METHOD: A cross-sectional study using multistage sampling was conducted among 375 secondary school students in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. The survey was adapted from a Hong Kong Red Cross survey. A back to back translation of this instrument was carried out by two bilingual medical experts with Cronbach's alpha 0.8. The data were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) in terms of descriptive analysis, and an independent t-test and chi-square test were carried out.
RESULTS: There were 149 respondents from the lower form (grade level) and 226 respondents from the upper form. The majority of respondents (81.6%) were Malay. An independent t-test revealed a significant association between knowledge and attitude, as students who scored higher on first aid questions showed a more positive attitude towards first aid (1.475%). There were also significant associations between race and experience learning first aid.
CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents receive minimal first aid education. Thus, there is an urgent need to educate adolescents more in first aid to promote a safer community and to prevent any further injuries.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.
SETTING: Primary and secondary schools in Malaysia.
PARTICIPANTS: 11 246 non-smoking school-going adolescents.
OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence and factors associated with smoking susceptibility among non-smoking school-going adolescents in Malaysia.
RESULTS: Approximately 14% of non-smokers were susceptible to smoking, and the prevalence of susceptibility was significantly higher among males, ever-smokers and e-cigarette users. The odds of susceptibility to smoking were higher among males, e-cigarette users, those aged 12 years and under and those who had ever smoked or tried cigarettes. Students from schools with educational programmes on the health effects of second-hand smoke (SHS) and who perceived smoking to be harmful were less likely to be susceptible to smoking.
CONCLUSION: Smoking susceptibility is prevalent among school-going adolescents. A comprehensive approach that enhances or reinforces health education programmes on the adverse health effects of smoking and SHS among school children, that considers multiple factors and that involves all stakeholders is urgently needed to reduce the prevalence of smoking susceptibility among vulnerable subgroups, as identified from the present findings.
AIMS: This study aims to evaluate the effect of theory- and web-based health education intervention on mental health literacy among foundation students at a public university in Malaysia.
METHODS: A randomised controlled trial study will be conducted among foundation students. Participants will be recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention will be conducted for two weeks with a one-month follow-up. The health education intervention will be developed according to the Information, Motivation, and Behavioural Skill Theory, and will be delivered via a website. The outcome will be measured using validated, self-administered questionnaires. at baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow up. The data will be analysed using Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE). This study is registered to the Thai Clinical Trial Registry (TCTR) (reference number: TCTR20210705006), dated 4th July 2021.
CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study will be useful for relevant authorities to take further efforts in mental health promotion among young people.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants from the governmental departments were recruited and divided into intervention group and control group. A translated and validated questionnaire on awareness and knowledge related to glaucoma were used. Educational interventions were given for both groups. Post-test assessments were completed at one month and three months post intervention.
RESULTS: A total of 202 participants enrolled for the study (102 intervention group and 100 control group). 64.9% of the participants were aware of glaucoma and 49% of the participants had good knowledge score on glaucoma. Higher educational attainments (bachelor and diploma holders) were the only factors significantly associated with good glaucoma knowledge (p <0.001). There was significant increase in the proportion of good glaucoma knowledge in the intervention group one month after the educational intervention (p < 0.001) and the effect persisted after three months (p < 0.003). There was also significantly higher proportion of good post-test glaucoma knowledge between intervention and control group (p = 0.003).
CONCLUSION: Although the public was well aware of glaucoma, there was relatively little understanding of the condition. Educational interventions can be effective to bridge the gap in promoting the glaucoma awareness and better understanding of glaucoma.