Occupational Health-Related Illness and Awareness Level among Dental Surgeons in International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan

@#Introduction: Dental surgeon exposes to numerous occupational hazards include the bloodborne pathogens, pharmaceuticals, ergonomic hazards, noise, vibration and workplace violence. It causes prolonged health effects on short or long term exposure include musculoskeletal disorder, back pain and other health issues. This study aimed to identify the awareness level of occupational hazards and experiences among dental surgeons and to determine whether preventive measures are employed. Methods: A cross-sectional study design and convenience sampling method had been used in this study. The Occupational Hazards in Dentistry questionnaire was self-administered by 39 dental surgeons in International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan. The data were analysed using descriptive, chi-square and thematic analysis. Results: The overall response rate was good (78%). Among the participants, 59% were female, and 41% were male. Half of the participants (59%) had worked for 11-20 years. The majority of the participants (82%) practised a correct posture while providing dental treatment. The most-reported pain areas were at the shoulder and neck and followed by the lower back. Approximately, 10% of the participants had been diagnosed with cervical spondylitis/ degenerative cervical discs. Most participants have taken preventive measures to reduce exposure to these occupational hazards. Conclusion: Work-related pain is common among dental surgeons. The most affected pain area is the shoulder and neck, followed by back and wrist pain. Occupational hazards can be alleviated effectively using a comprehensive approach. It is essential for dentistry to incorporate comprehensive strategies into practice to improve productivity and enhance occupational safety.

Psychological Distress And Burnout. The Duo Phenomena Among Medical Officers In A Tertiary Hospital In Malaysia

@#Burnout among doctors is an alarming issue causing impairment of function among doctors, leading to failure of optimum healthcare delivery. This study aims to improve the knowledge gap of burnout and psychological distress among medical officers. It is a cross-sectional study involving 250 medical officers, using universal sampling. Of the total 250 participants, 63 (25.2%) were burnout. The presence of burnout was significantly associated with psychological distress (p<0.001). Burnout is prevalent among medical officers. It is vital to maintain good psychological wellbeing in the form of good stress management and resilience training.

Prevalence of Using Aromatic and Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases in Al-Taif City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background:In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of herbal drugs to treat Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases(GIT) diseases which widely spread in Saudi Arabia due to their efficacy and minimal side effect. Therefore, it is reasonable and timely to assess the validity of phytotherapeutics products as an adjuvant treatment for GIT problems.Objectives:The current study aims to estimate the frequency of using aromatic and medicinal plants and identify the commonly used plants in the treatment of some GIT diseases in Al-Taif city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(KSA).Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out among 655 citizens and residents of people who live in Al-Taifcity from different age groups and educational levels. The data will be collected using the self-questionnaire paper and analyzed using SPSS software Results: The study included 655 participants, (48.7%) of them aged from 20-29, (54.6%) were female and (92.8%) were Saudi. Most of the participants (74.6%) used aromatic and medicinal plants. Plants were effective in treating gastrointestinal diseases (97.3%) of the participants by consulting their friends and family or through social media. Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, nausea, abdominal bloating and irritable bowel syndrome were the most common gastrointestinal diseases among the population of Al-Taif city. Cinnamon, fennel, senna, and turmeric were the most used plants and had positive results in treatment and minor side effects.Conclusion:This study showed that the use of aromatic and medicinal plants in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases is widespread in Al-Taif city and had a positive effect on the treatment ofGIT diseases. The source of information is gained from friends, kindred and social media. Therefore, the media should have a great role in the interest and dissemination of correct and accurate information about medicinal plants

Severity of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Relationship between Nongenetic Factors and PNPLA3/HSD17B13 Polymorphisms

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is high, though its severity is often underestimated. Our aim is to provide an estimate of the prevalence of severe NAFLD in T2DM and identify its major predictors. METHODS: T2DM patients (n=328) not previously known to have NAFLD underwent clinical assessment, transient elastography with measure of liver stiffness (LS) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), and genotyping for patatin like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3) and 17β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase type 13 (HSD17B13). RESULTS: Median LS was 6.1 kPa (4.9 to 8.6). More than one-fourth patients had advanced liver disease, defined as LS ≥7.9 kPa (n=94/238, 29%), and had a higher body mass index (BMI) than those with a LS <7.9 kPa. Carriage of the G allele in the PNPLA3 gene was associated with higher LS, being 5.9 kPa (4.7 to 7.7) in C/C homozygotes, 6.1 kPa (5.2 to 8.7) in C/G heterozygotes, and 6.8 kPa (5.8 to 9.2) in G/G homozygotes (P=0.01). This trend was absent in patients with ≥1 mutated HSD17B13 allele. In a multiple linear regression model, BMI and PNPLA3 genotype predicted LS, while age, gender, disease duration, and glycosylated hemoglobin did not fit into the model. None of these variables was confirmed to be predictive among carriers of at least one HSD17B13 mutated allele. There was no association between CAP and polymorphisms of PNPLA3 or HSD17B13. CONCLUSION: Advanced NAFLD is common among T2DM patients. LS is predicted by both BMI and PNPLA3 polymorphism, the effect of the latter being modulated by mutated HSD17B13.

