1.A Systematic Literature Review on ICU Nurses’ Experience and Family Interactions during Death and Dying from an Islamic Perspective
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 2):9-19
The growing complexity of death and dying in Intensive Care Units highlights nurses'
critical role, particularly concerning family interactions and spiritual needs from an
Islamic perspective. However, there is a gap in understanding the nuances of these
interactions, how nurses can best facilitate them, and how potential conflicts arising
from differing interpretations of religious beliefs may impact care; this area remains
underexplored. This systematic literature review aims to synthesize existing studies
on ICU nurses' experiences with critically ill patients during death and dying, focusing
on Islamic perspectives or spiritual care, employing a qualitative synthesis approach.
The Scopus database was used to retrieve relevant documents published between
2005 and 2024. The review followed PRISMA guidelines for identification, screening,
exclusion, and inclusion. Qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method studies, and review
articles were included, with only qualitative papers appraised using the Joanna Briggs
Institute’s criteria. Initially, 378 records were identified. After removing unavailable
files and screening, 113 titles and abstracts were assessed. Of 84 reports reviewed for
eligibility, 68 were excluded, leaving 14 studies that met the inclusion criteria for the
final review. This review emphasizes the crucial need for better training, policies, and
institutional support for ICU nurses. Such measures would enable them to manage the
complexities of culturally sensitive care for family members during loved ones' death
and dying. Implementing standardized guidelines addressing Islamic perspectives can
significantly improve care quality and patient-family satisfaction.
2.A Bibliometric Analysis of Chatbot or ChatGPT in Nursing Fields from 2022 to 2024
Ab Razak NI ; Muhammad Yusoff MF ; Nasharuddin NA ; Soh KL ; O.K. Rahmat O.K. Rahmat RW
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 2):20-30
Nursing education has undergone a significant transformation as a result of artificial
intelligence (AI). Chatbots, specifically ChatGPT, have emerged as vital AI
technologies within the nursing domain as it is a computer program designed to
simulate human conversation through text or voice interactions. This study aims to
conduct a bibliometric analysis to gain insights into the publication trends, citation
impact, and thematic evolution in nursing education and practice concerning ChatGPT
and chatbots. A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was performed using
VOSViewer, concentrating on citation networks for data analysis and visualisation. A
review of LENS.org identified 344 relevant research publications regarding chatbots
and ChatGPT within the nursing discipline, all of which were utilised in the study. The
study examined various aspects, including types of publications, prominent authors,
leading journals, participating nations, institutions, and the impact of ChatGPT on
nursing practice. The primary objectives included categorising the papers, identifying
the most influential authors, delineating the prominent areas and institutions in the
field, and examining the impact of ChatGPT on nursing education and practice. The
findings indicate that ChatGPT positively impacts nursing education by enhancing
learning experiences, improving communication, and aiding clinical decision-making.
The findings indicate that journal articles accounted for 76% of publications, with the
U.S. leading in research output. The findings indicate that ChatGPT positively impacts
nursing education by enhancing learning experiences, improving communication, and
aiding clinical decision-making. Future research should focus on establishing
frameworks for integrating ChatGPT into nursing education, addressing ethical
implications, and assessing the long-term impacts on patient care.
3.Recent Updates on the Mechanism of Action of Spirulina as an Anticancer Agent Against Breast Cancer
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 2):31-37
Spirulina, a small blue-green algae that lives in warm, alkaline seas, is one of the world's
oldest life forms. With century-old history, this nutrient-rich organism has received a
lot of interest in recent years for its possible health benefits and sustainable production
practices. Studies have indicated its antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory
qualities are contributed by its bioactive compounds, mainly phycocyanin. Other
compounds or elements include phycocyanobilin, carotenoids, unsaturated fatty acids,
selenium, and amino acids. Breast cancer is one of the major causes of cancer related
death in women. As some of the cancer therapies are highly associated with side
effects, nutraceuticals such as Spirulina could be an alternative therapeutic intervention.
Although some research has been conducted to investigate the anti-breast cancer
effects of Spirulina in the past, its mechanism of action is not entirely understood.
