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INTRODUCTION Dual/poly tobacco use is common among youths globally. However, in Malaysia information on dual/poly tobacco use is scarce, thus the present study examines the prevalence and factors associated with dual/poly tobacco users among school-going adolescents in Malaysia. METHODS We derived data on tobacco and e-cigarette use among Malaysian adolescents from a nationwide school-based study conducted in 2016. A total of 13135 adolescents responded in the cross-sectional survey which used multistage sampling to select a representative sample of school-going adolescents aged 11-19 years. A standard validated questionnaire was used to obtain the data and multiple logistic regression was conducted to assess factors associated with dual/ poly tobacco use. RESULTS The prevalence of dual/poly tobacco use was 6.5%, more than half of which were both conventional and e-cigarette users. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that the likelihood of dual tobacco use was significantly higher among males (AOR=14.73; 95% CI: 9.11-23.81), secondary school students, those aged 16-19 years (AOR=5.99; 95% CI: 4.04-8.87), natives of Sabah (AOR=7.41; 95% CI: 3.48-15.79), and those never been taught on the health hazards of tobacco at school, exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) at home, school or other public areas, and had a positive perception of e-cigarettes and lower perception of the harms of tobacco smoking. CONCLUSIONS Although the prevalence of dual/poly users was still low among Malaysian school-going adolescents, proactive measures should be taken to reduce dual tobacco use among youth in Malaysia with focus on the factors identified in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION Smoking is a known risk factor for many chronic diseases. Illness and death due to smoking are a significant public health burden in many countries. This study aims to address the information gap in smoking-related mortality in Malaysia by estimating the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortalities due to smoking among Malaysian adults. METHODS We analyzed data on 2525 respondents, aged 24-64 years, of the Malaysian Non-Communicable Disease Surveillance survey conducted September 2005 to February 2006. Mortality records from the Malaysian National Registration Department were linked to the MYNCDS-1 data to determine respondents' mortality status over 12 years from 2006 to 2018. Associations between smoking and all-cause mortalities were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression with adjustments for non-communicable disease and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. RESULTS The prevalence of daily smoking was 21.2% (95% CI: 19.0-23.7). During the 31668 person-years follow-up, 213 deaths from all causes occurred, where 68 deaths were among smokers (13.2%), and 452 were among non-smokers (6.3%). Smoking was associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ration, AHR=1.79; 95% CI: 1.12- 2.97). These associations remained significant after excluding mortalities in the first two years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Daily smoking is associated with a significantly higher risk of all-cause death. Behavioral and pharmacological smoking cessation interventions should be intensified among smokers to reduce the risk of mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 6‐hour (6‐h) time to wound closure was a controversial issue as studies have shown that time was not a substantial factor. Wounds in the face are often considered to have a lower infection risk. Despite this, the cause of injury was not extensively discussed in relation to this context. The primary objective was to investigate the association between the 6‐h time to wound closure and wound complications following emergency management of facial soft tissue injuries (STIs). Additionally, the secondary objective was to explore other factors contributing to wound complications. A retrospective record review was conducted in our hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2021. Medical records of patients with facial STIs due to road traffic accidents were included. Simple random sampling was used to select records meeting inclusion criteria. Data on demographic, injury, and treatment characteristics were collected using a standardized proforma. Descriptive, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, including chi‐square tests and binary logistic regression. A total of 295 patient records were included, with most patients being males (77.3%) and of Malay ethnicity (54.9%). The median age was 31.0 years. Majority of patients were treated within 6 h of injury (93.9%). Complications were documented in 6.1% of cases, including wound dehiscence and infection. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between 6‐h time to closure and wound complications (OR: 7.53, 95% CI: 1.90–29.81, p = 0.004). Grade of surgeon on duty (OR: 4.61, 95% CI: 1.25–16.95, p = 0.02) and diabetes mellitus (OR: 6.12, 95% CI: 1.23–30.38, p = 0.03) were also shown to have a statistically significant association with wound complications. A 6‐h time to wound closure, grade of surgeon on duty and diabetes mellitus were three major factors involved in facial wound complications following road traffic accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: Computer vision syndrome has been an issue of concern among students who use digital devices continuously. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and level of knowledge on computer vision syndrome and its relationship with associated factors among undergraduate students in a public university in Malaysia. METHODS: This study was conducted between 26 May and 23 June 2022 at National University of Malaysia. A cross-sectional study among 208 undergraduate students from a public university was conducted. A self-reported questionnaire via Google Form was used to capture the data among the undergraduates. The prevalence and associated factors of computer vision syndrome were each evaluated using the validated Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire and Computer Vision Syndrome Survey Form 3 questionnaires, respectively, while knowledge of computer vision syndrome was assessed using a validated questionnaire from a previous study. All the data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26.0 software (IBM Corp.; Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: The prevalence of computer vision syndrome among undergraduates was 63.0% (n = 131), with 91.9% having poor knowledge of computer vision syndrome. Significant associations toward computer vision syndrome were found among undergraduates who have refractive errors/wearing glass (69.3%), screen edge at or above horizontal eye level (79.4%), uncomfortable sitting postures (79.4%) and close eye--screen distance (82.0%). In-depth analysis showed that having refractive errors/wearing glasses (aOR: 1.93; CI: 1.05, 3.57), uncomfortable sitting postures (aOR: 2.01; CI: 1.08, 3.74), and close eye--screen distance (aOR: 2.81; CI: 1.31, 6.05) had odd chance to develop computer vision syndrome. CONCLUSION: The study's findings denoted that digital device users should have more knowledge of computer vision syndrome and practice the preventable measures, such as proper viewing distance and angle, upright sitting postures, appropriate screen and surrounding illuminance, as well as regular eye check-ups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition from school to university brings significant adjustments in lifestyle, body weight, and living environment for young adults, potentially impacting their quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have exacerbated these changes. This cross-sectional study involved 361 young adults (18–25 years) from Malaysian tertiary institutions, aiming to identify factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) post-COVID-19 restrictions. Data were collected online between April and July 2022, utilizing the WHOQOL-BREF for HRQOL assessment. Participants, with a median age of 23, scored highest in the physical health domain (mean: 63.2, SD = 16.2) and lowest in psychological health (mean: 58.2, SD = 16.9). Physical health domain scores varied by ethnicity, the field of study, weight category, and prescription medicine usage; environmental health scores by ethnicity and household income; and social health scores by age. Moderate perceived stress and low perceived support were significant predictors of poor HRQOL. Across the weight categories, sleep quality, perceived stress, and support have consistently impacted the HRQOL domain scores. This study underscores the multifaceted influences on young adults' quality of life during the transition to university, especially in post-pandemic adjustments, highlighting the importance of addressing factors such as perceived stress and support to enhance overall well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic functional disorder where treatment should be tailored to the individual needs. While customized therapy with a physiotherapist has evidence-based benefits, it comes at a cost and the facility may not be available to some, especially in rural areas. An alternative option is a home-based treatment called MEND (Move, Eye, Neck stretching, and Deep breathing exercises) therapy. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of MEND therapy in PPPD compared to the hospital-based vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). Methods: 59 PPPD patients completed the randomized-controlled study comparing MEND therapy (intervention) and hospital-based VRT (control). EuroQOL Group quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), and 21-question Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were monitored at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. Results: At the end of the study, 100% patients on MEND therapy found it beneficial compared to 79.3% in the control group. The MEND therapy provided significant improvements in the physical (P = .007), functional (P = .0006), emotional (P = .0003), and total DHI (P = .0003) with a medium to large effect size. The control group showed significant improvement only in the functional elements of DHI (P = .04), and total DHI (P = .04) with a small to medium effect size. Conclusion: The MEND therapy is an effective option that incorporates all elements of therapy for PPPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the sociodemographic characteristics associated with cigarette smoking and quitting decisions allows policy decision-making to attempt to curtail smoking. Individual smoking and quitting decisions are examined using an