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  1. Rakhshani T, Motlagh Z, Beigi V, Rahimkhanli M, Rashki M
    Malays J Med Sci, 2018 Nov;25(6):100-109.
    PMID: 30914883 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2018.25.6.10
    Background: Nursing is a stressful occupation, and nurses face multiple stressors daily. Emotional intelligence causes an individual to overcome environmental stresses. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and job stress among nurses in Shiraz.

    Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 500 nurses, selected through multistage cluster sampling, from the hospitals in Shiraz in 2017. The data collection tools were the Siberia Schering's Emotional Intelligence Standard Questionnaire and the Hospital Job Stress Standard Questionnaire, completed through the self-report method. The data were analysed using SPSS 22 software.

    Results: The mean scores of emotional intelligence and job stress were 113.59 ± 14.70 (total score = 165) and 97.10 ± 14.27 (total score = 175), respectively. The correlation test showed that there was an inverse relationship between emotional intelligence and job stress (r = -0.474, P < 0.001). Also, the multiple linear regression analysis showed that self-awareness, social consciousness, and income predicted 25% of the job stress in the subjects under study (r2 = 0.25).

    Conclusion: Regarding the relatively strong and inverse relationship between the nurses' emotional intelligence and job stress, it is suggested that emotional intelligence workshops be included in the in-service training programs of the nurses.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  2. Barman A, Jaafar R, Ismail NM
    Malays J Med Sci, 2006 Jan;13(1):63-7.
    PMID: 22589593
    The implementation of problem-based learning started in 1969 and has spread since then throughout different parts of the world with variations in its implementation. In spite of its growth and advantages, there is continuing debate about its effectiveness over the conventional teaching learning methods. In the School of Dental Sciences (SDS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the Doctor of Dental Sciences (DDS) program follows a 5-year integrated curriculum. Basically the curriculum is problem-based and community oriented. This study was to explore the perception of DDS students about PBL sessions. This questionnaires-based cross sectional descriptive study were carried out on all the 110 students of the SDS who completed their second year of the course and participated in PBL sessions. Ninety five (86%) students responded to the questionnaires. Dental students found PBL session interesting and wanted to maintain PBL from the beginning of year 2 up to the end of year 3. Most students reported their participation in discussion during PBL sessions but the level of participation varied. Some of them worked hard to prepare themselves for discussion while others were relatively passive. PBL helped them with in-depth understanding of certain topics and link their basic science knowledge to clinical classes. They felt that guidance from subject specialists and well-prepared facilitators of the sessions were beneficial. The students believed that repetition of triggers from year to year discouraged their active search for learning issues. Majority of the students were undecided or disagreed about the availability of adequate learning resources Most of the students were undecided or disagreed about the availability of adequate learning resources for their self-study. Reviewing and renewing the PBL triggers, providing guidelines for searching for resource materials and briefing the students and facilitators about the philosophy and principles of PBL may make the PBL sessions more beneficial.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  3. Rus RM, Daud A, Musa KI, Naing L
    Malays J Med Sci, 2008 Oct;15(4):28-34.
    PMID: 22589635
    The purpose of this study was to determine the sawmill workers' knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in relation to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 83 workers from 3 factories in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Questionnaires were distributed to obtain the socio-demography, knowledge, attitude and practice level in relation to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The weak areas identified in the knowledge section were treatment aspects (15.5%), signs and symptoms of NIHL (20.2%) and risk factors (31%). As for attitude; the prevention aspects were the lowest (25.3%), followed by risk taking attitude (26.2%), and causes of hearing loss (42.1%). Overall, the practice was not encouraging at all. It is important to have an education program to raise workers' awareness and to improve their attitude and practices towards noise-induced hearing loss.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  4. Seman K, Yaacob H, Hamid AM, Ismail AR, Yusoff A
    Malays J Med Sci, 2008 Apr;15(2):33-8.
    PMID: 22589623
    Involvement of oral health educators among non-health professionals in oral health promotion is important in the prevention of oral diseases. This study was carried out to compare the level of oral health knowledge among pre-school teachers before and after oral health seminar. Pre-test data was collected by distributing questionnaire to pre-school teachers in Pasir Mas, who attended the seminar on "Oral Health" (n=33) and they were required to fill anonymously before the seminar started. The questions consisted of information on general background, perceived oral health status, oral health knowledge and the environment where they work. After two weeks, post-test data was collected using the same structured questionnaire and identification code was used to match the pre and post data. SPSS 11.5 was use for statistical analysis. Two out of 33 eligible preschool teachers were considered non-respondents due to absenteeism during the post-test data collection. The response rate was 94.0% (n = 31). The study shows a significant improvement in oral health knowledge among pre-school teachers in Pasir Mas, after seminar (p < 0.001) as compared to controls. Thus, we can conclude that the oral health programme (seminar) appeared effective at influencing oral health educator's knowledge towards oral health.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  5. Nurnazahiah A, Lua PL, Shahril MR
    Malays J Med Sci, 2016 Nov;23(6):7-24.
    PMID: 28090175 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2016.23.6.2
    The objective of this study was to compile and analyse existing scientific evidences reporting the effects of objectively measured physical activity on the levels of adiponectin and leptin. Articles related to the effects of objectively measured physical activity on the levels of adiponectin and leptin were searched from the Medline and PubMed databases. The search was limited to 'objectively measured' physical activity, and studies that did not objectively measure the physical activity were excluded. Only English articles were included in the search and review. A total of 18 articles encompassing 2,026 respondents met the inclusion criteria. The eligible articles included all forms of evidence (e.g., cross-sectional and intervention). Seventeen and 11 studies showed the effects of objectively measured physical activity on adiponectin and leptin, respectively. Five and four cross-sectional studies showed the effects of objectively measured physical activity on adiponectin and leptin, respectively. Two out of five studies showed a weak to moderate positive association between adiponectin and objectively measured physical activity, while three out of four studies showed a weak to moderate inverse association between leptin and objectively measured physical activity. For intervention studies, six out of 12 studies involving adiponectin and five out of seven studies involving leptin showed a significant effect between the proteins and objectively measured physical activity. However, a definitive conclusion could not be drawn due to several methodological flaws in the existing articles and the acute lack of additional research in this area. In conclusion, the existing evidences are encouraging but yet not compelling. Hence, further well-designed large trials are needed before the effectiveness of objectively measured physical activity in elevating adiponectin levels and in decreasing leptin levels could be strongly confirmed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  6. Pua TS, Hairol MI
    PLoS One, 2024;19(12):e0314395.
    PMID: 39775315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0314395
    PURPOSE: This study investigates the agreement of children's retinal thickness classification by color category between Topcon 3D OCT-1's built-in adult reference data and our new pediatric database and assesses the correlation of retinal thickness with age and spherical equivalent (SE).

