Digital Approach for Lip Prints Analysis in Malaysian Malay population (Klang Valley): Scanning Technique (Analisis Cap Bibir Populasi Melayu di Lembah Klang secara Digital: Teknik Imbasan) / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#Lip print is useful in forensic investigations for individual identification. The present study aimed to discriminate sex based on lip print patterns in Malaysian Malay population in Klang Valley using a scanning technique. Lip prints of 360 subjects (180 males and 180 females) were taken using the lipstick-cellophane tape technique, pasted onto A4 papers. These papers were then scanned using Brother DCP-J100 printer (300dpi resolution). The images were analysed using a software based on Suzuki and Tsuchihashi’s classification. The lip print images were divided into six sections which are upper left, upper middle, upper right, lower right, lower middle and lower left. The Pearson chi-square test showed that there are significant differences (p < 0.05) between sexes in each section except for the upper middle section. In males, type V (irregular pattern) was the dominant pattern for upper left, upper right, lower right and lower left sections (ranging from 71.1% to 86.7%) while type IV (reticular pattern) was dominant at upper and middle sections (ranging from 57.2% to 66.1%). Type IV (48.3%) was dominant in upper middle section for female, while for the rest of the sections, type V was the dominant lip print pattern (ranging from 40% to 82.8%). These results showed that sex differentiation between males and females in Malaysian Malay population, Klang Valley can be suggested to be used for identification in forensic investigation.

Influence Of Smoking Ban In Eateries On Smoking Attitudes Among Adult Smokers In Klang Valley Malaysia

@#The objective of this study was to determine the effect of smoking ban in eateries on smoking behaviors and intention to quit smoking among adult smokers in Klang Valley. A validated questionnaire was utilized for this study whereby three variables of the study (socio-demographic characteristics, smokers attitude, and intention to quit smoking) were measured. The structured questionnaire contained closed ended questions where present of dichotomous(yes/no), multiple choice questions and 7-point likert scale questions. 600 questionnaires were distributed to target respondents in eateries of Klang Valley. The inclusion criteria were local citizen of Malaysia, those who gave consent to take part in the study, literate in English, smokers aged 18 years old and above. The data were analyzed utilizing SPSS software version 21.0. There were 504 completed and usable responses received, which represented an 84% response rate. Majority of smokers in Klang Valley were male which constituted around 78.2% of the respondents. Manufactured cigarette, 75.2% was the most preferred type of nicotine among smokers. Smokers attitude and social support with a smoking ban in restaurants and eateries was significantly associated with intention to quit smoking. 73.8% of smokers agree that the smoking ban in eateries and restaurants have reduced their daily smoking frequency and 58.3% of smokers agreed that the nationwide smoking ban at eateries and public places aspire them to quit smoking.Smoking ban is beneficial to help reduce prevalence of smoking among smokers that in turn helps to reduce secondary smoking and burden of non-communicable diseases in the long run. Though only a little over half of the respondents claimed that the ban inspires them to quit smoking, this is a positive start as the ban was just introduced. When effectively implemented, they are seen as an important element of policy to support behavior change in favor of a healthy lifestyle. The Ministry of Health should push forward with the ban on public smoking as soon as possible. The ban should be in tandem with efforts to help smokers quit. Implementing this scheme nationwide would be a remunerative move to help strive for a better health and cleaner environment for this country.

Health facility use by dengue patients in the Klang Valley, Malaysia: a secondary analysis of dengue surveillance data

Background@#Dengue patients in Malaysia have the choice to seek care from either public or private sector providers. This study aims to analyse the pattern of health facility use among dengue patients to provide input for the ongoing policy discussion regarding public–private integration. The focus of this study is in the Klang Valley, which has a high dengue burden as well as a high number of private facilities.@*Methods@#This is a cross-sectional study using an available secondary data source – the Malaysian national dengue passive surveillance system, e-Dengue registry. A total of 61 455 serologically confirmed dengue cases from the Klang Valley, registered in year 2014, were included. We retrospectively examined the relationship between demographic factors and the choice of health-care sector by logistic regression.@*Results@#The median age of the cohort was 26 (interquartile range: 17 to 37) years. More private facilities (54.4%) were used for inpatient care; more public facilities (68.2%) were used for outpatient care. The Chinese and urban populations showed significantly higher use of the private health-care sector with an adjusted odds ratio of 4.8 [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.6–5.1] and 2.3 (95% CI: 2.2–2.4), respectively.@*Conclusion@#Both public and private health facilities bear significant responsibilities in delivering health-care services to dengue patients. The workload of both sectors should be included in future health policy planning by public agencies.