endogenous sample selection model. Using data for 4,110 individuals from the 2011 Malaysian Global Adult Tobacco Survey, a probit model is estimated for quitting, subject to sample selection for smokers. Marginal effects of exposure variables are calculated for the probability of smoking and probability of quitting conditional on smoking. Ethnic Malays/Bumiputera, urbanites, ignorance of the hazards associated with secondhand smoke, lack of smoking rules at home, and lack of religious restriction contribute to smoking likelihoods. Older age, being a female, ethnic Chinese, married, at home smoking prohibition, and knowledge of secondhand smoke risks are associated with higher probability of quitting conditional upon smoking. Working in non-government occupations, individuals of other ethnic background, and smoking consent at home are associated with lower quitting probability conditional upon smoking. Health awareness and educational programs should be directed at specific population groups with the above sociodemographic characteristics to discourage smoking initiation and promote quitting among smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Achieving successful tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes among diabetic patients is a real challenge as TB complicates control of diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated dual management educational module, MID-DOTS, which uses the mmotivational interviewing (MI) technique implemented within directly observed treatment as part of a short course (DOTS) program in TB patients with diabetes (TB/DM). A randomized controlled trial was conducted in the northeastern state of Malaysia. (2) Methods: One hundred and twenty-four TB patients with diabetes received educational intervention using a MID-DOT module that used the MI technique, which was repetitively applied by TB nurses throughout a 6-month DOTS program while another 122 patients were given standard health education. Study outcomes include the proportion of patients with successful TB treatment, and changes in HbA1c and diabetic self-care scores at 6 months. (3) Results: The successful TB treatment outcome was 88% in the intervention group versus 72% in the control group (RR = 1.24; 95%CI 1.16, 1.58). A significant reduction of HbA1c (mean difference 0.82%; 95%CI 0.66, 0.98) and significantly higher diabetes self-care score (mean difference 8.49; 95%CI 7.38, 9.59) were also shown in the intervention group. (4) Conclusions: A dual TB/DM educational strategy which integrates the MI technique applied repetitively within the DOTS program is effective in increasing successful TB treatment as well as improving diabetic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Engagement in occupations is an essential aspect of daily life among older people. Changes in age are often associated with changes in the pattern of engagement in occupations. However, the relationship between the actual and desired activities pattern of occupational engagement remains unclear among community-dwelling older adults in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine occupational engagement for each activity and occupational gaps related to domains among the older adults. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 335 community-dwelling older people, using the Malay version of the Occupational Gaps Questionnaire (OGQ-M). Findings: The findings indicate that there are significant differences in occupational engagement across domains: leisure (p < 0.001), social (p = 0.04) and total occupational domains (p < 0.001). There is a significant difference between actual and desired performed activities in doing laundry (p = 0.031), outdoor activities (p < 0.001), listening to the radio and watching television/video (p = 0.003), helping and supporting others (p = 0.019), travelling for pleasure (p < 0.001) and performing voluntary work (p = 0.025). Conclusion: In conclusion, OGQ is a useful tool in screening the occupational gaps among community-dwelling older adults. Age, health and continuity of roles and responsibility as caretakers of the family are several factors that lead to higher occupational gaps among the older people in the community. With the emergence of occupational engagement and gaps, advancements in health care delivery are necessary for retirement planning among community-dwelling older adults in enhancing active participation towards better retirement life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2016, World Health Organization (WHO) estimated more than 650 million obese adults, resulting in a country's health burden. This study aims to determine the prevalence of obesity and its associated factors among Malaysian adults. A total of 5820 respondents, aged 18 to 59 years, from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019, were included for the data analysis. The prevalence of obesity was described and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the factors associated with obesity. The prevalence of obesity among Malaysian adults was 20.1%, based on the findings from this study. Multivariate analyses showed that women, being Malays, Indians, and other Bumiputeras, were significantly associated with a higher risk of obesity. Besides, those diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and hypertension were also significantly associated with greater