Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 22 in total

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  1. Sajid MR, Muhammad N, Zakaria R, Bukhari SAC
    J Public Health Res, 2020 Oct 14;9(4):1893.
    PMID: 33244464 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2020.1893
    Background: Modifiable risk factors are associated with cardiovascular mortality (CVM) which is a leading form of global mortality. However, diverse nature of urbanization and its objective measurement can modify their relationship. This study aims to investigate the moderating role of urbanization in the relationship of combined exposure (CE) of modifiable risk factors and CVM. Design and Methods: This is the first comprehensive study which considers different forms of urbanization to gauge its manifold impact. Therefore, in addition to existing original quantitative form and traditional two categories of urbanization, a new form consisted of four levels of urbanization was duly introduced. This study used data of 129 countries mainly retrieved from a WHO report, Non-Communicable Diseases Country Profile 2014. Factor scores obtained through confirmatory factor analysis were used to compute the CE. Age-income adjusted regression model for CVM was tested as a baseline with three bootstrap regression models developed for the three forms of urbanization. Results: Results revealed that the CE and CVM baseline relationship was significantly moderated through the original quantitative form of urbanization. Contrarily, the two traditional categories of urbanization could not capture the moderating impact. However, the four levels of urbanization were objectively estimated the urbanization impact and subsequently indicated that the CE was more alarming in causing the CVM in levels 2 and 3 urbanized countries, mainly from low-middle-income countries. Conclusion: This study concluded that the urbanization is a strong moderator and it could be gauged effectively through four levels whereas sufficiency of two traditional categories of urbanization is questionable.
  2. Jeffree MS, Ahmedy F, Ibrahim MY, Awang Lukman K, Ahmed K, Giloi N, et al.
    J Public Health Res, 2020 Jul 28;9(3):1757.
    PMID: 33117755 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2020.1757
    Empowering marginalised urban islanders with limited health accessibility through knowledge transfer program for controlling pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) requires a specific training module. The study was aimed to develop this training module by adapting and modifying the IMCI (Integrated Management of Childhood Illness) framework. Structuring the content for the knowledge and skills for PTB control in the module was based on the National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Control 2016-2020. A total of five knowledge and skills were structured: i) PTB disease and diagnosis, ii) PTB treatment, iii) preventive PTB measures, iv) prevention of malnutrition, and v) psychosocial discrimination. The IMCI framework was modified through 3 ways: i) identifying signs and symptoms of PTB, ii) emphasising the IMCI's 5 steps of integrated management: assess, diagnose, treat, counsel and detect, and iii) counseling on BCG immunisation, malnutrition, environmental modifications and stigma on PTB.
  3. Salvaraji L, Jeffree MS, Avoi R, Atil A, Mohd Akhir H, Shamsudin SBB, et al.
    J Public Health Res, 2020 Oct 14;9(4):1994.
    PMID: 33312989 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2020.1994
    An increasing amount of waste concurrently further extends the risk of exposure to hazardous material among waste collectors. In light of the COVID-19 crisis, municipal waste collectors are one of the most at-risk groups of SARS-Cov-2 exposure. Risk assessment included hazard identification, evaluation of existing control level at the workplace, estimation of likelihood and severity of hazard, risk determination, and control measure recommendations. Five waste collection activities were identified and reviewed. High-risk exposure includes collection of garbage, mechanical manipulation of compactor lorries and unloading of garbage at the disposal site. There is poor practice of personal hygiene and unestablished continuous monitoring of personal protective equipment supplies. The preventive measures in the waste collection industry are influenced by several factors. Until the preventive measures are adopted into practice and adapted according to each company's requirements, biological agents continue to be risk factor to the health workers.
  4. Khoshaim HB, Al-Sukayt A, Chinna K, Nurunnabi M, Sundarasen S, Kamaludin K, et al.
    J Public Health Res, 2020 Nov 17;9(Suppl 1):1898.
    PMID: 33437753 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2020.1898
    The novel coronavirus is the worst pandemic of this century. Unfortunately, there is no clear solution for how to cope with such an epidemic. This study examines the coping strategies used by university students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. From March to May 2020, a questionnaire was administered and completed by 400 students. This study used the Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) to examine the respondents' level of anxiety. The results indicate that 35% of students experienced some levels of anxiety. Moreover, there was a moderate use of four types of coping strategies: Seek social support, acceptance, mental disengagement, and humanitarian. These findings can guide policymakers on the importance of developing practical guidelines to handle such lethal diseases. Moreover, the results inform the Saudi community what strategies were used to cope so far with the pandemic. Future research is expected to address the validity and appropriateness of these strategies and encourage other approaches.
  5. Far Abid Hossain S, Nurunnabi M, Sundarasen S, Chinna K, Kamaludin K, Baloch GM, et al.
    J Public Health Res, 2020 Nov 17;9(Suppl 1):1911.
    PMID: 33575227 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2020.1911
    Background: The socio-psychological impact of COVID-19 has affected the whole world. Bangladesh, one of the most dangerous places as stated by WHO, was first infected at the beginning of March 2020, later than other countries. Bangladesh is now one of the 20 most affected countries in the world, but the psychological effects for university students during the epidemic period are not researched. Design and methods: To address this gap, the present study attempts to discover the socio-psychological impact of COVID-19 on university students in Bangladesh. We conducted an online survey using a questionnaire with a simple random sampling technique and we received 474 responses. Results: In this study, numerous psychological concerns were reported. The study is limited to university students, which may affect the generalizability of the research. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a need to build awareness of the mental health implications of the pandemic for university students.
  6. Sowtali SN, Ariffin SRM, Nazli NS, Shukri NABM, Khattak MMAK, Ab Rashid IM, et al.
    J Public Health Res, 2021 Apr 14;10(2).
    PMID: 33855421 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2238
    BACKGROUND: To date, no studies have been published at evaluating the level of knowledge, awareness and practice of dietary, particularly regarding to urolithiasis in patients or the general population. This study aims to provide basic information on the level of knowledge, awareness and dietary practice among general population in Kuantan, Pahang.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: The respondents (n=30) were conveniently recruited within 10 kilometres radius of Kuantan city. The data were obtained using semi-guided administered questionnaires, which consists of four parts: socio-demographic data, lifestyle and clinical history (Part A); attitude and awareness on dietary practice regarding urolithiasis (Part B); food frequency questionnaire on urolithiasis (Part C) and level of knowledge on urolithiasis (Part D).

