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Context: Handling of electronic and electrical waste (E-waste) has adverse effects on the environment and human well-being. To address the environmental and health risks arising from improper e-waste disposal, it is crucial to foster responsible practices and enhance understanding of e-waste management. Aims: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness, and practice of e-waste management and association of these factors with demographic variables among undergraduate medical students. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a private medical university among medical students in Malaysia. Subjects and Methods: The selection of participants was done using purposeful sampling, and the questionnaire was distributed in the form of an online survey using Google Forms. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression were calculated. Results: Out of the 135 medical students surveyed, 39.3% demonstrated a good knowledge and 27.4% displayed a good awareness. In terms of practice, 67.4% of respondents appropriately disposed of electronic gadgets, whereas 41.5% properly disposed of electrical appliances. Notably, no statistically significant associations were found between demographic characteristics and the knowledge, awareness, and practice in e-waste management among the participants. Conclusions: Our research emphasizes the insufficient knowledge, awareness, and inadequate implementation of proper practices concerning e-waste management among medical students. Fostering a supportive environment and emphasizing collaborative efforts are crucial steps that empower medical students to actively participate in and contribute to responsible electronic waste practices. This approach enables students to be proactive agents in promoting a greener and more environmentally conscious approach to electronic waste.

Context: Good health and well-being for all constitute the third sustainable development goal established by the United Nations which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for everyone at all ages. However, health disparities are a rampant yet often neglected issue in many nations across the world. Aims: We aimed to determine medical students’ self-perceived knowledge and attitude toward health disparities as well as the association among gender, ethnicity, family income, and self-perceived health disparities. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students of private medical university in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: Online questionnaire was distributed. A total of 123 students participated. Statistical analysis used: Chi-Squared test and Fisher exact test were calculated. Results: 60.97% of the medical students agreed that they would be able to demonstrate empathy toward multiple difficulties faced by patients from underserved populations. There were significant associations between students’ family income and medical students’ comfort of addressing health issues in six underserved populations such as immigrants and refugees (P = 0.005), lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community (P = 0.001), homeless (P = 0.018), incarcerated individuals (P = 0.003), those who are mentally ill or those with substance abuse (P < 0.001), and veterans (P = 0.029). Conclusions: Most of the students had adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and a good holistic self-perception toward health disparities. We recommended medical institutes to provide learning environments for student to be exposed to underserved populations which will help to strengthen students’ attitudes and commitment to underserved communities.

Introduction: The practice of high-fidelity simulation-based medical education has become a popular small-group teaching modality across all spheres of clinical medicine. High-fidelity simulation (HFS) is now being increasingly used in the context of undergraduate medical education, but its superiority over traditional teaching methods is still not established. The main objective of this study was to analyse the effectiveness of HFS-based teaching over video-assisted lecture (VAL)-based teaching in the enhancement of knowledge for the management of tension pneumothorax among undergraduate medical students. Methods: A cohort of 111 final-year undergraduate medical students were randomised for this study. The efficacy of HFS-based teaching (intervention group) and VAL-based teaching (control group), on the acquisition of knowledge, was assessed by single-best answer multiple choice questions (MCQ) tests in the first and eighth week of their surgery posting. Mean and standard deviation (SD) for the total score of MCQ assessments were used as outcome measures. ANCOVA was used to determine the difference in post-test MCQ marks between groups. The intragroup comparison of the pre-test and post-test MCQ scores was done by using paired t-test. The P-value was set at 0.05. Results: The mean of post-test MCQ scores were significantly higher than the mean of pre-test MCQ scores in both groups. The mean pre-test and post-test MCQ scores in the intervention group were slightly more than those of the control group but not statistically significant. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant enhancement of knowledge in both groups but the difference in knowledge enhancement between the groups was insignificant.

