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Fulltext Alcohol use, its predictors and academic performance among Malaysian students of a medical college in India

Devi V, Tan AWP, Tan TY, Subhash S, Amir SMH

Education in Medicine Journal, 2013;5(4):72-76.
MyJurnal

Several studies reveal high rates of alcohol use among college students affecting their health and performances. This cross-sectional survey was done to study medical students' drinking pattern, its predictors and to develop any possible link between their academic performance and alcohol consumption. Data was collected using newly designed, validated questionnaire from students (n= 348) who consumed and not consumed alcohol. The response rate was 60% (209/348). 94% of drinkers started consuming alcohol before entering into the medical school. Most of them (85%) drank with parents' awareness. Among drinkers, 63% were of Chinese race and 35% of Indian race. None of the Malay respondents reported of drinking. 63% of drinkers and 23% of non-drinkers reported that most of their friends consumed alcohol. Drinking was not associated with smoking or drug abuse. There were no statistically significant differences in exam scores between drinkers and nondrinkers. Non-drinkers considered religious and moral obligations for not consuming alcohol. In conclusion, at our Institute, students did not allow their alcohol use to interfere with their academic performance. The drinking habit developed during school time is more likely to continue during college years. Those who have non-drinking friends are more likely not to consume alcohol themselves. Moral and religious obligations have positive impact on alcohol intake.

Matched MeSH terms: Students, Medical
Fulltext Smoking behaviour among adolescents in rural schools in Malacca, Malaysia - a case-control study

Nor Afiah, M.Z., Rahmah, M. A., Salmiah, M.S., Lye, M.S., Shamsul Azhar, S., Fazilah, I.

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2015;23(1):13-28.
MyJurnal

Smoking among rural adolescents in Malaysia is on the rise with a significant difference seen between urban and rural youths. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine a predictive model of smoking among the rural-school adolescents population in Malacca, Malaysia. An unmatched case-control study was conducted in 2010 involving 484 cases and 444 controls of Form Two students in Malacca, Malaysia, using cluster sampling. Smoking was the dependent factor of this study while the independent factors were individual, family, school and environment. Data were obtained through a self-administered questionnaire. The response rate of the study was 100% whereas the smoking prevalence was 20.9%. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the smoking predictive model. Strong predictors of smoking behaviour were: influenced by artistes who smoke (Adjusted OR=8.67, 95% CI 5.53-13.58); the male gender (Adjusted OR=6.7, 95% CI 4.14-10.83); Muslim (Adjusted OR=4.46, 95% CI 2.36-8.44); and the belief that smoking is not dangerous when the teacher is seen smoking as well (Adjusted OR=3.95, 95% CI 2.19-7.10). Other predictors were: being offered cigarettes by friends (Adjusted OR=2.81, 95% CI 1.79-4.42); the belief that smoking will relax the mind (Adjusted OR=2.45, 95% CI 1.33-4.51); having friends who smoke (Adjusted OR=2.32, 95% CI 1.29-4.81); forced by friends to smoke (Adjusted OR=2.17, 95% CI 1.15-4.12); have heard of the national No-Smoking Campaign (Adjusted OR=1.89, 95% CI 1.06-3.37); have problems with the school management (Adjusted OR=1.75, 95% CI 1.07-2.88); parental consent to watch sexual activities, drug use or violence on television or at the cinema (Adjusted OR=1.73, 95% CI 1.06-2.83); and have lunch in school (Adjusted OR=1.58, 95% CI 1.04-2.41). This paper ends with the recognition of the need for intervention in dismantling the predictors that can lead to the development of smoking among Malaysian adolescents in rural schools. of different pathological entities.

Matched MeSH terms: Students
Psychological impacts of dental fluorosis among malaysian school children

Mohd Nor, M., Sheiham, A., Tsakos, G.

