang, Selangor. A total of 200 patients who fulfilled all the inclusion criteria, were selected as respondents. This study used the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I) for the psychiatric diagnoses and personality characteristics were assessed by using Personality Assessment Schedule (PAS) Results: The prevalence rate of non-compliance was 38.5%. Paranoid personality trait (27.3%) was the most common type of personality traits that associated with non-compliance to the medications prescribed. The results of this study revealed a statistically significant difference between drug compliance and age, race, gender and the site where the study was conducted. No association was found between patients’ education level, occupation, income, marital status, family history of hypertension and personality traits and drug compliance. Conclusion: This study suggested that drug compliance among hypertensive patients was influenced by the presence of psychosocial factors. Hence, it is important for medical practitioners to understand these factors and administer treatment more individual.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  14. Azmi MY, Junidah R, Siti Mariam A, Safiah MY, Fatimah S, Norimah AK, et al.
    Malays J Nutr, 2009 Sep;15(2):97-119.
    PMID: 22691810 MyJurnal
    The Malaysian Adults Nutrition Survey (MANS) was carried out between October 2002 and July 2003, involving 6,775 men and 3,441 women aged 18 - 59 years. Anthropometric assessment showed that the overall mean body weight and BMI were 62.65 kg (CI: 62.20, 63.09) and 24.37 kg/m2 (CI: 24.21, 24.53) respectively. Based on the WHO (1998) classification of BMI, 12.15% (CI: 11.26, 13.10) were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2), and 26.71% (CI: 25.50, 27.96) overweight (BMI > 25 - 29.9 kg/m2). Significantly, more women were obese [14.66% (CI: 13.37, 16.04)] while significantly more men were overweight [28.55% (CI: 26.77, 30.40)]. Ethnicitywise, prevalence of obesity was highest among the Malays [15.28% (CI: 13.91, 16.77)] while overweight was highest for the Indians [31.01% (CI: 26.64, 35.76)]. Both obesity and overweight were highest among those aged 40 - 49 years. Obesity was highest for those whose household income was between RM1,500 - 3,500 while overweight was more prevalent for those whose household income exceeded RM3,500. The prevalence of overweight was highest for those with primary education [31.90% (CI: 29.21, 34.72)]. There was no significant urban rural differential in both obesity and overweight. The study found 9.02% (CI:8.82, 10.61) with chronic energy deficiency (CED) (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2). The prevalence of CED was relatively higher in the indigenous population (Orang Asli) [14.53% (CI: 5.14, 34.77)], subjects aged 18-19 years [26.24% (CI: 21.12, 32.09)], and with monthly household income of < RM1,500 [10.85% (CI: 9.63, 12.20)]. The prevalence of CED was not significantly different among the geographical zones and educational levels, and between urban/rural areas and sexes. The results call for priority action to address the serious problem of overweight and obesity among Malaysian adults as it poses a grave burden to the country's resources and development.
    Study name: Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS-2003)
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  15. Azreena E, Suriani I, Juni MH, Fuziah P
    Background: Despite the numerous health education programmes provided to the type 2 diabetes patients worldwide, the outcome of the diabetic management remains a challenge globally. Health literacy plays an important role in determining the outcomes from the diabetes management.
    Materials and Methods: This study was aimed to determine the level of health literacy and its associated factors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending a government health clinic. This study also aimed to determine the association between the associated factors, such as sociodemographic, socioeconomic characteristics, type of treatment, diabetes duration, and knowledge on diabetes and the level of health literacy as well as the predictors of the level of health literacy. This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted from 1st February 2016 to 30th July 2016. A total of 360 participants were randomly selected from a government health clinic through a systematic random sampling method. A validated, self-administered questionnaire incorporating sociodemographic characteristics, socioeconomic characteristics, history of type 2 diabetes, diabetes knowledge and health literacy level was used in this study. Data was analysed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science Version 22.0. Chi square test, Fisher’s Exact test and simple logistic regression were used to measure the association between the associated factors and health literacy level. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the predictors influencing health literacy level among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.
    Result: The response rate was 80%. Majority of the respondents have limited health literacy level (85.8%). There were significant association between ethnic group and health literacy level (χ2=6.317, P=0.042), level of education and health literacy level (χ2=6.304, P=0.043) and diabetes knowledge score and health literacy level [Odds Ratio (OR)=1.254, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) (1.063,1.479)]. Finally, the significant predictors for adequate health literacy level were the Chinese ethnic group [Adjusted OR (AOR)=4.441, 95% CI (1.472,13.392)] and diabetes knowledge score [AOR=1.238, 95% CI (1.031,1.488)].
    Conclusion: In conclusion, level of health literacy among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients was significantly associated with the ethnic group, level of education and diabetes knowledge score. It can also be concluded that Chinese ethnic group and diabetes knowledge score were the significant predictors for adequate health literacy level among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  16. Baharin J, Sahari NS, Lim SM
    Electron Physician, 2014;6(3):863-7.
    PMID: 25763159 DOI: 10.14661/2014.863-867
    Rhabdomyolysis is a serious but rare side effect of Lamivudine treatment. Therefore, appropriate biochemical monitoring should be undertaken when it is used in the treatment of hepatitis B. This paper presents a case of Lamivudine-associated rhabdomyolysis in a 31-year-old man with congenital heart disease and hepatitis B. Three days after starting Lamivudine, the patient developed myalgia. Significant muscle tenderness and swelling of the upper and lower limbs was discovered during a physical examination. Creatine kinase was markedly raised. Lamivudine-induced rhabdomyolysis was suspected and the drug was discontinued. Symptoms and creatine kinase activity improved within four days of Lamivudine cessation and hydration. Early identification of Lamivudine-induced rhabdomyolysis is key in preventing this potentially fatal drug reaction; withdrawal of Lamivudine may contribute to complete remission of rhabdomyolysis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  17. Bailey W, Truong L
    J Southeast Asian Stud, 2001;32(2):173-93.
    PMID: 19192502
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  18. Balasundaram R, Reddy SC
    Malays Fam Physician, 2006;1(2):52-53.
    PMID: 27570586 MyJurnal
    A survey of colour vision deficiency among 1427 medical students and healthcare personnel in Seremban revealed a prevalence of 3.2% with a marked male predominance (males 6.7%, females 0.4%). In view of the potential difficulties faced by such personnel in clinical works, early detection of this deficiency allowed appropriate counselling.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
  19. Balraj P, Ahmad M, Khoo AS, Ayob Y
    Malays J Pathol, 2012 Jun;34(1):67-9.
    PMID: 22870602 MyJurnal
    Haemophilia B is caused by coagulation defects in the factor IX gene located in Xq27.1 on the X chromosome. Identification of mutations contributing to defective factor IX may be advantageous for precise carrier and prenatal diagnosis. We studied 16 patients from 11 families, consisting of 8 patients of the Malay ethnic group, of which 6 were siblings. Factor IX mutations have not been previously reported in the Malay ethnic group. The functional region of the factor IX gene was sequenced and mutations were identified in either the exon or intronic regions in 15 of the patients. One novel mutation, 6660_6664delTTCTT was identified in siblings with moderate form of haemophilia B. Mutations identified in our patients when linked with disease severity were similar to findings in other populations. In summary, this preliminary data will be used to build a Malaysian mutation database which would facilitate genetic counseling.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
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