A Mini-review on the Determinants and Risk Factors of Adolescent Pregnancy in Developing Countries

@#Pregnant adolescents have been shown to have a higher incidence of health and non-health-related complications that affect both mothers and infants. These include increased risk of pregnancy-related diseases such as anemia and pre-eclampsia, preterm and low-birth-weight babies, as well as other social consequences such as educational and financial difficulties. This mini review evaluates selected articles which explain the attitudes, knowledge, behavior and other risk factors associated with pregnancy among adolescents in developing countries. It also revealed that inadequate knowledge among adolescents about reproductive and sexual health, other social, cultural and peer influences, parenting values, and poor financial and educational status were factors that contribute to adolescent pregnancy. Likewise, a lack of support from parents, educators and healthcare workers had negative impacts on healthy sexual behavior among adolescents, which may ultimately lead to adolescent pregnancy. We conclude that the factors discussed in this review need to be evaluated and taken into consideration by policymakers and healthcare workers when formulating strategies to prevent pregnancies among adolescents.

Identifying Vulnerable Population in Urban Heat Island: A Literature Review

Introduction@#The term "urban heat island" refers to a phenomenon that occurs when temperatures in urban areas are higher than those in the areas that surround them (suburban area). @*Methods@#The urban heat island phenomenon can result in increase of energy consumption, increase of air pollution, decrease of water quality, and increase of greenhouse gas emissions, all of which have the potential to negatively impact people in a variety of ways. @*Results@#In this review we identified certain groups such as elderly, children, woman, pregnant woman, single person, and minority communities, who are living in dense area or in high rise building, low education level, low income, work in outdoor environment and had pre-existing illnesses may face health issues or insufficient resources to cope with the heat in urban area. There were more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and mortality, particularly during extreme heat events.@*Conclusions@#Recognising these vulnerable populations is crucial to develop effective strategies to mitigate the effects of urban heat islands and protect them. This can aid policy makers and urban planners to implement targeted interventions to address these issues. Keywords Urban heat island – UHI – Vulnerable population – Heat exposure

Pengetahuan, Sikap dan Tingkah Laku Komuniti Sungai Klang Terhadap Pencemaran Sungai

Pengenalan @#Pencemaran sungai di Malaysia pada masa ini berada di tahap yang kritikal dan amat membimbangkan dengan pelbagai masalah pencemaran sungai berlaku hampir setiap hari. Tahap pengetahuan, sikap dan tingkah laku individu memberikan impak yang besar terhadap isu pencemaran sungai. Oleh itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk menilai tahap pengetahuan, sikap dan tingkah laku komuniti yang tinggal berhampiran Sungai Klang. @*Metodologi @#Kajian keratan rentas yang menggunakan persampelan rawak mudah telah dilakukan untuk mengkaji tahap pengetahuan, sikap dan tingkah laku komuniti Sungai Klang terhadap pencemaran sungai. Responden kajian terdiri daripada penduduk kawasan setinggan dan penduduk kawasan perumahan biasa yang menetap berhampiran Sungai Klang. Kajian ini telah menggunakan borang soal selidik. Analisis deskriptif dan ujian t telah digunakan untuk menganalisis data. @*Hasil Kajian @#Hasil deskriptif mendapati bahawa tahap pengetahuan (min=3.13, s.p.=0.40), sikap (min=3.28, s.p.=0.65) dan tingkah laku (min=2.96, s.p.=0.72) pencemaran sungai bagi penduduk setinggan adalah lebih rendah daripada penduduk perumahan biasa. Ujian t juga menunjukkan perbezaan yang signifikan (p<0.05) untuk tahap pengetahuan, sikap dan tingkah laku antara penduduk setinggan dan penduduk perumahan biasa. @*Rumusan @#Kesimpulannya, tahap pengetahuan, sikap dan tingkah laku pencemaran sungai komuniti Sungai Klang berada di tahap yang tidak memuaskan. Oleh yang demikian, tindakan perlulah diambil oleh pihak yang berkaitan untuk memantapkan lagi tahap pengetahuan, sikap dan tingkah laku penduduk berkaitan pencemaran sungai agar isu pencemaran sungai ini dapat diatasi.

The Influence of Work Environmental Risk Factors on Fatigue in The Construction Industry: A Review of Literature

Introduction@#The construction workers are performing manual tasks in harsh conditions. Various environmental risk factors could have significant influence on work fatigue. @*Methods@#This review article discussed the environmental causal factors which involved in work fatigue development in the occupational health perspective, with the aim in enhancing the body of knowledge specifically in the construction industry so that mitigation measures and interventions can be formulated and implemented for fatigue prevention and productivity enhancement. @*Results@#Data derived from a total of 11 relevant articles identified climatic heat, vibration and elevation change as the major risk factors that associated with work fatigue. The mechanism of the environmental factors’ influences on muscle, mental and visual fatigue were understood, pointedly the underlying physiological alteration. Additionally, appropriate preventive measures in accordance to the OSHA guides including work-break cycles, work management, cool-down arrangements with drinking water were discussed. The limitation of existing OSH requirements on work limits at heat exposure was recognized, including the lack of consideration on personal characteristics therefore might inaccurately estimate the personal heat tolerance time. @*Conclusions@#The proper understanding of the environmental stressors and its impact on workers production and safety performance may help construction organisations and regulatory body to develop strategies for workers protection and fatigue-related accidents prevention.

Knowledge and Attitude of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Medical Students on Forest Bathing

Background and aims@#Forest bathing or Shinrin-Yoku is a practice of being mindful of nature and it offers multiple health benefits in both physiological and psychological factors. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitude of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) medical students towards forest bathing and its relationship with the sociodemographic factors. @*Materials and methods@#A total of 165 UKM medical students were recruited using proportionate random sampling. The subjects were then categorized based on the academic year (Year 1 - Year 5). Exclusion criteria includes those who deferred their academic year and/or who were hospitalized. A questionnaire was given via a google form consisting of sociodemographic data details and 15 questions for each knowledge and attitude on forest bathing. @*Results@#The prevalence of good knowledge and good attitude of UKM medical students towards forest bathing were 64.2% (n=106) and 50.9% (n=84) respectively. Female medical students had a good knowledge (n=63, 73.3%) and good attitude (n=52, 60.5%) compared to male medical students' knowledge (n=43, 54.4%) and attitude (n=32, 10.5%) leading to a p-value of 0.012 and p-value of 0.010. Otherwise, other sociodemographic factors including race, level of medical year and level of lifestyle did not affect participants' knowledge and attitude on forest bathing. @*Conclusion@#Majority of UKM medical students have a higher prevalence of good knowledge compared to good attitude on forest bathing. Therefore, intervention is recommended especially towards male medical students as forest bathing has enough evidence as preventive medicine.

Heatwave Impact on Mortality and Morbidity and Associated Vulnerable Factors: A Systematic Review Protocol

Introduction@#Heatwave can increase the risk for heat-related illnesses and mortality. Many studies showed certain population are vulnerable to heatwave such as elderly, children and low-income households. However, the findings were inconsistent. Therefore, this systematic review provides a comprehensive review on heatwave impact and vulnerability factors on the mortality and morbidity impacts. @*Methodology@#Five electronic databases (Pubmed, Ebsco Host, WOS, OVID Medline and Scopus) were primary searching tools to retrieve relevant literatures. This systematic review used the Medical Subject Heading (MESH) terms and keywords. An additional searching tool (Google Scholar) was used to seek further information and minimize missed evidence. We selected the literature based on the inclusion criteria (empirical full-text article, English language and published between 2010-2021). Two authors were assigned in each step of the process, starting from screening of the title, abstract and full text based on the inclusion criteria, data extraction and quality appraisal. Mixed-Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was utilized to assess the quality of selected articles. Thematic analysis and narrative approach were used to describe the findings. @*Conclusion@#This review presents the comprehensive evidence-based regarding heatwave impact and associated vulnerable groups for better understanding and effective preventive measure planning to reduce the impact of heatwave on population health.

Acceptance towards social network information system for earlier detection of Influenza outbreak

@#Introduction: Influenza outbreak causes high economic burden to Malaysia and other countries in South East Asia. Scientists have found a relatively new way to detect influenza outbreaks early thus reducing the burden of disease by early intervention. This new technology is a social network information system which uses Facebook or Twitter data to detect potential influenza cases. Such system is good to be developed by the Malaysian government as it can detect influenza outbreaks three weeks earlier than the normal pathway. However, to implement this we require good evidence that the development will be accepted by potential users. Objective: This study was looking at the acceptance towards using social network information system among public health workers. Materials and Method: This study was done on 205 Malaysian One Health University Network (MyOHUN) members through email and physical survey. Results: Results show that 62.4% public health workers accepted the use technology. The acceptance was shown to be associated with performance expectancy (p<0.05). However, unlike the very famous Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, the acceptance of social network information system was not associated with effort expectancy, social factors, facilitating conditions and socio-demographic factors. Therefore, it is suggested that social network information system be developed by the authorities in Malaysia, and be developed in a way that the system could strongly increase performance in detection of outbreak earlier than the current normal pathways. As such the system to be accepted and used, it must be sensitive, specific and be able to detect influenza outbreak early Conclusion: The development of social network information system is feasible as it is highly accepted and it’s potential to improve early detection of influenza outbreak.

Applying health belief model for the assessment of community knowledge, attitude and prevention practices following a dengue epidemic in a township in Selangor, Malaysia

Background: Dengue fever is endemic in Malaysia and continues to be a public health concern. Selangor was the top hit and there is a paucity of information on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Bandar Baru Bangi residents regarding dengue infection. Therefore, the objective of this study is to describe dengue related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of residents of Bandar Baru Bangi.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of 152 residents from Section 3 and Section 8, Bandar Baru Bangi attending the dengue awareness events was conducted. The information on socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and their knowledge, attitude and practice on dengue fever was collected using a structured questionnaire.Results: The results showed that the residents only 52% had sufficient knowledge about the dengue vectors, signs, symptoms, and modes of transmission. However, approximately all the respondents considered dengue as serious but preventable disease to which they are vulnerable to. Television/radio was the predominant sources of information about dengue fever. Knowledge on dengue is associated with prevention practice. But the self-efficacy has a significant impact between the owner and tenant house (p=0.010, p<0.05). Female has higher self-efficacy compare to male.Conclusions: As conclusion, findings suggest that despite the residents of Bandar Baru Bangi have moderate knowledge level about dengue fever nevertheless; they still adopted the preventive measures suggested by the guidelines from Ministry of Health. Therefore, health program planners and practitioners need to identify why the dengue fever still rampant among the population.

Foot Reflexology Therapy for Non-Specific Low Back Pain Condition: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Non-specific low back pain is one of the most common physical ailments affecting millions of people worldwide. This condition constitutes a significant public health problem and was listed as a prevalent health complaint in most societies. Even though there are many anecdotal claims for reflexology in the treatment of various conditions such as a migraine, arthritis and multiple sclerosis, but very little clinical evidence exist for reflexology on the management of low back pain per se.Objectives: This study aim to evaluate the effects of foot reflexology therapy as an adjunctive treatment to the Malaysian low back pain standard care in relieving pain and promoting health-related quality of life among people with non-specific low back pain. Methods and analysis: This is parallel randomized controlled trial with pre and post-treatment study design. The study setting for the intervention located at Penawar Reflexology Center, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. Total of 100 people with non-specific low back pain will be allocated into one of two groups, using a randomization computer program of Research Randomizer. The control group will receive low back pain standard care, while the intervention group will receive standard care plus eight sessions of foot reflexology therapy. The pain intensity and health-related quality of life scores will be measured using visual analog scale and Euro-quality of life scale respectively in both groups.Measurements: Outcome measures will be undertaken at pre-intervention (week 1), post-intervention (week 6) and follow-up (week 10).Conclusion: This will be the first trial to compare the foot reflexology therapy with control group among people who medically diagnosed with non-specific low back pain in Malaysia. The result of this study will contribute to better management of this population especially for Malaysia healthcare setting.Trial registration: The study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of University Sultan Zainal Abidin (UHREC/2016/2/011). The study protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, with the ID number of NCT02887430

The Malaysia Haze And Its Health Economy Impact: A Literature Review

Introduction: The transboundary smoke haze has become a major concern as it had a wide ranging impact in Southeast Asia from the aspect of public health to national economics. This review aims to synthesize available literature in epidemiology, economics and haze related studies to provide essential information for the valuation of health costs associated with haze in Malaysia. Methods: Evidence on health economic impact of haze was gathered by conducting a literature review and collecting information on the health effects of haze and the cost of it as well as the hospitalization cost from medical illnesses and hospital admissions due to haze. Articles were taken from those that were published from 1999 to 2016.Results: The 1997 Asian Haze episode has caused increasing trend of prematurity of mortality and respiratory problems and several series of haze later had caused increased number of hospitalization. The cost impact on hospital admission ranges from MYR1.8 million in 2005 to MYR118.9 million in 2013. During the 1997 haze, the incremental cost of illness (COI) was noted to be MYR 21million and it shot up to MYR 410 million during the 2013 haze. Conclusion: The haze gives a serious health effect to our country and our neighbours. These health effect has caused a significant health economy impact which include rise in hospital admission cost and medication, incremental cost of illness and extend to cost of medical-related leaves taken and lead to loss of income opportunities.

Bullying and truancy: Predictors to sexual practices among school-going adolescents in Malaysia – a crosssectional study

Introduction: Adolescents’ involvement in sexual practices are becoming a major public health concern in Malaysia. This study aims to determine the prevalence of sexual practices among Malaysian school-going adolescents and its predictive factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from April 2012 till September 2012 among 16-year-old school adolescents from two different schools. They were selected through simple random sampling and these adolescents answered a self-administered questionnaire consisting of three sections i.e. socio-demography, risk-taking behaviours and family-adolescents relationship. Data were analysed using Pearson Chi-Square test while Simple Logistic Regression and Multiple Logistic Regression were applied to determine the predictive factors. Results: The prevalence of sexual practices among the adolescents was 30.1% in which they were either involved in pornography (26.8%), pre-sexual activities (8.5%) or premarital sex (2.9%). Six predictive factors associated with sexual practices among this age group were identified which were male (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 2.7, 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI) 1.4 to 2.5), truancy (aOR 2.3, 95%CI 1.3 to 4.2), bully (aOR 3.5, 95%CI 1.7 to 7.3), hanging out (aOR 2.8, 95% 1.4 to 5.6), staying out late (aOR 3.2, 95%CI 1.5 to 6.8) and conflict with family (aOR 4.1, 95%CI 1.9 to 8.9). Discussion: Asian background differs from the western countries and findings of this study may suggest suitable intervention programmes that can prevent high-risk sexual practices among Asian school-going adolescents.

The Impact of Air Pollution and Haze on Hospital Admissions for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases

Air pollution has been widely known to have an influence on health of the general population. Air pollution can result from natural causes, human activities and transboundary air pollution. Weather and climate play crucial role in determining the pattern of air quality. In recent years, air pollution and recurrent episodes of haze has become a major concern in Malaysia. Surveillance data on concentrations of main air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, (CO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Ozone (O3), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM10) were found to be higher during the haze days and this may have an impact on health of the community as reflected by an increase in hospital admissions particularly the respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Ureteral stricture formation after ureteroscope treatment of impacted calculi: A prospective study

PURPOSE: Urinary calculi is a familiar disease. A well-known complication of endourological treatment for impacted ureteral stones is the formation of ureteral strictures, which has been reported to occur in 14.2% to 24% of cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study. Ureterotripsy treatment was used on patients with impacted ureteral stones. Then, after 3 months and 6 months, the condition of these patients was assessed by means of a kidney-ureter-bladder (KUB) ultrasound. If the KUB ultrasound indicated moderate to serious hydronephrosis, the patient was further assessed by means of a computed tomography intravenous urogram or retrograde pyelogram to confirm the occurrence of ureteral strictures. RESULTS: Of the 77 patients who participated in the study, 5 developed ureteral strictures. Thus, the stricture rate was 7.8%. An analysis of the intraoperative risk factors including perforation of the ureter, damage to the mucous membrane, and residual stone impacted within the ureter mucosa revealed that none of these factors contributed significantly to the formation of the ureteric strictures. The stone-related risk factors that were taken into consideration were stone size, stone impaction site, and duration of impaction. These stone factors also did not contribute significantly to the formation of the ureteral strictures. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study failed to identify any predictable factors for ureteral stricture formation. It is proposed that all patients undergo a simple postoperative KUB ultrasound screening 3 months after undergoing endoscopic treatment for impacted ureteral stones.

Engaging Men In Health Services: Are We Ignorant?

Men’s health remain unclear term for majority of general population as well as physician worlwide. Nowadays there is an increase interest in addressing men’s requirement in health care as a separate branch. When discussing about men’s health, it is fair to say that even a man himself does not know much about men’s health. Most of them think that men’s health is just a discussion on sex. This thought is not entirely right. The scope of men’s health is actually larger than the male sex organ itself. To define men’s health, we have to look at man holistically.

