1.Factors Related to Exclusive Breastfeeding among Mothers in the City of Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
Nurdin Rahman ; Nikmah Utami Dewi ; Siti Ika Fitrasyah ; Bohari ; Via Oktaviani ; Mohammad Rifai
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2017;23(2):175-189
Introduction: The rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia is still low. In Palu City, Central Sulawesi, exclusive breastfeeding practice in 2014 was only 59.7% which was far below the national target of 80%. This study aimed to assess modifiable potential factors that can promote exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in Palu City.
Methods: A total of 80 mothers with a child over the age of 6-24 months attending the Bulili Health Center were recruited into the study using convenience sampling. For purposes of the study potential factors identified for assessment using a standardised questionnaire were knowledge, attitude, practice, socio-culture, formula milk exposure to commercials, and support from health professionals and family. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were applied.
Results: Young mothers aged 20-35 years made up more than half the sample (57.5%). In terms of education, 42.5% had graduated from junior high school. Almost two-thirds (63.75%) of the mothers were housewives. Only 26.2% of the subjects practised exclusive breastfeeding. The factors related to exclusive breastfeeding (p<0.05) were attitude, practice, socio-culture factors such as religion, culture and, influence of community and formula milk and exposure to commercials. Multivariate analysis indicated that only practice (p=0.000), socio-culture (p=0.002) and exposure to formula milk commercials (p=0.000) were significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding.
Conclusion: The main modifiable factors that lead to exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in Palu are socio-culture followed by practice and formula milk commercials. Besides promotion of cultural aspects, a definite policy on infant formula commercials is needed to support exclusive breastfeeding.
2. Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. fruit extracts on α-glucosidase enzyme, glucose diffusion and wound healing activities
Raheem Mohssin SHADHAN ; Siti Pauliena Mohd BOHARI
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2017;7(5):466-472
Objective To provide in vitro evidence for antidiabetic activity through potential inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme, glucose diffusion and enhancement in the wound healing using methanolic extract and fractions from Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. fruit. Methods The inhibitory action of methanolic extract and fractions of such fruit on α-glucosidase enzyme and glucose movement through in vitro assay assessment was reported. Their activities on wound healing were tested using the scratch assay. Results Ethyl acetate fraction at 50 mg/mL concentration exhibited significant α-glucosidase inhibition (95.79 mg/mL) with P < 0.05. At the same concentration, the methanolic extract as well as other fractions revealed lower α-glucosidase inhibition and higher glucose diffusion retardation across the dialysis tube than the control. Ethyl acetate and butanol fractions displayed notably higher glucose diffusion inhibitory activity of 5.21 mmol/L and 5.2 mmol/L, respectively as compared to methanolic extract and n-hexane fraction of 6.58 mmol/L and 6.49 mmol/L, respectively. Conversely, compared to other fractions the methanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction manifested proliferative effect at the incubation time of 6 h during the wound healing study. Conclusions It is established that methanolic extract and fractions from H. sabdariffa Linn. fruit can inhibit the α-glucosidase enzyme and glucose movement as well as influence the wound healing activity positively.
3.Positive Predictive Value of Sonographic BI-RADS Final Assessment Categories for Breast Lesions
Nursyahirah @Sheila Salinah Md Bohari ; Norzailin Abu Bakar ; Sharifah Majedah Idrus Alhabshi ; Nur Yazmin Yaacob
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2021;17(No.2):91-97
Introduction: We want to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV)
of BI-RADS ultrasound, as well as PPV and NPV of BI-RADS ultrasound lexicon. Methods: A total of 517 ultrasound-guided breast biopsy cases were performed within three years. A total of 324 cases remained after 193 cases
were excluded from this study. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV of overall BI-RADS and PPV for
each BI-RADS categories were calculated from the data when compared with histopathological examination (HPE)
finding. One observer evaluated four criteria of BI-RADS ultrasound lexicon; margin, echogenicity, posterior artefact
and internal echo from static sonographic images to determine the PPV and NPV of sonographic BI-RADS lexicon
based on HPE correlation. Results: There were 236 (72.8%) benign and 88 (27.1%) malignant lesions. The overall
BI-RADS has a sensitivity of 93.18%, specificity of 66.95%, accuracy of 74.07% with PPV and NPV of 51.25% and
96.34% respectively. The PPV of each BI-RADS categories were; BI-RADS 2 (9.09%), BI-RADS 3 (3.27%), BI-RADS 4
(39.02%) and BI-RADS 5 (91.89%). The highest predictive value for malignancy was irregular margin (52.3%) and for
benign was well-defined margin (89.7%). Criteria for margin and posterior artefact had a significant association with
HPE (p<0.0001) in differentiating between malignant and benign breast lesions in breast ultrasound. Conclusion:
Overlapping benign and malignant sonographic breast lesion descriptors tend to influence radiologist’s decision to
overcall final BI-RADS categories. The margin and posterior artefact are the important criteria in BI-RADS lexicon in
differentiating benign and malignant breast lesion.
