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Fulltext A prevalence-based transmission model for the study of the epidemiology and control of soil-transmitted helminthiasis

Chong NS, Hardwick RJ, Smith SR, Truscott JE, Anderson RM

PLoS One, 2022;17(8):e0272600.
PMID: 36006929 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272600

Much effort has been devoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections by 2030 using mass drug administration targeted at particular risk groups alongside the availability to access water, sanitation and hygiene services. The targets set by the WHO for the control of helminth infections are typically defined in terms of the prevalence of infection, whereas the standard formulation of STH transmission models typically describe dynamic changes in the mean-worm burden. We develop a prevalence-based deterministic model to investigate the transmission dynamics of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in humans, subject to continuous exposure to infection over time. We analytically determine local stability criteria for all equilibria and find bifurcation points. Our model predicts that STH infection will either be eliminated (if the initial prevalence value, y(0), is sufficiently small) or remain endemic (if y(0) is sufficiently large), with the two stable points of endemic infection and parasite eradication separated by a transmission breakpoint. Two special cases of the model are analysed: (1) the distribution of the STH parasites in the host population is highly aggregated following a negative binomial distribution, and (2) no density-dependent effects act on the parasite population. We find that disease extinction is always possible for Case (1), but it is not so for Case (2) if y(0) is sufficiently large. However, by introducing stochastic perturbation into the deterministic model, we discover that chance effects can lead to outcomes not predicted by the deterministic model alone, with outcomes highly dependent on the degree of worm clumping, k. Specifically, we show that if the reproduction number and clumping are sufficiently bounded, then stochasticity will cause the parasite to die out. It follows that control of soil-transmitted helminths will be more difficult if the worm distribution tends towards clumping.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext A profile of hypertension among rural elderly Malaysians

Srinivas P, Wong KS, Chia YC, Poi PJ, Ebrahim S

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1998 Dec;29(4):821-6.
PMID: 10772571

The main objective of this study was to survey the prevalence of hypertension in Malaysians aged 55 years and above who responded to a public health screening campaign in Kuala Langat district, Selangor, Malaysia. The relationship between the detection, treatment and control in the study population was also examined. An epidemiological survey of the elderly was conducted in Kuala Langat, a rural district in Malaysia for a consecutive period of six weeks. The survey was conducted using a standardized questionnaire and interview by trained research assistants. The medical students and nurses were trained on the correct protocol of measuring blood pressure based on the recommendations of the British Hypertension Society. Newly detected persons with blood pressure readings 160/95 mmHg and above, were given a green card to return to the nearest health center for a further 2 visits to check his/her blood pressure. A total of 1,392 people with a mean age of 65 years and comprising of 53.1% males and 46.9% females responded to the health survey. Based on the history 335 (24.1%) of the respondents were known hypertensives and 82.1% of this hypertensive group were on regular treatment. However good control of hypertension was achieved only in 161 (48.1%) of them. Newly detected hypertension was found in 204 (14.6%) of the respondents. The overall prevalence of hypertension in our sample of respondents was 25.6%. There was no significant difference between the sexes and the races in terms of their detection, treatment and control. However there was a significant difference between the persons aged less than 65 years of age and those older than 65 years. There was a large proportion of previously known hypertensives among the survey population. Of those detected, not all were on regular medications and the majority on medications were not well controlled. Education of the public through intensive public health campaigns is vital to improve their knowledge on hypertension and the need for effective control. More community studies are needed to formulate better methods in the detection, treatment and control of hypertension.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
A prospective study of ocular manifestations in childhood acute leukaemia

