Displaying publications 81 - 100 of 770 in total

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  1. Fulltext Antimicrobial resistance of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Enteritidis isolated from vegetable farms and retail markets in Malaysia
    Kuan, C.H., Rukayadi, Y., Ahmad, S. H., Wan Mohamed Radzi, C.W.J., Kuan, C.S., Yeo, S.K., et al.
    International Food Research Journal, 2017;24(4):1831-1839.
    MyJurnal
    Listeriosis and salmonellosis are the major foodborne illnesses worldwide. Over the last decade,
    increasing reports about the antibiotic resistance of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella from diverse sources have prompted public health concerns, especially in developing countries with over reliance or misuse of antibiotic drugs in the treatment of humans and animals. In this study, antibiotic susceptibility profiles of 58 L. monocytogenes and 12 Salmonella Enteritidis strains from vegetable farms and retail markets in Malaysia were testedby the standard disk diffusion method. Listeria monocytogenes isolates were found to exhibit 100% resistance to penicillin G. Also, high resistance patterns were observed for meropenem (70.7%) and rifampicin (41.4%). The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of L. monocytogenes isolates ranged from 0.11 to 0.56. Besides, the antibiogram results revealed that multidrugresistant (MDR) S. Enteritidis were detected and all the S. Enteritidis isolates demonstrated resistance to at least four antibiotics. Ampicillin, amoxicillin, and trimethoprim failed to inhibit all the S. Enteritidis strains. Salmonella Enteritidis isolates also displayed high resistance to nalidixic acid (75.0%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (75.0%), and chloramphenicol (66.7%). Findings in this study indicated that vegetables could be potential sources of multidrug resistance of L. monocytogenes and S. Enteritidis, which can be a serious issue and a major concern for public health. Thus, there is a great need for surveillance programs in Malaysia to continuously monitor the antibiotic resistance profiles of important pathogens.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  2. Fulltext Antimicrobial stewardship program in a Malaysian district hospital: First year experience
    Sing DY, Boo YL, Mukhlis R, Chin PW, Hoo FK
    Pak J Med Sci, 2016 Jul-Aug;32(4):999-1004.
    PMID: 27648056
    Backgrounds & Objective: Antimicrobial resistance is an alarming public health threat that requires urgent global solution. Implementation of antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) is an essential practice element for healthcare institutions in gate-keeping judicious antimicrobial use. This study highlighted the development, first year experience, and result of the implementation of ASP utilizing persuasive and restrictive approaches in a Malaysian district hospital.
    Methods: An observational study was conducted between January 2015 to December 2015 on implementation of ASP among hospitalized inpatients age 12 years old and above.
    Results: Recommendations were provided for 60% of cases (110 patients) with the average acceptance rate of 83.33%. Majority of the interventions were to stop the antimicrobial therapy (30.3%), and the most common audited antimicrobials was Piperacillin/Tazobactam (25.5%), followed by Meropenem (11.82%), Amoxicillin/Clavulanate and Vancomycin (8.18%) respectively. The concordance rate towards authorization policy was increased in 2015 (71.59% of cases) as compared before the implementation of ASP in 2014 (60.6% of cases). Restrictive enforcement under ASP had been shown to improve significantly adherence rate towards antimicrobials authorization policy (p-value: 0.004).
    Conclusion: ASP was successfully implemented in a district hospital. Future studies on its clinical outcomes are important to evaluate its effectiveness as well as focus on the improvement to the pre-existing strategies and measures.
    KEY WORDS: Antimicrobial stewardship, Anti-Infective agents, Drug resistance, Malaysia, Rural hospital
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  3. Fulltext Applications of Environmental Epidemiology in Addressing Public Health Challenges in East Asia
    Su SB, Hashim JH, Yan CH
    Biomed Res Int, 2015;2015:462426.
    PMID: 26295038 DOI: 10.1155/2015/462426
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health*
  4. Fulltext Apropos: Plasmodium knowlesi malaria an emerging public health problem in Hulu Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia (2009-2013): epidemiologic and entomologic analysis
    Waugh S
    Parasit Vectors, 2015;8:79.
    PMID: 25651916 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0694-8
    The use of detailed methodologies and legitimate settings justifications in spatial analysis is imperative to locating areas of significance. Studies missing this action may enact interventions in improper areas.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  5. Fulltext Are bovine and porcine adenoviruses distinctive from other adenovirus strains?
