1.Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Students towards Total Quality Management in Education at High Institute of Health Sciences in Sana'a, Yemen
Aref Yousuf Mosa'ad Mohaideen ; Azimatun Noor Aizuddin
International Journal of Public Health Research 2017;7(2):852-859
The quality of education is one of the controversial topics and vital issues that requires more emphases from researchers due to the current challenges in education at the university level. Involvement and participation from the studentis essential to implement quality assurance and to reach for academic accreditation. The aim of this study is to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of students towards TQM in education and its influencing factorsatHigh Institute of Health Sciences (HIHS) in Sana'a, Yemen. A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted in 2016. A total of 208 students from second and third study levels in HIHS had participated from 268 students were observed (study population). Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and one-way ANOVA were used to determine the association between students’ KAP towards TQM in education with its influencing factors. Mean age of the students were 22.44(SD±2.027) year old. Majority of HIHS students were male 135 (64.9%) and 108 (51.9%) were from the third studying level. The highest students' KAP scores were 53.4%, 65.4%, and 41.3% for good knowledge, good attitudes, and moderate practices respectively. Education Department was found to be significantly associated with students' knowledge and practices with p<0.05. In addition, the means of knowledge, attitudes, and practices were higher among pharmacy, radiology, and physiotherapy students respectively than laboratory students. Students' practices were found to be significantly associated with management, academic, and material factors with p<0.001. HIHS students were observed to have good knowledge, good attitudes, and moderate practices towards TQM.
2.Chlorpyrifos Blood Level and Exposure Symptoms among Paddy Farmers in Sabak Bernam, Malaysia
Rozita Hod ; Azimatun Noor Aizuddin ; Shamsul Azhar Shah ; Mohd Rohaizat Hassan ; Nazarudin Safian ; Mohd Hasni Jaafar
International Journal of Public Health Research 2011;1(1):1-6
The extensive and intensive use of pesticides in agricultural practices has exposed farmers to various hazards resulting in varying degrees of health outcomes. We conducted a cross-sectional study among paddy farmers in Sabak Bernam district, Malaysia. The objective of this study was to gather baseline information on chlorpyrifos blood level and its relationship with pesticides exposure symptoms. We detected chlorpyrifos in farmers’ blood in 7 percent of the respondents, with mean 7.29 nanogram per millilitre blood (sd 5.84 nanogram per millilitre). The percentage of farmers who experienced at least one pesticide exposure symptoms was 75 percent. However, we found no significant association between chlorpyrifos blood level and its exposure symptoms. The farmers had low scores on safe practice of pesticide use even though they have high marks on knowledge and attitude. We found no significant association between the scores on knowledge, attitude and practice on pesticide use and the chlorpyrifos blood level. The presence of pesticide exposure symptoms proved that most of the farmers were exposed to hazardous effects of pesticides. Specific trainings on safe use and handling of pesticides should be given on regular basis to these farmers to ensure they are protected from hazardous effects of pesticides exposure.
Chlorpyrifos
;
Pesticides
;
Hazardous Substances
3.Incidence and predictors of early ankle contracture in adults with acquired brain injury
Norhamizan Hamzah ; Muhammad Aizuddin Bahari ; Saini Jeffery Freddy Abdullah ; Mazlina Mazlan
Neurology Asia 2015;20(1):49-58
Objective: To determine the incidence and predictors of early ankle contracture in adults with acquired
brain injury. Methods: A prospective cohort study of patients admitted to Neurosurgical Intensive Care
Unit (NICU), University Malaya Medical Centre and referred for rehabilitation within a period of 12
months. Adult patients with newly diagnosed acquired brain injury with no prior deformity to lower
limbs, Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 12, no concomitant spinal or lower limb injuries, medical stability at
inclusion into the study and agreed to participate for the total duration of assessment (3 months) were
recruited. We conducted weekly review of ankle muscle tone and measurement of ankle maximum
passive dorsiflexion motion. The end point is reached if ankle contracture developed or completed 3
months post injury assessment. Results: The cohort included 70 patients, of which only 46 patients
completed the study. Twenty-eight patients suffered from severe brain injury whilst 18 from moderate
brain injury. Out of the 46 patients, 13 (28%) developed ankle contracture at the end of the study period.
Abnormal motor pattern was significantly associated with incidence of ankle contracture, which included
spasticity (p<0.001), spastic dystonia (p=0.001) and clonus (p=0.015). Using univariate analysis, the
predictors for ankle contracture were spasticity (OR 51.67, CI 7.53-354.52, p<0.001), spastic dystonia
(OR 27.43 CI 2.84-265.35, p=0.004) and clonus (OR 4.18 CI 1.33-13.19, p =0.015).
Conclusion: Abnormal motor patterns are strongly associated with early incidence of ankle contracture
amongst adult with new diagnosis of moderate to severe acquired brain injury despite a regular
standard therapy program. This is an important clinical finding towards early prevention of ankle
contracture.
