Displaying publications 101 - 120 of 154 in total

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  1. Fulltext Factors associated with healthcare workers willingness to participate in disasters: a cross-sectional study in Sana'a, Yemen
    Al-Hunaishi W, Hoe VC, Chinna K
    BMJ Open, 2019 10 17;9(10):e030547.
    PMID: 31628126 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030547
    OBJECTIVES: Willingness to participate in disasters is usually overlooked and not addressed in disaster preparedness training courses to ensure health service coverage. This will lead to issues during the disaster's response. This study, therefore, aims to assess healthcare workers willingness to participate in biological and natural disasters, and to identify its associated factors.

    DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed to 1093 healthcare workers. The data were analysed using multiple logistic regression with significance level p<0.05. Ethical clearance and consent of the participants were duly obtained.

    SETTING: In three public hospitals that provide tertiary-level healthcare in Sana'a City, Yemen.

    PARTICIPANTS: There were 692 nurses and doctors (response rate 63.3%) completed the questionnaires.

    RESULTS: Almost half of the participants 55.1% were nurses and 44.9% were doctors. The study found that self-efficacy was associated with willingness to participate in disaster response for any type of disasters (OR 1.319, 95% CI 1.197 to 1.453), natural disasters (OR 1.143, 95% CI 1.069 to 1.221) and influenza pandemic (OR 1.114, 95% CI 1.050 to 1.182). The results further show that willingness is associated with healthcare workers being young, male and having higher educational qualifications.

    CONCLUSION: Self-efficacy has been found to be an important factor associated with willingness. Improving self-efficacy through training in disaster preparedness may increase willingness of healthcare workers to participate in a disaster.

    Matched MeSH terms: Disaster Planning; Disasters*
  2. Oryong 501 sinking incident in the Bering Sea-International DVI cooperation in the Asia Pacific
    Chung NE, Castilani A, Tierra WE, Beh P, Mahmood MS
    Forensic Sci Int, 2017 Sep;278:367-373.
    PMID: 28806635 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.07.030
    On December 1st, 2014, the sinking of Oryong 501 occurred in the Bering Sea off the east coast of Russia. A total of 60 crew members, including 35 Indonesians, 13 Filipinos, 11 South Koreans and 1 Russian inspector were on board out of which only seven survived. Through an international rescue operation, the dead bodies of 27 were found and the remaining 26 crew are still missing. After transferring the dead bodies to the Busan Harbor in South Korea, the operation to identify the deceased began involving DVI teams from three countries: Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines. When a deep sea fishing boat sinks, it is very difficult to obtain antemortem data of the crew who had been on board for a long time. This is especially so if the crews are multinational. Further, the accuracy of the antemortem data provided by the families may be questionable, and the provided data is often not standardized. Despite the fact that the antemortem data were received in different formats, the identification process for the bodies of the 27 crew from the Oryong sinking was quickly completed through the cooperation among the three DVI teams. This case is an excellent example of how efficiently a DVI operation can be conducted in the Asia Pacific region. Issues raised during this operation should enable even better preparation for similar events in the future.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters*
  3. Are older people more vulnerable to long-term impacts of disasters?
    Rafiey H, Momtaz YA, Alipour F, Khankeh H, Ahmadi S, Sabzi Khoshnami M, et al.
    Clin Interv Aging, 2016;11:1791-1795.
    PMID: 27994445
    BACKGROUND: Despite the growing interest in the study of disasters, there is limited research addressing the elderly population that lead to prejudiced beliefs that older adults are more vulnerable to disasters than younger adults. This study aimed to compare positive mental health between elderly and young earthquake survivors.

    METHOD: Data for this study, consisting of 324 earthquake survivors, were obtained from a population-based cross-sectional survey conducted in Iran, 2015. The long-term effect of earthquake was assessed using the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form questionnaire. A one-way multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) using SPSS (version 22) was used in data analysis.

