Analysing Public Health Impact of Misinformation During COVID-19 Pandemic using the Socio-Ecological Model: A Systematic Review

@#Introduction: Social media and Internet use during disasters have been proven to be useful tools in helping public health agencies to respond to pandemics. However, this tool can also be the culprit in the spread of misinformation to the public. This study aims to identify the public health impact of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic using the socio-ecological model. Methods: A systematic review guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was initially undertaken by searching relevant articles published from January to November 2020 in several electronic databases including Medline, PubMed, and Springer link. All publications produced in English regarding the impact of misinformation during the COVID-19 outbreak were included except review articles. Results: Eleven articles were identified from these databases. The public health impact of misinformation from these articles was analysed and discussed according to the domains of the socio-ecological model. It was found that various elements of misinformation on the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant impact on the individual, interpersonal, organisational, community, and policy levels across various nations. Conclusion: This study concludes that addressing misinformation during a pandemic such as the COVID-19 phenomenon is an important measure to improve public health response in mitigating the spread of pandemics.

Two Arm Single-blind Parallel Randomized Controlled Trial Effects of Health Education Intervention on Foot Self-care Behavior Among Diabetic Patients: Study Protocol

@#Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic illness and it has a significant impact on health. Behavioral interventions theory could improve self-care practices of the foot among patients with diabetic. Behavioral interventions could prevent the risk of foot problems. This trial aims at determining the effect of patient education intervention on foot self-care behavior and clinical outcomes among diabetes patients. Methods: The study is a two-arm single-blinded randomized controlled trial which will be conducted in the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria involving 160 diabetic patients. A central computer-generated randomization list will be generated. Sequentially numbered sealed opaque envelopes will be used to determine concealment. The sample size is 160; therefore 80 participants will receive three sessions of patient education in addition to usual care (intervention group) for three and six months while another 80 participants (control group) will receive only usual care and will receive health education after the study is completed. The outcome of the intervention effectiveness is measured by modified version of Diabetes foot Self-Care Behavior Scale (DFSBS). Discussion: Our hypothesis is that based on the Health Belief Model, patient education intervention can improve foot self-care behavior in the intervention group. Data collection will be done at baseline, and at three- and six-months post intervention. Trial Registration: The Clinical Trials Registry- India (CTRI), Reference no CTRI/2021/06/034311.

Cross-Sectional Study Protocol on Community Disaster Resilience in Selangor Flood-Prone Communities During Covid-19 Pandemic

@#Introduction: Future floods are expected to increase in frequency and intensity. Communities must arm themselves with information and skills to overcome these disasters and limit their impact. Moreover, the Coronavirus-19 infection doubled as the transmission was thought to occur when evacuation facilities were overrun and crowded. Despite government and agency assistance, the aftermath of a flood disaster leaves victims susceptible to the impacts. Resilience is essential when battling flooding or a pandemic. Thus, this study aims to determine the community disaster resilience score and its associated factors in Selangor flood-prone communities during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative survey will be conducted with a sample size of 574 residents living in flood-prone areas. A validated self-administered questionnaire will be distributed in liaison with community leaders using paper and online. The questionnaire includes respondents’ demographic, flood disaster preparedness, general disaster preparedness belief, and community disaster resilience. The associations and predictors between the independent and dependent variables will be examined using bivariate analysis and multiple linear regression with a < 0.05 significance level. Discussion: Insights from this research will help communities better prepare for and recover from disasters. A more robust resilience approach requires focusing on predictors and recruiting those factors to assist health authorities in promoting flood disaster preparedness and resilience practices in the community. Researchers may comprehend the health behaviour of a community to build disaster preparedness and resilience as well as a health intervention.

Domains of Adherence and Non-Adherence to Anti-Hypertensive Medications in Hypertensive Patients from Kuala Lumpur: A Qualitative Study

@#Introduction: Previous medication adherence studies primarily focused on the domains of non-adherence in hypertension treatment and less attention has been given on domains that encourage adherence to anti-hypertensive medications. The current study is aimed to identify the domains of adherence and non-adherence to anti-hypertensive medications among hypertensive patients in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods: Hypertensive patients from two public health clinics in Kuala Lumpur were invited for in-depth interviews until thematic saturation. Audio recordings from these interviews were transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were then analysed deductively with the guidance of the World Health Organization Medication Adherence Framework to extract the domains of adherence and non-adherence to anti-hypertensive medications. Results: Ten patients who were predominantly Malays and aged 34-73 years old participated the study. Patient-related (encompassing knowledge, attitude, belief and culture, lifestyle, personal barriers, self-efficacy, and cue to action), socioeconomic (encompassing social support), condition-related (encompassing nature of illness and presence of multiple co-morbidities), therapy-related (encompassing experience of receiving treatment, barrier in treatment, and side effects of treatment), and healthcare system (encompassing access to healthcare and healthcare center experience) domains were identified as central to the medication-taking behaviour of hypertensive patients. Conclusion: Sixteen codes of adherence and 22 codes of non-adherence to anti-hypertensive medications were identified, which were distributed across five domains (patient-related, socioeconomic, condition-related, therapy related, and healthcare system domains). These findings can help to inform future development of medication adherence questionnaires, individualised interventions for patients with adherence problems, and targeted health promotion programmes to reduce uncontrolled hypertension.