Malaysian Dental Journal, 2008;29(1):20-24.
MyJurnal

The objectives were to assess the prevalence, severity, the psychological and social impacts of fluorosis among school children and their parents in the Kuala Pilah area, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Methods: A convenience sample of 431 students aged 16-17 years old from 3 secondary schools in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan were selected. The students were assessed for presence of dental fluorosis using Dean’s Index and to assess impacts. Questionnaires were administered to all the dental fluorosis students and selected matched students with no fluorosis. They constituted a control group for the case control study. Questionnaires were sent to the parents of dental fluorosis and control non fluorosis cases. Results: The prevalence of dental fluorosis was 27.8%; 82% of the fluorosis cases were questionable to mild and 18% moderate to severe fluorosis. 16.1% of students with dental fluorosis and 8.5% of non-fluorosis students had psychological impacts. 12.8% of the parents of children with fluorosis reported that their child had an impact. More girls with fluorosis (35.7%) had psychological impacts compared than boys (25.0%). In the 16.1% of fluorosis cases who had psychological impacts, difficulty smiling and showing teeth, affected 35.7% of girls and 25 % of boys. The percentage of students with dental fluorosis who had psychological impacts on carrying out school work was 2.7%, and 3.6% had impacts related to going out with friends. Conclusions: There were considerable psychological impacts on smiling and showing teeth among Malaysian teenagers with dental fluorosis and some of their parents were concerned about the fluorosis. But the impacts were mild and do not have a major impact on students’ lives. Dental fluorosis is not aesthetically displeasing to most subjects but does have psychological and social impacts on a small percentage with fluorosis.

Matched MeSH terms: Students
Fulltext Impact of Self-Perception of Obesity on Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) among medical students

Padmavathy KM, Kumar JP, Marya RK

VCare For Life Sciences Journal, 2012;2(4):85-96.
MyJurnal

Obesity continues to be one of the most important emerging public health problems over the past few decades in all developing countries, and recently in non developing countries also, because of improving living standerds. Lack of physical activity and leisurely attitude are one of the factors which determine the obesity and many factors influence the physical activity levels. The Leisure Time Physical Activities (LTPA) could be an important factor which decides energy balance, which can be influenced by self-perception of obesity. In this pilot study the impact of self-perception of obesity on LTPA (Kcal/week) using Compendium of Physical activities by Ainsworth et al was studied among medical students. The increased level of physical activity (LTPA) was observed among both genders with BMI less than 25; but female with overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25) showed significant correlation of LTPA with their BMI (r2 = 33.15%; p = 0.03). The subjects perceived their weight in proportion to their BMI especially male students. The subjects were grouped based on their self-perception of obesity, and significant correlation between self-perception of obesity and LTPA was observed among females who neither disagree, nor agree their obesity (group 3: r2 = 74.31%; p = 0.0003). Among males BMI was significantly different between the groups. Most of the male subjects perceived their overweight/obesity and more LTPA among those perceived not obese. Among females who perceived their overweight performed more LTPA to reduce their BMI. But in both gender those with BMI more than 25 and those strongly agree their obesity had less LTPA. Hence this study contends the impact of self-perception of obesity on LTPA among medical students and the importance of motivation for those who require intervening by improving their physical activities.

Matched MeSH terms: Students, Medical
Fulltext Health risk behaviour among undergraduates in a Malaysian public university: a cross-sectional study

Liew HC, Noor Illiati I, Yii RSL, Siti Nadzrah Y, Moy FM

JUMMEC, 2011;14(2):1-8.
MyJurnal

INTRODUCTION: Health-risky behaviours among undergraduates are a course of concern both due to its tendency to be carried towards later adulthood and the emergence of non-communicable diseases at younger age group.
METHODS AND MATERIAL: A cross-sectional study involving 1622 respondents comprising of students undertaking tertiary education was carried out using self-administered questionnaires. (adapted and translated into Bahasa Malaysia from the CDC Health Risk Behaviour Survey)
RESULTS: It is found that 6.9% of the respondents have had sexual intercourse with the mean age of the first intercourse at 18.6 years. Of those who have had intercourse, 25.9% did not practice safe sex. The study showed that 7.2% of the undergraduates who drives have driven after taking alcohol and 19.3% of the respondents have travelled in a car driven by drunk driver. It is also found that 10.8% of the respondents tried smoking at a young age of 15 years. One point two percent (1.2%) of the studied population has also taken recreational drugs previously.
CONCLUSION: Health risk behaviours among undergraduates in Malaysia are presently existing issues which poses serious concerns.

