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Ho AZJ, Ishak NIB, Wong EHC. Effect of Olfactory Rehabilitation on the Recovery of Post-Coronavirus Disease Olfactory Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Cureus 2024; 16:e61855. [PMID: 38975544 PMCID: PMC11227608 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Persistent olfactory dysfunction was seen in many patients upon coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection recovery. However, research on its management was very limited, especially among the Southeast Asian population. Objectives We aim to investigate the role of olfactory rehabilitation and topical corticosteroids among post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction patients in Malaysia, and at the same time to determine factors leading to olfactory recovery post-COVID-19 infection. Methods Adult Malaysians with persistent olfactory dysfunction one month post-COVID-19 recovery were recruited. Thirty-one patients were randomly assigned into three groups with 10 patients being given olfactory training (Group 1), another 10 being given mometasone furoate nasal spray/olfactory training (Group 2), and 11 patients being assigned to the control group (Group 3). All groups were followed up for an average duration of six months. Olfactory function was evaluated by Top International Biotech Smell Identification Test (TIBSIT) scores and Olfactory Disorder Questionnaire (eODQ) prior to randomization, at three and six months after recruitment. Results The baseline characteristics of patients were similar in all groups. Generally, patients of all three groups showed a statistically significant improvement in the TIBSIT scores after six months. The TIBSIT scores for Group 2 were statistically significantly higher than the control at three months but not at six months. As for Group 1, no statistically significant differences in TIBSIT scores at both three and six months were noted when compared to control. Statistically significant improvements were seen in the eODQ scores in all three groups. Conclusion No superiority of intervention for post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction was seen compared to control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Zxi Jian Ho
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, MYS
| | - Nur Izzati B Ishak
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, MYS
| | - Eugene Hung Chih Wong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, MYS
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Choo SJ, Chang CT, Chan HK, Abu Hassan MR, Hamdan MH, Cheong AT, Mat Noh FN, Uzma Mustafa NS. Knowledge and attitude towards home quarantine instructions and associations with history of Covid-19 infection in Malaysia. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1311. [PMID: 38745185 PMCID: PMC11094920 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18739-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although COVID-19 has entered the endemic phase, individuals infected with COVID-19 are required to adhere to home quarantine measures. By exploring the public's knowledge and attitude towards recommended home quarantine measures, their readiness in containing potential COVID-19 outbreak can be determined. This study aimed to assess the public knowledge and attitude towards home quarantine instructions and their association with history of COVID-19 infections. METHODS This was a web-based cross-sectional study conducted among the public in Malaysia between August to October 2022. All Malaysian adults over 18 years of age were included. Knowledge on home quarantine instructions and COVID-19 warning signs were measured using "True," "False," or "I'm not sure", while attitude towards home quarantine instructions was measured using a five-point Likert Scale. The questionnaire was initially constructed in English and then translated into the national language, Bahasa Malaysia. Face and content validation were performed. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was found to be satisfactory. RESULTS 1,036 respondents were analyzed, comprised mostly of females (743, 71.6%) with a history of COVID-19 (673, 64.9%). In the knowledge domain, more than 80% of the respondents answered 9 out of 11 home quarantine instructions statements correctly. 457 (44.1%) were unaware or unsure about the minimum distance of the infected individual's bed from the rest of the occupants in a shared bedroom. The respondents reported relatively weaker knowledge in identifying uncommon warning signs of COVID-19 deterioration, including anuria (162, 44.5%), ingestion problems (191, 52.5%), and immobility (195, 53.6%). In the attitude domain, more than 90% of respondents answered correctly in 8 out of 9 questions. Respondents with a previous history of COVID-19 infections had better knowledge than COVID-19 infection-naïve individuals towards both home quarantine instructions and COVID-19 warning signs. CONCLUSION Most respondents had good knowledge and attitude towards home quarantine instructions, with those previously infected with COVID-19 showing greater awareness of uncommon warning signs. However, there was a notable lack of awareness regarding physical distancing within shared rooms, appropriate disinfectant use and mobility limitation within the household. This study highlights the knowledge gaps to be improved in future educational campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shea Jiun Choo
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Taiping, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Taiping, Malaysia
| | - Chee Tao Chang
- Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Ipoh, Malaysia.
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia.
| | - Huan-Keat Chan
- Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Alor Setar, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan
- Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Alor Setar, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Hazmi Hamdan
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Taiping, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Taiping, Malaysia
| | - Ai Ting Cheong
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Taiping, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Taiping, Malaysia
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Wong JW, Tan JH, Abraham RE, Jauhar Ali SN, Kok SY, Tan HCL, Tan JH, Ni H. A comparative study of anxiety and depression among healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers in Johor, Malaysia during the Covid-19 era. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37415. [PMID: 38518019 PMCID: PMC10956993 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has a significant impact on the mental health of the global population. Updates are needed regarding the mental health status among the local population since limited studies were done so far. This research compared the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among HCWs and non-HCWs. We also evaluated the factors associated with anxiety and depression symptoms among these 2 groups. This was a cross-sectional study conducted between September to December 2022. Online questionnaire was distributed to HCWs from 2 tertiary government hospitals. Non-HCWs from various occupational fields were recruited randomly. Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) were used to screen for anxiety and depression symptoms respectively. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 28.0. 200 questionnaires were distributed to HCWs and non-HCWs respectively. The response rate was 74.5% from HCWs and 82.5% from non-HCWs (P = .07). A total of 236 individuals (105 HCWs and 131 non-HCWs) were included in the study. Majority were female, married, highly educated and worked more than 8 hours per day. There was no significant difference for the prevalence of anxiety (37.2% vs 44.3%, P = .34) and depression symptoms (37.3% vs 35.1%, P = .75) between HCWs and non-HCWs. Among HCWs, poor workplace support (P = .009) and low income (P = .04) were associated with anxiety symptoms. Younger age (P = .02), single status (P = .01) and poor workplace support (P = .006) were associated with depression symptoms. More non-HCWs with a higher educational level were having anxiety and depression symptoms. Single status (P = .03), working away from home (P = .02), poor family support (P = .03) and quarantine as Covid-19 close contact (P = .04) were also associated with depression symptoms among non-HCWs. There is no significant difference between HCWs and non-HCWs experiencing possible anxiety or depressive symptoms in this study. However, attention should be paid to address associated factors identified among each group to promote good mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wen Wong
- Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia, Iskandar Puteri, Malaysia
| | - Jun Hui Tan
- Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia, Iskandar Puteri, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Si Yin Kok
- Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia, Iskandar Puteri, Malaysia
| | - Henry Chor Lip Tan
- Department of General Surgery, KPJ Bandar Dato Onn Specialist Hospital, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Jih Huei Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Han Ni
- Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia, Iskandar Puteri, Malaysia
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Farhani S, Roslina AJ, Nik Mazlina M, Noor Hasliza H, Lih Bing L, Noorul Amilin S, Zienna Zufida ZR, Siti Khalimah R. Utilisation of the web-based Home Assessment Tool among patients with COVID-19 in Selangor, Malaysia: An observational study. MALAYSIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS OF MALAYSIA 2024; 19:19. [PMID: 38623415 PMCID: PMC11016453 DOI: 10.51866/oa.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many countries to turn to web-based solutions. The Home Assessment Tool (HAT) is a web-based system using the MySejahtera application developed by the government. It serves as a communication platform for patients with COVID-19 to self-monitor their clinical symptoms and enables authorised healthcare personnel to access and manage collected data for clinical monitoring. Our study aimed to examine the utilisation of this internet-based tool among patients with COVID-19 in Selangor. Methods This observational study analysed secondary data from the self-reported HAT within MySejahtera. It included all patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 through molecular assays such as RT-PCR or RTK-Ag on 1-21 February 2021, aged >18 years and residing in Selangor. Patients who had documented their symptoms at least once in the HAT during the prescribed 10-day isolation period were classified as HAT users. Results A total of 4438 patients were included, of whom 39.4% were HAT users, while 60.6% were non-HAT users. Logistic regression analysis revealed three significant factors associated with low utilisation of the HAT: absence of medical condition (odds ratio [OR]: 9.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.49-12.01), advanced age (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.20-1.52) and non-Malaysian citizenship (OR: 3.4; 95% CI: 2.50-4.72). Conclusion The utilisation of the HAT is low, which is associated with advanced age (>65 years), absence of medical conditions and foreign nationality. It is imperative to develop inventive strategies tailored to address the unique needs of these particular demographics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samat Farhani
- MD, MMed (FamMed), Family Medicine Specialist, Tanjung Karang Health Clinic, Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Abdul Jalil Roslina
- MBBS, MFamMed, Family Medicine Specialist, Klinik Kesihatan Sekinchan, Sabak, Bernam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Nik Mazlina
- MBBS, MMed (FamMed), Family Medicine Specialist, Klinik Kesihatan Kelana Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hassan Noor Hasliza
- MD, MMed (FamMed), Family Medicine Specialist, Klinik Kesihatan Sungai Pelek, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lau Lih Bing
- MD, FRACGP, Family Medicine Specialist, Klinik Kesihatan Batu 8, Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sulaiman Noorul Amilin
- MBBBS, MFamMed, Family Medicine Specialist, Klinik Kesihatan Gombak Setia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Rosnan Siti Khalimah
- MBBS, Medical officer, Klinik Kesihatan Sungai Tengi Kanan, Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia
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Ng DLC, Bin Jamalludin MA, Gan XY, Ng SY, Bin Mohamad Rasidin MZ, Felix BA, Jagang NM, Sindeh W, Bin Mohd Abdul Rahim MAH, Tan SB, Chai CS. Public's Willingness to Perform COVID-19 Self-Testing During the Transition to the Endemic Phase in Malaysia - A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2023; 16:2505-2519. [PMID: 38024502 PMCID: PMC10676112 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s439530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Malaysia entered the transition to the endemic phase of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) on 1st April 2022. This study aims to determine the public's willingness to perform COVID-19 self-testing. Factors that influenced their willingness were also assessed. Methods A nationwide, cross-sectional, and population-based study was conducted online in Malaysia from 28th April 2023 to 4th June 2023. Individuals aged 18 years and above were enrolled through the snowball sampling method. Data were analyzed by using the Chi-Square test, independent t-test, and binary logistic regression. Results One thousand four hundred fifty-three responses were included in the analysis. Of these respondents, 89.3% were willing, 4.1% were reluctant, and 6.6% remained hesitant to perform COVID-19 self-testing, The common reasons given by those willing to perform COVID-19 self-testing included being able to self-isolate (99.0%) and seek treatment (96.3%) earlier if tested positive. The common reasons against COVID-19 self-testing included the belief that COVID-19 is equivalent to the common flu (91.7%) and having received the COVID-19 vaccine (78.3%). The isolation policy for COVID-19 was the most significant consideration for those who were still hesitant (85.4%). Women [adjusted odds ratios (OR): 2.1, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.44-3.00, p < 0.001], individuals with tertiary education (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.32-3.26, p = 0.002), those vaccinated against COVID-19 (OR: 8.1, 95% CI: 2.63-24.82, p < 0.001), and individuals with prior experience of COVID-19 self-testing (OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 2.84-6.12, p < 0.001) showed a significantly higher willingness to engage in COVID-19 self-testing. Conclusion The public exhibited a high willingness to perform COVID-19 self-testing during the transition to the endemic phase in Malaysia. Future strategies to promote COVID-19 self-testing uptake in Malaysia should focus on vulnerable groups, address the common concerns among those hesitant and reluctant, and highlight the advantages of COVID-19 self-testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana-Leh-Ching Ng
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Malaysia
| | | | - Xhi-Yan Gan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siew-Yoong Ng
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Beverlyn Anak Felix
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Malaysia
| | | | - Woweham Sindeh
- Telupid Health Clinic, Ministry of Health, Beluran, Malaysia
| | | | - Seng-Beng Tan
- Palliative Care Unit, Subang Jaya Medical Center, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Shee Chai
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Malaysia
