1.The effectiveness of psychological interventions amongtinnitus sufferers: A review
Wan Suhailah Wan Husain ; Mohd Normani Zakaria ; Nik Adilah Nik Othman ; Azizah Othman ; Aw Cheu Lih ; Zuraida Zainun
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2015;70(3):188-197
SUMMARY
Introduction: The aim of this article was to review the types
of psychological interventions for patients with tinnitus,
professionals involved in giving the intervention, the
effectiveness of each method of interventions and
comparisons with non-psychological approaches in treating
tinnitus.
Materials and Methods: PubMed database searched.
Results: Twenty one articles that employed randomized
controlled trials design were included. Cognitive
behavioural therapy (CBT) was the most common
intervention conducted by the researchers. Clinical
psychologists and trainee psychologists were the most
professionals involved in the therapy. The length of therapy
ranged from six weeks to three months.
Discussion: Psychological interventions were more
effective in reducing psychological impacts of tinnitus than
non-psychological interventions such as the use of tinnitus
maskers. Nevertheless, the combination of the treatments
yielded more superior outcomes.
Conclusion: A simplified version of psychological
intervention that can be implemented by other clinical
professionals should be developed to treat tinnitus
holistically to overcome the shortage number of clinical
psychologists.
Tinnitus
;
Clinical Trial
2.Associations Between Personality Traits And Aggression Among Malay Adult Male Inmates In Malaysia
Mohammad Rahim Kamaluddin ; Nadiah Syariani Md Shariff ; Azizah Othman ; Khaidzir Hj Ismail ; Geshina Ayu Mat Saat
ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry 2014;15(2):176-185
Objective: A sizable body of criminology literature has suggested that personality
factors are critical to the development of aggressive behaviour. While research
on personality focusing on aggression often revolves on "Eynseck Three Factor
Model" and "Big Five Model", research on "Alternative Five Factor Model"
(AFFM) is rather inadequate. Objective: The present study aimed to examine the
association between five types of personality traits and subscales of aggression.
Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in two prisons
in Peninsular Malaysia among 198 Malay adult male inmates. The participants
were selected based on the purposive sampling method from those who were
convicted for various types of crime. Two psychometric instruments adapted to
the Malaysian context were used: Malay version of Zuckerman-Kuhlman
Personality Questionnaire-40-Cross Culture (ZKPQ-M-40-CC) and Aggression
Questionnaire (AQ-M). Pearson correlation coefficient test was conducted to
determine the association between five types of personality traits and subscales
of aggression. Results: The results showed that there was a significant association
between certain types of personality traits and subscales of aggression. The
results were discussed in relation to theory and the context of crime. Conclusion:
There is evidence that personality traits are linked to aggressive behaviour which
may lead a person to commit offenses.
3.Linking Psychological Traits With Criminal Behaviour: A Review
Mohammad Rahim Kamaluddin ; Nadiah Syariani Md Shariff ; Azizah Othman ; Khaidzir Hj Ismail ; Geshina Ayu Mat Saat
ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry 2015;16(2):1-13
Objective: Apart from environmental and social factors, psychological traits is largely linked with criminal and delinquent behaviour. The purpose of this article is to review four critical psychological traits of individuals that may lead to criminal behaviour in a nutshell.
Methods: An archival research methodology was employed in this study where relevant search for literatures on these four psychological traits was made across search engines such as Google Scholar with relevant articles selected for this review. The literatures were microscopically reviewed in order to demonstrate the linkage between psychological traits and criminal behaviour.
Results: Four psychological traits: personality trait, low self-control, aggression behaviour, and cognitive distortion were chosen to address such linkages. All these four traits were discussed thoroughly in relation to crime and criminality contexts.
Conclusion: It is crucial to understand the role of these traits and in-depth understanding of each psychological trait with relation of criminal behaviour offers and opportunity to the public at large to expand their knowledge on the importance of practicing and equipping oneself with healthy psychological traits to hinder criminal and delinquent acts.
4.Psychological traits underlying different killing methods amongMalaysian male murderers
Mohammad Rahim Kamaluddin ; Nadiah Syariani Md. Shariff ; Siti Nurfarliza ; Azizah Othman ; Khaidzir Hj. Ismail ; Geshina Ayu Mat Saat
The Malaysian Journal of Pathology 2014;36(1):41-50
Murder is the most notorious crime that violates religious, social and cultural norms. Examining
the types and number of different killing methods that used are pivotal in a murder case. However,
the psychological traits underlying specific and multiple killing methods are still understudied. The
present study attempts to fill this gap in knowledge by identifying the underlying psychological
traits of different killing methods among Malaysian murderers. The study adapted an observational
cross-sectional methodology using a guided self-administered questionnaire for data collection.
