1.A Systematic Literature Review on ICU Nurses’ Experience and Family Interactions during Death and Dying from an Islamic Perspective
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 2):9-19
The growing complexity of death and dying in Intensive Care Units highlights nurses'
critical role, particularly concerning family interactions and spiritual needs from an
Islamic perspective. However, there is a gap in understanding the nuances of these
interactions, how nurses can best facilitate them, and how potential conflicts arising
from differing interpretations of religious beliefs may impact care; this area remains
underexplored. This systematic literature review aims to synthesize existing studies
on ICU nurses' experiences with critically ill patients during death and dying, focusing
on Islamic perspectives or spiritual care, employing a qualitative synthesis approach.
The Scopus database was used to retrieve relevant documents published between
2005 and 2024. The review followed PRISMA guidelines for identification, screening,
exclusion, and inclusion. Qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method studies, and review
articles were included, with only qualitative papers appraised using the Joanna Briggs
Institute’s criteria. Initially, 378 records were identified. After removing unavailable
files and screening, 113 titles and abstracts were assessed. Of 84 reports reviewed for
eligibility, 68 were excluded, leaving 14 studies that met the inclusion criteria for the
final review. This review emphasizes the crucial need for better training, policies, and
institutional support for ICU nurses. Such measures would enable them to manage the
complexities of culturally sensitive care for family members during loved ones' death
and dying. Implementing standardized guidelines addressing Islamic perspectives can
significantly improve care quality and patient-family satisfaction.
2.A Bibliometric Analysis of Chatbot or ChatGPT in Nursing Fields from 2022 to 2024
Ab Razak NI ; Muhammad Yusoff MF ; Nasharuddin NA ; Soh KL ; O.K. Rahmat O.K. Rahmat RW
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 2):20-30
Nursing education has undergone a significant transformation as a result of artificial
intelligence (AI). Chatbots, specifically ChatGPT, have emerged as vital AI
technologies within the nursing domain as it is a computer program designed to
simulate human conversation through text or voice interactions. This study aims to
conduct a bibliometric analysis to gain insights into the publication trends, citation
impact, and thematic evolution in nursing education and practice concerning ChatGPT
and chatbots. A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was performed using
VOSViewer, concentrating on citation networks for data analysis and visualisation. A
review of LENS.org identified 344 relevant research publications regarding chatbots
and ChatGPT within the nursing discipline, all of which were utilised in the study. The
study examined various aspects, including types of publications, prominent authors,
leading journals, participating nations, institutions, and the impact of ChatGPT on
nursing practice. The primary objectives included categorising the papers, identifying
the most influential authors, delineating the prominent areas and institutions in the
field, and examining the impact of ChatGPT on nursing education and practice. The
findings indicate that ChatGPT positively impacts nursing education by enhancing
learning experiences, improving communication, and aiding clinical decision-making.
The findings indicate that journal articles accounted for 76% of publications, with the
U.S. leading in research output. The findings indicate that ChatGPT positively impacts
nursing education by enhancing learning experiences, improving communication, and
aiding clinical decision-making. Future research should focus on establishing
frameworks for integrating ChatGPT into nursing education, addressing ethical
implications, and assessing the long-term impacts on patient care.
3.Recent Updates on the Mechanism of Action of Spirulina as an Anticancer Agent Against Breast Cancer
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 2):31-37
Spirulina, a small blue-green algae that lives in warm, alkaline seas, is one of the world's
oldest life forms. With century-old history, this nutrient-rich organism has received a
lot of interest in recent years for its possible health benefits and sustainable production
practices. Studies have indicated its antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory
qualities are contributed by its bioactive compounds, mainly phycocyanin. Other
compounds or elements include phycocyanobilin, carotenoids, unsaturated fatty acids,
selenium, and amino acids. Breast cancer is one of the major causes of cancer related
death in women. As some of the cancer therapies are highly associated with side
effects, nutraceuticals such as Spirulina could be an alternative therapeutic intervention.