risk of obesity. This information is crucial for policy makers in formulating effective strategies or targeted programs in preventing obesity among Malaysian adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the correlates of sociodemographic factors, smoking, and caloric knowledge to body mass index awareness with a focus on Malaysia. Logistic regressions were estimated to examine sociodemographic factors associated with body mass index awareness. More than half of respondents were unaware of their body mass index (54.8%). Age was negatively associated with body mass index awareness. Adults without formal education were less likely to know their body mass index than those with tertiary‐level education. Adults were less likely to be aware of their body mass index if they engaged in smoking. Adults with knowledge of the definition of calories were more aware of their body mass index than others. The findings emphasize the urgent need for a forthcoming sociodemographic factors‐specific policy directed toward improving body mass index awareness to lower the prevalence of obesity in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Dental professionals have been reported to be constantly exposed to work-related musculoskeletal disorders with symptoms often started as early as the student phase. Risk perception may play an important role in modifying risk at work. OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of gender, academic level, and the presence of painful symptoms on the perception of risk factors at work contributing to musculoskeletal symptoms among dental students of Melaka, Malaysia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 183 clinical year dental students based on a convenience sample. The data were collected using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Job Factor Questionnaire for assessment of musculoskeletal symptoms and risk factors at work respectively. Study data were evaluated using percentage, median, Cochran's Q test, Bonferroni correction, multiple linear regression analysis and Mann-Whitney U Test. The analysis was interpreted considering a 95 % confidence interval and significant level at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Dental students reported a high prevalence (86.9 %) of musculoskeletal symptoms mostly affected the neck, shoulder, lower and upper back body regions. No significant difference in perception was found with the gender. A significant (P < 0.05) higher perception was observed in fourth-year students. The presence of painful symptoms was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with working in the same position, prolonged duration of work and use of tools. CONCLUSIONS: Priority in implementing ergonomic education throughout the training in the dental schools should be considered to improve perception and reduce musculoskeletal disorders associated with the dental profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated implementation of telemedicine in healthcare facilities for delivery of care. Healthcare providers' acceptance of the telemedicine services is important for successful implementation of this new system. A questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) has been used to measure user acceptance of telemedicine service. The aim of this study was to translate and validate the English version of the questionnaire into Malay, to extend the availability and utilization of this questionnaire in Malaysia. A forward and backward translation of the questionnaire was conducted to produce the TAM in the Malay version (Malay-TAM). Panel experts assessed content validity. Internal consistency reliability was determined using Cronbach's alpha. Confirmatory factor analysis based on structural equation modelling was performed to validate the factor structure. The questionnaire was then tested on and completed by 149 healthcare workers from several public health clinics across Malaysia. The Malay-TAM demonstrated good reliability with Cronbach's alphas ranging from 0.823 to 0.912. Factor analysis showed good convergent validity but relatively poor discriminant validity. All five constructs were retained to preserve content validity. The findings suggest that the Malay-TAM can serve as a reliable and valid instrument to measure acceptance to telemedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rohingyas fled from their home to escape ethnic persecution. Due to their status as refugees they have difficulties in accessing healthcare leading to avoidable mortality and morbidity. Infectious diseases are reported to be among the causes. To ease access to healthcare, IMAM Response and Relief Team (IMARET) provides a free monthly clinic for them. The objective of this study is to determine the proportion of infectious diseases and appropriateness of antimicrobial usage among its pediatrics patients. It was conducted in 2017, through universal sampling. Information retrieved were via interviews and medical records. The majority diagnosis were infectious diseases (57.1%), which include respiratory infections (77.3%), skin (13.6%), gastrointestinal (4.5%), eye and ear infection (both 1%). Albendazole (40.7%) was the most prescribed. Only 7.4% were appropriately prescribed antimicrobials. Age (p = 0.005) and BMI (p = 0.006) were significantly associated with infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]