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Fulltext Psychosocial Work Environment and Teachers' Psychological Well-Being: The Moderating Role of Job Control and Social Support

Ibrahim RZAR, Zalam WZM, Foster B, Afrizal T, Johansyah MD, Saputra J, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 07 08;18(14).
PMID: 34299757 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147308

Nowadays, the issue of teachers' psychological well-being causes serious concern, especially in Malaysia. Many studies related to psychological well-being have focused on students rather than on the health and well-being of teachers. Thus, the current study investigated the determinants of psychological well-being (depression, anxiety and stress) from the psychosocial work environment (job control, job demands and social support), and examined the moderating role of job control and social support in the relationship between job demands and psychological well-being among teachers. The design of this study was quantitative research through a survey questionnaire. The sample consisted of 335 high school teachers (23.3%-male; 76.7%-female) who responded to measuring scales of job demands, job control, social support, depression, anxiety and stress, and socio-demographic profile. The data were analyzed using two statistical methods, namely descriptive and inferential statistics. The hierarchical linear regression model was used to analyze the data by assisting the statistical software, i.e., SPSS-23. The results showed that job demands, job control and social support significantly predicted teachers' psychological well-being. Furthermore, the effect of job demands on teachers' depression and anxiety was partially moderated by job control and social support. In conclusion, this study has successfully identified the significant predictors of teachers' psychological well-being and the role of job control and social support as a moderating variable to teachers' psychological well-being in Malaysia. The result provides insights and contributes to the literature of teachers' psychological well-being determinants and involves Malaysian respondents with a collectivistic eastern culture.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Fulltext Vicarious traumatization in healthcare providers in response to COVID-19 pandemic in Kelantan, Malaysia

Norhayati MN, Che Yusof R, Azman MY

PLoS One, 2021;16(6):e0252603.
PMID: 34086747 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252603

BACKGROUND: In the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, frontline healthcare providers who are engaged in the direct diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients face a high risk of infection yet receive inadequate protection from contamination and minimal support to cope with overwork, frustration, and exhaustion. These problems have created significant psychological and mental health concerns for frontline healthcare providers. This study aimed to compare the levels of vicarious traumatization between frontline and non-frontline healthcare providers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODOLOGY: All the subjects who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for this comparative cross-sectional study, which was conducted from May to July 2020 in two hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia. A self-administered questionnaire, namely, the Malay-version Vicarious Traumatization Questionnaire and the Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey were utilized. A descriptive analysis, independent t-test, and analysis of covariance were performed using SPSS Statistics version 26.
RESULTS: A total of 160 frontline and 146 non-frontline healthcare providers were recruited. Vicarious traumatization was significantly higher among the non-frontline healthcare providers (estimated marginal mean [95% CI]: 79.7 [75.12, 84.30]) compared to the frontline healthcare providers (estimated marginal mean [95% CI]: 74.3 [68.26, 80.37]) after adjusting for sex, duration of employment, and social support.
CONCLUSION: The level of vicarious traumatization was higher among non-frontline compared to frontline healthcare providers. However, the level of severity may differ from person to person, depending on how they handle their physical, psychological, and mental health. Hence, support from various resources, such as colleagues, family, the general public, and the government, may play an essential role in the mental health of healthcare providers.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Fulltext Perceptions of the appropriate response to norm violation in 57 societies

Eriksson K, Strimling P, Gelfand M, Wu J, Abernathy J, Akotia CS, et al.

