1.Prevalens Simptom Muskuloskeletal dan Faktor-Faktor Yang Mempengaruhinya dalam kalangan Pegawai Perubatan yang Mengendali Mesin Ultrabunyi Pranatal di Klinik Kesihatan di negeri Selangor pada tahun 2024
Noorasyikin Jamar ; Zaleha Md Isa ; Hanizah Mohd Yusoff
International Journal of Public Health Research 2026;16(1):2392-2409
Prevalens Simptom Muskuloskeletal dan Faktor-Faktor Yang Mempengaruhinya dalam kalangan Pegawai Perubatan yang Mengendali Mesin Ultrabunyi Pranatal di Klinik Kesihatan di negeri Selangor pada tahun 2024
Pengenalan
Masalah muskuloskeletal dalam kalangan pengendali mesin ultrabunyi merupakan isu yang telah diketengahkan oleh negara-negara luar tetapi kurang mendapat perhatian di Malaysia. Kajian ini dijalankan untuk mendapatkan maklumat prevalens simptom muskuloskeletal dalam kalangan pengendali mesin ultrabunyi dan mengkaji faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhinya.
Metodolog
iKajian keratan rentas ini melibatkan pegawai perubatan yang bertugas di klinik-klinik kesihatan di negeri Selangor yang melakukan pengimbasan janin untuk pesakit pranatal di unit Kesihatan Ibu dan Anak. Pengumpulan data telah dilakukan antara bulan Mei 2024 sehingga bulan Julai 2024 menggunakan pensampelan mudah yang melibatkan 84 responden yang memberikan persetujuan untuk menjawab kajian soal selidik dalam talian.
Hasil
Prevalens simptom muskuloskeletal yang berlaku sekurang-kurangnya selama 24 jam dalam 12 bulan yang lalu yang berkait dengan penggunaan mesin ultrabunyi ialah 29.8%, di mana peramal penting dalam model akhir yang dikenal pasti menggunakan model regresi logistik berganda ialah stres tempat kerja bagi domain skala stres tempat kerja (OR 10.95 (95% SK 1.94, 61.69), p = 0.007)); ketidakselesaan transduser bagi domain stesen kerja dan organisasi (OR 7.85 (95% SK 2.17, 28.37), p = 0.002)); dan jumlah pesakit dalam sehari bagi domain tugasan dan beban kerja (OR 4.24 (95% SK 1.15, 15.62), p = 0.030)).
Kesimpulan
Stres di tempat kerja ialah peramal paling kuat mempengaruhi simptom muskuloskeletal dalam kalangan pengendali mesin ultrabunyi, ini diikuti oleh ketidakselesaan dalam penggunaan transduser ultrabunyi, dan akhir sekali ialah jumlah pesakit yang lebih ramaidiperiksa dalam tempoh sehari
2.Parenting Factors and Child Obesity: A Study Among Preschoolers in Selangor, Malaysia
Ahmad Fayyad Gunaselan ; Ahmad Fayyad Gunaselan ; Zaleha Md Isa ; Idayu Badilla Idris ; Aravind Kumar
International Journal of Public Health Research 2026;16(1):2620-2633
Parenting Factors and Child Obesity: A Study Among Preschoolers in Selangor, Malaysia
Introduction
Child obesity is a pressing global concern. In Malaysia, the rates of child obesity have risen significantly over recent decades, with 5.6% of children under the age of five being categorized as overweight or obese. Children's behavior is influenced by their home environment, which includes both physical and social aspects such as parental behavioral models, parenting styles, practices, beliefs, and societal norms. However, there is a scarcity of data on the prevalence of child obesity and its relationship with parental factors. This research set out to explore the link between parenting styles, parental physical activity, dietary habits, body image perception, screen time, and child obesity.
Methods
A survey using a quantitative approach was conducted among preschoolers in Selangor to test the proposed relationships between these factors. Data were gathered from 354 preschool students in Selangor. This study used a multi-stage sampling technique. In the multi-stage sampling technique, the researcher used a series of sampling frames by developing population strata and then selected using purposive sampling method.
