Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 154 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Haque M
    J Popul Ther Clin Pharmacol, 2020 07 12;27(S Pt 1):e37-e52.
    PMID: 32757544 DOI: 10.15586/jptcp.v27SP1.711
    After officially declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), drastic measures to restrict human movements to contain the COVID-19 infection are employed by most of the countries. Maintaining high personal hygiene by frequent handwashing and be vigilant of clinical signs are widely recommended to reduce the disease burden. The national and international health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the WHO, have provided guidelines for prevention and treatment suggestions. Here, in this brief article, based on available clinical information, the author discusses why handwashing could be protective of COVID-19 infections. Although a detailed and in-depth discussion of various preventive and protective measures is beyond the scope of this article, this review will focus on the utility of frequent handwashing in minimizing the risk of spreading COVID-19 infection.
  2. Haque M
    J Int Soc Prev Community Dent, 2017;7(4):147-160.
    PMID: 28852629 DOI: 10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_224_17
    Medicine improves the quality of life and increases mean age of human beings as it fights against diseases. Accessibility to medicines is the fundamental right of every person. The principle of the essential medicines (EMs) is that a limited number of availability of medicine will promote to a better supply chain and rational prescribing to the rural and remote health centers for any developing countries. Furthermore, it was also expected that this concept will also ensure better procurement policy at lower costs, more in amount, with easier storage. Thereby, EMs will safeguard and improve distribution and dispensing of medicine. Correspondingly, motivational and dedicated training program regarding drug information and adverse drug reactions will boost up access to medicine and health-care. In addition, the selection of medicine from EM is the first step in the direction of the rational use of medicine and progress and ensuring the quality of health care. Thereafter, selection needs to be followed by appropriate use. Everyone should receive the right medicine, in an adequate dose for an adequate duration, with appropriate information and follow-up treatment, and at an affordable cost. The acceptance and implementation of World Health Organization-promoted EM policies in deferent countries have improved quality use of medicine in terms of accessibility and affordability, predominantly in developing countries. The corporations and teamwork among various participants of health care are instantly obligatory to progress equitable access to medicines in low- and middle-income countries.
  3. Abubakar AR, Haque M
    J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2020 01 29;12(1):1-10.
    PMID: 32801594 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_175_19
    Preparation of medicinal plants for experimental purposes is an initial step and key in achieving quality research outcome. It involves extraction and determination of quality and quantity of bioactive constituents before proceeding with the intended biological testing. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate various methods used in the preparation and screening of medicinal plants in our daily research. Although the extracts, bioactive fractions, or compounds obtained from medicinal plants are used for different purposes, the techniques involved in producing them are generally the same irrespective of the intended biological testing. The major stages included in acquiring quality bioactive molecule are the selection of an appropriate solvent, extraction methods, phytochemical screening procedures, fractionation methods, and identification techniques. The nitty-gritty of these methods and the exact road map followed solely depends on the research design. Solvents commonly used in extraction of medicinal plants are polar solvent (e.g., water, alcohols), intermediate polar (e.g., acetone, dichloromethane), and nonpolar (e.g., n-hexane, ether, chloroform). In general, extraction procedures include maceration, digestion, decoction, infusion, percolation, Soxhlet extraction, superficial extraction, ultrasound-assisted, and microwave-assisted extractions. Fractionation and purification of phytochemical substances are achieved through application of various chromatographic techniques such as paper chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography. Finally, compounds obtained are characterized using diverse identification techniques such as mass spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Subsequently, different methods described above can be grouped and discussed according to the intended biological testing to guide young researchers and make them more focused.