Nat Commun, 2021 03 05;12(1):1481.
PMID: 33674587 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21602-9

Norm enforcement may be important for resolving conflicts and promoting cooperation. However, little is known about how preferred responses to norm violations vary across cultures and across domains. In a preregistered study of 57 countries (using convenience samples of 22,863 students and non-students), we measured perceptions of the appropriateness of various responses to a violation of a cooperative norm and to atypical social behaviors. Our findings highlight both cultural universals and cultural variation. We find a universal negative relation between appropriateness ratings of norm violations and appropriateness ratings of responses in the form of confrontation, social ostracism and gossip. Moreover, we find the country variation in the appropriateness of sanctions to be consistent across different norm violations but not across different sanctions. Specifically, in those countries where use of physical confrontation and social ostracism is rated as less appropriate, gossip is rated as more appropriate.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Fulltext Prevalence and associated factors of stress in dental healthcare workers of a higher institution of learning in Kelantan

Rusli, B.N., Edimansyah, B.A., Naing, L.

Archives of Orofacial Sciences, 2006;1(1):51-56.
MyJurnal

Several studies on job stress have been conducted among nurses, teachers, clerks, lecturers, laboratory technicians, petroleum and automotive workers and the calculated prevalences ranged from 20-35%; associated factors identified include high job demand, low job control and poor social support. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of stress in dental healthcare workers of an institution of higher learning in Kelantan. A cross-sectional study of the prevalence and associated factors of stress in 54 dental healthcare workers of an institution of higher learning in Kelantan [response rate of 63.5 percent] was conducted in March 2006. The Malay version of the validated Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale and Karasek’s Job Content Questionnaire were used as research instruments in this study. Informed consents were obtained from all participants. The prevalence of stress was 22.2%. One (1.9%) staff member experienced severe stress whilst 20.4% experienced mild to moderate stress. After controlling for age, sex, marital status and duration of work, psychological job demand (adj. b 0.61, 95% CI 0.21, 1.00, p=0.003), toxic exposures (adj. b 1.41, 95% CI 0.47, 2.35, p=0.004) and overtime work (adj. b 5.67, 95% CI - 1.18, 10.16, p=0.015) were directly associated with reported stress in dental healthcare workers. High psychological job demand, increased toxic exposures at work and increased overtime work were significantly associated with stress in dental healthcare workers. These findings can be used to guide preventive measures to reduce stress in dental healthcare settings.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Niche separation in flycatcher-like species in the lowland rainforests of Malaysia

Mansor MS, Ramli R

Behav Processes, 2017 Jul;140:121-126.
PMID: 28438691 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2017.04.010

Niche theory suggests that sympatric species reduce interspecific competition through segregation of shared resources by adopting different attack manoeuvres. However, the fact that flycatcher-like bird species exclusively use the sally manoeuvre may thus challenge this view. We studied the foraging ecology of three flycatcher-like species (i.e. Paradise-flycatcher Terpsiphone sp., Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea, and Rufous-winged Philentoma Philentoma pyrhoptera) in the Krau Wildlife Reserve in central Peninsular Malaysia. We investigated foraging preferences of each bird species and the potential niche partitioning via spatial or behavioural segregation. Foraging substrate was important parameter that effectively divided paradise-flycatcher from Black-naped Monarch and Rufous-winged Philentoma, where monarch and philentoma foraged mainly on live green leaves, while paradise-flycatcher foraged on the air. They also exhibited different foraging height preferences. Paradise-flycatcher, for instance, preferred the highest studied strata, while Black-naped Monarch foraged mostly in lower strata, and Rufous-winged Philentoma made use of the lowest strata. This study indicates that niche segregation occurs among sympatric species through foraging substrate and attack manoeuvres selection.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Fulltext Assessing the unmet needs among caregivers of children with disabilities at the community-based rehabilitation centres in Selangor

Suriati, S., Sharifah Zainiyah, S.Y., Lye, M.S., Norlijah, O.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2011;11(2):32-40.
MyJurnal

