The following are publications by faculty members and students from the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine. It includes Thesis, Journal, and Proceedings. You can view the publication by year or search for the publication from the list below.
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Abdalrouf, Abuobieda Khogali Abdalla
Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 2022, (DrPH Thesis).
@phdthesis{Abuobieda-DrPH,
title = {The Effect of Framedtext-messaging on vaccination uptake among healthcare personnel in Primary Health Care in Saudi Arabia: Randomised Control Trial},
author = {Abuobieda Khogali Abdalla Abdalrouf},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-03-09},
urldate = {2022-03-09},
school = {Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya},
abstract = {Background: Suboptimal vaccination coverage of healthcare personnel (HCP) is a global issue. This study was intended to estimate the vaccination coverage and its association with the perceived threat of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) and vaccination effectiveness among HCP in the primary care setting. It was also intended to assess the effectiveness of framed Short Messages Service (SMS) to improve vaccination uptake among HCP.
Methodology: The study was conducted in two sequential phases in the Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Phase-I, a cross-sectional study, was based on the constructs of the Health Beliefs Model (HBM). The data were collected from 469 HCP using self-administered validated questionnaires. The randomised control trial (RCT) phase was conducted between October 2018 and March 2019. Three hundred and forty-three unvaccinated HCP were randomised into three arms: HCP receiving a loss framed-SMS, HCP receiving a gain framed-SMS, and control group. The vaccination uptake after receiving a loss or gain framed-SMS was estimated.
Results: Only 5.8% of the HCP had completed their vaccinations. The mean perceived VPDs threat score and vaccination effectiveness score of HCP-influenced by vaccine-promoting cues were significantly higher by 3.06 (95% Confidence Interval (95%CI): 1.46, 4.66), and 3.05 (95%CI: 1.39, 4.7), respectively. Vaccine-promoting cues were independently associated with the perceived vaccination effectiveness with an adjusted mean difference of 1.61 (95%CI: 0.23, 3.00; P=0.022). The mean of perceived VPDs threat score and vaccination effectiveness of HCP who completed vaccination against bloodborne and airborne VPDs significantly exceeded that of unvaccinated ones by 5.85 (95%CI: 3.86, 7.85) and 5.29 (95%CI: 3.38, 7.20), respectively. Vaccination completeness was independently associated with perceived threat (Odds Ratio},
note = {DrPH Thesis},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {phdthesis}
}
Background: Suboptimal vaccination coverage of healthcare personnel (HCP) is a global issue. This study was intended to estimate the vaccination coverage and its association with the perceived threat of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) and vaccination effectiveness among HCP in the primary care setting. It was also intended to assess the effectiveness of framed Short Messages Service (SMS) to improve vaccination uptake among HCP.
Methodology: The study was conducted in two sequential phases in the Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Phase-I, a cross-sectional study, was based on the constructs of the Health Beliefs Model (HBM). The data were collected from 469 HCP using self-administered validated questionnaires. The randomised control trial (RCT) phase was conducted between October 2018 and March 2019. Three hundred and forty-three unvaccinated HCP were randomised into three arms: HCP receiving a loss framed-SMS, HCP receiving a gain framed-SMS, and control group. The vaccination uptake after receiving a loss or gain framed-SMS was estimated.
Results: Only 5.8% of the HCP had completed their vaccinations. The mean perceived VPDs threat score and vaccination effectiveness score of HCP-influenced by vaccine-promoting cues were significantly higher by 3.06 (95% Confidence Interval (95%CI): 1.46, 4.66), and 3.05 (95%CI: 1.39, 4.7), respectively. Vaccine-promoting cues were independently associated with the perceived vaccination effectiveness with an adjusted mean difference of 1.61 (95%CI: 0.23, 3.00; P=0.022). The mean of perceived VPDs threat score and vaccination effectiveness of HCP who completed vaccination against bloodborne and airborne VPDs significantly exceeded that of unvaccinated ones by 5.85 (95%CI: 3.86, 7.85) and 5.29 (95%CI: 3.38, 7.20), respectively. Vaccination completeness was independently associated with perceived threat (Odds Ratio
Methodology: The study was conducted in two sequential phases in the Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Phase-I, a cross-sectional study, was based on the constructs of the Health Beliefs Model (HBM). The data were collected from 469 HCP using self-administered validated questionnaires. The randomised control trial (RCT) phase was conducted between October 2018 and March 2019. Three hundred and forty-three unvaccinated HCP were randomised into three arms: HCP receiving a loss framed-SMS, HCP receiving a gain framed-SMS, and control group. The vaccination uptake after receiving a loss or gain framed-SMS was estimated.