  4. Yau A, Haque M
    Medeni Med J, 2019;34(4):387-395.
    PMID: 32821466 DOI: 10.5222/MMJ.2019.54775
    The round-the-clock demands of healthcare services, coupled with the shortage of healthcare providers in many parts of the world, have made shiftwork widespread among healthcare workers. Understanding how to mitigate unfavourable effects of shiftwork on well-being is essential to improve health promotion, to prevent disease prevention, and to increase quality of life. This comprehensive review aims to present evidence linking shiftwork with cardiovascular diseases and cancers among healthcare workers. Several studies have demonstrated evidence indicating the relationship between long-term exposure to shiftwork tempo and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Health workers are increasingly witnesing unfavourable effects of shiftwork on their health state. Shiftwork disturbs circadian rhythm and cardiopulmonary processes, leading to adverse health outcomes. Increasing prevalence of shiftwork in healthcare industries due to population expansion and public health threat of cancers call for investigation towards a better understanding of the underlying mechanism of shiftwork-induced diseases. The shift work period has been considered in different studies using various criteria, resulting in inconsistent definition of measurement criteria leading to misclassification of the study population. There is a need for a more considerable and holistic effort towards standardization of shiftwork definition and conduct an assessment to establish a more conveniently appliacable framework for intervention strategies.
  5. Murshid ME, Haque M
    J Popul Ther Clin Pharmacol, 2020 06 11;27(2):e87-e99.
    PMID: 32621461 DOI: 10.15586/jptcp.v27i2.677
    The United States of America (USA) is one of the largest bilateral donors in the field of global health assistance. There are beneficiaries in 70 countries around the world. In 2015, the USA released US$638 million for the improvement of global health status by promoting family planning services. Unfortunately, in 2017, Trump administration reinstated Mexico City Policy/Global Gag Rule (GGR). This policy prevents non-US nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) from receiving US health financial assistance if they have any relationship with abortion-related services. This restriction pushed millions of lives into great danger due to the lack of comprehensive family planning services, especially lack of abortion-related services. This article has attempted to let the readers know about the impacts of GGR around the world and how global leaders are trying to overcome the harmful effects of this rule. Finally, it proposes some solutions to the impacts of the extension of Mexico City Policy.
  6. Ahmad R, Haque M
    Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes, 2021;14:3001-3015.
    PMID: 34234496 DOI: 10.2147/DMSO.S318972
    This article aims to narrate the various oral complications in individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus. Google search for "diabetes mellitus and oral complications" was done. The search was also carried out for "diabetes mellitus" and its oral complications individually. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that is a global epidemic and a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the world today. Currently, there are about 422 million cases of diabetes mellitus worldwide. Diabetic patients can develop different complications in the body such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, cardiovascular disease. Complications in the oral cavity have been observed in individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus. A study noted that more than 90% of diabetic patients suffered from oral complications. Another research has shown a greater prevalence of oral mucosal disorders in patients with diabetes mellitus than non-diabetic population: 45-88% in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to 38.3-45% in non-diabetic subjects and 44.7% in type 1 diabetic individuals compared to 25% in the non-diabetic population. Oral complications in people with diabetes are periodontal disease, dental caries, oral infections, salivary dysfunction, taste dysfunction, delayed wound healing, tongue abnormalities, halitosis, and lichen planus. The high glucose level in saliva, poor neutrophil function, neuropathy, and small vessel damage contribute to oral complications in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes. Good oral health is imperative for healthy living. Oral complications cause deterioration to the quality of life in diabetic patients. Complications like periodontal disease having a bidirectional relationship with diabetes mellitus even contribute to increased blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. This article intends to promote awareness regarding the oral health of diabetics and to stress the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene, taking preventive measures, early detection, and appropriate management of oral complications of these patients through a multidisciplinary approach.