    RESULTS: Older adults scored significantly a higher level of overall positive mental health (mean [M]=34.31, standard deviation [SD]=10.52) than younger age group (M=27.48, SD=10.56, t=-4.41; P<0.001). Results of MANCOVA revealed a statistically significant difference between older and young adults on the combined positive mental health subscales (F(3,317)=6.95; P<0.001), after controlling for marital status, sex, and employment status.

    CONCLUSION: The present findings showing a higher level of positive mental health among elderly earthquake survivors compared with their younger counterparts in the wake of natural disasters suggest that advancing age per se does not contribute to increasing vulnerability.

    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters/statistics & numerical data*
  4. Global Emergencies in Child Health: Challenges and Solutions-Viewpoint and Recommendations from the European Paediatric Association and the International Pediatric Association
    Thacker N, Hasanoglu E, Dipesalema J, Namazova-Baranova L, Pulungan A, Alden E, et al.
    J Pediatr, 2022 Feb;241:266-266.e3.
    PMID: 34756940 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.10.052
    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters*
  5. Key indicator tools for shallow slope failure assessment using soil chemical property signatures and soil colour variables
    Othman R, Hasni SI, Baharuddin ZM, Hashim KSH, Mahamod LH
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2017 Oct;24(29):22861-22872.
    PMID: 28721625 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9715-9
    Slope failure has become a major concern in Malaysia due to the rapid development and urbanisation in the country. It poses severe threats to any highway construction industry, residential areas, natural resources and tourism activities. The extent of damages that resulted from this catastrophe can be lessened if a long-term early warning system to predict landslide prone areas is implemented. Thus, this study aims to characterise the relationship between Oxisols properties and soil colour variables to be manipulated as key indicators to forecast shallow slope failure. The concentration of each soil property in slope soil was evaluated from two different localities that consist of 120 soil samples from stable and unstable slopes located along the North-South Highway (PLUS) and East-West Highway (LPT). Analysis of variance established highly significant difference (P 
    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters/prevention & control*
  6. Fulltext COVID-19 handling report for pre-case, case (pre-hospital and hospital), and post-case phases in the elderly as vulnerable populations in 6 Asia Pacific countries
    Susilowati IH, Nakatani H, Nugraha S, Pengpid S, Keawpan W, Hasiholan BP, et al.
    Glob Health Med, 2020 Dec 31;2(6):350-359.
    PMID: 33409414 DOI: 10.35772/ghm.2020.01061
    In this current COVID-19 pandemic, the elderly (60 years and over) are more vulnerable populations to be infected and become victims. In a disaster cycle, the various parts are usually divided into three stages, consisting of the pre-impact stage, the trans-impact stage, and the post-impact stage. It is necessary to explain how to handle the COVID-19 disaster for the elderly at each step (explain the meaning of pre-case, case (pre-hospital and hospital), and post-case phases, respectively). This paper presents the handling of COVID-19 for elderly in pre-case, case, and post-case phases in six Asia-Pacific countries (Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Japan). The data and information come from COVID-19 official websites of each country, including information from World Health Organization (WHO), United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mass media, and professional associations. The handling of COVID-19 in the pre-case phase has been done correctly for the elderly, especially in Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, and Singapore. In the case phase (pre-hospital and hospital), only Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand have followed special handling protocols for the elderly, particularly for those who have comorbidities and respiratory diseases. For the post-case phase, all countries have the same treatment protocol for all age groups, with none specific for the elderly.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters
  7. Researching natural disaster preparedness through health behavioral change models
    Samah AA, Zaremohzzabieh Z, Shaffril HAM, D'Silva JL, Kamarudin S
    Am J Disaster Med, 2019 8 24;14(1):51-63.
    PMID: 31441028 DOI: 10.5055/ajdm.2019.0315
    There have been an increasing number of studies conducted on community preparedness, particularly on changing individual health behaviors in ways that minimizes individual risk to cope with the stress of a natural disaster. A variety of behavioral change theories and models used by disaster academics scrutinize the manner in which individual behavior is sought and transformed into disaster preparedness. This reflects the lack of knowledge about how these models identify certain behaviors regarding natural disaster preparation. This article seeks to address this lack of knowledge. It presents a set of health behavioral change models that can be used by scholars to comprehend variation in the nature and extent of individual disaster preparedness. The purpose of this study is to provide a review of the existing models on the subject, and also to present a comparative analysis of the models that may contribute to ways of understanding the investigation on natural disaster preparedness behaviors.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters
  8. Fulltext Effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis for leptospirosis among adults: a systematic review
    Muhammad Aklil, A.R., Aznida, M.Z., Azman A., Muhammad Haneef, A., Nik Him, N.A.S., Syed Sharizman, S.A.R., et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018;3(2):46-56.
    MyJurnal
    Leptospirosis is one of the most widespread re-emerging zoonoses in the world. Malaysia is known to
    be an endemic country for human leptospirosis, with a case fatality rate of 2.11%, and an average annual
    incidence rate of 7.80 cases per 100,000 individuals. This systematic review is conducted to determine
    the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis for leptospirosis among the adult populations who are highly
    at risk of getting infected. A systematic search was performed for the relevant titles, abstracts and
    keywords on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Google Scholar from inception to November 2017 based
    on the PICO strategy; which returned 126 studies. Screening of abstracts had shortlisted 19 studies and
    data extraction was conducted for 8 studies which had been accepted after review of the full text. For
    the evaluation of antibiotics prophylaxis effectiveness against leptospirosis, only trials and cohort studies
    with risk ratio (RR) were selected. The articles were analyzed from the viewpoint of the dosage, adverse
    effects, study settings and effectiveness of the antibiotic prophylaxis. Using fixed effects model, pooled
    RR showed protective association between antibiotic prophylaxis use against the incidence of
    leptospirosis (RR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.48). Antibiotic prophylaxis for leptospirosis had been shown
    to be effective in preventing the incidence of the disease among high-risk populations and carries
    minimal adverse effects. It is recommended that the practice of antibiotic prophylaxis for leptospirosis is
    included in the standard protocol for leptospirosis prevention among people at high-risk, including
    disaster response teams and patrons of eco-sports tourism activities; with the drug of choice being
    doxycycline, either as a single 200 mg dose or weekly dose of 200 mg for the duration of exposure,
    based on the setting, duration of event and resources available.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters
  9. Fulltext Devastating urban flooding and dengue outbreak during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan
    Junaid Tahir M, Rizwan Siddiqi A, Ullah I, Ahmed A, Dujaili J, Saqlain M
    Med J Islam Repub Iran, 2020;34:169.
    PMID: 33816368 DOI: 10.47176/mjiri.34.169
    Pakistan has recently been overwhelmed by extreme torrential rains, with its most populous city of Karachi experiencing its worst floods in almost a century. Poor flood control and water disposal facilities have led to an immense risk of another dengue outbreak, with multiple cases being reported recently. The enormous accumulation of stagnant water in urban areas is a major source of mosquito breeding and transmission. Historical data has shown the correlation between the number of dengue cases and average rainfall in the region. The monsoon rains have pounded at a time where health authorities are battling to contain the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. There is a need to implement centralized dengue control strategies to undertake large scale water drainage, sanitation, and disinfection drives in disaster-stricken areas alongside public health awareness programs to combat the after-effects of this natural calamity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters
  10. Fulltext Factors associated with attitude and practice in disaster management among critical care nurses in the east coast hospitals of Malaysia: a cross-sectional study
    Siti Aminah Ismail, ZakiraMamat @ Mohamed, Nik Hisamuddin Nik Ab. Rahman, Nur Syahmina Rasudin