Barriers and Facilitators Factors to Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women in Low- and Middle-income Countries: A Narrative Review

@#Cervical cancer is a worldwide health issue. Each year, it kills hundreds of thousands of women worldwide. Despite the availability of screening tests, the incidence of cervical cancer remains high in low and middle-income countries. In this review, we survey the current literature on factors affecting cervical cancer screening uptake among women in low and middle-income countries. It also highlights potential strategies for improving screening uptake and suggests directions for future research. Knowledge about cervical cancer and its screening, socio-demographic factors, personal and behavioural factors, cultural factors and beliefs, and health service factors are considered the main barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening uptake among women in low and middle-income countries. Understanding the facilitators and barriers to cervical cancer screening encountered by women in low and middle-income countries can improve screening uptake by overcoming inequalities in resource and information access. Culturally sensitive screening programs, improvement of the health system, and health education interventions to raise awareness of screening and its benefits can be effective strategies to improve screening uptake among women in low and middle-income countries.

Application of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Food Security During Flood Disaster in Malaysia: A Narrative Review

@#Disaster risk reduction (DRR) plays essential roles in ensuring food security to avoid adverse social, economic and financial implications to the disaster victims. This article aims to review existing DRR strategies in food security during flood disasters and recommend strategies that can be adapted into policies in Malaysia according to the Sendai Framework. Sendai Framework provides comprehensive, globally recognized priority themes in DRR while highlighting governmental and stakeholders’ responsibility. A literature review was carried out by searching available published literatures from online databases and selected information used in this review is taken from articles, journals, reports, national reports, news, and thesis regarding the topic from November 2021 to January 2022. This review revealed that DRR strategies of food security during flood disasters in Malaysia lack one out of 14 work areas in four priorities in the Sendai Framework, which is the national-level risk and vulnerability assessment system and tools. This article proposed 19 recommendations to improve eight work areas across all four priority areas to enhance national food security during flood disasters.

Improving Foot Self-care Practices Through Health Education Intervention Programs Among Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review

@#Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) remain one of the greatest significant problems of diabetes mellitus. It is a cause of main suffering and expenses for patient, and financial problem on health facilities and public. One of the strategies to overcome DFU is through health education to prevent foot ulcer, which focused in promoting foot self-care. To reach this aim, researchers had applied different educational approaches. This systematic review is to evaluate various types of educational programs in terms of its method of delivery and effectiveness. Methods: The search involved various databases; EBSCOHOST, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane library, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SAGE SringerLink, Web of Science and Wiley Online Library. It was limited to full text research articles that report intervention studies, and the writte up in English Language, the publication was from 2005 to 2021. The key words were “diabetes”, “diabetes foot”, “foot self-care”, health education and “interventions”. Results: Twenty studies were involved in this review. Nine studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), while eleven reported non-randomized controlled trials (NRCTs). Conclusion: There are evidences that foot care education improves foot care and diabetic foot problems. Various health education approaches, for instance foot assessment, discussion, counseling, homebased visitation and telephone calls have been shown to be effective in improving educational programs. Studies in the future should focus on RCTs in different sites and apply follow-up of long duration to provide better recommendations to healthcare practitioners on effective educational interventions to prevent DFUs.

Challenges in the use Electronic Medical Records in Middle Eastern Countries: A Narrative Review

@#Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) have great value in healthcare, as they enhance healthcare quality, decrease costs, optimize patient safety and health care research. Worldwide and particularly in the Middle Eastern countries have pushed for usage and implement EMR systems. However, there were some obstacles and challenges toward implementation of the EMR system. This review aims to look at the challenges and constraints of using and adopting EMR in Middle Eastern countries. Electronic databases of PubMed, country reports, newspaper, magazine articles, and hospital reports between 2008 to 2021 were used. Most common challenges highlighted were high cost of EMR implementation, lack of training, insufficient information technology personnel support, poor acceptance of new technology, confidentiality, and privacy concerns. Understanding the hurdles of using EMR technology in health care setting is essential for decision makers to focus on economic and human factors challenges to enhance the use and acceptance of EMR systems.

