ABSTRACT
@#Background: This study aimed to determine the quality of life and its associated factors among caregivers of patients with dementia in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among caregivers for dementia patients who visited three main hospitals in Kuching, Sarawak. Using a validated questionnaire, data was obtained based on socio-demographic profile, patient and caregiving characteristics, supports needs by caregivers, and quality of life (QoL) of caregivers modified from Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Evaluation’s Scale of the Caregiver’s QoL. Results: A total of 217 caregivers participated with response rate of 99.6%, with 67.3% female and 63.1% Chinese. Most respondent provide care for their parents (62.7%), and stay with patients (67.3%). Average duration of care was 4.2 years (SD±3.72). Resource referral (M=3.52, SD±1.334) and education support (M=3.67, SD±1.054) was highest need. Majority respondents experienced little to no burden (59%). Most respondents were not depressed (98.1%). The QoL of respondents was satisfactory (M=41.36, SD±25.840). Gender of caregivers, patients with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, duration of caregiving, respite care need, caregiver disability or illness, belonging support need, education support need were significantly associated with QoL of caregivers (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study on QoL of caregivers of dementia patients in Sarawak, Malaysia shows that it can be influenced by many factors, both at the caregivers’ level as well as the patients themselves. Therefore, intervention should aim at patients and their caregivers, and within community and healthcare settings.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is one of the frequent causes of hospitalization in children under the age of five, particularly in a rural setting. This study was conducted to determine the epidemiology of acute gastroenteritis in indigenous children admitted to a rural district hospital in Sarawak. Methods: A retrospective review of indigenous paediatrics cases of acute gastroenteritis admitted to the ward of Serian District Hospital, a rural district hospital in Sarawak, between the years 2006-2007. The data was collected from the patients’ case notes, obtained with permission from the hospital management. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: During the study period, 234 indigenous children with acute gastroenteritis were admitted with the highest prevalence in 2006 (53.4%). The findings showed higher prevalence was found in children aged 3 years and below (76.5%) and male (56.4%) The minimum duration of hospital stay is 1 day, and the maximum stay is 5 days. The clinical findings showed that the majority of the cases presented with vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth and tongue, sunken eye, with the majority (76%) reported having mild dehydration. The most common treatment used is oral rehydration solutions (85.4%), followed by intravenous bolus or drip (82.3%), paracetamol (79%) and antibiotic (36.2%). Peak incidence of admissions was between November to January. About 38.5% of the AGE cases admitted were found to be underweight (weightfor- age below -2SD). Conclusion: The findings indicated children aged 3 years and below are the most vulnerable to AGE and malnutrition could be one of the predisposing factors. The peak incidence during the raining season at the end of the year indicated a possible relationship between AGE and seasonal type of virus infection. Prevention in the form of proper hygiene at the household level probably will prove to be useful.