Pregnant women are at higher risk of transmitting the infections to their foetus. This prompted the “Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) Program” in Malaysia since 1998. The objective of this cross sectional study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of pregnant mothers in the west of Sabah towards HIV/AIDS and its influencing factors. Data were obtained through self administered questionnaires. Results showed that only 32.2% of the
respondents have good knowledge compared to 67.8% who had poor knowledge (p
A cross·sectional study was done to determine the capacity of Public Health Inspectors in Selangor using a seh administered questionnaire and universal sampling, to determine the enforcement of public health legislation and its influencing factors. A total of 99 respondents from the District Health Offices and 100 respondents from the Local Health Departments participated. The level of enforcement is generally low in all the units except for the Food Unit and Sanitary and Hygiene Units. Factors influencing enforcement of Public Health Legislations are the unit where the respondents worlc and the length of service with the unit. Further analysis using multiple logistic regression, found that respondents from the Food Unit (OR ZZ; 95% C1: 7 .9-58.9 ) , being in the
U8 category (OR 5; 95% C1: l.4» 17.6), service offour years and above in the same unit (OR 6; 95% C1: 2.2»13.8) , received service rewards (OR 3; 95% C1 : 1.2· 6.9); low exposure to bribery (OR 46; 95% C1: 2.3·100.0) and offered bribes while on the field (OR 3; 95% C1: 1.02» 4.8) have higher kvel enforcement performance. Attention must be given to the enforcement organization with respect to duration of service, service awards and monitoring of bribes exposure to help develop the enforcement of public health legislations.
Lower back, neck and shoulder pain are the most prevalent musculoskeletal problems affecting office workers worldwide, and they have both personal and socioeconomic consequences as well. Several hypotheses regarding the underlying mechanisms and the maintenance behind office work-related musculoskeletal disorders have been presented. There is some evidence, based on epidemiological studies as well as studies upon smaller groups of subjects, that individuals who sit and work for a long time not only show cognitive impairment at the workplace, but also suffer from poorer and fragmented daytime sleep, in addition to increased risks of developing various psychological, physiological and medical impairments and musculoskeletal disorders. The related physical mechanisms behind musculoskeletal disorders are discussed in the context of new findings. The main causes, as well as varying levels in severity of musculoskeletal disorders,not to mentionthe link between such disorders in the neck, shoulder and lower back regions and physical activity among office workers are also stated. The main objective of this review paper is to conduct a systematic review to identify musculoskeletal disorders and how these disorders are
correlated with physical activity among office workers. The results of this review indicate that the musculoskeletal disorder is a critical issue among office workers and the main cause is related to the absence of physical activity as well as the subjects’ sedentary lifestyle. As a practical message, regular physical activity can be effective in the prevention and decrease of physical discomfort among office workers who suffer from musculoskeletal pain.
A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2009 till May 2010 to determine the quality of life and factors influencing it among physically disabled teenagers. Data were collected from 59 physically disabled teenagers using guided questionnaire Short Form 36 (SF-36) and General Health Questionnaires 12 (GHQ 12). Quality of life among physically disabled teenagers is low for most domains of SF-36 as compared to the general Malaysian population. There was significant difference in quality of life among different races (mental health domain) and among different educational level and type of disability (physical functioning domain). There was no significant association between general health domain and other variables. Higher satisfaction in house, school and recreational environment showed a better quality of life. Higher stress level had a lower quality of life. Lack of disabled friendly environment at home, school and recreational places probably contribute to their quality of life. Schools and public places should have more disabled friendly facilities to improve independency and accessibility. Better education and training will increase their independence and enhance self-confidence. More attention and support at this age is important for them to develop interpersonal skills and character for their future.