Previous studies suggest that it may trigger apoptosis and autophagy via modifying
signalling pathways such as NF-κB and Bcl-2/Bax ratio. It also has anti-proliferative
properties, inhibits cell migration, causes cell cycle arrest, and lowers cancer cells'
capacity to form colonies. Phycocyanin has been shown to produce reactive oxygen
species (ROS) and down-regulate anti-apoptotic molecules, which contribute to its
anticancer capabilities. These findings show that Spirulina fights cancer by targeting a
variety of cellular mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis. While these data imply
potential benefits, more clinical trials and research into the exact mechanisms of
Spirulina in cancer treatments are needed to fully demonstrate its efficacy in treating
breast cancer in humans.
4.Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction and Its Associated Factors among Non-Diabetic Overweight & Obese Patients Attending Government Health Clinics in Kuantan, Pahang
Che&rsquo ; Man M ; Mohd Zainal AZAR ; Yusof MZ
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 2):38-46
INTRODUCTION: In the clinical setting, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a significant issue
that should not be neglected, as it can adversely impact the quality of life of patients
and their partners, especially among overweight and obese populations. This study
aims to determine the prevalence of ED and its associated factors among non-diabetic,
overweight, and obese patients who attend a government health clinic in Kuantan,
Pahang, Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A six-month cross-sectional study
was conducted from February 2024 to August 2024 at twelve health clinics in
Kuantan, Pahang. The selected respondents were married men over 18 years old, and
those with diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, psychiatric illness, or illiteracy were
excluded. Data were collected using the validated Malay version of the International
Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). ED was defined as an IIEF-5 score of less than
22. Descriptive analysis and simple and multiple logistic regression were performed
using SPSS. RESULTS: All 221 eligible patients in the study responded (100% response
rate). The prevalence of ED was 66.1% (n=146). Multiple logistic regression
showed that ED was significantly associated with dyslipidemia [AOR (95% CI): 2.42
(1.06–5.52); p-value=0.036], anxiety [AOR (95% CI): 3.99 (1.44–11.01);
p-value=0.008] and older age [AOR (95% CI): 1.07 (1.02–1.12); p-value=0.009].
CONCLUSION: The study revealed a high prevalence of ED among non-diabetic
overweight and obese patients, potentially linked to increasing age, dyslipidemia, and
anxiety. Increasing awareness among the public and healthcare providers could
improve detection rates in primary care.
5.Factors Affecting Triple Elimination Testing Participation by the Pregnant Women During Their First Visit (K1) at Harapan Baru Health Center, East Kalimantan
Tuti Meihartat ; Prita Maharani ; Sumiat ; Aries Abiyoga ; Leny Suzana Suddin
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 2):47-54
INTRODUCTION: Mother-to-child-transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis
B is a significant public health issue in Indonesia. Triple elimination screening,
which tests these three infections, is a crucial strategy for early detection and
prevention, ideally conducted during the first antenatal visit (K1). However,
the coverage of this screening remains suboptimal in several regions, including
the Harapan Baru Health Center. This study aimed to test factors affecting
participation in the triple elimination screening during the first antenatal visit
among pregnant women in the service area of the Harapan Baru Health
Center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted
involving 50 pregnant women who attended their K1 visit in June 2025.
Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were gathered
through structured questionnaires and maternal and child health (MCH)
books and analysed using the Pearson chi-square test. RESULTS: Respondents’
knowledge (OR=5.4, p=0.023) and health worker support (OR=10.7,
p=0.002;) were significantly associated with screening participation. However,
the education level was not significantly associated. CONCLUSION: Good
knowledge level and positive support from health workers could increase the
likelihood of pregnant women undergoing triple elimination screening during
their first antenatal visit.
6.Development of Components for A Glaucoma Screening Programme in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study
Hui WX WX ; Sharanjeet-Kaur S ; Hairol M M ; Abd Rahman MH ; Nasaruddin RA ; Md Isa Z ; Ismail R ; Che Hamzah J
The International Medical Journal Malaysia 2026;25(No. 2):55-63
INTRODUCTION: Glaucoma is a leading cause of permanent blindness, often going
undetected in its early, asymptomatic stages, especially in older age groups. In
Malaysia, glaucoma is a growing public health issue due to an increase in the ageing
population. While screening is essential for early glaucoma detection, the most
suitable strategy for Malaysia's healthcare system remains unclear. This study
explored the perspectives of eye healthcare professionals on the most suitable
glaucoma screening strategies for Malaysia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This
qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with 19 eye health professionals
(ophthalmologists, optometrists, nurses, ophthalmic technicians, and assistant
medical officers) practicing in the Klang Valley. The interviews were conducted
face-to-face in their workplace or via a video conferencing platform. All interviews
were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Six
major themes were identified: types of glaucoma screening programmes, accessible
screening locations, target screening population, instruments and use of digital
technology, trained personnel, and referral criteria. Opportunistic case finding and
population-based programmes were identified as the glaucoma screening
programmes in which trained personnel conducted screening at accessible
locations. Glaucoma screening for high-risk individuals was recommended,
focusing on visual acuity testing, tonometry, anterior chamber angle assessment,
funduscopy, perimetry, and retinal nerve fibre assessment. A lack of clear referral
criteria due to low awareness and poor implementation of existing guidelines was
observed. CONCLUSION: Further investigations are required to identify the best
combination of components for glaucoma screening. This will enable policymakers
to develop an effective glaucoma screening programme in Malaysia.
