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Fulltext Awareness, knowledge and attitudes towards epilepsy among rural populations in East Coast Peninsular Malaysia: a preliminary exploration

Neni SW, Latif AZ, Wong SY, Lua PL

Seizure, 2010 Jun;19(5):280-90.
PMID: 20466567 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2010.04.006

This study was carried out to gauge the preliminary insight regarding epilepsy among the rural society. The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine general level of awareness, knowledge and attitudes (AKA) towards epilepsy among rural communities, (2) to compare the AKA level based on socio-demographic characteristics and (3) to investigate rural cohort's perception of the best epilepsy treatment, preference for epilepsy information delivery and preference for mode of transportation to seek medical treatment. This prospective, cross sectional study included a sample of 615 rural residents enrolled via cluster sampling in East Coast region of Peninsular Malaysia (mean age=41.6+/-18.02, female=56.6%, married=65.5%, Malay=94.0%, monthly income < or = RM 500=56.9%). The Total AKA level was generally low (2.66+/-0.7). Gender-wise no significant difference was shown regarding AKA level (p>0.05). However, respondents with higher education significantly possessed better attitudes and higher Total AKA level compared to those with lower education level (p<0.001). Employed respondents reported significantly more favourable attitudes than unemployed respondents (p=0.011). Additionally, higher income rural cohorts possessed both significantly better attitudes and better AKA. These rural communities perceived modern medicine as the best epilepsy treatment (56.60%), preferred to obtain direct epilepsy-related information from health personnel (60.4%) and chose to use their own car to seek medical treatment in hospital (76.30%). The outcomes of this preliminary study signified the need to devise a dedicated epilepsy education program for implementation among rural residents. Increased AKA level in the society could enhance the people's acceptance, reduce stigmatisation and improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for epilepsy patients and their family.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext Pattern of drug utilization in rural Malaysia

Hasamnis AA, Patil SS, Narayan KA, Khan AR, Mohanty BK

Ann Afr Med, 2010 Apr-Jun;9(2):106-7.
PMID: 20587935 DOI: 10.4103/1596-3519.64746
Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Knowledge of and attitudes toward the HPV vaccine among multi-ethnic women from urban/university and rural areas

Wong LP

Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 2011 Feb;112(2):146-7.
PMID: 21130440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2010.09.006
Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Anxiety of the mothers with referred baby during Universal Newborn Hearing Screening

Mohd Khairi MD, Rafidah KN, Affizal A, Normastura AR, Suzana M, Normani ZM

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 2011 Apr;75(4):513-7.
PMID: 21292333 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2011.01.009

To investigate the anxiety among mothers whom their babies have failed test results in the first stage of Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening Program.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Community knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs towards depression in the state of Penang, Malaysia

Khan TM, Sulaiman SA, Hassali MA, Anwar M, Wasif G, Khan AH

Community Ment Health J, 2010 Feb;46(1):87-92.
PMID: 20146000 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-009-9262-z

This study was intended to evaluate the mental health literacy vis-à-vis depression among inhabitants of Penang state in North Malaysia. Using a clustered random sampling method, 1,855 respondents were approached to participate in the survey. A total of 1,149 respondents actually participated, for a 61.9% response rate. Face to face interviews were then conducted using a pre-validated 21-item questionnaire. The mean age of the respondents was 30 years (SD +/-11.5). The majority (n = 884; 76.9%) could recognize three or more symptoms of depression. Chinese and/or female respondents performed the best in this domain. Respondents with a personal experience of depression displayed a significantly better knowledge of symptoms of and therapies for depression than those who did not (t = -35.745, P = <0.001). Overall, a moderate knowledge level of the symptoms of depression and a cursory knowledge towards therapy were observed among the general population in Penang. Notably, respondents were generally inclined towards the use of alternative medicine. The study suggests that strong beliefs in alternative and traditional medicines could undermine the respondents' willingness and ability to seek evidence-based mental health care.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Ethnically diverse female university students' knowledge and attitudes toward human papillomavirus (HPV), HPV vaccination and cervical cancer

Wong LP, Sam IC

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 2010 Jan;148(1):90-5.
PMID: 19910102 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2009.10.002

OBJECTIVE:
Cervical HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease among college-age women. This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes towards HPV infection, HPV vaccination and cervical cancer among female university students, to provide insight into development of HPV educational information.