Prevalence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis among elderly subjects referred for radiological investigation in tertiary hospital at Oman / 대한해부학회지

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is characterized by calcification of different entheseal sites including the anterior longitudinal ligament of the spine. There is no documented information about DISH in Oman. This study determined the prevalence of DISH and associated factors among elderly subjects in a national tertiary care referral hospital in Oman. This retrospective study reviewed chest X-rays of all patients aged more than 50 years, referred to the radiology department of Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in the year 2016, based on the Resnick's criteria. The prevalence was expressed as proportions across age groups and sex. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis was done to determine the association of the age and sex with DISH. A total of 1305 chest X-rays of patients were reviewed. The overall prevalence of DISH was 10%, with male to female ratio of 1.56:1. The odds ratio for males and increasing age were 1.63 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–2.3; P<0.05) and 1.34 (95% CI, 1.14–1.58; P<0.001) respectively. The prevalence increased with age to maximum of 13% in the age group of ≤80. The pre-stage DISH prevalence was 9.3% and more frequently observed among males. Prevalence of DISH in the national tertiary care referral center in Oman is lower than in Jewish population, almost similar to Japanese, but higher than in Koreans. DISH prevalence is positively associated with age and sex. It is necessary to take appropriate precautionary measures to target the ageing population in Oman, especially elderly males.

Primary thyroid lymphoma: clinicopathologic characteristics and therapeutic outcomes of six cases in morocco

Background: Primary non-Hodgkin lymphomas of the thyroid are uncommon and account for 1-5% of all thyroid malignancies and less than 2% of extranodal lymphomas. The aim of the present study was to review our experience and management of primary thyroid lymphoma and to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic considerations

Methods: All non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed at our institution between 2007 and 2011 were reviewed, six cases of primary thyroid lymphoma were identified. The clinical and pathological features of these patients were analyzed

Results: There were five females and one male and their mean age was 67.5 years. All patients presented with an enlarging anterior neck mass and two patients also have compressive symptoms. Five patients have a history of pre-existing goiter, four have 'B' symptoms and one was hypothyroid. All patients have B-cell Non Hodgkin Lymphoma. Four patients have stage II disease, while two patients have disseminated disease. All patients underwent thyroid resection. One patient died after surgery. The five others were treated postoperatively with 3-weekly cycles of combination chemotherapy. One patient in stage II received consolidation radiotherapy after chemotherapy. Complete remission was achieved in four patients and one patient had partial response to the treatment. After a median follow-up of 26 months [2-51], three patients are still alive without any relapse, one died and the last was lost to follow up

Conclusion: Primary thyroid lymphomas are rare. Treatment depends on the histological subtype and stage of the disease, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The prognosis usually is favorable with proper treatment

Síntomas psiquiátricos asociados al consumo de pasta base de cocaína en niños y adolescentes: un estudio exploratorio en Montevideo, Uruguay / Psychiatric symptoms associated with cocaine paste consumption in children and adolescents: an exploratory study in Montevideo, Uruguay

Introducción: Desde principios de los años 2000, el consumo de Pasta Base de Cocaína (PBC) se hizo objeto de preocupación para los clínicos y los actores de Sanidad Pública en Uruguay. A pesar de la importancia del fenómeno existen muy pocos estudios sobre las condiciones psiquiátricas asociadas al consumo de PBC, especialmente en población pediátrica, siendo esta la más vulnerable y la que puede beneficiar de intervenciones precoces eficaces. El objetivo de este trabajo era determinar la asociación entre problemas psiquiátricos y consumo de PBC en niños y adolescentes hospitalizados. Método: Realizamos un estudio observacional comparativo, entre 2008 y 2010, en una población que consultaba en las urgencias del hospital pediátrico de Montevideo (Uruguay). Un grupo consumidor de PBC (N = 20) fue comparado con un grupo no consumidor de sustancias psicoactivas (N = 20) con el Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) que mide los problemas emocionales y conductuales del joven. Resultados: El grupo consumidor de PBC mostraba niveles significativamente superiores de problemas externalizados e internalizados, particularmente comportamientos oposicionistas. Conclusiones: El consumo de PBC se asocia a niveles mayores de problemas psiquiátricos en los jóvenes. Actuar precozmente para prevenir el consumo de PBC y tratar los problemas externalizados en los consumidores parece esencial para mejorar la salud de los jóvenes en Uruguay.