Objective: To determine the frequency and severity of the breakthrough infections and the associated factors in Malaysia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the adult general population in Malaysia who completed at least one dose of vaccination. The validated online questionnaires were used for data collection between December 2022 to February 2023. The participants were recruited by a convenient sampling method. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics, and logistic regression by using SPSS (Version 27). Qualitative data from open-ended questions were analysed as thematic analysis by using RQDA software. Results: A total of 524 participants' data were analyzed and 77.5% of them completed three doses of COVID-19 vaccination. Breakthrough infections after vaccination were reported in 57.3% of the participants. Age group of 18 and 30 years (aOR 2.32, 95% CI 1.01-5.32) and other ethnicities (aOR 2.00, 95% CI 1.02-3.93) significantly associated with the occurrence of breakthrough infections. A total of 35.5% of the participants were not willing to take another booster dose in the future because of their attitudes towards fear of long-term side effects, lack of trust to the vaccine, less susceptibility to severe infection, belief in natural immunity, and myths. Conclusions: Future public health policies and interventions should be focused on disseminating the information about safety of booster doses of vaccine, management and re-assurance of side effects, and targeted vaccination to the working (younger age group) and ethnic minorities.

Context: In medical education, statistics is part of the core training to enable the students to plan, design, analyze, and interpret the experimental data. It is believed that attitudes toward statistics play an important role in learning statistics. Aims: We conducted this study to assess the attitudes toward statistics among undergraduate medical and dentistry students. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was done among 3rd-year medical students and 4th-year dentistry students in a private medical college in Malaysia. Subjects and Methods: We employed purposive sampling and invited the 3rd-year medical students and the 4th-year dentistry students before the commencement of the biostatistics course. A total of 206 students participated in this study. We utilized SATS-36 scale which consisted of 36 items that were divided into six subscales such as affect, cognitive competence, value, difficulty, interest, and effort. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and Spearman's rho correlation. Results: The students had positive attitudes toward statistics in most of the domains of SATS-36 except difficulty. There were no significant differences of attitudes toward statistics between male and female students. However, male students had a significantly higher mean score in the interest domain (mean difference 0.40 [95% confidence interval 0.07, 0.74]). Conclusions: The undergraduate medical and dentistry students had positive attitudes toward statistics, but the students found that statistics is a difficult subject. Hence, the instructors need to understand the student's attitudes and create effective learning strategies which not only provide knowledge and skills but also change student's attitudes toward the desired direction.

Aim: A variety of anthropometric techniques have been proposed to determine the correct vertical dimension of occlusion. However, none have reported correlating thumb length (TL) with vertical dimension at rest (VDR). This study aimed to correlate the VDR to measurements of the thumb in a multi-national, multi-centric trial in participants with and without orthodontic treatment and establish a regression equation for each region. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional multi-national, multi-centric correlation trial. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in India and Malaysia with a total of 688 participants. Measurements of thumb and VDR were obtained using a modified Willi's gauge using a standard operating procedure. Statistical Analysis Used: Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the correlation between TL and VDR. A multiple linear regression was done to correlate VDR from gender, orthodontic treatment, and length of thumb. Results: Correlation coefficient between TL and VDR in patients with orthodontic treatment was 0.829 and 0.774 in patients without orthodontic treatment. The correlation between TL and VDR in patients with orthodontic treatment in North India was 0.484, P = 0.010 and Malaysia was 0.946, P < 0.001. There were significant correlations between TL and VDR in patients without orthodontic treatment in all regions (P < 0.001). Regression equations were obtained for different ethnic groups for calculating the VDR. Conclusion: There was an overall positive correlation between TL and VDR in patients with and without orthodontic treatment. The regression equations presented in this article could help clinicians in their clinical practice and researchers to conduct future trials.

Context: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the leading causes of premature deaths among noncommunicable disease. Hypertension increases the risk of cardiovascular events. In addition to well-known risk factors for hypertension like obesity, lack of physical activity, studies have shown independent association between tooth loss and increased blood pressure and stroke. However, the relevant literature is not conclusive. Aims: Aim of our study was to investigate the association between tooth loss and increased blood pressure among adult patients. Methods and Material: A cross-sectional study among 270 adults aged 20–59 years was conducted. The dependent variables were systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The main exploratory variable was the number of self-reported natural teeth for each dental arch. They were recorded as 10 or more natural teeth, less than 10 natural teeth, and no natural teeth. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Mean SBP was 125.3 mmHg and DBP was 78.9 mmHg. Moreover, 29.3% of participants had hypertension, 8.9% were edentulous, 22.8% had lost more than 10 teeth, and 68.3% had lost less than 10 teeth. Increased SBP was seen with increased tooth loss among participants. After adjusting for all covariates, no significant association between tooth loss and SBP and DBP was seen. Conclusions: The mean SBP was higher among the participants who were edentulous than partially edentulous. However, there was no significant association between tooth loss and SBP and DBP after adjusting for confounding factors.

