Background: Several occupational diseases of multiple origins are encountered among abattoir workers. Presence of indicator microorganisms (coliforms) on hands of workers can be used a gauge for hygienic practices. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to assess the prevalence of E.coli and enterobacteriaceae among Halal abattoir workers in some government halal abattoirs of Malaysia. A total of one hundred and sixty-five hand swab samples were collected from workers of Halal abattoirs in Malaysia. The samples were subjected to microbiological analysis for characterisation and serotyping. Results: The results have shown that no Escherichia coli O157:H7 was isolated on the hands of abattoir workers before and after work. However, a total prevalence of 9.7% was recorded for all samples during work. For non-O157:H7, total prevalence of 33.3% during work and 13% after work were obtained. High prevalence was recorded in sample taken during work from Tampin, Jasin and Kemaman (100% each) while low prevalence where observed in Shah Alam, Banting and Ipoh (20% each). Conclusions: Based on the findings the hygienic practices of hand washing among the workers in few locations was found to be low especially after work.

BACKGROUND: A student enrolled in Allied Health Sciences has a curriculum and academic standards that are different compared to a student enrolled in a medical programme. Nevertheless, little is known about the psychological distress of this population. Our objective was to determine whether psychological distress is prevalent in students enrolled in an Allied Health Sciences programme, as well as factors that contribute to it. METHODS: Three hundred and thirty-three (333) undergraduates studying Allied Health Sciences, ages 18-30, were included in this cross-sectional study. A representative sample of students from nursing, physiotherapy, medical laboratory science, medical radiography, and optometry programmes were selected through a stratified sampling technique. A 21-item Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21  10) was used to collect data on psychological distress indicated by depression, anxiety, and stress. We fitted a multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with psychological distress among the participants. RESULTS: As a result of the study, 58.9% reported depression, 66.1% reported anxiety, and 45.1% reported stress. Depression (AOR= 3.23; 95% CI: 1.33- 7.81), anxiety (AOR= 3.33;95% CI:1.34- 8.26) and stress (AOR= 2.58;95% CI: 1.14- 5.85) were associated with family history of mental illness. Poor academic performance was associated with anxiety (OR=2.75; 95% CI: 1.35- 5.61) and stress (OR=2.00; 95% CI: 1.05-3.81). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of psychological distress among allied health sciences students is high, especially among students with poor academic performance and those with a family history of mental illness. Psychological distress can be prevented with early detection and awareness programmes.
Depression ; Anxiety