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  1. Saaban S, Yasak MN, Gumal M, Oziar A, Cheong F, Shaari Z, et al.
    PeerJ, 2020;8:e8209.
    PMID: 32002318 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8209
    The need for conservation scientists to produce research of greater relevance to practitioners is now increasingly recognized. This study provides an example of scientists working alongside practitioners and policy makers to address a question of immediate relevance to elephant conservation in Malaysia and using the results to inform wildlife management policy and practice including the National Elephant Conservation Action Plan for Peninsular Malaysia. Since ensuring effective conservation of elephants in the Endau Rompin Landscape (ERL) in Peninsular Malaysia is difficult without data on population parameters we (1) conducted a survey to assess the size of the elephant population, (2) used that information to assess the viability of the population under different management scenarios including translocation of elephants out of the ERL (a technique long used in Malaysia to mitigate human-elephant conflict (HEC)), and (3) assessed a number of options for managing the elephant population and HEC in the future. Our dung-count based survey in the ERL produced an estimate of 135 (95% CI [80-225]) elephants in the 2,500 km2 area. The population is thus of national significance, containing possibly the second largest elephant population in Peninsular Malaysia, and with effective management elephant numbers could probably double. We used the data from our survey plus other sources to conduct a population viability analysis to assess relative extinction risk under different management scenarios. Our results demonstrate that the population cannot sustain even very low levels of removal for translocation or anything other than occasional poaching. We describe, therefore, an alternative approach, informed by this analysis, which focuses on in situ management and non-translocation-based methods for preventing or mitigating HEC. The recommended approach includes an increase in law enforcement to protect the elephants and their habitat, maintenance of habitat connectivity between the ERL and other elephant habitat, and a new focus on adaptive management.
    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  2. Prasojo LD, Habibi A, Mohd Yaakob MF, Pratama R, Yusof MR, Mukminin A, et al.
    Heliyon, 2020 Jan;6(1):e03144.
    PMID: 31938746 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e03144
    Researchers in educational psychology have researched Teacher Self-Concept (TSC) and Teacher Efficacy (TE) as two main predictors predicting burnout. Guided by a model developed by Zhu, Liu, Fu, Yang, Zhang & Shi (2018), the researchers aimed at building a model involving TSC, TE, and three components of burnout; Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (DP), and Reduced Personal Accomplishment (RPA) through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The researchers investigated predicting factors of burnout by reporting TSC and TE that might directly affect the components and examine the probability of TE to become a mediator of the correlation between TSC and burnout. This research also examined whether the difference emerges constantly among demographic information (gender and teaching experience) regarding all involved variables. A sample of 876 teachers across three Indonesian provinces completed a printed form of questionnaires. Some statistical procedures namely Content Validity Index (CVI), Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM), and t-test were conducted. Findings informed that the model is valid and reliable. TSC could directly affect EE, DE, and RPA, as well as indirectly influence them mediated by TE. Besides, TE is also reported to have significant relationships with EE, DE, and RPA. No significant differences in terms of age and teaching experiences emerge, except for EE.
    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  3. He YZ, Yusop FD
    Data Brief, 2020 Apr;29:105230.
    PMID: 32123703 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.105230
    This dataset contains demographic information of 355 respondents and a validated 32-items Stages of Concerns Questionnaire (SoCQ). The SoCQ questionnaire was developed based on the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM) which measures seven stages of concerns as the variables. They are unconcerned, informational, personal, management, consequence, collaboration and refocusing. The data was firstly tested with normality, followed by validity checking using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). It is useful for policy makers and stakeholders to have a thorough understanding about teachers' concerns on the use of the e-learning platform and thus, design suitable interventions to smoothen the adoption process of using the technology. This set of data could be used in a multi-racial developing country for more complex analyses.
    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  4. Rakami NMHN, Ismail NAH, Abu Kassim NL, Idrus F
    J Appl Meas, 2020;21(1):91-100.
    PMID: 32129771
    This paper describes the process of assessing the unidimensionality and validity of egalitarian education (EE) items based on the Rasch measurement model. Egalitarian education was measured by a self-developed 5 EE items of Likert-scale format. The process of assessing the validity of EE items involved a collection of data from 400 Malay teachers, who are teaching in government school around peninsular of Malaysia where the measurement of construct validity for the overall EE items were established using Winsteps. Various Rasch measurement tools were utilized to demonstrate the true unidimensionality and validity measure of the EE items and in meeting the needs of the Rasch measurement model. The findings show that the validity and unidimensionality of EE items can be truly established and can satisfy the characteristics of the Rasch measurement model.
    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  5. Shafie AA, Ng CH, Thanimalai S, Haron N, Manocha AB
    J Diabetes Metab Disord, 2018 Dec;17(2):269-275.
    PMID: 30918862 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-018-0369-z
    Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to estimate the health utility values for hypoglycaemia events according to their severity and frequency. The secondary objective was to compare the health utilities between those with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the general population.