Reddy SC, Menon BS

Acta Ophthalmol Scand, 1998 Dec;76(6):700-3.
PMID: 9881556

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of ocular manifestations in childhood acute leukaemia at the time of presentation.
METHODS: Eighty-two children with acute leukaemia were examined for ocular lesions within two days of diagnosis before starting chemotherapy. The detailed ocular examination of both eyes was carried out by the ophthalmologist irrespective of the presence or absence of eye symptoms in all cases.
RESULTS: Only 3 out of 82 children presented with eye symptoms (3.6%). However, ocular changes were found in 14 children (17%); ten with lymphoblastic and four with myeloid leukaemia. The ocular lesions observed were proptosis, intraretinal haemorrhages, white centered haemorrhages, cotton wool spots, macular haemorrhage, subhyaloid haemorrhage, vitreous haemorrhage, papilloedema, cortical blindness, sixth nerve palsy, and exudative retinal detachment with choroidal infiltration.
CONCLUSION: In view of the high prevalence of asymptomatic ocular lesions in childhood acute leukaemia, routine ophthalmic examination should be included as a part of evaluation at the time of diagnosis.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext A rare case of TB elbow synovitis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis: a case report

Meryl Grace Lansing, Malehah Mohd Noh, Mohd Hakimi Nordin

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):96-96.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) of the elbow joint is uncommon. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent joint destruction and preserve function. We present a case of TB synovitis of the elbow joint in a patient with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Case description: A 56-year-old woman with a known seropositive RA on metho-trexate and Leflunomide was seen in the outpatient rheumatology clinic as part of her monthly follow-up. She com-plained of persistent bilateral elbow pain and swelling, despite optimisation of her disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) and steroid therapy. The suspicion for another diagnosis for her elbow symptoms stems from the persistent pain and swelling amidst increased titration of methotrexate and prednisolone dosages. Ultrasound scan of her elbows revealed bilateral complex olecranon bursitis with active synovitis. The left elbow aspiration yielded cloudy yellowish synovial fluid and the sample was sent for fluid culture, acid-fast bacilli (AFB) stain, and GeneXpert. No AFB was seen but the GeneXpert test confirmed the presence of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. Thus, a diagnosis of TB synovitis of the left elbow was made, and she was promptly started on anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) consisting of Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Ethambutol and Pyrazinamide with the aim to complete 9 months of ATT. Conclusion: The diagnosis of tuberculous synovitis is challenging. In the absence of constitutional or respiratory symptoms, joint TB is usually low on the initial differential diagnosis in patients presenting with joint pain and swelling. The diagnosis is made even more difficult in patients with concomitant rheumatoid arthritis. This case demonstrates the importance of a high index of suspicion for TB, particularly when evaluating patients in high TB prevalence area with an underlying immunosuppressive state.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext A rare case of Tuberculous Prostatitis

Nurul Yaqeen Esa, Mohammad Hanafiah, Marymol Koshy, Hilmi Abdullah, Ahmad Izuanuddin Ismail, Mohamed Fauzi Abdul Rani

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2016;1:33-36.

Tuberculous prostatitis is an uncommon form of tuberculosis infection. It is commonly seen in immunocompromised patients and in those of middle or advanced age. The diagnosis is often not straight forward due to the nature of its presentation. We report a case of tuberculous prostatitis in a young, healthy and immunocompetent patient, who initially presented with respiratory features, followed by episodes of seizures and testicular swelling. He was finally diagnosed with tuberculous prostatitis after prostatic biopsy. This case illustrates that in a high TB prevalence environment, when symptoms warrant, there should be a high clinical suspicion coupled with a thorough approach in order to arrive at a correct diagnosis of TB prostatitis.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext A rare case of Tuberculous Prostatitis

Nurul Yaqeen Esa, Mohammad Hanafiah, Marymol Koshy, Hilmi Abdullah, Ahmad Izuanuddin Ismail, Mohamed Fauzi Abdul Rani

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2016;1(2):33-36.
MyJurnal

Tuberculous prostatitis is an uncommon form of tuberculosis infection. It is commonly seen in immunocompromised patients and in those of middle or advanced age. The diagnosis is often not straight forward due to the nature of its presentation. We report a case of tuberculous prostatitis in a young, healthy and immunocompetent patient, who initially presented with respiratory features, followed by episodes of seizures and testicular swelling. He was finally diagnosed with tuberculous prostatitis after prostatic biopsy. This case illustrates that in a high TB prevalence environment, when symptoms warrant, there should be a high clinical suspicion coupled with a thorough approach in order to arrive at a correct diagnosis of TB prostatitis.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
A recent global review of hazardous chlorpyrifos pesticide in fruit and vegetables: Prevalence, remediation and actions needed

Foong SY, Ma NL, Lam SS, Peng W, Low F, Lee BHK, et al.