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Mahdzir ANK, Mat S, Seow SR, Abdul Rani R, Che Hasan MK, Mohamad Yahaya NH. Self-management of osteoarthritis while waiting for total knee arthroplasty during the COVID-19 pandemic among older Malaysians. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:7043-7052. [PMID: 37946758 PMCID: PMC10631402 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i29.7043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study sought to understand the self-management strategies used by patients during the postponement of their total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedure, as well as the associations between the length of waiting time, pain, and physical frailty and function. The study focused on individuals aged 50 years and above, as they are known to be more vulnerable to the negative impacts of delayed elective surgery and rehabilitation. This study hypothesizes that delayed TKR due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) will bear negative effect in self-management, pain, and physical frailty and function in older adults. AIM To investigate the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on self-management, pain, and physical function in older adults awaiting TKA in Malaysia. METHODS This cross-sectional study has the data of participants, who matched the criteria and scheduled for TKA for the first time, extracted from the TKA registry in the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Mukhriz. Data on pain status, and self-management, physical frailty, and instrumental activities daily living were also collected. Multiple linear regression analysis with a significant level of 0.05 was used to identify the association between waiting time and pain on physical frailty and functional performance. RESULTS Out of 180 had deferred TKA, 50% of them aged 50 years old and above, 80% were women with ethnic distribution Malay (66%), Chinese (22%), Indian (10%), and others (2%) respectively. Ninety-two percent of the participants took medication to manage their pain during the waiting time, while 10% used herbs and traditional supplements, and 68% did exercises as part of their osteoarthritis (OA) self-management. Thirty-six participants were found to have physical frailty (strength, assistance with walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falls questionnaire score > 4) which accounted for 72%. Increased pain was associated with physical frailty with odds ratio, odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.46 (1.04-2.05). This association remained significant even after the adjustment according to age and self-management. CONCLUSION While deferring TKA during a pandemic is unavoidable, patient monitoring for OA treatment during the waiting period is important in reducing physical frailty, ensuring the older patients' independence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Nabil Khairi Mahdzir
- Physiotherapy Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sumaiyah Mat
- Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shi Rui Seow
- Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rizal Abdul Rani
- Department of Orthopedic & Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Kamil Che Hasan
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Kulliyyah of Nursing, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan 25200, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Nor Hamdan Mohamad Yahaya
- Department of Orthopedic & Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Ismail A, Tengku Ismail TA, Mohamad Marzuki MF. Stress Among the Adult Population During COVID-19 Pandemic in Kedah, Malaysia: Association Between Sociodemographics and the Movement Control Order Period. Cureus 2023; 15:e47619. [PMID: 38022193 PMCID: PMC10667625 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the prevalence of stress worldwide. However, the extent and factors associated with psychological distress during COVID-19 among the local population in Kedah, Malaysia, have not been adequately explored. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with stress among the adult population in Kedah, Malaysia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using a retrospective record review. A simple random sampling was applied among the adult population of Kedah who were screened for mental health well-being from January 2021 until March 2022. A proforma checklist that consists of sociodemographic and clinical factors and the date of screening was used to collect the data. A descriptive and multiple logistic regression was conducted, and analysis was done by SPSS version 26 (IBM Inc., Armonk, New York). The dependent variables were the presence of stress incorporated self-reported symptoms ranging from mild to very severe. The independent variables were sociodemographic, clinical factors, and movement control order period, which refers to the period when the state of Kedah experienced all the different phases of movement control order (MCO), which were from 1 January 2021 until 28 June 2021. Results In total, 562 adults were included. The mean age was 31.75 years, and the majority were female (69.6%). The prevalence of stress was 45.7% (95% CI 41.6%, 49.8%), with a total of 257 people. The majority of them did not have stress, consisting of 305 people (54.3%), followed by 69 people (12.3%) who reported severe stress, 67 people (11.9%) who reported moderate, 66 people (11.7%) who reported mild, and 55 people (9.8%) who reported very severe stress. The significant factor associated with stress among the adult population in Kedah, Malaysia, during the COVID-19 pandemic was the female gender (Adj OR 3.035 95% CI: 2.007 to 4.591, p-value <0.001). Being unemployed (Adj OR 2.171 95% CI: 1.480 to 3.185, p-value <0.001) and being under movement control order period was also associated with stress (Adj OR 0.383 95% CI: 0.264 to 0.555, p-value <0.001). Conclusion The prevalence of stress among the adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kedah was 45.7%, with a total of 257 people, higher than other studies. Being female and unemployed was associated with stress, while the movement control order period was a protective factor against stress. Preventive strategies should be tailored based on the vulnerabilities of these groups, such as the development of more effective community-based interventions for safeguarding the mental health of the general public during future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalina Ismail
- Department of Community Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, MYS
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Cheah PK, Jalloh MB, Cheah PK, Ongkili D, Schneiders ML, Osterrieder A, Peerawaranun P, Waithira N, Davies A, Mukaka M, Cheah PY. Experiences, coping strategies and perspectives of people in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1085. [PMID: 37280573 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15892-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A nationwide Movement Control Order (MCO) was enforced in Malaysia on 18 March 2020 in view of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Malaysia implemented various public health measures and later raced against time to administer COVID-19 vaccines when they became available. As a result of various public health measures to curb the spread of the virus, people in Malaysia faced unprecedented circumstances and new challenges. This study addressed the knowledge gap in our understanding the experiences, coping strategies and perspectives of the people in Malaysia about infection countermeasures by investigating their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A sequential mixed method approach was used to conduct an online survey and in-depth interviews among residents in Malaysia. A total of 827 respondents participated in the online survey from 1st May to 30th June 2020. Nineteen in-depth interviews were conducted online and by phone with key informants and members of the public, who were selected through maximum variation purposive sampling between 2nd May 2020 to 20th December 2021. The semi-structured interviews employed a phenomenological approach and transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. The survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics in Stata 15.0. RESULTS The survey reflected significant economic impacts of the pandemic, the maximum number of days that people could cope during the MCO, and their coping strategies, which generally entailed changes in lifestyle. The internet and social media were vital platforms to mitigate against the impact of public health measures. Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed participant experiences and perceptions of COVID-19 and public health measures in four main themes: (1) work and business; (2) emotional impact (3) coping with change and (4) the COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insights into the experiences, coping strategies and perspectives of people in Malaysia living through the first-ever MCO during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such insights into COVID-19-related public health measures are pertinent for successfully planning and implementing future responses to pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phaik Kin Cheah
- Faculty of Arts & Social Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, 31900, Kampar, Perak, Malaysia.