    Florence C. H. Lee, Lu Ping Tan
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):86-86.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Adenoviruses are important in public health. They are used as indicators for microbial pollution source tracking (MST), and as vaccine vectors. Knowledge of host specificity and pre-existing immunity are critical for the two applications. Bovine and porcine adenoviruses are expected to be widespread in the environment through agriculture. Here we examined if bovine and porcine adenovirus strains are truly distinctive from other adenovirus strains. Methods: 46 adenovirus strains with complete genome were downloaded from the RefSeq database of Gen-Bank. 450 bp of nucleotides each at positions 1- 450, 18001-18450, and 27001 – 27450 of the respective strains were subjected to the Disparity Index Test using Mega 7 software. Analysis focused on four adenovirus strains: Bo-vine B, Bovine D, Porcine C and Porcine 3. The total number of strains that were significantly different (P
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  6. Fulltext Are our healthcare workers well protected during COVID-19? learning from current experiences and challenges
    Siti Munira Yasin,, Kamarulzaman Muzaini, Ely Zarina Samsudin, Mohamad Ikhsan Selamat, Zaliha Ismail
    Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2020;5(2):4-18.
    MyJurnal
    The outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a Public
    Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization. The incidence
    of this pandemic continues to rise, with 40,665,438 confirmed cases and 1,121,843 deaths
    worldwide by 21 October 2020. During this public health crisis, healthcare workers are at the
    frontline of the COVID-19 outbreak response, and as such are at risk of being infected and
    developing job burnout while in the line of duty. This study reviews the history of COVID-19
    outbreak, infection control measures in hospitals during COVID-19 outbreak, healthcare
    workers’ risk of infection and other health effects from battling COVID-19, and challenges and
    recommendations for protecting healthcare workers during this pandemic. At present,
    healthcare workers are every country’s most valuable resources, and their safety must thus
    be ensured. Strong medical leadership, clear pandemic planning, policies and protocols,
    continuous educational training, adequate provision of personal protective equipment,
    psychological support, and the provision of food, rest, and family support for healthcare
    workers would augment a climate of safety in the workplace, ensure their wellbeing, and
    improve their capacity to battle this ongoing pandemic.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  7. Aristolochic acid-associated cancers: a public health risk in need of global action
    Das S, Thakur S, Korenjak M, Sidorenko VS, Chung FF, Zavadil J
    Nat Rev Cancer, 2022 Oct;22(10):576-591.
    PMID: 35854147 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00494-x
    Aristolochic acids (AAs) are a group of naturally occurring compounds present in many plant species of the Aristolochiaceae family. Exposure to AA is a significant risk factor for severe nephropathy, and urological and hepatobiliary cancers (among others) that are often recurrent and characterized by the prominent mutational fingerprint of AA. However, herbal medicinal products that contain AA continue to be manufactured and marketed worldwide with inadequate regulation, and possible environmental exposure routes receive little attention. As the trade of food and dietary supplements becomes increasingly globalized, we propose that further inaction on curtailing AA exposure will have far-reaching negative effects on the disease trends of AA-associated cancers. Our Review aims to systematically present the historical and current evidence for the mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of AA, and the effect of removing sources of AA exposure on cancer incidence trends. We discuss the persisting challenges of assessing the scale of AA-related carcinogenicity, and the obstacles that must be overcome in curbing AA exposure and preventing associated cancers. Overall, this Review aims to strengthen the case for the implementation of prevention measures against AA's multifaceted, detrimental and potentially fully preventable effects on human cancer development.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  8. Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health. The APACPH Kazue McLaren Leadership Achievement Award
    Lee L, Patrick W, Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2002;14(1):47-8.
    PMID: 12597519
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health*
  9. Fulltext Assessing biofilm formation by Listeria monocytogenes
    Fouladynezhad, N., Afsah-Hejri, L., Rukayadi, Y., Abdulkarim, S.M., Son, R., Marian, M.N.
    International Food Research Journal, 2013;20(2):987-990.
