Background: The COMBI concept is a novel approach by the WHO to control communicable diseases which are influenced by community behaviour. The Ministry of Health is currently evaluating its use against dengue in selected areas throughout Malaysia. COMBI doctrine differs from previous dengue campaigns. It acknowledges that the factors contributing to dengue proliferation may differ between areas. Factors for a given area are analysed, then a single precise behavioural goal to overcome those problems is formulated. To inculcate this behavioural change, the target community is subjected to an intensive campaign using Integrated Marketing Communication techniques adapted from the advertisingindustry, particularly involving volunteers from the community itself.
Methodology: In Selangor the pilot project was implemented in Section 3 and Section 4 of Bandar Baru Bangi, in the district of Hulu Langat. Here, Aedes breeding was found to occur mainly in water containers of semi permanent nature (eg. ‘kolah’, aquatic plant jars, flower pot bases etc). A total of 172 volunteers were recruited to disperse the message of “Suluh – Suluh, Basuh - Basuh” whilst distributing leaflets and flashlights to 2666 homes. Residents were instructed to illuminate such water containers twice weekly and scrub any containers found to contain larvae. The program commenced on 23/5/2004 and lasted 16 weeks.
Results : During this period, the initial Aedes Index of 5 was reduced to 0.96 while combined cases of Dengue Fever / Dengue Haemorraghic Fever in Sections 3 and 4 reported to the Hulu Langat District Health Office also dropped to 1 (unconfirmed).
Conclusion : The COMBI approach in Hulu Langat successfully demonstrated that correct problem identification synergized with community engagement can potentially reduce Aedes proliferationand dengue morbidity.
Introduction : A cross sectional study was conducted among married women in Kg. Sasapan Kelubi, Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia. The objective of the study was to identify the prevalence of Pap Smear practice and it`s influencing factors.
Methodology : Universal sampling was conducted from door to door to all married women who agreed to be involved in this study. Guided questionnaire was used as the main instrument in this study. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 12.0.
Result : A total of 154 respondents gave their feedback. Mean age in this study was 23.3±4.4.years. Only 66 respondents (42.9%) have had the pap smear with only 6 respondents (3.9%) practiced as per recommended schedule. The reasons for the respondents never practicing pap smear were no knowledge (n=46,52.3%), scared (n=22, 42.5%), shyness (n=21,23.9%), no free time(n-6,6.8%), unconcerned (n=3,3.4%), no female doctors (n= 6,6.8%), not bother, health clinic too far and high cost (n=1,1.1%). The only factor that showed significant association with pap smear practice was the score of knowledge about smear whereby respondents who underwent pap smear showed higher score compared to those respondents who never underwent pap smear.
Conclusion : The study showed that more efforts is required to improve knowledge and awareness among married women in rural area in order to overcome the knowledge gap, wrong perception and other reasons that prevent acceptance pap smear practice among them.
Keywords : married women, pap smear practice, rural area, Malaysia