Contracture
;
Ankle
4.Faktor-faktor yang Mempengaruhi Psikososial Pesakit Kanakkanak Talasemia
International Journal of Public Health Research 2019;9(1):1090-1099
Introduction Thalassemia disease is a serious health problem as it gives psychosocial
burden not only to the patients but also to the patients’ ecosystem. Among the
difficulties faced by patients are psychosocial problems, especially in the
process patients’ growth and development. Therefore, this study examines
what factors can influenced the psychosocial of Thalassemic patients..
Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 161 of Thalasemia Major
children at Women and Children Hospital, Likas and Keningau District
Hospital, Sabah from February to April 2013. The validated PedsQL 4.0
Generic Core Scale and Social Support questionnaire has been used.
Results The results showed that the overall psychosocial score was 68.50 (SP 15.18)
with the lowest average school psychosocial score of 58.38 (SP 17.82). Only
gender factor showed a significant relationship with psychosocial score of
emotional function. There is no significant relationship noted between other
sociodemographic factors with overall psychosocial scores or with the
psychosocial scores of each function. In relation to subscale social support
factors, there was a significant relationship between the psychosocial scores
of each function and overall with social support factors of parents, close
friends, classmates and teachers. The results of linear regression multivariate
analysis suggest that social support factors from classmates is a significant
factor in the psychosocial impact of Thalassemia Major pediatric patients.
Conclusions In conclusion, social support factors primarily from peers are very important
in influencing the psychosocial of Thalassemia Major children in overcoming
their life's functionality like other normal children
5.Psycho-behavioural Factors Contributing To Truancy Among Malay Secondary School Students In Malaysia
Shamsul Azhar Shah ; Azura Abdullah ; Azimatun Noor Aizuddin ; Mohd Rohaizat Hassan ; Nazarudin Safian ; Rozita Hod ; Rahmah Mohd Amin
ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry 2012;13(2):1-10
Objective: Truancy is a disciplinary problem, which frequently occurs among school students and it has many contributory as well as inter-related factors. It is a growing problem in this country and it often becomes a prelude to other delinquent behaviours. The study objective is to determine the prevalence of truancy as well as factors related to it including psycho-behavioural factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 556 Malay student’s selected using multi-stage sampling was
conducted. Results: The overall prevalence of truancy is 30.2%. The predictors to truancy are age, students who frequenting entertainment centre, students who have
not completed Quran recital, coping strategies using problems solving methods and time spent watching television/video. There is a significant association between truancy and psycho-behaviour such as watching video/internet pornography, frequenting entertainment centre, smoking, motorcycle racing and dating a special
friend. Conclusion: Truancy is a social issue, which must be given serious attention by all concerned components of the society.
6.Pain Interference Level and its Effects on Patients’ Quality of Life and Depression: A Study on Breast Cancer Survivors in Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
JO Zubaidah ; AR Hejar ; YW Lim ; KT Chin ; Z Muhd Aizuddin ; Z Muhd Hazeman ; I Normala ; MA Muhd Najib
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2013;9(1):45-54
Introduction: Cancer pain is a complex experience and is one of the most common and distressing
symptom of breast cancer which affects patients’ functioning in daily activities, their quality of life
(QOL), and mood. Yet, there is a great lack of data on breast cancer and pain in Malaysia. Methods:
A cross-sectional study using the Breast Cancer Patient Version of Quality of Life (QOL) Instrument
(translated into Malay) and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) were conducted on 87 female
breast cancer patients to investigate the impact of pain interference level on their quality of life and
depressive level. Results: The patients were divided into 4 groups based on their rating of how pain
and aches have been a problem to them (i.e not a problem [n=18 (20.7%)], mild[n=29 (33.3%)],
moderate [n=18 (20.7%)] and severe [n=22(25.3%). Pain and aches ware reported to be the most severe
interference problems in QOL physical domain by patients (mean=5.8, SD=2.8), followed by fatigue
(mean=6.0, SD=3.1) and sleep changes (mean=6.2, SD=3.5). Patients who reported that pain and aches
had severely affected them showed significantly lower score on many aspects of quality of life (Fs > 5, p
< 0.005; p < 0.0001) and patients reported pain was not a problem at all demonstrated highest score on
all aspects of QOL. Patients with most severe pain interference level showed highest depressive score
[F (3, 84) =3, p < 0.05]. Conclusion: The study underscores the impact of pain interference on patients’
quality of life and depressive level. The pain assessment deserves significant attention and therefore a
comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment of pain to rule out any related underlying issues is warranted
in the management of breast cancer to ensure appropriate intervention given to the patients.
7.What are the direct medical costs of managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Malaysia?
Feisul Idzwan Mustapha ; Soraya Azmi ; Mohd Rizal Abdul Manaf ; Zanariah Hussein ; Nik Jasmin Nik Mahir ; Fatanah Ismail ; Azimatun Noor Aizuddin ; Adrian Goh
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2017;72(5):271-277
Introduction: An economic analysis was performed to
estimate the annual cost of diabetes mellitus to Malaysia.