Caregivers may experience the need for information, social support, a range of services and financial support in caring for children with disabilities. However, some of these needs are unmet. This study aims to determine the perceived unmet needs among caregivers of children with disabilities at the Community-based Rehabilitation centre (CBR). A cross-sectional study was carried out among a total of 337 caregivers, who were recruited from 12 CBR centres in Selangor. The unmet needs were assessed using Family Needs Survey (FNS) questionnaire, which included six subscales of needs such as need for information, social support, community services, explaining to others, financial support and family functioning. Caregivers identified the need for information that the child might receive in the future as their greatest need (94.4%) and the least was the need for getting more counseling or help in getting a job (16.3%). The mean score for the overall unmet needs was 18.67 (SD=7.623). Out of six subscales of FNS, the need for information had the highest rating which was 98.3%, followed by need for social support (93.4%), need for community services (84.0%), need for financial support (79.9%), need for family functioning (61.8%) and need for explaining to others (46.2%). The unmet needs varied within the subscales. Therefore, more effective intervention programs are needed in community-based rehabilitation centres to match or reduce those varied unmet needs in order to allow caregivers to provide better care for their children with disabilities.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Fulltext Perceived social support among university students in Malaysia: a reliability study

Talwar, P., Mohd Fadzil, A.R.

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2013;22(1):1-8.
MyJurnal

Background: Social support is the perception that one is cared for, has assistance available from friends and significant others. Social support can be measured by The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. This scale has been widely used and validated in different languages. Objective: To determine the factor structure of The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support scale and find its reliability. Method: The study was conducted in one of the Universities in Malaysia. The undergraduate students who volunteered to participate in the study were explained about the purpose of the study and implications. The English version of Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support scale (MSPSS) that was administered. In all 313 undergraduate students were studied. Exploratory factor analysis, with varimax rotation, was applied to the data Results: The three factor solution accounted for 80.51 % of the total variance. The procedure output has an overall alpha of 0.921. Conclusion: The MSPSS appears to be good enough to be used in Malaysia however more studies are required.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Fulltext Post-traumatic stress disorder and its associated factors among school-going children exposed to a tsunami disaster in Malaysia

Idris, I.B., Shamsudin K., Aniza, I, Khairani, O, Rahmah M.A.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2015;15(3):112-121.
MyJurnal

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric diagnosis made when someone including children who experiences traumatic stressor. Those who are exposed to a more severe trauma have highest level of PTSD. The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of PTSD and its associated factors among 219 children who were affected by a form of natural disaster which is the tsunami waves in a rural area in Malaysia. A cross sectional study was carried out among children aged 10-12 years 6 months after the traumatic event. Child Posttraumatic Stress Disorder –Reaction Index (CPTSD-RI) was used as a screening instrument which was answered by the affected children through a self-administered questionnaire. Forty six percent of these children had PTSD symptoms; 31.1% of these children had mild, 11.4% had moderate, 3.7% had severe PTSD and none had very severe PTSD. Result also showed that 91.8% had re-experiencing symptoms, 28.3% had numbing/avoidance symptoms and 49.3% had hyperarousal symptoms. Children with low social support (Adj OR = 2.3 (95% CI: = 1.3- 4.2)), and children who experienced deaths among someone close to them (Adj OR = 3.7 (95% CI =1.2 - 11.5)) were more likely to have symptoms of PTSD. This showed that children are at higher risk of developing PTSD as early as 6 months after the event and thus early intervention should be offered to them. Future longitudinal study can be carried out among affected children to assess whether these PTSD symptoms persist over time.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Fulltext Gaining insight into patients’ experience of adherence to hypertensive treatment

Lee, K., Yunus, M., Loong, Y. Y., Shamsuddin, A., Zubaidah, J., Rosna, A. R.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2010;6(2):43-50.
MyJurnal