Matched MeSH terms: Students
Fulltext Physical activity and sedentary behaviour among adolescents in Petaling District, Selangor, Malaysia

Kee, C. C., Lim, K. H., Sumarni, M. G., Ismail, M. N., Poh, B. K., Amal, N. M.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2011;7(1):83-93.
MyJurnal

Physical inactivity is strongly associated with obesity and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents. A cross-sectional study using multistage random sampling was conducted to determine associations between demographic characteristics, sedentary behaviours and physical activity among adolescents. Data were collected from 785 (414 males and 371 females) Form four students attending 15 schools in Petaling District, Selangor using an adapted self-administered questionnaire. Results showed that more females (50.1%) were physically inactive compared to males (39.6%) (Adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12-2.15). Physically inactive adolescents were less likely to participate in intramural/house league sports (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.19-2.44), school team sports (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.03-2.04) and individual physical activities outside school (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.11-2.12) compared to their physically active counterparts. Physically inactive adolescents were also less engaged in sedentary activities, such as television watching (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50-0.94), playing computer/video game (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.28-0.72), talking on the telephone/mobile phone text messaging (OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.32-0.69) and reading (OR:0.45, 95% CI: 0.24-0.86) compared to those who were physically active. In this study, physical activity coexists with sedentary behaviour in adolescents. Sedentary activities may not necessarily displace physical activity among youth. In addition, these data suggest that promoting organised sports in school and outside the school among youths may be a potential strategy for increasing physical activity in this population.

Matched MeSH terms: Students
Fulltext Factor structure of general health questionnaire and assessment: a cross-sectional study among university students in Malaysia

Talwar P, Abd Rahman MF

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2015;16(2):232-240.
MyJurnal

This study aims to assess the factor structure and reliability of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Additionally, the study also attempts to evaluate the psychological well-being among university students using the GHQ-12 scale and thereby determine a relationship between select demographic variables and well-being. Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate students of a public university in Sarawak, Malaysia. A self administered questionnaire consisting of the demographic aspects and the GHQ 12 scale were utilized to assess the well-being of students, who were selected by convenience sampling technique. Results: Factorability of the GHQ-12 was examined and a three-factor model explaining 55% total variance was found to be the best fit. Internal consistency of the scale was 0.78, which is within the acceptable range. The results also suggest that considerable proportion (57%) of students had psychological distress. Participants who were susceptible to psychological distress in the present study were identified as students from low income families, with poor social support, in a relationship with partner as well as the student with Hindu’s religion and male students. By multiple regression analysis, variables that significantly predicted psychological distress were gender; income; area of residence; relationship with parents; negative life events; smoking; drinking and event with the overall model fit were 34%. Conclusion: Based on these findings, it may be foreseen that if prompt intervention is not provided to students in distress, they may be susceptible to depression, anxiety and stress. The findings have implications for teachers and counsellors, who are in a position to influence a wide range of students and provide support to improve the psychological well-being of students.

Matched MeSH terms: Students
Cytokine profile of patients with leptospirosis in Sabah, Malaysia

Mohd Iskandar BJ, William T, Daisy Vanitha J

Med J Malaysia, 2018 04;73(2):106-109.
PMID: 29703874 MyJurnal

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with symptoms ranging from a mild, febrile illness to a severe form with multiorgan failure. Severe leptospirosis may require medical interventions in the form of dialysis and/or mechanical ventilation and often leads to mortality. An exaggerated host immune response-in particular, a "cytokine storm"-that causes endothelial and organ damage is associated with the disease severity and mortality.
METHODS: Microscopic agglutination test (MAT)-positive and MAT-negative human serum samples (n=30) from patients with leptospirosis were obtained from the Public Health Laboratory, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia and control serum samples (n=10) were obtained from healthy student volunteers. We estimated the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α in serum samples by a Luminex assay.
RESULTS: The levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL1-β were significantly higher in 13% of the patients with leptospirosis compared to the healthy controls, while the levels of IL-10 and TNF-α were not elevated in either group.
CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that elevated levels of IL-6, IL- 8, and IL1-β may be associated with leptospirosis disease severity, which requires patient follow-up for confirmation.

Matched MeSH terms: Students
Fulltext Hypertension and its association with Anthropometric indices among students in a public university

Cheah WL, Majorie Ensayan J, Helmy H, Chang CT

Malays Fam Physician, 2018;13(1):2-9.
PMID: 29796204 MyJurnal

Introduction: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its association with nutritional status (body mass index, body fat percentage, and visceral fat) among students in a public university in Sarawak, Malaysia.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among undergraduate students aged 18 years old and above. Anthropometric measurements, such as weight, height, body composition, and blood pressure measurements, were collected. Hypertension was defined as equal or more than 140/90 mmHg. Statistical analyses were done using IBM SPSS version 20.
Results: A total of 354 respondents participated in the study. Mean age for the respondents was 21 years (SD 1.18 years). About 40% of the respondents were overweight or obese. Prevalence of hypertension was 8.2%. Mean systolic blood pressure was 119.1mmHg (SD14.36mmHg), and the mean diastolic blood pressure was 72.6mmHg (SD 9.73mmHg). There is a significant association between male gender (odds ratio =3.519, 95% CI is 1.886-6.566), body fat percentage (odds ratio = 1.944, 95% CI is 1.050-3.601), visceral fat (odds ratio = 2.830, 95% CI is 1.346-5.951), and family history of hypertension (odds ratio= 2.366, 95% CI is 1.334-4.194) and hypertension.
Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was less than 10% and is associated with male gender, body composition, and family history of hypertension.

Matched MeSH terms: Students
Fulltext Perspectives about Pandemic Influenza and Its Prophylactic Measures among Final Year Pharmacy Students in Karachi, Pakistan

Rahim N, Iffat W, Shakeel S, Naeem MI, Qazi F, Rizvi M, et al.

J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2017 Apr-Jun;9(2):144-151.
PMID: 28717338 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_328_16

AIMS: In flu pandemics, pharmacy students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices are critical to save patients life. The objective of study was to determine the knowledge of and attitude toward the pandemic influenza among the pharmacy students of Karachi, Pakistan.
SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: The cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2014 by adopting a prevalidated questionnaire distributed to senior pharmacy students (final year) in seven private and public sector universities of Karachi.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 443 pharmacy students responded the survey. Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics of the students, perceptions, level of knowledge and attitudes toward influenza, and prophylactic measures were collected.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: To compute the correlation between different variables, data were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square statistic method. P < 0.05 was considered statistical significance for all analysis.
RESULTS: Influenza was identified as a viral disease (n = 423; 95.48%) and 282 (71.2%) students correctly identified it as disease affecting humans and pigs. Textbooks reported as most common source of knowledge (n = 282; 64%). Most common symptoms identified were fever (81.94%), sore throat (64.1%), and nonproductive cough (43.34%). The most common preventive measures were covering nose and mouth (268; 60.5%) and wearing protective coverings (254; 57.3%). Only half of the students correctly reported about the route of administration (180; 40.6%) and strains in vaccine (186; 41.98%). The best time for administration of such vaccine was known by only 156 pharmacy students (35.34%). The majority of the students (82.6%) had no idea about the manifestation of influenza pandemic. Knowledge regarding influenza differed according to gender and institutions differing in their affiliation with tertiary care hospitals.
CONCLUSION: It was observed that knowledge about disease progression, transmission, vaccination, and treatment in pharmacy students, especially those who are not getting clinical training in tertiary care hospitals was limited. There is an urgent need to develop awareness programs to increase knowledge of influenza among clinical pharmacists as they are more susceptible to infections and community as a whole.