    METHODS: 160 eyes of 160 healthy children (74 boys, 86 girls) aged 6-18 years (mean: 11.60 ± 3.28 years) were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. The peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) and macular thickness were determined for the 1st, 5th, 95th, and 99th percentile points. Cohen's κ value and specific agreement between pediatric data and adult reference database were estimated. The correlation between retinal thickness with age and SE was also determined.

    RESULTS: The mean thickness for the total RNFL, average macular, and central macula were 112.05±8.65 μm, 280.24±12.46 μm, and 220.55±17.53 μm, respectively. The overall agreement between the classification of the adult database and pediatric data for pRNFL was ≥90%, with discrepancies in 46 out of 150 eyes (30.67%); for macula, it was above 72%, with discrepancies in 93 out of 153 eyes (60.78%); and for ganglion cell complex and ganglion cell + inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) the agreement was above 84% and 85%, respectively. A significant level of agreement between pediatric data and adult reference data was achieved for temporal RNFL (κ = 0.65), macular perifoveal superior (κ = 0.67), and inferior (κ = 0.63) and inferior GCIPL (κ = 0.67). The correlations between age and retinal thickness were not significant (all p>0.05). Most retinal thickness parameters were positively associated with SE (Pearson's coefficient, r = 0.26 to 0.49, all p<0.05).