Results: Only 5.8% of the HCP had completed their vaccinations. The mean perceived VPDs threat score and vaccination effectiveness score of HCP-influenced by vaccine-promoting cues were significantly higher by 3.06 (95% Confidence Interval (95%CI): 1.46, 4.66), and 3.05 (95%CI: 1.39, 4.7), respectively. Vaccine-promoting cues were independently associated with the perceived vaccination effectiveness with an adjusted mean difference of 1.61 (95%CI: 0.23, 3.00; P=0.022). The mean of perceived VPDs threat score and vaccination effectiveness of HCP who completed vaccination against bloodborne and airborne VPDs significantly exceeded that of unvaccinated ones by 5.85 (95%CI: 3.86, 7.85) and 5.29 (95%CI: 3.38, 7.20), respectively. Vaccination completeness was independently associated with perceived threat (Odds Ratio
Kong, Y. C.; Rauf, N.; Subramaniam, S.; Bustamam, R. S.; Wong, L. P.; Ho, G. F.; Zaharah, H.; Mellor, M.; Yip, C. H.; Bhoo-Pathy, N.
Working after cancer: in-depth perspectives from a setting with limited employment protection policies Journal Article
In: J Cancer Surviv, vol. 15, no. 5, pp. 706-712, 2021, ISSN: 1932-2259, (Master of Public Health).
@article{RN24,
title = {Working after cancer: in-depth perspectives from a setting with limited employment protection policies},
author = {Y. C. Kong and N. Rauf and S. Subramaniam and R. S. Bustamam and L. P. Wong and G. F. Ho and H. Zaharah and M. Mellor and C. H. Yip and N. Bhoo-Pathy},
doi = {10.1007/s11764-020-00962-z},
issn = {1932-2259},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {J Cancer Surviv},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {706-712},
school = {Department of SPM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya},
abstract = {PURPOSE: A considerable proportion of individuals who are diagnosed with cancer are at a working age. We aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges, and arising needs related to working after cancer in a setting with limited employment protection policies. METHODS: Focus group discussions were conducted with cancer patients who were diagnosed at least 1 year prior to recruitment, and either had paid work, were self-employed, currently unemployed, or currently retired (N = 66). RESULTS: Three main themes were identified: (1) loss of income: While some participants were entitled for a 1-year cancer-specific sick leave, many other participants recounted having insufficient paid sick leave, forcing them to take prolonged unpaid leave to complete treatment; (2) dealing with side effects of cancer and its treatment: The need for workplace accommodations was highlighted including flexible working hours, lighter workloads, and dedicated rest areas to enable patients to cope better; (3) Discrimination and stigma at workplace: Some participants mentioned being passed over on a promotion, getting demoted, or being forced to resign once their cancer diagnosis was disclosed, highlighting an urgent need to destigmatize cancer in the workplace. CONCLUSION: In settings with limited employment protection policies, a cancer diagnosis severely impacts the working experiences of patients, leading to financial loss. Urgent interventions and legislative reforms are needed in these settings to address the unmet employment needs of cancer survivors. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: This study may facilitate planning of local solutions to fulfill the unmet employment needs following cancer, such as return-to-work navigation services.},
note = {Master of Public Health},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
PURPOSE: A considerable proportion of individuals who are diagnosed with cancer are at a working age. We aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges, and arising needs related to working after cancer in a setting with limited employment protection policies. METHODS: Focus group discussions were conducted with cancer patients who were diagnosed at least 1 year prior to recruitment, and either had paid work, were self-employed, currently unemployed, or currently retired (N = 66). RESULTS: Three main themes were identified: (1) loss of income: While some participants were entitled for a 1-year cancer-specific sick leave, many other participants recounted having insufficient paid sick leave, forcing them to take prolonged unpaid leave to complete treatment; (2) dealing with side effects of cancer and its treatment: The need for workplace accommodations was highlighted including flexible working hours, lighter workloads, and dedicated rest areas to enable patients to cope better; (3) Discrimination and stigma at workplace: Some participants mentioned being passed over on a promotion, getting demoted, or being forced to resign once their cancer diagnosis was disclosed, highlighting an urgent need to destigmatize cancer in the workplace. CONCLUSION: In settings with limited employment protection policies, a cancer diagnosis severely impacts the working experiences of patients, leading to financial loss. Urgent interventions and legislative reforms are needed in these settings to address the unmet employment needs of cancer survivors. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: This study may facilitate planning of local solutions to fulfill the unmet employment needs following cancer, such as return-to-work navigation services.