| | - Mohamed Bella Jalloh
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Phee-Kheng Cheah
- Sabah Women & Children's Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
- Loh Guan Lye Specialists Centre, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Darlene Ongkili
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Mira Leonie Schneiders
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Socio-Ecological Health Research Unit, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anne Osterrieder
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pimnara Peerawaranun
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Naomi Waithira
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alun Davies
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mavuto Mukaka
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Phaik Yeong Cheah
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- The SoNAR-Global Network, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
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Muhamad NA, Subhas N, Mustapha N, Abdullah N, Muhamad Rasat MA, AB Ghani RM, Tahir FA, Ishak ANI, Sivasubramaniam V, Hassan A, Goh WWL, Teng KL, Abdul Manan AI, Mokhtar R, Baljit Singh AK, Ng KS. METER (Mental health emergency response) program: Findings of psychological impact status and factors associated with depression, anxiety and stress among healthcare workers in public hospital in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001823. [PMID: 37058465 PMCID: PMC10104317 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has become the greatest challenge of the new millennium. Most healthcare workers (HCWs) experienced unprecedented levels of workload since the pandemic. This study aims to identify the prevalence and factors of depression, anxiety and stress among HCWs in Malaysian healthcare facilities in the midst of the pandemic due to the SARs-CoV-2. METHODS An emergency response programme on mental health was conducted from June to September 2020. A standardized data collection form was distributed among the HCWs in the government hospital in Klang Valley. The form contained basic demographic information and the self-reported Malay version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale (BM DASS-21). RESULTS Of the1,300 staff who attended the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Covid-19 (MHPSS COVID-19) programme, 996 staff (21.6% male, 78.4% female) completed the online survey (response rate: 76.6%). Result showed that staff aged above 40 years old were almost two times more likely to have anxiety (AOR = 1.632; 95% CI = 1.141-2.334, p:0.007) and depression (AOR = 1.637; 95% CI = 1.1.06-2.423, p:0.014) as compared to staff who were less than 40 years old. Those who had direct involvement with COVID-19 patients were likely to suffer stress (AOR = 0.596; 95% CI = 0.418-0.849, p:0.004), anxiety (AOR = 0.706; 95% Ci = 0.503-0.990, p:0.044) and depression (AOR = 0.630; 95% Ci = 0.427-0.928, p:0.019). HCWs with stress (AOR = 0.638; 95% CI of 0.476-0.856, p = 0.003), anxiety (AOR = 0.720; 95% CI 0.542-0.958, p = 0.024) and depression (AOR = 0.657; 95% CI 0.480-0.901, p = 0.009) showed less confidence to treat critically ill patients and need psychological help during outbreak. CONCLUSION This study showed the importance of psychosocial support to reduce psychological distress among HCWs when working or coping during the COVID-19 pandemic or outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor Asiah Muhamad
- Sector for Evidence Based Healthcare, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Natasha Subhas
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Ministry of Health, Klang, Malaysia
| | - Normi Mustapha
- Faculty of Science & Technology, Open University Malaysia, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Norni Abdullah
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Ministry of Health, Klang, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Arif Muhamad Rasat
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Ministry of Health, Klang, Malaysia
| | - Rimah Melati AB Ghani
- Sector for Evidence Based Healthcare, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fatin Athira Tahir
- Institute for Public Health, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Anne Nik Ismaliza Ishak
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Ministry of Health, Klang, Malaysia
| | | | - Alinazarine Hassan
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Ministry of Health, Klang, Malaysia
| | - William Wei Liang Goh
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Ministry of Health, Klang, Malaysia
| | - Kok Liang Teng
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Ministry of Health, Klang, Malaysia
| | - Ainul Izzah Abdul Manan
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Ministry of Health, Klang, Malaysia
| | - Rosmawati Mokhtar
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Ministry of Health, Klang, Malaysia
| | - Amrit Kaur Baljit Singh
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Ministry of Health, Klang, Malaysia
| | - Kher Shean Ng
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Ministry of Health, Klang, Malaysia
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Obiefuna EC, Ojonta OI, Ogbuabor JE. The influence of COVID-19 pandemic and coping strategies on work operation of nonfarm household enterprises in Nigeria. ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37363036 PMCID: PMC10066960 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-03185-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate how COVID-19 pandemic including some coping strategies such as hand wash with soap and food consumption influences work operation or performance of nonfarm household enterprises (NHEs) in Nigeria using 2020 Living Standard Measurement Survey data of 1728 sample size. This study departs from existing study in two ways: first, the study employs multinomial logistic regression technique to ascertain the determinants of work performance of nonfarm household enterprises in Nigeria. Second, the study focuses on nonfarm enterprises such as petty trade, road side automobile and cab drivers. The results show that COVID-19 pandemic is significant with negative influence on the work operation of NHEs in Nigeria. The result of the study also reveals that coping strategy such as hand wash with soap during the pandemic is an important driver of work performance or operation of NHEs in Nigeria. Another coping strategy like food consumption by nonfarm household enterprises shows insignificant influence on work operation which implies that there is no relationship between food consumption and work operation by NHEs in Nigeria. The policy recommendation of this study, among others, is that policies should focus on procurement of sanitary material for public use. This can be achieved through public sensitisation in terms of organising workshops and conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Obed I. Ojonta
- Department of Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
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11
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Lim AH, Ab Rahman N, Hashim H, Kamal M, Velvanathan T, Chok MCF, Sivasampu S. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Antibiotic Utilisation in Malaysian Primary Care Clinics: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12040659. [PMID: 37107021 PMCID: PMC10135109 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12040659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a dramatic change in the delivery of primary healthcare across the world, presumably changing trends in consultations for infectious diseases and antibiotic use. This study aimed at describing and evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on antibiotic use in public primary care clinics in Malaysia between 2018 and 2021. Data from the nationwide procurement database of systemic antibiotics from public primary care clinics in Malaysia between January 2018 and December 2021 were analysed using interrupted time series analysis. The monthly number of defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID) was calculated and grouped by antibiotic class. The trend of antibiotic utilisation rates had been decreasing by 0.007 DID monthly before March 2020 (p = 0.659). With the introduction of national lockdown due to COVID-19 beginning March 2020, there was a significant reduction in the level of antibiotic utilisation rates of 0.707 (p = 0.022). Subsequently, the monthly trend showed a slight upward change until the end of the study period (p = 0.583). Our findings indicate that there was a significant decrease in antibiotic utilisation for systemic use in primary care following the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the preceding years (January 2018–March 2020).
