Effect of Video-Assisted Isometric Strengthening Exercise Program on Pain and Muscle Strength Poststabilization of Lower Limb Fracture.

The benefits of isometric strengthening exercises (ISEs) are compromised when patient teaching on ISEs is delayed and/or ineffectively delivered due to healthcare resources constraint, especially when health resources are stretched, as occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to examine the effect of a video-assisted ISE program on pain and muscle strength of patients following surgical stabilization of lower limb fracture. A quasi-experimental study with repeated measures was employed. Primary study outcomes were assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory and Manual Muscle Test. Effects over time were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. In comparison with usual care group (n = 32), the intervention group (n = 33) showed better pain reduction over time (p < .001, effect size [ES] = 0.39-1.77) and muscle strength preservation (p < .05; ES = 0.8-0.9). Patient acceptance of the intervention was favorable. Integration of video clips into patient teaching on ISEs is potentially beneficial in managing pain and muscle strength; it can be easily deployed to aid early ISE initiation.

Relationship between Psychological Distress and Demographic Characteristics among Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery.

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients often present with anxiety and depression. These symptoms coupled with pain are major concerns and are widely reported among CABG patients. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between psychological distress and patients' demographic data. This cross-sectional study in which 178 patients from a surgery ward were selected using the census method. Data were collected using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Brief Pain Inventory (Short Form). The participants' mean age was 57.49 ± 13.78 years. The majority of participants had a moderate level of anxiety (89.3%) and a moderate level of pain interference (74.7%). Significant differences were noted, with a higher proportion of moderate anxiety level participants aged between 60 and 74 years old, married, and with a tertiary level education (p < 0.05) being found. There were also significant differences between gender (p < 0.05) and pain severity (p < 0.01) across the levels of depression. The levels of anxiety, depression, and pain were significant, especially among older patients. These symptoms should be routinely assessed, and further identification of predictors such as socioeconomic status before the procedure is necessary.

The Food Safety Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Malaysian Food Truck Vendors during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Foodborne diseases are one of the greatest public health threats, but they can be prevented by maintaining food safety practices. Although the food safety literature has been awash with studies from various food operations, there is very limited information on food safety in the food truck business. Therefore, this study aims to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices related to food safety among food truck vendors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 396 Malaysian food truck vendors using convenience sampling. Data was collected during the Recovery Movement Control Order due to the COVID-19 pandemic through a validated self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 25. The findings indicated that food truck vendors generally have fair knowledge (M = 78.8, SD = 9.09), a positive attitude (M = 94.8, SD = 5.95), and good practices (M = 84.7, SD = 6.62) regarding food safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hierarchical regression analysis further showed that food truck vendors' level of education and knowledge of food safety are significant predictors of their food safety practices. This study provides an initial understanding of the food safety knowledge, attitude, and practices among food truck vendors and yields important information in promoting the food safety culture.

The COVID-19 Global Pandemic and Its Impact on the Mental Health of Nurses in Malaysia.

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic since its onset has had a dramatic and often devastating impact, both physical and psychological, on all healthcare workers. This study aimed to assess the impact of psychological distress that COVID-19 has on nurses, as well as the coping strategies that they employed. This is a cross-sectional national online survey. A total of 859 nurses actively involved in caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in Malaysia participated in the study. More than three-quarters of the nurses experienced stress (77.2%). A total of 88.7% and 7.2% of nurses revealed a moderate and high stress level, respectively. Approximately one in eight (12.1%) nurses reported feeling depressed. Nurses working in the outpatient departments reported significantly higher stress levels than nurses working in inpatient care departments. Nurses having chronic health problems reported significantly higher depression levels than nurses with no chronic health problem. Highly stressed or depressed nurses tend to adopt avoidance coping strategies while religion and emotional support were used regardless of the stress or depression levels experienced. The findings of the study provide insight into the mental health and coping strategies of nurses actively involved in caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in Malaysia. This would be of tremendous help to nursing administrators in implementing mental health services for nurses during and following the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Risk perception of cardiovascular diseases among individuals with hypertension in rural Malaysia.

OBJECTIVE: Despite various efforts, hypertension remains poorly controlled, thus allowing cardiovascular disease (CVD) to impact the health burden worldwide. Patients' perception of risk may contribute to this scenario. The present study aims to assess the level of risk perception among individuals with hypertension in rural Malaysia. METHODS: This is a community-based study conducted among adults between 2010 and 2011 among a rural population in Raub, Pahang, Malaysia. Blood pressure was measured after 5 min of rest. Measurement was done twice and the average was recorded. Cardiovascular risk perception score (CvRPS) was derived using the Modified Risk and Health Behavior Questionnaire. Higher CvRPS indicates the respondent perceives a poorer prognostic outlook. RESULTS: A total of 383 respondents who have hypertension participated in this study. The mean age of respondents was 62±10.6 years; men 63.1±9.6 years, women 61.2±11.1 years (p>0.05). Among hypertensives, those who were not on medication had significantly lower CvRPS compared with those who were on medications (115.9±22.1vs 120.9±23.5, p=0.036); those who were not aware of their hypertensive status had significantly lower CvRPS compared with respondents who were aware about their hypertension (116.7±22.5vs 121.7±21.3, p=0.029) and those with uncontrolled hypertension had significantly lower CvRPS compared with those whose blood pressure was controlled (118.2±22.2vs 128.8±25.8, p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that respondents who were not on medications, unaware of their hypertension status and those who had uncontrolled hypertension tended to underestimate (lower CvRPS) their risk for CVD. Improving their CvPRS through a concerted health education may lead to better therapeutic behaviour and outcomes.