Displaying publications 1301 - 1320 of 6483 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Fulltext Relationship between Psychosocial Risk Factors and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Public Hospital Nurses in Malaysia
    Amin NA, Nordin R, Fatt QK, Noah RM, Oxley J
    Ann Occup Environ Med, 2014;26:23.
    PMID: 25852937 DOI: 10.1186/s40557-014-0023-2
    OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relationships between psychosocial work factors and risk of WRMSDs among public hospital nurses in the Klang Valley, Malaysia.

    METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 660 public hospital nurses. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on the occurrence of WRMSDs according to body regions, socio-demographic profiles, occupational information and psychosocial risk factors. 468 questionnaires were returned (response rate of 71%), and 376 questionnaires qualified for subsequent analysis. Univariate analyses were applied to test for mean and categorical differences across the WRMSDs; multiple logistic regression was applied to predict WRMSDs based on the Job Strain Model's psychosocial risk factors.

    RESULTS: Over two thirds of the sample of nurses experienced discomfort or pain in at least one site of the musculoskeletal system within the last year. The neck was the most prevalent site (48.94%), followed by the feet (47.20%), the upper back (40.69%) and the lower back (35.28%). More than 50% of the nurses complained of having discomfort in region one (neck, shoulders and upperback) and region four (hips, knees, ankles, and feet). The results also revealed that psychological job demands, job strain and iso-strain ratio demonstrated statistically significant mean differences (p

    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  2. Effect of delay in diagnosis on the rate of tuberculosis among close contacts of tuberculosis patients
    Aldhubhani AH, lzham MI, Pazilah I, Anaam MS
    East Mediterr Health J, 2013 Oct;19(10):837-42.
    PMID: 24313146
    Few studies have explored diagnosis delay by tuberculosis (TB) patients and its effects on the rate of infection among their close contacts. A cross-sectional study of the close contacts of 505 newly diagnosed TB patients was conducted in a TB referral centre in Sana'a, Yemen from 2008 to 2010. Only the close contacts of 89 new TB patients agreed to participate and completed the tuberculin skin test (TST). Of the 239 close contacts investigated, 133 (55.6%) had a positive TST result. Index patients were classified as long or short diagnosis delay (above or below the median). There was no significant difference in the number of infected close contacts between long and short delay index patients (Mann-Whitney U-test). A larger sample size, with more incentives for patients to participate and the use of other investigative tools could provide a better picture of the pattern of TB transmission among all contacts.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  3. Fulltext Determinants of doctors' decisions to inquire about sexual dysfunction in Malaysian primary care settings
    Tong SF, Low WY, Ismail SB, Trevena L, Wilcock S
    Transl Androl Urol, 2013 Dec;2(4):281-90.
    PMID: 26816741 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2223-4683.2013.09.14
    BACKGROUND: Perceptions of how receptive men are to sexual health inquiry may affect Malaysian primary care doctors' decisions to initiate such a discussion with their male patients. This paper quantifies the impact of doctors' perceptions of men's receptivity on male sexual health inquiry. Sexual health inquiry is one of the five areas in a study on determinants of offering preventive health checks to Malaysian men.
    METHODS: This was a cross sectional survey among primary care doctors in Malaysia. The questionnaire was based on an empirical model defining the determinants of primary care doctors' intention to offer health checks. The questionnaire measured: (I) perceived receptivity of male patients to sexual health inquiry; (II) doctors' attitudes towards the importance of sexual health inquiries; (III) perceived competence and, (IV) perceived external barriers. The outcome variable was doctors' intention in asking about sexual dysfunction in three different contexts (minor complaints visits, follow-up visits and health checks visits). All items were measured on the Likert scale of 1 to 5 (strongly disagree/unlikely to strongly agree/likely) and internally validated.
