Displaying publications 121 - 140 of 730 in total

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  1. Mohd Haazik Mohamed, Kamathi Perialathan, Noh Amit
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Nicotine addiction is one of the major issue in public health especially in Malaysia. Nicotine addiction also make a quitting smoking process difficult for most smokers and could cause relapse and failure. This study inves-tigated relationship between nicotine addiction and psychosocial factors such as anxiety, depression and social sup-port among smokers registered in quit smoking clinic services in the hospital around Klang Valley, Malaysia. Meth-ods: A cross-sectional study has been conducted among 115 smokers. Results: Results showed that 23.5% smokers had high nicotine addiction, 24.3% had moderate nicotine addiction, and the rest had low nicotine addiction. There is a positive significant relationship between nicotine addiction with age and smoking duration (r=0.34, p< 0.01 and r=0.41, p< 0.01, respectively). There is also a positive significant relationship between nicotine addiction with anxi-ety and depression (r=0.33, p< 0.01 and r=0.38, p< 0.01, respectively). In addition, there is a negative significant re-lationship between nicotine addiction with social support overall and social support from significant others (r= -0.22, p< 0.05 and r= -0.19, p< 0.05, respectively). The study shows that psychosocial factors such as anxiety, depression, social support and socio-demographic factors such as age and smoking duration were potentially affecting smoker ́s nicotine addiction. Conclusions: Besides pharmacological treatment, this study proves the importance of psycho-social factors involvement in helping client with nicotine addiction issues. Therefore, psycho-education, behaviour modification and psychosocial support skills should be enhanced for the quit smoking clinic handler. Studies on the need for psychosocial factors in helping smokers reduce their psychological and behaviours dependence on nicotine addiction should also be explored in greater depth.
    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking; Smoking Cessation
  2. Muhammad Adil Zainal Abidin, Hayati Kadir Shahar, Rosliza Abdul Manaf
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Secondhand tobacco smoke is a known carcinogen and has shown positive association with smok-ing status, susceptibility and cessation. Smoke free environment policy seem to reduce this exposure and influence intention to quit and frequency of quit attempts. Despite having a smoke free policy, smokers are still exposed to second hand smoke and this might influence their smoking behaviour and cessation. The objective of this study was to examine the association between environmental tobacco smoke exposures with intention to quit smoking among young adults in college with smoke free policy. Methods: Data were drawn from a cluster based randomised controlled trial in 10 government colleges in Selangor. Baseline characteristics of 160 college smokers were mea-sured using adapted questionnaire. Intention to quit was measured using Transtheoretical Model and environmental influence of tobacco smoke exposure. Results: Majority of the smokers were male (99.4%), single (100%), of Malay ethnicity (94.4%) and Muslim (95.6%). Most of them are in pre-contemplation stage where they do not have any intention to quit (65.6%). On environmental influence, at work or college environmental exposure, majority were exposed between 1 to 2 hours (36.9%) and 3 to 8 hours (40.6%). On exposure at home or hostel, majority were exposed between 1 to 4 hours (44.4%) and 5 to 14 hours (21.9%). In terms of friend’s exposures, majority have most of their friends smoking (68.1%). We found no statistically significant association between environmental influence and intention to quit smoking. Conclusion: Although we found no relationship, future research should examine the pathway between environmental influence and smoking behaviour.
    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking; Smoking Cessation
  3. Fatimah Ahmad Fauzi, Nor Afiah Mohd Zulkefli, Anisah Baharom
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Adolescent aggression has become a serious public health problem with the escalating juvenile cases and violence among secondary school students by inflicting harm to others. The objective of this study was to deter-mine the biopsychosocial predictors of adolescent aggression among Form Four students in Hulu Langat. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted by proportionate population sampling method among Form Four students from all public secondary schools in Hulu Langat. Pre-tested questionnaires distributed to measure students’ ag-gression, demographic (ethnicity, family income), biological (sex, head injury, nutritional deficiency, breakfast skip-ping), psychological (attitude towards aggression, normative beliefs to aggression, personality trait, and emotional intelligence), and social factors (family environment, single parent status, domestic violence, peer deviant affiliation, alcohol, smoking, and substance abuse). Data was analysed using multivariate analysis to determine the significant predictors. Results: 480 students from four randomly selected schools participated in the study with response rate of 96.5%. The median aggression score was low, which was 23.00 (IQR=12.00). From simple linear regression, 15 factors had significant relationship with adolescent aggression. The predictors of adolescent aggression were lower family income, Malay ethnicity, nutritional deficiency, attitude towards aggression, and peer deviant affiliation (F [8, 244] =15.980, p-value
    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking
  4. Muhammad Lutfi Mohamed Halim, Nora Azirah Mohd Zayi, Mohd Yusof Mohamad, Mohd Hafiz Arzmi
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Oral cancer is the sixth most common malignancy in the world. It is a major concern in Southeast Asia primarily due to betel quid chewing, smoking, and alcohol consumption. In Malaysia, oral cancer related cases accounts for 1.55% of the cause of deaths. Despite recent advances in cancer diagnoses and therapies, the survival rate of oral cancer patients only reached 50% in the last few decades. Tissue engineering (TE) principles may pro-vide new technology platforms to study mechanisms of angiogenesis and tumour cell growth as well as potentially tumour cell spreading in cancer research. The use of biomaterial, appropriate cell source and proper signalling mol-ecules are vital components of TE. Collagen biomaterial are widely used scaffold or membrane in oral application. Nevertheless, no review has been performed on the its usage for the study of oral cancer. This study aimed to sys-tematically review the use of collagen scaffold in oral cancer application. Methods: Research articles were searched using Scopus, Pubmed and Web of Science (WOS) databases. The keywords were limited to “collagen membrane OR collagen scaffold” AND “oral cancer”. Results: Initial search yielded 61 papers (Scopus:37, Pubmed: 12, WOS: 12). Further scrutinization of the papers based on the inclusion criteria resulted total of 3 papers. Two of the papers used collagen membrane for regeneration of oral mucosal defect and increment of alveolar ridge height post-surgery. The remaining paper utilize collagen biomaterial as scaffold for the culture of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) cells. All papers reported significant role of collagen biomaterial in terms of tissue formation, healing scaffold and cellular proliferation. Conclusion: Collagen utilization as biomaterial offers potential use for regeneration of oral related structures as well providing useful model for therapeutics anti-cancer research.