Background: COVID-19 pandemic reached a public health emergency status of international concern. The impacts and events associated with this were associated with adverse psychological impacts among the general public globally. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of psychological distress and to identify predictors associated with psychological distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic among the population in Myanmar. Design and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to April 2020 among adults, 18 years old and above, who reside in Myanmar through a structured questionnaire distributed in social media platforms. Univariate and Bivariate analyses were used to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI) symptoms and to test the associations between CPDI and the exposure variables. Logistic Regression Analysis was done to identify significant predictors of distress. Results: There were 530 participants in this study.37.4% of them did not have psychological distress,55.6% experienced mild to moderate psychological distress, and 7% experienced severe psychological distress due to COVID-19 pandemic. Simple and Multiple Logistic Regression Analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with psychological distress due to COVID-19. Conclusions: It was shown that the self-employed group and age group older than 45 years old had more psychological distress than others. However, Buddhists and people from the capital city had less distress than other religions and districts. This study recommends the government to develop better strategies for self-employed groups, elders, and the poor for a support, relief, and resettlement of their ruined status.

Background: Periodontitis is a public health concern since it is a major factor in tooth loss worldwide and has association with many systemic diseases. Sleep is a complex and essentially biological process and a critical factor for maintaining mental and physical health. Since inflammation is characteristic of both chronic periodontitis and sleep deprivation, few studies in recent years present the contradictory results regarding this potential association. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between quality of sleep and chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 individuals participated in this study. All participants underwent a comprehensive clinical periodontal examination. Case–control were identified using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology case definitions for periodontal disease. The quality of sleep was assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to test the influence of variables (quality of sleep, age, sex, ethnicity, education, and socioeconomic status), in the occurrence of periodontitis. Odds ratio (OR) and respective confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and reported. P ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of poor quality of sleep was 56.75% in cases (periodontitis group) and 43.24% in control group. There was positive association between quality of sleep and chronic periodontitis (OR = 3.04; 95% CI = 1.42–6.5; P = 0.004). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the age was significantly related to the periodontitis (OR = 1.11; 95% CI = 1.07–1.41; P < 0.001), other variables failed to reach the significant level. Conclusion: Poor quality of sleep was significantly associated with chronic periodontitis. Only the age was significantly related to periodontitis among the other covariable measured.

Introduction: Composite restorations placed using selective-etch technique has been claimed to induce significantly lower postoperative sensitivity than a three-step etch and rinse technique. Selective-etch technique overcomes the main drawback of self-etch technique, which is suboptimal etching of mineralised enamel, by acid etching only the enamel prior to using the adhesive. The newer universal bonding agent can be used in a self-etch, selective-etch, or etch and rinse mode. Aim: To evaluate the influence of selective-etch versus total-etch techniques of using Scotchbond universal adhesive on the postoperative sensitivity in composite restorations placed by undergraduate students. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with ICDAS code 4 or 5 cavities for composite restorations by undergraduate students were randomly allocated into two groups. Restorations were done using Filtek Z350 XT and Scotchbond™ Universal Adhesive. In total-etch group, the entire preparation was acid etched for 20 seconds, and rinsed with water spray for 15 seconds. In selective-etch group, only the enamel was acid etched for 20 seconds, and rinsed. The postoperative sensitivity of the restorations was evaluated preoperatively, immediately after treatment, 24 hours and 2 weeks after treatment. Sensitivity scores were generated from the patient’s response to a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) having scores from 0 to 10. The results were statistically analysed using Mann Whitney U-test and Friedman test. The level of significance was set at p-value less than 0.05. Results: There was no significant difference in the sensitivity between total-etch and selective-etch groups pre-treatment and during three postoperative follow-up periods (p-value >0.05). However, there was statistically significant decrease in the sensitivity at 24 hours and 2 weeks after treatment when compared with baseline scores in both total-etch and selective-etch groups (p-value

