Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 212 in total

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  1. Amirudin A, Urbański M, Saputra J, Johansyah MD, Latip L, Tarmizi A, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 Jun 15;18(12).
    PMID: 34203631 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126452
    Today, the spread of the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to impact on world public health and bring about considerable human suffering partly due to government policies on reducing the spread. COVID-19 has significantly affected human health and it has impacted on the occupation of vulnerable groups such as tour guides, drivers and shop assistants. Of these, the present study aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 self-isolation policy on the occupation of vulnerable groups in Semarang City, Indonesia. To achieve this objective, this study uses a qualitative method with an ethnography approach considering a rational or non-rational thinking model. The binary opposition thinking pattern pioneered by Lévi-Strauss was used in the interview process with 25 informants in Semarang City, Indonesia. The data analyzed the response pattern of informants through the taxonomy analysis. Three levels of vulnerability among groups relating to occupation were identified; jobs lost, income decreased, and delayed salary. The result of the analysis found that the group who obeyed self-isolation was categorized as a rational thinking; these groups stay at home, do not go to work, and have no income. Besides that, the group who ignored self-isolation is categorized as non-rational thinking; they work, as usual, get their salary, and believe that the COVID-19 pandemic is a disaster and they pray for their safety to God. In conclusion, COVID-19 brings a significant impact on occupation in the forms of postponing, declining, and missing income besides the health effects among vulnerable groups in Semarang city, Indonesia. In avoiding COVID-19 infection, the circumstances of vulnerable groups are worse when self-isolation is required. Thus, this study suggests that the government needs to assist vulnerable groups by focusing on strategic policies, such as strategies for survival, providing access to basic needs, including health, and offering livelihood plans by providing access to medical services and other source of income.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
  2. Nik-Nasir NM, Md-Yasin M, Ariffin F, Mat-Nasir N, Miskan M, Abu-Bakar N, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Dec 15;19(24).
    PMID: 36554769 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416888
    Physical activity (PA) in the form of structured or unstructured exercise is beneficial for health. This paper aims to study PA levels across four domains according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and its associated factors. A total of 7479 Malaysian adult participants between 18 to 90 years old from the REDISCOVER study who completed the IPAQ were analyzed. PA was calculated as MET-min per week and were categorized according to insufficiently active, sufficiently active and very active. Multinomial regression was used to determine the association between sociodemographic, clinical factors and the level of PA. The mean age of the participants was 51.68 (±9.5 SD). The total reported physical activity in median (IQR) was 1584.0 (0-5637.3) MET-min per week. The highest total for PA was in the domestic domain which is 490 (0-2400) MET-min per week. Factors associated with sufficiently active or very active PA include Malay ethnicity, no formal education, elementary occupation, current smokers and high HDL. Whereas low income, male and normal BMI are less likely to participate in sufficiently active or very active PA. Intervention to encourage higher PA levels in all domains is important to achieve recommended PA targets.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupations*
  3. Folasayo AT, Oluwasegun AJ, Samsudin S, Saudi SN, Osman M, Hamat RA
    PMID: 28208724 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14020159
    This study was done to assess the knowledge, attitudes, risky behaviors and preventive practices related to sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) among health and non-health sciences university students as future healthcare providers in Malaysia. A total of 700 health and non-health sciences university students (255 male; 445 female) aged between 17 and 30 years were surveyed by using a self-administered questionnaire. The majority (86.6%) had heard of STDs, and 50.4% knew STDs could present without symptoms. HIV remains the best known STD (83.6%) by the students, while chlamydia (26%) and trichomoniasis (21.0%) were rarely known. Gender, age group, educational level and faculty type were strongly associated with knowledge level (p-values < 0.05). Most of them (88.8%) were aware that STD screening was important while use of condoms was protective (63.8%). The majority of them strongly felt that treatment should be sought immediately if they (85.5%) and their partners (87.4%) have symptoms. Among the sexually-active students, 66.7% and 18% had sexual intercourse with multiple partners and commercial sex workers, while 17.4% and 9.4% took alcohol and drugs before having sex, respectively. By logistic regression analysis, students aged 24-30 years old (an odds ratio (AOR) = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.377-0.859) and faculty type (AOR = 5.69, 95% CI = 4.019-8.057) were the significant predictors for the knowledge level. Knowledge on the non-HIV causes of STDs is still lacking, and the risky behavior practiced by the sexually-active students in this study is alarming. There is a need to revisit the existing STD education curriculum in both schools and universities so that appropriate intervention on STDs can be implemented.
    Matched MeSH terms: Students, Health Occupations/statistics & numerical data*
  4. Abas AB, Said AR, Mohammed MA, Sathiakumar N
    Int J Occup Environ Health, 2008 Oct-Dec;14(4):263-71.
    PMID: 19043913
    In the absence of systematic occupational disease surveillance, other data collected by governmental agencies or industry is useful in the identification of occupational diseases and their control. We examined data on occupational diseases reported by non-governmental employees to the national workers' social security organization in Malaysia, 2002-2006. The overall incidence rate of occupational disease was 2.8 per 100,000 workers. There was an increase in the annual number and rates of occupational disease over time. The most frequently reported conditions were hearing impairment (32%) and musculoskeletal disorders (28%). Workers in the non-metallic manufacturing industry had the highest average incidence rate of hearing impairment (12.7 per 100,000 workers) and musculoskeletal disorders (3.5 per 100,000 workers), compared to all other industries. Preventive measures should focus on safety education, engineering control and workplace ergonomics. Enforcing workplace standards and incorporating an ongoing surveillance system will facilitate the control and reduction of occupational disease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
  5. Halim I, Omar AR
    Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2012;18(1):85-96.
    PMID: 22429532
    Many occupations in industry such as metal stamping workers, electronics parts assembly operators, automotive industry welders, and lathe operators require working in a standing posture for a long time. Prolonged standing can contribute to discomfort and muscle fatigue particularly in the back and legs. This study developed the prolonged standing strain index (PSSI) to quantify the risk levels caused by standing jobs, and proposed recommendations to minimize the risk levels. Risk factors associated with standing jobs, such as working posture, muscles activity, standing duration, holding time, whole-body vibration, and indoor air quality, were the basis for developing the PSSI. All risk factors were assigned multipliers, and the PSSI was the product of those multipliers. Recommendations for improvement are based on the PSSI; however, extensive studies are required to validate their effectiveness. multipliers, and the PSSI was the product of those multipliers. Recommendations for improvement are based on the PSSI; however, extensive studies are required to validate their effectiveness.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupational Diseases/etiology*; Occupational Diseases/physiopathology*; Occupations*
  6. Wong YA, Mukari SZS, Harithasan D, Mazlan R
    Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 2019 Sep;124:79-84.
    PMID: 31174022 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2019.05.040
    OBJECTIVES: Maternal knowledge and attitude towards childhood hearing loss play an important role in determining the success of early diagnosis and intervention of hearing loss programs in children. This study aimed to 1) assess the knowledge and attitude of childhood hearing loss among mothers, 2) compare knowledge and attitude of childhood hearing loss in urban and rural mothers, 3) investigate the relationship between knowledge and attitude on childhood hearing loss, and 4) identify socio-demographic factors that influence mothers' knowledge and attitude on childhood hearing loss.

    METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 362 mothers and mothers-to-be (mean age: 31.9 ± 4.9 years, range: 20-48 years old) recruited from Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur and two health clinics in Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan and Beranang, Selangor representing the urban and rural areas respectively. All participants were interviewed in person using a newly developed and reliable questionnaire that tested their knowledge and attitude on childhood hearing loss.

    RESULTS: Generally, the majority of mothers had a moderate level of knowledge and positive attitude towards childhood hearing loss. Urban mothers had a significantly higher knowledge than those of the rural area (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
  7. Saleha AA
    Int J Zoonoses, 1984 Jun;11(1):75-83.
    PMID: 6389404
    A review of the various studies on toxoplasmosis in peninsular Malaysia is presented. The period of review spanned between 1973 and 1980 during which a number of serological surveys were carried out for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii antibody in Malaysians, using either the indirect hemagglutination (I.H.A.) or the indirect fluorescent antibody (I.F.A.) tests. The prevalence rates of Toxoplasma antibody were consistently foundhighest among Malays, followed by Indians, Orang Aslis (Aborigines) and lowest among Malays, followed by Indians, Orang Aslia (Aborigines) and lowest among Chinese, the 4 major ethnic groups living in Malaysia. Positive titres, present in all age groups, showed an increase with age but no difference due to sex. However, higher prevalence of positive cases was recorded among rural dwellers and the lower socioeconomic group than from urban dwellers. The possible routes of infection among the ethnic groups were discussed. Among animal populations, the presence of Toxoplasma antibody was detected in buffaloes, swine, goats, cattle, cats and dogs. The epidemiological importance of the findings are discussed and suggestions made for future studies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
  8. Sundram BM, Dahlui M, Chinna K
    Iran J Public Health, 2014 Mar;43(3):263-72.
    PMID: 25988085
    The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of individual-focused stress management training namely Deep Breathing Exercise (DBE) on self-perceived occupational stress among male automotive assembly-line workers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
  9. Waqar, A.K., Nik Shamsidah N.I., Nor Aini M.N., Waqar, Abd Alqahar Al –Kubaisy
    JUMMEC, 2018;21(1):14-20.
    MyJurnal
    Background: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a major public health problem worldwide. About 130- 200 million people
    are infected with HCV worldwide leading to 500,000 deaths annually (WHO 2014). Healthcare workers (HCWs)
    have played an important role in the transmission of HCV infection, either as victims or as sources of infection.
    Objectives: To determine the prevalence of HCV, antibodies (Abs) RNA and genotypes among the female HCWs
    in Baghdad and to identify whether HCWs were infective or only infected.
    Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 1001 women attending 17 health care centres in
    Baghdad, Iraq, was carried out. Information on type and duration of their occupation was obtained. HCV Abs
    (anti-HCV) were tested using a third generation enzyme immunoassay (EIA-3) and immunoblot assay (Lia
    Tek-111). Molecular analysis using RT-PCR and DNA enzyme immunoassay (DEIA) for HCV-RNA and genotype
    detections were carried out for 63 serum samples.
    Results: Only 160/1001 (15.98%) were HCWs. Anti-HCV and HCV- RNA seroprevalence were significantly higher
    (6.37%, p=0.0057, 88.83%, p= 0.011 respectively) among HCWs than non HCWs. HCWs were at a significantly
    higher risk of exposure to HCV infection (OR=2.75, 95% C.I. =1.31-5.79). There was no significant association
    between HCV genotypes and the HCWs. HCV-4 showed higher expression (62.5%) among HCWs.
    Conclusion: Female HCWs were infective and infected with HCV, thus there is a need for medical equipment
    to be sterilized and cleaned thoroughly.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
  10. Shanggar, K., Ng, C.H., Razack, A.H., Dublin, N.
    JUMMEC, 2010;13(1):59-62.
    MyJurnal
    Malignant tumours of the scrotum are very rare. Several type of occupations have been identified as high risk for the development of SCC of scrotum e.g paraffin and shale oil workers (1), textile workers (2) etc. We report a rare case of SCC of scrotum. Search of our records in the Urology and Pathology departments of our Centre showed that this is the only case of SCC of the scrotum in the last 10 years.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
  11. Moe, H.
    JUMMEC, 2008;11(1):22-26.
    MyJurnal
    A retrospective cross-sectional study of injury patients who attended the Accident and Emergency Unit was conducted at the University of Malaya Medical Centre. Demographic data with regards to age, sex, race, occupation and the relevant data such as type of accident, type of injury sustained and also severity seen during the month of January 2005 were selected retrospectively from medical record. The objectives were to review road traffic accidents and their severity of injuries among the patients. There were two hundred and forty-three (197 males and 46 females) patients involved: 60% Malays, 16% Chinese, 21% Indians and 3% other ethnic groups. Peak accidents occurred among the 21 to 30 years age group. Among the type of accidents, 65.8% involved motorbike riders, 10.3% car drivers, 8.6% pillion riders, 7.8% car passengers, 5.8% pedestrians and 1.6% were bicycle rider injuries. About 57.6% sustained minor injuries and 42.4% major injuries. There was no significant association between outcome of road traffic accidents and sex, age group and race. However, there was a significant association between type of accidents and severity of injuries (p = 0.014). Males sustained more major injuries and motorbike accidents were the highest among road injuries. Therefore, further prevention and control with emphasis on behavioural changes, education and law enforcement may reduce the number of road traffic accidents in the future.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
  12. Shanggar, K., Muhilan, P., Dublin, N., Lee, George E.G., Azad Hassan, A.R.
    JUMMEC, 2007;10(2):57-59.
    MyJurnal
    Rhabdomyosarcoma of the genitourinary tract is rare and predominantly affects paediatric patients. We present an unusual case of such a lesion in an adult with extensive occupation of the bladder cavity by the lesion, resulting in bilateral ureteric obstruction, without evidence of ureteric outlet invasion. We outline the unusual CT and macroscopic appearance of this lesion. We also discuss the literature data and management strategies of rhabdomyosarcoma of the genitourinary tract.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
  13. Masitah Alias, Zaini Hamzah
    MyJurnal
    The growing concern over the workers safety and health has lead many factories and organizations do the air monitoring to ensure the airborne at their workplace is safe for the worker’s health and complying the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514). In this study, the monitoring covers an indoor air quality and chemical exposure to the workers in one of the power plant repair shop. A few workers from different sections namely blasting, welding, grinding, fitting and maintenance area were chosen to assist in the personal monitoring for 8 hours measurement. PM10 were measured at a few sampling points to collect dusts for 24 hours duration. The samples were brought back to the laboratory for gravimetric and SEM-EDAX analysis. The results were certainly exceed the limit for air quality, and many elements were detected such as Fe, Ni, Al, Si, Ca, K, Ba, S, Cr, Zn and Cl. The present of these elements shows that exposure to these particulate matters is quite risky and some measure needs to be taken for remedial action.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
  14. Shamsul, B.S., Zakirah, M.
    MyJurnal
    The main objective of this study is to determine the association between respirable hexavalent chromium compounds with urinary β2-microglobulin levels among welders in an automotive components manufacturing plant. 49 welders and 39 workers involved in stamping process were selected as the exposed and the comparative group. β2-microglobulin is a protein renal tubular dysfunction marker that can indicate renal dysfunction caused by heavy metal. Air samples of worker’s breathing zone were collected using personal air sampling pump and filter papers. Filter papers were then diluted and analysed with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Workers’ urine samples were collected at the end of 8-hour work shift and analysed with β2-microglobulin ELISA Kit (IBL-Hamburg) and a microtiter reader. Meanwhile, creatinine levels were analysed with creatinine test strips and Reflotron®. A mean concentration of respirable hexavalent chromium compounds in air for the exposed group was 0.135 ± 0.043μg/m3 while for the non-exposed group was 0.124 ± 0.029μg/m3. The mean level of urinary β2-microglobulin per creatinine for the exposed group was 84.996 ± 39.246μg/g while that of the comparative group was 61.365 ± 21.609μg/g. The concentrations of respirable hexavalent chromium compounds were higher in the exposed group compared to the comparative group (Z=-2.444, p=0.015). β2-microglobulin level was also higher in the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group (t=3.821, p=
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
  15. Roseni Abdul Aziz, Mat Rebi Abdul Rani, Jafri Mohd Rohani, Ademola James Adeyemi
    MyJurnal
    Studies have identified working postures as a major risk factors associated with Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) in industries. This study investigated the prevalence of WMSD among assembly workers in Malaysia and how psychosocial factors such as personal values and workers relationship with family and superior are associated with discomfort and pain. A survey was conducted among 127 workers at assembly process in the manufacturing industry. The workers were aged 28.74±6.74 years and 64.6% of them were males. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the effect of workplace factors on WMSD at different body regions. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to investigate association between psychosocial factors and occurrence of discomfort and pain. Only occupation and job activities revealed any significant different with WMSD in the major body regions while there was no significant difference in gender, age and work duration classifications. Shoulder painis the most prevalent in terms of frequency and intensity of occurrence. Psychosocial issues that have to do with person values, effect of job on family relationship and workers rapport with superiors are all found to be associated with the discomfort and pain among the occupational group. Employers and concerned government agencies need to take more proactive steps in tackling the problem as the occurrence of WMSD will have a significant effect on the overall wellbeing of the working population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
  16. Anita, AR., Noor Hassim, I.
    MyJurnal
    Fogging activity has become one of the important methods in tackling dengue outbreaks nowadays. Despite this, it is an occupation that has known hazards namely noise and pesticides which can affect the body organs. Based on this knowledge, a cross sectional study was conducted to determine the association between hearing impairment and serum cholinesterase level among foggers from five randomly selected Health District Offices in Selangor. A total of 200 workers comprising of 100 workers exposed to fogging activity and another 100 workers not exposed were randomly selected for this study. Data was obtained through self administered questionnaire, audiometric testing and serum cholinesterase level measurement. The overall prevalence of hearing impairment was 16% with foggers having significant higher prevalence (24%) compared to the non foggers (8%) (χ2=9.52, p=0.002). Measurement of serum cholinesterase showed that exposed workers had lower level compared to the non exposed group. Similarly, those who have hearing impairment had also lower serum cholinesterase level although it was not statistically different. Among all studied factors, age and duration of exposure to fogging activities were statistically different with hearing impairment (p
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
  17. Abdul Rashid, K., Narayan, K.A., Azizah, A.M.
    MyJurnal
    Fishing industry in Malaysia is dominated by small scale fishing, scattered along the coast of the country. The risk associated with fishing industry is well known but few studies have been done among those in the small scale fishing community. Fishermen not only have to cope with the uncertainty of nature but also the physical demands of the occupation. The objective of the study was to determine the injuries and its associated factors related to the small scale fishing industry. The study was conducted in a fishing village in northern Malaysia, which was hit by tsunami. Most of the boats and fishing gear were donated by many relief agencies. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted using a standardized questionnaire. 50 (83.3%) of the 60 fishermen had consented for the study. All the fishermen were Malays males. 46% (n=23) of the fishermen reported to having sustained injuries. Most of the injuries occurred offshore (p
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
  18. Lim JF
    MyJurnal
    Workers in the health care industry and related occupations are at risk of occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and other potentially infectious agents. The primary route of occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens is accidental percutaneous (through the skin) injury. Health care workers handle sharp devices and equipment such as hypodermic and suture needles, intravenous blood collection devices, phlebotomy devices, and scalpels. Health care workers with the most involvement in direct patient care e.g., nursing staff, sustain the highest proportion of reported NSIs (needle stick injuries).
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
  19. Naemah Tajol Arus, Suhaily Amran, Norhafsam Maghpor, Ahmad Sayuti Zainal Abidin, Nurzuhairah Jamil, Rochi Bakel, et al.
    MyJurnal
    In the recent years, an extensive number of scientific researches on occupational diseases have been done to
    identify occupations at high risk of inducing diseases. There are many categories of occupational diseases, and unitary
    of them are occupational respiratory diseases. This study was conducted in a tea factory located in Cameron Highlands,
    Malaysia, with an output of 600,000.00 kg per annum. Its objective was to evaluate respiratory diseases among the
    workers, conducted via questionnaires, interviews and lung functional tests. A total of 38 workers participated in this
    study, 19 in the exposed group and 19 in the control group. The most common chronic symptoms for the exposed
    group are wheezing, dyspnea (short of breath) and phlegm. The result shows that, among the tea processing workers,
    the exposed group suffer from respiratory diseases.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
  20. Noormaliza, H., Najibah, A.R., Fauzana, M., Azizah, A., Nukhdiha, O.
    MyJurnal
    Stress reduces the performance and productivity of employees.
    One of the most important stressors originate from organizational factors,
    which are decision latitude, psychological demand, social support and job
    insecurity. This creates four kinds of jobs: passive, active, low strain and high
    strain. The objective of the study is to determine the association between
    organizational factors with occupational stress and cortisol level among
    lecturers in University Selangor. This cross-sectional study used a purposive
    sampling, which involved 45 lecturers from various faculties. The instrument
    used in this study was Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) which is a
    Psychosocial Job Assessment Instrument designed by Karasek et al., (1998).
    The questionnaire has been translated to Malay version by Edimansyah et al.,
    (2006). 10ml of blood sample was collected from each respondent by certified
    phlebotomist. Results from the statistical analysis showed that majority of the
    respondents were female (75.6%), aged below forty years old (82.2%), married
    (77.8%) and hold a master degree (68.9%). Most of the respondents were
    found having low decision latitude 35(77.5%). Majority of the respondents
    were also found in passive group 13(28.9%) which were having low
    psychological job demand and low decision latitude, while others are in low
    strain 11(24.4%), high strain 11(24.4%) and active group 10(22.2%)
    respectively. There was a significant association between two organizational
    factors with occupational stress level, which are decision latitude and
    psychological job demand (p0.05). As a
    conclusion, two out of four organizational factors, which are decision latitude
    and psychological job demand showed a significant association with
    occupational stress levels. Cortisol as one of stress biomarkers may not be
    significant due to small sample size.
    Matched MeSH terms: Occupations
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