Although some research has been conducted to investigate the anti-breast cancer
effects of Spirulina in the past, its mechanism of action is not entirely understood.
Previous studies suggest that it may trigger apoptosis and autophagy via modifying
signalling pathways such as NF-κB and Bcl-2/Bax ratio. It also has anti-proliferative
properties, inhibits cell migration, causes cell cycle arrest, and lowers cancer cells'
capacity to form colonies. Phycocyanin has been shown to produce reactive oxygen
species (ROS) and down-regulate anti-apoptotic molecules, which contribute to its
anticancer capabilities. These findings show that Spirulina fights cancer by targeting a
variety of cellular mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis. While these data imply
potential benefits, more clinical trials and research into the exact mechanisms of
Spirulina in cancer treatments are needed to fully demonstrate its efficacy in treating
breast cancer in humans.
4.Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction and Its Associated Factors among Non-Diabetic Overweight & Obese Patients Attending Government Health Clinics in Kuantan, Pahang
Che&rsquo ; Man M ; Mohd Zainal AZAR ; Yusof MZ
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 2):38-46
INTRODUCTION: In the clinical setting, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a significant issue
that should not be neglected, as it can adversely impact the quality of life of patients
and their partners, especially among overweight and obese populations. This study
aims to determine the prevalence of ED and its associated factors among non-diabetic,
overweight, and obese patients who attend a government health clinic in Kuantan,
Pahang, Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A six-month cross-sectional study
was conducted from February 2024 to August 2024 at twelve health clinics in
Kuantan, Pahang. The selected respondents were married men over 18 years old, and
those with diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, psychiatric illness, or illiteracy were
excluded. Data were collected using the validated Malay version of the International
Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). ED was defined as an IIEF-5 score of less than
22. Descriptive analysis and simple and multiple logistic regression were performed
using SPSS. RESULTS: All 221 eligible patients in the study responded (100% response
rate). The prevalence of ED was 66.1% (n=146). Multiple logistic regression
showed that ED was significantly associated with dyslipidemia [AOR (95% CI): 2.42
(1.06–5.52); p-value=0.036], anxiety [AOR (95% CI): 3.99 (1.44–11.01);
p-value=0.008] and older age [AOR (95% CI): 1.07 (1.02–1.12); p-value=0.009].
CONCLUSION: The study revealed a high prevalence of ED among non-diabetic
overweight and obese patients, potentially linked to increasing age, dyslipidemia, and
anxiety. Increasing awareness among the public and healthcare providers could
improve detection rates in primary care.
5.Factors Affecting Triple Elimination Testing Participation by the Pregnant Women During Their First Visit (K1) at Harapan Baru Health Center, East Kalimantan
Tuti Meihartat ; Prita Maharani ; Sumiat ; Aries Abiyoga ; Leny Suzana Suddin
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 2):47-54
INTRODUCTION: Mother-to-child-transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis
B is a significant public health issue in Indonesia. Triple elimination screening,
which tests these three infections, is a crucial strategy for early detection and
prevention, ideally conducted during the first antenatal visit (K1). However,
the coverage of this screening remains suboptimal in several regions, including
the Harapan Baru Health Center. This study aimed to test factors affecting
participation in the triple elimination screening during the first antenatal visit
among pregnant women in the service area of the Harapan Baru Health
Center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted
involving 50 pregnant women who attended their K1 visit in June 2025.
Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were gathered
through structured questionnaires and maternal and child health (MCH)
books and analysed using the Pearson chi-square test. RESULTS: Respondents’
knowledge (OR=5.4, p=0.023) and health worker support (OR=10.7,
p=0.002;) were significantly associated with screening participation. However,
the education level was not significantly associated. CONCLUSION: Good
knowledge level and positive support from health workers could increase the
likelihood of pregnant women undergoing triple elimination screening during
their first antenatal visit.