Results
The analysis was carried out using SPSS version 26 and Smart PLS version 4.0. The direct effect analysis revealed that parenting styles (p = 0.000), along with parental dietary habits and body image perception (p=0.001), were significantly associated with child obesity. In contrast, parental physical activity (p = 0.167) and screen time (p = 0.739) did not show a significant relationship with childhood obesity.
Conclusions
The study's outcomes can assist healthcare practitioners in understanding and providing substantial evidence of the significant relationship between parenting styles, dietary practices, body image perception, and child obesity.
3.Environmental Factors Contributing to Stunting among Under Six Years Old Children: A Scoping Review
Nazmeen Adline Fawwazah A Fauzi ; Idayu Badilla Idris ; Zaleha Md Isa ; Nur Fadhilah Mohd Razib
International Journal of Public Health Research 2025;15(1):2058-2066
Environmental Factors Contributing to Stunting among Under Six Years Old Children: A Scoping Review
IntroductionStunting among young children is a serious public health issue worldwide. Stunting is also one of the major risk factors for poor physical and mental development of these children. It is known that children’s health and wellbeing are a result of exposure to unhealthy environment and a lack of stimulating activities especially in the low- and middle-income countries ultimately leading to the increase in the number of stunted children. This scoping review aims to identify environmental factors that contribute to stunting less than six years old children.MethodsIn this review, PRISMA-ScR checklist to search Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. We included all original articles published between 2018 and 2022 and written in the English Language using combination of primary keyword (child*) and its MeSH and synonyms for population, and two secondary keywords (environ*) for exposure and (stunt*) for outcome as searching strategy. By using PRISMA extension for scoping reviews, 65 articles were reviewed and finally 25 eligible studies were included.ResultsThe included studies showed that lack of cleanwater access, poor sanitation, and poor hygiene practice were associated with higher risk of stunting among these children. Improper solid waste management, area of residence and type of housing, poor quality of cooking fuels and poor air quality, presence of intestinal parasitic infection and increased blood lead levels, were also noted as potential environmental factors that affect stunting.ConclusionsInvestment in infrastructure to provide safe and clean water and adequate sanitation facilities in communities with expanded health promotion activities focusing on hygiene practices and waste management may thus stunting and improve children’s health outcome.
4.Kimia Obesogen dan Obesiti Kanak-kanak sebagai Ancaman Kesihatan Awam: Satu Ulasan Naratif
Nur Atiqah Mohd Ahwan ; Zaleha Md Isa ; Mohd Hasni Jaafar ; Norfazilah Ahmad
International Journal of Public Health Research 2025;15(1):2076-2086
Kimia Obesogen dan Obesiti Kanak-kanak sebagai Ancaman Kesihatan Awam: Satu Ulasan Naratif
PengenalanObesiti dalam kalangan kanak-kanak ialah isu kesihatan global yang semakin meningkat dengan prevalens yang tinggi, termasuk di Malaysia. Faktor persekitaran seperti pendedahan kepada bahan kimia obesogen dipercayai menyumbang kepada peningkatan risiko obesiti. Ulasan naratif ini bertujuan untuk menyiasat hubungan antara bahan kimia obesogenik dan obesiti kanak-kanak secara mendalam bagi menyokong pembangunan strategi pencegahan yang lebih berkesan.MetodologiUlasan naratif ini dijalankan menggunakan pangkalan data PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, dan Scopus untuk menyiasat hubungan antara bahan kimia obesogenik dan obesiti kanak-kanak. Kata kunci yang relevan digunakan untuk mengenal pasti artikel yang memenuhi skop kajian. Artikel tambahan diperoleh melalui rujukan silang daripada artikel yang dipilih dalam carian awal.Hasil KajianObesogen ialah bahan kimia eksogen yang mengganggu fungsi metabolik, mempromosikan pengumpulan lemak, dan meningkatkan risiko obesiti dalam kalangan kanak-kanak, terutamanya melalui mekanisme seperti gangguan adipogenesis, penurunan kadar metabolik basal, dan perubahan kawalan selera makan. Kajian menunjukkan hubungan yang signifikan antara pendedahan pranatal kepada bahan kimia seperti phthalate dan PFAS dengan peningkatan indeks jisim badan (BMI) dan risiko obesiti kanak-kanak. Kajian eksperimen turut mengesahkan bahawa obesogen seperti BPA dan phthalate mempromosikan adipogenesis dan gangguan metabolik dalam model haiwan dan sel manusia, memberikan bukti kukuh tentang peranan obesogen terhadap obesiti kanak-kanak.KesimpulanPendedahan kepada obesogen kimia memberi kesan negatif terhadap obesiti kanak-kanak. Oleh itu, tindakan segera melalui kawalan bahan kimia dan pendidikan awam amat diperlukan. Penyelidikan lanjutan dan perubahan polisi global juga perlu dilaksanakan bagi memastikan masa depan yang lebih sihat untuk generasi akan datang.