    CONCLUSIONS: The overall agreement for pRNFL and macular thickness measurements in children with the adult reference database was between 72% and 90%. Children's retinal thickness was not significantly correlated with age but was positively associated with spherical equivalent.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  7. Parul P, Joseph B, Datta S, Rahman MA
    Community Ment Health J, 2025 Jan;61(1):147-157.
    PMID: 39126555 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-024-01336-w
    Tobacco use among people with mental illness is one of the contributing risk factors for premature morbidity and mortality. Two in three people with mental illness are current smokers with deteriorating physical health and quality of life. This review outlines the prevalence and predictors of tobacco use among people with mental illness in Asia. Twenty-five cross-sectional studies were selected from the exhaustive search of databases. Ten countries emerged based on the number of studies conducted within Asia among people diagnosed with mental illness and tobacco use, namely, India (8), China (7), Pakistan (2), Singapore (2), Sri Lanka (01), Japan (01), Jordan (01), Malaysia (01), Korea (01), and Taiwan (01). The prevalence of tobacco use was in the range of 3.6% to 89.4%, with the measure of precision at 95% confidence. The highest and lowest prevalence was reported in China, followed by India. Being male, separated, lower education, unemployed, lack of family support, a psychotic diagnosis, lack of knowledge, motivation, and a coping mechanism were predictors of tobacco use. This review emphasized the extent and predictors of tobacco use among this vulnerable group that need to be reflected while initiating and implementing cessation strategies by healthcare providers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  8. Cheah WL, Giloi N, Chang CT, Lim JF
    Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Jul;19(3):57-63.
    PMID: 23610550
    This study aimed to determine the perception and level of safety satisfaction of staff nurses with regards to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) management practice in the Sabah Health Department, and to associate the OSH management dimensions, to Safety Satisfaction and Safety Feedback.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  9. Eid M, Mafauzy M, Faridah A
    Malays J Med Sci, 2003 Jul;10(2):40-9.
    PMID: 23386796 MyJurnal
    Two hundred and eleven (211) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were on treatment and monitored for complications at the Outpatient Diabetes Clinic in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian between 2001 - 2002 were selected for the study. A structured questionnaire was administered to obtain their medical and family history. Physical examination was performed and fasting venous blood sample was collected for plasma glucose and A1C analysis. Of the total 211 patients, only 4 % were on diet treatment alone, 37 % of them were on mono therapy while 59 % were on combination of therapies. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) > 7.2 mmol/L and glycated hemoglobin (A1C) levels ≥ 7 % were observed in 60 % and 73 % of type 2 diabetic patients, respectively. Glycated hemoglobin level of 28 % of the subjects were < 7 %; 36 % were between 7 - 9 % and 36 % were more than 9 %. The worst glycaemic control was observed in Malay patients. A1C of Malay and non-Malay subjects were 8.7 ± 2.3 % and 7.7 ± 1.7 %, respectively. Younger patients (age group < 50 years) had significantly higher mean A1C than elderly patients. Duration of diabetes had a clear influence on glycaemic level. Patients with recently diagnosed diabetes (duration of disease < 5 years) had the best glycaemic control. In this study a large proportion of the patients had poor glycaemic control. The variables with significant effects on glycaemic control were ethnicity, age and duration of diabetes mellitus. Better treatment strategies and methods should be used to improve diabetes control and to reduce long-term complications of diabetes.
    Study site: Outpatient diabetic clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  10. Abd Rahman N, Abdullah N, Samsudin AR, Naing Mohd Ayub Sadiq L
    Malays J Med Sci, 2004 Jul;11(2):41-51.
    PMID: 22973126
    This study was done to determine the prevalence of dental anomalies and facial profile abnormality and its association with the non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (CLP) as compared to the non-cleft children. A comparative cross sectional study was conducted where the case group consist of 98 non-syndromic CLP children-unilateral (UCLP) and bilateral (BCLP) who attended the Combined Clinic at Kota Bharu Dental Clinic (KBDC) while the comparison group comprised of 109 non-cleft children who attended the outpatient clinic at KBDC. Their ages were between 3 to 12 years old. Clinical oral and facial profile examinations were carried out to look for dental anomalies (morphology, number and alignment of teeth) and facial profile abnormality. The prevalence of anomalies in morphology of teeth in CLP (24.5%) and non-cleft (10.1%), number of teeth in CLP (44.9%) and non-cleft (7.3%), mal-alignment in CLP (79.6%) and non-cleft (27.5%) and facial profile abnormality in CLP (26.5%) and non-cleft (9.1 %). There was a significant association between CLP and anomalies in morphology, number, mal-alignment and abnormality in facial profile; (p < 0.05). Therefore, there was a high prevalence and risk of dental anomalies and facial profile abnormality in the CLP children compared to the non-cleft children.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  11. Ramli Hamid MT, Ab Mumin N, Abdul Hamid S, Ahmad Saman MS, Rahmat K
    Clin Radiol, 2024 Apr;79(4):e524-e531.
    PMID: 38267349 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.12.016
    AIM: To compare the diagnostic performance of abbreviated breast magnetic resonance (AB-MR) imaging (MRI) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) for breast cancer detection in Malaysian women with dense breasts, using histopathology as the reference standard.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-centre cross-sectional study of 115 women with American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) breast density C and D on DBT with breast lesions who underwent AB-MR from June 2018 to December 2021. AB-MR was performed on a 3 T MRI system with an imaging protocol consisting of three sequences: axial T1 fat-saturated unenhanced; axial first contrast-enhanced; and subtracted first contrast-enhanced with maximum intensity projection (MIP). DBT and AB-MR images were evaluated by two radiologists blinded to the histopathology and patient outcomes. Diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV] and negative predictive value [NPV]) was assessed.