Siamoglou, S.; Koromina, M.; Moy, F. M.; Mitropoulou, C.; Patrinos, G. P.; Vasileiou, K.
In: Omics, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 52-59, 2021, ISSN: 1536-2310, (Master of Public Health).
@article{RN20,
title = {What Do Students in Pharmacy and Medicine Think About Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine Education? Awareness, Attitudes, and Perceptions in Malaysian Health Sciences},
author = {S. Siamoglou and M. Koromina and F. M. Moy and C. Mitropoulou and G. P. Patrinos and K. Vasileiou},
doi = {10.1089/omi.2020.0178},
issn = {1536-2310},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Omics},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {52-59},
school = {Department of SPM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya},
abstract = {This study reports on the attitudes and perceptions toward pharmacogenomics (PGx) and personalized medicine (PM) education among pharmacy and medical students in Malaysian health sciences. Importantly, the survey was developed through a codesign approach, with field pretesting/design with users before the actual survey, and based on collaboration between institutions in Greece and Malaysia. The study addressed eight key areas of interest to education in health sciences: (1) General awareness about genetics and PGx, (2) Attitude toward genetic testing usefulness, (3) Benefits of direct-to-consumer personal genome testing as a "diagnostic" tool, (4) Concerns (risks) about genetics, (5) Effectiveness of genetic testing in PM, (6) Benefits of PGx on disease management, (7) Benefits of PGx on drug management, and (8) Attitudes toward genetic testing public endorsement. We observed that Malaysian students appear aware of the term PGx, but there are areas of critical knowledge gap such as the need for greater familiarity with the concept of PGx implementation science, and the availability of genetic testing in clinical practice. This is one of the first studies on perceptions and attitudes toward PGx testing in Southeast Asia. The present findings provide a map of the views and perspectives of medicine and pharmacy students regarding PGx and implementation of PM in Malaysia and should assist toward facilitating the integration of genomics into the medical decision-making process. To this end, it is necessary to enhance collaboration between universities, health care institutions, and governing bodies to incorporate further training and additional education topics related to PGx and genetic testing. This is the first study that assesses the level of PGx and genomics knowledge of pharmacy and medicine students in Southeast Asia, Malaysia in particular, and thus paves the way to guide future global PGx implementation science.},
note = {Master of Public Health},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study reports on the attitudes and perceptions toward pharmacogenomics (PGx) and personalized medicine (PM) education among pharmacy and medical students in Malaysian health sciences. Importantly, the survey was developed through a codesign approach, with field pretesting/design with users before the actual survey, and based on collaboration between institutions in Greece and Malaysia. The study addressed eight key areas of interest to education in health sciences: (1) General awareness about genetics and PGx, (2) Attitude toward genetic testing usefulness, (3) Benefits of direct-to-consumer personal genome testing as a "diagnostic" tool, (4) Concerns (risks) about genetics, (5) Effectiveness of genetic testing in PM, (6) Benefits of PGx on disease management, (7) Benefits of PGx on drug management, and (8) Attitudes toward genetic testing public endorsement. We observed that Malaysian students appear aware of the term PGx, but there are areas of critical knowledge gap such as the need for greater familiarity with the concept of PGx implementation science, and the availability of genetic testing in clinical practice. This is one of the first studies on perceptions and attitudes toward PGx testing in Southeast Asia. The present findings provide a map of the views and perspectives of medicine and pharmacy students regarding PGx and implementation of PM in Malaysia and should assist toward facilitating the integration of genomics into the medical decision-making process. To this end, it is necessary to enhance collaboration between universities, health care institutions, and governing bodies to incorporate further training and additional education topics related to PGx and genetic testing. This is the first study that assesses the level of PGx and genomics knowledge of pharmacy and medicine students in Southeast Asia, Malaysia in particular, and thus paves the way to guide future global PGx implementation science.
Salleh, N. A. Mohd; Voon, P.; Karamouzian, M.; Milloy, M. J.; Richardson, L.
In: Drug Alcohol Depend, vol. 218, pp. 108342, 2021, ISSN: 0376-8716 (Print) 0376-8716, (Master of Public Health).