J Hazard Mater, 2020 Dec 05;400:123006.
PMID: 32947729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123006

Pollution with pesticides is a widespread global problem and biomonitoring of the environment and human populations is necessary to assess potential harmful biological effects. One of the pesticides that are showing up in vegetables and fruit is chlorpyrifos (CPS). CPS is a nerve-poisoning organophosphorus insecticide, which is in up to 1/3 of all conventionally produced citrus fruits. Our review shows that CPS is a hazardous material that poses risks to human health and also pollutes the environment. There is numerous risk assessment of CPS reported, however, the assessment is easily affected by factors such as climate change, exposure period and CPS concentration. Therefore, rigorous update of the hazardous level of CPS is needed to determine the threshold level safe for humans and animals. There is a need for remediation using for example photoreactive nanoparticle methods and microbial degeneration possessing high degradation efficiency (73-97%). In addition, stringent biomonitoring of food, environment and human exposure should occur to avoid exposure to chemicals via citrus fruits and vegetables. This is necessary to assess health risks and socioeconomic impacts which also require collaboration between private and public sectors to facilitate the growth, sale and manufacturing of biopesticides.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
A repeated point prevalence survey of antimicrobial use in specialized cancer care hospital of Pakistan: findings and implications

Saleem Z, Hassali MA, Hashmi FK, Godman B, Bhutta OA

Hosp Pract (1995), 2019 Aug;47(3):149-154.
PMID: 31180791 DOI: 10.1080/21548331.2019.1628614

Background: The extensive use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials in immunocompromised patients is inevitable in situations where culture and sensitivity testing is challenging. However, their overuse leads to an increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is a growing concern. Method: A repeated point prevalence survey (PPS) was conducted to assess the pattern of antimicrobial prescribing in a specialized cancer care hospital in Pakistan using the methodology employed by the European Centre of Disease Prevention and Control. Results: Out of 313 hospitalized patients, 156 (49.8%) were prescribed one or more antimicrobials, 82 (50.9) in 2017 and 74 (48.7) in 2018. The average bed occupancy in the hospital was 80.3%. Fever in neutropenic patients (20.2%), lower respiratory tract infections (17.8%), and sepsis (14.9%) were the three most common clinical indications. The total number of prescribed antimicrobials was 242, of whom, 41 (16.9%) were given orally and 201 (83.1%) were given parenterally. The most commonly used antimicrobials were piperacillin plus enzyme inhibitor (31.8%), meropenem (7.9%), ceftriaxone (6.2%) and vancomycin (6.2%). Of the total prescribed antimicrobials, 42 (17.3%) antimicrobials were used in surgical departments, 89 (36.8) in adult medical departments, 73 (30.1%) in pediatric medical departments and 38 (15.7) in the intensive care unit (ICU). In addition to these antibacterials, there was relatively high use of antivirals (acyclovir; 4.1%) and antifungals (fluconazole; 3.7%, amphotericin B; 2.9%). Conclusion: The study concluded that broad-spectrum antimicrobial usage in cancer hospitals in Pakistan is high, which can be a risk factor for the emergence of AMR. Repeated PPS is a fruitful way to maintain a focus on inappropriate antimicrobial use and develop pertinent intervention programs targeteing specific issues to improve future use.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext A report of the Malaysian dialysis registry of the National Renal Registry, Malaysia

Lim YN, Lim TO, Lee DG, Wong HS, Ong LM, Shaariah W, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2008 Sep;63 Suppl C:5-8.
PMID: 19230240