Hypertension is one of the major risk factors for coronary heart disease and the most important factor for cerebrovascular diseases. Adherence to treatment is a fundamental pre-requisite for therapeutic benefit in hypertensive patients. Adherence is a complex behavioural process that is strongly influenced by the way in which patients live, as well as the psychological and social support system.
Aim: To understand and conceptualize the experience of people on long-term antihypertensive treatment Method: Qualitative analysis using semi-structured interviews with ten hypertensive patients from the medical clinic of Kuala Lumpur General Hospital.
Results: Although the participants were aware of having high blood pressure they declined receiving any treatment at the early stage of the disease. Fear of death and disease complications are reinforcements for participants to adhere to medication. They perceived the label of “hypertension” will affect their self-identity and social role. Positive thinking regarding medication assists participants to adhere to treatment. Conversely, participants who perceived medication negatively also adhere to a medication regime, as adherence behaviour satisfies the family. Participants justified modifying their regimen or taking Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) as they believe know the their body best. However, participants wished to obtain more information regarding hypertension and its treatment from the doctors.
Conclusion: In finding the fine balance between stepping in and holding back treatment and care, health professionals need to know their clients in context. This balance can only be achieved by establishing processes of negotiation within an ongoing therapeutic relationship.

Study site: medical clinic of Kuala Lumpur General Hospital.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Fulltext Perceptions of dental stress and social support among Malaysian dental students

Rajesh, S.M., Muirhead, V., Mohd Dom, T.N., Ismail, N.M., Jamaludin, M., Saub, R.

Ann Dent, 2013;20(1):1-7.
MyJurnal

To explore the association between social
support and stress levels in preclinical and clinical dental
students in Malaysia. Method: A cross sectional survey
of dental undergraduate students was conducted at the
Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Universiti
Kebangsaan Malaysia and Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Stress was measured using the Dental Environment Stress
(DES) questionnaire. A DES-32 item was used to measure
stress for the clinical students and DES-16 item for the
preclinical students. Four questions were used to measure
social support. The total stress scores were standardized
for comparison purposes. Results: A total of 357 (79.7%)
preclinical and 417 (71.8%) clinical undergraduate dental
students responded to the questionnaires. The clinical
students experienced higher stress [mean standardized
DES score = 72.63, SD = 10.64] than preclinical students
[mean standardized DES score = 70.19, SD=12.01]. The
two most stressful items reported by preclinical students
were “fear of failing” and “examination and grades”.
Among clinical students, the two most stressful items related
to academic were “completing course requirement” and
“fear of failing course” and items related to clinical session
were “fear of being barred due to the clinical schedule”
and “patients late or absent”. Multiple regression analyses
revealed that low stress levels among preclinical students
were significantly associated to a lot of contact with
students of the same course. Conclusion: To some extent,
social support does play a role in explaining differences in
perceived stress, in particular among preclinical students.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Caregiver depression: The contributing role of depression in patients, stigma, social support and religiosity

Chai YC, Mahadevan R, Ng CG, Chan LF, Md Dai F

Int J Soc Psychiatry, 2018 09;64(6):578-588.
PMID: 30074421 DOI: 10.1177/0020764018792585

BACKGROUND: Depression has been well studied as part of caregiver burden among patients with severe mental illnesses. Curiously, though, there has been little data in terms of caregiver burden with specific focus on depression among caregivers of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).
AIM: This study aims to determine the rate of depression among caregivers of person with depression and its psychosocial correlates, which include stigma, perceived social support, religious commitment and the severity of the patient's symptoms.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 165 patients diagnosed with MDD using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) together with their caregivers. Apart from gathering social demographic data, patients were administered the 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self-Rated Version (QIDS-SR 16), whereas the caregivers were required to answer Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Duke University Religion Index (DUREL) and Depression Stigma Scale (DSS). Those who scored ⩾5 on PHQ-9 were further assessed with interviewer-rated M.I.N.I. to diagnose the presence of depression.
RESULTS: A total of 47 (28.5%) caregivers were found to have depressive symptoms. Out of that total, 13 (7.9%) were diagnosed to have MDD using M.I.N.I. From univariate analysis, factors associated with depression in caregivers were the severity of symptoms in patients ( p social support from friends ( p = .048). From multivariate analysis, only the patients' severity of depressive symptoms ( p

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Fulltext Remission of symptoms among schizophrenia patients receiving assertive community treatment (ACT) in Malaysia: one year follow-up

Rahima Dahlan, Marhani Midin, Hatta Sidi

Sains Malaysiana, 2013;42:389-397.

