The Seroprevalence and Eradication Success of Helicobacter pylori in Indigenous People of Seletar in Southern Malaysia.

Background: Helicobacter pylori prevalence rate varies widely from one geographical area to another and marked differences have been noted among different ethnic groups. While several studies have been carried out to review the prevalence of H. pylori among the major races in Malaysia, only one is available to study the indigenous Penan community in East Malaysia. Aims: The aims of this study are to determine the seroprevalence of H. pylori in the indigenous Seletar community in Southern Malaysia and the effectiveness of the eradication program. Methods: A seroepidemiological study was done to determine H. pylori infection by serological assay of H. pylori antibodies and the demographic pattern. Serological assay was carried out using the Visual H. pylori Quickpac Test. All serological positive patients were then subjected to an endoscopic study and the Campylobacter-Like Organism-test (CLO-test). Positive patients were then offered for eradication using triple therapy of Omeprazole 20mg, Amoxycillin 1gm and Metronidazole 400mg twice daily for one week. Subjects will be required to perform a Urea Breath Test (UBT) four weeks after therapy to determine the success of eradication. When attending for UBT, the medication diary will be assessed. UBT was conducted using a 13C IRIS (Infra Red Isotope Analyzer) breath test kit. Results: We studied a total of 298 subjects with a mean age of 34.9 years. The seroprevalence was 37.9% and CLO-test positivity on Oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGDS) was 98.9%. Histopathological examination showed evidence of gastritis in 97% of the positive patients. Majority of subjects (96%) showed evidence of acute or chronic inflammation. The follow-up of patients that came back for the UBT after completing the eradication process was 73.5%. Out of these, 63.9% showed negative UBT. However, only 48.6% complied with medication based on medication diary. Since only two subjects out of 35 who complied remains positive, the eradication success rate was 94.3%. Conclusion: Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of H. pylori in a Malaysian cohort ranges from 26.4% to 55% with the highest in Indians of about 35.6% out of the three major races, followed by Chinese (28.6%) and Malays (28.5%). The indigenous people of Penan in East Malaysia showed 37.7% positivity, which is almost similar to our study that showed 37.9%. The prevalence is supported by the CLO-test that proved that the sensitivity of the serological assay was 98.9%. However, our study also proved that the eradication process was very efficient if subjects were compliant on medication. This study shows that despite the very low socio-economic status of the indigenous community, this is not the sole factor in determining H. pylori infection. This may also be due to genetic factors and probably a recent arrival of H. pylori in this isolated and remote community.

Reliability and construct validity of the Malay version of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) among secondary school teachers in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.

This study was conducted to assess the reliability and construct validity of the Malay version of Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) among secondary school teachers in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. A total of 68 teachers consented to participate in the study and were administered the Malay version of JCQ. Reliability was determined using Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency whilst construct validity was assessed using factor analysis. The results indicated that Cronbach's alpha coefficients revealed decision latitude (0.75), psychological job demand (0.50) and social support (0.84). Factor analysis showed three meaningful common factors that could explain the construct of Karasek's demand-control-social support model. The study suggests the JCQ scales are reliable and valid tools for assessing job stress in school teachers.

Prevalence and associated factors of head lice infestation among primary schoolchildren in Kelantan, Malaysia.

Head lice infestation contributes a significant morbidity among schoolchildren in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of head lice infestation among primary schoolchildren in Kelantan, Malaysia. Six schools were randomly selected from three sub-districts of Kuala Krai, Kelantan. A total of 463 eleven-year-old pupils were screened by visual scalp examination and fine-toothed combing. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demography and associated factors of head lice infestation. The prevalence of head lice infestation was 35.0% (95% Cl: 30.6, 39.3) with 11.9% inactive, 23.1% active, 18.2% light and 16.8% heavy infestations. The associated factors were girls; family income of RM247 or less; head lice infestation of family member and having four or more siblings. The high prevalence of head lice infestation in this study indicates the need for regular school health program that emphasis on the eradication of head lice. The significant associated factors identified in this study reconfirm the importance of controlling the transmissibility of head lice. Pupils and parents should be informed regarding factors that may facilitate the transmission of head lice.