BACKGROUND: Behavioral addiction to smartphones is a common phenomenon in the present digital age, wherein indulgence in these devices is compulsive and impacts physical, social, and psychological health of the population. The smartphones effect on a dental student's life is detrimental to their academics, health, and efficiency in providing clinical patient care. To assess use and addiction of smartphones among dental students under six major domains and to compare this based on their gender, ethnicity, and year of study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a validated questionnaire, Smartphone addiction scale was conducted among 349 undergraduate students (N = 349) at a private dental school in Malaysia. RESULTS: Overall results are presented as mean scores under six domains with total score as 142.40 (33.65). The total scores compared between two genders did not show statistical difference, however on comparing individual domains, females (25.25) had higher mean score for daily life disturbance (P = 0.013) and males (30.17) for cyberspace-oriented relationship (P = 0.001). Chinese students had higher scores with respect to withdrawal (32.45) and cyberspace-oriented relationship (29.48) as compared to other ethnicities. Year 4 students show higher scores than other years in daily life disturbance (27.44), tolerance (16.81), and overuse (16.51). CONCLUSION: Our research presents the extent and pattern of smartphone of usage and addiction among the undergraduate students at a dental school in Malaysia. The indicators of addiction highlighted in the study are pivotal in spreading awareness regarding this overuse and addiction as well as planning further research in this area.

Background: Disease surveillance is one of the major components to combat against infectious diseases. As health-care professionals are indispensable to mandatory notifiable disease surveillance, their knowledge and attitudes toward infectious disease notification played an important role for timely and effective reporting to the surveillance system. Therefore, we aimed to determine the knowledge of mandatory notifiable infectious diseases in Malaysia and attitude towards infectious disease reporting among final year medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2017 in the private medical college in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: We purposively selected the final year (semester 10) medical students and a total of 124 students participated in this study. We collected data using a self-administered, structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance. Results: Among the final year medical students, 47.5% had moderate knowledge but 4.2% had good knowledge of mandatory infectious disease notification. Only 3.2% of the students correctly answered all the notifiable diseases listed in the questionnaire. Most of the students had positive attitude toward communicable diseases reporting, rewards, and penalty for notification. There was no significant relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge and attitude of infectious disease notification. Conclusions: The majority of the final year medical students had moderate level of knowledge and positive attitude of infectious disease notification; however, there were some deficiencies. Better instruction and training on infectious disease notification procedures of Malaysia should be provided to the final year medical students which could not only reduce underreporting but also improve timely and effective reporting in future.

CONTEXT: Virtual learning is not without challenges. It can cause stress, lack of motivation, and social isolation. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, our college shifted from face-to-face to virtual teaching–learning style. the aim was to find out the barriers in virtual learning among medical students and provide solutions to overcome them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 3rd- and 4th-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery students in 2020. Prevalidated electronic survey forms on institutional barrier, technical barrier, and individual barrier were sent to students, 160 students responded. SPSS version 12 was used to calculate descriptive statistics and independent t-test. RESULTS: The students had the highest mean score in individual barrier (mean: 2.82 [standard deviation (SD): 0.72]) followed by institutional barrier (mean: 2.79 [SD: 0.74]) and technological barrier (mean: 2.72 [SD: 0.75]). Regarding technological barriers, 38.6% of the students agreed difficulty in procurement of the laptop and 66.4% faced slow Internet connection. Regarding institutional barriers, 75.9% were stressed to join one lecture to another lecture as the lectures were continuous, 69.6% had limited opportunity to interact with lecturers, and 62.7% had poor communication between lecturers and students. Regarding individual barriers, 74.1% of the students were not motivated for online learning, 71.5% of the students could not learn as well as they were in the classroom, and 58.2% disagreed taking online courses in future. CONCLUSION: Low motivation, communication, Internet connectivity, and technical problems were the main barriers. Smaller size class, highly motivated and well-trained lecturers, and interactive lectures may help in breaking the barriers of virtual learning.

