1.Premature Ejaculation and Quality of Life Among Men Atending Klinik Kesihatan Jaya Gading, Kuantan
Zulkifli HARUN ; Saharuddin AHMAD
International Journal of Public Health Research 2018;8(1):878-884
Introduction: Premature ejaculation (PE) is an important sexual problem among men attending health clinic. Impacts of this condition towards quality of life still require further exploration.Aims: To determine the proportion and determinants for PE and theirs quality of life Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 290 respondents was conducted at a primary health clinic over the period of five months (Nov 2015-March 2016). A self-administrated questionnaire that consisted of socio-demographic questionnaire, clinical characteristics, premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) and WHO quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) was usedResults: The proportion of PE was 33.9% with PE 18.1% (49/271) and probable PE 15.8% (43/271). Multivariate analysis showed that level of education (p=0.002, OR 3.281/95% CI 1.183, 9.101) and hypertension (p=0.047, OR 1.788/95% CI 1.008, 3.170) were the only predictors for PE after controlling self-reported erectile dysfunction, pulmonary and neurological disorder. PE patients had lower median scores quality of life in all four domain namely physical health, psychological, social relationship, environment (all domains with p<0.001).Conclusion: The proportion of men diagnosed with premature ejaculation in this study is high. This condition is possibly associated with level of education and hypertension. Men with PE had lower quality of life in domains of physical health, psychological, social relationship and environment. Hence, it is recommended for PE screening among male attendees to primary health clinic especially those with hypertension and moderate level of education.
2.Prevalence And Correlates Of Parkinson’s Disease Among Elderly Patients Attending Neurology Clinic At Serdang Hospital In 2016
International Journal of Public Health Research 2018;8(1):894-898
Introduction Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and the most frequent sub-cortical degenerative disease, characterized by universal progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement.Methodology This cross sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of PD among elderly attending the neurology clinic in Serdang Hospital. A total of 150 records of patients attended the clinic from January to December were randomly selected. Data was collected using a proforma form seeking information related to age, gender, race, locality, and presence of comorbidity particularly diabetes mellitus.Result The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (IBM SPSS) version 22.0. The prevalence of PD among the elderly involved in the study was 34%. Majority of the respondents were aged 60 to 70 years old (54.7%), male (53.3%), Chinese (56.7%), from urban locality (93.0%) and were not diabetic (69.3%). The inferential statistics showed no significant association between all the factors with PD. However, the associations between age and diabetes mellitus with PD were almost significant with p values of 0.07 and 0.08 respectively.Conclusion Overall, the prevalence of PD among elderly who attended the neurology clinic in year 2016 was less than half with none of the factors under study were significantly associated with PD. However with bigger sample size, possible significant association may be obtained between age and diabetes mellitus.
3.Work-related stress dimensions among a subsidiary company workers of Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company
Mahboobeh SHATTI ; Mohammad Hossein EBRAHIMI ; Vahid GHARIBI ; Javad MALAKOUTI
International Journal of Public Health Research 2018;8(1):899-906
Background: Work-related stress and its causes are among the most important issues which can seriously challenge organizational efficiency and employees' health. Different occupational environments and groups have different levels of job stress. The present study aimed to investigate relationships between job stress and its dimensions with three occupational groups (administrative, administrative-operational, and operational) among a subsidiary company workers of Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company.Methods: The present study had descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional type and was conducted among 468 out of 503 employees (with entry condition of a year of work experience as well as an official and contractual membership) volunteered to participate in research. Data collection tools included demographic questions and job stress questionnaire as well as human resource department information to determine occupational group of employees. Descriptive statistics, statistical tests, Independent test, and one-way ANOVA in addition to SPSS 21 software were used for data analysis.Results: There were significant relationships between age, education levels, work experience and smoking with mean score of job stress (P-value <0.05). Mean score of employees' job stress in operational occupation group was significantly higher than other two occupational groups (P-value=0.004), and there were significant relationships between employees' occupational group variables with five dimensions of job stress (demand, relationships and role, managerial support, and peer support) (P-value<0.05). There were not any significant relationships between other variables and job stress (P-value>0.05).Conclusion: Exposure to different occupational harmful agents, facing with different safety risks, being far from family, heavy workload, and uncertain employee roles have significantly increased job stress in both operational and executive occupation groups compared to other two occupational groups; hence, there is a positive correlation between high job stress and operational jobs.