Assertive community treatment (ACT) is one of the most important elements of mental health care reform in Malaysia. Many studies worldwide have reliably found that ACT has positive impact on several outcome domains such as reduced hospitalization rate, improvement of symptoms and quality of life. This study aimed to assess the outcome of ACT in the aspect of symptom remission and its influencing factors among patients with schizophrenia in the urban city of Kuala Lumpur. A cross sectional study was conducted on 155 patients with schizophrenia who received ACT in Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL). The selection was made by simple random sampling. The abbreviated Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was used to determine the status of symptom remission. The socio demographic and relevant clinical data were also assessed. A total of 76% (118) was noted to be in remission. According to logistic regression, the strongest predictor of patients receiving ACT with symptom remission was having good social support (p<0.001) and with higher educational level (p=0.024). The study revealed the effectiveness of ACT in terms of high prevalence of patients with symptom remission. This was despite the model of ACT being studied not fulfilling all fidelity measurements of the standard version of the service. The finding would hopefully act as a propeller for further development in this service area. However, the study
needs to be replicated through studies with better designs and involving more psychiatric centers.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Fulltext Peranan sokongan sosial terhadap kemurungan dalam kalangan remaja penagih dadah

Faizah Mat I, Norizan H, Rozmi I

Jurnal Psikologi Malaysia, 2018;32:109-118.

The number of adolescents involved in drug addiction increases every year. Statistic shows that in 2015 there were 6,406 addicts from age 13 to 24 years old compared to 4,954 detected in 2014. The majority of those addicts had major depression. It is predicted that by 2020, depression will be the second leading causes of global burden of diseases after heart disease. This study aims to identify the relationship between social support and depression among adolescent drug addicts. The study used quantitative method by distributing the questionnaires to respondents. A total of 367 adolescent drug adddicts were involved in this study. The results showed a significant negative relationship between social support and depression. The results of the study also showed that there were relationships between social support from guardian, friends and closed friends and depression. The implication of the study suggested that the role of social support such as family members and close friends are crucial to help adolecents cope with depression and addiction.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Fulltext Social support as a mediator of the influence of optimism towards happiness among adolescents in higher education. [Sokongan sosial sebagai pengantara pengaruh optimistik ke atas kebahagiaan remaja di pengajian tinggi]

Mahirah M, Balan R

Jurnal Psikologi Malaysia, 2018;32(1):82-96.

Happiness is the natural goal of life for every human being. Every indivdual is trying to find happiness because it describes a good life. Therefore, this study aims to examine an influence on happiness, which is optimistic, using a positive psychological strength,. Social support is utilized as an external quality as it supports the optimistic influence towards happiness. The study was conducted on 436 adolescents in higher education, aged between 18 and 25 years old. The quantitative study uses a set of questionnaires to obtain the data, Extended Life Orientation Test for optimistic measurements, Inventory of Socially Supportive Behavior Short Form measures social support, and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire measures adolescents happiness. Descriptively, adolescents in higher education showed high optimism (Min = 3.77, SP = .62), while moderate social support for the three forms of support, namely guidance support (Min = 3.07, SP = .81), emotional support (Min = 3.17, SP = .99) and tangible support (Min = 2.82, SP = .95). Adolescents in higher education reported having a moderate level of happiness (Min = 3.39, S.P = .92). The findings show that guidance and emotion support mediating the influence of optimistic towards happiness among adolescents in higher education. Tangible support does not play any role. The implication of the study is to adolescents that even the positive attitudes of optimistic can enhance their happiness, but the guidance and emotional support from significant people can further reinforce those influences.
Study site: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Fulltext Life satisfaction of middle-aged career women in Kelantan: the mediating role of job satisfaction

Ruzaini I, Siti Marziah Z, Wan Yusoff Wan S, See SY

Jurnal Psikologi Malaysia, 2017;31:21-28.