Matched MeSH terms: Students, Pharmacy
Knowledge, Decision-Making and Acceptance of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination among Parents of Primary School Students in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia

Mohd Sopian M, Shaaban J, Mohd Yusoff SS, Wan Mohamad WMZ

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2018 Jun 25;19(6):1509-1514.
PMID: 29936724

Background: The incidence of cervical cancer in younger women remains high. This is worrisome as it affects
future generations. Therefore Malaysia implements human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination as a national vaccination
program. Parents play an important role in determining the success of this HPV vaccination program among schoolaged
girls by their compliance. Objective: To assess parental knowledge, decision-making and acceptance of HPV
vaccination. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 280 randomly selected parents of primary
school students aged 11 in Kota Bharu using a pre-validated self-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge and
decision-making with regard to HPV vaccination. Results: Most parents (62%) were shown to have poor knowledge
while most decision-making was shared. Age of respondents (adjusted odds ratio ‘AOR’= 1.09; 95% confidence interval
‘CI’= 1.04-1.14; p <0.001) and good knowledge of HPV vaccination (AOR= 16.32; 95% CI= 7.32-36.4; p <0.001) were
significantly associated with HPV vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: The majority of parents exhibited poor knowledge
which may affect their decision-making and uptake of HPV vaccination among their children. This highlights the need
to better educate parents on HPV vaccination.

Matched MeSH terms: Students
Fulltext A cross-sectional survey of knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS patients among nursing students in teaching hospital

Hamidah Othman, Noor Azizah Mohd Ali

The Malaysian Journal of Nursing, 2017;8(3):27-34.
MyJurnal

HIV/AIDS is a matter of concern and has become a pandemic disease that threatens the world population. It
has remained one of the priorities in global public health challenges. Caring for people with HIV/AIDS
requires clinical expertise as well as high-quality skills for health care providers. The purpose of the study was
to examine knowledge and attitude on HIV/AIDS patients among nursing students. A cross-sectional study
was conducted in Public University at Wast Cost Malaysia. The 126 respondents of nursing students agreed to
participate in the study using a self-administered questionnaire that was designed and modied after reading
and referring to articles, books, and journals. The results of the research revealed that nursing students, in
general, have a satisfactory knowledge (mean score 30.71), but had a moderate attitude toward HIV/AIDS
patient with total mean score 2.34. Most of the students (89.3%) get the knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS
through the internet. The majority of the students knew that blood transfusion (99.4%) and sharing
needles/syringe (99%) were the higher sources HIV/AIDS modes of transmission. Most of the students agreed
that peoples with HIV/AIDS should be treated in society with support from the community (97.0%). Although
the knowledge level of nursing students seems to be satisfactory, but they still showed the moderate attitude
towards HIV/AIDS patients. Thus, structured education programmes should be conducted by nursing faculty
to ensure that nursing students gain the necessary accurate knowledge and an appropriate attitude towards the
care of HIV/AIDS patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Students, Nursing
Fulltext Association between self-esteem and smoking among religious schools students in Petaling District, Selangor