4.Prevalence of Obesity and Screening for Diabetes Among Secondary School Students
Edmund Wei Chang Yu ; Narwani HUSSIN ; Marliana Abd RAHIM ; Sreevali MUTHUVADIVELU ; Wai Seong CHAN
International Journal of Public Health Research 2018;8(1):907-912
Introduction:There is an increasing trend of obesity in children and adolescent globally. The objectives of this study were to identify the prevalence of overweight and obesity among students from secondary schools and to determine the mean random blood sugar (RBS) for the overweight and obese students.Methods:This was a cross sectional study. Two secondary schools that were scheduled for visit by the School Health Team, Taiping in July 2016 were included. A standardized data collection sheet was used to collect the data. Overweight and obesity were defined based on WHO 2007 reference for BMI-for-age criteria. Random blood glucose was checked for overweight and obese students.Results:A total of 184 school students consented and participated. 128 (69.6%) were female and 90 (48.9%) were Malays. The mean weight and height were 56.21 kg and 1.61 m respectively with BMI of 21.49 kg/m2. Overall, the prevalence of obese and overweight were 12.5% and 10.9% respectively. Among the 4 BMI groups, there were no significant difference found in sex (p=0.849) and races (p=0.536). However, there was significant difference (p=0.042) in mean RBS for obese and overweight students between races. RBS readings among overweight and obese students were within normal range with mean of 5.95 (0.67) mmol/l (range between 4.60 – 7.70 mmol/l).Conclusions:The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity were comparable with other studies done in Malaysia. Nevertheless, there was no prevalence of Type II diabetes mellitus among them.
5.Foot Reflexology Therapy for Non-Specific Low Back Pain Condition: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Nor Dalila MARICAN ; Rozita HOD ; Azmi HASSAN ; Wan Arfah Nadiah Wan Abdul Jamil
International Journal of Public Health Research 2018;8(1):933-938
Background: Non-specific low back pain is one of the most common physical ailments affecting millions of people worldwide. This condition constitutes a significant public health problem and was listed as a prevalent health complaint in most societies. Even though there are many anecdotal claims for reflexology in the treatment of various conditions such as a migraine, arthritis and multiple sclerosis, but very little clinical evidence exist for reflexology on the management of low back pain per se.Objectives: This study aim to evaluate the effects of foot reflexology therapy as an adjunctive treatment to the Malaysian low back pain standard care in relieving pain and promoting health-related quality of life among people with non-specific low back pain. Methods and analysis: This is parallel randomized controlled trial with pre and post-treatment study design. The study setting for the intervention located at Penawar Reflexology Center, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. Total of 100 people with non-specific low back pain will be allocated into one of two groups, using a randomization computer program of Research Randomizer. The control group will receive low back pain standard care, while the intervention group will receive standard care plus eight sessions of foot reflexology therapy. The pain intensity and health-related quality of life scores will be measured using visual analog scale and Euro-quality of life scale respectively in both groups.Measurements: Outcome measures will be undertaken at pre-intervention (week 1), post-intervention (week 6) and follow-up (week 10).Conclusion: This will be the first trial to compare the foot reflexology therapy with control group among people who medically diagnosed with non-specific low back pain in Malaysia. The result of this study will contribute to better management of this population especially for Malaysia healthcare setting.Trial registration: The study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of University Sultan Zainal Abidin (UHREC/2016/2/011). The study protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, with the ID number of NCT02887430
6.Are Married and Unmarried People Differ in their Perception and Attitude about Family Functioning and Wellbeing in Selected Governorates in Yemen?
Huda Omer BASALEEM ; Khaled AL-SAKKAF
International Journal of Public Health Research 2018;8(1):939-949
Globally, there is a scale of views about family functioning and wellbeing with a great deal of conflicting evidence. In Yemen, conservative social traditions are the norms. Yemen has one of the highest population growth rate and the highest rate of unmet need for FP in the world. This study aimed to explore the perception and attitude about family functioning and attitude among married and unmarried people in selected Yemeni Governorates. The study was conducted in April–May 2014 through house to house community-based cross-sectional survey with a purposively selected sample in 21 districts in 3 Yemeni governorates. The target population was Yemeni citizens aged 15+ years present in households in the targeted districts at the time of data collection. Married and un married respondents were approached equally with a pre-tested questionnaire and only consented respondents were enrolled. Analysis was done using the statistical package for Social Sciences version 22. Differences between married and unmarried respondents was tested by Chi squared test (χ²). Statistical significance was set at p˂0.05. The study involved 2217 respondents. Married and unmarried respondents were not different in their perception and attitude regarding family size, the negative influence of large family size, the relation of family size to children education and age at marriage, and some economic aspects in relation to large family size. However, they differently perceive the meaning of the family; reasons for establishing not different the family and for having children; decision makers for continuation of children education; reasons for postponing marriage, the influence of having too male children on increasing family income and on boosting father’s prestige amongst others. In conclusion; married and unmarried were not different in most of the addressed issues. The few differently perceived issues reflect differences in life experience, reality and social responsibilities. There is a need for further studies to monitor practices related to demographic changes over time in the Yemeni society.
