Malaysia

Migration is a widespread phenomenon throughout the world and it has been under way since time immemorial. While studies have focused on the causes of migration and the impact of migrants, studies focusing on the emotional experience of the left-behind older persons’ adjustments in their twilight years after the departure of their adult children, are few and far between. Thus, the perspectives of these left-behind older parents/ persons are less understood. This paper aims to contribute to the literature by addressing the gap which will be filled through the experiences of left-behind Malaysian older persons. Drawing on in-depth interviews extracted from a qualitative study that focused on the strength of long-term marriages among Malaysian Chinese couples, this paper captures four older couples’ experiences that depict their feelings about their adult children’s migration. Analysis suggests that the children’s migration was induced by a lack of support and resources, followed by unequal educational opportunities. To deal with the gap left by their children, these older urban parents depend on kinship connection and community support in times of need. Government initiatives may also be able to empower the community in innovating and implementing plans which are tailored to the needs of the older parents left behind by children who have migrated. The living arrangements and recent bereavement experiences captured from the older couples can serve as cues for healthcare professionals and social support providers to assess the risks of social isolation and suicide among these left-behind older parents.
Malaysia

Omohyoid muscle syndrome (OMS) is one of the rare causes of lateral neck swelling during swallowing and it is often a worrisome observation due to the concern of malignancy and cosmetic deformity. Anatomical variation, congenital weakness, or trauma may cause incompetence of the fascial-retaining mechanism and subsequently OMS. Its prevalence is unknown as only a few cases were reported in the past and none in Malaysia. Diagnosing OMS is very challenging. Hence, imaging techniques like real time ultrasound or dynamic computed tomography can be useful in assessing the affected muscles.
Malaysia

Objective: To ascertain if the current standard for cataract surgery waiting time of 12 weeks or less in the UMMC Day Care Operation Theatre (OT) is > 80% met; and to identify the causes and possible measures to be taken if the standard is not met. Design: Retrospective analysis of patients’ medical records. Methods: The medical records of all patients who underwent cataract surgery in the Day Care OT between 1st October to 31st December 2017 were analysed. Results: A total of 230 patients underwent the surgery and from these, 219 patients were included. Only 63% of patients had a waiting time less than 12 weeks while 81.7% waited less than 16 weeks for the surgery. The common reasons found for the long waiting time were limited OT slots for cataract operations (71.6%), blepharitis (6.2%), uncontrolled co-morbidities (5%), patient requests (4.9%), financial problems, heart and lungs problems (1.2% each). Conclusion Out of 219 patients included in this audit, 63% underwent cataract surgery at our centre within 3 months. Of those who waited more than 3 months, 72% were due to limited OT slots. Further interventions should be carried out to improve the surgery waiting time and hence increase the quality of health services in the country.
Malaysia

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a major public health challenge worldwide. The risks of MS and chronic diseases are further escalated with the increasing burden of psychological health. This was a cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between socio-demographic, lifestyle and psychological factors and MS, as well as the independent relationship between social support and MS among school teachers in Malaysia. Methodology: Multi-stage sampling was used to recruit participants from the state of Malacca, Malaysia. Data on socio-demographics, lifestyle factors and psychological health were obtained using self-administered questionnaires, including Short-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Job content questionnaire (JCQ) and the revised 8-item Malay version of the Multidimensional Scale Perceived Social Support (MSPSS-M). Anthropometric measurements and metabolic risk assessment were conducted. Univariate analysis followed by multiple logistic regressions was conducted using complex sample logistic regression analysis. Results: Of 1511 participants, the prevalence of MS was 23.3% (95% CI: 20.7, 26.1). MS was significantly associated with increasing age, male gender, Indian ethnicity, usage of saturated fats, lesser sleeping duration, job strain, iso-strain, and lower perceived social support. After adjusting for potential confounders, higher perceived social support from family, friends or both were significantly associated with the lower likelihood of MS by 4% (OR 0.96; 95% CI: 0.93, 0.98), 10% (OR 0.90; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.96) and 4% (OR 0.96; 95% CI: 0.94, 0.98), respectively. Conclusion Metabolic syndrome was associated with increasing age, male gender, Indian ethnicity, usage of saturated fats and lesser sleeping duration in our population. Psychological health such as job strain, iso strain as well as low social support may be modifiable risk factors for MS.
Malaysia

Smoking ; Malaysia

No abstract available.
Humans ; India* ; Malaysia* ; Twins*

Pattern ; Malaysia ; Lupus Nephritis

Peninsular Malaysia ; Family Planning

Maternal Mortality ; Malaysia