Effectiveness of Theory Based Intervention Using Social Media to Reduce Urinary Incontinence Among Postpartum Women in Hebron City Hospitals: Randomized Controlled Trial

@#Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a condition which is common and is closely linked to vaginal delivery. Pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) are considered the first line management of UI and regular practice of PFME is a key factor in its effectiveness. This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of theory-based intervention using social media to reduce UI among postpartum women. Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial with the final number of recruited participants of 104. The participants were assigned randomly either to control or intervention groups and were followed up at three and six months. The primary outcome of this study was severity of UI. Adherence to exercises was the secondary outcome. Results: After the intervention, at three months and six months follow-up, there were significant differences between the two groups regarding the practice of PFMEs (p≤ 0.05). Friedman’s analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference in respect of the exercise adherence rating scale among the intervention group at baseline, at three months and post six months (p≤ 0.05). In the intervention group at baseline the mean (standard deviation, sd) of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form was 3.00 (1.94) whereas at three months it decreased to 1.96 (1.69), which decreased further to 1.04 (0.51) at six months. Conclusion: theory-based education delivered through social media is a feasible and effective way of increasing the practice of PFMEs, and can lead to decrease of severity UI.

The Role of Big Data Analytics in Digital Health for COVID-19 Prevention and Control in Asia

@#Big data analytics (BDA) in digital health is critical for gaining the knowledge needed to make decisions, with Asia at the forefront of utilising this technology for the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This review aims to study how BDA was incorporated into digital health in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in six selected Asian countries, discuss its advantages and barriers and recommend measures to improve its adoption. A narrative review was conducted. Online databases were searched to identify all relevant literature on the roles of BDA in digital health for COVID-19 preventive and control measures. The findings showed that these countries had used BDA for contact tracing, quarantine compliance, outbreak prediction, supply rationing, movement control, information update, and symptom monitoring. Compared to conventional approaches, BDA in digital health plays a more efficient role in preventing and controlling COVID-19. It may inspire other countries to adopt this technology in managing the pandemic.

Prediction of Relapse Among Individuals Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Therapy in Johor Bahru Health District

@#Introduction: Increase in the number of opioids seized in the recent year may indicate increased opioid use in Malaysia. In counteracting opioid abuse, Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) was introduced in Malaysia but relapse following MMT has become an important issue. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and patient factors that served as predictors of opioid relapse among MMT patients. Method: A cross-sectional study involving 159 MMT patients who have reached dose stabilization (eight weeks at a constant dose of methadone) was conducted in Johor Bahru Health District. The dependent variable was opioid relapse, while the independent variables include socio-demographic characteristics, MMT history, crime history, cognitive and interpersonal factors, and social-environment influence. Face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires and secondary data collection using data collection sheets were done. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the predictors. Significant level set at alpha less than 5%. Result: The response rate was 86.9% with majority of them were Malay, male, and Muslim. The prevalence of opioid relapse was 11.9%. Those who were non-polydrug users (AOR=3.701, 95%CI=1.182, 11.587, p=0.025), classified as having moderate (AOR=5.869, 95%CI=1.524, 22.595, p=0.010) and high (AOR=5.952, 95%CI=1.000, 35.445, p=0.050) relapse risk response after given hypothetical situation whether respondent been offered drug or not, were more likely to have relapsed. Respondents with higher cognitive and behavioral problem-solving response scores were less likely to have relapsed (AOR=0.949, 95%CI=0.909, 0.991, p=0.008). Conclusion: About 1 in 5 MMT clients had relapsed after they reach dose stabilization. The predictors of opioid relapse were non-polydrug users, having moderate to high relapse risk, and cognitive and behavioral problem-solving responses.

