1.Drug resistance mutations among virological failure HIV-1 infected patients in Malaysia
Mohd Zain, R. ; Ibrahim, N. ; Ismail, S. ; Mat-Rahim, N.A. ; Suppiah, J. ; Thayan, R. ; , Z.
Tropical Biomedicine 2016;33(3):486-493
The determination of HIV drug resistance mutations (DRMs) towards antiretroviral
(ARV) drugs among HIV-1 treated patients with virological failure is crucial for further
management of the patient. This study aimed to assess the most common genomic mutation
and to analyse subtypes among the HIV-1 patients with viral load level > 1,000 copies/mL. A
total of 101 virological failure HIV-1 patients from four different regions of Peninsular Malaysia
with a viral load measurement facility were included in the study. Majority of patients (89.1%)
have at least 1 mutation associated with clinical resistance to either protease inhibitors
(PIs), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) or nonnucleoside reverse
transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Major resistance mutations among the patients towards
NRTIs and NNRTIs were 70.3% and 18.8%, respectively. The most common mutation for
NRTIs was M184V while K103N mutation was detected in the majority of patients who were
treated with NNRTIs. The most commonly observed mutations for major PI and minor PI seen
among the study population were V82A/T and L10V, respectively. In HIV-1 subtype analysis,
CRF33_01B was the most predominant HIV-1 subtype in this study group. The vast detection
of DRMs in this study emphasized the importance of genotypic resistance test in the
management of HIV patients as DRMs can alter patient’s susceptibility towards ARV drugs.
Further study on larger number of samples is essential for the development of a database on
HIV-1 DRMs among patients that experience virological failure in Malaysia.
2.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.
3.Methanolic extract of Abrus precatorius promotes breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell death by inducing cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 and upregulating Bax
Wan-Ibrahim Suriyani WAN ; Ismail NORZILA ; Mohd-Salleh Farhanah SITI ; Yajid Irman AIDY ; Wong Pak-Kai MICHAEL ; Mohd Nizam Md Hashim
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2019;9(6):249-256
Objective: To determine the anti-proliferative activity of Abrus precatorius (A. precatorius) leaf extracts and their effect on cell death. Methods: A. precatorius leaves were extracted successively with hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol by Soxhlet extraction. Aqueous extract was prepared by decoction at 50 ℃. Extracts of A. precatorius leaves were used to treat selected cancer and normal cell lines for 72 h. Furthermore, 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was performed to determine cell viability. Analysis of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis assay and apoptosis protein expressions were determined by flow cytometry. Results: Methanolic extract of A. precatorius leaves showed the lowest IC50 on MDA-MB-231 cells at (26.40±5.40) μg/mL. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that cell arrest occurred at G0/G1 phase and the apoptosis assay showed the occurrence of early apoptosis at 48 h in MDA-MB-231 cells treated with methanolic extract of A. precatorius leaves. Methanolic extract of A. precatorius leaves induced apoptosis by upregulation of Bax, p53 and caspase-3 and downregulation of Bcl-2. Conclusions: Methanolic extract of A. precatorius leaves promotes MDA-MB-231 cell death by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis possibly via the mitochondrial-related pathway.
4.Reliability and Factor structure of the General Health Questionnaire-12 among university students
Normala Ibrahim ; Zubaidah Jamil Osman ; Khin Ohmar Naing Noor Jan ; Siti Irma Fadhilah Ismail ; Phang Cheng Kar ; Firdaus Mukhtar ; Sherina Mohd Sidik
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2014;10(2):53-60
Introduction: The 12- item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) has been translated into many
languages and widely used in different settings and countries. Its reliability and psychometric properties
were extensively studied in many population groups which suggested that it measures psychological
distress in multidimensional construct. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the reliability
and factor structure of the Bahasa Malaysia version of the GHQ-12 among university students attending
a health program at a Malaysian public university. Method: The cross sectional survey was conducted
on 306 undergraduate students aged between 18 to 27 years old who visited the booth set up for mental
health screening at a health program. The screening was conducted using a self-administered, validated
Bahasa Malaysia version of GHQ-12 questionnaire. Results: Using exploratory factor analysis, the
Bahasa Malaysia version of GHQ-12 was found to have a three factor structures namely depressive
symptoms, self-esteem and perceived abilities which accounted for 58% of the item variance. The overall
Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the scale was found to be high (0.84) with each factor having acceptable
inter-item consistency ranging from 0.61 to 0.82. Conclusion: The findings of the study show that the
Bahasa Malaysia version GHQ-12 is reliable and has good structural characteristics. It can assess a few
domains of the psychological status of university students. It also helps in providing more information
on the domain which may become a focus target of intervention in the prevention of mental illness.