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(105):6-0.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: The east coast hospitals of Malaysia are regularly stricken by flood disaster and nurses make up the majority of frontline responders in disaster. So, they should equip themselves with knowledge and skills related to disaster management. The objective of this study was to explore the factors associated with attitude and practice in disaster management among critical care nurses in the east coast hospitals of Malaysia. Methods: This was a quanti- tative study with a descriptive cross-sectional study design that were involved 250 critical care nurses from the east coast hospitals of Malaysia by used stratified random sampling method. Data were collected by using a validated questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with attitude and practice in disaster management. Results: A majority of the critical care nurses had a positive attitude (92.4%, n=231) and adequate practice (80%, n= 200) in disaster management. Among the selected factors studied, attending disaster training/ education was significantly associated with attitude (AOR 4.23, 95% CI: 1.474, 12.144, p = 0.007) and practice (AOR 4.203, 95% CI: 2.102, 8.402, p = 0.000). Disaster response experience had a significant association with practice (AOR 2.697, 95% CI: 1.122, 6.479, p = 0.027) but no significant association with attitude. Level of education, years of service and workplace showed no significant association with attitude and practice in disaster management. Conclusion: This study revealed that disaster training/ education was one of the factors that would ensure positive attitude and adequate practice in disaster management among critical care nurses in the east coast hospitals of Malaysia. Therefore, it is recommended for disaster management programme to be included in continu- ing education training for critical care nurses to ensure them to be well-prepared and respond competently when disaster happen.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters
  11. Fulltext Beginner crisis communication for nurses: an introductory module of Hospital Universiti Malaysia Sabah
    Megawanah Mohd Razalee, Prisia Jibin, Sabrina Paul, Muhammad Syafiq Abdullah, Helen Benedict Lasimbang, Wendy Diana Shoesmith, et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(105):65-0.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Crisis communication is an important skill for healthcare professionals, especially during disaster peri- od including the current 2019-nCoV pandemic. Nevertheless, the skill of crisis communication is not commonly an integral part of Malaysian nursing diploma and degree course. Methods: A half days session on how to communicate in the context of crisis was incorporated into an experiential learning workshop to 25 existing and newly recruited nurses together with 7 other healthcare professionals. The topics of nature of disaster, disease outbreak, preparation for disaster, principles and responsibility of crisis communication, preparing statement for press conference, and corporate communication were covered through brief lecture, round table discussion and tabletop simulations. Real time example of 2019-nCoV crisis communication was used to illustrate the skills required in the situation. Results: All participants confirmed that this was the first exposure to hands-on training on crisis communication and enlightening although majority of them were uncertain that they are capable to perform it during the crisis despite the ongoing 2019-nCoV issue in view of their the position that they are holding. Most nursing curriculums focus on clinical theory and clinical skill competency acquisition without addressing the need of learning how to commu- nicate beyond clinical setting in the situation of disaster and panic, which is mostly learned at job. The limitation included the practice in tabletop simulations might not be immediately translatable into real life practice. Conclu- sion: Regular reinforcement through more workshops and incorporation into disaster may potentially be a solution to improve the competency of healthcare professionals in crisis communication. Further assessment on the practice of the participants in performing crisis communication is needed to ensure the competency level has been achieved and to evaluate the efficiency of the workshop delivery method.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters
  12. Fulltext The worst flood in 100 years : Johore experience
    Marzukhi, M.I., Daud, A.R., Badrul Hisham, A.S.
    Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2009;15(3):1-14.
    MyJurnal
    Past major flooding events for the state of Johore, Malaysia were recorded in 1926, 1967, 1968 and 1971. However, major meteorological phenomena that hit Johore on the 19th December 2006 (first wave) and the 12th January 2007 (second wave) were claimed to be the worst flood disaster in Johore in a 100 years. All eight districts were affected displacing 157,018 and 155,368 population during the first and the second wave event respectively. The Johore Health Department deployed substantial number of medical and health personnel to deal with the Johore flood crisis. Flood-related data were collected on daily basis between 19th December 2006 and 19th February 2007 using spreadsheet format from Flood Operational Rooms located at respective District Health Offices. Among flood victims 34,530 were found to have non-communicable diseases and 19,670 with communicable diseases. No major food- and water-borne disease outbreaks, such as cholera and typhoid, were reported in Johore. High success of public health measures was depending on the workforce of medical and health personnel on the ground. On the other hand, voluntary services offered by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private sector and other volunteers should be well coordinated without compromising regulatory and ethical requirements. Crisis guidelines and plan of actions shall be updated so that they would be more relevant to the crises encountered on the ground.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters
  13. Fulltext Impak kesihatan mental terhadap anggota kesihatan yang juga mangsa banjir di daerah Segamat, Johor
    Zaharah, M.S., Hussin, N., Roshelmi, D., Jamsiah, M.
    Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2009;15(3):35-40.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction : Major flooding that occurred in Segamat District at the end of 2006 and early 2007 was a natural disaster that has left impact on physical and mental well-being of the victims. The aim of this study is to see the impact of the major flooding to the mental health of the health staff in Segamat District.
    Methodology : Cross sectional study was conducted among Segamat health staffs who were involved in the major floods. Structured questionnaire was used to assess the mental health status of the victims. Result : There were 119 health staffs from the district health office, Hospital Segamat, dental clinic and Community Nursing School were interviewed in this study. A total of 6.7% respondents claimed to have stress related symptoms with women were more effected than men. Nurses and married respondents were found to be more stressful in this study.
    Conclusion : Based on findings, therefore, top management has to pay more attention to the welfare of the health staff, directly or indirectly, in particular on the psychological aspect. By giving emphasis on continuous in-service training and counseling as well as other relevant support, stress-related symptoms could be minimized which in turn lead to higher individual productivity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters
  14. Fulltext Public health experience in the ‘Snow Country’ Niigata, Japan
    Syaqirah Akmal, Nizam Baharom
    Int J Public Health Res, 2012;2(2):184-191.
    MyJurnal
    In the cold winter month of January 2012, two post graduate students from the Department of Community Health, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), went on a two weeks field attachment with the Division of International Health (Public Health), Niigata University Graduate School of Medical & Dental Sciences (NU). This report is an account of our first hand learning experience about the public health system and culture in Niigata, Japan. Famously known as the 'Snow Country', Niigata prefecture is approximately 350 kilometers north of Tokyo, in the middle of the west coast of Honshu island, facing the Sea of Japan. It borders on the east with Fukushima prefecture, which was badly affected by the great tsunami disaster in March 2011. Niigata has a population of two and a half million, of which 21.3% is above the age of 65. Niigata University is located in Niigata City, the capital of Niigata prefecture. This attachment was under the UKM-Global Student Mobility Programme (Outbound) and it was taken as an opportunity to improve the memorandum of understanding between UKM and NU. The objectives were to gain knowledge and experience in various public health issues in a developed nation like Japan. Specifically, we were interested to learn about the local public health programmes, the influenza surveillance system, public health programmes for the elderly population, the Geographical Information System (GIS) and the Japanese culture in general. (Copied from article).
    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters
  15. Fulltext Outbreak management during the worst flood disaster of 2006–2007 in Johore, Malaysia
    Arbaiah, O., Badrul, H.A.S., Marzukhi, M.I., Mohd Yusof, Badaruddin, M., Mohd Adam
    Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2009;15(3):111-118.
    MyJurnal
    Outbreak management in disaster has to be planned and implemented prior to, during and after the disaster is over. The risk of outbreaks following disaster is related to the size, health status and living conditions of the displaced population. The risk is increased due standing water in floods for vector borne diseases, overcrowding, inadequate water and sanitation and poor access to health care. The 2006-2007 flood in Johore resulted in 2 episodes of food poisoning and an outbreak of coxsackie A24 acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis. Only 19,667 (12.5%) of the 157,018 displaced persons suffered from communicable diseases which comprised of acute respiratory disease 7361(28%), skin infection 4241(19%), acute gastroenteritis 1872(8%) and conjunctivitis 589 (2%). The routine disease surveillance and environmental control were enhanced to cover the relief centers and flood areas. Risk assessment of communicable disease carried out resulted in prompt control measures and good coverage of preventive activities. In conclusion the Johore State Health Department has successfully manage the outbreaks during the major flood.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters
  16. Fulltext Kesan psikologi keatas mangsa banjir di negeri Johor
    Badiah, Y., Sulaiman, B., Rohaya, H., Mohd Zaidi, M.Z., Rohailina, R.
    Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2009;15(3):79-87.
    MyJurnal
    Floods are natural disasters that occur without much warning. Natural disasters can result in negative impact due to highly stressful event. Floods can cause mental and emotional disorders to the victims and could also induce stress and trauma either in the short or long terms. This research was carried out to recognize the psychological sequelae of floods and how to overcome them. This study describes the cross sectional descriptive pattern of flood victims in Johor. The DASS Test Questionnaire which is a measurement tool endorsed by the Family Development Institute, Ministry of Health Malaysia was used. We carried out the research in 3 districts of Johor which were the worst hit areas by the flood disaster. Twenty-three percent of the participants were males while 77% were females. The DASS Test Questionnaire showed that 13% were mildly depressed, 7% moderately depressed and 3% were severely depressed. It also revealed that 22% were mildly anxious, 19% moderately anxious, 5% severely anxious and 4% had very severe anxiety. On the stress scores, 15% suffered mild stress, 11% were moderately stressed while 2% were severely stressed. A committee to conduct the motivation programme for the state of Johor was formed by Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Johor with the cooperation of the PROKEM committee from Hospital Permai, Johor Bahru. This committee headed by the Deputy Director of Health (Medical Division) attempted to overcome the psychological sequelae suffered by flood victims. The activities conducted by the PROKEM staff and staff from the Ministry of Health were monitored by the committee based at Hospital Permai, Johor Bahru. The Bilik Gerakan was in operation for 24 hours a day with meetings conducted every morning and evening to brief and debrief members of staff who were going to carry out the motivation programme. Feedback was also obtained from staff on their return from the various relief centres.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters
  17. Fulltext Public health preparedness and response to flood disaster in Johore, Malaysia : challenges and lessons learned
    Arbaiah, O., Daud, A.R., Surinah, A., Noorhaida, U., Shaharom, N.A.M.C.D., Rahim, A.
    Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2009;15(3):126-131.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction : The 2006 -2007 flood in Johore which displaced more than 312,386 residents of the state was an extraordinary event and tested everyone preparedness. The disaster caused massive material, economic and environmental losses exceeded the state and local community capacity, forcing them seeks help from other states. Needs assessment, effectiveness of health services as well as leadership and nongovernment organization involvement were evaluated and constitute lessons learnt from the experiences.
    Methodology : This is a descriptive review of the Johore flood. The review was based on literature search using established data and published reports of previous disasters. Discussion will focus on the 4 S’s of the surge capacity that is Structure, Staffing, Supplies and System (policies & procedures). Result : Structure- although 49 or 14% of health facilities in the state were affected by the flood, health services continued to be given. Majority of the relief centers were schools with better facilities. Funding for repairs obtained early approval as estimation of damages was timely applied. Temporary isolation centers for the conjunctivitis outbreak was appropriate implemented. Staffing- Leadership was assumed by the Johore State Health Department, the strongest and most prepared health sector. Needs assessment resulted in additional staff being deployed from other states allowing local staff to have their break from work as well as personal stress. Local staff became multi-skilled players. Training in disaster preparedness has to be of utmost priority to support such needs. Supplies- Personnel protective and pest control equipment, and medical supplies were adequately supplied. The laboratory services were well prepared. Pamphlets, posters, buntings and banners were distributed including five new health promotion materials. System- Flood disaster plan of action was well in place resulting in efficient management of the operating rooms, data management, coordination of services and disease surveillance through early warning system.
    Conclusion : Public health preparedness is a matter of good governance and management based on evidence and experience. There is a need for a permanent and stable program for the Ministry of Health to prepare and coordinate the response to all disasters.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters
  18. Fulltext Earthquake and tsunami research in USM: the role of disaster research nexus
    Hock, Lye Koh, Su, Yean Teh, Taksiah A. Majid, Tze, Liang Lau, Fauziah Ahmad
    Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2012;20(1):151-163.