5.Impact of Compensation on Job Satisfaction Among Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review
Hanis Abdul Rani ; Nur Atiqah Mohd Ahwan ; Faiz Daud ; Aniza Ismail ; Zaleha Md Isa
International Journal of Public Health Research 2025;15(2):2243-2256
Impact of Compensation on Job Satisfaction Among Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review
Introduction Job satisfaction among healthcare workers is crucial for workforce retention, organizational stability, and healthcare delivery. Compensation, including salary, incentives, and fringe benefits, is a key driver of job satisfaction. This systematic review examines the impact of compensation on the job satisfaction of healthcare workers, providing actionable insights for improving healthcare organizations. Methods This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, ProQuest, and Web of Science was conducted to identify studies published between 2015 and January 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on research examining the relationship between compensation and job satisfaction among healthcare workers. 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted, synthesized, and analyzed to identify themes related to compensation and job satisfaction. Results The review identified compensation as a key predictor of job satisfaction among healthcare workers. Despite its significance, widespread dissatisfaction and low satisfaction with compensation were reported across studies. Salary emerged as a critical factor, influencing satisfaction through its role in recognition of value and perceived equity. Incentives, particularly performance-based financing, demonstrated the potential to improve satisfaction by linking monetary rewards to performance metrics, although their effectiveness depended on robust organizational support. Fringe benefits, particularly opportunities for professional development, were found to enhance job satisfaction. Geographic and occupational differences were observed, with higher dissatisfaction in resource-limited settings and variations by location, nationality, and role. These findings highlight the multifaceted impact of compensation on satisfaction. Conclusions Equitable compensation strategies must address salary, incentives, and fringe benefits. Regular evaluations, stakeholder engagement, and benchmarking against sector standards are essential steps to enhance job satisfaction, retention, and care quality across diverse healthcare settings.
6.Pembinaan dan Validasi Soal Selidik Faktor Sosiobudaya berkaitan COVID-19 dalam kalangan Orang Asli di Malaysia
Zaleha Md Isa ; Siti Fairuz Abu Bakar ; Aniza Ismail ; Faiz Daud ; Roszita Ibrahim ; Rozita Ibrahim ; Ummi Mirza Baharudin
International Journal of Public Health Research 2024;14(no.1):1846-1852
Pengenalan:
Soal selidik sebagai alat untuk mengukur faktor sosiobudaya berkaitan COVID-19 masih belum digunakan secara meluas oleh kebanyakan penyelidik. Di Malaysia, tiada soal selidik yang dibina dan disahkan untuk tujuan tersebut. Oleh itu, tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk membina dan mengesahkan soal selidik sebagai alat ujian yang baru bagi mengukur faktor sosiobudaya berkaitan COVID-19 dalam kalangan Orang Asli di Malaysia.