    RESULTS: 198 doctors participated (response rate 70.4%). Female primary care doctors constituted 54.5%. 78% of respondents were unlikely to ask about sexual dysfunction in visits for minor complaints to their male patients, 43.6% in follow up visits and 28.2% in health checks visits. In ordinal regression analysis, positive perception of men's receptivity to sexual health inquiry significantly predicted the doctors' intention in asking sexual dysfunction in all three contexts; i.e., minor complaints visits (P=0.013), follow-up visits (P<0.0001) and health checks visits (P=0.002). Perceived competence in sexual health inquiry predicted their intention in the follow-up visits (P=0.006) and health checks visits (P<0.001). Lower cost to health checks only predicted their intention in the follow-up visits (P=0.010).
    CONCLUSIONS: Whilst sexual health inquiry should be initiated in an appropriate context, 'perceived receptivity' to sexual health inquiry significantly affected doctors' intention in initiating sexual health inquiry to their male patients. Malaysian men's health may be substantially improved by strategies that assist doctors to identify patient 'receptivity'.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  4. Fulltext Spousal communication on family planning and perceived social support for contraceptive practices in a sample of Malaysian women
    Najafi-Sharjabad F, Rahman HA, Hanafiah M, Syed Yahya SZ
    Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res, 2014 Feb;19(7 Suppl 1):S19-27.
    PMID: 25949248
    BACKGROUND: In Malaysia, contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) during past three decades has been steady, with only 34% of women practicing modern contraception. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with modern contraceptive practices with a focus on spousal communication and perceived social support among married women working in the university.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out using self-administered structured questionnaire. The association between variables were assessed using Chi-square test, independent sample t-test, and logistic regression.
    RESULTS: Overall, 36.8% of women used modern contraceptive methods. Significant association was found between contraceptive practice and ethnicity (P = 0.003), number of pregnancies (P < 0.001), having child (P = 0.003), number of children (P < 0.001), positive history of mistimed pregnancy (P = 0.006), and experience of unwanted pregnancy (P = 0.003). The final model showed Malay women were 92% less likely to use modern contraception as compared to non-Malay women. Women who discussed about family planning with their spouses were more likely to practice modern contraception than the women who did not [odds ratio (OR): 2.2, Confidence Interval (CI): 1.3-3.7]. Those women with moderate (OR: 4.9, CI: 1.6-10.8) and strong (OR: 14, CI: 4.5-26.4) perception of social support for contraceptive usage were more likely to use modern contraception than the women with poor perception of social support.
    CONCLUSION: Spousal communication regarding family planning would be an effective way to motivate men for supporting and using contraceptives. Family planning education initiatives should target both men and women, particularly high-risk cases, for promoting healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies. Ethnic disparities need to be considered in planning reproductive health programs.
    KEYWORDS: Contraceptive practices; family planning; social support; spousal communication
    Study site: married female staff in a university, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  5. Fulltext Risk factors for women attending pre-pregnancy screening in selected clinics in Selangor
    Nik Mazlina M, Ruziaton H, Nuraini DB, Izan Hairani I, Norizzati Bukhary IB, Mohamad Rodi I, et al.
    Malays Fam Physician, 2014;9(3):20-6.
    PMID: 26425301 MyJurnal
    BACKGROUND: The Ministry of Health is committed to achieve Millenium Development Goal (MDG) MDG 4 and 5 by 2015 and include pre-pregnancy care as a strategy. This study evaluates the risk factors detected during the pre-pregnancy screening at selected public primary care clinics in Selangor.
    OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the proportion of women with risk factors receiving pre-pregnancy care in selected clinics in Selangor, their socio demographic features, the types of risk factors detected and their significance.
    METHODS: A retrospective review using secondary data was carried out from the month of March until June 2013 in four public primary care clinics in Klang and Petaling districts of Selangor. Data were obtained through non-probability sampling, using the pre-pregnancy screening form utilised in 2012, which is a standard questionnaire to determine the presence of risk factors. Women with at least one defined risk factor were considered as being at risk of an adverse obstetric outcome. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16.
