The upshot of blood pressure relies on the quantity and frequency of caffeine intake and on the rate of caffeine metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the effect of coffee consumption on blood pressure among frequent and non-frequent drinkers in rural and urban area of Kota Kinabalu. A total of 168 participants (Mean age = 26.52 ± 6.33 years; female = 50%; weight = 61.35 ± 12.52 kg; height = 163.37±7.70 cm; diploma holder = 45.2%) were recruited. Questionnaires consisting of socio-demography (5 items), caffeine intake frequency (2 items) and knowledge on coffee, blood pressure and effect to human health (10 items) were distributed. Blood pressure (BP) was taken before coffee consumption and after 30th, 60th, 90th and 120th minutes. SPSS version 24 were employed for statistical analysis. Frequent drinkers displayed significantly higher BP on the 90th (p=0.015) and 120th (p
Objective: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms , to examine their association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) profiles and to determine the predictors on overall HRQoL. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. The Malay Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MMQoL) were administered to a sample of 150 cancer patients (mean age = 50.4 years).
Chi-square test, correlation and multiple regression were utilised for data analysis. Results: The prevalence for mild anxiety and depressive symptoms was 30.7% and 23.3% espectively. The HADS-A correlated strongest with Total MMQoL Score (r = - 0.578) and Psychological Well-Being (r = -0.526). Only HADS-A (beta = - 0.486), and HADS-D (beta = -0.173) were significant in predicting overall health-related quality of life. Conclusion: Findings in our study indicated that the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in
Terengganu cancer patients are moderate. If anxiety and depression are identified and treated, health-related quality of life among oncology patients appropriately could significantly be improved.
Introduction: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are a disabling injury as it often results in motor and sensory deficit with cognitive impairment. Flaxseed oil provides a good source of omega-3 fatty acid and it is believed to be able to protect the damaged nerve cell for successful nerve recovery. This study aimed to investigate a potential neuro-re- generation properties of flaxseed oil in treating the PNI. Methods: A total of 65 rats were separated into 4 groups: Group 1: Normal group (n=5), Group 2: Negative group (n=20), Group 3: Experimental group (n=20) and Group 4: Positive control (n=20), all the group were further divided into 4 groups (post-operative 7, 14, 21, 28 days, n=5 for each days). The functional restoration was assessed by walking track analysis (Sciatic Functional Index analysis-SFI) and toe spreading reflex (grading score). Electron microscope studies were performed on sciatic nerve to evaluate the regenerative process through morphologic and morphometric changes. Results: Oral administration of flaxseed oil (experimental group) at 1000 mg/kg body weight/day showed better recovery compared to negative control value. However, there was no significant difference in SFI and toe spreading reflex between positive (mecobalamin) and experimental group (flaxseed oil). Morphological and morphometrical findings indicated increases in the myelin thickness and myelin sheath layer after administration of flaxseed oil. Conclusion: The flaxseed oil supplementation could enhance the neurorestorative capacities of injured sciatic nerve.
Martial arts which promotes meditation, discipline and physical activity have positive effect on overall health and well-being of the practitioner. This study aimed to investigate the improvement of quality of life of martial arts practitioners such as silat. This randomized interventional study was conducted in six states in Malaysia including Pahang, Terengganu, Selangor, Kelantan, Kedah and Sabah. Participants were randomly divided into control (not practicing martial arts) and intervention (practicing martial arts) groups. Self-administered questionnaires consisting of socio-demography (5 items), smoking cessation (4 items), physical activity (6 items) and overall wellbeing (7 items) were distributed to both groups at pre- and post-intervention. A total of 200 participants (age group of 18-28 years = 95%; male = 98%; Muslim = 98%; collage/university education level = 99%) were recruited. Intervention group showed better improvement on lethargy (78.0% vs 66.0%), agitations (80.0% vs 54.0%), restlessness (82.0% vs 53.0%), depressions (92.0% vs 56.0%) and smoking cessation (100.0% vs 75.0%), compared to the control group. Martial arts promote a positive effect on a person's overall quality of life. This finding encourages an alternative for better health promotion specifically among youths.