Job satisfaction is significantly related to overall attitudes towards life or life satisfaction. For most people, work is a central life activity. Full time employees spent substantial amount of time at work. Middle-aged women are working longer hours and spending less time with their families, which has led to family crisis, burn out, and depression. Thus, this study helps to determine the relationship between social support and family attachment on life satisfaction among middle-aged career women in Kelantan. It will also analyse the mediating role of job satisfaction. This study is a quantitative study, which was conducted in Kelantan. It involves 438 middle-aged career women in Kelantan. Social support, family attachment and job satisfaction were found to positively relate to life satisfaction. Moreover, job satisfaction was proven as the mediator in the relationship between social support and life satisfaction. This result indicates that life satisfaction of middle-aged career women rely significantly on job satisfaction. Job satisfaction can intervene the direction and the level of life satisfaction of middle-aged career women. This finding could be used as an input for any intervention programs and policies to uplift the well- being and quality of life of middle-aged women.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Understanding the role of Facebook to support women with endometriosis: A Malaysian perspective

Wilson S, Mogan S, Kaur K

Int J Nurs Pract, 2020 Aug;26(4):e12833.
PMID: 32189457 DOI: 10.1111/ijn.12833

AIMS: To examine the pertinent issues discussed by endometriosis patients in Malaysia on MyEndosis Facebook group as an alternative platform for online support.
METHODS: Using thematic analysis based on three frameworks, 120 posted messages and comments were examined from MyEndosis Facebook group-a support group for women with endometriosis from January to July 2014.
RESULTS: Results showed the issues discussed were (a) personal struggles, (b) medication and treatment, (c) alternative medication, (d) side effects, and (e) medication recommended by doctors. While using this social medium, users found (a) emotional support, (b) esteem support, (c) information support, (d) network support, and (e) tangible assistance in their engagement with others.
CONCLUSION: The analysis suggested that users' interactions were structured around information, emotion, and community building, which many doctors and nurses were not aware of. The group was shaped as a social network where peer users share social support, cultivate companionship, and exert social influence.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Factors influencing women in physical activity programs in Malaysia

Hanlon C, Khoo S, Morris T, Eime R

Health Promot Int, 2019 Jun 01;34(3):389-399.
PMID: 29240897 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/dax093

The majority of research on factors associated with women participation in physical activity (PA) has been in developed countries with limited research in developing countries. Few women in Malaysia are active at the recommended levels for health, and activity rates are less than developed countries. Little research has focused specially on physically active Malaysian women and the factors that contribute to them becoming and staying active in PA programs. This lack of knowledge hinders the tailored development and implementation of PA programs to meet their needs. The aim of this study was to identify the factors of participation in PA programs for Malaysian women. The social-ecological model was used to investigate and theme the factors. Focus group discussion was conducted with participants in six PA programs targeted specifically to women. Thirty-seven women were involved in the focus group discussion, with ages ranging from 19 to 82 years. Inductive and deductive content analysis was conducted from verbatim transcripts using NVivo. Inductive content analysis allowed raw data and second-order themes to emerge. Findings revealed social support structures, tailored programs for women, and location were key contributors that encouraged women to participate in these programs. The similarity in contributors between women in non-western and western countries signifies a prime opportunity for bi-lateral relationships to be formed to enable the enhancement of program development relevant to different ethnicities and cultures within or across countries.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Fulltext Understanding Dieting and Previous Weight Loss Attempts among Overweight and Obese Participants: Insights into My Body Is Fit and Fabulous at Work Program

Ismail TAT, Jalil RA, Wan Ishak WR, Hamid NF, Wan Nik WS, Jan Mohamed HJ, et al.