The Malaysian National Renal Registry was set up in 1992 to collect data for patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT). We present here the report of the Malaysian dialysis registry. The objectives of this papar are: (1) To examine the overall provision of dialysis treatment in Malaysia and its trend from 1980 to 2006. (2) To assess the treatment rate according to the states in the country. (3) To describe the method, location and funding of dialysis. (4) To characterise the patients accepted for dialysis treatment. (5) To analyze the outcomes of the dialysis treatment. Data on patients receiving dialysis treatment were collected at initiation of dialysis, at the time of any significant outcome, as well as yearly. The number of dialysis patients increased from 59 in 1980 to almost 15,000 in 2006. The dialysis acceptance rate increased from 3 per million population in 1980 to 116 per million population in 2006, and the prevalence rate from 4 to 550 per million population over the same period. The economically advantaged states of Malaysia had much higher dialysis treatment rates compared to the less economically advanced states. Eighty to 90% of new dialysis patients were accepted into centre haemodialysis (HD), and the rest into the chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) programme. The government provided about half of the funding for dialysis treatment. Patients older than 55 years accounted for the largest proportion of new patients on dialysis since the 1990s. Diabetes mellitus has been the main cause of ESRD and accounted for more than 50% of new ESRD since 2002. Annual death rate averaged about 10% on HD and 15% on CAPD. The unadjusted 5-year patient survival on both HD and CAPD was about 80%. Fifty percent of dialysis patients reported very good median QoL index score. About 70% of dialysis patients were about to work full or part time. There has been a very rapid growth of dialysis provision in Malaysia particularly in the older age groups. ESRD caused by diabetes mellitus, despite being a preventable and treatable cause of ESRD--has increased and accounted for more than 50% of incident dialysis patients. Death and survival rates on dialysis are comparable to those from other countries.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext A retrospective analysis of the care cascades for non-communicable disease and mental health among people living with HIV at a tertiary-care centre in Malaysia: opportunities to identify gaps and optimize care

Meng Li C, Jie Ying F, Raj D, Pui Li W, Kukreja A, Omar SF, et al.

J Int AIDS Soc, 2020 Nov;23(11):e25638.
PMID: 33206473 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25638

INTRODUCTION: The rapidly growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including mental health among aging people living with HIV (PLWH) has put a significant strain on the provision of health services in many HIV clinics globally. We constructed care cascades for specific NCDs and mental health among PLWH attending our centre to identify potential areas for programmatic improvement.
METHODS: This was a follow-up study of participants recruited in the Malaysian HIV & Aging study (MHIVA) from 2014 to 2016 at the University Malaya Medical Centre (n = 336). PLWH on suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) for a minimum of 12 months were invited to participate. At study entry, all participants underwent screening for diabetes (DM), hypertension (HTN) and dyslipidaemia; and completed assessments using the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21). Screening results were recorded in medical charts and clinical management provided as per standard of care. A subsequent review of medical records was performed at 24 months following study completion among participants who remained on active follow-up. Treatment pathways for NCD treatment and psychiatric referrals were assessed based on local practice guidelines to construct the care cascade.
RESULTS: A total of 329 participants (median age = 43 years, 83% male, 100% on ART) completed follow-up at 24 months. The prevalence of diabetes was 13%, dyslipidaemia 88% and hypertension 44%, whereas 23% presented with severe/extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and/or stress. More than 50% of participants with dyslipidaemia and hypertension were not diagnosed until study screening, whereas over 80% with prevalent psychiatric symptoms were not previously recognized clinically. Suboptimal control of fasting lipids, sugar and blood pressure were found in the majority of participants despite optimal HIV treatment outcomes maintained over this same period. Only 32% of participants with severe/extremely severe mental health symptoms received psychiatric referrals and 83% of these attended their psychiatry clinic appointments.
CONCLUSIONS: Systematic screening must be introduced to identify NCDs and mental health issues among PLWH followed by proper linkage and referrals for management of screen-positive cases. Assessment of factors associated with attrition at each step of the care cascade is critically needed to improve health outcomes in our aging patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
A retrospective analysis of the relationship between facial injury and mild traumatic brain injury