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The use of herbal and dietary supplements for COVID-19 prevention: a survey among the public in a Malaysian suburban town. J Herb Med 2023; 39:100650. [PMID: 36998482 PMCID: PMC10032060 DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2023.100650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may lead people to seek preventative measures. The use of herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) may have become prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to identify the prevalence, predictors, and patterns of HDS use for COVID-19 prevention in a sample of the general public in a suburban town in Malaysia. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between May and June 2021 involving adults ≥ 18 years old. Data on the self-reported use of HDS for COVID-19 prevention were collected. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of HDS use. Results Overall, 41.9% (168/401) reported using HDS to prevent COVID-19. Multivariate analysis showed that HDS users were more likely to be individuals ≥ 40 years old (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.774, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.016 – 3.098), and to have had a history of HDS use prior to the pandemic (aOR = 19.378, 95% CI = 5.901 – 63.639). Most HDS users referred to social media or websites (66.7%, 112/168) for HDS information. Approximately half of them had consulted either pharmacists or doctors about their HDS use. Conclusion HDS use to prevent COVID-19 was common among the respondents. Several issues - such as the concurrent use of HDS with conventional medications, the use of unreliable sources of information, and the lack of consultation with healthcare providers (HCPs) - indicate that HCPs should be more proactive in their consultative and information-providing roles regarding HDS use.
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Amsah N, Md Isa Z, Ahmad N, Abdul Manaf MR. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Utilization among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4577. [PMID: 36901588 PMCID: PMC10002238 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, healthcare services have been grossly overwhelmed by the pandemic. Due to this circumstance, routine care for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been temporarily disrupted. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare utilization among patients with T2DM. A systematic search was conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases. The process of identifying the final articles followed the PRISMA guidelines. The inclusion criteria were articles published between 2020 and 2022, written in English, and studies focusing on the research question. Any proceedings and books were excluded. A total of fourteen articles relevant to the research question were extracted. Following that, the included articles were critically appraised using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool to assess the quality of the studies. The findings were further classified into three themes: reduced healthcare utilization among T2DM patients in routine healthcare services, a surge of telemedicine usage, and delay in the delivery of healthcare services. The key messages include demands for monitoring the long-term effects of the missed care and that better preparedness is crucial for any pandemic in the future. A tight diagnostic workup at the community level and regular follow-ups are crucial in managing the impact of the pandemic among T2DM patients. Telemedicine should be on the agenda of the health system to maintain and complement healthcare services. Future research is warranted to determine effective strategies to deal with the impact of the pandemic on healthcare utilization and delivery among T2DM patients. A clear policy is essential and should be established.
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Wong LP, Tan SL, Alias H, Sia TE, Saw A. Psychological Consequences of the Delay in the Silent Mentor Programme During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives From Family Members of Silent Mentors. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023; 86:1176-1189. [PMID: 33818157 DOI: 10.1177/00302228211000952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a hold on the Silent Mentor Programme (SMP); this pause has not only caused unprecedented challenges for the delivery of medical education but has forced changes in the programme ceremony sessions. We aimed to describe the psychological impact and experiences of family members of silent mentors during the COVID-19 pandemic using qualitative interviews. Many expressed feelings of remorse and unrest about the unprecedented delay of the SMP. The delay increased negative emotions particularly among some elderly family members; however, there was no prominent negative effect on their functional health and well-being. Several participants relayed the belief that the soul cannot rest until the body receives a proper burial while some worried about the deterioration of the physical condition of the mentors. In conclusion, findings provide insights into the importance of not overlooking the mental health implications of delaying the SMP in future outbreaks or crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ping Wong
- Center for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Unit of Silent Mentor Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sik Loo Tan
- Unit of Silent Mentor Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,National Orthopaedic Center of Excellence for Research & Learning (NOCERAL), Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Haridah Alias
- Center for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Unit of Silent Mentor Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Thiam Eng Sia
- Unit of Silent Mentor Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Aik Saw
- Unit of Silent Mentor Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,National Orthopaedic Center of Excellence for Research & Learning (NOCERAL), Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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15
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Airak S, Sukor NSA, Rahman NA. Travel behaviour changes and risk perception during COVID-19: A case study of Malaysia. TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVES 2023; 18:100784. [PMID: 36844954 PMCID: PMC9939401 DOI: 10.1016/j.trip.2023.100784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted travel behaviours due to the need for movement restrictions. The restrictions adversely affected various aspects of health and the economy. This study aimed to investigate factors affecting trip frequency during the recovery period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. An online national cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data in conjunction with different movement restriction policies. The questionnaire includes socio-demographics, experience with COVID-19, risk perception of COVID-19, and trip frequency on several activities during the pandemic. Mann Whitney U was conducted to determine whether there were statistically significant differences between the socio-demographic factors for the respondents in the first and second surveys. Results show no significant difference in socio-demographic factors except for the level of education. The results indicate that the respondents from both surveys were comparable. Next, Spearman correlation analyses were conducted to find significant correlations between trip frequencies toward socio-demographics, experience with COVID-19 and risk perception. There was a correlation between the frequency of travel and risk perception for both surveys. Regression analyses were performed based on the findings to investigate trip frequency determinants during the pandemic. Perceived risk, gender, and occupation influenced the trip frequencies for both surveys. By understanding the influence of risk perception on the frequency of travel, the government can identify the appropriate policy during a pandemic or health emergency to avoid impeding normal travel behaviour. Thus, people's mental and psychological well-being are not negatively affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surachai Airak