6.Development of Components for A Glaucoma Screening Programme in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study
Hui WX WX ; Sharanjeet-Kaur S ; Hairol M M ; Abd Rahman MH ; Nasaruddin RA ; Md Isa Z ; Ismail R ; Che Hamzah J
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 2):55-63
INTRODUCTION: Glaucoma is a leading cause of permanent blindness, often going
undetected in its early, asymptomatic stages, especially in older age groups. In
Malaysia, glaucoma is a growing public health issue due to an increase in the ageing
population. While screening is essential for early glaucoma detection, the most
suitable strategy for Malaysia's healthcare system remains unclear. This study
explored the perspectives of eye healthcare professionals on the most suitable
glaucoma screening strategies for Malaysia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This
qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with 19 eye health professionals
(ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, ophthalmic technicians, and assistant
medical officers) practicing in the Klang Valley. The interviews were conducted
face-to-face in their workplace or via a video conferencing platform. All interviews
were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Six
major themes were identified: types of glaucoma screening programmes, accessible
screening locations, target screening population, instruments and use of digital
technology, trained personnel, and referral criteria. Opportunistic case finding and
population-based programmes were identified as the glaucoma screening
programmes in which trained personnel conducted screening at accessible
locations. Glaucoma screening for high-risk individuals was recommended,
focusing on visual acuity testing, tonometry, anterior chamber angle assessment,
funduscopy, perimetry, and retinal nerve fibre assessment. A lack of clear referral
criteria due to low awareness and poor implementation of existing guidelines was
observed. CONCLUSION: Further investigations are required to identify the best
combination of components for glaucoma screening. This will enable policymakers
to develop an effective glaucoma screening programme in Malaysia.
7.The Impact of Qur’anic Reading and Listening Duration and Frequency on Cognitive Performance and Hippocampal Function: A Systematic Review
Upik Rahmi ; Suci Tuty Putri ; Lisna Anisa Fitriana ; Farida Murtiani
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 1):7-15
Engaging with the Qur'an, whether through reading or listening, necessitates complex
cognitive processing of the written or spoken Arabic language. This activity demands
concentration and attention, thereby engaging cognitive functions such as selective
attention, Arabic language processing, and auditory perception. The purpose of this
paper is to review the effects of reading and listening to the Qur'an on hippocampal
cognitive function. A literature search was conducted using online databases:
ScienceDirect, PubMed/ Medline, and Scopus. The keywords used in the literature
search were “cognitive”, “Qur'an”, and “hippocampus”. This approach included six
full-length articles. A manual search of the cited references was also used to find
additional considerations for the discursive analysis of each topic discussed in this
review. As a sacred text, the Qur'an engages both reading and listening skills and
involves cognitive processes that impact memory and comprehension. Regular
engagement with the Qur'anic text and its recitation can significantly improve brain
activity, memory, and cognitive development. Reading and listening are essential skills
for language comprehension and communication. When a person reads the Qur'an, he
or she engages in visual Arabic language processing, while when listening to its
recitation, the person is involved in auditory language processing. These activities
stimulate different parts of the brain, contributing to a more comprehensive
understanding of the Qur'an text.
8.Agarwood's Role in Inflammatory-related Conditions: A Systematic Review of Animal Models
Hashim YZH-Y ; Abbas P ; Samsudin N ; I.R Gill C
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 1):16-29
Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) is a resinous wood traditionally used in various medicinal
systems across Asia for treating inflammation-related ailments. Despite its
longstanding ethnopharmacological use, scientific validation of its anti-inflammatory
effects remains fragmented. This scoping review aims to systematically evaluate and
synthesize current evidence from animal studies investigating the anti-inflammatory
potential of agarwood. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using
PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria focused on original animal
studies assessing the anti-inflammatory effects of agarwood extracts, essential oils,
or derivatives. Data on study design, animal models, agarwood species, treatment
dosage, duration, biomarkers, and outcomes were extracted and summarized
narratively due to methodological heterogeneity. Eight studies met inclusion criteria,
involving models of inflammation-related conditions such as pain, neuroinflammation,
gastrointestinal injury, cancer, and toxicity. Agarwood treatment consistently reduced
pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), modulated oxidative stress
markers (e.g., NO, SOD, GSH), and regulated signalling pathways including NF-κB,
p38 MAPK, and Nrf2–ARE. Notably, improvements were observed in behavioural
and histological outcomes across models, with evidence of dose-dependent effects
in several studies. In conclusion, preclinical evidence supports agarwood’s broadspectrum anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties across multiple organ
systems. These findings provide mechanistic insights and a scientific basis for its
traditional use. However, variability in species, extraction methods, and study designs
highlights the need for standardised protocols and clinical validation to advance
agarwood as a potential therapeutic agent.