BACKGROUND: Undergraduate dental students have to do multiple tasks as part of their extensive curriculum in order to achieve the proficiencies expected of them. During the course of their study, a tendency to procrastinate and question their self-efficacy is detrimental for the students. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of procrastination and self-efficacy and its related factors among dental undergraduate students. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among all (n = 361) consented dental undergraduate students of our dental school. A twenty-item Lay's Procrastination Scale for student population and a ten-item General Self-Efficacy Scale were used for the study after getting institutional ethical approval. The quantitative data were explained using descriptive statistics. Independent sample t-test and ANOVA were used to determine the association between self-efficacy, academic procrastination, and genders and academic years. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the association between self-efficacy and procrastination. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the related factors to academic procrastination. RESULTS: High procrastination (score ≥62) was seen among 28.5% of students. The mean self-efficacy score was 29.5. There was no significant difference between genders for procrastination scores (P = 0.835) and between academic years (P = 0.226). Males showed significantly more self-efficacy (P < 0.001), and self-efficacy did not show any significant difference (P = 0.204) between academic years though a tendency for year 5 students to have lower self-efficacy scores was observed. Academic procrastination was negatively correlated with self-efficacy (r = −0.238 and P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For dental undergraduates who have cognitive load as well as work associated with patients, procrastination and self-efficacy are negatively correlated.

BACKGROUND: Cancer cervix is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), oncogenic virus and has vaccines and screening as its preventive measures. This study analyzes the change in awareness and attitudes of nonmedical students toward the condition following the use of an educational module. METHODOLOGY: The study design was quasi-experimental. The interprofessional (IP) team implemented an educational module and analyzed the difference in awareness of young individuals toward the cancer cervix. A pretest and posttest written questionnaire, customized for both genders, was administered with the intervention of the educational module in between. The module consisted of a short educational presentation along with a group activity. A follow-up survey was also done after 2 months to check the attrition of awareness. The statistical analysis was done using MacNemar test using SPSS 12 IBM software and significance of differences were determined. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement of knowledge and awareness on linkage between HPV and cervical cancer (P < 0.001). There was also significant change with regard to attitudes toward cervical cancer vaccination (P = 0.004). The knowledge of HPV linkage to the malignancy was maintained after 2 months of gap. The subjects also wished for more future awareness program. CONCLUSIONS: There is improved awareness in the dental and foundation in science students, and this improved awareness will ensure favorable attitudes toward cervical cancer vaccines or will attend regular screening programs. Awareness program must be held at regular intervals at different locations to enhance the knowledge dissemination of this common yet preventable genital malignancy of females. The IP collaboration and practices will help in reducing the disease burden of the society in future.

Context: Scientific research not only promotes health and combats diseases of an individual, but also it can strengthen the effectiveness of health systems. Hence, understanding of scientific methods becomes a crucial component in the medical profession. Aims: This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and barriers toward research among undergraduate medical and dental students. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 295 undergraduate Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students from a private medical college in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: We purposively selected 360 students attending the 3rd, 4th, and 5th year in MBBS course and BDS course in September 2015. A total of 295 students who were willing to provide written informed consent were included in this study. We collected data using a validated, self-administered, structured questionnaire which included 20 questions about knowledge toward scientific research, 21 attitude items in regard to scientific research, a list of 10 barriers toward conducting medical research, and 5 questions of confidence to conduct the medical research. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression. Results: Among the students, 56.9% had moderate knowledge while the majority (83.3%) had moderate attitude toward scientific research. The majorly cited barriers were the lack of time (79.9%), lack of knowledge and skills (72.1%), lack of funding (72.0%) and facilities (63.6%), and lack of rewards (55.8%). There was a significant association between age, academic year, and knowledge of research as the older age group, and 4th- and 5th-year students had higher knowledge score. The students of higher attitude score had better-perceived barriers score toward research with regression coefficient 0.095 (95% confidence interval 0.032–0.159). Conclusions: Even though the students had the positive attitudes toward scientific research, a supportive and positive environment is needed to improve skills and knowledge of research and to overcome the barriers toward the conduct of scientific research.

INTRODUCTION: Family planning and contraception is the effective strategy to reduce maternal mortality, child mortality, abortion, and unwanted pregnancies. Since the medical students are the future doctors, it is important to have proper knowledge and training on family planning services. This study aimed to explore the effect of teaching-learning process at maternal and child health (MCH) clinics on the students' knowledge, perceptions toward contraception methods, and family planning counselling. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in the private medical institution in Malaysia. The same questionnaire was used to administer twice, before and after the posting. Moreover, a qualitative question on the issues related to family planning and contraception utilizations in Malaysia was added to the after posting survey. The quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS (version 20) and qualitative data by RQDA software. RESULTS: A total of 146 participants were recruited in this study. Knowledge on contraception method before posting was 5.11 (standard deviation [SD] ±1.36) and after posting was 6.35 (SD ± 1.38) (P < 0.001). Thematic analysis of the students' answer revealed four salient themes, which were as follows: (1) cultural barrier, (2) misconception, (3) inadequate knowledge, and (4) improvement for the health-care services. CONCLUSIONS: The teaching-learning process at the MCH posting has an influence on their perception and upgraded their knowledge. It also reflects the role of primary health-care clinics on medical students' clinical exposure and training on family planning services during their postings.