    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking
  5. Jasmin Kaur Jagender Singh, Ching Ching Ng, Nor Adinar Baharuddin, Syarida Hasnur Safii, Rathna Devi Vaithilingam
    MyJurnal
    Introduction:PTGS2 and DEFB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) have been validated to be associated with chronic periodontitis (CP) in European, Japanese and Chinese populations. Polymorphisms of these genes play a role in the pathogenesis of CP. Thus far, no study has been done on the Malay ethnic group. Hence, this study assessed the allele and genotype frequencies of PTGS2 and DEFB1 variants in subjects with chronic periodontitis and healthy individuals in Malaysian Malays. Methods: Malay CP subjects and periodontally-healthy controls were obtained from Malaysian Periodontal Database and Biobanking system (MPDBS) for this case-control study. Diagnosis for cas-es was based on case definition by Eke et al (2012). DNA samples were genotyped for 4 candidate SNPs, rs689466, rs5275, rs20417 (PTGS2) and rs1047031 (DEFB1). Genotyping was carried out using Taqman genotyping method. The association between SNPs and study groups were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Results: DNA sam-ples from 140 individuals, 76 CP cases and 64 healthy controls were genotyped. Logistic regression results demon-strated that rs689466 for PTGS2 gene was associated with CP susceptibility in the Malay study group (p=0.03; OR: 1.80; 95% CI=1.05-3.07). The dominant and additive model test showed significant association with rs689466 (C/T) (pdominant-adjusted=0.02; OR: 2.22; 95% CI=1.11-4.43;padditive-adjusted=0.03; OR:1.85; 95% CI=1.07-3.19) after controlling for age and smoking. However, no significant association with CP was observed with other SNPs. Conclusion: The results suggest that rs689466 of PTGS2 gene may contribute to CP susceptibility in Malaysian Malay population in our preliminary study.
    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking
  6. Neesha Sundramoorthy, Khaiteri R., Low J. M.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Varicella pneumonitis is a rare but lethal complication of varicella zoster infection. Case description:We report a case of a 42 year old gentleman who presented with fever, rash, cough and worsening shortness of breath after exposure to his daughter who just recovered from varicella zoster infection. He is an active smoker with no comorbidities. He presented on day 4 of illness with generalised vesicular eruption and respiratory examination revealed reduced vesicular breath sounds bilaterally. He was intubated in view of worsening respiratory distress and was transferred to ICU. Chest X-ray and ABG was suggestive of acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). He was treated with IV Acyclovir and broad spectrum antibiotics in view of subsequent hospital acquired infection. He was discharged well after 3 weeks of hospitalisation. Discussion: Varicella zoster infection is caused by Human alpha-herpesvirus 3, one of eight herpes viruses known to infect humans. Diagnosis of varicella pneumonitis with ARDS was made on the basis of rash, respiratory symptoms and contact with a child who just recovered from varicella zoster infection and rapid worsening of radiological changes. The risk factor of developing severe pneumonitis can be attributed to active smoking. Conclusion: High degree of suspicion and timely diagnosis is crucial for a favourable outcome in a patient with this rare complication.
    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking
  7. Nowyannie Willie D. Tamsin, Norah Tuah, Mazalan Sarahintu, Herniza Roxanne Marcus
    Borneo Akademika, 2019;3(1):20-29.
    MyJurnal
    University students are known to have different sleeping schedules. Students’ sleep difficulties will affect their health and their performances in studies. Sleep hygiene is a collection of healthy sleep habits that can improve one’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. It is considered to be imperative to treat sleep disturbance especially among university students. The aim of this study is to examine the sleep beliefs among the students of UiTM Sabah based on gender and academic performance. This study was conducted on Diploma students between March and July 2018. The respondents were randomly selected from Diploma students of all faculties in UiTM Sabah: Accounting, Business Management, Public Administration, Science, Planting Industry Management, Hotel Management, and Tourism Management. This paper is based on the Sleep Belief Scale questionnaire to assess the sleep hygiene awareness. Questionnaires were distributed using online survey. Findings of this study were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. The result of findings showed that the Sleep Incompatible Behaviours (drinking coffee, taking sleep medication, smoking before sleep) is the highest contributor of the students’ sleep hygiene and therefore it affects the sleep quality. While the Sleep Wake Cycle Behaviours (going to bed & waking up always at the same hour, going to bed two hours earlier than the habitual hour) and Thoughts and Attitude to Sleep (over thinking before sleep, trying to fall asleep without having a sleep sensation)also contributed to the sleep hygiene of the students but not as high as the Sleep Incompatible Behaviours. Based on the results of the findings, the counseling department of UiTM Sabah may organise an education program to create awareness among students about the intervention and prevention strategies as well as the incorrect beliefs about sleep.
    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking
  8. Bijker R, Kumarasamy N, Kiertiburanakul S, Pujari S, Lam W, Chaiwarith R, et al.
    Antivir Ther, 2019;24(4):271-279.
    PMID: 30833516 DOI: 10.3851/IMP3298
    BACKGROUND: We aimed to project the 10-year future incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and model several intervention scenarios based on a multi-site Asian HIV-positive cohort.