    Method: The health utilities of hypoglycaemia event were measured using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Time Trade-Off (TTO) methods among conveniently sampled consenting adults (>18 years and literate in either English or Malay language), which were then divided into two groups: those in the general population (GP) and those with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Each respondent was required to value 13 different health states, including frequencies of daytime hypoglycaemia and nocturnal hypoglycaemia, each depending on its severity (non-severe or severe).

    Results: 256 respondents from the GP and 99 respondents with T2DM completed the survey. The T2DM group gave higher VAS-values compared to the GP group. The highest mean VAS-utility value for non-severe nocturnal hypoglycaemia occurring once monthly was 0.543 (SD 0.161), and for severe daytime hypoglycaemia occurring once quarterly was 0.293 (SD 0.162) which was the lowest utility value compared to other health states. However, non-severe nocturnal hypoglycaemia occurring once quarterly was 0.537 (SD 0.284) and has the highest TTO-utility value. Severe nocturnal hypoglycaemia occurring once quarterly has the lowest utility value which was -0.104 (SD 0.380). Daytime hypoglycaemia has lower utility value compared to nocturnal hypoglycaemia. Severe hypoglycaemia has a greater disutility compared with the non-severe hypoglycaemia in both studied groups.

    Conclusion: The findings show that as a health utility, hypoglycaemia has a substantial impact on utility with severe hypoglycaemia having a greater negative impact compared to non-severe events across the board. This highlights the importance of preventing development of severe hypoglycaemia in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at any time of the day.

    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  6. Nurulhuda, M. H., Norwati, D., Sit Norazlina, J., Husbani, M. A. R.
    MyJurnal
    Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women in
    Malaysia, accounting to 32.1% of all cancer among women. Preventive activities of breast health especially
    mammogram screening was found to be effective in reducing the mortality and morbidities related to breast cancer. .
    However, the number of people who come for screening is still unsatisfactory. Many patients come in advanced stage
    of breast cancer attributed by lack of awareness and knowledge of the disease. The aim of this study was to introduce
    a multimodality online course on breast cancer and its screening; and to measure its effectiveness in providing the
    awareness and knowledge in breast cancer. Methodology: An online course was designed incorporating essential
    knowledge regarding breast cancer and its screening. Group sampling was done to sample 30 undergraduate students.
    Knowledge and awareness on breast cancer and its screening was measured using a validated questionnaire pre and
    post exposure to the online course. Results: There was significant difference in Pre- &Post-exposure test knowledge
    (p
    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  7. Passiatore M, Perna A, De-Vitis R, Taccardo G
    Malays Orthop J, 2020 Mar;14(1):1-6.
    PMID: 32296475 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2003.001
    Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common peripheral neuropathies. Only a few studies evaluate the efficacy of "nutraceuticals" on peripheral nerves and neuropathic pain. The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the role of Alfa-Lipoic Acid-R (ALA-R) on clinical and functional outcomes in patients affected by mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.

    Material and Methods: The present investigation is a prospective randomised controlled open label study, performed at our Hand Surgery Department (Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome) from October 2018 to March 2019. The enrolled patients were divided in two groups: Group A (ALA-R 600mg once day for 60 days) and Group B (control Group, no drug administration).

    Results: 134 patients (74 F, 60 M) met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In Group A, there was a statistically significant pain reduction compared to the control Group. Using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, there were no significant improvements in the other symptoms and function.