The COMBI Approach in Managing Dengue Cases in an Urban Residential Area, Nilai, Malaysia

Dengue is a disease propagated by vectors namely Aedes spp. mosquitoes. One of the effective approaches to control dengue is through integrated vector management and intervention programs. COMBI or Communication for Behavioral Impact is a strategic approach to control the Aedes population as well as dengue cases. This study was conducted at Taman Desa Kolej, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, an suburban residential area to determine the effectiveness of COMBI, by using questionnaire and entomological survey as well as implementation of an intervention program. We carried out activities such as the establishment of COMBI promoter team, clean up events, talk shows with the residential community and distributed pamphlets containing information about dengue. Results indicated significant difference (p<0.05) on the knowledge, opinion and practices about dengue among the residents, for the pre and post intervention program. The entomological survey showed that, the primary mosquito species in this area was Aedes albopictus which comprised of 78 (31%) of the total mosquitoes examined, followed by Culex gelidus of 58 (23%), Culex quinquefasciatus of 37 (14.7%) and Aedes aegypti of 21 (8.3%). The density of Aedes population did not show any significant difference. In conclusion, COMBI intervention was effective in controlling dengue cases in Taman Desa Kolej.

Psycho-behavioural Factors Contributing To Truancy Among Malay Secondary School Students In Malaysia

Objective: Truancy is a disciplinary problem, which frequently occurs among school students and it has many contributory as well as inter-related factors. It is a growing problem in this country and it often becomes a prelude to other delinquent behaviours. The study objective is to determine the prevalence of truancy as well as factors related to it including psycho-behavioural factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 556 Malay student’s selected using multi-stage sampling was conducted. Results: The overall prevalence of truancy is 30.2%. The predictors to truancy are age, students who frequenting entertainment centre, students who have not completed Quran recital, coping strategies using problems solving methods and time spent watching television/video. There is a significant association between truancy and psycho-behaviour such as watching video/internet pornography, frequenting entertainment centre, smoking, motorcycle racing and dating a special friend. Conclusion: Truancy is a social issue, which must be given serious attention by all concerned components of the society.

The Prevalence Of Orgasmic Dysfunction Among Malaysian Women Receiving Antidepressant: A Comparison Between Escitalopram And Fluoxetine

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of Female Orgasmic Dysfunction (FOD) focusing on the orgasm domain among female patients attending PPUKM Psychiatric clinic. To compare the prevalence of orgasmic dysfunction between female patients on Escitalopram and on Fluoxetine therapy. Methods: A validated questionnaire for sexual function was used to assess orgasmic function. A total of 112 women aged between 24 and 57 participated in this study. The orgasmic dysfunction was compared between patients on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) fluoxetine and escitalopram. Results: The prevalence of female orgasmic dysfunction was 58.9% (33/56) among patients treated with Fluoxetine and 41.1% (23/56) among patients treated with Escitalopram. However, there was no statistically significant difference between these two treatment groups (p=0.059). The odds to have FOD among patients on higher dose of antidepressants was found to be higher compared to those patients who were on lower dose of antidepressants (Odds ratio 5.32, p= 0.001). Conclusion: There was no significant difference of Female Orgasmic Dysfunction between patients on Fluoxetine and Escitalopram

Chlorpyrifos Blood Level and Exposure Symptoms among Paddy Farmers in Sabak Bernam, Malaysia

The extensive and intensive use of pesticides in agricultural practices has exposed farmers to various hazards resulting in varying degrees of health outcomes. We conducted a cross-sectional study among paddy farmers in Sabak Bernam district, Malaysia. The objective of this study was to gather baseline information on chlorpyrifos blood level and its relationship with pesticides exposure symptoms. We detected chlorpyrifos in farmers’ blood in 7 percent of the respondents, with mean 7.29 nanogram per millilitre blood (sd 5.84 nanogram per millilitre). The percentage of farmers who experienced at least one pesticide exposure symptoms was 75 percent. However, we found no significant association between chlorpyrifos blood level and its exposure symptoms. The farmers had low scores on safe practice of pesticide use even though they have high marks on knowledge and attitude. We found no significant association between the scores on knowledge, attitude and practice on pesticide use and the chlorpyrifos blood level. The presence of pesticide exposure symptoms proved that most of the farmers were exposed to hazardous effects of pesticides. Specific trainings on safe use and handling of pesticides should be given on regular basis to these farmers to ensure they are protected from hazardous effects of pesticides exposure.