Introduction: Dengue is a globally prevalent mosquito-borne disease that has been endemic in Malaysia since the 1980s. Despite significant government efforts, dengue cases continue to rise. To combat this trend, fostering positive perceptions, attitudes, and practices is essential. This study aims to assess the perceptions and attitudes of undergraduate medical students in Malaysia regarding dengue prevention activities and their responses to early warnings. Methods: Participants were given online questionnaires constructed in English. Statistical tests (Unpaired t-test and chi square test) were done using Epi Info software (version 7.2.2.6). Results: Almost 100% of the students are aware of dengue fever, and 96.2% believe that it can cause mortality. Additionally, 79.5% reported having sufficient knowledge to prevent dengue infection. Furthermore, 99.4% think that an early warning system is a useful tool for the community to take preventive measures to avoid potential infection in a timely manner. However, only 23.7% of the participants checked the current dengue hotspot in their area. Regarding early warning about dengue, 95.6% reported that they would help convey this information to others, 81.4% reported that they would avoid outdoor activities, and 82.7% reported that chemical fogging is necessary. Conclusion: Most participants demonstrated a positive perception, attitude, and response regarding dengue infection and early warning systems. The study found a significant association between the participants' phases of study and their perceptions of dengue. Overall, medical students showed a favorable outlook toward dengue infection, a positive attitude toward the early warning system, and an appropriate response to it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Handling of electronic and electrical waste (E-waste) has adverse effects on the environment and human well-being. To address the environmental and health risks arising from improper e-waste disposal, it is crucial to foster responsible practices and enhance understanding of e-waste management. Aims: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness, and practice of e-waste management and association of these factors with demographic variables among undergraduate medical students. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a private medical university among medical students in Malaysia. Subjects and Methods: The selection of participants was done using purposeful sampling, and the questionnaire was distributed in the form of an online survey using Google Forms. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression were calculated. Results: Out of the 135 medical students surveyed, 39.3% demonstrated a good knowledge and 27.4% displayed a good awareness. In terms of practice, 67.4% of respondents appropriately disposed of electronic gadgets, whereas 41.5% properly disposed of electrical appliances. Notably, no statistically significant associations were found between demographic characteristics and the knowledge, awareness, and practice in e-waste management among the participants. Conclusions: Our research emphasizes the insufficient knowledge, awareness, and inadequate implementation of proper practices concerning e-waste management among medical students. Fostering a supportive environment and emphasizing collaborative efforts are crucial steps that empower medical students to actively participate in and contribute to responsible electronic waste practices. This approach enables students to be proactive agents in promoting a greener and more environmentally conscious approach to electronic waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, regular teaching-learning activities have been replaced with online education strategies. This study aimed to explore undergraduate medical students' experiences in conducting research projects during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. In the study institution, undergraduate medical students had a rotation at the community medicine posting during their Semesters 6 and 7, and they needed to conduct health research projects. Upon completion of the posting, students were asked to reflect on their project using Gibbs' reflective cycle. The inclusion criteria were reflective writings of undergraduate medical students in the study institution, who conducted online research projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary qualitative data from the reflections of 40 students were included until the data were saturated and analysed with thematic analysis. The R-based Qualitative Data Analysis (RQDA) software was used for data analysis. Seven salient themes emerged from the qualitative reflections: (a) sudden changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, (b) challenges, (c) feelings of students, (d) support, (e) adaptation to the online learning process, (f) perceived benefits of online research projects, and (g) self-reflection and way forward. Although there were various challenges, the students were able to overcome and develop adaptation to conduct health research projects. The educational sector should provide support to students in terms of technology and clear guidance on the project process and encourage communication and teamwork to overcome challenges. From a positive perspective, the COVID-19 pandemic situation could have a beneficial impact on implementing e-learning and conducting online surveys and research projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the frequency and severity of the breakthrough infections and the associated factors in Malaysia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the adult general population in Malaysia who completed at least one dose of vaccination. The validated online questionnaires were used for data collection between December 2022 to February 2023. The participants were