    Conclusion: ALA-R full dose administration for two months leads to positive short term results in terms of symptoms and function improvement, even if the surgical carpal tunnel release remains the treatment of choice.

    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  8. Komaruddin SA, Mohamad NA, Fatihah-Syafiq M, Badli Sham BH, Mamat MA, Zakaria N
    Data Brief, 2020 Feb;28:104994.
    PMID: 32226800 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.104994
    This data article is about reptiles (lizard, snake, and skink) captured from fragmented forest within man-made lake of Tasik Kenyir that is situated in Terengganu State, Peninsular Malaysia. Data collection was conducted in January 2019 and sampling methods included drift fenced-pitfall traps and Visual Encounter Survey (VES). All animals were identified, measured snout to vent (SVL) and weighted before their release at the site of capture. The highlights like conservation statuses in the wild, detection type and substrate type are presented with the data to increase its value. A total of 73 individuals from 18 species, 15 generas and seven families of reptiles were recorded. The data comprised of seven reptile family groups Agamidae, Gekkonidae, Scincidae, Colubridae, Elapidae, Viperidae and Homalopsidae. Reptiles like Cyrtodactylus quadrivirgattus (n = 33, 45.2%) and Aphaniotis fusca (n = 7, 9.6%) were most dominant in the checklist and most of the animals were captured using VES. Data of SVL and mass of the animals can be further interpreted by researchers to assess the health condition of animals in the altered habitats.
    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  9. Cheah WL, Chang CT, Helmy H, Wan Manan WM
    Malays Fam Physician, 2019;14(3):46-54.
    PMID: 32175040
    Introduction: Physical inactivity is the one of the leading causes of major non-communicable diseases in the world. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of an intervention program based on the stages of change, physical activity levels and health profiles of selected overweight and obese adults in Sarawak.

    Methods: This intervention study was carried out using selected overweight and obese adults in Sarawak. A total of 75 participants were placed in the intervention group, and 80 respondents were placed in the control group participated. Respondent-determined weekly aerobic exercise sessions were conducted for six months. The Malay version of the long-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Transtheoretical model of change (TTM) questionnaire were used, together with anthropometric measurements and the collection of venous fasting blood profiles. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 20.

    Results: The intervention group had significant better stage transitions compared to the control group (p<0.01). They also had significantly lower total cholesterol, although both groups showed significant results (difference= 0.53, p<0.01; difference= 0.38, p=0.01). The respondent-determined intervention program was effective in improving stage transition; however, an intervention of longer duration could provide more conclusive health outcomes.

    Conclusion: Physical activity plays a role in assisting overweight and obese adults to be more active and healthier.

    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  10. Hamid TA, Dzaher A, Ching SM
    Med J Malaysia, 2019 Jun;74(3):198-204.
    PMID: 31256173
    BACKGROUND: Research has found that social network, social support and religiosity are associated with depression in elderly people. However, these predictors of depression have not been fully explored among the high risk elderly population. This study aims to examine the prevalence and factors associated with depression among Malaysian elderly subjects who had experienced major life events.

    METHODS: This is a cross-section study of a subsample of 594 participants from the original sample of 2322 Malaysian elderly respondents, who had experienced major life events. Information on socio-demographic, social network, social support, religiosity and depression were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with depression among elderly who experienced major life events.

    RESULTS: Overall prevalence of depression among subsample of Malaysian elderly facing major life events was 9.4%. The results showed that age (p≤0.01), income (p≤0.001) and social network (p≤0.05) were significant associated with depression. In other words, with increasing age, low income as well as small social network associated with high risk of developing depression among elderly who had experienced major life events CONCLUSION: Other than age and income, social network were also associated with depression among elderly respondents who had experienced major life events. Therefore, professionals who are working with elderly with major life events should seek ways to enhance elderly networking as one of the strategies to prevent depression.