    METHODS: Analyses were based on patients recruited to the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD), consisting of 21 sites in 12 countries. Patients on triple antiretroviral therapy (ART) were included if they were alive, without previous CVD, and had data on CVD risk factors. Annual new CVD events for 2019-2028 were estimated with the D:A:D equation, accounting for age- and sex-adjusted mortality. Modelled intervention scenarios were treatment of high total cholesterol, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) or high blood pressure, abacavir or lopinavir substitution, and smoking cessation.

    RESULTS: Of 3,703 included patients, 69% were male, median age was 46 (IQR 40-53) years and median time since ART initiation was 9.8 years (IQR 7.5-14.1). Cohort incidence rates of CVD were projected to increase from 730 per 100,000 person-years (pys) in 2019 to 1,432 per 100,000 pys in 2028. In the modelled intervention scenarios, most events can be avoided by smoking cessation, abacavir substitution, lopinavir substitution, decreasing total cholesterol, treating high blood pressure and increasing HDL.

    CONCLUSIONS: Our projections suggest a doubling of CVD incidence rates in Asian HIV-positive adults in our cohort. An increase in CVD can be expected in any ageing population, however, according to our models, this can be close to averted by interventions. Thus, there is an urgent need for risk screening and integration of HIV and CVD programmes to reduce the future CVD burden.