Jinadu LO, Salmiah M S, Azuhairi AA

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2016;15(1):3-11.
MyJurnal

Introduction: According to the Youth Behaviour Risk Factor Surveillance (YBRFSS, 2011) in Malaysia, the prevalence of smokers nationally among Form 1, 2 and 4 students government secondary school students was 9.1% (ever smokers) and 8.7% (current smokers). However, there is limited information on the prevalence of smoking among religious secondary school students and self-esteem as risk factor. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence and factors associated with smoking among the religious secondary school students in Petaling district, Selangor.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 899 students. The schools were selected using cluster sampling and self-administered questionnaire was used. Data was analyzed using chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression to identify the independent factors for smoking.
Results: The response rate was 94%. The prevalence of ever smoking was 10.1%; 3.9% among female and 18.6% among male. The median age (interquartile range) of smoking initiation was 12.00 (4.01) years. The results showed that independent factors for smoking were: males (OR= 5.47); age group 14-15 years (OR=2.82) and 16-17 years (OR=3.63) and having low self -esteem (OR=6.24).
Conclusion: prevalence of ever smokers is higher when compared to YBRFSS, (2011) and it was revealed that most of the smokers started smoking even before secondary school. The results also revealed the importance of promoting self-esteem. Efforts in smoking prevention should therefore be focused on curbing the initiation of the acts and improving students’ self-worth.

Matched MeSH terms: Students
Fulltext Knowledge and perception regarding prenatal genetic screening of thalassemia, down syndrome and neural tube defects: a study among IIUM Kuantan undergraduates

Nur Sajidah Sulaiman, Norafiza Zainuddin

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2018;18(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

Prenatal genetic screening is offered during pregnancy to detect foetuses that have certain diseases. It is widely used in the detection of congenital malformation which results in foetal birth defects. Unawareness of the society on the importance of prenatal genetic testing contributes to the increase in the birth defect rate.Future parents should be exposed with the importance in performing prenatal genetic screening.The purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge and perception level of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan students regarding prenatal genetic screening thalassemia, Down syndrome and neural tube defects.This is a cross-sectional study whereby192 respondents were selected using convenience sampling method. A set of close-ended questionnaire was distributed among students in IIUM Kuantan. Independent t-test, parametric test (One- Way ANOVA test), non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney test) and correlation coefficient(Pearson) were used to find all related factors influencing knowledge and perception and to find association between knowledge and perception of IIUM Kuantan students.From this study, it was found that the level of knowledge and perception of IIUM Kuantan students regarding prenatal genetic screening of thalassemia, Down syndrome and neural tube defects was relatively high. Married students hada betterknowledge compared to unmarriedstudents (p=0.008). Moreover, students from Kulliyyah (Faculty) of Medicine had adequate level of knowledge (p

Matched MeSH terms: Students
A Healthy Mind for Problematic Internet Use

Ke GN, Wong SF

Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw, 2018 Oct;21(10):637-645.
PMID: 30256674 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2018.0072

This article designed and tested a cognitive behavioral-based preventive intervention program for youths with problematic Internet use (PIU) behavior. The program is the Psychological Intervention Program-Internet Use for Youth (PIP-IU-Y). A cognitive-based therapy approach was adopted. A total of 45 secondary students from four schools completed the intervention program that was conducted in a group format by registered school counselors. Three sets of self-reported data on Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ), Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) were collected at three time points: 1 week before the intervention, immediately after the last intervention session, and 1 month after the intervention. Paired t-test results showed that the program was effective in preventing negative progression into more serious Internet addiction stages, and reducing anxiety and stress and interaction phobia of the participants. The effect was evident immediately at the end of the intervention session and was maintained 1 month after the intervention. This study is among the first to develop and test a preventive intervention program for youths with PIU. The effectiveness of our program in preventing negative progression of PIU and its symptoms in problematic users has led us to postulate that the program will also prevent normal users from developing serious symptoms. The majority of the intervention programs reported in the literature merely tailor to those who already have problems.