A Systematic Evaluation of Methods Used and the Effectiveness of Health Education Interventions to Improve Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices of Cervical Cancer Screening

@#Introduction: Screening of cervical cancer had decreased its morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Health education interventions are expected to enhance knowledge, attitude and practice of screening. Their success rely on designs and methods. Thus, this systematic review aims to identify the methods used and the effectiveness of health education interventions in improving knowledge, beliefs, and practices of cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age. Methods: A systematic review of all published eligible studies in (PubMed, Science Direct and MEDLINE) databases from 1st of January 2016 to 31st of October 2020 was run using different keywords. A total of 14 research articles were included. The quality and risk of bias of studies was assessed by using EPHPP and the average score was given accordingly. This study was registered in PROSPERO (record #CRD42020188462). Results: The review combined 14 studies. Five studies were conducted in the USA, two in Hong Kong, one in Korea, one in England, one in Denmark, one in Norway, one in Turkey, one in Malaysia and one in Tanzania. Almost all interventions boosted the knowledge, attitude or screening uptake. Conclusion: This review showed that the most popular methods of delivering health intervention were health talk, Group discussion and pamphlet. Health education interventions was effective in improving the knowledge, attitude and screening uptake. Although, this effect differs according to methods of delivery, study background and populations. Therefore, it is better to understand the existing situation to develop the best intervention and more studies are needed to recognise barriers to screening.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis among Subfertile Couples of LPPKN Subfertility Clinic

@#Introduction: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection world wide caused by the bacterial agent named Chlamydia trachomatis. Long term chlamydial infection has a negative impact on the female reproductive system and often leads to infertility. We determined the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and its associated factors among subfertile couples attending the Lembaga Penduduk dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara (LPPKN) Subfertility Clinic. Method: Blood samples were collected from 95 couples (190 respondents) for Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibody testing. The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique was used to detect outer membrane protein complexes of Chlamydia trachomatis in the assay. Results: Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibody seropositivity was detected in 14 husbands (14.7%) and 17 wives (17.9%). The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis among these couples was 22.1%. Our findings found no significant association between Chlamydia trachomatis and its associated factors, but the prevalence rate among the studied population is of concern. Conclusion: The screening of Chlamydia trachomatis among couples is recommended for integration in the subfertility investigation procedure. It is crucial, particularly for women with tubal factor infertility (TFI).

The effectiveness of theory-based intervention to improve haemoglobin levels among women with anaemia in pregnancy

@#health problem throughout the world. The effects of theexisting intervention in ensuring compliance to thesubscribed regimen and the impact of nutrition education inenhancing dietary modification during pregnancy inMalaysia have been minimal. This study aims to develop,implement and evaluate the effects of the Health BeliefModel educational intervention on haemoglobin level amonganaemic pregnant women.Methods: This is a quasi-experimental research with pre-post test design with control group involving 81 participantsper group from two health clinics in Sepang. The primaryoutcome was a change in the haemoglobin levels followingeducational intervention. Secondary outcomes includeknowledge on anaemia, Health Belief Model (HBM)constructs, dietary iron intake and compliance towards ironsupplementation. The intervention group received a HBM-based education intervention programme. Results: The response rate in the intervention and controlgroup were 83.9% and 82.7% respectively. Generalisedestimating equations analysis showed that the interventionwas effective in improving the mean haemoglobin level(β=0.75, 95%CI=0.52, 0.99, p<0.001), the knowledge score(β=1.42, 95%CI=0.36, 2.49, p=0.009), perceived severityscore (β=2.2, 95%CI= 1.02, 3.39, p<0.001) and increasedproportion of high compliance level (AOR=4.59, 95%CI=1.58,13.35, p=0.005).Conclusion: HBM-based health education programme hasproven to be effective in improving the haemoglobin levels,knowledge scores, perceived severity scores andcompliance level of participants. The study resultsemphasized on the effectiveness of such an approach,therefore it is recommended that future educationalinterventions which aim at increasing preventive healthybehaviours in pregnant women may benefit from theapplication of this model in primary health care settings.

Educational Intervention for Informal Caregiver of Person with Dementia: A Systematic Review

@#The role of caregivers is very important in the management of person with dementia, where it is not uncommon for them to experience psychological distress. However, the level of distress can be managed and reduced through strategic educational intervention. A systematic review has been conducted through searching Medline, Science direct, Cochrane library and EMBASE databases to provide a narrative synthesis that elaborate on methods and outcomes of the educational intervention among informal caregiver of person with dementia. From a total of 5125 records, eight studies were selected and included in this review, where the results show that educational intervention can be implemented either as individual or group intervention. Group intervention methods mainly focus on training programs such as workshops and lectures, and also group-based discussions. While for individual intervention, most of the activities were implemented through self-learning using technology or computer-based systems. In conclusion, based on the outcome of the studies, both methods of implementations are found to be useful in reducing psychological distress of the informal caregiver.