    RESULTS: A total of 840 pre-pregnancy screening forms were collected. However only 614 (73.1%) were analysed and studied. The proportion of women with at least one risk factor was 68.8% (95% CI: 65.1, 72.5). The majority was Malays who had tertiary education and earned more than RM 1000. Most were in the reproductive age group of 18-35 years old (350, 82.9%). The mean age was 28.68 + 5.78 years. Most of the women were parous (259, 65.1%) and did not practice any form of contraception (308, 80.8%) despite having risks. The percentage of those not receiving any form of immunisation was small i.e. 9.8% but it was of importance and needed to be addressed prior to the conception. This study did not reveal any person with mental disorder or those who endured domestic abuse. Additionally, 3% (12) of them had unhealthy lifestyle habits, which include smoking, alcohol and substance abuse. Approximately one-third (212, 35.2%) of the women screened were overweight and obese, putting them at risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy induced hypertension or deep vein thrombosis. The mean body mass index (BMI) for those at risk was 25.36 + 5.94 compared to 21.06 ± 1.46 for those with no risk. This study also found a small percentage of women with raised blood pressure (3.9%), abnormal physical examination (1.5%) and anaemia (14.4%), which need to be investigated and treated prior to conception.
    CONCLUSION: More than half of the women who attended the pre-pregnancy screening were found to have at least one risk factor.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  6. Fulltext Do health professionals have positive perception towards consumer reporting of adverse drug reactions?
    Alshakka MA, Ibrahim MI, Hassali MA
    J Clin Diagn Res, 2013 Oct;7(10):2181-5.
    PMID: 24298470 DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2013/5778.3464
    The aim of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of general practitioners (GPs) and community pharmacists (CPs) in Penang, Malaysia, towards consumer reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs).
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  7. Stratifying patients with haematuria into high or low risk groups for bladder cancer: a novel clinical scoring system
    Hee TG, Shah SA, Ann HS, Hemdan SN, Shen LC, Al-Fahmi Abdul Galib N, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2013;14(11):6327-30.
    PMID: 24377526
    Haematuria is a common presentation of bladder cancer and requires a full urologic evaluation. This study aimed to develop a scoring system capable of stratifying patients with haematuria into high or low risk groups for having bladder cancer to help clinicians decide which patients need more urgent assessment. This cross- sectional study included all adult patients referred for haematuria and subsequently undergoing full urological evaluation in the years 2001 to 2011. Risk factors with strong association with bladder cancer in the study population were used to design the scoring system. Accuracy was determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A total of 325 patients with haematuria were included, out of which 70 (21.5%) were diagnosed to have bladder cancer. Significant risk factors associated with bladder cancer were male gender, a history of cigarette smoking and the presence of gross haematuria. A scoring system using 4 clinical parameters as variables was created. The scores ranged between 6 to 14, and a score of 10 and above indicated high risk for having bladder cancer. It was found to have good accuracy with an area under the ROC curve of 80.4%, while the sensitivity and specificity were 90.0% and 55.7%, respectively. The scoring system designed in this study has the potential to help clinicians stratify patients who present with haematuria into high or low risk for having bladder cancer. This will enable high-risk patients to undergo urologic assessment earlier.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  8. Fulltext Knowledge of diabetes and lifestyle behaviour amongst indigenous population in Peninsular Malaysia
    Ahmad B, Khalid BA, Quek KF, Anuar Z, Phipps ME
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Aug;68(4):309-14.
    PMID: 24145258 MyJurnal
    A cross-sectional study involving seven Orang Asli
    settlements located in three different states in Peninsular
    Malaysia; Johor, Selangor and Perak.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  9. Fulltext Factors influencing H1N1 vaccination among primary health care workers: A cross-sectional study
    Aziz NA, Muhamad S, Manaf MR, Hamid MZ
    Int J Prev Med, 2013 Jun;4(6):664-70.
    PMID: 23930184
    BACKGROUND: Primary health care workers (PHCW) are the front-liners in any infectious disease outbreaks. The recent outbreak of H1N1 influenza demonstrated that uptake of H1N1 vaccination remained low amongst PCHW despite its proven effectiveness. This trend is worrying as PHCW are the first point of contact in any emerging outbreak of future influenza epidemic. To investigate factors influencing willingness of H1N1 vaccination amongst PHCW.
    METHODS: A cross-sectional survey using self-reported questionnaire assessing perception and practice towards H1N1 Influenza A vaccination. A score of 34/50 was used as a cut-off score that divide good and poor perception. Logistic regression analysis used to explore the association between acceptance to be vaccinated and chosen variables.
    RESULTS: The mean age was 33.91 (SD: 8.20) with mean year of service of 9.23 (SD: 8.0). Acceptance of H1N1 vaccination was 86.3%. A total of 85.9% perceived the vaccination can prevent serious disease. Willingness to be vaccinated influenced by perception at risk of having illness (OR: 10.182, CI: 1.64-63.23, P 0.013) and need for vaccination (OR: 11.35, CI: 4.67-27.56, P < 0.0001).
    CONCLUSIONS: PCHW were generally willing to be vaccinated should H1N1 Influenza epidemic emerges in the future. However, acceptance of vaccination was influenced by factors of benefit to prevent illness and reduction of spread of the illness. Fear of side-effects remained a barrier toward acceptance which should be taken into account in planning of preparation for future wave of outbreak.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  10. Fulltext Level of colorectal cancer awareness: a cross sectional exploratory study among multi-ethnic rural population in Malaysia
    Su TT, Goh JY, Tan J, Muhaimah AR, Pigeneswaren Y, Khairun NS, et al.
    BMC Cancer, 2013;13:376.
    PMID: 23924238 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-13-376
    BACKGROUND: This paper presents the level of colorectal cancer awareness among multi-ethnic rural population in Malaysia.
    METHODS: A rural-based cross sectional survey was carried out in Perak state in Peninsular Malaysia in March 2011. The survey recruited a population-representative sample using multistage sampling. Altogether 2379 participants were included in this study. Validated bowel/colorectal cancer awareness measure questionnaire was used to assess the level of colorectal cancer awareness among study population. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done to identify socio-demographic variance of knowledge score on warning signs and risk factors of colorectal cancer.
    RESULTS: Among respondents, 38% and 32% had zero knowledge score for warning signs and risk factors respectively. Mean knowledge score for warning signs and risk factors were 2.89 (SD 2.96) and 3.49 (SD 3.17) respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between the knowledge score of warning signs and level of confidence in detecting a warning sign. Socio-demographic characteristics and having cancer in family and friends play important role in level of awareness.
    CONCLUSIONS: Level of awareness on colorectal cancer warning signs and risk factors in the rural population of Malaysia is very low. Therefore, it warrants an extensive health education campaign on colorectal cancer awareness as it is one of the commonest cancer in Malaysia. Health education campaign is urgently needed because respondents would seek medical attention sooner if they are aware of this problem.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  11. Fulltext The short-term outcome of laser endoureterotomy for ureteric stricture
    Han PK, Rohan M, Bujang MA
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Jun;68(3):222-6.
    PMID: 23749010 MyJurnal
    With the advent of new technology, the treatment for ureteric stricture has moved from open surgery to endoscopic procedures. Our goals were to review and determine the prognostic factors for success of laser endoureterotomy for ureteric stricture. This is a cross sectional study for all cases that underwent laser endoureterotomy in a single centre from 2002 to 2009. Standard treatment in this centre utilizes holmium laser. The fiber used was 365nm, setting as 1J and frequency 8 Hz; power output 8 W. Confirmation of adequacy of incision wss by either visualization of extra-ureteric fat or extravasations of contrast on fluoroscopic imaging. Success or recurrence of the endoureterotomy was confirmed objectively with evidence of improvement from imaging. Of these 77 patients, 42 cases (61.8%) of the strictures were from upper ureter. Eight cases (11.7%) of mid-ureteric while lower ureter had 18 cases (26.5%). Length of stricture has been grouped into two groups; Short (<1cm) and long (≥1cm) and their distributions were 47.1% and 26.5% respectively. Follow-up duration ranged from six months to 88 months with an average of 19.6 months. Success rate was 76.5% (52 patients) while 16 patients (23.5%) developed recurrence. Stone disease, positive presenting symptoms and short length of the stricture were identified as variables with good predictor. This study achieved a 76.5% of success rate for this treatment modality for benign ureteric stricture in wellselected patients. Success is more likely if patient is symptomatic (earlier treatment) and previous stone disease present as a risk factor.
    Study site: Hospital Selayang, Kuala Lumpur
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  12. Fulltext Gastro-oesophageal reflux disorders among Nepalese residing in Southeast Asia
    Chong VH, Chand PB, Gautam HR, Jalihal A
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Jun;68(3):234-8.
    PMID: 23749013
    Gastro-oesophageal reflux disorders (GORD) are common in Western countries and has been reported to be increasing in the East. This study assessed the prevalence of GORD among the Nepalese residing in the Brunei Darussalam.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  13. Fulltext Associated factors of sleep quality and behavior among students of two tertiary institutions in northern Malaysia
    Lai PP, Say YH
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Jun;68(3):195-203.
    PMID: 23749006 MyJurnal
    The objective of the study was to investigate the associated factors of sleep quality and behavior among Malaysian tertiary students. The response rate to the questionnaire study was 41.0%. 1,118 students (M = 486, F = 632; mean age = 20.06 ± 1.53 years) were recruited from Universiti and Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman (Perak campuses) who completed a sleep quality and behavior questionnaire based on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Horne-Ostberg Morningness-Eveningness Scale (MES) and craving of high-calorie foods. Results showed that students had the following sleeping habits - bed time = 2.41 a.m. ± 3.35 hr, rise time = 9.00 a.m. ± 1.76 hr, sleep latency = 16.65 ± 14.30 min and sleep duration = 7.31 ± 1.45 hr. 32.9% of the students were defined as poor quality sleepers, 30.6% suffering excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and 81.6% were categorized as individuals with 'definitely eveningness', defined as people who are definitely most alert in the late evening hours and prefer to go to bed late. There were no significant gender differences in sleep quality, 'chronotype' and EDS. Although there was no association of sleep quality and EDS with cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA) and class skipping, EDS was associated with the tendency to fall asleep in class. Body Mass Index (BMI) was not associated with total sleep, PSQI, ESS and MES scores. Meanwhile, high-calorie food craving was associated with sleep duration, PSQI and ESS, but not MES. In conclusion, poor sleep behavior among Malaysian tertiary students in this study was not associated with gender, academic performance and BMI, but was associated with craving of high-calorie foods instead.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  14. Fulltext A cross-sectional assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice among Hepatitis-B patients in Quetta, Pakistan
    ul Haq N, Hassali MA, Shafie AA, Saleem F, Farooqui M, Haseeb A, et al.
    BMC Public Health, 2013;13:448.
    PMID: 23641704 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-448
    Hepatitis-B is a life threatening infection resulting in 0.6 million deaths annually. The prevalence of Hepatitis-B is rising in Pakistan and furthermore, there is paucity of information about Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Hepatitis-B patients. Better disease related knowledge is important to have positive attitude and that will bring the good practices which will prevent the further spread of infection. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice of Hepatitis-B Patients in Quetta city, Pakistan.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  15. Fulltext Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Carriers Among Medical Students in A Medical School
    Syafinaz AM, Nur Ain NZ, Nadzirahi SN, Fatimah JS, Shahram A, Nasir MD
    Med J Malaysia, 2012 Dec;67(6):636-8.