ntroduction: Since the years 2000, the consumption of Cocaine Paste (CP) has become an important issue for clinicians and public health actors in Uruguay. In spite of the importance of the phenomenon few studies have focused on psychiatric conditions associated with CP consumption, especially in the paediatric population yet the most vulnerable and the one that could benefit from early effective interventions. The aim of this work was to determine the association between psychiatric problems and CP consumption in inpatients youths. Methods: We conducted an observational and comparative study between 2008 and 2010, in a paediatric population consulting in the child psychiatric emergency room of Montevideo (Uruguay). A group consuming CP (N = 20) was compared to a group not consuming psychoactive substances (N = 20) with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Results: The group consuming CP showed significantly higher levels of externalizing and internalizing problems, particularly oppositional behaviors. Conclusions: CP consumption is associated with higher levels of psychiatric symptoms in youths. Early interventions to prevent CP consumption and treat externalizing problems is of utmost importance to improve the health of youths in Uruguay.

Feasibility of road traffic injury surveillance integrating police and health insurance data sets in the Dominican Republic / Factibilidad de la vigilancia de las lesiones por accidentes de tránsito mediante la integración de los conjuntos de datos de la policía y del seguro nacional de salud en la República Dominicana

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of semiautomated linking of road traffic injury (RTI) cases in different data sets in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: The study population consisted of RTI cases in the Dominican Republic in 2010 and were identified in police and health insurance data sets. After duplicates were removed and fatality reporting was corrected by using forensic data, police and health insurance RTI records were linked if they had the same province, collision date, and gender of RTI cases and similar age within five years. A multinomial logistic regression model assessed the likelihood of being in only one of the data sets. RESULTS: One of five records was a duplicate, including 21.1% of 6 396 police and 16.2% of 6 178 insurance records. Health insurance data recorded 43 of 417 deaths as only injured. Capture - recapture estimated that both data sets recorded one of five RTI cases. Characteristics associated with increased likelihood (P < 0.05) of being only in the police data set were female gender [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.5], age ≥ 16 years (OR = 1.7), collision in the regions of Cibao Northeast (OR = 4.1) and Valdesia (OR = 6.4), day of occurrence from Tuesday to Saturday (ORs from 1.5 to 2.9), month of occurrence from October to December (ORs from 1.6 to 4.5), and occupant of four-wheeled vehicles (OR = 5.4) or trucks (OR = 5.3). CONCLUSIONS: Consistent semiautomated linking procedures were feasible to ascertain the RTI burden in the Dominican Republic and could be improved by standardized coding of police and health insurance RTI reporting.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la factibilidad de la vinculación semiautomática de los registros de casos de lesiones por accidentes de tránsito (LAT) de diferentes conjuntos de datos en países de ingresos bajos y medianos. MÉTODOS: La población de estudio la constituían los casos de LAT ocurridos en la República Dominicana en el 2010 y registrados en los conjuntos de datos de la policía y del seguro nacional de salud. Después de eliminar los casos duplicados y corregir la notificación de defunciones a partir de los datos forenses, se vincularon los registros de LAT de la policía y el seguro de enfermedad si los casos correspondían a la misma provincia, fecha de colisión y sexo, y la edad era similar con una diferencia no superior a cinco años. Se evaluó la probabilidad de aparecer únicamente en uno de los conjuntos de datos mediante un modelo de regresión logística polinómica. RESULTADOS: Uno de cada cinco registros estaba duplicado (21,1% de los 6 396 registros de la policía y 16,2% de los 6 178 registros del seguro). En el conjunto de datos del seguro nacional de salud se registraron 43 de las 417 defunciones como únicamente lesionados. Mediante el método de captura-recaptura se calculó que en ambos conjuntos de datos se registraban uno de cada cinco casos de LAT. Las características asociadas con una mayor probabilidad (P < 0,05) de aparecer únicamente en el conjunto de datos de la policía fueron el sexo femenino (razón de posibilidades ajustada [OR] = 2,5), la edad ≥ 16 años (OR = 1,7), la colisión en las regiones del nordeste de Cibao (OR = 4,1) y Valdesia (OR = 6,4), el día del accidente de martes a sábado (OR de 1,5 a 2,9), el mes del accidente de octubre a diciembre (OR de 1,6 a 4,5) y los ocupantes de vehículos de cuatro ruedas (OR = 5,4) o camiones (OR = 5,3). CONCLUSIONES: Los procedimientos sistemáticos de vinculación semiautomatizada se mostraron factibles para evaluar la carga de LAT en la República Dominicana, y se podrían mejorar mediante la codificación estandarizada de las notificaciones de LAT de la policía y del seguro nacional de salud.