    RESULT: Of the 115 women, the mean age was 50.6 years. There were 48 (41.7%) Malay, 54 (47%) Chinese, and 12 (10.4%) Indian women. The majority (n=87, 75.7%) were from the diagnostic population. Sixty-one (53.1%) were premenopausal and 54 (46.9%) postmenopausal. Seventy-eight (72.4%) had an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Ninety-one (79.1%) women had density C and 24 (20.9%) had density D. There were 164 histopathology-proven lesions; 69 (42.1%) were malignant and 95 (57.9%) were benign. There were 62.8% (n=103/164) lesions detected at DBT. All the malignant lesions 100% (n=69) and 35.7% (n=34) of benign lesions were detected. Of the 61 lesions that were not detected, 46 (75.4%) were in density C, and 15 (24.6%) were in density D. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for DBT were 98.5%, 34.6%, 66.3%, and 94.7%, respectively. There were 65.2% (n=107/164) lesions detected on AB-MR, with 98.6% (n=68) malignant and 41.1% (39) benign lesions detected. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for AB-MR were 98.5%, 43.9%, 67.2%, and 96.2%, respectively. One malignant lesion (0.6%), which was a low-grade ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS), was missed on AB-MR.

    CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that both DBT and AB-MR have comparable effectiveness as an imaging method for detecting breast cancer and have high NPV for low-risk lesions in women with dense breasts.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  12. Rajasegaran S, Ahmad NA, Tan SK, Lechmiannandan A, Tan YW, Sanmugam A, et al.
    Pediatr Surg Int, 2024 Jul 24;40(1):209.
    PMID: 39046543 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-024-05792-z
    PURPOSE: Down syndrome (DS) is a common abnormality associated with anorectal malformation (ARM) and Hirschsprung's disease (HD). However, quality of life (QOL) in ARM and HD patients with DS is under-researched. This study compares parent-reported QOL and bowel function in ARM and HD patients with DS to those without.

    METHODS: Between December 2020 to February 2023, parents of ARM and HD patients with and without DS aged 3-17 years who had undergone surgery > 12 months prior at four tertiary referral centers were recruited. We used the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) Generic Core Scales, General Well-Being (GWB) Scale and Family Impact (FI) Module questionnaires, and the Rintala bowel function score (BFS).