Metodologi:
Kajian rintis ini melibatkan 30 orang penduduk Orang Asli di Pos Lenjang, Kuala Lipis, Pahang. Indeks Kesahan Kandungan (CVI) digunakan untuk menguji kesahan kandungan soal selidik, manakala kesahan konstruk dan kebolehpercayaan konsistensi dalaman soal selidik ditentukan menggunakan Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) dan Cronbach’s Alpha.
Hasil Kajian:
Satu set soal selidik terdiri daripada empat konstruk telah dibina iaitu kepercayaan, amalan perubatan tradisional, adat dan budaya tradisional, dan sokongan sosial. Sebanyak 16 item telah dikekalkan di dalam EFA dengan nilai Cronbach’s Alpha setiap konstruk adalah 0.617, 0.778, 0.773 dan 0.779.
Rumusan
Soal selidik yang telah dibina ini berjaya divalidasi dan boleh digunakan untuk mengukur faktor sosiobudaya berkaitan COVID-19 dalam kalangan Orang Asli. Walau bagaimanapun, penambahbaikan masih perlu dilakukan dari masa ke semasa untuk memastikan soal selidik ini relevan terutamanya jika ia digunakan ke atas populasi atau dari negara yang berbeza dari Malaysia, dengan mengambil kira juga penyakit yang berbeza.
7.Does Caffeine Intake Influence Mental Health Of Medical Students?
Zaleha Md Isa ; Afraah Amani Anuar ; Amirul Danial Azmi ; Sanjeevaraj Tamil Selvan ; Noor Shafiqah Hisham ; Yong Zi Qing
Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine 2021;21(2):22-28
Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) consumption among students is known to increase alertness and energy, as well as to alleviate stress.There has been an increase of caffeine consumption amongst young adults. Currently, there are no studies regarding caffeine consumption and its influence on mental health among Malaysians. We aimed to determine the relationship of caffeine consumption with depression, anxiety and stress among medical students.A cross sectional study was conducted among medical students in the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Data were collected via an online survey using two questionnaires, namely the semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaires on Caffeine Intake and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21).A total of 262 medical students completed the survey. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 9.2%, 16.8% and 1.1%, respectively. Majority of students (98.5%) consumed caffeine from coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks and chocolate drinks/food. The median daily caffeine consumption among consumerswas67.98 (25th,75thpercentile: 24.83, 139.71) mg/day.There was a significant association between race and anxiety (p=0.038) in which the Malay students had the highest prevalence (21.1%), followed by Indian (16.1%), other races (15.4%) and Chinese students (3.8%). Caffeineconsumption did not influence mental health of medical students in this study. Anxiety is the most prominent mental health problem among them. We recommend a programme tailored to medical students in recognising symptoms of mental health problems so that early intervention can be carried out.
8.Exposure to Second-Hand Smoke among Adolescent in Secondary School Students in Sana’a, Yemen
Fateh Addin Nejm Addin Al-Emad ; Zaleha Md. Isa
International Journal of Public Health Research 2017;7(1):783-790
The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of secondary school students in Sana'a Yemen related to exposure to second-hand smoking. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sana'a city. The total sample size was 336 students in which 63 were males and 273 were females. These students were stratified random sampling. Data were collected by using Questionnaire comprising of 3 parts: Part 1- consists of socio-demographic data. Part 2- consists of the knowledge regarding smoking and second-hand smoking and Part 3-consists of adolescents' attitude in relation to second-hand smoking. Out of 336 students, majority were between 14-18 years old (75.9%), males (81.2%), (55.7%) of them was fathers' occupation private employee and low educated mother was (86.3%). The students who do not have smoking habit were (94.3%), and those who do not have friends with the habit of smoking was (57.4%). (57.10) having some one else at home who smokes beside them. The reaction of non printed mass media for SHS warning was (83.3%). The exposed to smoke out door was (60.1%). In this study, the majority of students had inadequate knowledge about the second-hand smoke was (52.7%). A higher percentage of students who had unfavorable attitudes toward secondhand smoke was (86.6%). We concluded that The level of knowledge and attitude about the second-hand smoke is relatively low among the secondary school student in Sana'a Yemen. The finding of this study emphasized the need of effective awareness programs to increase level of consciousness and knowledge regarding SHS.