    PMID: 23770966 MyJurnal
    Staphylococcus aureus is usually considered a colonizer but can result in infections under favourable conditions, especially in the healthcare setting. Healthcare workers can be colonized by S. aureus, and may transmit them to patients under their care. We conducted a cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of S. aureus nasal carriers among medical students in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) (from January to June 2011). Our study involved 209 medical students comprising of 111 and 97 preclinical and clinical students respectively. A selfadministered questionnaire was distributed and nasal swabs were collected. Upon identification, the antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was examined followed by categorical analysis (Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests) with factors associated with S. aureus nasal carriage. Twenty one (10%) S. aureus strains were isolated from 209 nasal swab samples. 14 isolates were from pre-clinical students while the remaining seven were from clinical students. There was no significant association between gender, ethnicity, health status, skin infection and students' exposure to hospital environment with S. aureus nasal carriage (p>0.05). Nineteen (90.5%) isolates were resistant to penicillin and there was also no significant association between penicillin resistant and the students' groups. One (5.3%) isolate was resistant to erythromycin. There was no methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolated in this study.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  16. Fulltext Chest x-ray as an essential part of routine medical examination: is it necessary?
    Izamin I, Rizal AM
    Med J Malaysia, 2012 Dec;67(6):606-9.
    PMID: 23770954 MyJurnal
    INTRODUCTION: Various studies in primary care and hospitalized patients have discouraged routine use of chest x-ray (CXR) in medical examination.
    PURPOSE: The study aims to determine the prevalence of abnormal routine CXR and cost of one CXR at a public health clinic and discuss the rationale of CXR in routine medical examination.
    METHODOLOGY: Data of patients who visited Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Kota Bharu (KKBKB), a public health clinic, from 1 January until 31 December 2010 were examined. The study used cross-sectional design. All patients who came for medical examination and CXR at KKBKB were included. Cost analysis was performed from the perspective of provider.
    FINDINGS: About 63.1% of 8315 CXR films in KKBKB were produced as part of routine medical examination. Prevalence of abnormal CXR was 0.25%. The cost of producing one CXR ranges from RM15.87 to RM32.34.
    DISCUSSION: Low yield from CXR screening and high cost of CXR are the main concern. CXR screening would also lead to unnecessary radiation; and false-positive screening resulting in physical risk, unwarranted anxiety and more expenditure. CXR screening is appropriately reserved for high-risk patients and those with relevant clinical findings.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  17. Fulltext A cross sectional study of public knowledge and attitude towards antibiotics in Putrajaya, Malaysia
    Lim KK, Teh CC
    South Med Rev, 2012 Dec;5(2):26-33.
    PMID: 23532680
    OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess public knowledge and attitudes regarding antibiotic utilization in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
    METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among public attending a local hospital. The four-part questionnaire collected responses on demographic characteristics, recent use of antibiotics, knowledge and attitude statements. Cronbach's alpha for knowledge and attitude statements were 0.68 and 0.74 respectively. Only questionnaires with complete responses were analysed. General linear modelling was used to identify demographic characteristics which contributed significantly to knowledge and attitude. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted odds ratios of obtaining an inappropriate response for each knowledge and attitude statement. The relationship between antibiotic knowledge and attitude was examined using Pearson's correlation and correlation between related statements was performed using the Chi-square test. In all statistical analyses, a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
    RESULTS: There was positive correlation (p<0.001) between mean knowledge (6.07±2.52) and attitude scores (5.59±1.67). Highest education level (p<0.001) and healthcare-related occupation (p=0.001) contributed significantly to knowledge. Gender (p=0.010), race (p=0.005), highest education level (p<0.001), employment status (p=0.016) and healthcare-related occupation (p=0.005) contributed significantly to attitude. The differences in score between demographic groups were small. Misconceptions that antibiotics would work on both bacterial and viral infections were reported. Approximately three quarters of respondents expected antibiotics for treatment of coughs and colds. Close to two thirds (60%) believed that taking antibiotics would improve recovery. Several demographic groups were identified as 'high risk' with respect to gaps in knowledge and attitude.
    CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified important knowledge and attitude gaps as well as people 'at risk'. These findings would be useful in strategizing targeted antibiotic awareness campaigns and patient counselling.