    RESULTS: Majority of the respondents were women (70%), Malay (83.3%), mean age of 33.97 (±9.27), married (63.3%), completed higher education level (60%), working with government sector (33.3%) and have fixed monthly income (53.3%). Some of them had hypertension (n=4), diabetes (n=1), gout (n=1) and intestinal problem (n=1). Majority (80%) claimed having no family history of urolithiasis, consumed alcohol (10%), exercise with average frequency 2-3 times/week (46.7%) and heard about urolithiasis from healthcare worker (46.7%). The respondents' awareness about urolithiasis is considered to be good [81.23 (±9.98)] but having poor knowledge score [2.70 (±1.149)]. Majority preferred wholemeal bread, white rice, chicken meat, mackerel fish, chicken egg, apple, carrot, mustard leave and fresh milk in daily intake. Lesser plain water intake than standard requirement was noticed among respondents. Seasoning powder was commonly used for seasoning.

    CONCLUSIONS: Generally, the general population of Kuantan, Pahang was aware of urolithiasis disease but needed more information on dietary aspect in terms of knowledge and food choice.

  7. Abu HB, Ludin SBM, Sowtali SNB
    J Public Health Res, 2021 Apr 14;10(2).
    PMID: 33855404 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2206
    BACKGROUND: This preliminary finding from a qualitative study examined the process of self-efficacy for the development of physical activity during myocardial infarction (MI) after recovery. A combination of healthy behaviors, including physical activity is the secondary prevention recommended to reduce the risk of recurrent MI. This study aims to understand how self-efficacy for physical activity is developed in a patient after MI by examining their perceptions and personal adherence to physical activity.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a qualitative study and data was collected through semi-structured in-depth recorded phone interviews with eight Malay male participants. They were screened using a questionnaire and participants that met the inclusion criteria were interviewed, and were admitted to National Heart Centre, Malaysia between January to June 2019 diagnosed with MI. The data collected were analysed using NVivo 12 software and thematic analysis was applied.

    RESULTS: Four preliminary themes emerged from the study: 1) beliefs in physical activity; 2) healthy lifestyle: new normal or same old habit; 3) factors determining participation in pa; and 4) physical activity adherence strategies.

    CONCLUSIONS: The results of the studies showed that participants understand the need to maintain physical activity, which helps to maintain a healthy life after MI and prevent recurrent infarction. Strategies for developing self-efficacy for physical activity were also discussed. The need to understand that maintaining physical activity as well as adopting a new normal of healthy habit after MI is crucial in order to maintain the health and prevent recurrence of MI.

