1.Analysing Sociodemographic Factors: Highlighting Gender in Tuberculosis Treatment and Defaulters
Siti Norashikin Mohamad Shaifuddin ; Alia Azmi ; Mohd Zamri Mohd Yusof
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2022;18(No.3):36-40
Introduction: : Current tuberculosis (TB) eradication strategies have shifted away from the medical sphere, focusing
on a more holistic approach that encompasses both healthcare and social support. This means a greater emphasis
on TB prevention strategies, particularly on social determinants of TB. Using a locality in Malaysia as a case study, a
research was carried out among 844 TB cases in Pasir Mas, Kelantan (2013 to 2017) to identify the socioeconomic
distributions of TB defaulters and its implications for current TB prevention strategies. Methods: TB patients’ sociodemographic characteristics and treatment outcomes were extracted and analyzed from the Malaysian registry.
Pearson’s chi-square test was used to determine sociodemographic factors associated with TB defaulters. Results:
Gender, age and education levels were significantly associated with default treatment (p<0.05), highlighting the need
to focus on adult male patients with low educational background. Conclusion: Results indicate that current national
TB management needs to focus on targeting those at increased risk of defaulting by understanding gender-specific
challenges to treatment. While more research is needed to explore the gender associated issues related to treatment
defaulting, we are also calling for a change in current TB management practices to one that focuses on gender-specific intervention that addresses personal and societal challenges to TB treatment.
2.A Preliminary Survey on Knowledge and Attitudes of University Students Regarding Microplastic Pollution and Its Impact on the Environment
Alia Azmi ; Sarah Iman Abdul Rani ; Siti Norashikin Mohamad Shaifuddin ; Shantakumari Rajan ; Mohd Izwan Masngut ; Megat Azman Megat Mokhtar ; Nadiatul Syima Mohd Shahid ; Eleena Norsin ; Siti Baizura Mohd. Rafi
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.5):168-174
Introduction: Daily use and improper management of plastic materials by the public contributes to the occurrence
of microplastic pollution. It can be acknowledged that knowledge and attitudes are one of the keys to reducing the
release of microplastic into the environment. Therefore, enhancing student’s understanding may play an important
role in effective solution innovation and readiness to take specific actions for environmental protection. Method: This
cross-sectional study was conducted among university students using an online questionnaire to assess their knowledge and attitudes about microplastic pollution. For data analysis, Pearson’s Chi-square was conducted using SPSS
version 26. Results: Findings revealed that students have moderate knowledge (4.66) and attitudes (5.42) towards
microplastic pollution. However, neither age, gender, CGPA, nor the course in which they studied had any significant association with their level of knowledge and attitudes (p>0.05). In fact, the level of knowledge and attitude
reported by respondents indicate that it is necessary to address this deficiency by providing education through structured education and mass media, along with vigorous policy enforcement and replacement of conventional plastics.
Conclusion: Education on microplastics among the younger generation is key to curbing the problem of microplastic
pollution. As future consumers, the demand for alternative products that does not contribute to microplastic can help
encourage brands and markets to come up with better solution that is critical to prevent this problem from worsening.