The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of hand-arm vibration (HAVS) among the automobile
assembly workers and the associated risks. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of
HAVS and also ascertain the association between HAVS and reduction in VPT among workers using vibration hand held
tool in automobile industry. Aim of this study was to determine the prevalence Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
(HAVS) among vibrating hand held tool exposed workers. A cross sectional study design using structured
questionnaire and invasive measurement of vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) at the fingertips was conducted
in one of the automobile company in Klang Valley. All the respondents were hand arm vibration exposed workers. A
total 109 assembly line workers with at least one year job tenure participated in this study. The finding revealed
that 27.5% of workers reported HAVS through questionnaire. This study consisted of 109 respondents. All of them
were male. The mean age was 32.9 years. The mean daily vibration exposure for 8-hours was 1.41m/s2. There was
11% of the tools measured were above the Action Level recommended by European Union Directive 2002. The overall
prevalence of HAVS based on reported symptom through questionnaire was 27.5%. None of the respondent reported
any whiteness at their fingers due to exposure to vibration. However, 36.7% of the respondent reported tingling
sensation and 57.8 % reported the feeling of numbness in their hands. Only 10.1% claim that the pain was
persistence. Since this study was done among exposed workers without control group, the thresholds were measured
by comparing the observed VPT with the VPT of healthy population provided by ISO 13091-2. The result showed that
98.2% of the respondent in this study having positive threshold which indicate the percentage of respondent that
having deterioration in finger tactile perception. The positive threshold from comparison above showed that the
respondent of this study was affected with the vibration exposure. The value proven that the exposure has caused
the deterioration of tactile sensitivity in 98.2% of respondent in this study which showed by having positive threshold
compared to healthy population. The result also showed that there was a significant correlation between daily
vibration exposure A (8) and VPT at both frequency tested which was 31.5Hz (r = 0.417, p = 0.002) and 125Hz (r =
0.480, p = 0.001). Even though the mean daily vibration exposure for 8-hours was low and below the recommended
level, the workers still exposed to the effect of hand arm vibration.
Tuberkulosis merupakan penyakit yang masih meigadi masalah kesihatan di seluruh dunia amnya dan di Malaysia khasnya. Kajian telah dilakukan ali Cheras, Kuala Lumpur menggunakan aplikasi GIS untuk mengenalpasti taburan geografi dan tren tuberkulosis daripada tahun 1996 sehingga tahun 2000. Kajian ini juga dilakukan untuk melihat kebolehan GIS sebagai alat surveilan penyakit beyangkit. Hasil kajian dengan menggunakan aplikasi GIS mendapati tren peningkatan tuberkulosis di kawasan·kawasan yang tertentu di Cheras. Penumpuan kes-kes tuberkulosis dapat dilihat di kawasan taburan penduduk yang kepadatan tinggi dan sederhana tinggi terutama di kawasan Kampung Pandan, kawasan penempatan Jalan Cheras dan Bandar Tun Razak. Kes—kes tersebut juga kebanyakannya adalah dalam lingkungan 100 meter ke 200 meter di antara satu sama lain. Kesimpulannya secara am, aplikasi GIS memberikan dimensi baru dalam kawalan penyakit dan ia pasti dapat digunakan dalam membantu aktiviti surveilan penyakit tuberkulosis.
Limited studies on prevalence and risk factors of Premature Coronary Artery Disease (PCAD) were done in Malaysia, primarily on lipid profile. This cross sectional study aims to identify any changing patterns in prevalence and risk factors of Premature CAD between 2000 and 2012. From 2000 to 2012 we included 21862 patients who underwent the first Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). Analysis of risk factors was done to 1660 and 2098 patients from year 2007 and 2012 respectively. Age of less than 45 years was taken as PCAD. Data was collected from PCI database of National Heart Institute (NHI), NHI TrakCare System, and patients’ medical records. PCAD significantly decreased from 18.8% (2000) to 11.6% (2012). Malay ethnicity showed increasing trend over the years from 55.1% to 66.9%. Multiple logistic regression analysis in 2007 showed that smoking had the higher risk (AOR=2.52), followed by male gender (AOR=2.06), family history of PCAD (AOR=1.96), Indian ethnicity, (AOR=1.65), triglycerides level (AOR=1.20) and BMI (AOR=1.06). In 2012, family history of PCAD had the highest risk (AOR=2.00) followed by smoking (AOR=1.91) and BMI (AOR=1.11). There are changes in risk factors patterns of premature CAD between 2007 and 2012. Most of them are preventable at earlier stage.
Occupational Related Chronic Low Back Pain (OCLBP) is a globally recognized illness that causes reduction in productivity and substantial economic burden to the countries. It requires a multidisclipinary approach involving employer, healthcare provider, compensatory and enforcement agencies. However there is no specific guideline or pathway that has integrated the roles of each responsible agency. The objective of this article is to highlight the need and to propose a coordinated approach through the concept of Integrated Care Pathway (ICP). Therefore, we reviewed international and local guidelines as well as published articles on chronic low back pain and care pathway. We believed that development of a pathway will be able to organize the role of management at every level, reducing the variations in the management, addressing issues of communicating the findings between the responsible stakeholders, fulfilling the requirements as the laws, allows effective and feasible approaches to take place in terms of cost and practicality, and increase the awareness on occupational diseases. Expected challenges such as limitation of resources, unawareness and lack of understanding on OCLBP from every level are issue that we agreed can be bridged through ICP.
A diarrhoea outbreak had occurred among neonates delivered in a private hospital in Kedah from 15 August to 8 September 2002 involving 27 (55.1%) cases out of a total of 49 deliveries. Thirteen of them (48.1%) were admitted to either government or private hospitals for treatnzent while fourteen of them (51.9%) were managed at home. The main presenting feature was frequent yellowish to greenish watery stool not associated with vomitting. Investigations include active case finding, environmental inspection, sampling of stool specimens, identifying causative agents and identuying human carriers. All the diarrhoea eases (100%) were noted to have received infant formula feeding while in the private hospital. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated hom the milk scoop which was used for milk preparation. Nasal swabs of four (50%) nursing personnel were also positive for Staphylococcus aureus. One of them was positive for methycilline resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The milk and water samples showed no signuicant bacterial contamination. Stool samples of these cases were negative for Rotavirus, Vibrio sp., Salmonella sp., Shigella sp. and Entamoeba coli. This outbreak of diarrhoea was noted to have a strong association with infant formula feeding in the hospital. Breastfeeding should be continuously promoted. Baby friendly hospital initiatives in private hospital settings need to be initiated.
The status ofhve l1eavy metals: cadmium, lead copper, zinc and mercury were determined in seafood and its products imported_ti·om Thailand via Bukit Kayu Hiram, Kedah, Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used to determine the level of these heary metals except for mercury, where the cold vapor technique was used, Randomized sampling was done according to a predetermined sampling plan based on the previous years consignments. Data collected were compared with the maximum permitted level of -metal contaminants in fish and fish products- ofthe Fourteenth Schedule (Regulation 38) of Food Act I983 and Food Regulations I 985 to ascertain compliance. lt was noted form this study, that the level of metals detected in seafood and its products had a very wide range, The levels detected for cadmium was at a range of 0. 00] - 3.9/2, 0.07 — 0.29, 0,04 - 4,4 mg/kg in fish, shellfish and cuttlefish respectivelv. In general, cadmium level in some samples was notably higher particularly in shellfish. All samples had lead level less than the permitted value except for fish where the highest value detected was 3.28 mg/kg. The level of copper and zinc was higher than the permitted value in octopus, prawn and crab, Mercury level in all samples analvzed was found to be below the detection level. As for fish samples, zinc level was found to be higher whereas copper was within the limit. However, it was also noted that the level of all the heavy metals in jiozen jish was within the permitted limit.
The purpose of this study is to compare the road conditions (straight road, winding road and hill road) with the hand grip pressure force and muscle fatigue for male and female drivers. Ten subjects were participated in this study. The force measurement and electromyography (EMG) responses were taken and evaluated by using the tactile grip and pressure measurement (Grip System) and Electromyography (EMG) device. The result indicated that the winding road produced more muscle fatigue and high hand grip pressure force compared than downhill road, hill up road, and straight road for both male and female subjects. The result compared the muscle fatigue and hand grip pressure force between the first 15 minutes and last 15 minutes of driving activity. The muscle fatigue increasingly high for the last 15 minutes compared to first 15 minutes. However, the hand grip pressure forces become high during the winding road for first 15 minutes of driving session. The muscle fatigue become high as the hand grip pressure force value is high. Furthermore, the male drivers exert higher hand grip pressure force and higher muscle fatigue compared to female drivers. This study can be used as a guideline for the future studies, primarily in solving the driving fatigue problem among the Malaysian’s drivers. The method of this study could also be used for early detection of driver fatigue issues. Indirectly, the findings could reduce the number of car accidents in Malaysia.
An increase in physical activity is a key component for effective weight loss. It helps to control weight loss by using excess calories as well as boosting metabolism and lowering insulin levels. Physical activity also helps prevent many chronic diseases and improve the overall human health. The objective of this study was to assess weight loss practice using physical activity strategies among working women in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 639 adult Malaysian working women were screened and 120 respondents were identified based on their experience of losing at least 10% of their highest lifetime body weight, which is a criterion for successful weight-loss. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from 120 successful weight loss respondents. Physical activity was measured by using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short version. Results showed that 35.8% of women had low physical activity level; slightly above than one third of women (38.3%) had moderate activity level, while 25.8% women had high physical activity level.The most common physical activity monitoring strategies implemented were exercise at least 30 minutes per day (22.5%) and incorporate physical activity into daily life (21.7%). A total of 70.8% women regained weight after significant weight loss. A total of 40.0% who regained weight as compared to 25.7% of those who did not regain weight were physically inactive (p=0.138). There was no statistically significant different in daily sitting time between the two groups (p=0.627). As a conclusion, government working women in Kuala Lumpur have low to moderate physical activity levels. Majority women regained weight after significant weight loss. Common strategies to lose weight are exercise at least 30 minutes per day and incorporate physical activity into daily life. More education and promotion regarding the importance of physical activity should be done to all community members especially to the government working women.
Solid waste collection has been a major challenge for local council Municipal workers in urban areas where the population is growing rapidly and the need for local councils to ensure they provide service to clear solid waste in a timely manner without disrupting the existing system. This case study is a review of awareness of health and safety among municipal workers on solid waste collection. The study is an examination of such awareness in Malaysia which involves the Petaling Jaya City Council in the state of Selangor. We review the operating system of the Petaling Jaya City Council and the risks which are being exposed to the municipal workers in their daily operations. Health and Safety of municipal workers in the areas of public health, safety, and industrial hygiene has been a concern for a long time. In most cases the majority of municipal workers exposed are from the contractual aspect of outsourced labour. It is important to understand how large the area of a solid waste is and to identify, evaluate, and eliminate or control risks and hazards across the operation zone of the municipal workers which involves environmental and occupational demands. The data we find provides the latest perspectives on topics of widespread concern such contractors management, ergonomic safety, confined space, motor vehicle safety, machinery safety, fall hazard safety, electrical safety and emergency response. Management of legal requirements is also discovered to be important to ensure any organization conducting business is not in violation of any law, and if there is a change of process how is this being addressed. Finally, we look at the control measures needed to support a operation on a large scale where it will not endanger the health and safety of municipal workers when they are involved in solid waste management. The recommendation we have based on the review are to ensure there is a holistic approach and systems in place to address all the concerns that will be faced by the local municipal council in their daily operations and responsibilities at every level of the organization. Conclusion: Research material and data related to this area is limited and we hope future holistic research can be conducted to future enhance the study of health and safety effecting the municipal workers. Health and Safety management system and procedures are the key elements in ensuring a successful organization.
Antenatal care is a vital part of primary healthcare that is known to improve maternal and newborn outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify the factors affecting utilization of antenatal care services for women in reproductive age in Yemen. This cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in six districts of Sana’a City, Yemen. Data were collected from 460 mothers who gave birth in the past six months via face-to-face interviews at home between September to December 2010. Only 54% of mothers were found to have made four or more antenatal care visits. Almost two third of participants made their first visit during their first trimester due to presence of health problems and did not follow up when they became healthy during pregnancy. Reasons for not receiving antenatal care services due to absence of health problems, high cost of antenatal care services, long waiting time, and poor staff attitude. Sixty percent of participants were unaware of the danger symptoms of common health problems in pregnancy. The significant factors affecting utilization of antenatal services were mother education, residence place, age at first pregnancy, gravida, parity, occurrence of pregnancy without planning, and number of live children (P<0.05). The factors affecting the number of visits were mother education, place of residence, and husband work were (P<0.05). Future healthcare activities should focus on improving women’s awareness of the importance of antenatal care even in the absence of noticeable health problems and lack of education about the common danger signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
Workplace accident is a big challenges for a safety professional. Workplace accidents may lead from minor to serious
effects to both employees and employers alike. Accident is an unexpected and undesirable event, especially those
resulting in damage, harm or unforeseen incidents. This paper also discussed all available accident theories that are
commonly used in workplace as fundamental to mitigating accident. Throughout this paper, the author justified that a
new or updated accident theory is needed in Malaysia. The author stated that current accident theories are based on
different environments and are different in terms physical of the employee who involved in the accident. This author
also stated that technology changes is also another factor which can be supporting the new or updated accident
theory needed in Malaysia.
A cross sectional study was carried amongst adolescent school children in Barat Daya, in 2000. This was to determine the characteristic features of adolescents in the district and to look into their sexual activities, substance use and psychosocial problems with the aim to plan an appropriate adolescent health program. Some 400 students from Form 2 and Form 4 were selected by purposive stratifed and systematic sampling. The study was carried out by trained nurses with an interview using a structured questionnaire. The majority of the respondents were Malays (78.8%) with a household income of less than RM2, 000.00 per if month. Family relations and parental influence were found to be strong. Mental health characteristics scored negatively significantly in this study and those particularly at risk were those who performed poorly in schools. Most claimed not to be involved in high risk behaviour though they knew of friends who did so. Adolescent health services in the district should take an integrated approach with other stakeholders. Health information should be easily available and focus should be given to poor achievers in school.
On 24th April 2009 the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) alert phase 4 which was later raised to phase 6 on 11th June 2009. By 11th October 2009, 199 countries were affected with 399,232 laboratory confirmed cases resulting in 4735 death. In Pahang, the state and district operation rooms were activated on the 28th April and 5th May 2009 respectively to monitor surveillance, control and preventives measures carried out. This study was done to describe the situation of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) in Pahang from 28th April 2009 till 10th October 2009 in terms of laboratory confirmed cases and clusters reported, Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) surveillance, Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (sARI) surveillance and health education activities. During the period, 490 laboratory confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) cases were registered with 5 deaths. The age ranges from less than 1 year to 76 years with median of 16 years old. 207 ILI clusters were recorded, 139 (67.5%) were Influenza A (H1N1) clusters. For surveillance activity, 11,570 (2.2%) of outpatient attendances were ILI cases while 966 (2.0 %) of total admissions were sARI cases. There were 14,927 health education activities carried out during the period. The number of people affected by Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) in Pahang reached its peak in mid August 2009 and later showed a downward trend. ILI surveillance was a useful tool to detect Influenza A (H1N1) activity in Pahang.
Study site: Klinik kesihatan, outpatient clinics, hospitals, Pahang, Malaysia
The rapid development in the health sector has spurred many healthcare organizations to improve their productivity and quality, particularly in terms of service. Clinical Pathways was introduced with the objective of improving the quality of care and services in health; while at the same time eyeing the possibility of reducing the medical expenses. It can be defined as a document based tool that links the best available evidence and clinical practice and provides recommendations, the process and time frame for the clinical management of healthcare. A cross sectional study was carried out at University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) Malaysia with the aim to evaluate the level of knowledge about Clinical Pathways (CP) and to ascertain its level of practice in the implementation of CP among healthcare workers at UKMMC; and to establish correlated determinant factors. The study involved a total of 127 respondents; majority of whom were female (77.2%), aged between 32 and 45 years (51.2%), working as nurses (71.7%), and having working experience of six years or longer (52.0%) at UKMMC. The findings reveal that 52.8% of respondents agreed that there is a proper implementation of the Clinical Pathways (CP) programme at UKMMC; and that 52.0% of the respondents have a higher level of knowledge about CP and 70.1% of them practiced it well. The findings also unravel two factors (position and working experience) as the predictors of respondents’ level of knowledge about CP, and position as a predictor representing the practice of it at UKMMC. It can be safely surmised that most of the respondents have a higher level of knowledge about Clinical Pathways and that they practice it well in their daily task as healthcare workers.
Hospital information systems have evolved with the recent widespread, involving technology and target functions, and this involves the critical computer systems from multiple perspectives. Healthcare organizations increasingly use information technology as a basis for improving productivity and user satisfaction. A research had been done about the level of satisfaction in using the Hospital Information System. Data was obtained by using a set of questionnaires that have been tested for reliability and validity. The staff are comprised of two (2) categories: Nurses (community nurses / Head nurse / staff nurse, nurse managers and others) while the second category consists of administrative officers (administrative officers, administrative assistants and clerks) in selected departments. Variables consist of sociodemographic factors, occupational factors and perception factors. A total of 152 respondents identified using stratified sampling method. The factors studied were age, gender, marital status, level of qualifications, length of service, knowledge of the system, attitude towards the use of the system, behavioral intention to use the system and compatibility with work. Majority of respondents were females (88.2%). The level of satisfaction among the staff in using the hospital information system is high (88.8%) compared to the dissatisfied staff in UKMMC (11.2%). In overall, the staffs in UKMMC are satisfied using the hospital information system available now but there are always a room for improvement so that the system can be used more intensively.
Purpose of the present study was to assess effect of work-family conflict (along with its four dimensions) on physical health status. In particular, we examined the mediating role of health related behaviors on the linkage between all dimensions of work-family conflict and physical health status. The current cross-sectional research was conducted among 567 women who were working in the public departments of Malaysia. Self-administrated questionnaire was used for data collection. Our findings showed that work-family conflict (along with its four dimensions) significantly and negatively correlated with physical health status. The findings from mediational analysis showed that all dimensions of work-family conflict indirectly deteriorate physical health status via increasing the chance of not using food strategies. However, our results did not support the mediating function of physical activity on the proposed relationship. Results of the current study indicated that women with greater level of work-family conflict are more likely to suffer from poor physical health status. Having multiple strategies for managing food and eating reduce the adverse effect of work-family conflict on physical health. Organizations may benefit from Family Friendly Policies (FFP) that can alleviate level of conflict and eventually avoid or decrease rate of engagement in unhealthy behavior that have detrimental effect on health status.