recruited by a convenient sampling method. The data were analysed by descriptive statistics, and logistic regression by using SPSS (Version 27). Qualitative data from open-ended questions were analysed as thematic analysis by using RQDA software. Results: A total of 524 participants' data were analyzed and 77.5% of them completed three doses of COVID-19 vaccination. Breakthrough infections after vaccination were reported in 57.3% of the participants. Age group of 18 and 30 years (aOR 2.32, 95% CI 1.01-5.32) and other ethnicities (aOR 2.00, 95% CI 1.02-3.93) significantly associated with the occurrence of breakthrough infections. A total of 35.5% of the participants were not willing to take another booster dose in the future because of their attitudes towards fear of long-term side effects, lack of trust to the vaccine, less susceptibility to severe infection, belief in natural immunity, and myths. Conclusions: Future public health policies and interventions should be focused on disseminating the information about safety of booster doses of vaccine, management and re-assurance of side effects, and targeted vaccination to the working (younger age group) and ethnic minorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is growing at a fast pace and permeates many aspects of people’s daily lives. Medical students’ inclination towards AI in the medical field increases the probability of successful AI adoption and its value in the medical field. This study was conducted to evaluate medical AI readiness among undergraduate medical students. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2022 to April 2022 in a private medical institution in Malaysia. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used to enroll students and a questionnaire was distributed online via Google Forms. The questionnaire, captioned “Medical Artificial Intelligence Readiness Scale for Medical Students (MAIRS-MS)”, was used for data collection. The analysis included frequency tables, percentages, standard deviation, unpaired t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Out of 105 participants, 67.62% scored 53 to 83, followed by 24.76%, who scored 84 to 114, and 7.62%, who scored 22 to 52 on the medical AI readiness scale. The mean of the total score of medical AI readiness obtained was 75.04. There were significant correlations between age and study year with the ability, vision, and ethics domains of medical AI readiness. A significant association was observed between previous training with all four domains of medical AI readiness. Policymakers and the educational sector should set up more AI training centers to provide and introduce basic courses on AI. More AI courses should be provided to younger populations to engage in AI digital information earlier, thus enabling them to acquire more confidence in interacting with AI technology in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Composite restorations placed using selectiveetch technique has been claimed to induce significantly lower postoperative sensitivity than a three-step etch and rinse technique. Selective-etch technique overcomes the main drawback of self-etch technique, which is suboptimal etching of mineralised enamel, by acid etching only the enamel prior to using the adhesive. The newer universal bonding agent can be used in a self-etch, selective-etch, or etch and rinse mode. Aim: To evaluate the influence of selective-etch versus totaletch techniques of using Scotchbond universal adhesive on the postoperative sensitivity in composite restorations placed by undergraduate students. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with ICDAS code 4 or 5 cavities for composite restorations by undergraduate students were randomly allocated into two groups. Restorations were done using Filtek Z350 XT and Scotchbond™ Universal Adhesive. In total-etch group, the entire preparation was acid etched for 20 seconds, and rinsed with water spray for 15 seconds. In selective-etch group, only the enamel was acid etched for 20 seconds, and rinsed. The postoperative sensitivity of the restorations was evaluated preoperatively, immediately after treatment, 24 hours and 2 weeks after treatment. Sensitivity scores were generated from the patient's response to a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) having scores from 0 to 10. The results were statistically analysed using Mann Whitney U-test and Friedman test. The level of significance was set at p-value less than 0.05. Results: There was no significant difference in the sensitivity between total-etch and selective-etch groups pre-treatment and during three postoperative follow-up periods (p-value >0.05). However, there was statistically significant decrease in the sensitivity at 24 hours and 2 weeks after treatment when compared with baseline scores in both total-etch and selectiveetch groups (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: Both total-etch and selective-etch techniques of bonding using universal adhesive systems can be safely practiced by dental undergraduate students without the fear of developing postoperative sensitivity in patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Simulation is the imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system over time. Innovative simulation training solutions are now being used to train medical professionals in an attempt to reduce the number of safety concerns that have adverse effects on the patients. Objectives: (a) To determine its usefulness as a teaching or learning tool for management of surgical emergencies, both in the short term and medium term by students' perception. (b) To plan future teaching methodology regarding hi-fidelity simulation based on the study outcomes and re-assessment of the current training modules. Methods: Quasi-experimental time series design with pretest-posttest interventional study. Quantitative