    MyJurnal
    The 2004 Banda Aceh earthquake and ensuing Andaman mega tsunami that killed a quarter million people worldwide is a wake-up call to many. Active research was initiated in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) immediately after the infamous event with the aims to help develop human capacity and resources, and to mitigate any future earthquake and tsunami. The Disaster Research Nexus (DRN) was formed recently within the School of Civil Engineering, USM, to facilitate active collaborative research on earthquakes and tsunamis, as well as on other natural disasters, such as landslides. This paper begins with an introduction to DRN. This is followed by a description of some research achievements undertaken by DRN staff. A concise exposition on the tsunami simulation model TUNA developed by the authors and its application to the 2004 Andaman tsunami are given to illustrate the capability of TUNA. The role of mangrove in reducing the impact of tsunami is then modelled. Tsunami may inundate coastal plain with large quantity of saline water, changing the salinity regimes in the soil and inducing vegetative succession changes. A model called MANHAM was developed to simulate the salinity changes and its associated vegetative evolution to assist in the rehabilitation of vegetation destroyed by tsunami. Meanwhile, an earthquake risk analysis for the Upper Pandas Dam in Sabah is then presented, and this is followed by a model estimation of tsunami forces on the coastal structures. The main objective of this paper is to reach out to research scientists and onsite risk reduction professionals to collaborate towards the development of a vibrant research culture to face future natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. It is hoped that DRN will move forward to further enhance active collaborations with other research and operational institutions worldwide towards developing earthquake and tsunami resilient communities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters
  19. Fulltext Prevalence and perceived severity of post-traumatic stress disorder among flood victims in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
    Oo, San San, Rahmah Mohd Amin, Aniza Abd Aziz, Thwe Aung, Myat Moe, Rohayah Husain
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2016;16(2):30-40.
    MyJurnal
    Floods can lead to direct economic and property losses and result not only in physical injuries and deaths but
    also in psychological trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a commonly used indicator to evaluate
    psychological injuries after disaster. This study aimed to determine the relationship between PTSD prevalence
    and related perceived severity of post flood impact by economical, non-economical and flood status severity
    domains besides relevant socio-demographic factors according to gender specific analysis. This cross-sectional
    study was conducted among community in Kampung Hulu Takir, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia in 2015 two
    weeks after flood. It included a total of 98 males and 110 females aged 18 years and above. Data was
    collected by interview-guided questionnaire to determine the prevalence of PTSD. SPSS version 21.0 was used
    for analysis of the relationship between socio demographic factors, perceived economic, non-economic and
    flood severity with PTSD. Finally chi square test was used to assess the predictors of PTSD according to
    gender. The prevalence of PTSD was 9.2% in males and 10.9% in females, giving a total of 10.1%. Significantly
    higher prevalence of PTSD was found in severely perceived economic and flood impact categories (33.3% and
    23.8% in males; 23.8 % and 37.5% in females) and giving in overall 44.0% and 31.3 % respectively. Effective
    PTSD management strategies targeting females post flood victims who severely perceived economically and
    nature flood impact should be implemented in order to prevent further consequences of PTSD.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters
  20. Fulltext Niigata Minamata disease: a revisit
    Hasni MJ
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2014;14(1):47-54.
    MyJurnal
    Minamata disease is a well-known mercury contamination that happened in Japan in 1953. Due to demand during world war, second mercury disaster occurred in Niigata Prefecture in 1965. This is a review on the Niigata Minamata disease based on available documents and local expert opinions on the disaster. The aims of this paper are to record exposure history like the source of mercury in Agano River and specific fish that was associated with the disease. It is for an appraisal of the basic mercury exposure control, particularly to protect Japanese and world population during that time. There was indication that initial exposure limit for mercury was calculated incorrectly, and higher safe dose was applied. This epidemiological study is very useful and significant in comprehend the correct estimation of the human exposure to any hazardous substances.
    Matched MeSH terms: Disasters
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