Quality of Life
;
Delivery of Health Care
5.Evaluation of time-dependent pathways in an acute ischemic stroke protocol that incorporates CT perfusion: A tertiary referral center experience
Hilwati Hashim ; Radhiana Hassan ; Syazarina Sharis ; Shahrul Azmin ; Rabani Remli ; Shahizon Azura Mukari ; Nafisah Yahya ; Hui Jan Tan ; Norlinah Mohamed Ibrahim ; Mohd Saiboon Ismail ; Sobri Muda ; Ramesh Sahathevan
Neurology Asia 2013;18(4):355-360
Background and Objective: Intravenous thrombolysis service for stroke was introduced at the Universiti
Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) in 2009, based on the recommendations of a
multidisciplinary team of clinicians. We report the experience at our center in establishing a stroke
protocol incorporating computed tomography perfusion (CTP) of the brain, to assess the feasibility
of incorporating CTP in the stroke protocol.
Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who had a CTP between January 2010 and December
2011 was performed. Results: Of 272 patients who were admitted with acute ischemic stroke, 44
(16.2%) arrived within 4.5 hours from symptom onset and had a CTP performed with the intention to
treat. The median time for symptom-to-door, symptom-to-scan and door-to-scan was 90.0 minutes (62.5
– 146.3), 211.0 minutes (165.5 – 273.5) and 85.0 minutes (48.0 – 144.8) respectively. Eight patients
(2.9%) were thrombolysed of whom five received IV thrombolysis and three underwent mechanical
thrombolysis. The median symptom-to-needle and door-to-needle times were 290.5 minutes (261.3
– 405.0) and 225.0 minutes (172.5 – 316.8) respectively. Four patients were thrombolysed despite
being outside the window of treatment based on the CTP findings. Six of the thrombolysed patients
had a Modified Rankin Score (MRS) of 1-2 at 5 months post procedure.
Conclusions: CTP provides a benefit to management decisions and subsequent patient outcome. It is
feasible to incorporate CTP as a standard imaging modality in a stroke protocol. The delays in the
time-dependent pathways are due to our work flow and organisational process rather than performing
the CTP per se.
6.Tobacco use and attitudes towards tobacco control activities of Malaysian dental students
Nor Azlida Mohd Nor ; Nurulain ISMAIL ; Farhan IBRAHIM ; Ishak Abdul RAZAK ; Norintan AB-MURAT
Archives of Orofacial Sciences 2018;13(1):6-15
Tobacco usage among dental students and the amount of training they received may have an impact on tobacco cessation activities undertaken for their patients. This study aims to assess Malaysian dental students’ tobacco use, exposure to second-hand smoke and their attitude towards tobacco control activities and curriculum. This was a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Global Health Professions Students Survey (GHPSS). The questionnaire was distributed to all Malaysian fourth and fifth year dental students in four public dental schools (n=372), namely University of Malaya (UM), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). The data were analysed using descriptive and chi square tests. In total, (n=349) respondents completed the questionnaire, yielding a 93.8% response rate. Although the prevalence of Malaysian dental students who ‘ever smoked’ was 21.2%, the prevalence of current smokers was low (2.3%). About 62% and 39% of students reported having been exposed to second-hand smoke in public and at home, respectively. USIM students were significantly less likely to recall having received training about approaches to smoking cessation (52.9%, p<0.001). Significantly fewer smokers than non-smokers agreed on tobacco banning policy. Regardless of their smoking status, the majority of dental students showed positive attitudes towards dentists’ role in tobacco cessation. Tobacco user among Malaysian dental students was low. There were statistically significant differences between ever smokers and non-smokers’ attitudes towards tobacco banning policy. The majority of dental students showed positive attitudes towards dentists’ role in tobacco cessation.
7.Understanding Dieting and Previous Weight Loss Attempts among Overweight and Obese Participants: Insights into My Body Is Fit and Fabulous at Work Program
Tengku Alina Tengku ISMAIL ; Rohana Abdul JALIL ; Wan Rosli WAN ISHAK ; Noor Fadzlina HAMID ; Wan Suriati WAN NIK ; Hamid Jan JAN MOHAMED ; Nor Haslina MOHD ; Wan Nor ARIFIN ; Wan Mohd Izani Wan MOHAMED ; Mohd Ismail IBRAHIM ; Rohaida ISMAIL ; Tengku Fatimatul Tengku HASSIM ; Tahir ARIS ; Wan Manan WAN MUDA
Korean Journal of Family Medicine 2018;39(1):15-22
BACKGROUND: A qualitative study providing an in-depth exploration of people's view and the increasing burden of overweight and obesity is required. This study aimed to explore the understanding of dieting and previous experiences on weight loss attempts among overweight and obese government employees in Kelantan, Malaysia, prior to recruitment into the intervention program. METHODS: Thirteen focus group discussions involving 129 participants from a weight-loss intervention program were conducted within the first 1 month of recruitment. These discussions were moderated by two trained researchers in the Malay language and assisted by an interview guide. They were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was performed, and codes and themes from each discussion were constructed. RESULTS: The participants understood dieting with various meanings, including skipping meals and removing rice from daily diets. They applied numerous methods to lose weight and achieved various outcomes. Health and appearance, social support, and compliance with current trends were the factors motivating these participants to lose weight. Their determination to lose weight was limited by lack of self-control and motivation, experiences of unpleasant effects, influence on weight, and environmental and health factors. CONCLUSION: Real-life weight loss experiences and perceptions provided relevant insights into current weight loss management strategies. Some of these issues and misunderstandings should be emphasized in weight loss strategies during health promotion.