Prevalence of cervical cellular abnormalities by liquid based cytology in Taif province: a hospital based study

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the cervical cellular Abnormalities using liquid based thin-layer preparations as screening test for women who attended the gynaecology outpatient clinic at King Abdul Aziz Specialist Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia. In this retrospective chart review study, we reviewed the records and data of all women for whom liquid base cytological studies were performed as screening test to detect the cervical cellular abnormalities at King Abdul Aziz Specialist Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia from June 2010 to June 2012. The total number of women for whom liquid base, thin-layer cytological studies were performedwas 2168 patients 79.9% of them were symptomatic. The mean age was 38.6 years. Liquid based thin-layer preparations were used for all patients. Cervical abnormality was seen in 25.6% of the patients, of which 6.5% were malignant or premalignant and 19.1% were of benign nature. Liquid-based, thin-layer cytology reduces sampling and preparation errors of the conventional smear; however, screening should include human papilloma virus [HPV], DNA testing to increase the sensitivity and specificity of primary screening

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva - radiological findings: a case report

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva formerly known as Myositis ossificans progressiva is a rare hereditary mesodermal disorder. It is characterized by congenital skeletal anomalies and progressive ectopic bone formation in connective tissue, resulting in mature ossification within soft tissues and bridging between osseous structures. It is extremely rare and has an incidence of one in two million people. Usually, it has typical clinical and radiographic features. Here, we present a case of a young patient diagnosed to have an advanced fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. Plain radiographs provide characteristic findings, and radiologists may play a major role in diagnosing and preventing invasive procedures or further traumatic insults to the affected patient. Though rare, diagnosis of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva should be considered whenever characteristic radiographic features of multifocal heterotopic bone formation is seen along with the valgus deformities of the big toes. Being a rare condition, treatment guidelines are not clear and this condition needs further research

Permissibility of prenatal diagnosis and abortion for fetuses with severe genetic disorder: type 1 spinal muscular atrophy

Abortion has been largely avoided in Muslim communities. However, Islamic jurists have established rigorous parameters enabling abortion of fetuses with severe congenital abnormalities. This decision-making process has been hindered by an inability to predict the severity of such prenatally-diagnosed conditions, especially in genetic disorders with clinical heterogeneity, such as spinal muscular atrophy [SMA]. Heterogeneous phenotypes of SMA range from extremely severe type 1 to very mild type 4. Advances in molecular genetics have made it possible to perform prenatal diagnosis and to predict the types of SMA with its potential subsequent severity. Such techniques will make it possible for clinicians working in predominantly Muslim countries to counsel their patients accurately and in harmony with their religious beliefs. In this paper, we discuss and postulate that with our current knowledge of determining SMA types and severity with great accuracy, abortion is legally applicable for type 1 SMA

study of prescribing valsartan in out-patient clinics at the Royal hospital, Muscat, Oman

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers such as Valsartan, are a newer class of drugs associated with significant reductions in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. They are commonly used in hypertension, chronic heart failure, diabetes-related nephropathy and post-myocardial infarction in patients who are intolerant to Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitors [ACEi], A review of medicines used in Royal Hospital [an Omani tertiary health care centre] during 2004 and 2005 showed that Valsartan was one of 20 most expensive drugs used The main objective of this study was to evaluate the pattern of prescribing valsartan in out-patient clinics. a retrospective study applying medicines use evaluation, to describe the pattern of prescribing Valsartan in comparison with international guidelines. The study carried out in the outpatient pharmacy setting, Royal Hospital from 15th May to 30th June 2006, It included 120 adult patients who had been prescribed Valsartan at the outpatient clinics during the study period, among the 120 patients only 109 patients were finally included in the study, Elevenpatients who had had duplicated prescriptionswere excluded from the study, 78% of the patients were on Valsartan for its FDA-approved indications while 22% of patients were for other non-approved indications. Half of the patients were initiated on an ACEi before shifting to Valsartan, The other half of the patients was started with Valsartan as a first line choice without any clinical justification, The study showed that half of the patients were initiated on Valsartan without being prescribed an ACEi prior to that, while the recommendation in most of the international guidelines based on indication stated that ARBs are used in patients who are intolerant to ACEi, The study emphasizes the need for further research to highlight the need for developing national guidelines and adhering to these guidelines for rational prescribing