Comparison of Breastfeeding Practice using Deuterium Oxide Dose to Mother Technique with Maternal Recall Breastfeeding Practice among Mothers in Klang Valley / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#The assessment of exclusive breastfeeding is important to invest the efforts to promote and support breastfeeding practices. Hence this study was carried out to compare breastfeeding practices among mothers using deuterium dose to mother technique with maternal recall breastfeeding practice. A total of 30 mother-infant pairs from a university hospital and government health clinics in Klang Valley participated and completed the study. Mother-infant pairs were recruited into the study when infants were aged 3 months ± 1 week. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference for mother; length and weight for infant) were carried out. Socio-demographic questionnaire was self-administered while breastfeeding practices were interview administered using maternal recall breastfeeding practice questionnaire (MRBF). This was followed by baseline saliva collection of mother-infant pairs before dose and 6 days after mothers were given 30 ± 0.01g of D2O. The post dose saliva sample of mother-infant pairs were collected 6 times at day 1,2,3,4,13 and 14. The results showed that majority of mothers (57%) were university graduates but majority were stay at home mothers. Meanwhile, mothers had BMI with mean 25 ± 4 kg/m2. The results from MRBF questionnaire showed that all mothers were practising exclusive breastfeeding and their infant never received any water sources other than their breast milk. However, the deuterium dose to mother technique revealed only 3% of mothers were actually practising exclusive breastfeeding. From the isotopic data, the calculated mean intake of milk was 721 ± 243 g/day while the mean non-milk oral intake of 122 ± 22 g/ day. In contrast exclusive breastfeeding infants received only 10 g/day non milk oral intake, demonstrating exclusive breastfeeding practice of mothers. There were different breastfeeding practice reported from mother using deuterium oxide dose to mother technique with maternal recall breastfeeding practice.

Incidence of Suicide by Hanging in Klang Valley from 2007 to 2016 / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#Malaysia was ranked at 148 by World Health Organization (WHO) in suicide statistic for 2012, where males had a highertendency to commit suicide, recording a 4.7 per 100,000 in comparison to female (1.5 per 100,000). As hanging is one ofthe most common methods to commit suicide, this retrospective study was conducted to observe the incidence of suicideby hanging in Klang Valley from four different hospitals. The current study is conducted to provide local database ofsuicide occurrence by hanging in Klang Valley. A total of 893 suicide cases by hanging from 2007 to 2016 were recordedfrom post mortem records and analysed. Suicide rates in Klang Valley showed a rising trend from 2007 to 2016. Malesfrom age group 30 to 34 years old and females from 20 to 24 years old have the highest number of suicide fatalitiescompared to other age groups. Meanwhile, fatalities from the age group of 10 to 14 years old and 80 years old and aboveshowed similar result which is only 7%. 78% of the fatalities were recognized as Malaysian and half of them were Indian.Majority of the victims/cases (45%) who committed suicide by hanging are of Hindu religious denomination. Non-citizenin Malaysia that have the highest suicide rates were from Nepal, Indonesia and Myanmar. Victims also committed suicidemore during the day and the peak hours being at 12.00 pm to 5.59 pm.

Incidence Of Firearm-Related Deaths And Epidemiology In Klang Valley, Malaysia From 2006 To 2016: A Retrospective Study

@#Death due to firearm is more common in countries with higher gun ownership such as United States of America compared to countries with restrictive gun ownership such as European countries and Malaysia. However, the increasing number of shooting cases in Malaysia recently should not be overlooked. This study was carried out to investigate the incidence of firearm-related deaths and epidemiology in Klang Valley for 11-year period. The demographic data on the incidence of firearm-related deaths from 2006 to 2016 was collected retrospectively from four government hospitals in Klang Valley. 204 cases of firearm-related deaths were reported with irregular trend of the incidence throughout the 11-year period. The results revealed that most victims were male, aged between 30 to 34 years old and Malaysian citizen. Firearms fatalities were higher among Malaysian specifically Indian, as compared to non-Malaysian. Most firearms fatalities were homicides and took place during late night between 12.00 am to 5.59 am. The highest cause of death was head injury due to gunshot wound. It is hoped that this study will raise awareness to Malaysian citizen regarding firearm-related cases and to develop strategies to overcome the issue of gun violence in Malaysia with appropriate authorities.

Comparison Of Heavy Metal Levels In Natural Spring And Bottled Drinking Water In Klang Valley, Malaysia

A spring is a result of karsts topography where surface water has infiltrated the earth's surface recharge area, becoming part of groundwater and emerges from below to become natural spring water. From few observations, local people tend to consume this water directly for many health reasons. The objective of the study was to determine the concentration of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in natural water resources and bottled drinking water sources, and compared with the existing standard. This field assessment was carried out in 2014 as part of the educational module for public health master student. About 13 water samples were collected directly from the tubing into the pre-washed sample bottle and rinse with the sampling water in the field. Sample preservation was achieved by acidifying to pH less 4.0 with nitric acid (HNO3). Samples were stored in a cooler with temperature between 0 to 4oC. Heavy metals were analysed by standard method for graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GFAAS) with Zeeman’s correction. Pb and Cd content were analysed from 13 samples which consists of eight natural spring water and five flavoured bottled drinking water. The result showed that Pb content in spring water ranges between 1.8 and 37.3ppb, while the Cd content in spring water ranges between 3.0 and 23.0ppb. In the commercialised drinking water, the amount of Pb ranges between 0.4 and 2.6 ppb, while the content of Cd ranges between 0.8 and 7.0 ppb. This study indicates that there are high content of Pb and Cd in most of the natural spring water points and some bottled drinking water that are available within Klang Valley. In the absence of any specific point sources, the possibility of urban area and high traffic source leading to run off as well as rock types may result in variations observed. Hence, very worrying, especially that these sources of water were consumed directly as drinking water or eye drops without knowing its content. Further tests, coupled with supportive soil and conductivity studies, are required to test all possible similar natural sources to safeguard the health of people.

Weight Loss Practice Using Physical Activity Among Working Women In Klang Valley, Malaysia

An increase in physical activity is a key component for effective weight loss. It helps to control weight loss by using excess calories as well as boosting metabolism and lowering insulin levels. Physical activity also helps prevent many chronic diseases and improve the overall human health. The objective of this study was to assess weight loss practice using physical activity strategies among working women in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 639 adult Malaysian working women were screened and 120 respondents were identified based on their experience of losing at least 10% of their highest lifetime body weight, which is a criterion for successful weight-loss. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from 120 successful weight loss respondents. Physical activity was measured by using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short version. Results showed that 35.8% of women had low physical activity level; slightly above than one third of women (38.3%) had moderate activity level, while 25.8% women had high physical activity level.The most common physical activity monitoring strategies implemented were exercise at least 30 minutes per day (22.5%) and incorporate physical activity into daily life (21.7%). A total of 70.8% women regained weight after significant weight loss. A total of 40.0% who regained weight as compared to 25.7% of those who did not regain weight were physically inactive (p=0.138). There was no statistically significant different in daily sitting time between the two groups (p=0.627). As a conclusion, government working women in Kuala Lumpur have low to moderate physical activity levels. Majority women regained weight after significant weight loss. Common strategies to lose weight are exercise at least 30 minutes per day and incorporate physical activity into daily life. More education and promotion regarding the importance of physical activity should be done to all community members especially to the government working women.

Vulnerability and adaptation of urban dwellers in slope failure threats – A preliminary observation for the Klang Valley Region.

This paper discusses the outcome of a research that examines the relationships between vulnerability and adaptation of urban dwellers to the slope failure threat in the Klang Valley Region. Intense urban landuse expansions in the Klang Valley Region have increased urban dwellers vulnerability to slope failures in recent years. The Klang Valley Region was chosen as the study area due to the increasing intensities and frequencies of slope failures threat. This paper examines urban dwellers vulnerability based on their (1) population and demographics characteristics, (2) the state of physical structures of dwellings and (3) the situation of the immediate environment threatened by slope failures. The locations of slope failure incidents were identified, mapped and examined followed with a detailed field study to identified areas. The results identified significant relationships between vulnerability indicators and slope failures in the Klang Valley Region. The findings of the study are envisaged to give valuable insights on addressing the threat of slope failures in the Klang Valley Region.

Association of Energy Intake and Macronutrient Composition with Overweight and Obesity in Malay Women from Klang Valley

This cross-sectional study investigates the association between energy intake and macronutrient composition of the diet with overweight and obesity among Malaysian women. One hundred and fifteen adult Malay women aged 20 to 59 years (mean age 37.2±7.6 years) were interviewed. Dietary intake was assessed using the food history method. Body weight status was assessed using weight, height, waist circumference and fat percentage measurements. When energy intake was assessed for accuracy, only 41% of the subjects (n=47) were normal energy reporters. Among the normal energy reporters, 55% were of normal weight whereas 32% and 13% were overweight and obese. Mean energy intake for normal weight, overweight and obese subjects was 1685±199 kcal/day, 1810±166 kcal/day and 2119±222 kcal/day, respectively. Energy intake increased with body mass index (BMI) category. Among the overweight and obese, energy intake was respectively higher by 125 kcal/day and 434 kcal/day as compared to their normal weight counterparts (p<0.001). There was also a significant, moderate and positive correlation between energy intake and BMI (r=0.635), waist circumference (r=0.545), and body fat percentage (r=0.534). When macronutrient composition of diet was analysed (% energy and g/1000 kcal), there was no significant difference in carbohydrate, protein or fat intake between the obese, overweight and normal weight subjects. There was also no significant correlation between macronutrient composition of the diet and body weight status. Based on these findings, we conclude that the subjects’ body weight status is likely to be influenced by energy intake rather than the macronutrient composition of the diet.