  7. Haque SZ, Haque M
    Clin Exp Gastroenterol, 2017;10:91-103.
    PMID: 28503071 DOI: 10.2147/CEG.S126243
    The human gastrointestinal tract is inhabited by a vast population of bacteria, numbering ~100 trillion. These microorganisms have been shown to play a significant role in digestion, metabolism, and the immune system. The aim of this study was to review and discuss how the human body interacts with its gut microbiome and in turn the effects that the microorganisms have on its host, overall resulting in a true mutualistic relationship.
  8. Murshid ME, Haque M
    J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2020;12(2):83-93.
    PMID: 32742106 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_236_19
    National Health Policy (NHP) is a guiding principle for a country to identify the priority of health-care needs, resource allocations according to prioritization, and to achieve specific health-care goals. In addition, NHP is usually wide-ranging, all-inclusive plan that pursues each and every population to move on the road to better health. NHP targets to achieve universal health coverage and delivering quality health-care services to all at inexpensive cost, through a preemptive, protective, and prophylactic health-care program in all national and international developmental policy and planning. There are quite a few constituents that are valuable in executing health policy. These elements include novelty, technical compendium, communiqué, conglomerates, administration, supervision, and political awareness and promise. Health policies can be implemented at all levels of the government system. It helps in strengthening the overall health-care system of the country by effective public-private coordination and collaboration. In the year 1990, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) tried to promulgate an NHP. Unfortunately, the attempt failed. The health-care system of the country operated without a policy until 2011. In the year 2011, the country's first health policy was published by the GoB. Though the country has have achieved excellent progress in providing health care, but yet Bangladesh has a few critical challenges that need immediate attention. In this article, we will try to address the pros and cons of the Bangladesh NHP 1990 and the positive aspects and challenges of NHP 2011.
  9. Ahmad R, Haque M
    Cureus, 2022 Oct;14(10):e30770.
    PMID: 36320802 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30770
    The dramatic rise in obesity has recently made it a global health issue. About 1.9 billion were overweight, and 650 million global populations were obese in 2016. Obese women suffer longer conception time, lowered fertility rates, and greater rates of miscarriage. Obesity alters hormones such as adiponectin and leptin, affecting all levels within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) are inflammatory cytokines that may play an important role in the pathophysiology of ovarian dysfunction in obesity. In obese males, there are altered sperm parameters, reduced testosterone, increased estradiol, hypogonadism, and epigenetic modifications transmitted to offspring. The focus of this article is on the possible adverse effects on reproductive health resulting from obesity and sheds light on different molecular pathways linking obesity with infertility in both female and male subjects. Electronic databases such as Google Scholar, Embase, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Search Engine were utilized to find obesity and infertility-related papers. The search strategy is detailed in the method section. Even though multiple research work has shown that obesity impacts fertility in both male and female negatively, it is significant to perform extensive research on the molecular mechanisms that link obesity to infertility. This is to find therapeutics that may be developed aiming at these mechanisms to manage and prevent the negative effects of obesity on the reproductive system.
  10. Alam MR, Haque M, Haque M
    Indian J Crit Care Med, 2017 Sep;21(9):594-598.
    PMID: 28970660 DOI: 10.4103/ijccm.IJCCM_250_17
    BACKGROUND: Mortalities in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are high and widely variable. The unpredictability of death rates is attributable to age, sex, nature and severity of illness, comorbidity, well-timed medical attention, quality of the attending staffs, iatrogenic events, total management facilities, and overall grade of the ICU in general.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of seventy patients who died in the ICU of a Level III Combined Military Hospital within a period of 2 years were studied in retrospect to review the mortality pattern.

