1.The applications of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) by World Health Organization (WHO) in rehabilitation medicine practice
Journal of University of Malaya Medical Centre 2007;10(2):16-21
Context: Rehabilitation Medicine is dedicated to optimise patients function and health in the most
comprehensive manner. ICF, the latest International Classification by World Health Organization (WHO)
is a conceptual framework for the assessment of functioning, disability and health. The purpose of this
paper is to describe the applications of ICF in Rehabilitation Medicine practice in the Medical
Rehabilitation Unit, University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur. Issues: ICF
consists of body function, structure, activity, participation and environmental factor. ICF categories
are exhaustive, but are not practical to be used entirely and not applicable in clinical practice on their
own. How is ICF used from the clinical perspective? It has to be adapted to make it usable. In
Rehabilitation Medicine settings, the following are ways ICF is applied in clinical practice: research
in terms of validating the use of available ICF Core Sets and development of new ICF Core Set;
clinical practice based on the ICF-based sheet; and educational tools. Conclusion: The practice of
Rehabilitation Medicine is in line and compatible with the concept of ICF and can serve as a new
important language that can improve the practice of Rehabilitation Medicine. It can be a universal
language in functioning, disability and health and can improve understanding in addressing issues on
disability within the medical community, improve multi professionals’ communication among patients,
healthcare providers and stakeholders.
2.THE PUBERTY PROFILE OF FEMALE ADOLESCENTS IN CHERAS, MALAYSIA
Zainuddin AA ; Siti Nazirah MS ; Lee MW ; Kamaruzaman SAR ; Goh KS ; Saiful Islam AH ; Hasan MT ; NurAzurah AG ; Fong AH ; Aiman H ; Anizah A
Journal of University of Malaya Medical Centre 2018;21(2):64-69
Objectives: The objectives of our study were to determine the mean age of onset of thelarche and menarche, to determine the ages of each stage of puberty and to investigate if there are any ethnic differences in these ages amongst female adolescents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving three secondary schools in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. A total of 730 students were recruited via stratified random sampling. Self-administered survey forms on menstruation and puberty were used. Results: Out of 730 recruited respondents, 385 (52.74%) completed the survey and informed consents were obtained from their parents/legal guardians. Our respondents’ ages ranged between 13 to 17 years old with the median (IQR) age of 14.00(2.00) years. With regards to ethnicity, 329 (85.50%) were Malay, 46 (11.90%) were Chinese, 9 (2.30%) were Indian and 1(0.30%) was a Bajau. The mean age for breast development (thelarche) and menarche were 11.72 ±1.10 and 11.97±1.11 years respectively. The majority, 363 (94.30%), out of 385 respondents had attained menarche. There appeared to be a later onset of puberty amongst Malays comparatively. Conclusion: The mean ages of pubertal onset and menarche amongst female adolescents in the Cheras area are similar to those reported worldwide.