Interventions to Reduce HIV-related Stigma in the Healthcare Settings: A Scoping Systematic Review

@#HIV-related stigma will discourage the efforts in preventing new infections and engaging people to receive treatment, care and support programmes. Identifying the valuable interventions programmes to reduce HIV-related stigma in a healthcare setting is vital in order to deliver the best health services. A scoping systematic review was conducted. Articles were searched based on Pubmed and ScienceDirect search engines. The key words used were HIV stigma, intervention and healthcare. Published English articles in the past ten years involving HIV stigma intervention studies, and studies that involved healthcare workers in a healthcare setting were included. Reviewed articles, systematic review and meta-analysis articles were excluded. Primary screening of titles and abstract of 85 articles were done. Secondary screening of 19 articles resulted in 8 articles, included in this manuscript. Most of the reviewed articles showed, application of the Integrated Theoretical Model in the intervention programme as a guide and utilising combined intervention components are effective tools in delivering the intervention programme. The stigma reduction-intervention programme should focus on the intervention components as a whole including training of HCW, role plays, group discussions, games, sharing of information and contacts with PLHIV as well presentations and lectures. An integrative model of behavioural prophecy is perceived and it is particularly essential for interventions that focus on creating and fortifying the aim in conducting the chosen behaviour.

Family Planning Practice Among Married Orang Asli Women in Sepang District and Its Associated Factors

Abstract@#Introduction: Family planning allows couples to have their desired number of children and optimum birth spacing. While the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) in Malaysia was reported as 52.2% in 2014, little is known regarding the practice of family planning among marginalised groups such as the Orang Asli women. This study aims to determine family planning practice among married Orang Asli women in Sepang district and its associated factors. Methods: A cross sectional study using a pretested questionnaire was conducted in five Orang Asli settlements in Sepang using cluster sampling. Chi-square test and simple logistic regression were used in bivariate analysis, whereas binary logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of family planning practice. Results: 212 (58.4%) participants were current users of family planning, with 68.3% of the users reported using oral contraceptive pills. In the logistic regression models, family planning practice was significantly more common among women who had children (AOR= 43.659, 95% CI: 5.788, 329.323), being housewives (AOR=1.973, 95% CI: 1.205, 3.230) and had higher attitude score (AOR=1.113, 95% CI: 1.006, 1.232). Conclusion: The CPR of current study was about the same as the national CPR in 2014. The predictors of family planning practice among Orang Asli women were having children, being a housewife and having a better attitude towards family planning. Future intervention to increase the CPR should focus on improving women’s attitude regarding family planning.

A cluster randomised controlled trial on effectiveness of carbon monoxide measurement feedback among college smoker : A study protocol

@#For the last 30 years, tobacco smoking has continued to be the leading cause of premature deaths in Malaysia. Majority of the smokers in Malaysia are at the precontemplation and contemplation stages. Therefore, for the purpose of increasing smoking cessation among this group, the strategies that motivate them to quit smoking have to be reviewed.

Comparison of time-restricted feeding and Islamic fasting: a scoping review

Background: research on the health benefits of fasting is growing; this includes time-restricted feeding and Islamic fasting

Aims: this article aims to review and highlight the similarities and differences between time-restricted feeding and Islamic fasting during Ramadan

Methods: a scoping review was undertaken to identify relevant articles that answered the research question: what are the similarities and differences in characteristics of time-restricted feeding and Islamic fasting? MEDLINE/PubMed was searched using the terms: time-restricted feeding, and weight. Inclusion criteria were: original research and review articles; written in English; and published between the years 2000 and 2017

Results: a total of 25 articles that answered the research question were included in the review: 15 original research papers and 10 reviews. The findings suggest that Ramadan fasting is a form of time-restricted feeding in the contemporary context because of the period when eating is not allowed. The fasting duration reported in time-restricted feeding ranged from 4 to 24 hours, which is longer than that of Islamic fasting which is between 8 and 20 hours. Both time-restricted feeding and Islamic fasting have been found to have positive health effects, including weight reduction

Conclusion: time-restricted feeding and Islamic fasting have many similar characteristics and reported positive health effects

A Systematic Review on Methods Used in Health Education Intervention on Anaemia in Pregnancy

Abstract@#Anaemia is a common health problem during pregnancy, which leads to adverse health consequences to both mothers and infants. Health education is an important strategy in preventing anaemia. It’s success to improve haemoglobin level depends on the methods and design. This review aimed to identify the methods used and the effectiveness of health education intervention in improving anaemia in pregnancy. A systematic review of studies published in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Science Direct and PubMed from January 2010 to April 2017 was conducted using various keywords. Initial search revealed 274 articles, which later reduced to eight after being screened for inclusion criteria that consist of intervention study and involving pregnant women as participants. Health education intervention program with various delivery methods were proven to significantly reduce the prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy. Group discussion, health talk, poster presentation and educational pamphlet were common methods used in health education intervention.