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Introduction: Swimming pools pose significant public health risks due to chemical and microbiological contaminants. This study focuses on evaluating the prevalence of faecal coliform, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while also assessing physicochemical parameters in residential swimming pools located in Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia. Materials and methods: Water samples were collected 20cm below the pool surface, preserved in 500ml sterile containers, and transported to the laboratory in iceboxes. Physicochemical analyses, including pH and residual chlorine, were performed. Microbiological examination utilized standard multiple tube fermentation and membrane filtration techniques. Results: Thirty-three swimming pools participated in the study. Physicochemical parameters revealed a mean pH of 5.8±1.2 and residual chlorine of 1.2±1.24/L. Notably, 66.7% of tested pools exhibited pH levels outside the acceptable range (7.0 to 7.9), and 75.7% had residual chlorine values below the standard level (0-0.5mg/L). Microbial analysis indicated a prevalence of 24.2% for faecal coliform, 15.1% for E. coli, and 9.1% for P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: This study highlights prevalent issues in residential swimming pools, including low pH levels, insufficient residual chlorine, and the presence of microbial contaminants. The findings underscore the need for proactive measures to enhance water quality management in domestic pools, ensuring the safety of users. Ongoing vigilance and maintenance practices, particularly monitoring pH and chlorine concentrations, are crucial to mitigate potential health hazards associated with swimming pool water. Implementing stringent protocols and regular inspections by relevant authorities can contribute to maintaining optimal pool conditions and safeguarding public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The world has been badly affected by the spread of a novel virus known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that was first reported in Wuhan, China back in December 2019. As the virus is transmitted through aerosol, respiratory droplets and close contact, hand hygiene and wearing mask are the most important preventive measures for COVID-19. Studies showed hand hygiene intervention improved compliances. This paper discussed the development of a hand hygiene intervention module, validation, usability and effectiveness reports. Methods: This study involved 5 stages; need analysis, module development, validation, usability and effectiveness studies. Need analysis and module development were carried out through brainstorming and literature search. The content was evaluated by three experts, whereas the usability was screened by four preschool teachers. The effectiveness of knowledge transfer was evaluated via pre and post intervention surveys. Results: The hand hygiene educational module received valuable comments from the content expert and the end-users (teachers). Knowledge score related to COVID-19 transmission, prevention and hand hygiene moments among pre-school children were significantly increased after the intervention. Conclusion: This module can be used to improve teaching method related to COVID-19 and hand hygiene. The 'learn and play' approach may increase excitement, thus make learning process enjoyable and memorable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The world has been badly affected by the spread of a novel virus known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that was first reported in Wuhan, China back in December 2019. As the virus is transmitted through aerosol, respiratory droplets and close contact, hand hygiene and wearing mask are the most important preventive measures for COVID-19. Studies showed hand hygiene intervention improved compliances. This paper discussed the development of a hand hygiene intervention module, validation, usability and effectiveness reports. Methods: This study involved 5 stages; need analysis, module development, validation, usability and effectiveness studies. Need analysis and module development were carried out through brainstorming and literature search. The content was evaluated by three experts, whereas the usability was screened by four preschool teachers. The effectiveness of knowledge transfer was evaluated via pre and post intervention surveys. Results: The hand hygiene educational module received valuable comments from the content expert and the end-users (teachers). Knowledge score related to COVID-19 transmission, prevention and hand hygiene moments among pre-school children were significantly increased after the intervention. Conclusion: This module can be used to improve teaching method related to COVID-19 and hand hygiene. The 'learn and play' approach may increase excitement, thus make learning process enjoyable and memorable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dyslexia, which is a learning disability that affects many aspects of children's development, has a prevalence of 5 - 17%, worldwide. There are many negative perceptions towards children with dyslexia, and one of it is when there is lack of teachers' knowledge about this problem. Aim: The objective of this study is to develop and discuss on a newly developed module on dyslexia, i.e. Dyslexia Health Education Module (DHEM) for preschool teachers, Method: This module is developed using the ADDIE model (A-Analysis, D-De- sign, D-Develop, I- Implement, E-Evaluate). The content of DHEM consists of general information for pre-school teachers about dyslexia, identification and intervention for dyslexia among children as well as its mental health implications. Results: The newly developed module was found to have a good content validity with a score of 0.7 when evaluated by eight expert panels from respective fields. The Cronbach alpha's value for reliability test was 0.90. These findings suggest that this module is good, reliable and applicable. Discussion: It is hoped that with the development of DHEM, this would increase teachers' knowledge on dyslexia among children in Malaysia, especially in recognizing at-risk children and consequently may lead to early intervention in managing the problem. This study also suggests that future longitudinal studies should be carried out using this module to ensure its effectiveness