    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking Cessation
  9. Swe, Syed Shajee Husain, Khor Chia Kee, Nurfarinah Rais, Ofelia Petrus, Vivien Vanessa Pee Lee Xin, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Tobacco smoking is a major public health concern worldwide as it is one of the major risk factors for non-communicable diseases leading to burden of adverse health effects in their later life. According to Global Adult Tobacco Survey Malaysia (2011), 43.9% of men, 1.0% of women, and 23.1% overall currently smoked tobacco. It is important to prevent smoking uptake and promote smoking cessation to reduce the impact of tobacco smoking. The constant monitoring of the magnitude of smoking and its influencing factors is crucial for effective planning of anti-smoking programs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of smoking and its associated factors among male villagers in Kampung Barambangon, Kudat, Sabah. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among male villagers aged 15 years and above in Kampung Barambangon, Kudat District, Sabah State. Non probability convenience sampling was employed. The study period was from March to April, 2019. Data collection was done by using pretested self-administered questionnaire and a total of 97 villagers were participated in the study. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The study revealed that the prevalence of smokers among male residents in Kampung Barambangon was 50.5% (95% CI: 48.6–52.1%). It was found that there were significant associations between smoking status and positive attitude towards smoking (p-value 0.001), having siblings who smoked (p value 0.001), having high percentage of friends who smoked (p-value 0.009) and high educational level (p-value 0.005). Conclusion: The prevalence of male smokers in Kampung Barambangon was higher than the national prevalence. The findings may help in understanding the magnitude of the smoking problem and its associated factors which can be used for effective tobacco control and intervention programs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking Cessation
  10. Win Win Than, Tin Sabai Aung
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Cervical cancer remains the second commonest female malignancy worldwide and the seventh among Malaysians. Globally in 2012, an estimated 528 000 women developed cervical cancer and almost 266 000 died from this disease. Of all cervical cancers, 83% occur in the less developed world due to the absence of screening. To promote the community health awareness of cervical cancer which is preventable. Methods: By internet literature searching (Google Scholar) and textbooks. Results: The primary cause of cervical pre-cancer and cancer is persistent infection with one or more of the oncogenic types of HPV, the most common infection acquired during sexual inter-course, usually early in sexual life. Cervical cancer due to HPV can be prevented by HPV vaccination, participation in a screening program, avoidance of smoking, limitation of sex partners and use of a condom. Three HPV vaccines are available worldwide such as bivalent HPV 16/18 vaccine, quadrivalent HPV 16/18/6/11 L1 virus-like particles vaccine and 9-valent HPV 6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58 recombinant vaccine. The HPV test can be done on the same sample of cells collected from the Pap test and it can help to know HPV types. Conclusion: Cervical cancer due to HPV can be prevented by vaccination and the pre-cancerous phase of cervical cancer can be screened by the HPV testing with the Pap test. The community health awareness plays a major role in cervical cancer prevention.
    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking
  11. Eng Zhuan Ban, Munn Sann Lye, Crystale Siew Ying Lim, Hejar Abdul Rahman, Pei Pei Chong
    MyJurnal
    Cancers of the oral cavity are more common worldwide in men than in women, and the same is true for cancer of the nasopharynx region, whereby nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) incidence rate in men is 2.5 times that in women. Different risk factors, including environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors, come into play in terms of contributing towards the development of these cancers. The increased incidence of oral cancers in developed countries in recent years are attributable to rises in the consumption of tobacco and/or alcoholic beverages, in addition to the traditional practice of betel quid chewing in some communities. As for NPC, the risk factors include male sex, overconsump-tion of preserved salted fish and smoking. In terms of etiology due to microbial agents, the human papillomavirus (HPV) has been linked with oral cancers whereby HPV DNA was found in about 2 out of 3 oropharyngeal cancer cases. In contrast, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been closely associated with most cases of NPC. Specifically, NPC is categorized