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Aims: To examine the pertinent issues discussed by endometriosis patients in Malaysia on MyEndosis Facebook group as an alternative platform for online support. Methods: Using thematic analysis based on three frameworks, 120 posted messages and comments were examined from MyEndosis Facebook group—a support group for women with endometriosis from January to July 2014. Results: Results showed the issues discussed were (a) personal struggles, (b) medication and treatment, (c) alternative medication, (d) side effects, and (e) medication recommended by doctors. While using this social medium, users found (a) emotional support, (b) esteem support, (c) information support, (d) network support, and (e) tangible assistance in their engagement with others. Conclusion: The analysis suggested that users' interactions were structured around information, emotion, and community building, which many doctors and nurses were not aware of. The group was shaped as a social network where peer users share social support, cultivate companionship, and exert social influence. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about the topic? There are no studies of Malaysian women with endometriosis seeking alternative support online and limited knowledge of their use of Facebook as an alternative platform for discussion on non‐communicable diseases.MyEndosis has created a pleasant and non‐judgemental environment that encourages well‐being and ease for patients to discuss and manage their endometriosis related issues. What this paper adds? Social media such as Facebook provide an integral platform for patients with endometriosis in Malaysia where the topic is still a taboo subject of discussion.This study provides insight into the usage of Facebook by patients as a platform for discussion and social support.Online patient interaction connects women with a similar condition and helps build a compassionate, courteous, and respectful community. The implications of this paper: There are many opportunities to improve understanding and research on how patients with endometriosis cope.Offering doctors and nurses an effective communication platform like Facebook will allow them to accurately assess patients' struggles with endometriosis, identify coping mechanisms, and develop appropriate discussion strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the experiences of mothers caring for a child with Down syndrome in the Malaysian ( Sarawak) context. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 26 biological mothers of children with Down syndrome aged 18 years and below. They were accessed through selected child health clinics, community-based rehabilitation centres and schools using purposive sampling within two regions in Sarawak, one of the two Borneo States of Malaysia. Major themes emerging within the context of care demands were children's health, developmental delays, daily needs and behaviour issues. The insights obtained into the care demands experienced by mothers of children with Down syndrome have several implications for practice by care professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to examine the quality of life ( QOL) among mothers with a child with Down syndrome using The World Health Organization Quality of Life scale instrument. A convenience sample of 161 mothers was accessed through the various institutions which provide interventional or educational programmes to children with disabilities within two of the regions of the Borneo State of Malaysia ( Sarawak). Nearly half of the group of mothers perceived their QOL as neither poor nor good ( n = 73). An overall QOL score of 14.0 ± 1.84 was obtained. The highest and lowest domain scores were found for social relationship domain (Mean = 14.9 ± 2.1) and environmental support domain (Mean = 13.3 ± 2.1) respectively. Correlation analysis of selected background variables (i.e. locality, education, income and marital status) and overall QOL indicated rho (161) = 0.22-0.28 ( P < 0.01). Inverse correlation between maternal age and overall QOL score was indicated, with rho (161) = −0.17 ( P < 0.05). Linear regression analysis indicated that the combination of these few variables together accounted for 14.5% of the QOL variability in the sample. Findings point to implications for priorities of care provisions by policy-makers and care professionals in their practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate semantic equivalence between two translated versions of the heart quality of life (HeartQoL) questionnaire produced by the forward‐backward and dual‐panel methods. Methods: The forward‐backward and dual‐panel versions of HeartQoL were self‐administered among 60 participants who met the inclusion criteria of being a native Bahasa Malaysia‐speaking Malay, aged 18 and older, having an indexed diagnosis of ischaemic heart disease and being cognitively fit. The administration sequence of the two versions was randomized. Additionally, three sociolinguists, who were blinded to translation processes and survey findings, rated the translated versions against the source version on three aspects of semantic equivalence. Results: Textual content in both translated versions was considerably similar (n = 9/14 items, ≈64%). The overall results from weighted kappa, raw agreement, intraclass correlations, and Wilcoxon signed‐rank as well as experts' ratings were confirmative of semantic equivalence between the forward‐backward and dual‐panel versions of the HeartQoL. However, some mixed findings were indicative of potential gaps in both translated versions against the source version. Conclusion: Both the forward‐backward and dual‐panel methods produced semantically equivalent versions of HeartQoL; but translation alone is insufficient to narrow the subtle gaps caused by differences in culture and linguistic style. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? The lack of empirical evidence and consensus creates uncertainties surrounding best practices on establishing equivalence between a translated questionnaire and its source.There is a lack of supportive evidence on the extent to which the forward‐backward and dual‐panel methods of translation produce semantically equivalent versions of the source questionnaire.What this paper adds? The forward‐backward and dual‐panel methods of translation are potentially comparable with each other as they have produced semantically equivalent versions of the heart quality of life (HeartQoL) questionnaire.Feedback from sociolinguists reveals potential gaps in both versions and offers insights to enhance translation equivalence.The implications of this paper: Translation of questionnaires for use in nursing research and practice can employ either the forward‐backward and dual‐panel methods or both.Regardless of methods used and the personnel involved in the translation process, the potential sources of equivalence gaps may persist. This warrants further examination using the quantitative and qualitative approaches of inquiry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]