The sampling frame consisted of 71 Malaysian male murderers from 11 Malaysian prisons who
were selected using purposive sampling method. The participants were also asked to provide the
types and number of different killing methods used to kill their respective victims. An independent
sample t-test was performed to establish the mean score difference of psychological traits between
the murderers who used single and multiple types of killing methods. Kruskal-Wallis tests were
carried out to ascertain the psychological trait differences between specific types of killing methods.
The results suggest that specific psychological traits underlie the type and number of different
killing methods used during murder. The majority (88.7%) of murderers used a single method of
killing. Multiple methods of killing was evident in ‘premeditated’ murder compared to ‘passion’
murder, and revenge was a common motive. Examples of multiple methods are combinations of
stabbing and strangulation or slashing and physical force. An exception was premeditated murder
committed with shooting, when it was usually a single method, attributed to the high lethality of
firearms. Shooting was also notable when the motive was financial gain or related to drug dealing.
Murderers who used multiple killing methods were more aggressive and sadistic than those who used
a single killing method. Those who used multiple methods or slashing also displayed a higher level
of minimisation traits. Despite its limitations, this study has provided some light on the underlying
psychological traits of different killing methods which is useful in the field of criminology.
Homicide
;
Psychology
5.A Preliminary Study on the Reliability of the Malay Version of PedsQL™ Family Impact Module among Caregivers of Children with Disabilities in Kelantan, Malaysia
Azriani Ab Rahman ; Norsarwany Mohamad ; Musa Kamarul Imran ; Hans Van Rostenberghe ; Wan Pauzi Wan Ibrahim ; Azizah Othman ; Aniza Abd Aziz ; Sakinah Harith ; Mohd Ismail Ibrahim ; Nor Hashimah Ariffin
Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 2011;18(4):63-68
Background: No previous study has assessed the impact of childhood disability on parents and family in the context of Malaysia, and no instrument to measure this impact has previously been available. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the reliability of a Malay version of the PedsQL™ Family Impact Module that measures the impact of children with disabilities (CWD) on their parents and family in a Malaysian context.
Methods: The study was conducted in 2009. The questionnaire was translated forward and backward before it was administered to 44 caregivers of CWD to determine the internal consistency reliability. The test for Cronbach’s alpha was performed.
Results: The internal consistency reliability was good. The Cronbach’s alpha for all domains was above 0.7, ranging from 0.73 to 0.895.
Conclusion: The Malay version of the PedsQL™ Family Impact Module showed evidence of good internal consistency reliability. However, future studies with a larger sample size are necessary before the module can be recommended as a tool to measure the impact of disability on Malay-speaking Malaysian families.
6.Combined Assessment of TGF-beta-1 and Alpha- Fetoprotein Values Improves Specificity in the Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Other Chronic Liver Diseases in Malaysia
M Y Yasmin Anum ; M L Looi ; A H Nor Aini ; I Merican ; A Wahidah ; ; A H Mohd Radzi ; A Nor Azizah ; N H Othman
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2009;64(3):223-227
Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β-1) is a
multifunctional cytokine involved in the regulation of
growth and differentiation of both normal and transformed
cells. The main aim of this study was to determine whether
TGF-β-1 or alpha fetoprotein (AFP) or the combination of the two is a better indicator for hepatocellularcarcinoma (HCC).
Serum TGF-β-1 and AFP were measured by ELISA in 40
healthy subjects, 23 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
(HCC), 70 patients with hepatitis B, 26 patients with hepatitis C and 16 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). Patients with liver diseases showed significantly higher serum TGF-β-1 values (>3 fold) compared to control subjects. As for serum AFP,
significant elevation was only observed for HCC cases.
Serum TGF-β-1 exhibited higher percent sensitivity compared
to serum AFP in all liver diseases. Combination of serum TGF-β-1 and AFP increased specificities in all cases studied. In conclusion, serum TGF-β-1 is a more sensitive marker for HCC when compared to serum AFP and its specificity is increased when combined with serum AFP.