by the WHO into two main histological types—keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (type I) and non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (types II and III), and it is the non-keratinizing type (types II and III) which has very high percentage of EBV DNA. The oncogenicity of these viruses had been studied extensively, and they are now recognized as crucial early triggers of NPC and oral cancers. Genetic factors can also predispose a person to the development of either oral cancer or NPC. Certain HLA class I alleles are associated with increased risks for NPC. Genetic polymorphisms in genes encoding the cytochrome P450 enzymes and glutathione S-transferase had been identified as potential risk factors for NPC. In our studies, we had shown that polymorphism in the XPD gene which encodes a DNA helicase enzyme involved in nucleotide excision repair was linked to risk for NPC in Malaysian population. We also found that the combination of CGC allele from hOGG1, ITGA2 and XPD polymorphisms was significantly associated with increased odds of NPC. In oral cancers, studies by other researchers revealed that gene polymorphisms in HOTAIR gene and the interaction with betel quid chewing are linked to oral cancer risk. Specific COX-2 gene polymorphisms were also found to be associated with increased risk for oral cancer development and progression. Taken together, these studies show a strong correlation between viral etiology combined with the indi-vidual’s genetic background coupled with certain risky lifestyle behaviours which together contribute towards the development of oral cancer and NPC.
    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking
  12. Herlambang Devianto, Desiana Radithia, Bagus Soebadi, Adiastuti Endah Parmadiati, Rosnah Zain
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: One of the risk factors for cancer is the habit of smoking. Some carcinogenic substances in ciga-rettes are nicotine and nitrosamine. In cigarette smoke there are free radical molecules or Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) that can cause DNA mutations that can disrupt the balance of cell metabolism. One of them is the apoptosis, apoptosis is a programmed cell death mechanism. In cancer conditions there are apoptotic disorders and excessive proliferation of cells. The process of apoptosis is influenced by the death receptor, Tumor Necrosis Factor apoptosis inducing ligand R1 (TRAIL R1). This study aims to determine the effect of smoke exposure to expression of TRAIL R1 on the mucosal epithelium of the tongue of the Wistar rat (Rattus Novergicus). Methods: The subjects of this study were 24 male Rattus Novergicus with the age range of 12-14 weeks and weighing ± 170 grams. Divided into 4 groups with 2 control groups 4 weeks (K4), 8 weeks (K8) and 2 treatment groups each given 2 cigarettes / day ex-posure to cigarette smoke for each rat for 4 weeks (P4) and 8 weeks (P8). Results: The results showed that exposure to cigarette smoke can cause interference with TRAIL R1 expression. There was a significant difference in TRAIL R1 expression between the control and treatment groups and there was a significant difference in TRAIL R1 expression between the duration of cigarette smoke exposure (P4 and P8). Conclusion: Exposure to cigarette smoke can interfere with the process of apoptosis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking
  13. Shaiful Ehsan Shalihin, Mohamad Haniki NM
    MyJurnal
    The number of active smokers in Malaysia is increasing despite the availability of stop smoking clinics and smoking cessation medications. Other than smokers’ level of motivation to quit smoking, competency of the healthcare professionals involved in providing smoking cessation intervention using evidence based guidelines needs to be considered. Hence, knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of the healthcare providers in relation to existing clinical practice guidelines on smoking cessation should be assessed. In this review, we look at the factors contributing to the KAP of medical personnel on the guidelines and also the previously available assessment tool, mainly in the form of a validated questionnaire, for the purpose of applying it to the context of the Malaysian healthcare providers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking; Smoking Cessation
  14. Li CK, Dalvi R, Yonemori K, Ariffin H, Lyu CJ, Farid M, et al.
    ESMO Open, 2019;4(3):e000467.
    PMID: 31231565 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2018-000467
    Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer require dedicated management encompassing both adult and paediatric cancer services. Following a European survey, the European Society for Medical Oncology, the European Society for Paediatric Oncology and the Asian continental branch of International Society of Paediatric Oncology undertook a similar survey to assess AYA cancer care across Asia.