Methods: We combined published data and clinical
pathways to estimate cost of follow-up and complications,
then calculated the overall national cost. Costs consisted of
diabetes follow-up and complications costs.
Results: Patient follow-up was estimated at RM459 per year.
Complications cost were RM42,362 per patient per year for
nephropathy, RM4,817 for myocardial infarction, RM5,345 for
stroke, RM3,880 for heart failure, RM5,519 for foot
amputation, RM479 for retinopathy and RM4,812 for cataract
extraction.
Conclusion: Overall, we estimated the total cost of diabetes
as RM2.04 billion per year for year 2011 (both public and
private sector). Of this, RM1.40 billion per year was incurred
by the government. Despite some limitations, we believe our
study provides insight to the actual cost of diabetes to the
country. The high cost to the nation highlights the
importance of primary and secondary prevention.
Diabetes Mellitus
;
Health Care Costs
;
Health Expenditures
8.Willingness to Pay for Outpatient Services User Fees: Malaysian Community Perspective
Azimatun Noor AIZUDDIN ; Syed Mohamed Al Junid
Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences 2018;16(1):145-153
Health care services are not often accessible and available for all people in one country due to multiple reasons such asthe geographical barrier, affordability, etc. The aim of this study was to analyse willingness to pay (WTP) for healthcareservices user fees among Malaysian population and determine its’ influencing factors. Structured interviews wereconducted involving 774 households in 4 states represents Peninsular Malaysia. Validated questionnaires with openended, followed by bidding games were applied to elicit maximum amount of WTP. The study was analysed descriptivelyand with multivariate regression method to adjust for potential confounding factors. More than half of respondents WTPmore than current fee for the government clinic outpatient registration fee with mean MYR3.76 (SD2.71). Majority ofrespondents not WTP more than usual for private clinic simple outpatient treatment charges with the mean MYR38.76(SD5.45). Factors that were found to have significant associations with WTP for both government and private clinic wereincome and having health insurance. Community willing to pay for healthcare services user fees and charges but atcertain amount. The healthcare services user fees and charges can be increased up to community WTP level to avoidfrom catastrophic expenditure.
9.Psychometric Evaluation of the Malay Version of the Impact of Weight on Quality Of Life-Lite (IWQOL-LITE) Questionnaire
Mohd Rizal Abdul Manaf ; Ahmad Fareed A Rahman ; Aniza ISMAIL ; Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh ; Azimatun Noor AIZUDDIN
International Journal of Public Health Research 2018;8(1):950-955
Background: The availability of obesity specific quality of life measurement tool is limited. The Malay version of Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite is an obesity specific quality of life questionnaire which has been translated for use in Malaysia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of this tool to measure quality of life among different body mass index (BMI) groups.Methods: One hundred and twenty subjects with different BMI categories attending an outpatient government clinic participated in this study. The translated Malay version of IWQOL-Lite was used for assessment. The validity of this questionnaire was examined using content validity, criterion validity and construct validity. Reliability analyses used in this study were internal consistencies and test-retest reliability. Results: The Malay version of IWQOL-Lite showed good psychometric properties whereby the content validity was sufficient as measured by expert panels. The mean score of all IWQOL-Lite domains were able to discriminate between different BMI groups. Good internal consistency was demonstrated by Cronbach alpha of 0.936. Test-retest reliability ranged from 0.828 to 0.932. The physical function score (IWQOL-Lite) correlated positively with Physical Component Summary of Short Form-36 questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis found that the questions loaded on five domains. Conclusion: The results suggest that the Malay version of IWQOL-Lite is a valid and reliable tool to measure quality of life among obese and overweight subjects in Malaysia.
10.Economic Impact of a Vaccine Preventable Disease: A Scoping Review on Tuberculosis
Aidalina Mahmud ; Azimatun Noor Aizuddin
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2020;16(No.2):254-261
Using pulmonary tuberculosis (pTB) as an example of a vaccine-preventable disease (VPD), we aimed to gather evidence on the economic impact of treating a case or managing an outbreak of a VPD. A scoping review was conducted. Online databases (MEDLINE and Google Scholar) were used to collate published studies from the year 2015 to 2019 on the management cost of one case or an outbreak of pTB. Keywords used were cost, treatment, outbreak, pulmonary tuberculosis, tuberculosis, economic, economic evaluation. A total of 29 studies were analysed. The costs of pTB treatment for individual patient were higher in high-income countries compared to middle-income and low-income countries. A case of pTB can result in household catastrophic health expenditure; while an outbreak can overwhelm the health system’s capacity, and disrupts the economy of a country. Therefore, accessibility of vaccines especially in low-income countries must be ensured. Also, vaccine-hesitant individuals must reconsider their stance on vaccination.