Displaying publications 81 - 100 of 115 in total

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  1. Lim, Kuang Kuay, Chan, Ying Ying, Ahmad Ali Zainuddin, Teh, Chien Huey, Hasimah Ismail, Lim, Kuang Hock, et al.
    Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(1):419-424.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), is one of the most important micronutrient
    deficiencies which has multiple adverse effects on growth and development.
    The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IDD among school
    children and to elucidate the distribution of iodized salt at household level in
    Sarawak, East Malaysia.

    Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among school children aged 8 to 10
    years in 2008. A multi-stage probability proportionate to population size
    (PPS) cluster sampling method was used to obtain a representative state
    sample of 1200 school children. Spot urine samples were collected for the
    determination of urinary iodine concentration while the iodine content in salt
    was determined using field rapid test kits. The thyroid status was determined
    by palpation.

    Results Response rate was 92.0% (n=1104/1200). The prevalence of goitre among
    school children in Sarawak was 2.9% (5.2% in urban, 0.7% in rural). The
    median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) among the school children was
    102.1 μg/L (IQR, 62.3-146.5 μg/L). Urban children had significantly higher
    median UIC of 109.3 μg/L (IQR, 72.4-159.0 μg/L) than their rural
    counterparts [91.9 μg/L (IQR, 55.7-140.2 μg/L)]. The salt samples tested by
    rapid test kit (RTK) showed only 46.0% of household salt contained iodine.

    Conclusions The present study revealed that the population in Sarawak were of borderline
    iodine sufficient with mild IDD seen in rural areas. Hence, the state IDD
    control programmes need to encourage and advocate the consumption of
    iodized salt in order to eliminate IDD-related health problems in Sarawak.
  2. Lim, Kuang Kuay, Jambai Endu, Chan, Ying Ying, Teh, Chien Huey, Hasimah Ismail, Lim, Kuang Hock, et al.
    Int J Public Health Res, 2015;5(2):631-636.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction Following the reveal of borderline iodine sufficiency among the Sarawakians
    from the 2008 National Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) survey, a
    mandatory universal salt iodization (USI) was implemented in Sarawak
    thereafter. This study aimed to determine the current status of USI in
    Sarawak after a 3-year implementation of USI from 2008 to 2011.

    Methods The IDD survey was conducted between Jun 2011 to July 2011 involving six
    districts in Sarawak (Sarikei, Mukah, Kapit, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri). The
    schools were selected via multistage proportionate-to-population size
    sampling technique and the children were randomly selected via systematic
    sampling. A total of 19 schools and 661 children were recruited into the
    survey. Thyroid size was determined by palpation and was and graded
    according to the classification of the World Health Organization (grade 0-2).
    The iodine excretion level in spot morning urine was measured using inhouse
    microplate method. The urinary iodine concentration (UIC) values
    were compared by Kruskal-Wallis test and Chi-square tests were used to
    compare categorical variables.

    Results A total of 610 school children were participated in the study (92.3%). The
    TGR of grade 1 and 2 was found to be 0.3% (n = 2). Overall the median UIC
    level was 154.2 (IQR, 92.7 - 229.8) μg/L, with the highest median UIC been
    observed in Sarikei [178.0 (IQR, 117.6 - 308.9) μg/L], followed by Mukah
    [174.8 (IQR, 99.0 - 224.3) μg/L)], Miri [158.6 (IQR, 92.3 - 235.4) μg/L],
    Sibu [147.0 (IQR, 89.8 - 221.4) μg/L], Bintulu [142.3 (IQR, 52.8 - 245.1)
    μg/L] and Kapit [131.0 (IQR, 88.6 - 201.9) μg/L]. One in every ten child was
    of iodine deficient (UIC < 50μg/L) while a third of the child (32%) were of
    adequate level of UIC.