    Methods: A link to the online survey was sent to healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Asia interested in AYA cancer care. Questions covered the demographics and training of HCPs, their understanding of AYA definition, availability and access to specialised AYA services, the support and advice offered during and after treatment, and factors of treatment non-compliance.

    Results: We received 268 responses from 22 Asian countries. There was a striking variation in the definition of AYA (median lower age 15 years, median higher age 29 years). The majority of the respondents (78%) did not have access to specialised cancer services and 73% were not aware of any research initiatives for AYA. Over two-thirds (69%) had the option to refer their patients for psychological and/or nutritional support and most advised their patients on a healthy lifestyle. Even so, 46% did not ask about smokeless tobacco habits and only half referred smokers to a smoking cessation service. Furthermore, 29% did not promote human papillomavirus vaccination for girls and 17% did not promote hepatitis B virus vaccination for high-risk individuals. In terms of funding, 69% reported governmental insurance coverage, although 65% reported that patients self-paid, at least partially. Almost half (47%) reported treatment non-compliance or abandonment as an issue, attributed to financial and family problems (72%), loss of follow-up (74%) and seeking of alternative treatments (77%).

    Conclusions: Lack of access to and suboptimal delivery of AYA-specialised cancer care services across Asia pose major challenges and require specific interventions.

    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking Cessation
  15. Yee A, Loh HS, Loh HH, Riahi S, Ng CG, Sulaiman AHB
    Ann Gen Psychiatry, 2019;18:25.
    PMID: 31649742 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-019-0249-z
    Background: Methadone is an effective therapy for opiate dependence. However, one of the commonest side effects is sexual dysfunction among male patients. Buprenorphine is an alternative to methadone. This study aimed to compare sexual desire among opiate-dependent male patients on buprenorphine (BMT) and methadone maintenance therapy (MMT).

    Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 126 male opiate-dependent patient who were tested for total testosterone (TT) and prolactin levels, and were interviewed and completed the Sexual Desire Inventory-2 (SDI-2), Malay language of International Index of Erectile Function (Mal-IIEF-15) and the Malay version of the self-rated Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS-BM) questionnaires.