    RESULTS: Overall mortality rate was 3.58%, among which 81.43% were male and 18.57% were female. The mortality rate in geriatric patients was 12.26% and 2.84% in the age group of 12-60 years and 2.56% in below 12 years. The major causes of death were ischemic heart disease (20%), cerebrovascular disease (14.28%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (10%). Highest incidence of death occurred during 1-3 days of ICU stay (34.28%) and the lowest was at 4 days to 1 week (4.28%).

    CONCLUSION: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is remaining as the most important cause of mortality in our community although many countries have succeeded in reducing the IHD mortality by a combination of lifestyle modification and improving the health-care delivery systems.

  11. Mohd Tohit NF, Haque M
    Cureus, 2024 Jul;16(7):e64121.
    PMID: 38983672 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.64121
    The global demographic landscape is experiencing a monumental shift as populations age, driven by advances in healthcare and declining birth rates. This transition underscores the need to prepare the younger generation to navigate and contribute effectively to an aging society. This manuscript comprehensively reviews strategies to equip younger generations with the requisite knowledge, skills, and empathy to support an aging population. This study identifies critical challenges and opportunities in fostering intergenerational solidarity and understanding through an extensive analysis of existing literature and innovative educational programs. The review highlights the importance of early education, community engagement, and policy interventions in bridging the generational divide. Additionally, it explores the role of technology and digital media in facilitating awareness and empathy among young people. Key findings suggest that incorporating aging-related content into educational curricula, promoting volunteerism, and implementing supportive policies can significantly enhance the younger generation's readiness to support an aging society. The manuscript concludes with recommendations for future research and practical steps for educators, policymakers, and community leaders to foster a more inclusive and age-friendly environment. By preparing the younger generation today, we can build a more cohesive and supportive society for tomorrow.
  12. Mohammed Tohit NF, Haque M
    Cureus, 2024 Jul;16(7):e65078.
    PMID: 39040612 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65078
    This scoping review synthesizes the intersection of comprehensive sexual education (CSE) for children and adolescents with sustainable development goals (SDGs) to assess the potential for empowering future generations. Considering the global challenges in addressing sexual health, this review explores the potential role of CSE in contributing to the achievement of the SDGs, particularly in the context of empowering youth and ensuring their well-being. The review begins by providing a comprehensive overview of CSE, emphasizing its role in promoting informed decision-making, gender equality, and preventing sexual and reproductive health issues among young individuals. It then delves into the overarching framework of the SDGs, mainly focusing on goals related to health, education, gender equality, and sustainable development. The synthesis examines the alignment and potential synergies between CSE and various SDGs, highlighting how CSE can contribute to outcomes such as improved health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, and reduced inequalities. Furthermore, the review brings attention to potential challenges and barriers in implementing CSE programs in different cultural and socio-economic contexts. Ultimately, this scoping review provides a critical analysis of the intersection between CSE and the SDGs, offering insights into how the comprehensive education of children and adolescents in sexual and reproductive health can play a significant role in advancing sustainable development and empowering future generations worldwide.
  13. Mohd Tohit NF, Haque M
    Cureus, 2024 Aug;16(8):e66723.
    PMID: 39139803 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.66723
    This scoping review aims to comprehensively explore the landscape of taboos and their impact on sexual and reproductive health. Titled "Forbidden Conversations," it delves into the intricate web of societal, cultural, and religious norms that have contributed to the elusive and often stigmatized nature of sexual and reproductive health topics. The review navigates through the multifaceted dimensions of these taboos, shedding light on their impact on individuals, communities, and public health while advocating for a paradigm shift toward open, inclusive, and informed dialogue. The analysis within this review spans a decade, capturing the most recent and relevant literature to map the landscape of taboos in sexual and reproductive health. It explores the persistent societal apprehensions and subsequent stigmatization surrounding topics such as menstruation, contraception, fertility, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The review contextualizes the multifaceted challenges presented by these prevailing norms by tracing historically rooted taboos and their evolution across different cultures and contexts. The scoping review identifies the profound implications of these taboos on public health, highlighting how they contribute to disparities in access to healthcare, perpetuate misinformation, and infringe upon the fundamental rights of individuals. It addresses the challenges in sexual education, emphasizing how these taboos impede comprehensive understanding and enforcement of sexual and reproductive health rights among adolescents and young adults. The intersectional approach taken in this review situates these taboos within broader systems of inequality, emphasizing the compounded impact they have on marginalized populations. Through this comprehensive exploration, the review aims to provide actionable insights and identify existing research, policy, and practice gaps. It seeks to lay the foundation for future initiatives that advocate for destigmatization, empowerment, and equity in sexual and reproductive health. Ultimately, "Forbidden Conversations" aims to steer the conversation toward openness and inclusivity while advocating for unbiased, comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare with dignity for all individuals.
  14. Halder D, Haque ME, Zabidi MH, Kamaruzzaman A
    Med J Malaysia, 1999 Mar;54(1):52-7.
    PMID: 10972005
    From January to December 1992, 92 babies weighing 1000-1499 gm here to referred as very low birth weight (VLBW) were admitted to NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), Hospital University Sains Malaysia (HUSM). Sixty babies were inborn giving a VLBW rate of 7.5 per 1000 live births. Incidence of nosocomial sepsis was 32.6% (30/92) of whom 43.3% (13/30) died. Eighty percent (24/30) of the septic babies had blood culture positive for gram negative organisms of which 40% (12/30) were sensitive only to imipenem. Ventilator support within 24 hours of life was required in 41.3% (38/94) babies of whom 42% (16/38) babies developed nosocomial sepsis. Delayed initiation of feeding was significantly associated with nosocomial sepsis. A strict asepsis policy and early feeding of the VLBW infant are essential components of any strategy to prevent of sepsis due to nosocomial infection.
  15. Jahan D, Al Hasan MM, Haque M
    J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2020 04 10;12(2):163-170.
    PMID: 32742115 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_234_19
    Introduction: Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA), one of a rare group of inherited bone marrow failure syndromes, is characterized by red cell failure, the presence of congenital anomalies, and cancer predisposition. It can be caused by mutations in the RPS19 gene (25% of the cases).