@article{RN22,
title = {Methadone maintenance therapy service components linked to improvements in HIV care cascade outcomes: A systematic review of trials and observational studies},
author = {N. A. Mohd Salleh and P. Voon and M. Karamouzian and M. J. Milloy and L. Richardson},
doi = {10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108342},
issn = {0376-8716 (Print)
0376-8716},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Drug Alcohol Depend},
volume = {218},
pages = {108342},
school = {Department of SPM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The beneficial links between engagement in methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) and HIV treatment outcomes have been extensively described. Nevertheless, people who use drugs (PWUD) continue to experience suboptimal HIV treatment outcomes. In this systematic review, we sought to identify components of MMT service provision that are associated with improvements in HIV care outcomes across the HIV care cascade. METHODS: We searched for peer-reviewed studies in online databases. To be eligible for inclusion in this review, studies must have involved a population or sub-population of PWUD engaged in MMT; report improved uptake of HIV testing, exposure to ART, or HIV-1 RNA plasma viral load suppression; provide details on MMT services; and be published in English between 1 January 2006 until 31 December 2018. RESULTS: Out of the 5594 identified records, 22 studies were eligible for this systematic review. Components of MMT services associated with HIV care cascade outcomes described in the studies were classified in three categories of care models: 1) standard MMT care with adequate doses, 2) standard MMT care and alongside additional medical component(s), and 3) standard MMT care, additional medical component(s) as well as informational or instrumental social support. CONCLUSION: The few studies identified reflect a scarcity of evidence on the role of social support to increase the benefits of MMT for PWUD who are living with HIV. Further research is needed to assess the role of medical and social service components in MMT care delivery in advancing PWUD along the HIV care cascade.},
note = {Master of Public Health},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
BACKGROUND: The beneficial links between engagement in methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) and HIV treatment outcomes have been extensively described. Nevertheless, people who use drugs (PWUD) continue to experience suboptimal HIV treatment outcomes. In this systematic review, we sought to identify components of MMT service provision that are associated with improvements in HIV care outcomes across the HIV care cascade. METHODS: We searched for peer-reviewed studies in online databases. To be eligible for inclusion in this review, studies must have involved a population or sub-population of PWUD engaged in MMT; report improved uptake of HIV testing, exposure to ART, or HIV-1 RNA plasma viral load suppression; provide details on MMT services; and be published in English between 1 January 2006 until 31 December 2018. RESULTS: Out of the 5594 identified records, 22 studies were eligible for this systematic review. Components of MMT services associated with HIV care cascade outcomes described in the studies were classified in three categories of care models: 1) standard MMT care with adequate doses, 2) standard MMT care and alongside additional medical component(s), and 3) standard MMT care, additional medical component(s) as well as informational or instrumental social support. CONCLUSION: The few studies identified reflect a scarcity of evidence on the role of social support to increase the benefits of MMT for PWUD who are living with HIV. Further research is needed to assess the role of medical and social service components in MMT care delivery in advancing PWUD along the HIV care cascade.
Palagyi, A.; Balane, C.; Shanthosh, J.; Jun, M.; Bhoo-Pathy, N.; Gadsden, T.; Canfell, K.; Jan, S.
In: Int J Cancer, vol. 148, no. 4, pp. 895-904, 2021, ISSN: 0020-7136, (Master of Public Health).
@article{RN39,
title = {Treatment abandonment in children with cancer: Does a sex difference exist? A systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence from low- and middle-income countries},
author = {A. Palagyi and C. Balane and J. Shanthosh and M. Jun and N. Bhoo-Pathy and T. Gadsden and K. Canfell and S. Jan},
doi = {10.1002/ijc.33279},
issn = {0020-7136},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Int J Cancer},
volume = {148},
number = {4},
pages = {895-904},
school = {Department of SPM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya},
abstract = {In this systematic review and meta-analyses, we sought to determine sex-disparities in treatment abandonment in children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and identify the characteristics of children and their families most disadvantaged by such abandonment. Sex-disaggregated data on treatment abandonment were collated from the available literature and a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to compare the rates in girls with those in boys. Subgroup analyses were conducted in which studies were stratified by design, cancer type and the Gender Inequality Index of the country of study. Eighteen studies were included in the systematic review and of these studies, 16 qualified for the meta-analysis, representing 10 754 children. The pooled rate of treatment abandonment overall was 30%. We observed no difference in the proportion of treatment abandonment in girls relative to estimates observed in boys (rate ratio [RR] 0.95, 95% CI: 0.79-1.15; P = .61). There was significant heterogeneity across the included studies and in the pooled estimate of RR for girls vs boys (both I(2) > 98%). Subgroup analyses did not reveal any effect on abandonment risk. Risk factors for abandonment observed fell into three main categories: socio-demographic; geographic; and travel-related. In conclusion, a high rate of treatment abandonment (30%) was observed overall for children with cancer in included studies in LMICs, although this was variable and context specific. No evidence of gender bias in childhood cancer treatment abandonment rates across LMICs was found. Given that the risk factors for abandonment are context specific, in-depth country-level analyses may provide further insights into the role of a child's gender in treatment abandonment decisions.},
