MyMedR

Displaying all 5 publications

Abstract:

Sort:

Comparing risk factors for hepatitis B infection between indigenous and non-indigenous population in Pahang based on a 5-year database

Rasuli R, Mohamad M, Yaacob SS

Med J Malaysia, 2023 Dec;78(7):883-889.
PMID: 38159922

INTRODUCTION: Despite substantial progress in reducing hepatitis B prevalence in the general population, the indigenous population in Malaysia continues to face a significant burden of infection, with high seroprevalence rates. It is hypothesised that transmission patterns differ between the indigenous and non-indigenous populations. This study aimed to compare key risk factors for hepatitis B transmission in indigenous and non-indigenous cases.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a comparative crosssectional study using secondary data from the eNotifikasi system and hepatitis B case investigation forms between 2018 and 2022 from four district health offices in Pahang, Malaysia. Demographic data, hepatitis B vaccination status and risk factors were assessed. Data analysis employed were independent chi-squared tests, t-tests and binary logistic regression.
RESULTS: The study included 285 cases (141 indigenous and 145 non-indigenous). Among the indigenous cases, 72.3% were unvaccinated and 59.6% reported a history of infected mother, followed by percutaneous exposure, multiple sexual partners, and sharing syringe. The odds for those with a history of an infected mother being indigenous group is 2.5 times (95% CI: 1.4-4.4) compared to those with a history of an infected mother being non-indigenous group.
CONCLUSION: Significant difference exists in hepatitis B risk factors between indigenous and non-indigenous populations. The main risk factor for indigenous community is history of infected mother. Thus, the necessity of incorporating hepatitis B screening into the current practice of antenatal HIV screening, specifically targeting the indigenous community, should be given consideration.
Fulltext Symptomatic syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone as a rare early presentation of primary thymic carcinoma: a case report

Samsuddin MJ, Yaacob SS, Razi AABM

J Surg Case Rep, 2024 Feb;2024(2):rjae025.
PMID: 38344137 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae025

Syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone (SIADH) can be presented as a paraneoplastic syndrome in primary malignancies involving the lung and brain. However, the development of SIADH in primary thymic carcinoma is poorly documented. We report a case of an elderly, with an initial presentation of symptomatic persistent hyponatremia as a paraneoplastic syndrome of SIADH with an incidental finding of anterior mediastinal mass confirmed on imaging. Further investigations are consistent with the diagnosis of poorly differentiated locally advanced thymic carcinoma with lung infiltration (T3N1Mx). The patient underwent an En-bloc total thymectomy and subsequently completed adjuvant chemotherapy and further follow-up showed a complete resolution of hyponatraemic SIADH. In conclusion, SIADH may be presented as a paraneoplastic syndrome in primary thymic carcinoma and early detection of thymic malignancy is paramount to ensure early diagnosis and prognostication.
Psychological Distress of Health Care Workers in the Main Admitting Hospital and Its Related Health Care Facilities in Malaysia During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Razali S, Abdullah MN, Rahman NA, Azhar NA, Yaacob SS

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2021 07;33(5):667-669.
PMID: 33969738 DOI: 10.1177/10105395211014348
Assessing Mental Health Outcomes in Quarantine Centres: A Cross-Sectional Study during COVID-19 in Malaysia

Mohamad N, Ismail R, Ibrahim MF, Abdul Shukor IH, Mohamad MZ, Mahmud MF, et al.

Healthcare (Basel), 2023 Aug 18;11(16).
PMID: 37628536 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11162339

During the COVID-19 pandemic, persons under surveillance (PUS) were isolated in quarantine centres instead of at home. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the mental health issues experienced by these persons. This study aimed to assess mental health outcomes and associated factors among PUS and frontline workers at quarantine centres. This study conducted an analysis of secondary data from a cross-sectional survey carried out by the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS). The MHPSS employed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to evaluate mental health outcomes across 49 quarantine centres in Malaysia. The study included a total of 4577 respondents. The prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression was found to be 0.9%, 11.4%, and 10.2%, respectively. Frontline workers and being part of the younger age group were found to be associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Other factors associated with mental health issues were being female, staying at an institution-type centre, and a longer duration of the stay or work at the centre. In conclusion, assessing the mental health status and its associated factors among quarantine centre occupants is crucial for developing future strategies to safeguard their mental well-being.
Fulltext Prevalence of cyberbullying victimisation and its association with family dysfunction, health behaviour and psychological distress among young adults in urban Selangor, Malaysia: a cross-sectional study

Samsudin EZ, Yaacob SS, Xin Wee C, Mat Ruzlin AN, Azzani M, Jamil AT, et al.

BMJ Open, 2023 Nov 15;13(11):e072801.
PMID: 37967999 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072801

BACKGROUND: Cyberbullying is a growing public health concern with clear, negative impacts on the mental, physical and social health of targeted victims. Previous research on cyberbullying has largely focused on examining its occurrence among children and adolescents. The present study aims to examine the prevalence of cyberbullying victimisation and its association with family dysfunction, health behaviour and psychological distress among young adults in Selangor, Malaysia.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a locality within Selangor, sampling a total of 1449 young adults. The Cyberbullying and Online Aggression Survey was used to measure cyberbullying victimisation. The Family APGAR scale, General Health Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and single-item measures were used to assess family dysfunction, psychological distress and health behaviour, respectively.
RESULTS: The 1-month prevalence of cyberbullying victimisation among young adults was 2.4%. The most common cyberbullying act experienced was mean or hurtful comments about participants online (51.7%), whereas the most common online environment for cyberbullying to occur was social media (45.8%). Male participants (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.60, 95% CI=1.58 to 8.23) had at least three times the odds of being cyberbullied compared with female participants. Meanwhile, participants with higher levels of psychological distress had increased probability of being cyberbullied compared with their peers (AOR=1.13, 95% CI=1.05 to 1.21).
CONCLUSIONS: As evident from this study, cyberbullying victimisation prevails among young adults and is significantly related to gender and psychological distress. Given its devastating effects on targeted victims, a multipronged and collaborative approach is warranted to reduce incidences of cyberbullying and safeguard the health and well-being of young adults.