    Methods: This case report describes a 10-month-old boy who presented with 2 months' history of gradually increasing weakness and pallor.

    Results: The patient was diagnosed as a case of DBA based on peripheral blood finding, bone marrow aspiration with trephine biopsy reports, and genetic mutation analysis of the RPS19 gene. His father refused hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for financial constraints. Patient received prednisolone therapy with oral folic acid and iron supplements.

    Conclusion: Hemoglobin raised from 6.7 to 9.8g/dL after 1 month of therapeutic intervention.

  16. Mostafa A, Hoque R, Haque M
    Florence Nightingale Hemsire Derg, 2019 Oct;27(3):211-221.
    PMID: 34267975 DOI: 10.5152/FNJN.2019.19025
    Aim: The educational environment is the most significant manifestation of the curriculum. The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure questionnaire is the precise quantitative assessment tool for the EE for medical- and health-related professional schools.

    Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital Medical College, Chittagong, Bangladesh during the study period of 2017-2018. The DREEM questionnaire was distributed to the paraclinical and clinical students in their regular classes. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19.

    Results: A total of 170 students responded to the questionnaire, of which 27.6% were male, and 72.4% were female. The mean total Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure score of the present study was 130.46. Paraclinical students scored statistically significantly higher than clinical students (p=0.040). Students' social self-perceptions were significantly higher for male than for female students (p<0.05). Most of the students opined that a positive learning experience (80.6%), appropriate teaching method (81.2%), and academic self-perceptions were positive (77.1%), and positive learning atmosphere (65.9%) as well as social surroundings were in acceptable range (70.6%) in Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital Medical College.

    Conclusion: The findings and evidences of the present study will hopefully provide the basis to take effective measures to improve teaching and learning environment of this medical school.