7.Simulation study on quality of CPR between manual chest compression and mechanical chest compression devices performed in ambulance
Tuan Hairulnizam Tuan Kamauzaman ; Johnny Ngu Tai Hock ; Ariff Arithra ; Abu Yazid Md Noh ; Siti-Azrin Ab Hamid ; Junainah Nor
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2021;76(2):171-176
Background: Maintaining good quality CPR while
transporting out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients is very
challenging. We aim to determine how different ambulance
speed can affect the quality of chest compression
performed either manually or mechanically.
Methods: This was an observational manikin-based study. A
total of 96 participants as well as two types of mechanical
compression devices: Lucas-2 and AutoPulse, performed
one minute of continuous chest compression on BT-CPEA
programmed manikin while the ambulance travelled at
different speeds, i.e., idle state, 30km/hr and 60km/hr. Seven
outcome variables of chest compression were measured.
Performance data of different groups of compressor were
compared and analysed using repeated measures analysis
of variance (ANOVA).
Results: In manual chest compression, significant variation
were noted among different speeds in term of average
compression rate (p<0.001), average compression depth
(p=0.007), fraction of adequate/insufficient compression
depth and fraction of normal hands positioning with
p=0.018, 0.022 and 0.034 respectively. Overall, AutoPulse
and Lucas-2 were not affected by ambulance speed. Lucas2 showed more consistent average compression rate, higher
fraction of adequate compression depth and reduced
fraction of insufficient compression depth as compared to
manual compression with p<0.001, 0.001 and 0.043
respectively.
Conclusion: In this study we found that ambulance speed
significantly affected certain aspects of manual chest
compression most notably compression depth, rate and
hand positioning. AutoPulse and Lucas-2 can improve these
aspects by providing more consistent compression rate,
depth and fraction of adequate compression depth during
transport.
8.Granulocyte-Macrophage colony stimulating factor in asthmatic patients infected with respiratory syncytial virus
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2021;76(2):177-182
Introduction: It is estimated that at least 30 to 40% of asthma
attacks in adults are related to respiratory infections with
viruses. The majority of asthma-related viruses include
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, and
parainfluenza. Inflammatory cytokines are supposed to play
a vital role in causing inflammation of the respiratory tract as
regulators of proliferation, chemotaxis, and activation of
inflammatory cells.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the role of
Granulocyte Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (GMCSF) in asthmatic airway hyper-responsiveness associated
with RSV infections.
Materials and Methods: Forty five asthmatic cases and 45
healthy individuals were studied in a cross-sectional design.
All asthmatics underwent symptom score assessment.GMCSF concentrations in sputum and RSV-IgM/IgG in serum
samples were measured for all participants by Enzyme
Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA).
Results: The GM-CSF concentration level was significantly
higher in asthmatics (270.27± 194.87pg/mL) especially
among moderate and severe disease with mean
concentration of 197.33±98.47 and 521.08± 310.04
respectively, compared to healthy controls (22.20±21.27 pg/
mL) (p=0.0001). The sputum level of GM-CSF in asthmatics
is highly significant associated with positive anti-RSV IgG
sera which represents 35/45(77.8%) with mean GM-CSF
concentration of (276.99± 86.42) compared with controls at
about 31/45 (68.9%) with GM-CSF mean concentration of
(22.84±23.47). On the other hand, positive anti-RSV IgM in
asthma cases was 8 out of 45(17.8 %) with GM-CSF mean
concentration of (307.25± 306.65). Furthermore, GM-CSF
sputum level was significantly correlated with eosinophil
count especially in moderate and severe asthma.