  8. Othman H, Ludin SM, Saidi S, Awang MS
    J Public Health Res, 2021 Apr 14;10(2).
    PMID: 33855403 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2205
    BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors require attention and dependence from their primary caregiver. This is because TBI is a defect that affects both the psychological and physical functions of the victim. Caregivers play an essential role in providing the adequate care victims need to adjust to the new problems they may experience due to their condition, as family members alone may not be able to provide for their needs. In particular, TBI caregivers may face specific challenges when assisting their patients in handling unexpected changes to their daily routines. Therefore, this quantitative study aims to explore the needs of caregivers, their coping mechanisms towards stressful and traumatic circumstances, and how they provide care to their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: It was conducted with ten caregivers of individuals suffering from traumatic brain injury, that were selected using a theoretical sampling method. Data were obtained using a semi-structured interview guide, which helped the caregivers provide their responses. Meanwhile, data analysis was performed using the NVIVO analysis software.

    RESULTS: The results showed that there were, three significant themes namely, (a) Support needed, (b) the information need for care, and (c) developing self-resilience. The results also showed that caregivers really need support from the various parties, and the participants lack information on specific care techniques for the severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors.

    CONCLUSION: In conclusion, caregivers require approval and seek more useful information to provide excellent care to their loved ones. Being aware of the caregiver's needs would enable them to offer improved customized care.

  9. Sazali MF, Rahim SSSA, Mohamed MH, Omar A, Pang NTP, Jeffree MS, et al.
    J Public Health Res, 2021 Mar 24;10(3).
    PMID: 33759447 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2122
    BACKGROUND: COVID-19 related knowledge, attitude and practice plays a major role in determining the readiness of the community to adopt the behavioural change towards recommended preventive measures outlined by public health officials. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding COVID-19 among university students as well as its associated factors.

    METHOD: This is a cross sectional study that was conducted among students in a public university during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. An online validated self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis test was used to determine the association between independent variables with knowledge, attitude, and practice score.

    RESULTS: Overall response rate of this study was 92.9 (n=524). Median score of knowledge domain was 78.0 (IQR= ±12.0), median attitude score of 49.0 (IQR= ±5.0), and median practice score of 80.0 (IQR= ±11.0). The mean knowledge, attitude and practice score were significantly higher among diploma holder (vs degree holder, p<0.05), residing in main Kota Kinabalu campus (vs non-KK campus, p<0.001), studying in medical faculty (vs non-medical faculty, p<0.001), and attended COVID-19 education (vs non-attendance; p<0.05).

    CONCLUSION: COVID-19 related knowledge and attitude were below satisfactory level during earlier phase of the pandemic. However, majority of respondents have positive behaviour towards COVID-19 prevention. This highlights the importance of accurate and tailored health education to improve the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of recommended measures to prevent COVID-19 spread.

  10. Pervin MR, Parvin R, Babu MA, Ahmmed MM, Marzo RR
    J Public Health Res, 2021 Nov 08;10(s2).
    PMID: 34751531 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2271
    BACKGROUND: Bangladesh has been going through the austerity of the unique COVID-19 for more than a year like several other nations in the world in spite of concerted efforts taken by the government along with other concerned authorities who have advocated compulsory guidelines involving social distancing procedures accompanied by lockdown to have control over the pandemic. In this paper, the barriers faced by the government to protect people from the COVID-19 pandemic have been investigated. Also, the number of daily infected people against the number of daily tests has been underlined to comprehend the overall pandemic picture in Bangladesh.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: A descriptive study has been carried out to investigate the obstacles to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic for this country. The intensity of the outbreaks of the pandemic in this country is stated from March 8, 2020, to February 12, 2021. Secondary data have been employed from different sources to serve the goals of the study.

    RESULTS: The poor management in the health sector of Bangladesh has been an issue of major concern during the early stage of COVID-19 which incorporates deficiency of medical equipment, lack of facilities for testing COVID-19, poor patient management, and uncertainty in the medication system. Finally, some recommendations have been proposed for the concerned organizations to tackle the current pandemic and as well in the future.

    CONCLUSIONS: To control this COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to find the difficulties and discover the remedies which have been done in this paper for the Bangladesh perspective.

  11. Rillera Marzo R, Villanueva Iii EQ, Chandra U, Htay MNN, Shrestha R, Shrestha S
    J Public Health Res, 2021 Dec 15;10(s2).
    PMID: 34911287 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2604
    BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic has caused an extraordinary situation, especially for the healthcare workers (HCWs), leading to increased psychological stress. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of different grades of anxiety and depression across different centers in the Philippines and identify demographic factors associated with them.

