1.Prevalence of Job stress and its Associated Factors among Universiti Putra Malaysia Staff
Okonkwo Mukosolu ; Faisal Ibrahim ; Lekhraj Rampal ; Normala Ibrahim
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2015;11(1):27-38
Introduction: Stress in the work place is a global major risk factor to worker’s health, which triggers
the workers to be poorly motivated and less productive. Objectives: The objective of the study was to
determine the prevalence of job stress and its associated factors among Universiti Putra Malaysia staff.
Methods: This is a cross sectional study involving 511 academic and non-academic staff of Universiti
Putra Malaysia in Serdang. Probability proportionate to size was used for calculating the required sample
size. Results: The overall prevalence of stress was 21.7% (21.0% among male and 23.0% among
female). The variables found to be significantly associated with stress were: Job demand, coworker
support, depression, anxiety, focus and venting of emotion and self-blame (p<0.05). The findings
revealed that UPM staffs are exposed to a range of specific stressors such as work stressor: job demand,
lack of social support such as co-worker support and supervisor support, psychological stressors such as
depression and anxiety, coping such as focus and venting of emotion and self-blame. Work stressor such
as job demand was the main predictor of stress (p value = 0.001). Conclusion: The overall prevalence
of job stress was 21.7%. The predictors job stress were job demand, lack of support from co-worker and
supervisor, depression, anxiety and use of avoidance focused coping.
Quality of Life
;
Stress, Physiological
2.Prevalence of Tobacco Use and its Socio-demographic Determinants among Saudi Female School Adolescents in Jeddah
Amani Awwadh Al-Otaibi ; Faisal Bin Ibrahim ; Lekhraj Rampal ; Siti Aishah Hassan ; Normala Ibrahim
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2015;11(1):39-48
Tobacco use among females is a rising public health issue. Further insight into the smoking epidemic can
be gained from studying a specific subgroup of interest within the population. Determining predictors of
each tobacco smoking type is necessary for planning tobacco specific intervention programmes. The aim
of this study was to determine the prevalence of ever tobacco use and its associated socio-demographic
factors among Saudi female adolescents aged 12 to 19 in Jeddah. A cross-sectional analytical study was
conducted among female students from intermediate and high secondary schools in Jeddah during the
academic year 2012-2013. Sampling with probability proportionate to size was used to select a sample of
5,150 students from 40 schools. The data were collected using validated self-administrated questionnaire
that required information on tobacco use behaviours and selected socio-demographic characteristics. A
total of 5,073 students participated in this study of whom 51.6% were from intermediate grades, and
83.1% from public schools. The prevalence of ever tobacco use was 44.2% (36.2% water pipe and 30.9%
cigarettes). The significant predictors of ever tobacco use were student’s age, mother’s education, family
structure, residence location and monthly student’s allowance. In conclusion, ever tobacco used is highly
prevalent among female adolescents in Jeddah. Designing intervention programmes aimed at preventing
Saudi female adolescents from smoking should include all forms of tobacco use.
Tobacco Use
;
Smoking
3.Baseline adherence, socio-demographic, clinical, immunological, virological and anthropometric characteristics of 242 HIV positive patients on ART in Malaysia
Abdulrahman Surajudeen Abiola ; Lekhraj Rampal ; Norlijah Othman ; Faisal Ibrahim ; Hayati Kadir@Shahar ; Anuradha P. Radhakrishnan
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2015;11(2):45-58
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) prevents disease progression, and the emergence of resistant
mutations. It also reduces morbidity, and the necessity for more frequent, complicated regimens which
are also relatively more expensive. Minimum adherence levels of 95% are required for treatment success.
Poor adherence to treatment remains a stumbling block to the success of treatment programs. This
generates major concerns about possible resistance of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to the
currently available ARVs. This paper aims to describe baseline results from a cohort of 242 Malaysian
patients receiving ART within the context of an intervention aimed to improve adherence and treatment
outcomes among patients initiating ART.
A single-blinded Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial was conducted between January and December,
2014 in Hospital Sungai Buloh. Data on socio-demographic factors, clinical symptoms and adherence
behavior of respondents was collected using modified, pre-validated
Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group (AACTG) adherence questionnaires. Baseline CD4 count, viral load,
weight, full blood count, blood pressure, Liver function and renal profile tests were also conducted and
recorded. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 and R software.
