1.The Effect of Second-Hand Smoke Exposure during Pregnancy on the Newborn Weight in Malaysia
Bachok Norsa’adah ; Omar Salinah
Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 2014;21(2):44-53
Background: There was strong evidence from studies conducted in developed countries that second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure is detrimental to the birth weight of newborn. This study was conducted to determine the effect of exposure to SHS smoke during pregnancy on the weight of newborns.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The exposed group consists of 209 postnatal women who experienced SHS exposure at home because of a husband or other housemate who smoked inside the house throughout the pregnancy. The non-exposed group included 211 women who did not experience SHS exposure at home or at work during pregnancy. We excluded non-Malay ethnicity, multiple births, and congenital defects.
Results: There was a significant difference in the adjusted mean birth weight between exposed infants [2893.0 g (95% confidence interval (CI): 2781.3, 3004.7)] and not exposed infants to SHS [3046.1 g (95% CI 2929.5, 3162.6) (P < 0.001)] after controlling for significant maternal factors. There was a 12.9 g (95% CI: 7.01, 18.96) reduction in birth weight for a corresponding increase in the exposure to the smoke of one cigarette (P < 0.001). The incidence of low birth weight (LBW) was higher in exposed women, [10% (95% CI: 5.94, 14.06)] compared to non-exposed women [4.7% (95% CI: 1.85, 7.55)].
Conclusions: This study found a significant association between SHS exposure during pregnancy and decreased birth weight.
2.Association of Co-Morbidity and Treatment with the Complications of Acute Coronary Syndrome in Young Patients Less Than 45 Years
Norsa’adah BACHOK ; Che-Muzaini Che’ MUDA
Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 2018;25(1):42-52
Background: Approximately 5%–10% of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) cases occur in people younger than 45 years of age. This study aimed to identify complications of ACS and the associated factors in young patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data from 147 ACS patients aged less than 45 years were analysed. Results: The mean age was 39.1 (4.9) years, the male to female ratio was 3:1; 21.2% of patients presented with unstable angina, 58.5% had non-ST elevation myocardial infarction and 20.4% had ST elevation myocardial infarction. The most frequent risk factor of ACS was dyslipidaemia (65.3%), followed by hypertension (43.5%). In total, 49.7% of patients had inpatient complication(s), with the most common being heart failure (35.4%), followed by arrhythmia (20.4%). The significant factors associated with ACS complications were current smoking [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.03; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.33, 12.23; P-value = 0.014], diabetic mellitus [AOR 3.03; 95% CI: 1.19, 7.71; P-value = 0.020], treatments of fondaparinux [AOR 0.18; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.39; P-value < 0.001] and oral nitrates [AOR 0.18; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.42; P-value < 0.001]. Conclusions: Smoking status and diabetes mellitus were modifiable risk factors while pharmacological treatment was an important protective factor for ACS complications in young patients.
3.Reporting Statistical Results in Medical Journals
Wan Nor Arifin ; Abdullah Sarimah ; Bachok Norsa’adah ; Yaacob Najib Majdi ; Ab Hamid Siti-Azrin ; Musa Kamarul Imran ; Abd Aziz Aniza ; Lin Naing
Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 2016;23(5):1-7
Statistical editors of the Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) must go through
many submitted manuscripts, focusing on the statistical aspect of the manuscripts. However, the
editors notice myriad styles of reporting the statistical results, which are not standardised among
the authors. This could be due to the lack of clear written instructions on reporting statistics in the
guidelines for authors. The aim of this editorial is to briefly outline reporting methods for several
important and common statistical results. It will also address a number of common mistakes
made by the authors. The editorial will serve as a guideline for authors aiming to publish in the
MJMS as well as in other medical journals.