    MyJurnal
    Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a serious food-borne pathogen for immunocompromised individuals. L. monocytogenes is capable of producing biofilm on the surface of food processing lines and instruments. The biofilm transfers contamination to food products and impose risk to public health. Transfers contamination to food products, and impose risk hazard to public health. The aim of this study was to investigate biofilm producing ability of L. monocytogenes isolates. Microtitre assay was used to measure the amount of biofilm production by ten L. monocytogenes isolates from minced chicken / meat, sausages and burgers. Results showed that all 10 L. monocytogenes isolates were able to form biofilm after 24 h at 20˚C on polystyrene surface (the common surface in food industries). Some strains were capable of forming biofilm more than the others. All strains showed a slight raise in the quantities of attached cells over 48 and 72 h. L. monocytogenes strains isolated from minced chicken, minced meat and burgers were better biofilm-producers comparing to the strains isolated from sausages.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  10. Assessing evidence of inequalities in access to medication for diabetic populations in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review
    Christiani Y, Dhippayom T, Chaiyakunapruk N
    Glob Health Action, 2016 Dec;9(1):32505.
    PMID: 28795917 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v9.32505
    Background Inequalities in access to medications among people diagnosed with diabetes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is a public health concern since untreated diabetes can lead to severe complications and premature death. Objective To assess evidence of inequalities in access to medication for diabetes in adult populations of people with diagnosed diabetes in LMICs. Design We conducted a systematic review of the literature using the PRISMA-Equity guidelines. A search of five databases - PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE - was conducted from inception to November 2015. Using deductive content analysis, information extracted from the selected articles was analysed according to the PRISMA-Equity guidelines, based on exposure variables (place of residence, race/ethnicity, occupation, gender, religion, education, socio-economic status, social capital, and others). Results Fifteen articles (seven quantitative and eight qualitative studies) are included in this review. There were inconsistent findings between studies conducted in different countries and regions although financial and geographic barriers generally contributed to inequalities in access to diabetes medications. The poor, those with relatively low education, and people living in remote areas had less access to diabetes medications. Furthermore, we found that the level of government political commitment through primary health care and in the provision of essential medicines was an important factor in promoting access to medications. Conclusions The review indicates that inequalities exist in accessing medication among diabetic populations, although this was not evident in all LMICs. Further research is needed to assess the social determinants of health and medication access for people with diabetes in LMICs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  11. Assessing the competency of University of Malaya dental graduates: employers' and graduates' perceptions
    Razak IA, Latifah RR, Jaafar N, Abu Hassan MI, Ab Murat N
    J Dent Educ, 2008 Mar;72(3):364-9.
    PMID: 18316541
    A survey was conducted to assess competencies of dental graduates of the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, as perceived by the graduates and their employers, based on the five-year undergraduate curriculum introduced in 1995. All senior dental officers in the Ministry of Health (MOH), representing employers, and all 164 dental graduates of the years 2000, 2001, and 2002 were sent a self-administered questionnaire covering eight areas of competency. The respondents had to rate these areas on a scale of 1 (very poor) to 4 (very good). The responses for each area were then dichotomized into poor (1 and 2) and good (3 and 4). If less than 60 percent of the respondents rated an area as good, then it was categorized as needing attention; 60-69 percent as satisfactory; and 70 percent and above as excellent. One hundred and six graduates (64.6 percent) and twenty-nine employers (96.7 percent) responded; of the graduates, 73.6 percent were working in the MOH and 22.6 percent in private practice. About 57.1 percent of employers reported that at least five graduates have worked under them. Graduates (85.7 percent) and employers (83.3 percent) agreed that graduates have excellent skills in communication. Although all graduates perceived their competency to be excellent in the four areas (treatment planning; community-based skills; management, administrative skills, and personal management; and professional development skills), employers felt that these are the areas that are of concern and needed attention. In conclusion, whilst generally the graduates' level of competency in almost all areas is acceptable or good, there are areas of concern that need to be addressed to further improve the five-year curriculum at the University of Malaya.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health Administration
  12. Fulltext Assessing the efficiency of Malaysia health system in COVID-19 prevention and treatment response
    Md Hamzah N, Yu MM, See KF
    Health Care Manag Sci, 2021 Jun;24(2):273-285.