    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  11. Muhammad Fadzil Amram, Ramlah Zainudin, Hasnizam Abdul Wahid
    Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:1-7.
    The sound produced by the anurans including toads can be a survival strategy for the selection of fittest males by their conspecific females and a form of effective prezygotic mechanism. Most of the published works on anuran sound production were on true frogs or ranids, yet little is known about sound characteristics of toads. Here we describe the properties of mating calls from six selected toad species from six study sites in Sarawak. Males' mating calls were recorded and analyzed using Sound Ruler Acoustic Analysis ver 0.9.6.0. Call characteristic were subsequently compared for toad species differentiation. The results showed that each species differ in call characteristics, with pulsating note, rate of note repetition and pitch being the most apparent characters. The highest number of pulse notes belongs to Duttaphrynus melanostictus while Ansonia spinulifer exhibited highest pitch and rate of note repetition. These species' differences in mating call characteristics provide an additional method for anuran species classification besides morphological and molecular DNA data. It is also a very useful guide during field survey as the sound is audible and identification can be made without the need of capturing the toads.
    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  12. Nor MZ
    J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2019 Dec;14(6):495-501.
    PMID: 31908636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2019.09.007
    Objective: The study aimed to develop a preliminary medical teachers' faculty development programme (FDP) needs questionnaire through two rounds of Delphi technique.

    Methods: This study utilised the Delphi study between April to June 2019. Face-to-face interviews and a literature review were conducted to propose a set of domains and items for the FDP needs of medical teachers. Two rounds of the Delphi technique were incorporated to obtain a consensus for the proposed questionnaire by 10 expert panels from their respective fields. The consensus was pre-defined as a mean score of four or above and with a percent agreement of 75%.

    Results: Initially, four domains and 26 items were proposed. Finally, a total of six domains and 38 items were endorsed by the expert panels. The selected domains included six competencies, including teaching, assessment, research, curriculum, publication, and public service. These domains consisted of seven, nine, six, seven, four, and five items, respectively.

    Conclusion: This study developed the first preliminary FDPs needs questionnaire specifically designed for medical teachers. It would be an effective instrument to measure the needs of the FDPs in medical education.

    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  13. Lewis K, Rumpang E, Kho LK, McCalmont J, Teh YA, Gallego-Sala A, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2020 02 10;10(1):2230.
    PMID: 32041975 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58982-9
    The recent expansion of oil palm (OP, Elaeis guineensis) plantations into tropical forest peatlands has resulted in ecosystem carbon emissions. However, estimates of net carbon flux from biomass changes require accurate estimates of the above ground biomass (AGB) accumulation rate of OP on peat. We quantify the AGB stocks of an OP plantation on drained peat in Malaysia from 3 to 12 years after planting using destructive harvests supported by non-destructive surveys of a further 902 palms. Peat specific allometric equations for palm (R2 = 0.92) and frond biomass are developed and contrasted to existing allometries for OP on mineral soils. Allometries are used to upscale AGB estimates to the plantation block-level. Aboveground biomass stocks on peat accumulated at ~6.39 ± 1.12 Mg ha-1 per year in the first 12 years after planting, increasing to ~7.99 ± 0.95 Mg ha-1 yr-1 when a 'perfect' plantation was modelled. High inter-palm and inter-block AGB variability was observed in mature classes as a result of variations in palm leaning and mortality. Validation of the allometries defined and expansion of non-destructive inventories across alternative plantations and age classes on peat would further strengthen our understanding of peat OP AGB accumulation rates.
    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  14. Alhajj MN, Omar R, Khader Y, Celebić A, El Tantawi M, Folayan MO, et al.
    Int Dent J, 2020 Oct;70(5):328-339.
    PMID: 32501563 DOI: 10.1111/idj.12579
    OBJECTIVES: The extent to which dentists are happy with their profession and their life has not been well studied. The present study aimed to explore the level of happiness, satisfaction with life and psychological well-being among a sample of dental professionals from 21 countries.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample comprised 2,200 dentists from 21 countries. Three scales - Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and Affect Balance Scale (ABS) - were used to measure the subjective responses. Data related to demographic and social characteristics were recorded. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used as appropriate. Scales were correlated, and multiple linear regression analyses were employed to identify the independent determinants of SHS, SWLS and ABS. Data were analysed using the SPSS software program; a value of P <0.05 was considered significant.