Conclusions: This study revealed that GM-CSF level is
associated with eosinophilia and indicates asthma severity
that might be evident during RSV infection .The distinctive
GM-CSF features observed in the sputum from asthmatics
with RSV may be useful as a diagnostic methods to help
match patients with antibody therapy.
9.Alternate careers for medical graduates and house officers in Malaysia
Amaramalar Selvi Naicker ; Vinoshini Devi A/P Kailaivasan ; Brenda Saria Yuliawiratman ; Arvindran Alaga ; Kevin Ng Wei Shan ; Manimalar Selvi Naicker ; Ohnmar Htwe
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2021;76(2):183-189
Introduction: In recent years, many unresolved issues
pertaining to house officers in Malaysia have led to a longer
waiting time and a ‘glut’ of medical graduates with a
surprising 20% dropout amongst those who join the
housemanship programme. This appears to reflect the
changing times, mindsets and work expectations of
millennials who comprise this cohort reflecting a need to
consider possibilities of career shifts especially so in these
uncertain times. This study explores the perceptions,
awareness and interest in alternative career options
amongst recent graduates and house officers.
Materials and Methods: This was a study done between 2018
and 2019 using a questionnaire which was shared on
various social platforms. Data analysis was done using
Excel spreadsheet.
Results: A total of 450 house officers and 657 medical
graduates responded. Expectedly 66.8% claimed lifelong
passion whilst another 12.1% claimed family influence as
their reason to do medicine. Most were aware of their career
challenges and 40% of them were keen to consider career
change and reskilling indicating a possible shift from
traditional expectations of a medical career.
Conclusion: Whilst medicine is often considered a true
calling, current challenges will require mental and emotional
flexibility to explore other career opportunities. Thus,
engagement programmes should be directed at medical
graduates and house officers to identify and support those
open to career transitions. This will help address current
issues of internship bottleneck and rising dropout rates
amongst internees. Early career change engagements will
give them insight into their true career goals whilst opening
up opportunities for those who wish to change.
10.Visual outcomes after Phacoemulsification with Intraocular Implantation surgeries among patients with and without Diabetes Mellitus
Lim Jie Jie ; Mohamad Aziz Salowi ; Tassha Hilda Adnan ; Nor&rsquo ; aini Anuar ; Nor Fariza Ngah ; May May Choo
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2021;76(2):190-198
Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the
visual outcomes of phacoemulsification with intraocular
lens implantation (IOL) surgery in patients with and without
diabetes mellitus (DM) in Malaysia over a 12-year period and
to identify factors that may contribute to poor visual
outcome.
Materials and Methods: Data was retrieved from the webbased Malaysian Cataract Surgery Registry (CSR). Perioperative data for cataract surgery performed from 2007-
2018 were analysed. Inclusion criteria were age ≥40 years,
phacoemulsification and IOL and senile cataract. Combined
surgeries, surgeries performed by trainees and ocular comorbidities were excluded. Post-operative Best-Corrected
Visual Acuity (BCVA) were compared. Factors affecting poor
visual outcomes among those with DM were analysed using
multivariate logistic regression to produce adjusted odds
ratio (OR) for variables of interest.
Results: Total number of cases between 2007-2018 was
442,858, of whom 179,210 qualified for our analysis. DM
group consisted of 72,087 cases (40.2%). There were 94.5%
cases in DM group and 95.0% from non-DM group who
achieved BCVA ≥6/12 (p<0.001). Among patients with DM,
advanced age (70-79 years old, OR: 2.54, 95% Confidence
Interva, 95%CI: 1.91, 3.40; 80-89 years old, OR: 5.50, 95%CI:
4.02, 7.51), ≥90 years, OR: 9.77, 95%CI: 4.18, 22.81), poor
preoperative presenting visual acuity [<6/18–6/60] (OR: 2.40,
95%CI: 1.84, 3.14) and <6/60-3/60 (OR: 3.00, 95%CI: 2.24,
4.02), <3/60 (OR 3.63, 95%CI: 2.77, 4.74)], presence of
intraoperative complication (OR 2.24, 95%CI: 1.86, 2.71) and
presence of postoperative complication (OR 5.21, 95%CI:
2.97, 9.16) were significant factors for poor visual outcome.
Conclusions: Visual outcomes following
phacoemulsification with IOL implantation surgery among
cases with DM were poorer compared to cases without DM.
Risk factors for poor visual outcomes among cases with DM
were identified.


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