    DESIGN AND METHOD: A cross-sectional, web-based, multi-center study was conducted among HCWs of Philippines from April 20- May 20, 2020. The study instruments used were the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Risk perception scores were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test. Logistic regression was done to identify factors significantly associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression determined.

    RESULTS: A total of 516 HCWs were included in the study. Most of them have anxiety symptoms (70.74%), but only half of them have symptoms of depression (50.97%). In addition, gender, age, marital status, living status, occupation, work premises, and availability of mental health services were significantly associated with the participants' anxiety symptoms. In contrast, gender, marital status, occupation, and work premises were significantly associated with depression symptoms.

    CONCLUSION: This study reiterates the fact and demonstrates that COVID-19 has disrupted the mental well-being of HCWs in the Philippines. Majority of HCW was psychologically affected by COVID-19. Therefore, there is a dire need to address mental illness amongst HCWs and frame guidelines based on proven algorithms to overcome these mental illnesses.

  12. Abdullah D, Poddar S, Rai RP, Purwati E, Dewi NP, Pratama YE
    J Public Health Res, 2021 Nov 24;10(s2).
    PMID: 34818881 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2508
    BACKGROUND: Dadiah is a traditional dish from West Sumatra made from buffalo milk, which is fermented in bamboo tubes and left at room temperature for ±2 days. Dadiah is included in the staple food category because it contains Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), which has the potential to be a probiotic. This study aims to determine the identification and characterization of LAB from Dadiah from Halaban, Kab. Fifty Cities, West Sumatra.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: A survey method was used in this research with a descriptive analysis, Antimicrobial activity testing was done with bacteria Escherichia coli O157, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Listeria innocua. Molecular identification was done using the 16S rRNA gene.

    RESULTS: Probiotic candidate test with the best results in testing for resistance to stomach acid at pH3 with the viability of 65.98%, bile salt resistance 0.3%, viability of 54.90% from 2DA isolates. Antimicrobial activity with the best clear zone area results was obtained in 2DA isolates with Escherichia coli O157 test bacteria of 21.16 mm, Staphylococcus aureus with a clear zone area of 23.17 mm, Listeria innocua of 19.24 mm and Listeria monocytogenes with a clear zone area 18.23 mm in 4DA isolate, LAB identification using 16S sRNA gene, results of running PCR base length 1419bp.

    CONCLUSIONS: Phylogenetic analysis shows that Dadiah of Limapuluh Kota Regency is a kin to Lactobacillus plantarum. The superiority of identification technology by using 16S rRNA gene only can be conducted if the nucleotide sequence information of the targeted bacteria is known beforehand.

  13. Manik H, Triyoga RS, Siregar MFG, Rochadi RK, Poddar S
    J Public Health Res, 2021 Dec 28;10(s2).
    PMID: 34964570 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2707
    BACKGROUND: Health and mortality problems are closely related to the maternal mortality rate (MMR). Efforts to reduce MMR have been carried out by many countries, including the Indonesian government.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: This research was conducted using two approaches, namely quantitative and qualitative or mixed methods and 149 respondents and 26 informants, to reduce MMR in Dairi Regency. This study was also carried out to determine the dominant variable that affects mother's behavior in an effort to reduce MMR in accordance with the existing theory.

    RESULT: Mother's intention to contribute to the reduction of MMR in this study was influenced by the good factor directly or indirectly. This is indicated by the score p<0.005. The study also shows that it is very important for the health workers to be able to communicate well with individuals and communities.

    CONCLUSION: The present study will help to reduce maternal fatalities, and will help to build systems and processes that will allow control the behaviour of the pregnant women and determine the cause of death as well as its contributing factors.

  14. Wispriyono B, Jalaludin J, Kusnoputranto H, Pakpahan S, Aryati GP, Pratama S, et al.
    J Public Health Res, 2021 Aug 04;10(4).
    PMID: 34351097 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2372
    BACKGROUND: Indoor air pollution has globally known as the risk factor of acute respiratory infection in young children.  The exposure to indoor particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at house or school can be a potential risk to children's health. This study aimed to examine the association between indoor PM2.5 and NO2 with oxidative stress markers in junior high school students.