STUDY DESIGN:
A cross-sectional survey using a convenience sample. A total of 1083 ethnically diverse female students attending a public university were approached and 650 were interviewed.

RESULTS:
Knowledge regarding HPV, HPV vaccination, cervical screening and cervical cancer risk factors was remarkably poor. Across the sample, the mean total knowledge score (14-item) was only 3.25 (S.D. +/-2.41; 95% CI 3.07-3.44). Only 10.3% had heard of the newly released HPV vaccine. Approximately 48% of participants indicated an intention to receive an HPV vaccine. Intention to receive an HPV vaccine was significantly associated with knowledge of HPV and genital warts (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.25-1.88), and knowledge of cervical screening and cervical cancer risk factors (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.11-1.33). Of those who refused HPV vaccination, 50.9% doubted the safety and efficacy of the new vaccine, and 41.5% perceived themselves as not at risk of HPV infection.

CONCLUSION:
The findings suggest that providing education about the etiology of cervical cancer and the HPV link is an essential component to enhance HPV vaccine uptake.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
An assessment of the knowledge, attitudes, and risk perceptions of pharmacy students regarding HIV/AIDS

Ahmed SI, Hassali MA, Aziz NA

Am J Pharm Educ, 2009 Feb 19;73(1):15.
PMID: 19513153

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes, and risk perceptions of University Sains Malaysia final-year pharmacy students regarding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunity deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
METHOD: A cross-sectional study among pharmacy students. Data were analyzed with Chi-square to find difference at p value < 0.05.
RESULTS: The majority of students (83.07%) responded showing a difference in gender and race. Students showed low willingness (9.2%) to assist patients and low confidence (36.1%) in their education about HIV/AIDS patients. Students recommended HIV testing for health care professionals (69.4%) and patients (75.9%) before surgical procedures. Students knew little about Post Exposure Prophylaxis (18.5%) or about the time for HIV to develop into AIDS (57.4%). About 40% of students were unaware of the inability of antivirals to treat HIV/AIDS. Students had low awareness for opportunistic infections (18.5%), and low agreement on competency to treat and counsel HIV patients (12.9%).
CONCLUSION: The study highlighted students' misconceptions, negative attitudes, and risk perceptions towards HIV/AIDS.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Preventing cervical cancer through human papillomavirus vaccination: perspective from focus groups

Wong LP

J Low Genit Tract Dis, 2009 Apr;13(2):85-93.
PMID: 19387128 DOI: 10.1097/LGT.0b013e3181865f44

OBJECTIVE: It has been a little more than a year ago since the prophylactic vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) was released in Malaysia. Little is known about parental knowledge and acceptability of the vaccine. The objective of this study is to assess the mother's knowledge and attitudes toward HPV vaccination. The results are aimed to provide insights into the provision of appropriate educational and promotional program for effective immunization uptake.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Purposive sampling method was adopted for recruitment of participants. A total of 47 mothers participated across 8 focus group discussions carried out between October and November 2007. The transcribed group discussions were analyzed using open-, axial-, and selective-coding procedures.
RESULTS: Respondents have low awareness about the newly released vaccine and the link between HPV and cervical cancer. When provided with information about HPV and cervical cancer, most mothers were in favor of protecting their daughters from cervical cancer using the vaccine. As with any new vaccine, efficacy and safety were the major concern, particularly when the vaccine is recommended to preadolescent. Many expressed concern about the high cost of the vaccine and hope that the inoculation could be at least partially subsidized by the government. A minority were concerned that the sexually transmitted disease-related vaccine would promote sexual activities, and some opposed making vaccination mandatory. For Muslim respondents, the kosher issue of HPV vaccine was an important factor for acceptance.
CONCLUSIONS: Developing public health messages that focus on the susceptibility of HPV infection and its link to cervical cancer to educate parents may have the greatest impact on improving the uptake of the vaccine. Apart from the major concern about safety and efficacy, affordability, and acceptability of vaccinating young children, religious and ethnic backgrounds were important considerations when recommending the HPV vaccine. To foster broad acceptance, these issues need to be addressed before mass vaccination is pushed forward to the Malaysian public.insights into the provision of appropriate educational and promotional program for effective immunization uptake.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext Challenges to cervical screening in a developing country: The case of Malaysia

Othman NH, Rebolj M

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2009;10(5):747-52.
PMID: 20104963

OBJECTIVES: Many developing countries, including Malaysia, will need to continue relying on cervical screening because they will not be able to cover their entire female adolescent populations with HPV vaccination. The aim of this paper was to establish the extent of the health care, informational, financial and psychosocial barriers to cervical screening in Malaysia.

METHODS: A literature search was made for reports on implementation, perceptions and reception of cervical screening in Malaysia published between January 2000 and September 2008.

RESULTS: Despite offering Pap smears for free since 1995, only 47.3% of Malaysian women have been screened. Several factors may have contributed to this. No national call-recall system has been established. Women are informed about cervical screening primarily through mass media rather than being individually invited. Smears are free of charge if taken in public hospitals and clinics, but the waiting times are often long. The health care system is unequally dense, with rural states being underserved compared to their urban counterparts. If the screening coverage was to increase, a shortage of smear-readers would become increasingly apparent.

CONCLUSIONS: Improving screening coverage will remain an important strategy for combating cervical cancer in Malaysia. The focus should be on the policy-making context, improving awareness and the screening infrastructure, and making the service better accessible to women.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext Targeting health disparity in breast cancer: insights into women's knowledge of their cancer profile in Malaysia

Loh S, Packer TL, Yip CH, Passmore A

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2009 Oct-Dec;10(4):631-6.
PMID: 19827884

OBJECTIVE: Poor health literacy is positively associated with poorer quality of health decision-making and health outcomes in women facing a cancer diagnosis. In developing countries, poor access to complete and accurate information continues to pose a challenge for women. This paper describes the knowledge of Malaysian women with regard to breast cancer and how participation in a self-management program can improve the situation.

METHODS: Secondary analysis of data collected during a clinical trial on women newly diagnosed with breast cancer (n=147) was performed to examine baseline knowledge of breast cancer profile. Knowledge levels of women in the experimental (n= 69) group attending a self-management program were compared to a control group (n= 78) to determine change in the level of knowledge over time.

RESULTS: At baseline, a high percentage of women were unaware of their breast cancer profile. Not a single woman had knowledge of all six basic characteristics; 83% did not know their HER2 status, type of breast cancer (68%), grade of cancer cell (64%), hormonal receptor status (55%), size of breast cancer (18%) and/or their stage of breast cancer (13%). At post intervention, there was significantly better knowledge within the experimental group.

CONCLUSION: Malaysian women in this cohort study demonstrated very low levels of knowledge of their cancer profile. Clinical implications for countering treatment-decision difficulties include the need for a shift in the way information and services are delivered to allow women to take a more active role in their own care. Multi-modal efforts including basic information dissemination to increase women's knowledge can contribute to narrowing of the gap in health disparity.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext Survey of knowledge and perception on the access to evidence-based practice and clinical practice change among maternal and infant health practitioners in South East Asia

Martis R, Ho JJ, Crowther CA, SEA-ORCHID Study Group

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 2008;8:34.
PMID: 18680603 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-8-34

Evidence-based practice (EBP) can provide appropriate care for women and their babies; however implementation of EBP requires health professionals to have access to knowledge, the ability to interpret health care information and then strategies to apply care. The aim of this survey was to assess current knowledge of evidence-based practice, information seeking practices, perceptions and potential enablers and barriers to clinical practice change among maternal and infant health practitioners in South East Asia.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Cervical cancer screening attitudes and beliefs of Malaysian women who have never had a pap smear: a qualitative study

Wong LP, Wong YL, Low WY, Khoo EM, Shuib R

Int J Behav Med, 2008;15(4):289-92.
PMID: 19005928 DOI: 10.1080/10705500802365490

Attitudes toward cervical cancer and participation in early detection and screening services are well known to be profoundly affected by cultural beliefs and norms.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext Skills amongst parents of children with asthma: a pilot interventional study in primary care setting

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: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fluid compliance among patients having haemodialysis: can an educational programme make a difference?