Patients consisted of 215 (89%) males and 27 (11%) females. 117 (48%) were Malays, 98 (40%) were
Chinese, 22 (9%) were Indians while 5 (2%) were of other ethnic minorities. The mean age for the
intervention group was 32.1 ± 8.7 years while the mean age for the control group was 34.7 ± 9.5 years.
Mean baseline adherence was 80.1 ± 19.6 and 85.1 ± 15.8 for the intervention and control groups
respectively. Overall mean baseline CD4 count of patients was 222.97 ± 143.7 cells/mm³ while overall
mean viral load was 255237.85 ± 470618.9. Patients had a mean weight of 61.55 ± 11.0 kg and 61.47 ±
12.3 kg in the intervention and control groups, respectively.
Males account for about 90% of those initiating ART in the HIV clinic, at a relatively low CD4 count,
high viral load and sub-optimal medication adherence levels at baseline.
Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
4.Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Among Blood Donors in Eastern Saudi Arabia: Results From a Five-Year Retrospective Study of HBV Seromarkers.
Faisal Mousa ALZAHRANI ; MUZAHEED ; Saeed Sattar SHAIKH ; Amer Ibrahim ALOMAR ; Sadananda ACHARYA ; Nasreldin ELHADI
Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2019;39(1):81-85
BACKGROUND: Transfusion-transmissible hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major problem worldwide. Recently, confirmatory nucleic acid tests (NATs) for HBV DNA have been employed in several countries. We assessed the prevalence and yearly trends of HBV infection in blood donors in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, screening for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody against HBV core antigen (anti-HBc), and HBV DNA. METHODS: Between 2011 and 2015, a total of 22,842 donors were screenedfor HBsAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA using the HBsAg Qualitative II kit (Abbott, Ireland Diagnostics Division, Sligo, Ireland), ARCHITECT Anti-hepatitis B core antigen antibody (HBc) II Assay kit (Abbott GmbH & Co. KG, Wiesbaden, Germany), and NAT Procleix Ultrio Elite Assay kit (Grifols Diagnostic Solutions Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA), respectively. RESULTS: A total of 739 (3.24%) donors were HbsAg(+), anti-HBc(+), or HBV DNA(+); 63 (0.28%) were HbsAg(+), anti-HBc(+), and HBV DNA(+). Twelve (0.05%) were anti-HBc(+) and HBV DNA(+) but HBsAg(−); they were considered to have occult infection. Further, 664 (2.91%) were HBsAg(−) but anti-HBc(+), indicating chronic or resolving infection. HBV prevalence increased significantly from 2011 to 2012, increased marginally till 2013, and showed a decreasing trend from 2013 (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The five-year prevalence of HBV infection among blood donors in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia (3.24%) is lower than that reported for other regions in the country. The occult HBV infection rate of 0.05% emphasizes the importance of NATs in isolating potential infectious blood units.
Antigens, Surface
;
Blood Donors*
;
DNA
;
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
;
Hepatitis B virus*
;
Hepatitis B*
;
Hepatitis*
;
Humans
;
Ireland
;
Mass Screening
;
Prevalence*
;
Retrospective Studies*
;
Saudi Arabia*
;
Tissue Donors
5.Adherence towards Different Vaccines of Childhood Immunization of Under Five Year Old Children
Zamzaireen Zainal ABIDIN ; Muhamad Hanafiah JUNI ; Faisal IBRAHIM
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2017;13(3):61-69
Introduction: Adherence towards childhood immunization (completeness and timeliness), with consideration of age-dependent-seroconversion, is the basis for children protection. Despite high global and national immunization coverage, vaccine preventable diseases’ are rising. This study aimed to determine adherence (completeness and timeliness) towards different vaccines of childhood immunization and associated factors among mothers of under five children. Methods: Cross-sectional study design was conducted at a health clinic in Seremban. Total of 320 mothers of under five children attending child health clinic selected via systematic random sampling. Data collection was via validated self-administered questionnaires and proforma, analysed using SPSS version 22. Associations between categorical variables determined by chi-square tests. Results: Consented respondents were 314; resulting in response rate of 98.1%. Adherence (completeness) was 98.09% but only 56.5% - 97.1% of respondents adhered in terms of timeliness. Types of transportation was significantly associated with adherence (completeness), p=0.041. Employment status was significantly associated with adherence (timeliness) towards BCG (p=0.008), Hepatitis B dose one (p=0.018) and dose two (p=0.040) vaccines. Education level was significantly associated with adherence (timeliness) towards DTaP/IPV/HiB dose four (p=0.019). Maternal age and usage of government clinic were significantly associated with adherence (timeliness) of MMR dose one, p=0.030 and p=0.017 respectively. Conclusion: Adherence (completeness) was high but varying adherence towards vaccine timeliness. Transportation types associated with completeness. Employment status associated with BCG, first and second doses of Hepatitis B vaccines’ timeliness. Education level associated with fourth dose of DTaP/IPV/HiB. Maternal age and usage of government clinic associated with timeliness of first dose MMR.