    PMID: 33651316 DOI: 10.1007/s10729-020-09539-9
    Malaysia was faced with a life-threatening crisis in combating COVID-19 with a number of positive cases reaching 5305 and 88 deaths by 18th April 2020 (the first detected case was on 25th January 2020). The government rapidly initiated a public health response and provided adequate medical care to manage the public health crisis during the implementation of movement restrictions, starting 18th March 2020, throughout the country. The objective of this study was to investigate the relative efficiency level of managing COVID-19 in Malaysia using network data envelopment analysis. Malaysia state-level data were extracted from secondary data sources which include variables such as total number of confirmed cases, death cases and recovered cases. These variables were used as inputs and outputs in a network process that consists of 3 sub processes i) community surveillance, ii) medical care I and iii) medical care II. A state-level analysis was performed according to low, medium and high population density categories. The efficiency level of community surveillance was highest compared to medical care processes, indicating that the overall inefficiency is greatly influenced by the inefficiency of the medical care processes rather than the community surveillance process. Results showed that high-density category performed well in both community surveillance and medical care II processes. Meanwhile, low-density category performed better in medical care I process. There was a good overall performance of the health system in Malaysia reflecting a strong preparedness and response level to this pandemic. Furthermore, resource allocation for rapid response was distributed effectively during this challenging period.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  13. Assessing the impact of temperature on the duration of COVID-19 transmission in Terengganu, Malaysia: Implications for public health strategies
    Noramira SM, Dom NC, Samsuri A
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Mar;79(Suppl 1):122-127.
    PMID: 38555896
    INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the global COVID-19 pandemic and its associated high morbidity and mortality, continues to be a significant public health concern. This study investigates the influence of temperature variables on COVID-19 transmission in Terengganu, Malaysia, which, despite having experienced a comparatively lower number of cases, presents a unique environment for understanding how temperature factors may play a critical role in virus transmission dynamics.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive analysis to assess the spatial distribution of COVID-19 cases in our study area. To explore the relationship between temperature variables and COVID-19 transmission, we employed Pearson correlation analysis, examining the correlations between daily average, minimum, and maximum temperature data and the temporal distribution of COVID-19 cases as reported by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. This approach allowed us to comprehensively investigate the impact of weather on the transmission dynamics of COVID-19.

    RESULTS: Our findings reveal a noteworthy correlation (p<0.05) between average and maximum temperatures and COVID-19 transmission, highlighting the influence of weather on disease dynamics. Notably, exceptions were observed in the Hulu Terengganu district, where fewer than 10 cases occurred in each sub-district throughout the study period, warranting special consideration.

    CONCLUSION: In summary, our study highlights the significance of temperature in shaping COVID-19 transmission. This stresses the importance of including weather variables in pandemic strategies. We also suggest comparing various cities to broaden our understanding of how weather affects disease spread, aiding future public health efforts.

    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  14. Fulltext Assessing the threat of chikungunya virus emergence in Australia
    Viennet E, Knope K, Faddy HM, Williams CR, Harley D
    Commun Dis Intell Q Rep, 2013 Jun;37(2):E136-43.
    PMID: 24168087
    Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a major threat to Australia given the distribution of competent vectors, and the large number of travellers returning from endemic regions. We describe current knowledge of CHIKV importations into Australia, and quantify reported viraemic cases, with the aim of facilitating the formulation of public health policy and ensuring maintenance of blood safety.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health Surveillance
  15. Fulltext Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections among Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims from Malaysia in 2018
    Dauda Goni M, Hasan H, Naing NN, Wan-Arfah N, Zeiny Deris Z, Nor Arifin W, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2019 11 18;16(22).
    PMID: 31752224 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224569
    Respiratory tract infection (RTI) is a major public health challenge during the Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Malaysian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims towards the prevention of RTIs in 2018 and determine correlations among three domains. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 225 Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards RTI prevention was assessed by using a validated self-administered questionnaire among pilgrims attending a weekly orientation course organized by private Hajj/Umrah companies. Out of 225 participants, 65.9% of respondents were female with the mean (SD) age of 46.74 (13.38) years. The interquartile range (IQR) score for knowledge is 18.0 (6.0), the mean scores of attitude and practice are 32.65 (4.72) and 25.30 (4.9). respectively. Significant and negative linear correlations between knowledge and practice (r = -0.232, p < 0.001), and attitude and practice (r = 0.134, p = 0.045) were observed. Results from the current study showed good knowledge of RTIs among Malaysian pilgrims. However, a poor attitude was reflected in their preventive practice behaviors. This will further help in the prevention and management of RTIs during Hajj and Umrah. Therefore, an extensive educational health campaign should be provided to pilgrims to create awareness.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  16. Assessment of health hazard due to natural radioactivity in Kluang District, Johor, Malaysia
    Aziz Saleh M, Termizi Ramli A, Alajerami Y, Damoom M, Sadiq Aliyu A
    Isotopes Environ Health Stud, 2014;50(1):103-13.