7.Psychometric Evaluation of the Malay Version of the Impact of Weight on Quality Of Life-Lite (IWQOL-LITE) Questionnaire
Mohd Rizal Abdul Manaf ; Ahmad Fareed A Rahman ; Aniza ISMAIL ; Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh ; Azimatun Noor AIZUDDIN
International Journal of Public Health Research 2018;8(1):950-955
Background: The availability of obesity specific quality of life measurement tool is limited. The Malay version of Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite is an obesity specific quality of life questionnaire which has been translated for use in Malaysia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of this tool to measure quality of life among different body mass index (BMI) groups.Methods: One hundred and twenty subjects with different BMI categories attending an outpatient government clinic participated in this study. The translated Malay version of IWQOL-Lite was used for assessment. The validity of this questionnaire was examined using content validity, criterion validity and construct validity. Reliability analyses used in this study were internal consistencies and test-retest reliability. Results: The Malay version of IWQOL-Lite showed good psychometric properties whereby the content validity was sufficient as measured by expert panels. The mean score of all IWQOL-Lite domains were able to discriminate between different BMI groups. Good internal consistency was demonstrated by Cronbach alpha of 0.936. Test-retest reliability ranged from 0.828 to 0.932. The physical function score (IWQOL-Lite) correlated positively with Physical Component Summary of Short Form-36 questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis found that the questions loaded on five domains. Conclusion: The results suggest that the Malay version of IWQOL-Lite is a valid and reliable tool to measure quality of life among obese and overweight subjects in Malaysia.
8.It Takes Two to Tango: How Large the Effects of Job Factors on Wife’s Work-Family Conflict?
International Journal of Public Health Research 2018;8(1):885-893
Introduction: Married couples often do influence each other’s emotions and behaviors. The effect of this interpersonal marriage relationship on job demands and job performance toward work-family conflict (WFC) is still under research. This article aims to determine the effects of married couple’s job factors (emotional job demands and job performance) on wife’s WFC.Method: A total of 120 dyads in private sectors were recruited via private invitations to social gatherings. Packets of self-administered questionnaires were given included emotional domain of Demand-Induced Strain Compensation, Spielberger Trait Anger Scale, work-family conflict and job performance measures. Dyadic analysis using Actor-Partner Interdependence Model was used. Results: The emotional demand of wife significantly contribute higher effect (ES= 0.34 (95%CI: 0.23, 0.45); p<0.001) compared to emotional demand of husband on wife’s WFC (ES= 0.14 (95%CI: 0.03, 0.25); p=0.011). The job performance of wife significantly contribute higher effect (ES= 0.29 (95%CI: 0.17, 0.40); p<0.001) compared to job performance of husband on the wife’s WFC (ES= 0.17 (95%CI: 0.06, 0.29); p=0.003). Both wife and husband influenced each other pertaining to emotional demands (r=0.35, 95%CI: 0.22, 0.48) and job performance (r=0.51, 95%CI: 0.38, 0.64) on the wife’s WFC. Overall, the APIM model explains of 22.9% and 25.1% of the total of non-independence of emotional job demands and job performance toward WFC, respectively. Conclusion: Wife’s WFC was influenced by both herself and her partner’s emotional job demands and performance. All resources should be channeled to working wives to prevent any health and job outcomes resulted from the work-family conflict.
9.Tuberculosis Contact Tracing In Low- And Middle- Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Azmawati Mohammed NAWI ; Norfazilah AHMAD ; Siti Norbayah YUSOF ; Nurmawati AHMAD ; Zaleha Md NOR ; Juhaida Mohd NOOR ; Hasanain Faisal GHAZI ; Mohammad Saffree JEFFREE ; Mohd Rohaizat HASSAN
International Journal of Public Health Research 2018;8(1):924-932
Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) a major global health challenge especially in low- and middle-income countries reflects improper, delayed or missed diagnosis. Contact screening should be utilized both as an efficient and effective targeted approach to intensify TB case finding.Methods Through a comprehensive systematic literature review of online database, this paper aims at providing an insight into the current practice of TB contact screening and to provide evidence based practice for formulation of appropriate policies in low- and middle-income countries. There are 24 articles included in this review from studies published from 2005 to 2014.Results Findings in literature varies substantially. Generally, contact screening is better intensified with clear operational guidelines, adequate training, include close contact outside household as appropriate and follow up at least for 1 year. Prioritizing high risk close contacts is helpful in resource limited setting. Tuberculin skin test is still of value as screening tool and intensified case finding must be accompanied with effective management protocol. Prophylaxis treatment is recommended especially for children especially less than 5 years old, unvaccinated, malnourished, living with person having HIV and close contact with MDR-TB.Conclusion Policy recommendations in improving TB management must incorporate complementary strategies to enhance case finding, effective management protocol for follow up or prophylaxis treatment, training for public health capacity and concerted dedication from various stakeholders.
10.Iodine Deficiency Disorders among Pregnant Women in Sarawak, Malaysia
Lim Kuang KUAY ; Chan Ying YING ; Nur Azna MAHMUD ; Hasimah ISMAIL
International Journal of Public Health Research 2018;8(2):980-986
Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) during pregnancy may impair the neurological development of the fetus. The aim of this study is to determine the iodine status among pregnant women (PW) in Sarawak after introduction of mandatory universal salt iodisation (USI) for seven years.