METHODS: Using a qualitative interpretative phenomenological approach, we conducted in-depth face-to-face interviews with participants, guided by Kleinman's explanatory model of illness. Nineteen older adults who screened positive for depression were included in the research.
RESULTS: None of the participants explicitly acknowledged experiencing depression. However, they articulated their distress through three primary themes: 'Life is miserable,' 'Depression is a sign of weakness,' and 'Belief in pre-determination.' Remarkably, despite screening positive for depression, participants demonstrated a lack of awareness regarding available professional mental health services. Moreover, they expressed a reluctance to seek such services, citing reasons related to stigma and misconceptions. The predominant themes that emerged concerning help-seeking behaviours were 'Self-efficacy,' 'Social support,' and 'Formal assistance from non-mental healthcare professionals.'
CONCLUSION: The expression of emotion among older adults is restricted by socio-cultural influences. Thus, there is a need to improve mental health literacy among older adults in Malaysia, and their preferred source of support such as religious leaders and non-mental healthcare physicians.
OBJECTIVE: To collect information on factors that affect the time period from the onset of symptoms to first contact with health care providers, whether private or government.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional study using a pre-tested questionnaire was conducted among 296 newly registered smear-positive TB patients in 10 districts in Sabah. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to determine which risk factors were associated with patient delay (>30 days) and 'extreme' patient delay (>90 days).
RESULTS: The percentage of patients who sought treatment after 30 and 90 days was respectively 51.8% (95%CI 45.7-57.9) and 23.5% (95%CI 18.6-29.0). The strongest factors associated with patient delay and 'extreme' patient delay was when the first choice for treatment was a non-government health facility and in 30-39-year-olds. 'Extreme' patient delay was also weakly associated, among other factors, with comorbidity and livestock ownership.
CONCLUSION: Delay and extreme delay in seeking treatment were more common when the usual first treatment choice was a non-government health facility. Continuous health education on TB aimed at raising awareness and correcting misconceptions is needed, particularly among those who use non-government facilities.
SETTING: The study was carried out in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a self administered questionnaire including adults above 21 years old as an exit survey was conducted in Kuala Lumpur.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of medications taken in a day by participants, source of medication for the treatment of minor illnesses among participants, common illnesses chosen for self-medication by participants, and the sources of information of participants.
RESULTS: Of 314 participants, 62.7% had taken at least one medication in the past week without prescription and 62.7% believed that over the counter medicines were just as effective as those prescribed by doctors. 69.4% would seek a healthcare professional's advice before purchasing any medication and 86.9% would consult a pharmacist prior to buying medication from the pharmacy. Only 86% checked the expiry dates on medications and 54.5% reported keeping leftover medication.
CONCLUSIONS: Self-medication practice is prevalent in Kuala Lumpur but some practice might be harmful. Education on appropriate use of self-medication need to be emphasized in order to ensure quality use of medicines.