in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Teachers play a vital role in identifying students with dyslexia. The acquisition of this knowledge will help teachers to classify students who are at risk of dyslexia. The objective of this study is to identify the level of teachers' knowledge about dyslexia that comprises of its general knowledge, diagnosis, symptoms and treatments. A cross sectional study was done upon 138 preschool teachers. This research was conducted by using 'Knowledge and Beliefs about Developmental Dyslexia' questionnaire, which consists of 36 items with 3 Likert scale questions. Findings revealed that the level of general knowledge possessed by the pre-school teachers was relatively different based on the construct even though they have respectively received the Diploma in Early Childhood Education. On the same hand, most of the respondents were found to be having higher understanding on the general knowledge about dyslexia compared to their understanding on the symptoms, diagnosis and the treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The objective of the study is to identify the relationship between knowledge and the practice of mental training skill during competitions which requires the athletes to gain control and boost their confidence. The study significantly states that knowledge and the practice of mental training skill during competitions are able to increase the athletes' ability to control their state of mind and raise their confidence. Methods: 115 students of Malaysian Sport School, Pahang Malaysia participated in the study. One set of Likert scale questionnaire, which consists of five parts is used as the study instrument. The study instrument is based on the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (CSAI- 2), Test of Performance Strategies (TOPS) and Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-48). Results: The research findings demonstrate an average level of knowledge on mental training skill with reference to the athletes' control of their mental state and their confidence. However, the significant relationship between the knowledge and the practice of mental training skill with regards to the athletes' mind control and confidence during competitions shows a highly positive and moderate relationship. Conclusion: Healthy mental training skill helps improve the athletes' personality during competition. Apart from prioritising on the physical element in training applied in the competitions, the main elements which become the athletes' source of mental strength, level of control and confidence are able to overcome the mental challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Children in pre-schools are at high risk of getting infections due to overcrowding, minimal awareness of basic hygiene and lack of immunity against microorganisms. Hand hygiene practice should be started at home where parents set good example, followed by formal education in pre- schools, primary and secondary school. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive program on hand hygiene practice in pre-schools. This paper presents the developmental aspects of the program material and the results of its evaluation process in a selected pre-school. Methods: Stage of development involved preparation of song, lyric, video clip, infographic and tablet application. The module was introduced during an intervention day called 'Healthy Hands' day. The acceptance of the module was evaluated before and after the intervention day. Evaluation was done by assessing pre-school children by faceto- face interview about knowledge on hand hygiene techniques and routine, such as before or after certain activities. Results: We managed to compose a song in three languages (Malay, English & Arabic), produced a video clip, an infographic and tablet application. A total of 227 children participated. Post intervention evaluation showed significant (p<0.001) increase of knowledge for eight out of eleven handwashing steps. The knowledge on hand hygiene routine i.e. after toilet, after playing outdoor, after sneezing and after playing with pet was also increased significantly. Conclusion: This comprehensive knowledge transfer program significantly improved the children's hand hygiene techniques and routine and is recommended to be integrated into pre-school curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medical professionalism can be defined as a set of values, behaviours and relationships. Thus it is imperative that professionalism is incorporated into the undergraduate curriculum. In Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, medical professionalism is integrated throughout the 6-year medical programme through courses in Fundamental Islamic knowledge, Medical ethics, clinical teaching and community sessions. Objective: Thus a study was carried out to evaluate the perception of the concept of professionalism among clinical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 142 clinical students of year 4, year 5 and year 6. Participants were given a questionnaire consisting of items on personality and professional characteristics of a good Muslim doctor. Analysis of data was done using SPSS software version 18. The mean, standard deviation, mean score, median and inter quartile ranges (IR) for knowledge, attitude, practice as well as both personal and professional characteristics were determined and the differences between groups were analysed using Mann-Whitney U tests or T tests. Results: Significant differences were seen for perception of professional characteristics between year 4 and year 6 (p value = 0.0001) and between year 5 and year 6 (p value=0.002). Significant differences for all items on professional characteristics were seen between year 4 and the final year students and four out of five items between year 5 and the final year students. No significant differences were noted in the perception of personal and professional characteristics among the clinical students by gender. Conclusion: The clinical students seemed to have benefitted from the Islamic-integrated medical curriculum in USIM. Overall, the senior clinical students developed better insight of the desirable personal and professional characteristics of a good Muslim doctor. Improvement in the teaching of professionalism could have greater impact on the development of professionalism among the clinical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]