Abdul Razak N, Nordin R, Abd Rahman N, Ramli R

Dent Traumatol, 2017 Oct;33(5):400-405.
PMID: 28649703 DOI: 10.1111/edt.12355

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The association between facial injury characteristics and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the association between facial injury characteristics and mTBI.
METHODS: A retrospective review utilizing patients' medical records at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was performed. Records of subjects with a history of facial trauma from 1 April 2012 to 31 December 2012 were selected. Various levels and surgical speciality records were reviewed to ascertain the diagnoses of facial injuries and mTBI.
RESULTS: A total of 348 medical records with the diagnosis of facial injuries were included. The prevalence of mTBI among these patients was 41.4% (95% CI 36.2-46.6). The majority of the patients with mTBI were in the age group of 18-25 years old. Patients with or without facial lacerations that were located on the lower face had a significant association with mTBI, P=.001, compared to other types of soft tissue injury. In addition, a statistically significant association was observed between facial fractures occurring to the middle face and mTBI, P=.018. Pearson chi-square test also showed statistically significant association between the severity of facial injuries and mTBI, P=.018.
CONCLUSIONS: Mild traumatic brain injury should be suspected in patients with facial injuries and particularly those with lower face lacerations, midface fractures, moderate to severe facial injury and presence of multiple injuries.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext A retrospective prevalence study of malaria in an aborigine hospital in Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia

Jamaiah I, Rohela M, Nissapatorn V, Mohamad Azlan H, Nor Adli AR, Shahrul Rizan I, et al.

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2006;37 Suppl 3:1-4.
PMID: 17547040

This was a five-year retrospective study (1999-2004) on the prevalence of malaria at the Aborigine Hospital, Gombak, Malaysia. A total of 94 malaria cases was analysed. The highest case reports were for the year 2000, with 32 cases (34%), and the lowest was in 2004, with only 1 (1%). The majority of cases reported were among the Semai tribe (44%), followed by the Temiar tribe (34%) and the unspecified tribe (s) (20%). Females (53%) were more commonly affected than males (47%). The majority of cases were within the age group 1-5 years (51%). Plasmodium falciparum was the most common species reported in this study, at 57%, followed by Plasmodium vivax (38%) and 5% mixed infection of P. falciparum and P. vivax. Most patients (27%) stayed for more than one month in hospital. Most patients came from Kuala Lipis, Pahang, (78%). The most common complication was anemia (38%) followed by splenomegaly (18%); only 2% had cerebral malaria. All patients were treated with the standard anti-malarial drugs. No deaths were reported in this study.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext A retrospective study of bovine tuberculosis at the municipal abattoir of Bauchi State, Northeastern Nigeria

Jajere SM, Atsanda NN, Bitrus AA, Hamisu TM, Goni MD

Vet World, 2018 May;11(5):598-605.
PMID: 29915497 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2018.598-605

Background and Aim: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) still remains a major zoonotic bacterial disease affecting livestock and humans worldwide. The disease remains a poorly managed tropical disease in most developing countries of the world; where in addition to productivity losses and significance in international trade, it posed a major public health threat to both humans and animals. A retrospective study was designed to investigate the occurrence of bTB lesions at Bauchi municipal abattoir.
Materials and Methods: The study utilized abattoir records spanning a period of 10 years (2004-2013). The records indicated that a total of 1,08,638 heads of cattle comprising n = 56,070 males and n = 52,570 females were slaughtered at the municipal abattoir during the study period.
Result: Of these heads, n = 1230 (1.13%) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07, 1.19) had tuberculous lesions. The annual occurrence during the study period varied significantly (p<0.001) from 0.53% (95% CI: 0.40, 0.67) to 1.87% (95% CI: 1.66, 2.10) in 2010 and 2012, respectively. Females had a significantly higher (p<0.001) prevalence of 2.10% (95% CI: 1.98, 2.23) compared with the males 0.23% (95% CI: 0.19, 0.27). The distribution of suspected gross bTB lesions in different organs showed 11.87% in the lungs, 5.93% in the liver, 1.14% in the heart, and 0.49% accounted for generalized bTB. However, none was observed on the lymph nodes and intestines.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that bTB persists in Bauchi State with annual variations during the study period. This study highlights the importance of meat inspection as an important tool for detecting the presence of bTB lesions.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext A retrospective study of malaria infections in an intensive care unit of a general hospital in Malaysia