    RESULTS: There were 101 ARM, 9 (8.9%) of whom had DS; and 87 HD, of whom 6 (6.9%) had DS. Parent-reported Core scores in ARM and HD with DS were comparable to those without DS. However, ARM and HD with DS had worse scores in the FI Module and bowel function than those without DS.

    CONCLUSION: Although parent-reported QOL in ARM and HD with DS is similar to those without DS, family impact and BFS are worse. Our findings are limited by small sample size in proportion of DS patients.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  13. Lee XH, Nor LM, Ang CS, Yeow TP, Lim SL
    J ASEAN Fed Endocr Soc, 2023;38(1):52-61.
    PMID: 37252406 DOI: 10.15605/jafes.038.01.08
    OBJECTIVES: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an important risk factor for Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It worsens the course of NAFLD. We investigated the prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis among patients with T2DM. Our secondary objectives were to describe patient demographics, to explore associated clinical factors, and to compare FIB-4 Index and liver stiffness measurement (LSM).

    METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study on 258 patients with T2DM duration of at least 10 years. Transient elastography (FibroScan®) was performed on all subjects. Advanced liver fibrosis was diagnosed based on LSM results. The FIB-4 index formula was used.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis was 22.1%. Associated factors were body mass index (BMI), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Independent factors were BMI and GGT (p=0.003 and p<0.001). FIB-4 index has 30.0% sensitivity, 85.0% specificity, 38.7% positive predictive value, and 79.4% negative predictive value in detecting advanced liver fibrosis by LSM criteria.

    CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed the high prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis among patients with long-standing T2DM. This study suggests the benefit of advanced liver fibrosis screening in patients with a minimum of 10 years of T2DM, especially those with high BMI and GGT.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  14. Dian ND, Muhammad AB, Azman EN, Eddie NA, Azmi NI, Yee VCT, et al.
    Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2023 Nov 01;109(5):1081-1085.
    PMID: 37748768 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0184
    Malaysia has maintained zero cases of indigenous human malaria since 2018. However, zoonotic malaria is still prevalent in underdeveloped areas and hard-to-reach populations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria among remote indigenous communities in Peninsular Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six settlements in Kelantan state, from June to October 2019. Blood samples were tested for malaria using microscopy and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) targeting the Plasmodium cytochrome c oxidase subunit III (cox3) gene. Of the 1,954 individuals who appeared healthy, no malaria parasites were found using microscopy. However, nPCR revealed seven cases of Plasmodium knowlesi mono-infection (0.4%), and six out of seven infections were in the group of 19 to 40 years old (P = 0.026). No human malaria species were detected by nPCR. Analysis of the DNA sequences also showed high similarity that reflects common ancestry to other P. knowlesi isolates. These findings indicate low submicroscopic P. knowlesi infections among indigenous communities in Malaysia, requiring PCR-based surveillance to support malaria control activities in the country.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  15. Naito R, Yun Low W, Wan Yuen C
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2021 07;33(5):530-538.
    PMID: 34137287 DOI: 10.1177/10105395211019930
    This cross-sectional study examines the prevalence of sleep deprivation and its associated factors among 1017 undergraduate students in Malaysia. Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, dietary habits, Internet/smartphone use, physical activity, and sedentary behavior were assessed. Sleep deprivation was defined as sleeping less than 7 hours in a day. There were almost equal proportions of females (51.0%) and males (49.0%), and the average age was 20.71 ± 1.47 years. Prevalence of sleep deprivation was 58.1% and its associated factors were students in Year 3 and Year 4, Chinese ethnicity, Indian ethnicity, and consuming fast food more than once a week. Understanding the associated lifestyle factors with sleep deprivation among young generation will be beneficial to develop public health policies and programs to tackle the issue.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  16. Fadzil SS, Bulgiba A
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2024 Jan;36(1):119-122.
    PMID: 37864305 DOI: 10.1177/10105395231207234
    Commuting accidents account for 48% of work-related accidents in Malaysia. However, commuting accidents among health care workers are understudied and formally reported commuting accident numbers among nurses are likely to be an underestimate of actual numbers. This is the first study in Malaysia to attempt to establish the true incidence and associated factors for commuting accidents among nurses in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the true incidence of commuting accidents and its associated factors among public hospital nurses in Selangor, Malaysia. A validated and pilot-tested self-reported questionnaires were distributed to all nurses via an online-based platform. This study found a significant difference between the incidence of formally reported and self-reported commuting accidents from 2018 to 2022, with incidence rates ranging between 0.3 and 8.6 per 1000 nurses. Multivariable logistic regression showed that nurses working in district hospitals had lower odds to be involved in commuting accidents, while nurses working in clinical departments and traveling longer distances between home and workplaces had increased odds of commuting accidents.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  17. Fathil SM, Mohd Mahdi SN, Che'man Z, Hassan A, Ahmad Z, Ismail AK
    Int J Emerg Med, 2010;3(4):233-7.
    PMID: 21373289 DOI: 10.1007/s12245-010-0201-0
    BACKGROUND: Airway management is an important part of the management of the critically ill and injured patients in the Emergency Department (ED). Numerous studies from developed countries have demonstrated the competency of emergency doctors in intubation. To date there have been no published data on intubations performed in EDs in Malaysia.
    METHODS: Data on intubations from 7 August 2007 till 28 August 2008 were prospectively collected.
    RESULTS: There were 228 intubations included in the study period. Cardiopulmonary arrest was the main indication for intubation (35.5%). The other indications were head injury (18.4%), respiratory failure (15.4%), polytrauma (9.6%) and cerebrovascular accident (7.0%). All of the 228 patients were successfully intubated. Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) was the most frequent method (49.6%) of intubation. A total of 223 (97.8%) intubations were done by ED personnel. In 79.8% of the cases, intubations were successfully performed on the first attempt. Midazolam was the most common induction agent used (97 patients), while suxamethonium was the muscle relaxant of choice (109 patients). There were 34 patients (14.9%) with 38 reported immediate complications. The most common complication was oesophageal intubation.
    CONCLUSION: Emergency Department UKMMC personnel have a high competency level in intubation with an acceptable complication rate. RSI was the most common method for intubation.
    KEYWORDS: Airway; Intubation; Orotracheal intubation; Rapid sequence intubation
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  18. Ahmad N B, Majed A AM, Syed A SS, Fadi G S, Irfhan A B HA, Salah A A, et al.
    Rev Invest Clin, 2024;76(6):262-273.
    PMID: 39809256 DOI: 10.24875/RIC.24000192
    Background: Limited information exists regarding the pathophysiological interactions between osteoporosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objective: To study the association of Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) in male COPD patients. Methods: An observational clinical study was conducted at Penang General Hospital in Malaysia. Participants were divided into three groups: COPD patients with osteoporosis, COPD patients without osteoporosis, and healthy participants of the same age groups. Serum OPG (sOPG) and RANKL (sRANKL) levels were investigated. Results: The mean age of COPD patients was 64.10 ± 10.04 years. COPD patients had lower body mass index (23.22 ± 6.43) than healthy participants (27.32 ± 6.80). The T-score was significantly lower among COPD patients than healthy participants (p = 0.018). The sOPG concentration among healthy participants was significantly higher (361.90 ± 29.10 pg/mL, p < 0.001) than in the other groups, while the sRANKL concentration was not significantly different. The serum OPG/RANKL concentration was markedly higher in the control group than in the COPD patient group (p < 0.05). The COPD patients with osteoporosis had significantly lower pulmonary parameters (forced expiratory volume in the first [FEV]1% and FEV1/[forced vital capacity] (FVC), p < 0.01) and more dyspnea (modified medical research council = 2.60 ± 0.78 versus 1.90 ± 0.70, p < 0.01) than did the patients without osteoporosis. Furthermore, patients with severe COPD had a 3 times greater risk of developing osteoporosis (OR = 2.997 [95% CI = 2.181, 4.118], p < 0.001), while spirometric parameters had a significant inverse relationship with osteoporosis (FEV1% OR = 0.970, [95% CI = 0.954, 0.986], p = 0.001; FEV1/FVC OR = 0.984, (95% CI = 0.970, 0.999], p = 0.035). Conclusion: The study concluded that COPD patients had lower sOPG levels, leading to decreased OPG/RANKL ratio and faster bone resorption. Low bone mineral density was associated with more severe COPD. (Rev Invest Clin. 2024;76(6):262-73).
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  19. Darbandi A, Koupaei M, Kiani P, Ghanavati R, Najafi P, Hosseini J, et al.
    Immun Inflamm Dis, 2024 Nov;12(11):e70076.
    PMID: 39570098 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.70076
    BACKGROUND: Despite the advent of vaccines against COVID-19, there is considerable variation in the acceptance and hesitancy towards the vaccination program across different countries. The objective of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of hesitancy and acceptance regarding the use of the vaccine against the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, and to identify the factors that influence these attitudes.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the cross-sectional studies were retrieved from the PubMed databases, the Web of Science ISI, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Papers published in English between 2 November 2019 and 23 May 2023 were subjected to further assessment based on their title, abstract, and main text, with a view to ensuring their relevance to the present study.