In Malaysia, the number of registered organ donors are relatively small in comparison to other countries. This study aimed to investigate the awareness, knowledge and practices on organ donation among public in Sarawak. A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban and rural parts of Bintulu, Sarawak. Questionnaires consisting of socio-demography (5 items), awareness (4 items), knowledge (6 items) and practice (5 items) questions were distributed using random and snowball sampling techniques. A total of 327 respondents (age = 33.27 ±10.06 years; urban area = 50.2%; male = 59.0%; Christian = 48.9%; Bumiputra Sarawak = 53.2%) were enrolled. Urban respondents have demonstrated better knowledge (definition = 24.1% vs 23.6%; treatment = 42.2% vs 41.6%; side effects = 45.2% vs 32.9%; from living donor = 80.1% vs 70.8%; from dead donor = 71.7% vs 53.4%; organs can be donated = 19.9% vs 27.3%) compared to rural respondents. Urban respondents possessed better awareness (awareness = 86.1% vs 73.9%; source of information = 39.2% vs 31.7%; need = 70.5% vs 50.3%) than their counterparts. Subsequently, urban respondents reported better practice (agree = 68.7% vs 60.2%; registered = 2.4% vs 1.2%; donate after death = 27.7% vs 25.5%; without permission = 20.5% vs 18.0%; for loved ones = 72.9% vs 64.6%) than rural respondents. Conclusion: Population in urban area are more aware, have higher knowledge and better practice regarding organ donation. Health education on organ donation should be encouraged specifically among rural residents to enhance the number of registered organ donors in Malaysia.
Telemedicine innovations, including short message service (SMS), have been used to address a range of health concerns in a variety of settings. Practical, safe, and cost-effective, this simple tool can also potentially improve patients' understanding toward their own diseases via knowledge enhancement. This study was designed to develop and assess the feasibility and acceptability of an SMS-based epilepsy educational program for epilepsy patients.
The influence of awareness, knowledge, and attitudes (AKA) on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with epilepsy has not been widely established. The aims of this preliminary study were to (1) assess general AKA and HRQoL levels, (2) correlate AKA and HRQoL levels, and (3) compare the HRQoL of patients with epilepsy with different AKA levels. A cross-sectional sample of outpatients with epilepsy were recruited from the Neurology Clinic, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. Data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 15 employing descriptive and nonparametric statistics. On written consent, included patients completed the Malay AKA Epilepsy and the Malay Quality of Life in Epilepsy-30 (MQOLIE-30) instruments. Across all patients, both AKA levels (median: 80.0, range: 0-170) and overall HRQoL (median 51.5; range 15-97) were moderate. Awareness was significantly correlated only with Seizure Worry (r(s)=+0.29, p<0.05), whereas Knowledge was not significantly linked to any domain. However, Attitudes was significantly correlated with all domains (r(s)=+0.35 to +0.47, p<0.01) except Medication Effects and Seizure Worry. Patients with good AKA levels (Total Score ≥ median) experienced significantly better Overall Quality of Life and Cognitive Functioning (p<0.05). Findings showed that AKA may play an important role in influencing patients' HRQoL, suggesting that epilepsy treatment efforts should also focus on enhancing AKA through epilepsy awareness to improve health outcomes.
Study site: Neurology Clinic, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah
We evaluated an epilepsy education programme based on text messaging (SMS). Epilepsy outpatients from three hospitals in Malaysia were randomised into two groups: intervention and control. Patients in the control group were supplied with printed epilepsy educational material while those in the intervention group also received text messages from the Mobile Epilepsy Educational System (MEES). A total of 136 patients completed the study (mean age 31 years; 91% Malay; 51% with an illness duration of more than 5 years). A between-group analysis showed that the awareness, knowledge and attitudes (AKA) about epilepsy did not significantly differ between the groups at baseline (P > 0.05). The intervention patients reported better AKA levels during follow-up compared to the control patients (P < 0.05). A within-group analysis showed that in intervention patients, there were significant improvements in all AKA domains with larger effect sizes (P < 0.01) while control patients also exhibited significant improvement in most domains except for Awareness but with smaller effect sizes. After controlling for possible confounding variables (age, gender, educational qualification, monthly income and baseline mean for each domain), the intervention group still reported significantly higher AKA than the control group particularly in Awareness (P < 0.001) and Total AKA (P = 0.003). There was also significantly better medication adherence and clinic attendance in the intervention group (P < 0.05). The results suggest that the addition of the MEES to conventional epilepsy education is effective in improving AKA.