    PMID: 24279290 DOI: 10.1080/10256016.2013.821469
    The radiation survey of the ambient environment was conducted using two gamma detectors, and the measurement results were used in the computation of the mean external radiation dose rate, mean-weighted dose rate and annual effective dose, which are 144 nGy h(-1), 0.891 mSv y(-1) and 178 μSv, respectively. A high-purity germanium detector was used to determine the activity concentrations of (232)Th, (226)Ra and (40)K in soil samples. The results of the gamma spectrometry of the soil samples show radioactivity concentration ranges from 19±1 to 405±13 Bq kg(-1) with a mean value of 137±5 Bq kg(-1) for (232)Th, from 21±2 to 268±9 Bq kg(-1)with a mean value of 78±3 Bq kg(-1) for (226)Ra and from 23±9 to 1268±58 Bq kg(-1) with a mean value of 207±13 Bq kg(-1) for (40)K. Radium equivalent activity (Raeq) and external hazard index (Hex) were 290 Bq kg(-1) and 0.784, respectively, which were safe for the population. The mean lifetime dose and lifetime cancer risk for each person living in the area with average lifetime (70 y) were 12.46 mSv and 7.25×10(-4) Sv year, respectively. The results were compared with values given in United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation 2000.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  17. Fulltext Associated factors for lymphatic filariasis in Beluran, Sabah
    Nur Dalila Zakaria, Richard Avoi
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):23-23.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: : Lymphatic filariasis is a public health problem in Malaysia. In sub-district Tangkarason, Beluran the nine rounds of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) do not seem to work in reducing the microfilaria (Mf) prevalence below the 2% threshold that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends for stopping MDA. The study aims to identify possible factors contributing to the transmission of lymphatic filariasis in the area. Methods: A total of 244 individuals from seven high risk localities, whom between the age of 19 and 99-year-old, were interviewed and tested for lymphatic filariasis antibody. The associated factors were analyzed using Chi-square test (Fisher exact test where applicable) and odds ratio (OR), and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was estimated using logistic regression. Re-sults: The median age was 40-year-old (interquartile range: 30-53). The prevalence of brugian filariasis in the studied population was 31.1% (95% CI 0.25, 0.37). Prevalence of brugian filarial infection is higher in males than in females (34.6% vs. 27.4%, P = 0.219); and in older adults (≥ 56-year-old) than in young-and-middle-aged adults (46.3% vs 26.8%, P = 0.006). The older group is 2.4 times at higher odd of contracting the disease than the younger adults (95% CI 1.26, 4.38; P = 0.007). The prevalence of brugian filarial infection is higher among those who never receive pro-phylaxis treatment compared to those who had received medications (48.5% vs 28.4%, p = 0.021). Those who had received prophylaxis treatment have about 60% reduction in odd of lymphatic filariasis infection (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.20, 0.89; P = 0.023). The proportion of the studied population who has outdoor jobs is 52.9%. The prevalence of brugian filarial is higher in this group compared to those with indoor jobs (38.0% vs 23.5%, p = 0.015). The older age group was significantly associated with brugian filarial infection after adjusting for other factors (AOR 3.20; 95% CI 1.63, 6.32). Conclusion: The older adults (≥ 56-year-old), those who never involved in MDA and those with outdoor jobs are associated with lymphatic filariasis infection in Beluran.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  18. Fulltext Association between health-related quality of life and psychological distress at different stages of chronic kidney disease
    Norhayati Ibrahim, Rafidah Aini Pakri Mohamed, Sharlene Teo, Normah Che In, Abdul Halim Abdul Gafor, Rozmi Ismail, et al.
    Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45(5):753-759.