6.Effectiveness of Malaria Intervention Programmes among Patent Medicine Vendors: A Systematic Review
Yahaya Mohammed KATAGUM ; Hayati Kadir @Shahar ; Faisal Bin IBRAHIM
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2017;13(3):81-91
Poor diagnosis, treatment and prevention practices had characterised Patent Medicine Vendor (PMV) activities in malaria control despite expectations on their contributions to check the menace. Interventions reversing this situation reduces disease burden and legitimise PMV inclusion in basic healthcare delivery. This study seeks to identify and review studies addressing this priority problem. Steps outlined in PRISMA guidelines were adopted to search and conduct reviews via electronic databases. Randomized trials with intervention effects on PMVs were considered and thirteen articles were ultimately reviewed and narratively evaluated. Analysis of search outputs identified intervention types, methods used, sample sizes, intervention periods, knowledge, attitude and practice variables, other outcomes and listing of priority systematic review topics, using pre-determined criteria. All reviewed studies were found to be effective despite adopting different intervention approaches. Furthermore, identifying and prioritizing reviews greatly improves future malaria interventions and results thereof, thereby maximising opportunities to deliver appropriate and evidence-based healthcare.
7.Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Dengue Fever And Heath Education Programme Among Students Of Alam Shah Science School, Cheras, Malaysia
Balsam Mahdi Nasir Al-Zurfi ; Maher D. Fuad Fuad ; Mohammed A. Abdelqader ; Mohammed Faez Baobaid ; Maged Elnajeh ; Hasanain Faisal Ghazi ; Mohd Hairulnizam Ibrahim ; Mohammad Rusli Abdullah
Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine 2015;15(2):69-74
Dengue Fever is a major public health issue in Malaysia. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice regarding dengue fever and effectiveness of health education programme among 204 students of Alam Shah Science School, Cheras/Kuala Lumpur. Study design was a cross sectional study followed by an interventional (pre-post) Study. The self-administered questionnaire included questions on sociodemographic factors, knowledge, attitude and practice regarding dengue fever. Majority of respondents were Malays (96.6%), monthly family income more than RM 3000 (64.6%) and lives in urban area (64.6%). There was no significant association between knowledge status and socio-demographic factors (p-value>0.05). Most of the respondents had good knowledge (63.2%) good attitudes (79.9%) regarding dengue fever. However, practices to prevent dengue was poor (74.0%). Only about one-fifth of the respondents (18.2%) believed that dengue fever is a flu-like illness. Knowledge score was significantly increased after health education programme (p value <0.001). There is a need to increase health education activities through campaigns and mass media to increase knowledge regarding dengue fever. This would help to inculcate positive attitudes and cultivate better preventive practices among the public to eliminate dengue fever in the country.
8.Awareness of Cervical Cancer Among Women Attending King Faisal University Polyclinic, Saudi Arabia
Fehmida Tehsin ; Mervat Mahmoud Al Safti ; Sayed Ibrahim Ali
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2021;17(No.4):55-62
Introduction: Cervical cancer is responsible for women’s morbidity and mortality throughout the world. In developing
countries women usually present in advanced stage, awareness of cervical cancer can enhance women
inclination towards regular cervical screening which can detect early pre-invasive lesions. The aim of the study was
to assess the awareness of cervical cancer among King Faisal University community visiting gynecology clinic, Al
Ahsa Saudi Arabia. Methods: A questionnaire oriented cross-sectional study was conducted and 385 females were
enrolled by systematic random sampling. The questionnaire contained 14 questions about cervical cancer and six
barrier statements for cervical screening. SPSS software version 26.0 was used for data entry and analysis. Results:
Total 385 females participated in the study. Majority 73.2% (n=282) had heard about cervical cancer and found significant
association with age 36-45yr (p=0.001), married with two children (p=0.003), employed (p=0.001), Master
level education (p=0.001) and with Saudi nationality (p=0.028). Logistic regression revealed age increases likely
hood of adequate knowledge almost by one fold (odds ratio 0.954, 95% CI: 0.925-0.984) and having Saudi nationality
increases it by two folds (odds ratio 2.056, 95%CI: 1.228-3.440). Almost 80% were aware of screening test, 18.4%
had undergone one time an opportunistic screening test. Significant proportion of Saudi nationals had heard of HPV
vaccines (p= 0.04). Conclusion: Participants had adequate knowledge of cervical cancer but had low screening test
practice. There is need to implement regular cervical screening practice at national level.