Clinical audit of pharmaceutical care provided by a clinical pharmacist in cardiology and infectious disease in-patients at the Royal Hospital, Muscat/Oman

To characterize the pharmaceutical care provided by a clinical pharmacists working in a tertiary health care institute, where the extent to which the pharmacist contributes to changes in prescribing patterns use of medications, and patients knowledge was described. A retrospective single cohort study design was used. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of a documented pharmaceutical care plan was undertaken. Electronic pharmaceutical care descriptor [Microsoft Access database] was used for analysis. 167 patients [mean age of 53 yrs, 70% male] from a Medical Health Centre in a tertiary hospital where a clinical pharmacist had provided a medication review. The study patients were those who had either been admitted to cardiology or infectious disease wards. There were 291 pharmaceutical care issues [PCIs; mean per patient [2]] comprising of 67% [n=194] relating to treatment monitoring and 33% [n=97] relating to treatment changes, representing a total of 291 drug therapy problems [DTPs; mean per patient [2]]. The resolution rate of DTPs was 70%, where 61% of recommended changes and 75% of recommended monitoring were implemented. The clinical pharmacist successfully addressed most PCIs while attending ward rounds, reviewing in-patient prescriptions and counseling discharged patients. The electronic pharmaceutical care plan was very effective in recording the pharmacist's ward activities and the pharmaceutical care provided. However, further studies are required in order to explore long-term clinical pharmacists in-put using a well established electronic care plan; part of Al-Shifa computer system in Omani health centres

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Presenting as a Soft

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare tumour, accounting for approximately 3% of adult non-Hodgkin lymphomas.1 Primary systemic ALCL frequently involves both lymph nodes and extranodal sites. A 44-year-old woman presented with a firm, mobile mass in the left iliac fossa region. Ultrasound findings showed a well defined inhomogenous soft tissue mass, measuring 4x4x2.6cm in the deep subcutaneous region. Histopathological examination revealed that the mass was infiltrated by large lymphoid cells with marked nuclear atypia including kidney-shaped nuclei. These neoplastic cells expressed anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) (both nuclear & cytoplasmic staining), CD30 and EMA but not for T-cell (CD45RO and CD3), and B-cell (CD20 & CD79α) markers. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis showed a t(2;5)(p23;q35) chromosomal translocation. Subsequently the patient developed shortness of the breath and a thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan showed a mass encasing the right upper lobe bronchus. She also had bilateral axillary lymph nodes, measuring 1 cm in diameter (biopsy was not done). The mediastinum and endobronchial region did not show any abnormalities. She received 6 cycles of CHOP chemotherapy and remained disease free 2 years after diagnosis. ALCL, rarely present as a soft tissue tumour and this disease should be included as a differential diagnosis of any soft tissue mass.

Stress and psychological wellbeing among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of parental stress and psychological wellbeing among parents with autistic children and their associations with dimensions of support system. Methods: This is a preliminary cross sectional study which randomly selected parents with clinically diagnosed autistic children. Those parents who attended psycho-education session on management of autistic children at Health Psychology Unit were randomly selected to enroll in the study. Psychological wellbeing, parental stress and dimensions of support system were assessed by using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) and the Provision Social Relation (PSR), respectively. Results: Of 52 parents with autistic children (34 female and 18 male), about 90.4% of parents had significant parenting stress, and 53.8% of parents showed clinical disturbance in psychological wellbeing. Gender (t=1.67, p=0.02) and occupation (F=4.78, p=0.01) showed statistically significant association with psychological wellbeing. No association found between other socio-demographic factors, parental stress and psychological wellbeing with dimensions of support system among parents with autistic children. Conclusion: Parents with autistic children have high prevalence of stress and psychological disturbances. Interactions of various factors need to be acknowledged and considered in order to reduce the burden of parents with autistic children

Myalgia Cruris Epidemica: an unusual presentation of dengue fever.