Barnett T, Li Yoong T, Pinikahana J, Si-Yen T

J Adv Nurs, 2008 Feb;61(3):300-6.
PMID: 18197864 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2007.04528.x

AIM: This paper is a report of a study to examine the effectiveness of a patient education programme on fluid compliance as assessed by interdialytic weight gain, mean predialysis blood pressure and rate of fluid adherence.
BACKGROUND: Patients with end stage renal disease who receive haemodialysis are often non-compliant with their treatment regime, especially adherence to fluid restrictions.
METHOD: An exploratory study was conducted in 2004-05 using a quasi-experimental, single group design to examine the effectiveness of patient education on fluid compliance in a dialysis centre located in a major teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Twenty-six patients with an interdialytic weight gain of greater than 2.5 kg were identified as non-compliant and recruited to the study. The intervention was carried out over a 2-month period and included teaching and weekly reinforcement about diet, fluids and control of weight gain.
FINDINGS: Patients' mean interdialytic weight gain decreased following the educational intervention from 2.64 kg to 2.21 kg (P < 0.05) and adherence to fluid restrictions increased from 47% to 71% following the intervention. Predialysis mean blood pressure did not improve following the intervention, although the maximum recording for predialysis systolic pressure dropped from 220 mmHg to 161 mmHg. Whilst no statistically significant associations were detected between interdialytic weight gain and age, educational level, marital status or employment status, women demonstrated a greater decrease in mean interdialytic weight gain than men.
CONCLUSION: Nephrology nurses often have long-term relationships with their patients and are ideally placed to provide ongoing education and encouragement, especially for those experiencing difficulties in adhering to fluid and dietary restrictions.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Prevalence and correlates of erectile dysfunction (ED) and treatment seeking for ED in Asian Men: the Asian Men's Attitudes to Life Events and Sexuality (MALES) study

Tan HM, Low WY, Ng CJ, Chen KK, Sugita M, Ishii N, et al.

J Sex Med, 2007 Nov;4(6):1582-92.
PMID: 17908233 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2007.00602.x

INTRODUCTION: There have been limited multiregional studies in Asia examining the parameters of men's general and sexual health and quality of life in the general population vs. those in clinical cohorts of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).
AIMS: The aims of the Asian Men's Attitudes to Life Events and Sexuality (Asian MALES) study were to investigate the prevalence of ED, associated health conditions, and ED treatment-seeking patterns in the general male population in five regions of Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Taiwan).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Standardized questionnaire previously used in a similar multiregional study and modified to ensure culturally appropriate content for Asia.
METHODS: Phase I of the study involved 10,934 adult men, aged 20-75 years, who were interviewed using the standardized questionnaire. Phase II of the study involved men with self-reported ED recruited from Phase I and via physician referral, invitations in general practitioner offices, and street interception (total Phase II sample, N = 1,209).
RESULTS: The overall prevalence of self-reported ED in the Phase I study population was 6.4%. ED prevalence varied by region and significantly increased with age (P < 0.01). Men with ED reported significantly greater rates of comorbid illness (P < 0.0001) and a reduced quality of life (P = 0.0001), compared with men without ED. Phase II of the study revealed that fewer than half of men with self-reported ED had sought treatment for their problem. Men were more likely to seek help for erection difficulties from Western doctors than from traditional medicine practitioners (P = 0.0001). A man's partner/spouse was the most common influencer of treatment seeking in all regions except Malaysia.
CONCLUSION: The findings confirm those of existing research on ED in both Asian and non-Asian males: ED is a prevalent condition; the prevalence of ED increases with age and is strongly associated with comorbid conditions; and the majority of men have never sought treatment for their condition. This study highlights a substantial need for the evaluation and treatment of ED in Asian men.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext The view of gastroenterologists on non-cardiac chest pain in Asia

Cheung TK, Lim PW, Wong BC

Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2007 Aug 15;26(4):597-603.
PMID: 17661763 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03403.x

BACKGROUND: Non-cardiac chest pain is an important disorder in Asia. The practice and views of gastroenterologists on non-cardiac chest pain in this region are not known.
AIMS: To determine the current understanding, diagnostic practice and treatment strategies among gastroenterologists on the management of non-cardiac chest pain in Asia.
METHODS: A 24-item questionnaire was sent to gastroenterologists in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.
RESULTS: 186 gastroenterologists participated with a response rate of 74%. 98% of gastroenterologists managed patients with non-cardiac chest pain over the last 6 months. 64% felt that the number of non-cardiac chest pain patients was increasing and 85% believed that the most common cause of non-cardiac chest pain was GERD. 94% of the gastroenterologists believed that they should manage non-cardiac chest pain patients, but only 41% were comfortable in diagnosing non-cardiac chest pain. The average number of investigations performed was four in non-cardiac chest pain patients, and oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy was the most commonly used initial test. A proton pump inhibitor was considered the first-line treatment in non-cardiac chest pain and was reported as the most effective treatment by the gastroenterologists.
CONCLUSION: Most gastroenterologists were practicing evidence-based medicine, but frequent use of investigations and a lack of awareness of the role of visceral hypersensitivity in non-cardiac chest pain patients were noted.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Fulltext Herbal use amongst multiethnic medical patients in Penang Hospital: pattern and perceptions

Saw JT, Bahari MB, Ang HH, Lim YH

Med J Malaysia, 2006 Oct;61(4):422-32.
PMID: 17243519

A cross sectional survey on pattern and perception of herbal use among medical patients in Penang Hospital was conducted. Among 250 patients surveyed, 67.9% were using herbal medicine and conventional medicine concomitantly. A majority of the patients used herbs for health maintenance (51.3%) purpose. More than 90% of herbal users did not disclose herbal use to their physician and "Doctor never asked" was the major reason given (54.2%). The Chinese reported the highest rate of herbal use but was least likely to disclose. These findings are important for health professionals to ensure medication safety and recognise potential drug herb interaction.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
A survey of contemporary opinions and practices of surgical and intensive care specialists towards peri-operative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in Asia

Lee L, Liew NC, Gee T

Int Angiol, 2012 Dec;31(6):526-33.
PMID: 23222930

This survey was conducted to determine the opinions and practices of peri-operative venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis among surgical and intensive care specialists in Asia.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Does the success of a school-based HPV vaccine programme depend on teachers' knowledge and religion? -- A survey in a multicultural society

Ling WY, Razali SM, Ren CK, Omar SZ

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2012;13(9):4651-4.
PMID: 23167396

Organized introduction of prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination can reduce the burden of cervical cancer in developing countries. One of the most effective ways is through a national school-based program. Information on teachers is therefore important since this group may have a disproportionate influence in the success of any implementation.
OBJECTIVE: To assess teachers' knowledge and perception of HPV, cervical cancer and HPV vaccine prior to commencing a school-based HPV vaccination program in a multiethnic, predominantly Muslim country. Factors associated with acceptability of the vaccine were identified.
METHOD: A bilingual questionnaire was applied to 1,500 secondary school teachers from 20 urban schools in Malaysia. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 17.
RESULTS: 1,166 questionnaires were returned. From this group, 46.1% had never heard of HPV while 50.9% had never had a pap smear. However, 73.8% have heard of the HPV vaccine with 75% agreeing to have it. 96% considered themselves religious with 79.8% agreeing to have the vaccine.
CONCLUSIONS: A national school-based HPV immunization program can be implemented effectively in a multiethnic, cultural and religious country despite limited knowledge of HPV-related pathology among teachers. In addition, the perception that religion has a negative influence on such a program is unwarranted.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice/ethnology*
Fulltext Factors that hinder organ donation: religio-cultural or lack of information and trust

Tumin M, Noh A, Jajri I, Chong CS, Manikam R, Abdullah N

Exp Clin Transplant, 2013 Jun;11(3):207-10.
PMID: 23432623 DOI: 10.6002/ect.2012.0194

This paper examines factors that influence Malaysian persons with a tertiary level of education on their willingness to donate organs.

Matched MeSH terms: Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice/ethnology*

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