- School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Nur Sabahiah Abdul Sukor
- School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Noorhazlinda Abd Rahman
- School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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16
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Lee LZ, Cheng SH. Impact of COVID-19 on dietary intake, sleeping patterns and physical activity levels among Malaysian University students. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2023; 35:209-217. [PMID: 36803949 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2022-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a significant impact on people's behaviour and lifestyles. Limited research has been conducted on the impact of COVID-19 on Malaysian university students' lifestyle modifications. This study aims to identify the impact of COVID-19 on dietary intake, sleeping patterns and physical activity levels among Malaysian university students. METHODS A total of 261 university students were recruited. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected. Dietary intake was assessed using PLifeCOVID-19 questionnaire, sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire (PSQI) while physical activity level was assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Forms (IPAQ-SF). SPSS was used to perform statistical analysis. RESULTS 30.7% of the participants adhered to the unhealthy dietary pattern, 48.7% had poor quality of sleep and 59.4% engaged in low physical activity levels during the pandemic. Unhealthy dietary pattern was significantly associated with a lower IPAQ category (p=0.013), and increased time spent sitting (p=0.027) during the pandemic. Participants being underweight before the pandemic (aOR=2.472, 95% CI=1.358-4.499), increased takeaway meal consumption (aOR=1.899, 95% CI=1.042-3.461), increased snacking between meals consumption (aOR=2.989, 95% CI=1.653-5.404) and engaged in a low level of physical activity during pandemic (aOR=1.935, 95% CI=1.028-3.643) were the predictors of unhealthy dietary pattern. CONCLUSIONS The university students' dietary intake, sleeping patterns, and physical activity levels were impacted in different ways during the pandemic. Strategies and interventions should be developed and implemented to improve the dietary intake and lifestyle of the students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhen Lee
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shi-Hui Cheng
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
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Sachdev Manjit Singh B, Chuah SL, Cheong YK, Wan SA, Teh CL. Impact of lockdown on rheumatology outpatient care in the age of COVID-19. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:e39. [PMID: 32769156 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-218484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Seow Lin Chuah
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Yaw Kiet Cheong
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Sharifah Aishah Wan
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Cheng Lay Teh
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
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Estimating excess mortalities due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia between January 2020 and September 2021. Sci Rep 2023; 13:86. [PMID: 36596828 PMCID: PMC9807979 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26927-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Excess mortalities are a more accurate indicator of true COVID-19 disease burden. This study aims to investigate levels of excess all-cause mortality and their geographic, age and sex distributions between January 2020-September 2021. National mortality data between January 2016 and September 2021 from the Department of Statistics Malaysia was utilised. Baseline mortality was estimated using the Farrington algorithm and data between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2019. The occurrence of excess all-cause mortality by geographic-, age- and sex-stratum was examined from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2021. A sub-analysis was also conducted for road-traffic accidents, ethnicity and nationality. Malaysia had a 5.5-23.7% reduction in all-cause mortality across 2020. A reversal is observed in 2021, with an excess of 13.0-24.0%. Excess mortality density is highest between July and September 2021. All states and sexes reported excess trends consistent with the national trends. There were reductions in all all-cause mortalities in individuals under the age of 15 (0.4-8.1%) and road traffic accident-related mortalities (36.6-80.5%). These reductions were higher during the first Movement Control Order in 2020. Overall, there appears to be a reduction in all-cause mortality for Malaysia in 2020. This trend is reversed in 2021, with excess mortalities being observed. Surveillance of excess mortalities can allow expedient detection of aberrant events allowing timely health system and public health responses.
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Tan SP, Ng LC, Lyndon N, Aman Z, Kannan P, Hashim K, Teo HM, Che Ibrahim MS. A review on post-COVID-19 impacts and opportunities of agri-food supply chain in Malaysia. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15228. [PMID: 37151297 PMCID: PMC10158762 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malaysia is strongly supported by the agriculture sector as the backbone to drive the economy. However, COVID-19 has significantly affected agriculture across the production, supply, and marketing chains. It also disturbs the balance of food supply and demand in Malaysia. COVID-19 was an unexpected pandemic that resulted in shock and panic and caused a huge global impact. However, the impacts of this pandemic on the agriculture sector in Malaysia, particularly in the production and supply chains, are still unclear and scarce. This review offers insights into the challenges, particularly in sustaining agri-food production and supply chains. It also highlights the opportunity and relevant measures towards sustainability in agriculture to avoid agri-food disasters in the future. Methods This study was carried out through a desk review of the secondary source of information covering the impact of COVID-19 in Malaysia particularly in the agri-food aspect, and a wide range of strategies and initiatives as the effective measures to overcome the crisis of this pandemic. Online desk research of the government published data and customer desk research were utilized to complete this study. Search engines such as Google Scholar and the statistical data from the official websites including the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) and the Food and Fertilizer Technology Center for the Asian and Pacific Region (FFTC-AP), were utilized. Keywords such as impact of COVID-19, pandemic, and agri-food supply chain were used to conduct the searches. The articles identified to be related to the study's objective were then downloaded and included in the study. Descriptive methods were used as the primary analysis technique following the descriptive analysis and visual data analysis in performing the sources obtained. Results This devastating impact damages the lives by causing 4.3 million confirmed infections and more than 290,000 deaths. This disease presents an unprecedented challenge to the public health. The lockdown restriction under the movement control order (MCO), for more than of the world's population in the year 2020 to control the virus from spreading, has disrupted most of the economic sectors. The agriculture industry was seen as one of the essential industries and allowed to operate under strict standard operating procedures (SOP). Working under strict regulations came with a huge price paid for almost all industries. Conclusion This pandemic has affected the national agri-food availability and accessibility in Malaysia. This outbreak created a reflection of opportunity for sharing a more flexible approaches in handling emergencies on agricultural food production and supply chains. Therefore, the government should be ready with the roadmap and enforce the measures to control the pandemic without disrupting the agri-food supply chain in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Say Peng Tan
- Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lee Chuen Ng
- Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science (FFFS), Research Interest Group of Resource Sustainability (Bio-interaction and Crop Health), Laboratory of Pest, Disease and Microbial Biotechnology (LAPDiM), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Novel Lyndon
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zaki Aman
- Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Parthiban Kannan
- Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Khairuman Hashim
- Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Han Meng Teo
- Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science (FFFS), Research Interest Group of Resource Sustainability (Bio-interaction and Crop Health), Laboratory of Pest, Disease and Microbial Biotechnology (LAPDiM), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Syazlie Che Ibrahim
- Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science (FFFS), Research Interest Group of Resource Sustainability (Bio-interaction and Crop Health), Laboratory of Pest, Disease and Microbial Biotechnology (LAPDiM), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
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Jagun ZT, Nyakuma BB, Daud D, Samsudin S. Property development during the COVID-19 pandemic: challenges and outlook in Malaysia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:85717-85726. [PMID: 34984619 PMCID: PMC8727072 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-18378-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Through administrative research and media records, this paper aims to examine and highlight the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Malaysian workers, property development, construction sites, and the national economy. The development of real estate and the construction industry can significantly impact socio-economic growth and infrastructure development. Adequate building and infrastructure construction can ensure national economic stability, job creation, community cohesion, and higher living standards. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2019, many countries, including Malaysia, have reported an increased number of virus cases. According to the Ministry of Health, 9316 cases and 314 COVID-19 clusters were discovered in Malaysia, with a 38.55-48.06% prevalence for factories, a 12.55-15.29% prevalence for community spreading, an 8.6-11.56% prevalence for construction sites, a 5.53-7.96% prevalence for educational sites, and a 7.01% prevalence for shopping areas. Several governments-imposed lockdowns, movement, and proximity restrictions during the pandemic due to the high infection rates at property development sites. However, due to inactivity in various sectors such as the construction industry, these measures have significantly impacted the national economy. As a result, the pandemic has had an impact on workers, production costs, and project completion timelines, resulting in operational issues and policy concerns. Overall, the records reviewed revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted real estate development, the housing market, and the construction industry. As a result, sustained and targeted policies are required to support Malaysia's construction industry's socio-economic growth and infrastructure development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab T Jagun
- Department of Real Estate, Faculty of Built Environment and Survey, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
- Department of Estate Management, the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Bemgba B Nyakuma
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
| | - Dzurllkanian Daud
- Department of Real Estate, Faculty of Built Environment and Survey, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Salfarina Samsudin
- Department of Real Estate, Faculty of Built Environment and Survey, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
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A network analysis and support vector regression approaches for visualising and predicting the COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia. HEALTHCARE ANALYTICS 2022; 2:100080. [PMID: 37520622 PMCID: PMC9293790 DOI: 10.1016/j.health.2022.100080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to (1) correlate and visualise the Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic spread via Spearman rank coefficients of network analysis (NA) and (2) predict the cumulative number of COVID-19 confirmed and death cases via support vector regression (SVR) based on COVID-19 dataset in Malaysia between July 2020 to June 2021. The NA indicated increasing connectivity between different states throughout the time frame, revealing the most complex network of COVID-19 transmission in the second quarter of 2021. The SVR model predicted future COVID-19 cases and deaths in Malaysia in the second half of 2021. The study demonstrated that the NA and SVR could provide relatively simple yet valuable artificial intelligence techniques for visualising the degree of connectivity and predicting pandemic risk based on confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths. The Malaysian health authorities used the NA and SVR model results for preventive measures in highly populated states.
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22
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Choon SE, Wright AK, Griffiths CE, Tey KE, Wong KW, Lee YW, Suvelayutnan U, Mariapun J, Ashcroft DM. Incidence and prevalence of psoriasis in multiethnic Johor Bahru, Malaysia: a population-based cohort study using electronic health data routinely captured in the Teleprimary Care (TPC®) clinical information system from 2010 to 2020: Classification: Epidemiology. Br J Dermatol 2022; 187:713-721. [PMID: 35830199 PMCID: PMC9804555 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.21768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no population-based epidemiological data on psoriasis in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. OBJECTIVES To determine the incidence and prevalence of psoriasis over 11 years in multiethnic Johor Bahru, Malaysia. METHODS A population-based cohort study was made using the Teleprimary Care database between January 2010 and December 2020. Cases of psoriasis, identified by ICD-10 diagnostic codes, were validated by dermatologists. Annual prevalence and incidence were estimated and stratified by age, sex and ethnicity. RESULTS We identified 3932 people with dermatologist-confirmed psoriasis, including 1830 incident cases, among 1 164 724 Malaysians, yielding an 11-year prevalence of 0·34% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·33-0·35] and incidence of 34·2 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 32·6-35·8). Rates were higher in Indian patients; the prevalences were 0·54% (0·50-0·58) in Indian, 0·38% (0·36-0·40) in Chinese and 0·29% (0·28-0·30) in Malay patients, and the respective incidences per 100 000 person-years were 52·5 (47·3-57·7), 38·0 (34·1-41·8) and 30·0 (28·2-31·8). Rates were higher in males; the prevalence was 0·39% (0·37-0·41) in males and 0·29% (0·27-0·30) in females, and the respective incidences per 100 000 person-years were 40·7 (38·2-43·2) and 28·3 (26·4-30·3). Between 2010 and 2020, annual psoriasis prevalence and incidence increased steadily from 0·27% to 0·51% and from 