Koh KH, Chew PH, Kiyu A

Singapore Med J, 2004 Jan;45(1):28-36.
PMID: 14976579

To study the clinical and demographic aspects as well as the outcomes of severe cases of malaria infections managed in the intensive care unit of the Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching from January 1996 to December 2001.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext A retrospective study of serum calcium levels in a hospital population in Malaysia

Aishah AB, Foo YN

Med J Malaysia, 1995 Sep;50(3):246-9.
PMID: 8926903

A retrospective six-month study of serum calcium and albumin in patients treated at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital was carried out. There were 19,291 subjects, of which the prevalences of hypocalcemia (corrected serum calcium of < or = 2.1 mmol/l) and hypercalcemia (corrected serum calcium of > 2.7 mmol/l) were 18.0% (3460 subjects) and 2.4% (468 subjects) respectively. Persistent hypocalcemia (a minimum of first two consecutive corrected serum calcium of < or = 2.1 mmol/l) was found in 408/19,291 subjects 2.1%). Serum calcium values of < 2.00 mmol/l were found in 98.5% of this group. Persistent hypercalcemia (a minimum of first two consecutive corrected serum calcium of > 2.7 mmol/l) was found in 108/19,291 subjects (0.5%) and 52/108 subjects (48.1%) had serum calcium values of > or = 3.0 mmol/l. 2902/3460 subjects (83.8%) and 313/468 subjects (66.9%) the hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia groups respectively failed to be retested (singletons). In the hypocalcemia group, 1115/2902 (38.4%) showed corrected serum calcium values of < 2.00 mmol/l), whilst 100/313 subjects (31.9%) of the hypercalcemia group had corrected serum calcium values of > or = 3.00 mmol/l. There were no significant differences between the mean corrected serum calcium between 3 age groups of the test population, namely in childhood ( < or = 65 years).

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext A review of adult obesity research in Malaysia

Lim KG

Med J Malaysia, 2016 06;71(Suppl 1):1-19.
PMID: 27801384 MyJurnal

A literature search of articles as detailed in the paper Bibliography of clinical research in Malaysia: methods and brief results, using the MESH terms Obesity; Obesity, Abdominal; and Overweight; covering the years 2000 till 2015 was undertaken and 265 articles were identified. Serial population studies showed that the prevalence of obesity increased rapidly in Malaysia in the last decade of the twentieth century. This follows the rising availability of food per capita which had been begun two to three decades previously. Almost every birth cohort, even up to those in their seventh decade increased in prevalence of overweight and obesity between 1996 and 2006. However, the rise in prevalence in obesity appears to have plateaued after the first decade of the twentieth century. Women are more obese than men and Malays and Indians are more obese than Chinese. The Orang Asli (Aborigines) are the least obese ethnic group in Malaysia but that may change with socioeconomic development. Neither living in rural areas nor having low income protects against obesity. On the contrary, a tertiary education and an income over RM4,000/month is associated with less obesity. Malaysians are generally not physically active enough, in the modes of transportation they use and how they use their leisure time. Other criteria and measures of obesity have been investigated, such as the relevance of abdominal obesity, and the Asian criteria or Body Mass Index (BMI) cut-offs value of 23.0 kg/m2 for overweight and 27.0 kg/m2 for obesity, with the view that the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases start to increase at lower values in Asians compared to Europeans. Nevertheless the standard World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for obesity are still most widely used and hence is the best common reference. Guidelines for the management of obesity have been published and projects to combat obesity are being run. However, more effort needs to be invested. Studies on intervention programmes showed that weight loss is not easy to achieve nor maintain. Laboratory research worldwide has uncovered several genetic and biochemical markers associated with obesity. Similar studies in Malaysia have found some biomarkers with an association to obesity in the local population but none of great significance.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
A review of blood pressure profile and hypertension studies in Malaysia

Liew YM, Tan H, Khoo KL

Family Physician, 1994;6:36-45.

This paper reviews the literature on blood pressure profile and hypertension studies carried out in Peninsular Malaysia from 1952 to 1988. From these studies, the following key information is summarised: 1. Blood pressure profiles of Malaysians, irrespective of sex and the three major ethnic groups viz., Malay, Chinese and Indian followed a similar rising trend with age. 2. The mean systolic and diastolic pressures were 134 mmHg and 84 mmHg respectively across the major ethnic groups. 3. The prevalence of hypertension for Malaysians was 16.0%, 4.2% and 3.4% when 140/90 mmHg, 150/90 mmHg or a diastolic pressure of 100 mmHg or greater were taken as cut-off values respectively. Males generally showed a higher prevalence of hypertension than females. 4. Orang Asli living in the deep jungle had relatively low blood pressures (Mean: 109/70 mmHg) and their blood pressure did not rise with increasing age. 5. There was generally no difference in the prevalence of hypertension amongst the major ethnic groups. However, there was a tendency for the Malays to have a higher prevalence of hypertension than the Chinese or the Indians. 6. There was an increased prevalence of hypertension among subjects who smoked heavily or who did very little or no physical exercise. Differences in prevalence of hypertension among subjects living in changing environment and lifestyle, such as urban versus rural, alcohol versus non-alcohol consumers and low income versus moderate income groups were not evident in the studies reviewed. 7. Percent unawareness of hypertension in hypertension subjects was generally high i.e. 57 % - 69% except in one sample which recorded a moderately value (33%).

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext A review of critical pertussis in PICU UMMC from 2010-2015

Chuah, Soo Lin, Aun, Yiyang, Len, En Yean, Kow, Yun Shi, Chen, Chin Chern, Gan, Chin Seng

Malaysian Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 2016;22(101):0-0.
MyJurnal

Since 1994 to 2009, ascribed by the good coverage of immunization, the incidence of pertussis has been less than 1 in 100,000 populations [1]. Nevertheless, the incidence and prevalence increased tremendously for the past 2 years, i.e. 2014 and 2015.(Copied from article)

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext A review of dengue research in Malaysia

Cheah WK, Ng KS, Marzilawati AR, Lum LC

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Aug;69 Suppl A:59-67.
PMID: 25417953 MyJurnal

Dengue infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Malaysia. To date, much research on dengue infection conducted in Malaysia have been published. One hundred and sixty six articles related to dengue in Malaysia were found from a search through a database dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to medicine published between the years 2000-2013. Ninety articles with clinical relevance and future research implications were selected and reviewed. These papers showed evidence of an exponential increase in the disease epidemic and a varying pattern of prevalent dengue serotypes at different times. The early febrile phase of dengue infection consist of an undifferentiated fever. Clinical suspicion and ability to identify patients at risk of severe dengue infection is important. Treatment of dengue infection involves judicious use of volume expander and supportive care. Potential future research areas are discussed to narrow our current knowledge gaps on dengue infection.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence
Fulltext A review of depression research in Malaysia

Ng CG

Med J Malaysia, 2014 Aug;69 Suppl A:42-5.
PMID: 25417950 MyJurnal

Depression is a debilitating illness and has become a leading cause of morbidity globally. We aim to summarise the evidence available in regard to the prevalence, type of assessment tools used and treatment options for depression in Malaysia. Two hundred and forty seven articles related to depression were found in a search through a database dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to medicine published in Malaysia between the years 2000-2013. Fifty seven articles were selected and reviewed on the basis of clinical relevance and future research implications. Findings were summarised, categorised and presented according to prevalence of depression, depression in women, depression in clinical condition, assessment tools, and treatment of depression. The prevalence of depression in Malaysia was estimated to be between 8 and 12%. The figures were higher among women of low socio-economic background or those with comorbid medical condition. The common assessment tools used in Malaysia include Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). They were translated into the Malay language and their psychometric properties were established. Both pharmacological treatment and psychotherapy were commonly used in Malaysia, and were highly recommended in local clinical practice guidelines. There are discrepancies in the reported rates of depression in Malaysia and this needs to be addressed. There were lack of studies looking into the depression among subgroups in Malaysia especially in the male population. There were several instruments available for assessment of depression in Malaysia but their suitability for the local setting need further research. Both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy were recommended in the local treatment guideline in Malaysia. With the emergence of generic medication, we need to compare their clinical efficacy and tolerability with original products.

Matched MeSH terms: Prevalence

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