  17. Chowdhury TS, Naser MF, Haque M
    Int J Mycobacteriol, 2020 8 31;9(3):248-253.
    PMID: 32862156 DOI: 10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_101_20
    Urinary bladder tuberculosis (UB-TB) is one of the gravest public health issues of renal TB, and it is diagnosed with <50% of urogenital TB. Unsatisfactory and delayed diagnosis with imprudent medications for bladder TB frequently resulted in several urinary and complications, including contraction of the UB. The objectives of this research were to build awareness among medical professionals and subsequently minimize the sufferings of patients. This was a case report-based study regarding UB-TB. All routine tests for cystitis were conducted. In addition, 24-h urine sample for TB identification, including a polymerase chain reaction test, was performed. Twenty-four hours of urine sample revealed confirmatory findings of TB. The patient had responded well with the national TB guideline-designated medication. Recurrent cystitis had a higher possibility of tuberculous origin. Medical doctors must rethink when a patient visited multiple times for cystitis for the etiology of the disease.
  18. Haque M, Islam SMS, Subramaniam S
    3 Biotech, 2017 May;7(1):63.
    PMID: 28452013 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-017-0675-z
    An efficient callus induction and plant regeneration system has been developed using salt and heat as pre-treatment factors for three barley genotypes viz. BB-3, BB-6 and BHL-18. Different concentrations of NaCl (1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5 and 6.5 g/L) were used and its effects were determined on the basis of the viability of callus (CV), plant regeneration (PR), relative growth rate (RGR) and tolerance index (TI). The BB-6 showed highest performance on tolerance based on CV (14.72%), PR (7.69%), RGR (0.91%) and TI (0.42%) at 6.5 g/L NaCl. Various NaCl concentrations displayed significantly differences at P 
  19. Mohammad NB, Rahman NAA, Haque M
    J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2018 4 17;10(1):7-14.
    PMID: 29657502 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_227_17
    Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death around the world including Malaysia. Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the single largest cause of death in the developed countries and is one of the main contributors to the disease burden in developing countries.
    Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted to determine knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding the risk of CVD in patients attending an outpatient clinic in Kuantan, Malaysia. A total of 100 patients comprising 52 male and 48 female subjects were selected through convenient sampling method.
    Results: Of the total subjects, 86% were Malays. The mean scores (standard deviation) for KAP were 60.75±4.823, 54.36±8.711, and 33.43±4.046, respectively, whereas the maximum scores obtained by the subjects for KAP were 71, 65, and 43, respectively. Regarding questions related to knowledge, 88% subjects knew irregular eating pattern can cause disease and the benefits of vegetable intake. Most subjects recognized that smoking and obesity were CVD risk factors. Regarding questions related to attitude, 96% agreed that exercise can prevent CVD. More than half of the subjects followed healthy lifestyle. There were statistically significant differences observed in knowledge level between sexes (P = 0.046) and races (P = 0.001). Nevertheless, there was no statistically significant difference observed in KAP across different education levels of the subjects regarding the risk of CVD (P-value = 0.332, 0.185, and 0.160, respectively).
    Conclusion: This study revealed that patients had good knowledge and attitude regarding CVD risk factors. Yet, the number of smokers is still quite high. Development of better public information system is essential for the well-being of the society.
  20. Ishak AS, Haque MS, Sadhra SS
    Occup Med (Lond), 2019 Apr 13;69(2):99-105.
    PMID: 30295884 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqy129
    BACKGROUND: Needlestick injury (NSI) is a significant occupational health issue among healthcare workers (HCWs).

    AIMS: To determine the national self-reported incidence and risk factors for NSI among Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) HCWs.

    METHODS: Using data from the MOH national sharps injury surveillance programme, information on reported NSIs over a 1-year period (2016) for different HCW subgroups were extracted and analysed.

    RESULTS: A total of 1234 NSI cases were reported in 2016, giving an overall incidence of 6 injuries per 1000 HCWs. Medical doctors recorded the highest incidence (21.1 per 1000 HCWs) followed by dental staff (7.5), pharmacy staff (4.2), nurses (3.7), medical assistants (3.4) and allied and auxiliary staff (1.0). Doctors had significantly increased risk of NSI compared with allied and auxiliary staff (relative risk [RR] = 20.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 15.5-27.5), medical assistants (RR = 6.1, 95% CI 4.5-8.2), nurses (RR = 5.7, 95% CI 5.0-6.6), pharmacy staff (RR = 5.0, 95% CI 3.7-6.6) and dental staff (RR = 2.8, 95% CI 2.2-3.5). Significant differences were found in age and sharps- handling experience between occupational subgroups (P < 0.001 for both variables). Male employees had higher risk than females (RR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.18-1.50), with a significant difference seen in their sharps-handling experience (P < 0.01). Important risk factors included unsafe practices such as recapping of needles and their improper disposal.

    CONCLUSIONS: The national incidence of NSI amongst Malaysian HCWs was lower compared with other countries, but unsafe practices remain an important concern. There is a need to formulate, implement and monitor safe and consistent practices for the different healthcare professionals.

Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links