    Results: There were 95 (75.4%) patients on MMT and 31 (24.6%) on BMT. Patients on MMT scored significantly lower in the sexual desire domain (Mal-IIEF-15 scores) (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking
  16. Cheah YK, Teh CH, Lim KH
    DOI: 10.1177/0022042618821195
    The objective of the present study is to examine the sociodemographic determinants of amount of smoking knowledge in Malaysia. Data are obtained from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). The GATS uses a multistage stratified sampling. A total of 4,153 respondents are used for analyses. The effects of sociodemographic factors on smoking knowledge are examined using a negative binomial regression. Age, wealth index, education, ethnicity, house locality, and smoking behavior are significantly associated with smoking knowledge. In particular, there are negative relationships between smoking knowledge and higher wealth index, less-educated individuals, Chinese, rural dwellers, and smokers. The present study concludes that sociodemographic factors play an important role in determining smoking knowledge. Hence, as an intervention measure directed toward improving the knowledge of smoking among Malaysian population, effective policies should pay special attention to individuals who are likely to have poor information on smoking.
    Study name: Global Adults Tobacco Survey (GATS-2011)
    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking
  17. Marzo RR, Bhattacharya S, Ravichandran S, Lakshmanan P, Jeffery VR, Moralitheran P, et al.
    PMID: 32002422 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_192_19
    INTRODUCTION: Smoking is one of the leading factors of mortality in Malaysia. Most youngsters start at adolescence, fascinated by the concept of smoking. Interventions that harness the broad availability of mobile phones, as well as adolescents' interest in their appearance, may be an innovative way to advance school-based prevention. This study aims to determine the perceptions of facial-aging apps among secondary school students.

    METHODOLOGY: For this research, descriptive cross-sectional study using simple random sampling method was used. Population sampling was targeted toward three government schools. The total number of respondents is 383, with all of them aged between 13 and- 16 years of age. Legal considerations were taken to maintain the confidentiality of respondents. The specific objectives are: 1. To determine the level of change of intention on smoking, 2. To know the perceived reactions of the peer groups on the appearances of students as nonsmokers, 3. To determine whether the students learned new benefits of nonsmokingand, 4. To measure the impact of a facial-aging app among students.

    RESULTS: The number of respondents who smoke was 40 (10.4%), while the number of respondents who do not smoke was 343 (89.6%). About 89% of the respondents agree that their three-dimensional selfie image motivates them not to smoke. In addition, 87.8% of respondents admit that the perceived reactions of their classmates make them think that they look better as nonsmokers. After learning the effects of smoking, about 86.4% of the respondents acknowledged that they would educate their peer groups. Furthermore, 85.9% of the respondents found this "Smokerface" app enjoyable.

    CONCLUSION: The facial-aging intervention was effective in motivating Malaysian pupils to stay away from tobacco use. Thus, the analysis on the study of facial app usage in smoking prevention among youngsters concludes that most of the adolescents concur that the "Smokerface" app helps in the prevention of smoking among youths.