Study site: Neurology clinics, public hospitals, Terengganu, Pahang, Kelantan, Malaysia
BACKGROUND: Improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among people with epilepsy (PWE) has become the focus of various treatment programmes and behavioural interventions which continue to be challenging to both patients and healthcare professionals.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of SMS-based epilepsy education programme on PWE's HRQoL status and to determine the predictors for good HRQoL.
METHODS: Eligible epilepsy out-patients from three public hospitals in East Coast Peninsular Malaysia were randomized into two groups: intervention (IG) and control (CG). Patients in the CG were supplied with only printed epilepsy educational module, while those in the IG additionally received short message service (SMS) from the Mobile Epilepsy Educational System (MEES). The Malay Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-30 (MQOLIE-30) was utilized for HRQoL assessment. Descriptive statistics, paired t test, analysis of covariance and multiple logistic regression were employed for data analyses (SPSS 16).
RESULTS: One hundred and forty-four PWE were recruited for the study (age = 30.5 ± 11.8; unmarried = 60.4 %; education level ≤ SPM/Cambridge O' level = 76.4 %; illness duration > 5 years = 51.1 %). After controlling for possible confounders, IG exhibited positive changes in HRQoL profile compared to CG particularly in Seizure Worry, Overall Quality of Life, Emotional Well-Being, Social Functioning and Overall Score (p < 0.05). After adjusting for covariates, being employed and receiving additional SMS-based epilepsy education programme emerged as the significant predictors of good HRQoL among PWE.
CONCLUSION: Receiving continuous SMS-based epilepsy information from the MEES seemed to generate positive impacts on PWE's overall HRQoL. This study has provided a basis for future innovations to inspire efforts in ensuring the welfare and HRQoL of PWE and their families.
Study site: Eligible epilepsy out-patients from three public hospitals in East Coast Peninsular Malaysia
Introduction: A cross-sectional study was conducted to provide preliminary insight of Awareness, Knowledge and Attitude (AKA) assessment on urinary tract infection (UTI) among adolescents which includes the general level of AKA and correlation between the domains as well as the relationship between Total AKA and the sociodemographic factors. Methods: A modified and adapted questionnaire was developed, consisting of socio-demographic questions and AKA domains employing descriptive statistics, linear regression and multiple regression analysis via SPSS Ver- sion 23.0. Results: In general, AKA level was reported as moderate (0.5 ± 0.11). Among the three domains, Knowl- edge (0.70 ± 0.12) risen with the most astounding mean, took after Awareness (0.36 ± 0.22) and Attitude (0.65 ± 0.11). A positive but weak correlation was found between the domains; Awareness and Knowledge is significant at p = 0.034, r = 0.157; R2 = 0.02 and similarly, a weak correlation was also found between Knowledge and Attitude which is significant at p = 0.000, r = 0.411; R2 = 0.17. After covariates adjustment, female gender was found to have the strongest relationship with Total AKA. Conclusion: The general level of Total AKA on UTI is moderate. The AKA domains in this study was found to be positively correlated and female was found to be the best predictor for a better Total AKA on UTI. Thus, these findings provide important information to formulate an effective education interven- tion to improve the AKA on UTI among adolescents.
Being well-informed and knowledgeable about their illnesses would be a great advantage to children with epilepsy (CWE). Subsequently, an effective education programme which could secure interest and simultaneously improve their awareness, knowledge and attitudes (AKA) is essential in enhancing well-being and health outcomes.