    KEYWORDS: Malaysia; antibiotic; attitude; knowledge; public; survey
    Study site: outpatient pharmacy department of Putrajaya Hospital, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  18. Fulltext Associated risk factors to non-compliance to methadone maintenance therapy
    Ramli M, Zafri AB, Junid MR, Hatta S
    Med J Malaysia, 2012 Dec;67(6):560-4.
    PMID: 23770945 MyJurnal
    The escalating problem of opiate dependence in Malaysia and the limitations of regimental approach of forced admission to rehabilitation centres had triggered the government to expand the methadone maintenance therapy to become a national programme. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term outcomes of the Methadone Maintenance Therapy programme in one of the busiest hospital in east coast Malaysia. We also explored the prevalence on non-compliance and factors associated to it. A total of 172 patient case notes at Methadone Clinic Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA) were retrieved for relevant data. A short survey was also conducted to determine the subjects' current employment and marital status. The programme's retention rate was 62% and factors associated with poor compliance were unemployment, low quality of life scores and low dose of methadone. A special attention on the patients with these three risk factors may improve their compliance to MMT. The short-term evaluation of MMT at HTAA revealed favourable findings.
    Study site: Psychiatric clinic, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  19. Fulltext Extending the roles of community pharmacists: views from general medical practitioners
    Azmi S, Nazri N, Azmi AH
    Med J Malaysia, 2012 Dec;67(6):577-81.
    PMID: 23770948 MyJurnal
    This study investigates the views of general medical practitioners (GP) to the extended role of the community pharmacists (CP). A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all private clinics (n=438) run by GPs in the state of Penang. The questionnaire asked GP's views on ideas for new services provided by community pharmacists. Three hundred and twenty-seven questionnaires were collected, giving a response rate of 74.5%. More than 50% of respondents were in favour of the community pharmacist involvement in activities of providing public health education (58.7%), contacting GPs on matters related to prescribing and prescription errors (56.0%), and referring patients who exhibit drug-related problems (53.0%). However, the respondents had a mixed opinion regarding the roles of CPs in smoking cessation programme (34.8%) and providing drug information to physicians (43.0%). Additional research is needed to explain GPs attitudes towards the acceptability of the new role of the pharmacist.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
  20. Fulltext A one month review of the types of medical emergencies and their treatment outcomes at two urban public health clinics
    Chew BH, Than TL, Chew KS, Jamaludin NK, Hassan H
    Med J Malaysia, 2012 Dec;67(6):571-6.
    PMID: 23770947 MyJurnal
    INTRODUCTION: Our study was to examine prevalence and treatment outcomes of medical emergencies at two urban public health clinics in the Petaling district, Selangor, Malaysia.
    METHODS: A prospective universal sampling was employed to recruit all emergencies over one month period (12 April to 11 May 2011). A structured case record form was used to capture demographic data, whether the index case was selfpresenting or decided by health care workers as a medical emergency, presenting complaints, diagnoses, concurrent chronic diseases and their treatment outcomes at the clinic level. Emergency presentations and diagnoses were classified according to the International Classification of Primary Care, revised second edition (ICPC-2-R).
    RESULTS: A total of 125 medical emergencies with 276 presenting complaints were recorded. The mean age was 30.7 years old (SD 19.9). The prevalence of medical emergency was 0.56% (125/22,320). Chief complaints were mainly from ICPC-2-R chapter R (respiratory system) and chapter A (general and unspecified), 40.0% and 28.0% respectively. The most common diagnosis was acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma (34.6%). Forty percent were referred to hospitals. After adjusting for age and gender, patients who presented with painful emergency (OR 4.9 95% CI 2.0 to 11.7), cardiovascular emergency (OR 63.4 95% CI 12.9 to 310.4) and non-respiratory emergency were predictors of hospital referral (OR 4.6 95% CI 1.1 to 19.1).
    CONCLUSION: There was about one medical emergency for every 200 patients presenting to these urban public polyclinics which were mainly acute asthma. More than half were discharged well and given a follow-up.
    Study site: Klinik Kesihatan Seri Kembangan and Klinik Kesihatan Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia
    Matched MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links