We describe a 5-year-old girl who had sudden onset difficulty in walking after 3 days of febrile illness. In the emergency department her creatine kinase level was elevated but urine myoglobin was normal. She was diagnosed as having benign acute childhood myositis. Because of poor oral intake and dehydration, she was admitted to the pediatric ward. The next day she had a petechial rash over the antecubital fossa, and dengue IgM back was positive. She was treated conservatively and recovered uneventfully. Despite dengue fever being endemic in Malaysia, this is the first case report of myositis following dengue infection in Malaysia.

Obesity among patients with schizophrenia, attending outpatient psychiatric clinic, Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity among patients with schizophrenia and its association with the demographic profile. Methods: This is a cross sectional study. Subjects were selected using systematic sampling. Patients attending the out patient psychiatric clinic, Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, who fulfilled the criteria and able to give consent were included in this study. Diagnosis of schizophrenia was made using Structured Clinical Interview (SCID) for DSM-IV. Demographic profiles of the patients were obtained and anthropometric measurements were measured and classified according to Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Circumference (WC) of Asian population. Results: A total of 97 patients were included. The prevalence of overweight (BMI: 23.0- 27.4 kg/m2) was 39.2% (n=38), and the prevalence of obesity (BMI: >27.0 kg/m2) was 35.1% (n=34). BMI was higher among non-Chinese (Malay and Indian, p=.03) and those who had low total household income (p=.03). Sixty-two patients (63.9%) had high WC, which was associated with male (p=.003) and non-Chinese (p=.03). Conclusions: Obesity is highly prevalent among patients with schizophrenia. The risk factors for obesity include male, non-Chinese and those with low total income. The high WC among non-Chinese and male patients suggests that they are at a higher risk of developing obesity-related physical illnesses. These findings support that obesity is a common critical issue among schizophrenic patients, and it warrants serious clinical interventions.

Stress and psychological wellbeing among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of parental stress and psychological wellbeing among parents with autistic children and their associations with dimensions of support system. Methods: This is a preliminary cross sectional study which randomly selected parents with clinically diagnosed autistic children. Those parents who attended psycho-education session on management of autistic children at Health Psychology Unit were randomly selected to enroll in the study. Psychological wellbeing, parental stress and dimensions of support system were assessed by using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) and the Provision Social Relation (PSR), respectively. Results: Of 52 parents with autistic children (34 female and 18 male), about 90.4% of parents had significant parenting stress, and 53.8% of parents showed clinical disturbance in psychological wellbeing. Gender (t=1.67, p=0.02) and occupation (F=4.78, p=0.01) showed statistically significant association with psychological wellbeing. No association found between other socio-demographic factors, parental stress and psychological wellbeing with dimensions of support system among parents with autistic children. Conclusion: Parents with autistic children have high prevalence of stress and psychological disturbances. Interactions of various factors need to be acknowledged and considered in order to reduce the burden of parents with autistic children.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida pelo Questionário do Hospital Saint George na Doença Respiratória em portadores de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica: validação de uma nova versão para o Brasil / Using the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire to evaluate quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: validating a new version for use in Brazil

OBEJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a aplicabilidade da versão modificada do Questionário do Hospital Saint George na Doença Respiratória. Esta versão possui adaptação nas respostas de algumas perguntas com duplas negativas, substituindo as respostas "sim" e "não" por "concordo" e "não concordo", com o intuito de facilitar a compreensão destas questões, e o período de recordação de sintomas passando de um ano para três meses. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 30 pacientes com diagnóstico de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, estáveis clinicamente. Foram aplicados o Questionário do Hospital Saint George na Doença Respiratória e a sua versão modificada em duas situações, separadas por quinze dias. RESULTADOS: Todos os indivíduos apresentaram alteração da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde. A comparação de médias das pontuações dos domínios dos dois questionários mostrou maior alteração no domínio Sintomas do questionário original em relação a sua versão modificada. Os demais domínios e a pontuação total não apresentaram diferenças significativas. Todos os domínios apresentaram correlações significativas: Sintomas, r = 0,71 (p < 0,001); Atividade, r = 0,75 (p < 0,001); Impacto, r = 0,73 (p < 0,001) e Total r = 0,86 (p <0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A versão do SGRQm possui propriedades de mensuração de qualidade de vida semelhantes à versão original, porém deve-se escolher qual o melhor tempo de recordação de sintomas a ser utilizado na avaliação.