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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: Staphylococcus aureus is part of the normal human flora that can commonly be found on the skin and mucous membranes of the nasal area. However, in immunosuppressed patients such as those with kidney failures, colonization can potentially lead to infection. There is a concern of increasing antibiotic resistance in S. aureus. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of S. aureus nasal colonization and its antimicrobial susceptibility among haemodialysis-dependent populations. Methods: A cross-sectional study at the Nephrology Unit, Hospital Canselori Tuanku Mukhriz (HCTM) was conducted among haemodialysis-dependent patients between February 2017 to February 2018. Nasal swabs were obtained and cultured on mannitol salt agar. S. aureus isolates were identified by gram staining, tube coagulase and Deoxyribonuclease (DNase). Cefoxitin disc (30 µg) were used to identified the presence of MRSA (methicillin-resistance S. aureus). The S. aureus colonies were further tested against six antibiotics using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion. Result: A total of 134 patients were recruited. S. aureus isolates were detected from 27 patients (20.1%). All S. aureus were phenotypically identified as methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) based on the cefoxitin disc. Teicoplanin and linezolid were the most effective with 100% susceptibility. S. aureus exhibited a high resistance rate towards erythromycin (29.6%). No MRSA was isolated in this study. Conclusion: This study highlighted the high prevalence of S. aureus nasal colonization in haemodialysis patients. Teicoplanin and linezolid were found to be the most effective antibiotics against isolated S. aureus. [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]

Introduction: Introduction: Maintaining high levels of vaccinations is important for public health success in any vaccination planning. Success requires a better understanding of the public's perceptions of diseases and consequent decisions about vaccinations. This study aims to gather exploratory qualitative data on public opinion on the Malaysian Government's COVID-19 immunization campaigns. Methods: Open-ended question on Google Form was advertised online between 2 to 17 December 2020. The questionnaire form was deactivated when saturation has been reached. The free text questions were analysed by qualitative thematic analysis by all authors on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Results: Six hundred and sixty-one participants replied to the online questionnaire. Four themes emerged from the thematic analysis on suggestions for future National COVID-19 Immunisation Program. First, COVID-19 vaccine administration policy; secondly, knowledge dissemination and plan to address obstacles of public acceptances towards the vaccine proactively; thirdly, better implementation programs by the government and fourthly, using local research expertise for vaccine development and alternative medicines. Participants believe all this are essential in increasing their trust and uptake for the government's future national COVID-19 Immunisation Program. Conclusion: This study highlights the suggestions made by the public for the Malaysian Government. These findings will help develop education and intervention strategies for new vaccine introduction to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hajj is a unique religious mass gathering among Muslims hosted by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) annually. It is a fifth pillar that is compulsory to be carried among muslim. Infections due to Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus Pneumoniae and Influenza virus are very high among Hajj pilgrims in KSA. Study shows knowledge and attitude towards vaccine preventable disease and vaccination which is very important for the prevention of these infectious diseases. This study aims to determine knowledge and attitude among the prospective Malaysian hajj pilgrims on vaccine preventable disease and vaccination. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among prospective hajj pilgrims in June 2019. Self-administered questionnaires were given to the respondents through simple random sampling. The socio-demographic characteristics were described using descriptive analysis. Chi-square test was used to analyse the association between the socio-demographic and Malaysian hajj pilgrims' knowledge and attitude towards the vaccine preventable diseases and vaccination. Results: A total of 135 respondents were recruited in the study. There were statistically significant associations between the knowledge and the highest education level (p=0.01), and also between the knowledge and the occupation (p=0.02) on vaccine preventable disease and vaccination. Conclusion: There is a lack of knowledge among the Malaysian hajj pilgrims about these vaccine preventable diseases and vaccination, especially those who have lower education level and also unemployed. Tabung Haji are highly advised to focus on these group and prepare a special course that focused on these vaccine preventable diseases so that Malaysian Hajj pilgrims will be protected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]