    The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) have increased and become one of the major public health concerns
    worldwide including Malaysia. Previous studies on CKD generally focused on patients who were already undergoing
    dialysis treatment; however, studies investigating the stresses experienced by pre-dialysis CKD patients were limited. This
    study aimed to examine the prevalence of psychological distress and their association with the Health Related Quality
    of Life (HRQoL) during the different stages of CKD. This cross-sectional study involved 200 pre-dialysis patients from
    stages 3 to 5, who were recruited from the Nephrology Clinic at the National University of Malaysia Medical Centre
    (UKMMC). The instruments used in this study were the Short Form 36 (measuring HRQoL) and Hospital Anxiety and
    Depression Scale (HADS) to measure the psychological distress. The results showed that the prevalence of depression
    and anxiety increased proportionally with the CKD stages. The HRQoL sub-component scores declined as the CKD stages
    increased except for social functioning. An impaired HRQoL was associated with depression and anxiety in the CKD
    patients. The results suggested that it is very important to manage kidney disease at an early stage and that a healthier
    lifestyle is adopted.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  19. Fulltext Association between quality of sleep and chronic periodontitis: A case-control study in Malaysian population
    Singh VP, Gan JY, Liew WL, Kyaw Soe HH, Nettem S, Nettemu SK
    Dent Res J (Isfahan), 2019 2 13;16(1):29-35.
    PMID: 30745916
    Background: Periodontitis is a public health concern since it is a major factor in tooth loss worldwide and has association with many systemic diseases. Sleep is a complex and essentially biological process and a critical factor for maintaining mental and physical health. Since inflammation is characteristic of both chronic periodontitis and sleep deprivation, few studies in recent years present the contradictory results regarding this potential association. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between quality of sleep and chronic periodontitis.

    Materials and Methods: A total of 200 individuals participated in this study. All participants underwent a comprehensive clinical periodontal examination. Case-control were identified using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology case definitions for periodontal disease. The quality of sleep was assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to test the influence of variables (quality of sleep, age, sex, ethnicity, education, and socioeconomic status), in the occurrence of periodontitis. Odds ratio (OR) and respective confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and reported. P =0.05 was considered statistically significant.

    Results: The prevalence of poor quality of sleep was 56.75% in cases (periodontitis group) and 43.24% in control group. There was positive association between quality of sleep and chronic periodontitis (OR = 3.04; 95% CI = 1.42-6.5; P = 0.004). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the age was significantly related to the periodontitis (OR = 1.11; 95% CI = 1.07-1.41; P < 0.001), other variables failed to reach the significant level.

    Conclusion: Poor quality of sleep was significantly associated with chronic periodontitis. Only the age was significantly related to periodontitis among the other covariable measured.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  20. Fulltext Association of children’s BMI and physical activity: a cross sectional study
    Lily Shuzeen Kimin, Wenda Riona Lamiri, Alvin Oliver Payus, Constance Liew Sat Lin, Mohd Firdaus Mohd Hayati, Rhanye Mac Guad, et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):61-61.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction:The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity among primary school children is a growing public health concern worldwide. Previous study in West Malaysia showed a prevalence of obesity with an estimated of 6.6% among 7-year-olds children and rising to 13.8% among 10-year-olds children. However, no study has ever been conducted in East Malaysia on childhood obesity. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of child-hood obesity and to investigate the association of physical activity levels with obesity and its intervention among primary school children in Kota Kinabalu. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 484 students (aged 7-12 years old) was conducted in five primary schools at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The schools were selected based on cluster sampling method and simple random sampling method. Primary school children with a known medical condition such as bronchial asthma, type-1 diabetes mellitus or those with a prolonged use of oral steroids was excluded from the study. Self developed questionnaires were used to record sociodemographic details and anthropometric mea-sures both parents and children, and physical activity was measured using a Children Physical Activity Questionnaire (C-PAQ). The intervention involved 3 components; I) motivational interviewing, ii) brief and focused advice, iii) ac-tivity session. Follow up was done 3 months after the intervention was conducted. Results: The prevalence of child-hood obesity among primary school children is 13.2%. There is a negative correlation between children’s BMI and amount of physical activity (-0.347) and positive correlation between children’s BMI and amount of non-physical activity (0.339). Little changes in the BMI of the children after intervention, t(127)= 2.866, p=0.005. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that childhood obesity is not a prevalent health problem in Kota Kinabalu and has proved that physical activity levels have significant associations with children’s body mass indices.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
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