Matched MeSH terms: Students
Fulltext Patterns and Determinants of Attitudes towards Genetic Risk of Cancer: Case Study in a Malaysian Public University

Sim EU, Ting SH

Biomed Res Int, 2018;2018:4682431.
PMID: 30112391 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4682431

Genetic risk to cancer is a knowledge largely confined to experts and the more educated sectors of the developed western countries. The perception of genetic susceptibility to cancer among the masses is fragmented, particularly in developing countries. As cancer diseases affect developing countries as much as developed nations, it is imperative to study perception and reception of genetic risk to cancer in Southeast Asia. Here, we report on a novel case study to gauge the awareness and attitudes towards genetic determination of cancer among the undergraduates of a Malaysian public university. A total of 272 university undergraduate students completed an online questionnaire. On causes of cancer, the respondents believed that cancer is caused by lifestyle and environmental factors, but those with science background were more likely to associate it with genetic factors. The results on awareness of genetic profiling of cancer risk showed that there are significant differences between those with science and nonscience background but there are no significant differences for gender and socioeconomic background. As for attitudes towards cancer risk, female respondents, those from middle socioeconomic status and science background, are more likely to believe in genetic determinism of cancer. The findings have implications on target population segmentation in strategic health communication on cancer.

Matched MeSH terms: Students
Fulltext Awareness and knowledge of Chikungunya infection following its outbreak in Pakistan among health care students and professionals: a nationwide survey

Mallhi TH, Khan YH, Tanveer N, Bukhsh A, Khan AH, Aftab RA, et al.

PeerJ, 2018;6:e5481.
PMID: 30186686 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5481

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) declares Chikungunya (CHIK) infection to be endemic in South Asia. Despite its first outbreak in Pakistan, no documented evidence exists which reveals the knowledge or awareness of healthcare students and workers (HCSW) regarding CHIK, its spread, symptoms, treatment and prevention. Since CHIK is an emergent infection in Pakistan, poor disease knowledge may result in a significant delay in diagnosis and treatment. The current study was aimed to evaluate the awareness and knowledge of CHIK among HCSW.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCSW from teaching institutes and hospitals in seven provinces of Pakistan. We collected information on socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and their knowledge by using a 30-item questionnaire. The cumulative knowledge score (CKS) was calculated by correct answers with maximum score of 22. The relationship between demographics and knowledge score was evaluated by using appropriate statistical methods.
Results: There were 563 respondents; mean age 25.2 ± 5.9 years with female preponderance (62.5%). Of these, 319 (56.7%) were aware of CHIK infection before administering the survey. The average knowledge score was 12.8 ± 4.1 (% knowledge score: 58.2%). Only 31% respondents had good disease knowledge while others had fair (36.4%) and poor (32.6%) knowledge. Out of five knowledge domains, domain III (vector, disease spread and transmission) and V (prevention and treatment) scored lowest among all i.e. percent score 44.5% and 54.1%, respectively. We found that socio-demographic characteristics had no influence on knowledge score of the study participants.
Conclusion: Approximately one-half of participants were not aware of CHIK infection and those who were aware had insufficient disease knowledge. Findings of the current study underscore the dire need of educational interventions not only for health care workers but also for students, irrespective to the discipline of study.

Matched MeSH terms: Students
Educating universal professionals or global physicians? A multi-centre study of international medical programmes design

Brouwer E, Driessen E, Mamat NH, Nadarajah VD, Somodi K, Frambach J

Med Teach, 2020 02;42(2):221-227.
PMID: 31630598 DOI: 10.1080/0142159X.2019.1676885

Introduction: Medical schools increasingly offer curricula that specifically aim to prepare students for an international medical career. This is challenging as well as controversial: curriculum designers must balance specific local healthcare requirements with global health competencies doctors need in our globalised world. By investigating how international medical programme designers experience this balancing act, this study aims to contribute insights to the debate on local versus global medical education.Methods: We conducted a multi-centre instrumental case study across three universities with international medical programmes in three countries. The study involved 26 semi-structured interviews with key curriculum designers recruited through purposive sampling. Additionally, we performed a curriculum document analysis. Data were thematically analysed within a multidisciplinary team.Results: Participants described two profiles of international medical programme graduates: 'a global physician', equipped with specific competencies for international practice, and 'a universal professional', an overall high-level graduate fit for future practice anywhere. These perspectives presented different curriculum design challenges.Conclusions: International medical programmes teach us how we can rethink graduate profiles in a globalising world. Yet, educational standardisation poses risks and securing equity in global health education is challenging, as is preparing students to be adaptable to the requirements of a rapidly changing future local healthcare context.