    RESULTS: Following an exhaustive investigation, 59 studies were selected for screening in this systematic review. The most frequently employed method of data collection was the online survey. The study sample comprised 59.12% women and 40.88% men, with ages ranging from 16 to 78 years. The proportion of individuals accepting the vaccine ranged from 13% to 96%, while the proportion of those exhibiting hesitancy ranged from 0% to 57.5%. The primary reasons for accepting the COIVD-19 vaccine were a heightened perception of risk associated with the virus and a general trust in the healthcare system. The most frequently cited reasons for vaccine hesitancy in the context of the ongoing pandemic include concerns about the potential dangers of the vaccines, the rapid pace of their development, the possibility of adverse effects (such as infertility or death), and the assumption that they have been designed to inject microchips.

    DISCUSSION: A variety of socio-demographic factors are implicated in determining the rate of vaccine acceptance. A number of socio-demographic factors have been identified as influencing vaccine acceptance. These include high income, male gender, older age, marriage, the presence of older children who have been vaccinated and do not have chronic diseases, high education, and health insurance coverage.

    CONCLUSION: Eliminating vaccine hesitancy or increasing vaccine acceptance is a crucial factor that should be addressed through various means and in collaboration with regulatory and healthcare organizations.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  20. Chia YC, Ching SM, Chew MT, Devaraj NK, Oui JEK, Lim HM, et al.
    Hypertens Res, 2025 Jan;48(1):131-147.
    PMID: 39223391 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-024-01851-z
    The association between high salt intake and elevated blood pressure levels has been well-documented. However, studies on how effectively this knowledge translates into actionable practices, particularly across different ethnic groups, remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards dietary salt intake across ethnicities and determine its association with hypertension. 5128 Malaysian adults recruited from a national blood pressure screening study completed questionnaires on demographics, and KAP related to dietary salt intake. There were 57.4% Malay, 23.5% Chinese, 10.4% Indian, and 8.7% individuals of other ethnic groups. Overall, more than 90% of the participants knew that a high salt intake causes serious health problems, but only around one-third knew the relationship between high salt intake and strokes and heart failure. Participants of different ethnic groups displayed significant differences in the KAP domains, where Indians generally exhibited better knowledge, attitudes, and reported better practices such as reading salt labels and using spices. Those who were unaware of the difference between salt and sodium and who reported not reading salt labels had higher odds of having elevated blood pressure. These findings demonstrate that while there is a suboptimal translation of salt knowledge into practice in Malaysia, with significant differences in KAP observed between ethnic groups, the potential of improving health outcomes by improving the clarity and awareness of salt labels is substantial. Tailored education promoting salt-label reading, minimizing processed foods intake and discretionary salt use should be ethnic-specific to better curb this escalating hypertension epidemic.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
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