    RESULTS: The overall mean scores of SHS, SWLS and ABS were 18.53 ± 5.06, 23.06 ± 6.25 and 1.26 ± 2.40, respectively, with significant differences found across countries: dentists working in Croatia, Peru and Serbia recorded the highest scores, unlike dentists practicing in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq, who recorded the lowest scores. There were significant, moderately positive correlations between the various scales: SHS and SWLS: r = 0.535, P 

    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  15. Arifin H, Kayode J, Arifin K, Zahir Z, Abdullah M, Azmi A
    Data Brief, 2020 Jun;30:105491.
    PMID: 32373680 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.105491
    The Transient Electro-Magnetic (TEM) geophysical technique was deployed to map and characterized the subsurface of Pahang River Basin along the East Coast Peninsula Malaysia. The data aimed at differentiating between the massive zones and the weak zones within the region, to also assess and differentiate the subsurface structures and comes up with recommendations for policy decision, formulation and plans on the flooding impact, surface water and groundwater managements, in addition to other environmental related issues ravaging the area. The data presented in this paper, showed the properties of the subsurface rocks underlain the region as beneficial to the Agriculturists; Climatologists; Engineers; Environmentalists; Geoscientists, Hydrologists and Policy formulation officers. The TEM data collection utilized a 100 m x 100 m single loop coil for both the Transmitter (Tx) loop and the Receiver (Rx) loop to produce a total surface area coverage of 10,000 m2 per survey line along a single profile. The total area covered in the data extended across an average area of 30 km x 40 km in parts of Maran, Temerloh and Jerantut districts, within the State of Pahang, East Coast, Peninsula Malaysia. The conductivity data recorded varied from -20 mS/m to about 440 mS/m at a maximum depth of about 375 m. On the other hand, the resistivity data recorded varied from 0 Oh-m to about 1000 Oh-m. The information derived from the data are intended for potential abstraction by the Malaysian Groundwater Management Board; the Department of Mineral and Geoscience; Department of Irrigation and Drainage; the Pahang State Water Board, and the Department of Agriculture.
    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  16. Zakaria N, Tarmizi AA, Zuki MAM, Ahmad AB, Mamat MA, Abdullah MT
    Data Brief, 2020 Jun;30:105567.
    PMID: 32382599 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.105567
    This data article is about bats observed from fragmented forest understories interspaced by agricultural plantations, utility corridors, and man-made structures within rural areas of Setiu (Bukit Kesing Forest Reserve and Ladang Tayor TDM) and Hulu Terengganu (Pengkalan Utama and Sungai Buweh, Kenyir) that are situated in Terengganu state, Peninsular Malaysia. Surveys were conducted from October 2018 until January 2019. These bats were captured using harp traps and mist nets that were set 30 m apart across flyways, streams, rivers and less cluttered trees in the 50 m transect zones (identified at each site). All animals captured were distinguished by morphology and released at the same location it was caught. The data comprise of 15 species of bats from four family groups, namely Hipposideridae, Pteropodidae, Rhinolophidae and Vespertilionidae. The data were interpreted into weight-forearm length (W-FA) to inform about bats Body Condition Index (-0.25 to 0.25).
    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  17. Prasojo LD, Habibi A, Wibawa S, Hadisaputra P, Mukminin A, Muhaimin, et al.
    Data Brief, 2020 Jun;30:105592.
    PMID: 32373690 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.105592
    This dataset presents the validation process of a survey of factors affecting Indonesian K-12 school teachers' Teachers' Information and Communication Technology Access (TICTA). An initial instrument was developed through the adaptation of instruments from previous studies. Afterward, it was piloted to 120 teachers and tested for its reliability. For the main data collection, the instrument was distributed online and responded by 2775 Indonesian K-12 school teachers. The main data analysis was conducted for the measurement model using four assessments; reflective indicator loadings, internal consistency reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) was utilized for the analysis. The dataset is beneficial for educational regulators in providing appropriate access to ICT in K-12 education and for educational researchers for future research on technology access in teaching.
    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  18. Kim Y, Kuan G
    PMID: 32545921 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124251
    The present study examines the relationship between drinking behaviour and drinking refusal self-efficacy among university students, with a focus on the influential roles of sports type and gender. A total of 354 students from Seoul National University of Science and Technology volunteered and participated in this study. The Korean Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-K), the Korean Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy (DRSE) Questionnaire-Revised, and a questionnaire measuring participation in sports activities were administered to measure students' alcohol drinking behaviours, refusal self-efficacy and sport-related activities, respectively. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, two-way ANOVAs, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. The subdomains of DRSE had significant influences on binge drinking. Specifically, low DRSE in situations involving social pressure played a key role in predicting increased binge drinking. There was also a significant relationship between sports type and drinking behaviour, but only for male students. Those who participated in individual sports binge drank less than those who participated in team sports. Finally, gender differences were also revealed in drinking behaviour. Male students were more likely to binge drink compared to their female counterparts. This study offers a foundation for practical interventions to help control problematic drinking behaviour among university students.
    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  19. Rasyidah G, Wafa SW
    Heliyon, 2020 Jun;6(6):e04059.
    PMID: 32551377 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04059
    Background: There is evidence suggesting that the school environment does have prominent contributions to the rise of childhood obesity.

    Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the school environment by interviewing the teachers and compare the school environment score between rural and urban schools in Terengganu, Malaysia.

    Methods: Thirty-two teachers from 16 primary schools in Terengganu were interviewed using a set of validated Malay version "School Environmental Mapping" questionnaire. A total of 76 items consisting of four domains of school environment factor: physical (what is available) with 41 items; economic (what the costs are) with nine items; political (what the rules are) with nine items; and socio-cultural (what the attitudes and beliefs are) with 17 items. Every item was questioned using an initial closed question followed by an open question when the criteria were not met or need further information regarding those particular items.

    Results: The present study revealed that the school environment of school in state of Terengganu is still low and not satisfied. Based on the schoolteacher's information and observation, there are significant barriers to promoting healthy eating and physical activity at school e.g. limited financial and budget allocation; lack of school facilities; lack of manpower to organise and monitor the programme; lack of participation and cooperation from parents; and no enforcement and serious action from authorized personnel on street hawkers near the school. This is reflected by the score achieved for 16 schools in Terengganu was only 63.05%. The political environment indicated the highest score among the domains, which was 77.78%, whereas, the lowest score was an economic environment (50.00%). Upon comparing between the urban and rural areas, the present study reported that there was a significant difference between school settings (p < 0.001) for an overall school environment, in which the rural areas had a significantly higher score than urban counterparts (64.86% vs 59.34%, p < 0.001). For each domain of the school environment, the findings showed that only two domains (physical and political environment) were significantly different between school settings.

    Conclusion: This study revealed that the level of a healthy school environment among schools in both settings is still not satisfied. Addressing the obesogenic elements of school environments is one of the strategies in prevention since the school environments exert a great influence on children's behaviour.

    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
  20. Mohammed Taresh S, Aniza Ahmad N, Roslan S, Ma'rof AM, Mohammed Zaid S
    PMID: 32560042 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124284
    Background: Early intervention will help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to attain early learning reinforcement. This study focuses on exploring the ability of preschool teachers to identify children with ASD and their referral decision-making process. Method: This is a mixed-method study (qualitative and quantitative methods) involving 20 respondents. The qualitative study is based on an open question case study, while the quantitative study consists of questionnaire with demographic variables to identify the effect of the demographic variables on the preschool teachers' ability to identify children with ASD. Sample: The sample was selected via convenience sampling among mainstream preschool teachers. The data was analyzed using SPSS software and thematic analysis. Results: The findings show that preschool teachers did not have skills at identifying children with ASD, and the majority of them labelled children with ASD as spoilt or hyperactive children. They also viewed children with ASD as having other disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or communication disorders such as introversion. Moreover, preschool teachers expressed that the reason for the child's behaviour could be due to the parents' inability to properly educate their child. Additionally, the demographic variables of the preschool teachers, such as age, education level and teaching experience, were found not to affect their ASD identification skills. Conclusion: Preschool teachers need to improve their skills in identifying ASD among children via training.
    Matched MeSH terms: Surveys and Questionnaires
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