Korean J Fam Med, 2018 Jan;39(1):15-22.
PMID: 29383207 DOI: 10.4082/kjfm.2018.39.1.15

Background: A qualitative study providing an in-depth exploration of people's view and the increasing burden of overweight and obesity is required. This study aimed to explore the understanding of dieting and previous experiences on weight loss attempts among overweight and obese government employees in Kelantan, Malaysia, prior to recruitment into the intervention program.
Methods: Thirteen focus group discussions involving 129 participants from a weight-loss intervention program were conducted within the first 1 month of recruitment. These discussions were moderated by two trained researchers in the Malay language and assisted by an interview guide. They were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was performed, and codes and themes from each discussion were constructed.
Results: The participants understood dieting with various meanings, including skipping meals and removing rice from daily diets. They applied numerous methods to lose weight and achieved various outcomes. Health and appearance, social support, and compliance with current trends were the factors motivating these participants to lose weight. Their determination to lose weight was limited by lack of self-control and motivation, experiences of unpleasant effects, influence on weight, and environmental and health factors.
Conclusion: Real-life weight loss experiences and perceptions provided relevant insights into current weight loss management strategies. Some of these issues and misunderstandings should be emphasized in weight loss strategies during health promotion.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Fulltext Perceptions of Quality of Life during the Pandemic: A Case Study on B40 Single Mothers

Zakaria SM, Abdullah N, Md Akhir N, Amin AS, Mohd Shukry ANA, Abdul Rashid MR, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Sep 27;19(19).
PMID: 36231521 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912219

During the pandemic, the lives of B40 single mothers were severely affected, especially in terms of social, economic, and psychological factors. The reduction of income caused by the crisis has forced single mothers and their children to live frugally and without luxury. They also had to perform more than one job at a time during the pandemic to meet their children's needs. A qualitative study has been conducted to explore the perceptions of quality of life during the pandemic among B40 single mothers. Respondents were selected based on demographic characteristics established before the study. A focus group discussion has been conducted on ten (10) B40 single mothers in Balik Pulau, Penang. Single mothers were selected based on purposive sampling. They had to meet the inclusive criteria required to participate in the study, specifically: aged between 20 and 60 years old, belonged to the B40 income category, had children under 18 years old living together, and became single mothers due to divorce or death of husbands. The focused group discussion explored issues related to qualities of life during the pandemic. B40 single mothers expressed their concern about access to health facilities, security in residence, children's education, and economic stability. These areas of life quality have been significantly affected especially during Movement Control Order (MCO). In short, the quality of life of these single mothers has been significantly affected by the pandemic. Their vulnerability towards stress, anxiety, and depression have worsened due to financial issues. Besides the need for emotional and social support, this study found that these single mothers entail financial support.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support
Fulltext Dementia in elderly Malays--preliminary findings of a community survey

Kua EH

Singapore Med J, 1993 Feb;34(1):26-8.
PMID: 8266123

This is a study of the prevalence of dementia in elderly Malays living in the Eunos district of Singapore. The subjects included all Malays 65 years and more living in public housing, and they were first interviewed and screened for any cognitive deficit using the Malay version of the Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire (ECAQ). All those who scored 5 or less in the ECAQ were assessed again with a more detailed questionnaire called the Geriatric Mental State (GMS) schedule. This is the preliminary results of 149 subjects interviewed--77 men and 72 women. Data from the GMS were analysed by a computer diagnostic programme, AGECAT. There were only 6 cases of dementia and the overall prevalence of dementia in the sample was estimated as 4.0%. In the age group 65 to 74 years the rate was 2.5% and this increased to 10.3% in those 75 years and more. The prevalence of dementia in elderly Malays is higher than elderly Chinese in Singapore, but it is similar to the results of studies in New York and Liverpool. All the subjects with dementia were living with their families and they had good social resources.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Support

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