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Fulltext Teaching Epidemiology and Biostatistics: a peer-led teaching module for postgraduate psychiatry student

Pang,Nicholas Tze Ping, Koh,Eugene Boon Yau, Sandi James, Mohd Amiruddin Mohd Kassim

Borneo Epidemiology Journal, 2020;1(2):157-162.
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Background and Objective: Biostatistics and epidemiology have been integral subjects in any postgraduate courses, including medical specialties Master programs. Both are widely accepted as among the difficult and confusing subjects, which worsen by lack of adequate exposure and often, time constraints. Hence, peer-led learning approach was proposed as a viable option to the traditional lecturer-driven learning style
Method: The peer-led approach intends to promote targeted learning and conceptual understanding, instead of widely sweeping learning, which is rather directionless and could cause information overload
Discussion: Students were divided into two groups, namely humanities-inclined group and science inclined group. Different pedagogical methods to address the different groups were discussed.
Conclusion: This approach helps to make the learning more palatable, boosting knowledge retention and fostering camaraderie spirit among colleagues
Fulltext Predictors of Psychosocial Functioning Among Long-stay Schizophrenia Patients in a Malaysian Mental Institution

Teo PF, Koh EBY, Chong SC

Malays J Med Sci, 2024 Dec;31(6):178-193.
PMID: 39830103 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.6.14

BACKGROUND: A considerable number of schizophrenia patients still require long-term hospital care despite psychiatric deinstitutionalisation, especially in developing nations. Prolonged hospitalisation is associated with greater impairment in psychosocial functioning. This study aimed to determine the level of psychosocial functioning and its predictors among long-stay schizophrenia patients in a Malaysian mental institution.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 138 patients selected through universal sampling. Data on socio-demographics, illness characteristics such as psychopathology and illness severity [measured using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS)], and cognitive function [assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)] were collected. The Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scale was used to evaluate psychosocial functioning. Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression analyses were applied to identify the correlates and predictors of psychosocial functioning.
RESULTS: This study found that 47.8% and 16.7% of the patients had moderate and severe cognitive impairments, respectively. The mean PSP score was 69.68 (standard deviation (SD) = 15.48). Female gender, previous unemployment and more severe cognitive impairments were significantly associated with poorer psychosocial functioning. Meanwhile, negative symptoms and age of onset were negatively correlated with psychosocial functioning. By contrast, the duration of illness was positively correlated with psychosocial functioning. The regression model indicated that being female (β = -7.32, p < 0.001), previously unemployed (β = -3.67, p < 0.047), having negative symptoms (β = -4.18, p < 0.001), experiencing a longer illness duration (β = -0.60, p = 0.004), and the presence of severe cognitive impairment (β = -9.80, p < 0.001) significantly predicted poorer psychosocial functioning.
CONCLUSION: Long-stay schizophrenia patients experience substantial difficulties in psychosocial functioning. Factors such as gender, last employment status, negative symptoms, illness duration, and cognitive function affect psychosocial functioning.
Fulltext Relationship of Psychological Flexibility and Mindfulness to Caregiver Burden, and Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Caregivers of People with Dementia

Tan KP, Ang JK, Koh EBY, Pang NTP, Mat Saher Z

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2023 Feb 27;20(5).
PMID: 36901243 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054232

Caregivers of People with dementia (PwD) commonly experience burdens and other mental health issues, e.g., depression and anxiety. At present, there are limited studies that examine the relationships between caregiver psychological factors and caregiver burden, and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Therefore, this study's objectives were to examine the relationships between psychological flexibility and mindfulness in caregivers of PwD, and to determine the predictors of these three outcomes. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the geriatric psychiatry clinic of Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Malaysia, and the sample (n = 82) was recruited via a universal sampling method over three months. The participants completed a questionnaire that consisted of the sociodemographics of the PwD and caregivers, illness characteristics of the PwD, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), Zarit Burden Interview Scale (ZBI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The results show that despite significant relationships between psychological flexibility and mindfulness and lower levels of caregiver burden, and depressive and anxiety symptoms (p < 0.01), only psychological inflexibility (p < 0.01) remained as a significant predictor of the three outcomes. Therefore, in conclusion, intervention programs that target the awareness of the caregiver's psychological inflexibility should be implemented to alleviate these adverse outcomes in dementia caregivers.
The state of psychiatric research in the Asia Pacific region

Roche GC, Fung P, Ransing R, Noor IM, Shalbafan M, El Hayek S, et al.

Asia Pac Psychiatry, 2021 Mar;13(1):e12432.
PMID: 33145988 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12432

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to review recent scientific publications and research output in the field of psychiatry, from a series of countries in the Asia-Pacific region (Australia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Lebanon, Malaysia, and Nepal), with a view to identify themes and similarities across regions, as well as to examine the barriers and challenges in mental health research faced by countries in the region.
METHODS: Seven psychiatrists from seven countries reviewed recent published and ongoing research in psychiatry in their respective nations, with respect to themes, as well as any barriers or challenges faced by mental health researchers.
RESULTS: While the seven nations included in this review vary in terms of research capabilities and economic development level, they share many similarities both in terms of research direction, and with regards to challenges faced. Limitations in the form of sociocultural differences from the West, and a lack of funding were some of the barriers identified.
DISCUSSION: Mental health research in the region has been progressing well. However, more varied research in the form of qualitative or economic studies are lacking, as are multi-center studies. The similar issues that nations face with regards to research could perhaps benefit from collaborative efforts and initiatives for the furtherance of research in the region.
Collaborative research on mental health in the post-COVID-19 era: an early career psychiatrists' perspective

Ransing R, Koh EBY, Ramalho R, de Filippis R, Pinto da Costa M, Pereira-Sanchez V, et al.

Front Psychiatry, 2023;14:1230059.
PMID: 37692313 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1230059
Fulltext Impact of stigma on the placement of mental health facilities: insights from early career psychiatrists worldwide

Kamalzadeh L, de Filippis R, El Hayek S, Heidari Mokarar M, Jatchavala C, Koh EBY, et al.

Front Psychiatry, 2023;14:1307277.
PMID: 38193134 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1307277