note = {Master of Public Health},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In this systematic review and meta-analyses, we sought to determine sex-disparities in treatment abandonment in children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and identify the characteristics of children and their families most disadvantaged by such abandonment. Sex-disaggregated data on treatment abandonment were collated from the available literature and a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to compare the rates in girls with those in boys. Subgroup analyses were conducted in which studies were stratified by design, cancer type and the Gender Inequality Index of the country of study. Eighteen studies were included in the systematic review and of these studies, 16 qualified for the meta-analysis, representing 10 754 children. The pooled rate of treatment abandonment overall was 30%. We observed no difference in the proportion of treatment abandonment in girls relative to estimates observed in boys (rate ratio [RR] 0.95, 95% CI: 0.79-1.15; P = .61). There was significant heterogeneity across the included studies and in the pooled estimate of RR for girls vs boys (both I(2) > 98%). Subgroup analyses did not reveal any effect on abandonment risk. Risk factors for abandonment observed fell into three main categories: socio-demographic; geographic; and travel-related. In conclusion, a high rate of treatment abandonment (30%) was observed overall for children with cancer in included studies in LMICs, although this was variable and context specific. No evidence of gender bias in childhood cancer treatment abandonment rates across LMICs was found. Given that the risk factors for abandonment are context specific, in-depth country-level analyses may provide further insights into the role of a child's gender in treatment abandonment decisions.
Mohammadi, S.; Su, T. T.; Papadaki, A.; Jalaludin, M. Y.; Dahlui, M.; Mohamed, M. N. A.; Jago, R.; Toumpakari, Z.; Johnson, L.; Majid, H. A.
In: Public Health Nutr, vol. 24, no. 8, pp. 2273-2285, 2021, ISSN: 1368-9800, (Master of Public Health).
@article{RN44,
title = {Perceptions of eating practices and physical activity among Malaysian adolescents in secondary schools: a qualitative study with multi-stakeholders},
author = {S. Mohammadi and T. T. Su and A. Papadaki and M. Y. Jalaludin and M. Dahlui and M. N. A. Mohamed and R. Jago and Z. Toumpakari and L. Johnson and H. A. Majid},
doi = {10.1017/s1368980020002293},
issn = {1368-9800},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Public Health Nutr},
volume = {24},
number = {8},
pages = {2273-2285},
school = {Department of SPM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To conduct formative research using qualitative methods among stakeholders of secondary schools to explore their perceptions, barriers and facilitators related to healthy eating and physical activity (PA) among Malaysian adolescents. DESIGN: A qualitative study involving eight focus groups and twelve in-depth interviews. Focus groups and interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data. SETTING: Four secondary schools in Perak and Selangor states (two urban and two rural schools) in Malaysia. PARTICIPANTS: Focus groups were conducted with seventy-six adolescents aged 13-14 years, and in-depth interviews were conducted with four headmasters, four PA education teachers and four food canteen operators. RESULTS: Stakeholders thought that adolescents' misperceptions, limited availability of healthy options, unhealthy food preferences and affordability were important challenges preventing healthy eating at school. Low-quality physical education (PE) classes, limited adolescent participation and teachers' commitment during lessons were perceived as barriers to adolescents being active at school. Affordability was the main challenge for adolescents from rural schools. Stakeholders perceived that a future school-based intervention should improve the availability and subsidies for healthy foods, provide health education/training for both adolescents and PE teachers, enhance active adolescent participation in PE and develop social support mechanisms to facilitate engagement with PA. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide important insights into developing school-based lifestyle interventions to improve healthy eating and strengthening PA of Malaysian adolescents.},
note = {Master of Public Health},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
OBJECTIVE: To conduct formative research using qualitative methods among stakeholders of secondary schools to explore their perceptions, barriers and facilitators related to healthy eating and physical activity (PA) among Malaysian adolescents. DESIGN: A qualitative study involving eight focus groups and twelve in-depth interviews. Focus groups and interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data. SETTING: Four secondary schools in Perak and Selangor states (two urban and two rural schools) in Malaysia. PARTICIPANTS: Focus groups were conducted with seventy-six adolescents aged 13-14 years, and in-depth interviews were conducted with four headmasters, four PA education teachers and four food canteen operators. RESULTS: Stakeholders thought that adolescents' misperceptions, limited availability of healthy options, unhealthy food preferences and affordability were important challenges preventing healthy eating at school. Low-quality physical education (PE) classes, limited adolescent participation and teachers' commitment during lessons were perceived as barriers to adolescents being active at school. Affordability was the main challenge for adolescents from rural schools. Stakeholders perceived that a future school-based intervention should improve the availability and subsidies for healthy foods, provide health education/training for both adolescents and PE teachers, enhance active adolescent participation in PE and develop social support mechanisms to facilitate engagement with PA. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide important insights into developing school-based lifestyle interventions to improve healthy eating and strengthening PA of Malaysian adolescents.