4.Oral Health-related Quality of Life Impact in Children and Children With Special Needs Undergoing Dental Treatment Under General Anaesthesia – An Institutional Study
Ilham Wan Mokhtar ; Izyan Hazwani Baharuddin ; Faradiana Fizawan Anwar ; Muhammad Az-Zharfan Zakaria ; Nor Faezah Bohari
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2021;17(No.3):118-125
Introduction: Numerous studies have examined both the effect of caries and dental care under general anaesthesia
affecting children and children with special needs, but there is still scant information on the relationship between
both classes. Thus this project is aimed i) to compare oral health-related quality of life in children and children
with special needs undergoing dental care under general anaesthesia (GA) and ii) To compare the impact on oral
health-related quality of life in children and children with special needs. Methods: Forty-six children (25 normal children, 21 children with special needs) are recruited. Participating parents completed a brief version of the Perceptions
Questionnaire (P-CPQ) and Family Impact Scale (FIS) before the treatment and subsequent follow-up appointments
(4 weeks to 8 weeks). Oral symptoms, social health, psychology, functional limitation, and family effect ratings, the
mean, standard deviations, and statistical differences between groups were analysed. Results: 52.2% of both parent
groups rated the oral health status of their children as low before GA, and it improved considerably, with 69.6% of
parents rating post-operatively as healthy. The most recorded impacts at baseline were pain, discomfort, often annoyed and angry among children and parents feeling guilty and upset due to the condition of the child. Conclusion:
Oral rehabilitation under GA leads to the immediate improvement of oral health, mental, and social quality among
the children in both groups. However, for parents of children with special needs, despite the effort to eradicate dental-related issues, the overall quality of life shows no significant improvements.
5.Education Perception, Experience, and Anxiety Level Among Undergraduate Dental Students in Malaysia During the Covid 19 Pandemic
Nur Hafizah Kamar Affendi ; Nor Faezah Md Bohari ; Ameer Razek Bin Salihan ; Nur Aishah Binti Rosman
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.4):68-75
Introduction: This study aims to explore the dental students’ educational experience, the protocol consideration after
school reopening and their physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondly, to evaluate the anxiety level
of dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional survey was distributed with a hyperlink, reported as frequencies and percentages. A univariate analysis was used to explore the significant associations
between demographic variables and anxiety levels. The risk factor was also identified using regression analysis. A
two-tailed p<0.25 was considered significant. Results: A total of 333 respondents participated in the survey. Half of
the respondents (42.3%) were comfortable with distance learning but worried about passing their examination and
completing their clinical requirements. The transitioning to the online course by the lecturer was documented as
effective. Despite missing academic sessions, only 15.3% were willing to replace the loss of educational experience.
The majority of students (85.9%) believed that masks should be worn in school, but varied perceptions on wearing
gloves and frequent COVID-19 testing. For physical health, mostly concerned about contracting the virus after the
school reopens. For their anxiety level, nearly half have mild (n=99), moderate (n=55), and severe (n=36) levels.
The factors were mainly associated with gender, household income, type of university, and respondent’s accommodation. Conclusion: As positive feedback was recorded towards online learning, constant improvement is needed to
ensure the possibility of hybrid learning, even after the pandemic. The physical and psychological health of dental
students should be a priority, to ensure a smooth transition during these unprecedented circumstances.
6.Oral Health Beliefs, Perceptions and Utilisation of Oral Health Care Services among the Indigenous People (Orang Asli) in Pahang, Malaysia: A Qualitative Study
Izzati Mohd Khairunjauhari ; Nor Faezah Md Bohari ; Nawwal Alwani Mohd Radzi ; Ilham Wan Mokhtar
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.6):18-27
Introduction: Orang Asli refers to the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, representing 0.6% of the Malaysian population. Vast inequality was observed regarding oral health beliefs, behaviour, and utilisation of oral health
services between the Orang Asli and non-Orang Asli. The aim of the study was to explore the oral health beliefs,
perceptions, and oral health service utilization behaviour among Orang Asli in the district of Bera, Pahang, Malaysia.
Methods: Orang Asli’s oral health beliefs and perceptions of oral healthcare service were ascertained through four
FGDs. Nineteen participants from Bera’s semi-urban and rural Orang Asli communities were convened. Emerging
themes from the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Orang Asli believed that oral health
is essential for an individual’s function and aesthetics. They are also aware that inadequate oral hygiene care will
result in tooth decay and gum disease. Most of the Orang Asli that chewed betel nuts believed that limestone paste
could cause oral cancer. The main barriers to Orang Asli accessing oral healthcare services were time constraints and
distance to the nearby clinic. Conclusion: The Orang Asli believed oral health care is essential in ensuring a healthy
oral condition. Despite their generational belief towards traditional healers and medication, Orang Asli in Bera had
a perceived positive acceptance towards oral healthcare services.