    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking
  18. Abdullah N, Al-Junid SH, Looi ML, Chin SF, Mohd Haniff EA, Syed Zakaria SZ, et al.
    Background: Validation of self-reported questionnaire is very crucial in ensuring the quality and reliability of data collection.
    Objective: The aim of this study were i) to validate the questionnaire on tobacco smoke intake and second hand smoke exposure among The Malaysian Cohort (TMC) subjects through the determination of urinary cotinine levels, ii) to determine the optimal cut-off point of urine cotinine that discriminates smokers from non-smokers and iii) to estimate misclassification rate between self-reported smoking and urinary cotinine level.
    Methods: Urine samples from a total of 775 The Malaysian Cohort subjects (104 smokers, 102 former smokers and 569 non-smokers) were obtained and urinary cotinine levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Differences between groups were compared using Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curved was performed to define the optimal urinary cotinine cut-off point.
    Results: Urinary cotinine concentration significantly (p<0.001) correlated with smoking status (r=0.46), the average number of cigarettes smoked per day (r=0.53), duration of smoking (r=0.33) and number of cigarettes packed per year (r=0.47). Smokers and second hand smokers have significantly higher median cotinine levels (978.40 and 21.31 respectively) compared to non-smokers (15.52) and non-exposed (13.60) subjects. Cotinine level at cut-off value of 1.51 ng/mg creatinine is able to distinguish smokers and non-smokers with a sensitivity of 84.62% and specificity of 81.97%.
    Conclusion: The Malaysian Cohort self-reported smoking questionnaire is a reliable tool in assessing the use of tobacco and second hand smoke exposure among the subjects.
    Study name: The Malaysian Cohort (TMC) project
    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking
  19. Nurasyikin MS, Leelavathi M, Tohid H
    Medicine & Health, 2019;14(1):78-90.
    MyJurnal
    E-cigarettes have rapidly gained worldwide popularity. Since its use still poses a health risk to the users, it is important to assess their intention to quit this habit. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of e-cigarette use, its effect on cigarette smoking and users’ intention to quit vaping and smoking. A total of 377 e-cigarette users were recruited from three vape retail stores in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor. E-cigarette usage pattern, tobacco cigarette consumption and their intention to quit were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Most (70%) participants were e-cigarettes only users while 30% were dual users. The median duration of e-cigarette use was 2 (IQR 2) years. Almost all (98.4%) participants used third-generation devices and majority (63.7%) preferred liquid containing 6mg nicotine. About 92% participants, especially heavy smokers, smoked fewer tobacco cigarettes after initiating e-cigarette. Majority (79.6%) of dual users also had reduction in tobacco cigarette consumption with a median current consumption of 5 (IQR 5.0) cigarettes per day. Most (87%) e-cigarette users intend to quit the habit someday. However, many (63.1%) were in the pre-contemplation stage. E-cigarette users of less than 2 years duration tend to have the intention to quit compared to users of more than 2 years (p=0.005). In conclusion, there was more e-cigarette only users than the dual users. E-cigarette use could significantly reduce tobacco smoking, especially among heavy smokers. Most e-cigarette users had the intention to quit vaping but not in the near future and longer e-cigarette use may deter their intention to quit.
    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking
  20. Ho BK, Mohamad Haniki NM, Jamalludin AR, Samsul D, Mira K, Norny Syafinaz AR, et al.
    Malays Fam Physician, 2019;14(2):10-17.
    PMID: 31827730
    Introduction: Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are new devices that have been accepted widely by both smokers and non-smokers. However, the evidence on EC used in Malaysia is scarce. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of EC use and the socio-demographic and smoking characteristics associated with current EC use among Malaysian current and ex-smokers.

    Methods: This was a sub-analysis of data from a cross-sectional, national-population- based EC study conducted from May to June in 2016 in Malaysia. A detailed description of the sampling methods can be found in the National E-cigarette Survey (NECS) 2016 report. Briefly, data were obtained from 1396 individuals who had ever been smokers, i.e., 957 (68.6%) current smokers and 439 (31.4%) ex-smokers.

    Results: Current EC use was found predominantly among current smokers (8.0%) as compared with ex-smokers (4.3%). Among current smokers, the main reasons given for smoking ECs were wanting to try it (44.7%), followed by intention to quit tobacco smoking (15.8%) and to reduce tobacco smoking (10.5%). Using multiple logistic regression analysis, we found that among current smokers, current EC users were more likely to be younger, i.e., 18-44 years (aOR= 4.83, 95% CI= 1.97-11.86, p=0.001), urban residents (aOR= 1.89, 95% CI= 1.15-3.11, p=0.012), single/ divorced/ widowed (aOR= 2.11, 95% CI= 1.24-3.61, p=0.006) and students (aOR= 2.25, 95% CI= 1.01-5.01, p=0.048). Among exsmokers, only younger respondents (18-44 years old) was reported as being more likely to be current EC users (aOR= 3.81, 95% CI= 1.14-12.76, p=0.030).

    Conclusion: This study showed that currently using and ever having used ECs were more prevalent among current smokers. The reasons given for initiating EC use among current smokers were mainly wanting to try it, followed by intention to quit and to reduce tobacco smoking. Current EC use appears to be common among current smokers who are younger, urban residents, single/divorced/widowed and students. Therefore, EC cessation intervention strategies and policies should target these high-prevalence groups.
    Matched MeSH terms: Smoking
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