1. Knowledge, attitudes and practice survey on Zika virus infection among pregnant women in Brunei Darussalam
Li Ling CHAW ; Nik A. A. TUAH ; Lin NAING ; Nik A. A. TUAH ; Justin Yun YAW WONG
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine 2018;11(11):638-644
Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on Zika virus infection among pregnant women in Brunei Darussalam by a cross-sectional survey. Methods: Between February and June 2017, we recruited 234 pregnant women from all government healthcare centres at Brunei-Muara district, using a modified systematic sampling approach. A pre-tested and self-administered questionnaire was used and data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: The study participants were mainly Malay (87.2%) and their mean age was 28.0 years. The median knowledge score was 13, out of a possible score of 28. Most participants (92.7%) knew that Zika virus was transmitted by mosquito bites whereas some (34.6%) knew that sexual transmission was also possible. Media (radio, television or newspapers) was the preferred source of updated information on Zika virus, followed by healthcare workers (44.0%), government announcements (43.2%), and social media (38.0%). Pregnant women who were 25 years old or older [Adj. OR=3.62 (95% CI: 1.57, 9.51)], not Malays [Adj. OR=3.32 (95% CI: 1.35, 8.55)], and had an average monthly household income of more than BND $3 000 [Adj. OR=4.06 (95% CI: 1.81, 19.44)] were more likely to score higher for knowledge on Zika virus. The median prevention practice score was 23, out of a possible score of 36. Most participants reported wearing covering clothes (98.3%) and kept their living surroundings clean (99.6%). Most participants (88.0%) agreed that Zika is an important issue in their community. Conclusion: We found a lack of knowledge on Zika virus infection among pregnant women attending government maternal and child healthcare centres in Brunei Darussalam, in particular that Zika virus can be sexually transmitted. Such information could be well disseminated at the healthcare centre level. Health literacy studies should be conducted to understand the facilitators and barriers of KAP on Zika virus infection among pregnant women.
2. Salivary leptin concentrations in Bruneian secondary school children
Adi IDRIS ; Ahmed Gharib KHAMIS ; Nur Basirah GHAZALI ; David KOH ; Nik Ani TUAH ; Michael STEELE ; David KOH
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2016;6(4):335-337
Objective: To investigate the association between leptin levels and body mass index in Bruneian secondary school students. Methods: The body mass index of Bruneian secondary school students (aged 11-18 years) was determined before collecting their saliva using the passive drool technique. Salivary leptin concentration was determined by ELISA. Results: Correlation and partial correlation (controlled for age) analyses showed no significant differences between the levels of salivary leptin of normal weight and overweight students. Conclusions: No significant increase in the salivary leptin concentration was observed in overweight compared with normal weight Bruneian secondary school students.