Compliance
;
Diet
;
Focus Groups
;
Health Promotion
;
Malaysia
;
Meals
;
Motivation
;
Obesity
;
Overweight
;
Qualitative Research
;
Self-Control
;
Weight Loss
8.Factors Associated with Poor Perceptions of Graphic Warning Signs (GWS) on Cigarette Package among Adult Smokers in Kelantan
Afiq Izzudin A Rahim ; Mohd Ismail Ibrahim
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2020;16(No.3, September):132-139
Introduction: Initially, studies showed that graphic warning signs (GWSs) on cigarette packages encouraged smoking cessation. However, there have been recent concerns over the effectiveness of GWSs to change smoker perceptions and behavior over time. Our goals were to assess the latest perceptions of GWSs among smokers in Kelantan and to determine the factors associated with them. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among respondents who attended outpatient clinics in a teaching hospital in Kelantan. Their perceptions were analyzed with a validated Malay questionnaire containing four domains: fear, influence, credibility, and picture content. Results: The average smoking age was 17 (3.04) years old. The mean smoking time was 11 (7.49) years. The average daily cigarettes smoked was 8 (6.26). Most respondents perceived low levels of fear (83%), poor picture content (65.5%), low influence (87.6%), and low levels of credibility (70.1%) in GWSs. Those with low levels of education were significantly associated with poor perceptions of GWSs. Conclusion: Despite vigorous efforts by the government to discourage smoking in Kelantan, smokers still poorly perceive GWSs. More effective health-promotion strategies are essential to influence smokers in this area.
9.Patients’ Expectations and Perceptions of Services Provided by Primary Health Clinics in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
Ahmad Badruridzwanullah Zun ; Mohd Ismail Ibrahim ; Anees Abdul Hamid
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2020;16(No.3, September):225-230
Introduction: Primary health care plays an important role in healthcare systems. In Malaysia, One (1) Malaysia Clinic (now known as Community Clinic since 2018) was established in 2010 aims to increase healthcare services accessibility within the poor urban population. The aim was to look at the effectiveness of One (1) Malaysia Clinic as a new form of public primary health clinic by looking at expectations and perceptions of the quality of the provided services by the patients. Method: It applied a cross sectional study involving nine clinics in of the busiest district in Kelantan namely, Kota Bharu district. 386 respondents which were Malaysian citizen, 18 years old and above were involved in this study. The survey used Malay validated SERVQUAL questionnaire. The Service Quality (SQ) gap was calculated. Result: The empathy dimension obtained the highest expectation and perception score, while the tangible dimension has the lowest expectation and perception score. In all SERVQUAL dimension, the expectations and perceptions of the service provided was significantly different with P < 0.001. The most critical dimension identified was tangible dimension as it has the largest negative SQ gap score. Conclusion: Negative gaps for all SERVQUAL dimensions and individual items indicated that provided services at One (1) Malaysia Clinic still could not fulfilled the patient’s expectation. A continuous improvement program is needed especially on tangible dimension in delivering a quality healthcare services.
10.Personalised management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Malaysian consensus algorithm for appropriate use of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in COPD patients
Nurhayati Mohd Marzuki ; Mat Zuki Mat Jaeb ; Andrea Ban ; Ahmad Izuanuddin Ismail ; Irfhan Ali Hyder Ali ; Mohd Razali Norhaya ; Azlina Samsudin ; Mona Zaria Nasaruddin ; Rozanah Abd Rahman ; Mohd Arif Mohd Zim ; Razul Md. Nazri B Md Kassim ; Yoke Fong Lam ; Aishah Ibrahim ; Noor Aliza Mohd Tarekh ; Sandip Vasantrao Kapse
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2020;75(6):717-721
Background: Regarding the long-term safety issues with the
use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and the clinical
predominance of dual bronchodilators in enhancing
treatment outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD), ICS is no longer a “preferred therapy”
according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive
Lung Disease except on top of a dual bronchodilator. This
has necessitated a change in the current therapy for many
COPD patients.
Objective: To determine a standardised algorithm to
reassess and personalise the treatment COPD patients
based on the available evidence.
Methods: A consensus statement was agreed upon by a
panel of pulmonologists in from 11 institutes in Malaysia
whose members formed this consensus group.
Results: According to the consensus, which was
unanimously adopted, all COPD patients who are currently
receiving an ICS-based treatment should be reassessed
based on the presence of co-existence of asthma or high
eosinophil counts and frequency of moderate or severe
exacerbations in the previous 12 months. When that the
patients meet any of the aforementioned criteria, then the
patient can continue taking ICS-based therapy. However, if
the patients do not meet the criteria, then the treatment of
patients need to be personalised based on whether the
patient is currently receiving long-acting beta-agonists
(LABA)/ICS or triple therapy.
Conclusion: A flowchart of the consensus providing a
guidance to Malaysian clinicians was elucidated based on
evidences and international guidelines that identifies the
right patients who should receive inhaled corticosteroids
and enable to switch non ICS based therapies in patients
less likely to benefit from such treatments.