Chong, K. N.; E, H. C.; Zaki, R. A.; Mohd, S. H.; Majid, H. A.; Ng, A. K.; Eg, K. P.; Hng, S. Y.; Teh, C. S. J.; Razali, N.; Nathan, A. M.; Bruyne, J. A.
Maternal diet during pregnancy and infant respiratory morbidity: A prospective study Journal Article
In: Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 632-642, 2021, ISSN: 0964-7058, (Master of Public Health).
@article{RN152,
title = {Maternal diet during pregnancy and infant respiratory morbidity: A prospective study},
author = {K. N. Chong and H. C. E and R. A. Zaki and S. H. Mohd and H. A. Majid and A. K. Ng and K. P. Eg and S. Y. Hng and C. S. J. Teh and N. Razali and A. M. Nathan and J. A. Bruyne},
doi = {10.6133/apjcn.202112_30(4).0010},
issn = {0964-7058},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Asia Pac J Clin Nutr},
volume = {30},
number = {4},
pages = {632-642},
school = {Department of SPM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Maternal diet during pregnancy may impact infant respiratory morbidity. The aim was to determine the association between antenatal maternal diet and respiratory morbidity of their infants during their first 6 months of life. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: This prospective cohort study included healthy motherinfant pairs. Maternal diet during the last trimester was determined with a validated food frequency questionnaire. Infant respiratory morbidity was solicited at 1, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Three hundred mother-baby pairs were recruited. Maternal consumption of milk and dairy products was associated with reduced respiratory symptoms at 1 month (aOR 0.29 [95% CI: 0.10, 0.86]},
note = {Master of Public Health},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Maternal diet during pregnancy may impact infant respiratory morbidity. The aim was to determine the association between antenatal maternal diet and respiratory morbidity of their infants during their first 6 months of life. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: This prospective cohort study included healthy motherinfant pairs. Maternal diet during the last trimester was determined with a validated food frequency questionnaire. Infant respiratory morbidity was solicited at 1, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Three hundred mother-baby pairs were recruited. Maternal consumption of milk and dairy products was associated with reduced respiratory symptoms at 1 month (aOR 0.29 [95% CI: 0.10, 0.86]
Dai, J.; Zulkefli, N. F.; Moy, F. M.; Humphries, D. L.
The Importance of Sociocultural Context When Choosing to Eat Healthier Journal Article
In: J Nutr Educ Behav, 2021, ISSN: 1499-4046, (Master of Public Health).
@article{RN154,
title = {The Importance of Sociocultural Context When Choosing to Eat Healthier},
author = {J. Dai and N. F. Zulkefli and F. M. Moy and D. L. Humphries},
doi = {10.1016/j.jneb.2021.08.019},
issn = {1499-4046},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {J Nutr Educ Behav},
school = {Department of SPM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To explore how working women in metropolitan Malaysia make food decisions. DESIGN: A grounded theory approach and semistructured interviews. SETTING: A large university in metropolitan Malaysia. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-four female employees purposively recruited to vary in ethnicity, body mass index, age, and marital status via convenience sampling. PHENOMENON OF INTEREST: Perceptions of sociocultural influences on healthy eating behavior among working women. ANALYSIS: Researchers audio-recorded interviews and analyzed verbatim transcripts. RESULTS: Working women shared a desire to eat a healthier, more balanced diet by reducing processed food consumption through home-cooked meals. Participants described aspects of their living situations and cultural values about food that made it seem impossible to change their diets. Living with other people limited their ability to cook the food they wanted to eat. In addition, unspoken rules about communal eating in Malaysia, such as not refusing food and not wasting food, prevented working women from practicing healthy eating. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: In this population of working women in metropolitan Malaysia, experiences of time scarcity and limited sociocultural support for behavior change were major barriers to healthy eating. Interventions could prioritize leveraging these realities about food to facilitate environments in which women feel like they have control of their own food intake.},
note = {Master of Public Health},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
OBJECTIVE: To explore how working women in metropolitan Malaysia make food decisions. DESIGN: A grounded theory approach and semistructured interviews. SETTING: A large university in metropolitan Malaysia. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-four female employees purposively recruited to vary in ethnicity, body mass index, age, and marital status via convenience sampling. PHENOMENON OF INTEREST: Perceptions of sociocultural influences on healthy eating behavior among working women. ANALYSIS: Researchers audio-recorded interviews and analyzed verbatim transcripts. RESULTS: Working women shared a desire to eat a healthier, more balanced diet by reducing processed food consumption through home-cooked meals. Participants described aspects of their living situations and cultural values about food that made it seem impossible to change their diets. Living with other people limited their ability to cook the food they wanted to eat. In addition, unspoken rules about communal eating in Malaysia, such as not refusing food and not wasting food, prevented working women from practicing healthy eating. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: In this population of working women in metropolitan Malaysia, experiences of time scarcity and limited sociocultural support for behavior change were major barriers to healthy eating. Interventions could prioritize leveraging these realities about food to facilitate environments in which women feel like they have control of their own food intake.