9.The Association of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice with 24 Hours Urinary Sodium Excretion among Malay Healthcare Staff in Malaysia
Diana Mahat ; Zaleha Md Isa ; Azmi Mohd Tamil ; Mohd Ihsani Mahmood ; Fatimah Othman ; Rashidah Ambak
International Journal of Public Health Research 2017;7(2):860-870
The most effective and affordable public health strategy to prevent hypertension, stroke and renal disease is by reducing daily salt consumption. Therefore, this study aims to determine the association of knowledge, attitude and practice on salt diet intake and to identify foods contributing to high sodium intake. Secondary data analysis was performed on MySalt 2016 data. It was conducted from November 2015 until January 2016 which involving Ministry of Health Staff worked at 16 study sites in Malaysia. Salt intake was measured using 24 hours urinary sodium excretion. Food frequency questionnaire was used to determine the sodium sources. Knowledge, attitude and practice of salt intake were assessed using a validated questionnaire adapted from WHO. Demographic data and anthropometric measures also were collected. Sodium levels of more than 2400mg/day was categorised as high sodium intake. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 21. The mean sodium intake estimated by 24 hours urinary sodium excretion was 2853.23 + 1275.8 mg/day. Food groups namely rice/noodles (33.8%), sauces/seasoning (20.6%), meat and poultry (12.6%) and fish/seafoods (9.3%) were the major contributors of dietary sodium. In multiple logistic regression analysis, being a male (aOR=2.83, 95% CI 2.02 – 3.96) and obese (aOR=6.78, 95% CI 1.98 – 23.18) were significantly associated with high urinary sodium excretions. In addition, those who were unsure that high salt intake can cause hypertension (aOR=1.24, 95% CI 0.65 – 2.36), those who think that they consumed too much salt (aOR=2.10, 95% CI 1.13 – 3.87) and those who only use salt rather than other spices for cooking (aOR=2.07, 95% CI 1.29 – 3.30) were significantly associated with high urinary sodium excretion. This study showed that the main sources of sodium among Malay healthcare staff is cooked food. Poor knowledge and practice towards reducing salt consumption among them contributes to the high sodium consumption. The practice of healthy eating among them together with continuous awareness campaign is essential in order to educate them to minimize sodium consumption and to practice healthy eating.
10.Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Preventive Dentistry among Senior Dental Students in Yemen
Mohammed Ali Mohammed Al-Wesabi ; Zaleha Md Isa
International Journal of Public Health Research 2015;5(1):560-568
There is a strong and increased worldwide interest on the aspects of prevention of oral disease and oral health promotion in dental education. However, some studies imply that dental students are not knowledgeable enough in this issue. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of, attitude towards and practice on preventive dentistry among senior dental students in Yemen. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed among senior dental students in six dental schools in Yemen. The questionnaire obtained personal information, and questions about knowledge on preventive dental care, attitudes towards and practice on preventive dentistry. Among 346 students who filled the questionnaire, a total of 91.6% has good knowledge about fissure sealant effectiveness, only 34.7% knows about the importance of fluoride toothpaste compared to brushing technique in preventing caries, with significant gender difference (p=0.005). Odds of good knowledge among non-Qat chewers was 1.9 (95%CI: 1.26-4.42). Multivariable regression analysis indicated that female gender was associated with higher positive attitudes (OR: 2.03, 95%CI:1.21-3.36,p=0.007). Attitudes were significantly associated with Qat chewing (OR = 1.95, 95%CI: 1.04-3.66, p=0.03), type of university (OR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.36-0.94, p=0.02), and mothers' level of education (OR = 1.91, 95%CI: 1.05-3.47, p=0.03). There was a high percentage of competency in practicing preventive measures among students (80.9%). Dental education should emphasize the overall aspects of preventive dentistry with early exposure of preventive dental training in order to improve students' knowledge and attitudes and consequently practice on preventive care.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail