ABSTRACT
@#Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a significant occupational problem. Only limited research is available about the impact of MSD on the active Calligraphers. Uncertainty remains about MSD prevalence and associated factors among Arabic calligraphers in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 124 Arabic calligraphers in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected by telephonic interviews using a structured questionnaire that consisted of the validated Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, socio-demographics and working characteristics. A total of 124 completed questionnaires were analyzed. The majority were men (96.8 %), worked for less than 10 hours/week (63.7%). The majority had musculoskeletal pain (59.7%) and about half of them worked for less than 15 years. The most commonly reported MSD was back pain (26.6%) followed by neck pain (21.0%) and shoulder pain (12.1%). In multiple logistic regression the significant predictors in the model were: not exercising (OR=7.1, 95% CI 2.6-19.2), age ≤40 (OR=2.8, 95% CI 1.1- 7.3), worked for ≤20 years (OR=3.4, 95% CI 1.3 -9.1) and being a professional calligrapher (OR=2.3, 95% CI 1.1 – 6.2). The total model is significant (p<0.001) and the adjusted r square= 0.37.MSDs among Arabic calligraphers in Saudi Arabia is relatively high; further clinical assessment is needed. We recommend that health authority in Saudi Arabia should increase the awareness among calligraphers about MSDs and its prevention.
Subject(s)
Saudi ArabiaABSTRACT
Background: The Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS-10) is a validated and reliable instrument to measure global levels of perceived stress. This study aims to assess the internal consistency, reliability, and factor structure of the Malay version of the PSS-10 for use among medical students. Methods: The original English version of the PSS-10 was translated and back-translated into Malay language. The Malay version was distributed to 242 Bachelor of Medical Science students in a private university in Malaysia. Test–retest reliability was assessed in 70 students. An exploratory principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed. Reliability was tested using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: All 242 students participated in the initial questionnaire study (validity and factor structure), and 70 students participated in the test–retest reliability of the study. Exploratory factor analysis yielded 2 factors that accounted for 57.8% of the variance. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the 2 factors were 0.85 and 0.70, respectively. The reliability test showed an ICC of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.89). Conclusion: The Malay version of the PSS-10 showed adequate psychometric properties. It is a useful instrument for measuring stress among medical students in Malaysia.
ABSTRACT
Background: Stress may affect students’ health and their academic performance. Coping strategies are specific efforts that individuals employ to manage stress. This study aimed to assess the perception of stress among medical students and their coping strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 376 medical and medical sciences undergraduates in Management and Science University in Malaysia. Stress was assessed by a global rating of stress. Sources of stress were assessed using a 17-item questionnaire. The validated Brief COPE inventory was used to assess coping strategies. Results: The majority of respondents were females (64.4%), aged 21 years or older (63.0%), and were Malays (68.9%). Forty-six percent felt stress. The most common stressor was worries of the future (71.0%), followed by financial difficulties (68.6%). Significant predictors of stress were smoking (OR = 2.9 , 95% CI 1.3–6.8, P = 0.009), worries of the future (OR = 2.1 , 95% CI 1.3–3.4, P = 0.005), self-blame (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.5, P = 0.001), lack of emotional support (OR = 0.8, 95% CI 0.7–0.9, P = 0.017), and lack of acceptance (OR = 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–0.9, P = 0.010). Students used active coping, religious coping reframing, planning, and acceptance to cope with stress. Conclusion: Stressors reported by the students were mainly financial and academic issues. Students adopted active coping strategies rather than avoidance. Students should receive consultation on how to manage and cope with stress.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to determine the knowledge about asthma and the prevalence, disclosure and evaluation of the use of complementary and alternative medicine [CAM] among asthmatic patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 95 patients diagnosed with asthma in a primary healthcare centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia using a self-administered questionnaire. Ninety-five patients with a mean age of 47.06 years [ +/- 12.8] participated, the majority were female [66.7%], Malay [72.6%]. The prevalence of ever-CAM use was 61.1%. The non-ever-CAM users' mean age was 51 +/- 13.9 years while the ever-CAM users' mean age was 44.5 +/- 11.5 years [P = 0.021]. Sixty-three females [66.8%] used CAM compared to 14 males [43.8%] [P = 0.014]. Thirty-six [62.1%] CAM users had not discussed use of CAM with their doctors. The main reason of non-disclosure was "the doctor never asked" [55.6%], and the main sources of information about CAM were family and relatives [46.6%]. There was no significant difference between use of CAM and knowledge about asthma. The majority of asthmatic patients used rubs [39%], foods [16.9%] and herbs [16.9%]. About 76% of asthmatic patients perceived CAM as good for their disease management. On linear multiple regression, Malay race [P = 0.026] and female gender [P = 0.006] were significant predictors of CAM use. Use of CAM among asthmatic patients is relatively high, particularly among females. The majority of asthmatic patients valued the use of CAM. Non-disclosure was high in this study. Health education of asthmatic patients about CAM is highly recommended