Zulkipli, M. S.; Rampal, S.; Bulgiba, A.; Peramalah, D.; Jamil, N.; See, L. L. C.; Zaki, R. A.; Omar, S. F. S.; Dahlui, M.
Is there any association between body mass index and severity of dengue infection? Journal Article
In: Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, vol. 115, no. 7, pp. 764-771, 2021, ISSN: 0035-9203.
@article{RN253,
title = {Is there any association between body mass index and severity of dengue infection?},
author = {M. S. Zulkipli and S. Rampal and A. Bulgiba and D. Peramalah and N. Jamil and L. L. C. See and R. A. Zaki and S. F. S. Omar and M. Dahlui},
doi = {10.1093/trstmh/trab021},
issn = {0035-9203},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg},
volume = {115},
number = {7},
pages = {764-771},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dengue, an acute infectious disease caused by a flavivirus, is a threat to global health. There is sparse evidence exploring obesity and the development of more severe dengue cases in adults. With increasing prevalence of obesity in areas with a high risk of dengue infection, obesity may increase the burden and mortality related to dengue infection. Our study aimed to determine the association between obesity and the development of more severe dengue infection in primary healthcare settings and whether these associations were modified by dengue fever phase. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted among laboratory-confirmed dengue patients aged >18 y in the central region of Peninsular Malaysia from May 2016 to November 2017. We collected demographic, clinical history, physical examination and laboratory examination information using a standardized form. Dengue severity (DS) was defined as either dengue with warning signs or severe dengue. Participants underwent daily follow-up, during which we recorded their vital signs, warning signs and full blood count results. Incidence of DS was modeled using mixed-effects logistic regression. Changes in platelet count and hematocrit were modeled using mixed-effects linear regression. The final multivariable models were adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity and previous dengue infection. RESULTS: A total of 173 patients were enrolled and followed up. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 37.4±13.75 kg/m2. The majority of patients were Malay (65.9%), followed by Chinese (17.3%), Indian (12.7%) and other ethnic groups (4.1%). A total of 90 patients (52.0%) were male while 36 patients (20.8%) had a previous history of dengue infection. BMI was significantly associated with DS (adjusted OR=1.17; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.34) and hematocrit (%) (aβ=0.09; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.16), but not with platelet count (x103/µL) (aβ=-0.01; 95% CI -0.84 to 0.81). In the dose response analysis, we found that as BMI increases, the odds of DS, hematocrit levels and platelet levels increase during the first phase of dengue fever. CONCLUSION: Higher BMI and higher hematocrit levels were associated with higher odds of DS. Among those with high BMI, the development of DS was observed during phase one of dengue fever instead of during phase two. These novel results could be used by clinicians to help them risk-stratify dengue patients for closer monitoring and subsequent prevention of severe dengue complications.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
BACKGROUND: Dengue, an acute infectious disease caused by a flavivirus, is a threat to global health. There is sparse evidence exploring obesity and the development of more severe dengue cases in adults. With increasing prevalence of obesity in areas with a high risk of dengue infection, obesity may increase the burden and mortality related to dengue infection. Our study aimed to determine the association between obesity and the development of more severe dengue infection in primary healthcare settings and whether these associations were modified by dengue fever phase. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted among laboratory-confirmed dengue patients aged >18 y in the central region of Peninsular Malaysia from May 2016 to November 2017. We collected demographic, clinical history, physical examination and laboratory examination information using a standardized form. Dengue severity (DS) was defined as either dengue with warning signs or severe dengue. Participants underwent daily follow-up, during which we recorded their vital signs, warning signs and full blood count results. Incidence of DS was modeled using mixed-effects logistic regression. Changes in platelet count and hematocrit were modeled using mixed-effects linear regression. The final multivariable models were adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity and previous dengue infection. RESULTS: A total of 173 patients were enrolled and followed up. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 37.4±13.75 kg/m2. The majority of patients were Malay (65.9%), followed by Chinese (17.3%), Indian (12.7%) and other ethnic groups (4.1%). A total of 90 patients (52.0%) were male while 36 patients (20.8%) had a previous history of dengue infection. BMI was significantly associated with DS (adjusted OR=1.17; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.34) and hematocrit (%) (aβ=0.09; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.16), but not with platelet count (x103/µL) (aβ=-0.01; 95% CI -0.84 to 0.81). In the dose response analysis, we found that as BMI increases, the odds of DS, hematocrit levels and platelet levels increase during the first phase of dengue fever. CONCLUSION: Higher BMI and higher hematocrit levels were associated with higher odds of DS. Among those with high BMI, the development of DS was observed during phase one of dengue fever instead of during phase two. These novel results could be used by clinicians to help them risk-stratify dengue patients for closer monitoring and subsequent prevention of severe dengue complications.
