This study aimed to identify the foot sensory status of Malay women with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to determine its relation with: demographic factors, glycated haemoglobin level in plasma, and body mass index. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 71 Malay women with type 2 diabetes mellitus who attend three health clinics in Hulu Langat District, Selangor. Foot sensation was assessed using the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament 5.07 in nine locations on the plantar and dorsal of the feet. Loss of protective sensation was defined as inability to sense the monofilament in one or more sites of either foot. This study found that 56.3% of women had loss of protective sensation, with common sites being the heel, fifth metatarsal head, lateral mid-foot and little toe. Duration of diabetes mellitus were significantly related to foot sensation. The age, HbA1C level and body mass index did not show any significant correlation. Loss of protective sensation may lead to serious foot complication and therefore early screening involving multidisciplinary team is essential for prevention

Performance of upper extremity function and movement sequence is influenced by postural control. Motor disorders lead to deficits in postural control, which subsequently may lead to postural instability of children with cerebral palsy (CWCP). This will limit their upper extremity activity performance. Management strategies help to support and enhance the CWCP’s upper extremity function so that they may engage with the activities of daily living. The purpose of this paper is to review previous literature on the influence of postural control towards upper extremity function. Literature searches were conducted in various electronic databases, including ProQuest, Science Direct, Springer Link, Sage, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar using specific key terms. Search terms included children with cerebral palsy; postural control; postural adjustments; upper extremity function; reaching and sitting and from references of retrieved articles. Nineteen journal articles published between 2000 and May 2015 were found. Most search results consisted of experimental studies, while others are reviews, case studies, and cross-sectional studies. Findings show that, postural control has a major influence on upper extremity function. In conclusion, it is necessary to highlight the importance of both factors to the CWCP parents or caregivers, as understanding and awareness on this matter is still inadequate in the community. Hence, a study is needed on the awareness of the postural control influence on upper extremity function among caregivers, as well as examining the implementation of management strategies in community settings.
Cerebral Palsy

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 Malays in Kuala Pilah, Tampin, Bahau, Gemencheh and Seremban towards food allergy in Negeri Sembilan. Questionnaire were used to determine demographic data, allergy symptom, practice and knowledge of respondents towards food allergy. Majority of the respondents that have food allergy were children 44% and shrimp was the most common allergen among children (25%). Family history is found to be associated with the age group and place of residents (p < 0.05). Common symptom that manisfested by respondents includes rashes (35%). Furthermore, the study showed that the respondents were concerned about their food allergy and 96% of the respondents reduced the intake of food that caused allergy. The level of knowledge related to food allergy was found to be associated with age group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the study found that shrimp is the most common food allergy for all age group. Response towards food allergy is that they reduce the intake of food that cause allergy and the knowledge towards food allergy is associated with age group. Therefore, early screening should be conducted to identify types of alergy so that appropriate treatment can be given to the patients. Health education on allergy is also important to improve knowledge and patients’ compliance towards treatment.

Objective: Female sexual dysfunction is a known complication of diabetes mellitus. The aims of this study is to estimate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and the types of sexual dysfunction experienced by Malay women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted on married Malay women with type 2 diabetes mellitus, receiving treatment from two community clinics in Selangor, Malaysia. Female sexual function was assessed using Malay version of Female Sexual Function Index. Results: This study found that sexual dysfunction was present among 18.2% women. Lack of libido was the commonest symptom among these women and was observed in 40.9% of women followed by sexual dissatisfaction (36.4%). Sexual arousal disorder was observed in 22.7%, 18.2% complained of lack of lubrication, and 22.7% had vaginal discomfort. Orgasmic dysfunction was found in only 4.5% of these women. Conclusion: This preliminary research showed sexual desire disorder was the commonest type of sexual disorder among diabetic women.

The economic burden of children with cerebral palsy exceeds far beyond the needs of typical children leading to physical and mental stress to their parents. The study aims to examine the economic burden of parents of children with cerebral palsy in Malaysia. Calculation is made using a cost of illness approach due to cerebral palsy disorders that includes direct healthcare costs, direct non-healthcare costs, developmental costs and indirect costs. Using convenient sampling method, a total of 74 parents completed questionnaires through online or hard copies. Direct healthcare costs represent the highest cost of RM14, 715.49, followed by the developmental costs of RM10, 146.07, RM2, 674.00 for direct non-healthcare costs and RM2,175.20 for indirect costs. So the total cost of financing for the needs of a child with cerebral palsy is RM29, 710.76 per year. This is a huge and burdensome amount for their parents. The findings of this study may assist policy makers in their planning of effective service provision to suit the needs of parents of children with cerebral palsy in Malaysia.
economic burden ; cerebral palsy ; parents ; children with cerebral palsy