    DESIGN AND METHOD: This study was conducted using a cross sectional study with 75 students collected randomly from four junior high schools in Jakarta.  PM2.5 and NO2 were measured in classrooms and school yards. The schools were categorized based on the exposure level of PM2.5 and NO2 in classrooms. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were examined from the blood sample. All students were interviewed with questionnaires to determine upper respiratory tract infection, smoking family members, mosquito repellent usage, and dietary supplement consumption.

    RESULTS: Mean concentration of indoor PM2.5 and NO2 were 0.125±0.036 mg m-3 and 36.37±22.33 µg m-3, respectively. The schools which located near to highway showed lower PM2.5 and higher NO2 level indicated the emission of traffic activity. Mean activity of SOD was 96.36±50.94 U mL-1 and mean concentration of GSH was of 0.62±0.09 µg mL-1. Most of the students reported upper respiratory tract infection history, smoking family member, use mosquito repellent at home, and do not consume dietary supplement.

    CONCLUSION: The level of oxidative stress markers and the exposure categories of classroom PM2.5 and NO2 was not significantly different, however there were significant correlation with cigarette smoke and mosquito repellent at home. Nevertheless, the exposure of indoor PM2.5 and NO2 increased the risk of the exposure to cigarette smoke and mosquito repellent at home. Further study on the air pollution at school and home is needed to affirm association towards student's health and to design strategic control efforts.

  15. Sazali MF, Rahim SSSA, Hayati F, Mohd Daud MN, Avoi R, Omar A, et al.
    J Public Health Res, 2021 Aug 04;11(1).
    PMID: 34351098 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2377
    Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health threat. Therefore, CRC screening uptake has been a focus with the established precancerous lesion and the strong association of early detection with staging and survival of the disease. However, CRC screening is relatively low in many countries. This article briefly discussed the current situation of CRC, recommendations, and current uptake of CRC screening in various countries. Besides that, this article also highlights the potential factors that help to predict the CRC screening uptake worldwide. Identification of those factors could guide policymakers to develop an effective strategy to improve the CRC screening uptake and ultimately improve the health outcome of the population.
  16. Mohd Jamil N, Rosli N, Muhammad N
    J Public Health Res, 2021 Sep 24;11(1).
    PMID: 34558879 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2130
    BACKGROUND: This research aimed to model the outbreak of COVID-19 in Malaysia and develop a GUI-based model.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: The model is an improvement of the susceptible, infected, recovery, and death (SIRD) compartmental model.  The epidemiological parameters of the infection, recovery, and death rates were formulated as time dependent piecewise functions by incorporating the control measures of lockdown, social distancing, quarantine, lockdown lifting time and the percentage of people who abide by the rules. An improved SIRD model was solved via the 4th order Runge-Kutta (RK4) method and 14 unknown parameters were estimated by using Nelder-Mead algorithm and pattern-search technique. The publicly available data for COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia was used to validate the performance of the model. The GUI-based SIRD model was developed to simulate the number of active cases of COVID-19 over time by considering movement control order (MCO) lifted date and the percentage of people who abide the rules.

    RESULTS: The simulator showed that the improved SIRD model adequately fitted Malaysia COVID-19 data indicated by low values of root mean square error (RMSE) as compared to other existing models. The higher the percentage of people following the SOP, the lower the spread of disease. Another key point is that the later the lifting time after the lockdown, the lower the spread of disease.

    CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of the society to obey the intervention measures in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 disease.

  17. Elba F, Hilmanto D, Poddar S
    J Public Health Res, 2022 Oct;11(4):22799036221139939.
    PMID: 36466154 DOI: 10.1177/22799036221139939
    INTRODUCTION: There has been an increase in the usage of herbal remedies, particularly among pregnant women, across the globe. The prevalence of herbal medicine use during pregnancy ranged from 54.3% to 96.6% in the region studied, indicating a rising trend in the use of herbal medicine during pregnancy. Cold and flu symptoms and stomach problems were the most prevalent reasons people turned to this drug.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study's samples were pregnant women in the working area of Ciwaruga Public Health Center, which has eight villages. The samples were taken using a proportional simple random sampling technique until 96 respondents were obtained. The percentage of moms who took herbal medication was the primary outcome variable, and participants were chosen for the research using a systematic sampling procedure. A digital database was used to store quantitative data that had been coded.

    RESULTS: The factors significantly associated with the use of herbal medicines during pregnancy were perception (OR 2.18; CI 1.02-4.66), having ever used herbal medicines during a previous pregnancy (OR 3.87; CI 1.46-10.25), and healthy reproductive is other reasons (OR 7.98; CI 4.45-14.30).