Ying, L. Y.; Ramoo, V.; Ling, L. W.; Nahasaram, S. T.; Lei, C. P.; Leong, L. K.; Danaee, M.
Nursing practice environment, resilience, and intention to leave among critical care nurses Journal Article
In: Nurs Crit Care, vol. 26, no. 6, pp. 432-440, 2021, ISSN: 1362-1017.
@article{RN299,
title = {Nursing practice environment, resilience, and intention to leave among critical care nurses},
author = {L. Y. Ying and V. Ramoo and L. W. Ling and S. T. Nahasaram and C. P. Lei and L. K. Leong and M. Danaee},
doi = {10.1111/nicc.12551},
issn = {1362-1017},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Nurs Crit Care},
volume = {26},
number = {6},
pages = {432-440},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Retaining experienced critical care nurses (CCNs) remains a challenge for health care organizations. Nursing practice environment and resilience are both seen as modifiable factors in ameliorating the impact on CCNs' intention to leave and have not yet been explored in Malaysia. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between perceived nursing practice environment, resilience, and intention to leave among CCNs and to determine the effect of resilience on intention to leave after controlling for other independent variables. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional survey. METHODS: The universal sampling method was used to recruit nurses from adult and paediatric (including neonatal) critical care units of a large public university hospital in Malaysia. Descriptive analysis and χ(2) and hierarchical logistic regression tests were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: A total of 229 CCNs completed the self-administrated questionnaire. Of the nurses, 76.4% perceived their practice environment as being favourable, 54.1% were moderately resilient, and only 20% were intending to leave. The logistic regression model explained 13.1% of variance in intention to leave and suggested that being single, an unfavourable practice environment, and increasing resilience were significant predictors of nurses' intention to leave. CONCLUSION: This study found that an unfavourable practice environment is a strong predictor of intention to leave; however, further exploration is needed to explain the higher likelihood of expressing intention to leave among CCNs when their resilience level increases. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Looking into staff allocation and equality of workload assignments may improve the perception of the work environment and help minimize intention to leave among nurses.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
BACKGROUND: Retaining experienced critical care nurses (CCNs) remains a challenge for health care organizations. Nursing practice environment and resilience are both seen as modifiable factors in ameliorating the impact on CCNs' intention to leave and have not yet been explored in Malaysia. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between perceived nursing practice environment, resilience, and intention to leave among CCNs and to determine the effect of resilience on intention to leave after controlling for other independent variables. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional survey. METHODS: The universal sampling method was used to recruit nurses from adult and paediatric (including neonatal) critical care units of a large public university hospital in Malaysia. Descriptive analysis and χ(2) and hierarchical logistic regression tests were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: A total of 229 CCNs completed the self-administrated questionnaire. Of the nurses, 76.4% perceived their practice environment as being favourable, 54.1% were moderately resilient, and only 20% were intending to leave. The logistic regression model explained 13.1% of variance in intention to leave and suggested that being single, an unfavourable practice environment, and increasing resilience were significant predictors of nurses' intention to leave. CONCLUSION: This study found that an unfavourable practice environment is a strong predictor of intention to leave; however, further exploration is needed to explain the higher likelihood of expressing intention to leave among CCNs when their resilience level increases. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Looking into staff allocation and equality of workload assignments may improve the perception of the work environment and help minimize intention to leave among nurses.