data was analysed in terms of Mean, Standard Deviation and standard error of Mean. Statistical tests of significance like Repeated Measure of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used for comparisons. P value < 0.001 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The students opined that the simulated sessions on high fidelity simulators had encouraged their active participation which was appropriate to their current level of learning. It helped them to think fast and the training sessions resembled a real life situation. The study showed that learning had progressively improved with each session of simulation with corresponding decrease in stress. Conclusion: Implementation of high fidelity simulation based learning in our Institute had been perceived favourably by a large number of students in enhancing their knowledge over time in management of trauma and surgical emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effective teaching in medicine is essential to produce good quality doctors. A number of studies have attempted to identify the characteristics of an effective teacher. However, most of literature regarding an effective medical teacher includes student ratings or expert opinions. Furthermore, interdisciplinary studies for the same are even fewer. We did a cross-sectional study of the characteristics of effective teachers from their own perspective across medicine and dentistry disciplines. Methods: A questionnaire comprising of 24 statements relating to perceived qualities of effective teachers was prepared and used. The study population included the faculty of medicine and dentistry at the institution. Respondents were asked to mark their response to each statement based on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. These statements were grouped these into four main subgroups, viz. Class room behaviour/instructional delivery, interaction with students, personal qualities and professional development, and analysed with respect to discipline, cultural background, gender and teaching experience using SPSS v 13.0. For bivariate analysis, t-test and one way ANOVA were used. Multiple linear regression for multivariate analysis was used to control confounding variables. Results: The top three desirable qualities of an effective teacher in our study were knowledge of subject, enthusiasm and communication skills. Faculty with longer teaching experienced ranked classroom behaviour/ instructional delivery higher than their less experienced counterparts. There was no difference of perspectives based on cultural background, gender or discipline (medicine and dentistry). Conclusion: This study found that the faculty perspectives were similar, regardless of the discipline, gender and cultural background. Furthermore, on review of literature similar findings are seen in studies done in allied medical and non-medical fields. These findings support common teacher training programs for the teachers of all disciplines, rather than having separate training programs exclusively for medical teachers. Logistically, this would make it much easier to arrange such programs in universities or colleges with different faculties or disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although lecture handouts are commonly given to students during theory lectures, students' perception, as well as their performance, can vary depending on the type of handouts they receive for information processing. Methodology: This is a quasi-experimental study involving 6th semester medical students. The study was conducted during theory lectures on ophthalmology. The two types of notes given to the students were comprehensive handout and a skeleton handout, which included some lecture notes but required substantial annotation by the students. Pre-test and post-test in the form of multiple choice questions were conducted before and after the lecture session, respectively. Results: There was a significant difference of mean score of pre- and post-test between skeletal handout (pre = 1.85 ± 1.275, post = 4.85 ± 0.363) and full handout (pre = 1.92 ± 1.09 post = 2.61 ± 0.771) with P < 0.001. However, the students' responses to questionnaires indicated a strong preference for much detailed handouts as essential to preparation for examinations. Conclusion: The student can improve their performance during examination while working on skeletal handouts during theory lectures in spite of showing a preference for complete handouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regular consumption of sweetened beverages has been associated with dental caries, which is mediated through salivary pH. The salivary pH changes among individuals with low caries experience after consumption of two local sweetened drinks is compared. Methods: In this block randomised controlled parallel group, an open-label pilot study of 49 participants aged 21-25 were selected. The participants were randomised into three groups: mineral water, chocolate drink and sirap bandung. One day prior to the test, scaling was done and the participants did not eat or drink anything on the test day till the saliva sample collection was done. Salivary pH was measured at baseline and after the consumption of the drinks with a glass electrode digital pH meter at five-minute interval for half an hour. The statistical significance was assessed at the level of 5%. Results: After consumption of chocolate drink and sirap bandung, the salivary pH dropped from a baseline of 7.09 for chocolate drink and 7.13 for sirap bandung to 6.69 for chocolate and 6.86 for sirap bandung. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Sweetened milk based local drinks can increase the caries susceptibility. In the community, information about limiting the intake of sweetened drinks should be reinforced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]