    Conclusion The present findings indicate that the mandatory USI successfully improves
    the iodine level of children in Sarawak. However, regular and proper
    monitoring of the UIC level in the communities is needed to prevent
    excessive iodine intake.
  3. Kadhim Jawad Obaid
    Int J Public Health Res, 2011;1(2):41-49.
    MyJurnal
    A prospective study done In al Zaafaranya General Hospital in Baghdad/Iraq In the period between April 2003 and February 2007. Ninety two patients admitted to the surgical wards diagnosed as Intestinal obstruction. The aim is to find out the possible common conditions resulting in causing this common surgical emergency. Also to compare the provisional clinical diagnosis about ischemic obstruction and the definitive post operative diagnosis. To encourage post graduate students to use their clinical abilities with the few laboratory and radiological facilities available needed to decide about the management of those patients.
  4. Zafar Ahmed, Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Aisha Abdussalam, Mahmud Hanesh, Suriati Sukeri, Joseph, Leonard
    Int J Public Health Res, 2012;2(1):65-74.
    MyJurnal
    OBJECTIVE. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a one of the major cause of death and disability worldwide. This study aimed to compare the quality of life (QOL), Activity of Daily Living (ADL), Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) and general health symptoms pre and after hospital-based respiratory physiotherapy program among COPD patients. METHODS. Pre and post intervention study was conducted between January and July 2010. A total of 54 subjects aged between 30 to 40 years old were recruited for this study using universal sampling method from Alzawia Teaching Hospital, Libya. Data collected were socio-demographic data, QOL (before and after the intervention) using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire, ADL using the Barthel Index and the General Health Symptoms.
    RESULTS.. The mean SF-36 score for QOL is 30.13 (SD = 8.06) and 63.46 (SD = 13.53) before and after the physiotherapy respectively (with the p <0.0001). Patients’ Activity of Daily Living mean scores are 70.18, (SD = 16.50) and mean = 88.89 (SD = 13.28) before and after program (p< 0.0001). The general medical condition mean score after respiratory physiotherapy is 3.72 as compared to 4.96 before the respiratory physiotherapy (p< 0.0001). Pulmonary Function Test shows improvement in actual/predicted FEV1 ratio in all 54 cases with mean improvement from 55.85 before to 81.67 after the pulmonary physiotherapy (with the p <0.0001).
    CONCLUSION. Hospital based respiratory physiotherapy program had significantly improved QOL, pulmonary function and activities of daily living among the subjects.
  5. Shamsuddin N, Poh BK, Syed Zakaria SZ, Noor MI, Jamal R
    Int J Public Health Res, 2015;5(2):643-653.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Validation of instruments is essential when assessing physical activity (PA). The aim of this study was to validate a Malay language version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-M) against Actical accelerometer and to determine its reliability and validity.
    Methods: A total of 90 Malay adults aged 35-65 years old participating in The Malaysian Cohort project were recruited for this study. The IPAQ-M is comprised of 12 items, covering vigorous, moderate, walking, sitting and sleeping activities, and was administered on two occasions (Day 1 and Day 9) by interviewing the participants. Participants wore the Actical accelerometer for seven consecutive days between the two interview sessions. Results Validity tests showed that time spent in moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (min/wk) from IPAQ-M was significantly correlated with MVPA from accelerometer (rho=0.32, p<0.01). Time spent in vigorous activity (rho=0.44) and total activity (rho=0.36) from IPAQ-M were significantly correlated (p<0.01) with that measured by accelerometer, but no correlation was observed for sedentary behaviour. Reliability tests revealed significant correlations between the two interview sessions for all intensities of PA (rho=0.55 to 0.71, p<0.01). Bland-Altman plots showed that time spent in MVPA for IPAQ-M was significantly different from that measured by accelerometer (mean difference: 98.02 min/wk; 95% limits of agreement: -785.33 to 1317.83 min/wk; p<0.01). When classifying people into meeting PA recommendation, the agreement between the two instruments was fair (κ=0.22).
    Conclusions The IPAQ-M has acceptable validity for MVPA, vigorous and total physical activity, and was reliable for assessing the physical activity of Malay adults.
    Keywords Health care workers - Knowledge - Practice - Universal precaution - Health center.
    Study name: The Malaysian Cohort (TMC) Project
  6. Aniza Ismail, Saperi Sulung, Syed Mohamed AlJunid, Nor Hamdan Mohd Yahaya, Husyairi Harunarashid, Oteh Maskon, et al.
    Int J Public Health Res, 2012;2(2):153-160.
    MyJurnal
    Clinical pathways have been implemented in many healthcare systems with mix results in improving the quality of care and controlling the cost. CP is a methodology used for mutual decision making and organization of care for a well-defined group of patients within a well-defined period. In developing the CPs for a medical centre, several meetings had been carried out involving expert teams which consist of physicians, nurses, pharmacists and physiotherapists. The steps used to develop the pathway were divided into 5 phases. Phase 1: the introduction and team development, Phase II: determining the cases and information gathering, Phase III: establishing the draft of CP, Phase IV: is implementing and monitoring the effectiveness of CP while Phase V: evaluating, improving and redesigning of the CP. Four CPs had been developed: Total Knee Replacement (TKR), ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (AMI), Chronic Obstructive Airways Diseases (COAD) and elective Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS). The implementation of these CPs had supported the evidence-based medicine, improved the multidisciplinary communication, teamwork and care planning. However, the rotation of posts had resulted in lack of document ownership, lack of direction and guidance from senior clinical staff, and problem of providing CPs prior to admission. The development and implementation of CPs in the medical centre improved the intra and inter departmental communication, improved patient outcomes, promote patient safety and increased patient satisfaction. However, accountability and understanding of the CPs must be given more attention.

    Study site: Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM)
  7. Idayu Badilla Idris
    Int J Public Health Res, 2017;7(2):829-835.
    MyJurnal
    Emotional and behavioural problems among children have been increasing in many western as
    well as the eastern countries. Although the problem has been given attention and priority in
    terms of early detection, many children with early symptoms of emotional and behavioural
    problems has still not been detected at the early stages. This phenomenon is worrying as mental
    health problems were shown to be stable in the long run and if left undetected it may manifest
    into various problems in adulthood. This paper explores the issues on emotional and
    behavioural problems in terms of its definition, prevalence, aetiology, long term consequences
    and treatment. It also explores on mental health problems in a non-western country, i.e.
    Malaysia including its prevalence and intervention strategies which has been carried out in
    overcoming this worrying issue. Finally this review paper stresses the importance of providing
    a well-designed epidemiological study in Malaysia in assessing the current prevalence of
    emotional and behavioural problems in young children and adolescent
  8. Jiee SF, Safii R, Hazmi H
    Int J Public Health Res, 2018;8(2):956-964.
    MyJurnal
    INTRODUCTION: Antenatal care is widely acknowledged as an effective tool to prevent adverse outcomes in pregnant women and their children. In Malaysia, early entry to antenatal care refers to a first visit within the 12th week of gestation. Delayed access to antenatal care has not been extensively studied in Malaysia, whereas several studies have reported a high prevalence of late antenatal booking in developing countries. The objective of this study was to determine the factors and barriers associated with late antenatal booking and the level of knowledge about the timing of antenatal booking among women of childbearing age in the Lundu District of Sarawak.
    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study among 284 pregnant women in all five Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Clinics of Lundu.
    RESULTS: The prevalence of late antenatal booking in Lundu was 28.2%. Unmarried women were more likely to book their pregnancy late compared to married women. The prevalence of late antenatal booking was also higher among unemployed women than those who were employed. Respondents without their own income also tended to book their pregnancy later than those who had their own income. Significantly, a high percentage of late antenatal booking was also reported among those who never utilize any contraceptive method, did not plan their pregnancy, those without a history of past medical illness or complications in a previous pregnancy and among those who have a problem with their marriage certificate. Those who booked their pregnancy beyond the 12th week of gestation were also reported to have a lower level of knowledge about the need for an antenatal booking, as compared to those who started their antenatal care early.
    CONCLUSION: Unplanned pregnancy, marriage certificate issues, an absence of past medical illness and past obstetric complications were significant predictors of late antenatal booking. Correct and appropriate information relating to antenatal care should be delivered to the public. Health education and advocacy are vital to promote the importance of early antenatal booking to achieve the goal of safe motherhood.
    Study site: Maternal and Child Health Clinics, Lundu, Sarawak, Malaysia
  9. Hayward G
    Int J Public Health Res, 2011;1(2):100-102.
    MyJurnal
    The World Health Organisation (WHO, 2006) defines teenage pregnancy as a 'teenaged or underaged girl (usually within the ages of 13-19) becoming pregnant.' The term usually refers to women who become pregnant, who have not reached legal adulthood; legal adulthood varies in different countries. The term teenage pregnancy is widely used however, to mean unmarried adolescent girls who become pregnant. Pregnant teenagers face many additional obstetric, medical & social issues compared to women who give birth in their 20s and 30s. Most at risk are mothers under fifteen and those living in developing countries. Complications during pregnancy and delivery are the leading causes of death for girls aged 15 to 19 in developing countries; they are twice as likely to die in childbirth as women in their twenties, with adolescents accounting for 13% maternal deaths worldwide. There is evidence to show (UNICEF Malaysia, 2008) that teenage pregnancy is associated with lower educational levels, higher rates of poverty and that the situation is often repeated with children of teenage parents. In addition, teenage pregnancy is often outside of marriage and therefore carries a social stigma in many cultures and community.
  10. Muhammad Naim Mat Salleh, Halim Ismail, Hanizah Mohd Yusoff
    Int J Public Health Res, 2020;10(1):1183-1194.
    MyJurnal
    Emergency work with regular exposure to traumatic events may cause a large burden of mental health consequences. Among the first responders, firefighters are generally said to have a larger risk for PTSD as they involve directly and indirectly with critical incidents and traumatic events as part of their duties. This systematic review will determine the prevalence of PTSD and identify factors which associated to the PTSD among firefighters.
  11. Natrah Rani, Faiz Daud, Hamidah Alias
    Int J Public Health Res, 2018;8(2):988-997.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction. The care of children with leukemia requires a high degree of observation and attention to ensure that the recommended treatment by the specialists is well implemented. This could somehow affect the social functionality, increase stress, anxiety and depression among caregivers of children with leukemia. Thus, this cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the prevalence and factors influencing stress, depression and anxiety among caregivers of
    children with leukemia.
    Methods. Number of sample is 54 respondents. Data were measured using the Bahasa Malaysia version of DASS-21 which was validated in previous study.
    Results The results showed that prevalence of low level stress among caregivers to children with leukemia was 88.9% while prevalence of high level stress was 11.1%. The prevalence of low level anxiety was 90.7% and the prevalence of
    high level anxiety was 9.3%. The prevalence of low level depression was 96.3% and the prevalence of high level depression was 3.7%. There were several factors that significantly influenced the stress and depression among
    the caregivers (p <0.05). Among the factors associated with stress status were the religion of caregivers and gender of the patients (p <0.05). Factors associated with depression status were the sex of caregivers and the relationship between caregivers and family members (p <0.05).
    Conclusions. In conclusion, socio demographic factors and the relationship between caregivers and family members affect stress and depression among caregivers while factors of knowledge-level do not affect stress, anxiety and depression among caregivers. Strategies are needed to help reduce stress, anxiety and depression among caregivers of children with leukemia.
    Keywords: Stress - Anxiety - Depression - Caregivers - Children with leukemia.
  12. Lim KK, Chan YY, Mahmud NA, Ismail H, Tan BC, Chua BK, et al.
    Int J Public Health Res, 2018;8(2):980-986.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) during pregnancy may impair the neurological development of the fetus. The aim of this study is to determine the iodine status among pregnant women (PW) in Sarawak after introduction of mandatory universal salt iodisation (USI) for seven years.
    Methods A total of 508 first trimester PW attending government Maternal and Child Health Care clinics in all 11 divisions in Sarawak between 1st April and 15th June 2015 were recruited. Urine samples were obtained and analysed for urinary iodine concentration (UIC) using the modified Sandell-Kolthoff reaction method. For pregnant women, an adequate iodine intake was defined as a median UIC between 150-249 µg/L according to the WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD’s criterion. For further analyses, the 11 divisions were then combined into 3 regions, namely Northern (Miri, Bintulu, Limbang), Central (Kapit, Mukah, Sibu, Sarikei, Betong) and Southern (Kota Samarahan, Kuching, Sri Aman).
    Results TThe median UIC of the PW in Sarawak was 105.6 µg/L, indicating iodine deficiency. A total of 330 (65.0%) PW had UIC<150 µg/L. In terms of urinary iodine levels by region, the median UIC in Northern, Central and Southern regions were 136.3 µg/L, 85.5 µg/L and 97.4 µg/L respectively. The differences in median UIC between regions were significant. In addition, the Northern region (p = 0.001), Malay/Melanau ethnicity (p = 0.015) and parous parity (p = 0.014) were significantly associated with higher median UIC. No significant association was found for locality, age nor gravida.
    Conclusions This study indicates inadequate iodine status among PW in Sarawak despite seven years of mandatory USI. In fact, the majority of PW appear not to be protected against IDD and its consequences. In future, a comprehensive study should be carried out to determine the levels of iodine in salt at the retail outlets, villages and households in Sarawak.
    Keywords Iodine deficiency disorders - Pregnant women - Mandatory USI - Sarawak
  13. Ellyana Mohamad Selamat, Nurcholisah Fitra, Siti Rasidah Abd Ghani, Faiz Daud
    Int J Public Health Res, 2020;10(2):1242-1250.
    MyJurnal
    Medical and health insurance provides financial protection against the consequences of the occurrences of health risks. Different perceptions have led to resistance to change, as well as the acceptance level from Malaysians. It is fundamental to study the reception and acceptance of all types of insurance schemes by Malaysians and to identify the knowledge and information pertaining to reception by Malaysians. A systematic search was performed from six major search engines from 2013– 2018 in searches of published articles on factors that influence the demand or willingness to pay for health insurance among Malaysians. There were nine articles included, in which personal factor was found to influence the most when demanding for health insurance. Higher education level, younger age group, and good knowledge were associated with higher demand for health insurance. Higher household monthly income and the cost to pay were among the positively significant economic determinant factors to demand for medical insurance. Education and promotion are important to understand why such policies were introduced and how they intend to serve the public before implementing major policies. These elements capture the essence of ‘health promotion’, which is about enabling people to take control over their health and thereby, improving their health.
  14. Abdulrahman Al Aizary, Faiz Daud
    Int J Public Health Res, 2016;6(1):700-706.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction Prolonged mechanical ventilation among cardiac surgery patient has been
    found to be correlated with negative clinical outcome and increased
    healthcare resources utilization. Prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV)
    was defined as the accumulative duration of 24 hours or more of
    postoperative endotracheal intubation starting from transfer of the patient to
    cardiac ICU. This study is aimed to identify the risk factors preoperative,
    intra operative and postoperative for prolonged ventilation among cardiac
    patients in AL-Thawra Modern General Hospital (TMGH).

    Methods Observational study design was conducted during a two-month period (from
    1 August 2014 to 30 September 2014). It was among 70 patients who were
    admitted to cardiac surgery intensive care unit in Al-Thawra Modern General
    Hospital and selected by convenient sampling. The soci-demographic
    characteristic and clinical patient data were collected using short
    questionnaire developed by researcher. All patients had the same anesthetic
    and postoperative management. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS
    version 20 and using bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression.
    The p-value of < 0.05 was found to be statistically significant.

    Results Incidence of prolonged mechanical ventilator post cardiac surgery was 37.1%
    (26/70) through bivariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression. Low
    Ejection fraction of Left Ventricle was inversely related to mechanical
    ventilation time (AOR= 0.872) with 95% confidence interval [0.790 - 0.963],
    hemodynamic instability were associated with prolonged mechanical
    ventilation time (AOR=16.35) with 95% confidence interval [2.558 -
    104.556].

    Conclusion Low ejection fraction of Left Ventricle and Hemodynamic Instability post
    operation were identified risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation
    post cardiac surgery.
  15. Fadil Lokman ML
    Int J Public Health Res, 2013;3(1):232-235.
    MyJurnal
    It all started with a SSM research. SSM, which is an abbreviation for ‘Special Study Module’ is a unique module in the curriculum of the Medical Faculty National University of Malaysia (UKM), where each students were required to do a medical research in the field that we have interest in. Being interested in the field of public health, 3 of my friends and I did a research on the prevalence of tuberculosis in Cheras using the graphic informational system (GIS) to map each case of tuberculosis on the map of Kuala Lumpur. Our supervisor was Associate Professor Dr Shamsul Azhar, who is himself an expert on the field of GIS study and has been doing his PhD research using the same system in Niigata University, Japan for almost 4 years. During one of our SSM meetings, he mentions that the post-graduate students in UKM has done several visits to Niigata University and brought up the idea that maybe the undergraduate students like us could do the same. (Copied from article).
  16. Norlen Mohamed, Noradrenalina Isah, Fadhli Yussof
    Int J Public Health Res, 2011;1(1):48-54.
    MyJurnal
    Accepted 11 August 2011.
    Introduction Despite of its importance for preventing fatal and severe injuries in an event of a crash, limited studies were conducted to find out the status of seatbelt use among rear passengers in Malaysia. This study was conducted to the determine seatbelt use among rear passengers in Malaysia in conjunction with the introduction of the rear seatbelt law that took effect on 1st January 2009.
    Methods Two methods were used; the roadside observations and surveys. A total of 4180 rear passengers were observed during the road side observation and 793 rear passengers were interviewed in the survey.
    Results About 41.8 % (95 % CI: 38.3, 45.4) of rear passengers interviewed reported that they “Always/Often’ wore safety belts, while roadside observation recorded slightly lower rate (36.2 % [95 % CI: 34.8, 37.7]). Based on the roadside observation method, male rear passengers were more likely to use rear seatbelts as compared to female rear passengers (with Odd Ratio: 1.17 (95 % CI: 1.03, 1.33)). Both methods consistently reported that rear passengers of Multipurpose Vehicle (MPV)/Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) (survey method “always wear”: 39.3 %, Odd Ratio: 2.02 [95 % CI: 1.13, 3.61], roadside observation method: 51.9 %, Odd Ratio: 2.23 [95 % CI: 1.89, 2.62]) were two times more likely to wear seatbelts as compared to rear passengers of a car.
    Conclusions The two research methods indicate rear passengers in Malaysia were consistently having low seatbelt usage rate. As the rear seatbelt advocacy and enforcement programme are new in Malaysia, efforts to advocate rear seatbelt use should be strengthened. The changes in rear seatbelt usage rate need to be tracked regularly and as an alternative to roadside observation method, interview survey method could be used to measure the seatbelt usage rate and to identify the reason for not using safety belt among rear passengers.
  17. How, Vivien, Zailina Hashim, Dzolkhifli Omar
    Int J Public Health Res, 2015;5(2):592-596.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction This paper aims to investigate the potential pesticide dermal contamination
    among the agricultural community by observing the microenvironmental and
    macroactivity interaction between farm children and adult farmer.

    Methods A 24 hours timeline activity was observed and recorded in the agricultural
    farming village, Kuala Selangor. In this study, 2 homes were monitored for 2
    days following a pesticide application. A total of 2 adult farmers and 5
    children (7-10 year old) were recruited to participate in this study. Twentyfour
    hour videotape segments and time-activity diaries were collected during
    the study.

    Results The microenvironment and macroactivity interaction were modelled in this
    study. By considering only the potential dermal exposure pathway, the
    different biological vulnerability and exposure pattern to pesticides were
    observed. Finding showed a greater extent of interaction between human and
    its environment, where adult farmers are the main contributor of
    environmental contaminants, and children is one of the vulnerable receivers
    of the contaminants’ residuals from the environment.

    Conclusion The daily activities and behaviors practiced by the agricultural community
    were among the contributing factors which help to highlight the pesticide
    dermal contamination pathway in the farming village. This study
    recommends the necessary to consider the microenvironment and
    macroactivity of the target community when assess their exposure levels to
    the environment contaminants.
  18. Norlen Mohamed, Lokman Hakim Sulaiman, Thahirahtul Asma Zakaria, Anis Salwa Kamarudin, Daud Abdul Rahim
    Int J Public Health Res, 2016;6(1):685-694.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction During haze, at what level should Air Pollutant Index (API) showed, public
    or private school be closed is not without controversy and is very much
    debated. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to objectively quantify the
    potential inhaled dose of PM10 associated with exposure at school and home
    microenvironments during haze. The result of the health risk assessment will
    be used to propose the API level for closing the school during haze episode.

    Methods A hypothetical haze exposure scenario was created using the breakpoints of
    PM10 concentration for calculation of API and respective inhaled dose during
    haze. To determine the potential inhaled dose, we have considered many
    factors that include time spent for specific physical intensity at school and
    home microenvironments, age-specific and physical intensity-specific
    inhalation rate (m3/min), and the indoor/outdoor ratio of PM10. To calculate
    risk quotient (RQ), the inhaled dose was compared with the health reference
    dose computed based on the concentration of PM10 in the Malaysian
    Ambient Air Quality Standard.

    Results When considering the specific exposure at each microenvironment (school
    and home), the potential inhaled dose of PM10 was substantially lower when
    school is closed for both primary and secondary school. The calculated risk
    quotient (RQ) indicates that primary school children are likely to be affected
    at slightly lower PM10 concentration (equivalent to API of 197) as compared
    to secondary school children. Short duration of high physical activity
    intensity during school breaks has contributed to a large proportion of inhaled
    dose among school children indicating the important to avoid physical
    activities during haze.

    Conclusion Based on the assessment, taking into account the uncertainty of risk
    assessment methodology, we proposed school to be closed when API reach
    190 for both primary and secondary schools. These findings and
    recommendations are only valid for naturally ventilated school and applicable
    in the context of the current API calculation system and the existing
    Recommended Air Quality Guideline values in Malaysia.
  19. Toh, Teck Hock, Nurhilda Abdullah, Chua, Soh Yian, Muhamad Rais Abdullah, Islia Nahazatul, Chieng, Lee Ling
    Int J Public Health Res, 2011;1(2):66-71.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction Special Olympics (SO) Inc. is an organization for people with intellectual disability (ID) to actively engaging in Olympic-type sport and participating in competition. Special Olympic Inc. provides Healthy Athletes Programme (HAP®) in screening and providing health education to Special Olympic Athletes. Objective To study the body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), visual acuity and hearing status of children and young adult with ID in Special Olympics Sarawak. Methods Health data were collected by trained health professionals under HAP®held in conjunction with Special Olympics Sarawak State Games on 17th and 18th April 2010 in Sibu. Health data collected were athletes' weight, BMI, BP, ear canal screen and hearing status (oto-acoustic emission, pure tone audiometry), as well as eye health and visual acuity, using guidelines set by HAP®. Results 195 athletes attended the State Games in 2010 of which 138 were screened. Significant number of athletes was considered overweight / obese (31.5% for children and 36.9% for adult). More than 20% of the adult athletes were hypertensive or at risk of hypertension. Sixteen percent of the adult athletes had hearing loss. More than half of the adult and children athletes never had eye checks, and a significant numbers of them had abnormal eye tests results. Conclusions Health screening conducted during the HAP® is a useful screening program in this population. Health data collected can bring awareness to athletes and their family, and corrective measures in hearing and visual impairment can be taken immediately.
  20. Edmund Yu, Wei Chang, Narwani Hussin, Marliana Abd Rahim, Sreevali, Muthuvadivelu, Chan, Wai Seong
    Int J Public Health Res, 2018;8(1):907-912.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction There is an increasing trend of obesity in children and adolescent globally. The objectives of this study were to identify the prevalence of overweight and obesity among students from secondary schools and to determine the mean random blood sugar (RBS) for the overweight and obese students.
    Methods This was a cross sectional study. Two secondary schools that were scheduled for visit by the School Health Team, Taiping in July 2016 were included. A standardized data collection sheet was used to collect the data. Overweight and obesity were defined based on WHO 2007 reference for BMI-for-age criteria. Random blood glucose was checked for overweight and obese students.
    Results A total of 184 school students consented and participated. 128 (69.6%) were female and 90 (48.9%) were Malays. The mean weight and height were 56.21 kg and 1.61 m respectively with BMI of 21.49 kg/m2. Overall, the prevalence of obese and overweight were 12.5% and 10.9% respectively. Among the 4 BMI groups, there were no significant difference found in sex (p=0.849) and races (p=0.536). However, there was significant difference (p=0.042) in mean RBS for obese and overweight students between races. RBS readings among overweight and obese students were within normal range with mean of 5.95 (0.67) mmol/l (range between 4.60 – 7.70 mmol/l).
    Conclusions The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity were comparable with other studies done in Malaysia. Nevertheless, there was no prevalence of Type II diabetes mellitus among them.
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