ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Addressing motivation to lose weight among morbidly obese patients increases successful weight management outcomes. We aimed to understand the motivations and reasons why morbidly obese patients attending hospital-based weight management programmes wanted to lose weight. Methods: A qualitative thematic content analysis was used to analyse responses from a self-administered open-ended question, “What is the main factor why you want to lose your weight?”. A total of 225 new patients attending obesity clinics program run by endocrinologists, dietitians and occupational therapists in two tertiary hospitals in Klang Valley responded to the questionnaire. Results: Patients’ mean BMI was 45.6±8.05 kg/m2 . Four themes emerged and they are health, function, appearance and perceived stigma. Health, the most commonly inferred theme (84%), highlighted concerns over obesity complications and concomitant morbidities, which include infertility, impact on surgical procedures as well as general physical and psychological well-being. Patients regard being functional to care for themselves, family members, religious and career needs as the next most crucial theme (25.8%). They relate to the theme appearance (12.9%) by wanting to look and feel beautiful. The theme perceived stigmatization recount the time when they were mocked and laughed at for their appearance (3.1%). Conclusion: Patients with morbid obesity in this study had expressed their main personal motivational reasons to lose weight. Identifying and addressing these unique personal motivations in a focused approach is vital for health care professionals to manage the complexity of the health, social and psychological needs among patients with morbid obesity.
ABSTRACT
@#This case report illustrates two cases of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) which is a rare form of sexual development disorder. Both presented with primary amenorrhea at the age of 18 and 19 years old. The hormonal profiles ruled out hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, and primary ovarian failure. Magnetic resonance imaging of both patients showed the absence of uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, but the presence of proximal 1/3rd of the vagina. There is a single testis in the left inguinal region with unknown status of spermatogenesis. Women with CAIS are vulnerable to various psychological conditions caused by the appalling fact of being genotypically male when they have been raised female all their life. The gender confusion, reproductive issues, and how others perceive them require sensitive support. Hence, accentuate the need to explore and address the emotional, psychological, and psychiatric vulnerabilities, religious and spiritual beliefs in issues of relationships, infertility, and conception.
ABSTRACT
@#Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airway which is often misdiagnosed and undertreated. Early diagnosis and vigilant asthma control are crucial to preventing permanent airway damage, improving quality of life and reducing healthcare burdens. The key approaches to asthma management should include patient empowerment through health education and selfmanagement and, an effective patient-healthcare provider partnership.