9.Can the bone marrow harvest volume be reduced safely in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with pediatric sibling donors?
Awatif ALANAZI ; Amer NADEEM ; Khawar SIDDIQUI ; Ali ALAHMARI ; Ibrahim GHEMLAS ; Abdullah ALJEFRI ; Hawazen ALSAEDI ; Saadiya KHAN ; Mouhab AYAS
Blood Research 2023;58(1):28-35
Background:
Reduced harvest volumes in pediatric donors appear to have the potential to reduce donor-associated risks while maintaining engraftment in recipients; however, the allowable harvest volume reduction remains undefined.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed the data pairs of 553 bone marrow (BM) harvests from pediatric (age at harvest <18 yr) sibling donors and clinical outcomes of 553 pediatric (age at infusion <14 yr) transplant-naïve recipients to assess the optimal BM harvest volume needed from pediatric donors to obtain the desired CD34+ cell count (≥3.0×10 6 cells per kg of recipient weight), and to study its impact on the clinical outcomes of transplantation in pediatric recipients.
Results:
The minimum desired CD34+ cell count of ≥3.0×10 6 per kg of recipient weight was achieved for 506 (95.3%) of donor-recipient pairs. The median CD34+ cell yield was 6.4×10 6 per kg of recipient weight (range, 1.2‒33.8×10 6 ) in donors younger than 5 years old at harvest, 4.7×10 6 (range, 0.3‒28.5×10 6 ) in donors aged 5‒10 years and 2.1×10 6 range, 0.3‒11.3×10 6 ) in donors older than 10 years (P <0.001).
Conclusion
The infused CD34+ cell dose (×10 6 cells/kg of recipient weight) had no impact on GRFS; however, a CD34+ cell dose of >7×10 6 cells/kg of recipient weight did not improve hematopoietic recovery
10.Dietary Intake, Levels Of Trace Elements And Intelligence Quotient (Iq) Among Huffaz Students From Selected Tahfiz Schools In Selangor
Farah Wahida IBRAHIM ; Santibuana Abd RAHMAN ; Nor Malia Abd Warif ; Ahmad Rohi GHAZALI ; Faisal ARIFFIN ; Ismarulyusda ISHAK ; Nur Farahin Abdul Rahman ; Dzalani HARUN ; Hanis Mastura YAHYA ; Sabri MOHAMAD
Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences 2018;16(Special Issue (Article)):129-136
Tahfiz education has been well accepted by Muslims in Malaysia. Memorizing the Quran through rote learning can assistin improving the brain ability to process, store information and build memory. In addition, dietary intakes were reportedto contribute in the process of memorizing the Quran and to increase the levels of intelligence (IQ) among huffaz students.This cross-sectional study was conducted to measure and to determine the correlation between IQ and dietary intakeas well as between IQ and the level of trace elements among students in selected tahfiz schools and non-tahfiz school inSelangor. Questionnaires were used to obtain demographic data. Dietary intake was assessed via 3 days dietary record.Levels of trace elements in the nail samples were analyzed by using ICP-MS. Test for intelligence using WASI-II wasconducted to measure the students’ IQ. The results showed that there was a moderate positive correlation between IQ andcarbohydrate (r = 0.425, p < 0.001, a weak positive correlation between IQ and energy (r = 0.260, p < 0.05), vitaminB6 (r = 0.189, p < 0.05), vitamin B12 (r = 0.207, p < 0.05) and vitamin C (r = 0.211, p < 0.05). The levels of traceelements in nail samples showed no correlation with IQ, whereas there were moderate positive correlations between IQand dietary zinc (r = 0.375, p < 0.001) as well as between IQ and dietary iron (r = 0.303, p < 0.001). There was also amoderate positive correlation between IQ and the level of memorization (r = 0.375, p < 0.001). The results of stepwisemultiple linear regression showed that al-Quran memorization influence the level of IQ by 20 %. As a conclusion, dietaryintake of certain nutrients including energy, vitamins and selected trace elements can potentially improve memorizationactivities and also IQ.