Matched MeSH terms: Students, Medical
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms and associated risk factors among medical students, Saudi Arabia

Atta MM, Sayed MH, Zayed MA, Alsulami SA, Al-Maghrabi AT, Kelantan AY

Int J Gen Med, 2019;12:293-298.
PMID: 31692498 DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S206995

Background and aims: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disease worldwide that is associated with impaired quality of life and higher risk of complications. The identification of risk factors is necessary for preventive measures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of GERD symptoms as well as its relation to body mass index (BMI) and other risk factors among medical students of Jeddah and Rabigh branches, King Abdul-Aziz University, Saudi Arabia.
Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine in Rabigh, King Abdul-Aziz University, Saudi Arabia. The study included 197 medical students from Rabigh and Jeddah branches of the university. The study employed a Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire which is derived from a self-administered validated GERD questionnaire (GerdQ).
Results: The prevalence of GERD symptoms was 25.9%. The most frequent symptoms were regurgitation and burning sensation. High BMI, family history, energy drinks and fried food were found to be statistically significant risk factors (p<0.05) by univariate analysis. However, the logistic regression for the prediction of GERD symptoms among medical students showed that only family history had a significant correlation (p<0.05).
Conclusion: GERD symptoms were common in medical students of King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. Family history was found to be a significant predictor of GERD symptoms. Effective educational strategies for groups with significant risk factors of GERD need to be implemented.

Matched MeSH terms: Students, Medical
Fulltext The prevalence of allergic diseases in school children of metropolitan city in Indonesia shows a similar pattern to that of developed countries

Soegiarto G, Abdullah MS, Damayanti LA, Suseno A, Effendi C

Asia Pac Allergy, 2019 Apr;9(2):e17.
PMID: 31089459 DOI: 10.5415/apallergy.2019.9.e17

Background: The prevalence of allergy among Surabaya school children is currently unknown.
Objective: To identify the prevalence of the common allergic sensitization and allergic diseases among school children and undergraduate students in suburban of Surabaya by epidemiologic data collection.
Methods: A multistage simple random sampling was done to select 5 primary schools, 8 secondary schools (4 of junior high schools and senior high schools, respectively), and 1 university from 5 districts in Surabaya city. Out of 550 invited respondents, 499 (128 primary school, 221 secondary school, and 150 undergraduate) respondents gave their consent. A complete personal history, allergic symptoms, environmental exposure of common allergens was obtained from interview and the physical examinations were performed. Skin prick test (SPT) was done using 45 different allergen extracts. Total serum IgE and specific IgE radioallergosorbent test levels were measured for respondents with allergic manifestations.
Results: There was an increasing SPT positivity among study respondents, from primary school, secondary school, to undergraduate students (21.90%, 28.95%, to 45.30% respectively). Cockroach (42.85%) and fungi/mold spore (42.85%) were the most common allergens in primary school children. House dust mites was the most common allergen in secondary school (63.16%) and undergraduate students (58.82%). Urticaria and rhinitis were the commonest allergic diseases manifestation. History of atopy was positive in 60.79% of the allergic respondents.
Conclusion: The prevalence of allergic sensitization among school children and undergraduate students in Surabaya suburb areas were increased compared to previous estimates in 1998. While house dust mites are known as important allergens, surprisingly cockroach was the common allergen among the younger school children.

Matched MeSH terms: Students

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