9.Exploring Neonatal NaV1.5 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer
Mohd Redhuan Mohd Noor ; Siti Yusrina Nadihah Jamaludin ; Mohd Harizal Senik ; Farizan Ahmad ; Noor Fatmawati Mokhtar ; Izuddin Fahmy Abu ; Muhammad Yusran Abdul Aziz
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 1):30-40
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) play pivotal roles in cancer progression and
have emerged as promising therapeutic targets and biomarkers. VGSCs comprise
multiple subtypes with distinct tissue distributions, influencing tumour characteristics in
different ways. Among these, the tetrodotoxin-sensitive α-subunits and the β1 subunit,
commonly found in breast cancer, have been implicated in metastasis and tumour
aggressiveness. The NaV1.5 channel and its neonatal variant (nNaV1.5) are
overexpressed in aggressive cancers such as breast, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancers,
thereby enhancing their invasive capacity. nNaV1.5 is particularly significant due to its
tumour-specific expression and strong association with poor prognosis, especially
in breast cancer, where it regulates cell proliferation, invasion, and tumour
microenvironment remodelling. This review highlights nNaV1.5 as a critical ion channel
that drives metastasis through ion regulation, extracellular acidification, and cytoskeletal
remodelling. We further evaluate current therapeutic strategies, including siRNA,
monoclonal antibodies, and small-molecule inhibitors, while addressing translational
challenges such as tumour heterogeneity, drug delivery limitations, and off-target
cardiotoxicity due to its similarity with the adult isoform. In addition, we explore the
potential of nNaV1.5 as a biomarker subject to epigenetic regulations by factors
including RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST) and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2),
which may facilitate patient stratification and treatment optimization. By integrating
mechanistic insights, therapeutic opportunities, and translational challenges, this review
goes beyond descriptive summaries to provide a framework for advancing nNaV1.5
research from preclinical studies toward clinical application in cancer therapy.
10.Arabic Language and Medical Terminology in Education: A Systematic Review
Mior Syazril Mohamed Sapawi ; Nik Mohd Rahimi Nik Yusof
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 1):41-52
The use of Arabic in medical education and healthcare communication remains limited despite growing linguistic needs in Arabic-speaking populations. Issues related to translation accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and curriculum alignment hinder its integration. The objective of this study is to systematically review how Arabic medical terminology has been translated, validated, and applied in educational and clinical contexts. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Searches were conducted in May 2025 across three databases: Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC). A total of 769 records were retrieved, and 19 peer-reviewed articles were selected based on inclusion criteria. A six-point quality appraisal framework was applied to ensure methodological rigour prior to thematic synthesis. Three major themes emerged: (1) translation and cultural adaptation, highlighting the importance of expert validation and semantic accuracy; (2) psychometric evaluation, where tools such as the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM) demonstrated strong internal consistency and contextual clarity; and (3) educational application, showing varied success in enhancing communication, comprehension, and learner confidence. Gaps in terminology standardisation and the limitations of automated translation tools were noted across studies. In conclusion Arabic medical terminology, when supported by structured processes and expert review, makes a meaningful contribution to education and communication. Further efforts should prioritise the development of validated terminology repositories, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of Arabic-language resources into medical curricula to support inclusive and patient-centred care.


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