7.Psychotherapy For Prison Populations: A Review
Mohammad Rahim Kamaluddin ; Linthini Gannetion ; Maria Magdalina anak Dennis Janting ; Nur Deanna Rosli ; R Nurul Najwa Baharuddin ; Geshina Ayu Mat Saat ; Kamsiah Kamin ; Azizah Othman
ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry 2018;19(1):1-
Introduction: Psychotherapy is a form of treatment intervention targeting problematical human behaviour, emotion, and cognition using various psychological techniques and approaches. In Malaysia, the application of psychotherapy in ameliorating criminality among forensic populations is developing and evidence shows that some therapies like Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and Reality Therapy have been practiced in many correctional institutions. Objective: This paper aims to review the role of psychotherapy for help in correctional settings as a means to ameliorate criminal behaviour and reduce recidivism rates. Method: An archival research was utilised, where articles and books regardless of the year of publication from different countries, including Malaysia were examined. Several keywords were used for the purpose of retrieval of related articles. Results and Discussion: Three different approaches of psychotherapies, i.e. Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and their principles and effectiveness in rehabilitating the forensic populations were elaborated in this review. The principle behind the effectiveness of the psychotherapy was different, and this influences the choice of treatment that should be used in dealing with the forensic populations. Conclusion: Â Forensic populations have rights to obtain treatment, and the choice of therapy has to be relevant within the context of cost-effectiveness to ensure optimum effectiveness in ameliorating criminal tendencies. Â
8.Increased behavioural problems associated with corticosteroid use in children with nephrotic syndrome: a Southeast Asian perspective.
Mohamad Nizam MAHMUD ; Azizah OTHMAN ; Mohamad Ikram ILIAS
Singapore medical journal 2023;64(9):557-562
INTRODUCTION:
The study was performed to determine the psychological problems in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) while they were on steroid therapy, as compared to healthy children.
METHODS:
This prospective cohort study was conducted in a paediatric clinic of a tertiary hospital. Parents of the participants in the INS group and control group (comprising children without chronic illness) completed questionnaires using the Child Behavioural Checklist (CBCL). The CBCL measures a range of age-specific emotional and psychological problems, including internalising and externalising domains. Analyses of the CBCL scores between groups were done using Mann-Whitney U test.
RESULTS:
A total of 140 children were recruited with an equal number in the INS and control groups. There was a significant difference in the mean total CBCL scores between the INS group and the control group, specifically in the withdrawal, somatic, anxious and aggressiveness subdomains. Similar findings were demonstrated in correlation between total psychological problems and corticosteroid dosage. In the INS group, steroid dose and cushingoid features were found to have a significant positive association with internalising psychological problems.
CONCLUSION
Children with INS on corticosteroid treatment showed an increase in internalising and externalising scores, as compared to healthy children.
Child
;
Humans
;
Child Behavior Disorders/psychology*
;
Nephrotic Syndrome/psychology*
;
Problem Behavior/psychology*
;
Prospective Studies
;
Southeast Asian People
;
Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use*
9.Measuring Students’ Satisfaction in E-learning Experience: A Validity Study on English version of E-Course Satisfaction Scale (ECSS) among Medical Students
Azizah Othman ; Mohd Jamaluddin Musa ; Nik Mohd Rizal Mohd Fakri ; Fahisham Taib
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2021;17(No.4):410-412
Online learning is now becoming a teaching norm across disciplines and educational contexts. There is a need to
measure the satisfaction level objectively and comprehensively to allow refinement of teaching and learning delivery
methods. To date, there is no English validated scale to measure learners’ satisfaction when learning is conducted
online. We aimed to translate and validate the E-Course Satisfaction Scale which is originally in Turkish into English
among undergraduate medical students. We found that this 35-items with five-point Likert-type responses English
version of the E-Course Satisfaction Scale is valid and reliable to measure students’ satisfaction on their e-learning
experiences.
10.Burnout and Stressor Related Factors among Nurses Caring For Children in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
Siti Fatimah Abu Hussain ; Fahisham Taib ; Surini Yusoff ; Azriani Ab Rahman ; Azizah Othman ; Norsarwany Mohamad
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2022;18(No.1):214-221
Introduction: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of burnout and correlation between burnout score
and stressor domain score and to determine the association between sociodemographic and occupational related
factors with overall burnout among nurses caring for children in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (Hospital USM).
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using bilingual validated questionnaire; the General Stressor Questionnaire (GSQ) and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) conducted among nurses providing medical service for children in Hospital USM particularly in wards and clinics. All 159 eligible nurses were recruited and 157 completed
questionnaires were analysed. Pearson’s correlation analysis was applied to study the correlation while simple logistic regression and multiple logistic regressions were applied to study the association. Results: The prevalence of
burnout among nurses caring for children in Hospital USM was 28.7% (95% CI = 21.6, 35.7) with the majority of
them experienced personal burnout (49.7%, 95% CI = 41.9, 57.5). There was a significant moderate positive correlation between different stressor domain score with overall burnout score with p-value < 0.05. Work placement
and bureaucratic constraints were identified as the main contributory factor leading to overall burnout. Conclusion:
Burnout among nurses providing medical services for children in Hospital USM is of concern especially involving
personal burnout. The main stressor related factors of burnout were work placement and bureaucratic constraints.
Therefore, burnout among nurses providing care for children must be addressed in order to enhance their psychological well-being.