    CONCLUSION: Pregnant women in the Ciwaruga Public Health Center area often turn to herbal remedies, which may indicate a lack of access to mainstream medical treatment. They believe that herbal medications are useful and that using them during a prior pregnancy is linked.

  18. Looi KH
    J Public Health Res, 2023 Jul;12(3):22799036231197192.
    PMID: 37693740 DOI: 10.1177/22799036231197192
    BACKGROUND: Despite the many touted benefits of community-wide face mask wearing, numerous communication campaigns and mandates, some people still refuse or fail to wear face masks in public settings. Hence, exposing themselves and others to the risk of infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and raise the potential for public healthcare systems to become overwhelmed once again. This study investigates demographic and hygiene factors related to propensity of face mask wearing in public settings.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: The self-administered online questionnaire contained the independent variables (demographic and hygiene factors) and the outcome variable (frequency of face mask wearing). Participants were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Seven hundred and eight responses were collected from Malaysian adults between May and June 2020. The demographic characteristics of participants, differences in the frequency of face mask wearing across demographic factors and hierarchical multiple regression were analyzed.

    RESULTS: The propensity of face mask wearing differs by gender. The hierarchical multiple regression revealed that being female, having personal protective equipment available and frequently washing hands were positively correlated with the frequency of face mask wearing. Moreover, the availability of personal protective equipment and the frequency of hand washing accounted for greater variation of the frequency of face mask wearing than gender.

    CONCLUSION: Future studies should adopt established psychosocial models in conjunction with normative and cultural factors for a better understanding of underlying motivations to engage in preventive health behaviors to shape improved hygienic and societal precautionary protective behaviors in different contexts.

  19. Sya'diyah H, Efendi F, Mahmudah, Saidah QI, Poddar S
    J Public Health Res, 2023 Jul;12(3):22799036231197172.
    PMID: 37667680 DOI: 10.1177/22799036231197172
    BACKGROUND: The elderly with dementia occur cognitive decline and they are considered normal by the family, and then causing the need for care from elderly. This is not following the ability of home care by the family as an informal caregiver for the elderly with dementia. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of caregiver demands on the ability of families to do home care for elderly dementia.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design. The sample size is 100 respondents with a cluster random sampling technique. Data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed using SEM-PLS.

    RESULTS: Caregiver demands have a direct effect on increasing the family's ability to do home care for elderly dementia with a p-value = 0.011 (p ≤ 0.05), t statistic value of 2.557 (≥1.96). Caregiver demands have four indicators, including care receiver impairment, caregiving activities, competency of caregivers, and caregiver/family relationship with elderly dementia. The condition of the elderly who experience various changes supports the increasing need for care to receive care and recovery as well as special attention from the family.

    CONCLUSION: The higher the need for care, the higher the family's ability to do home care. This research implies that the family has a duty in the health sector to provide care for the elderly at home/home care, which strengthens the need for care, this supports caregiver empowerment and increases the independence of the elderly with dementia.

  20. Chuah SC, Mohamad Arshad AA, Mohd Arifin A
    J Public Health Res, 2024 Jan;13(1):22799036231217804.
    PMID: 38204590 DOI: 10.1177/22799036231217804
    BACKGROUNDS: Effective risk communication depends on the government's ability to deploy the latest communication technologies to promptly educate its citizens of new hazards and assist them in making informed decisions. This study investigates the influence of risk information seeking, social media competency and trust in the government on the intention to adopt e-government apps for communicating public health risks.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: To achieve the study's objective, a convenience sample of 149 Malaysian residents residing in Shah Alam was obtained via a structured questionnaire and subsequently analyzed using the Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Method. The validity and reliability of the study were evaluated through the outer loadings, Average Variance Extracted (AVE), and Composite Reliability (CR). The influence of underlying factors on the outcome was evaluated by examining path coefficients, standard errors, and t-values.

    RESULTS: The measurement model suggested to use three items to measure the risk information seeking and five to measure trust in the government information and social competence. Loadings ranged from 0.681 to 0.972. The three factors explained the 43.2% of the outcome variability, and all had a positive effect on the intention to adopt information from the e-government application with coefficients estimates ranging from 0.133 to 0.541. The model showed an adequate predictive relevance with Q2 = 0.381.

    CONCLUSION: Public health risk communication via e-government applications rely on the active and accountable engagement of the citizens. To stimulate higher acceptance and utilization of government digital services for sustainable health risk communication and management, the government must raise the public's level of digital literacy and proficiency. By offering training programs and demonstrations, the government may also need to think about making investments in education about digital and technological skill levels.

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