27·8 to 60·9 per 100 000 person-years, respectively. Annual rates were consistently higher in male and Indian patients. Overall, psoriasis was significantly more common in males than females [odds ratio (OR) 1·37, 95% CI 1·29-1·46] and in Indian and Chinese patients vs. Malay (OR 1·85, 1·71-2·01 and OR 1·30, 1·20-1·41, respectively). Prevalence increased with age, with the highest rates in the groups aged 50-59 and 60-69 years at 0·67% and 0·66%, respectively. A modest bimodal trend in age of psoriasis onset was observed, with first and second peaks at 20-29 and 50-59 years. Disease onset was significantly earlier in females than males [mean (SD) 36·8 (17·3) vs. 42·0 (17·2) years, P < 0·001] and in Malay vs. Indian and Chinese patients [mean (SD): Malay 36·4 (17·5), Indian 40·8 (15·2), Chinese 47·4 (16·9) years, P < 0·001]. CONCLUSIONS We found that psoriasis incidence and prevalence are increasing and varied by age, sex and ethnicity. Our findings should help inform healthcare planning and management for patients with psoriasis in Malaysia. What is already known about this topic? The incidence and prevalence of psoriasis are generally lower in Asian populations and children. There is a lack of agreement on sex-specific differences in psoriasis incidence and prevalence. There has been no population-based study on the incidence and prevalence of psoriasis in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. There is no information on differences in psoriasis prevalence and incidence by sex, age and ethnicity in Malaysia. What does this study add? Psoriasis incidence and prevalence are increasing in the multiethnic population of Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Incidence and prevalence rates were higher in male than female patients and were consistently highest among Indian patients, followed by Chinese and Malay. A modest bimodality in the age of psoriasis onset was observed among the groups aged 20-29 and 50-59 years. Psoriasis onset was significantly later in male than female patients and in Chinese vs. Indian and Malay patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siew Eng Choon
- Department of DermatologyHospital Sultanah Aminah Johor BahruJohorMalaysia,Clinical School Johor Bahru, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine & Health SciencesMonash UniversityJohorMalaysia
| | - Alison K. Wright
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Christopher E.M. Griffiths
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science CentreUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK,Dermatology Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science CentreUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Kwee Eng Tey
- Department of DermatologyHospital Sultanah Aminah Johor BahruJohorMalaysia,Clinical School Johor Bahru, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine & Health SciencesMonash UniversityJohorMalaysia
| | - Kit Wan Wong
- Department of DermatologyHospital Sultanah Aminah Johor BahruJohorMalaysia,Clinical School Johor Bahru, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine & Health SciencesMonash UniversityJohorMalaysia
| | - Yoong Wei Lee
- Department of DermatologyHospital Sultanah Aminah Johor BahruJohorMalaysia
| | - Ushananthiny Suvelayutnan
- Department of Information and Communication TechnologyHospital Sultanah Aminah Johor BahruJohorMalaysia
| | - Jeevitha Mariapun
- Clinical School Johor Bahru, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine & Health SciencesMonash UniversityJohorMalaysia
| | - Darren M. Ashcroft
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK,NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science CentreUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
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Jayaraj VJ, Ng CW, Bulgiba A, Appannan MR, Rampal S. Estimating the infection burden of COVID-19 in Malaysia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010887. [PMID: 36346816 PMCID: PMC9642899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaysia has reported 2.75 million cases and 31,485 deaths as of 30 December 2021. Underestimation remains an issue due to the underdiagnosis of mild and asymptomatic cases. We aimed to estimate the burden of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia based on an adjusted case fatality rate (aCFR). Data on reported cases and mortalities were collated from the Ministry of Health official GitHub between 1 March 2020 and 30 December 2021. We estimated the total and age-stratified monthly incidence rates, mortality rates, and aCFR. Estimated new infections were inferred from the age-stratified aCFR. The total estimated infections between 1 March 2020 and 30 December 2021 was 9,955,000-cases (95% CI: 6,626,000-18,985,000). The proportion of COVID-19 infections in ages 0-11, 12-17, 18-50, 51-65, and above 65 years were 19.9% (n = 1,982,000), 2.4% (n = 236,000), 66.1% (n = 6,577,000), 9.1% (n = 901,000), 2.6% (n = 256,000), respectively. Approximately 32.8% of the total population in Malaysia was estimated to have been infected with COVID-19 by the end of December 2021. These estimations highlight a more accurate infection burden in Malaysia. It provides the first national-level prevalence estimates in Malaysia that adjusted for underdiagnosis. Naturally acquired community immunity has increased, but approximately 68.1% of the population remains susceptible. Population estimates of the infection burden are critical to determine the need for booster doses and calibration of public health measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Jason Jayaraj
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Chiu-Wan Ng
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Awang Bulgiba
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Sanjay Rampal
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Tee KR, Ismail AS, Ang YH, Hishamuddin HH, Paul VJ, Aizuddin AN, Zaini IZ. Prevalence of Anxiety and Burnout, and Coping Mechanisms among Clinical Year Medical Undergraduate Students in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192013010. [PMID: 36293589 PMCID: PMC9603345 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety and burnout, and the coping mechanisms among clinical year undergraduate medical students in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In total, 378 clinical year undergraduate medical students in UKM participated in this cross-sectional study from May to July 2021. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of questions on the participant's sociodemographic data and items from the DASS-21, CBI, and Brief-COPE was distributed. Chi-square and Spearman's correlation tests were used to calculate the correlation coefficient between both anxiety and burnout, and coping mechanisms. The prevalence of anxiety and burnout were 44.2% and 22.2%, respectively. There was a significant difference in the percentage of students with extremely severe anxiety in the presence and absence of burnout, 23.8% vs. 4.8% (p < 0.001). Among the three coping mechanisms, avoidant coping had a significant positive moderate correlation with both the presence of anxiety (r = 0.3966, p < 0.001) and the presence of burnout (r = 0.341, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, coping that was neither approach nor avoidant had a positive weak correlation with the presence of burnout (r = 0.176, p = 0.001). The prevalence of anxiety and burnout was concerning. Increased anxiety and burnout among students may negatively impact aspects of their personal, professional, and academic lives. Early recognition and preventive measures should be emphasised to prevent negative ramifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ran Tee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Samat Ismail
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Yong Heng Ang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Hidayah Husna Hishamuddin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Vinneeshah Jacob Paul
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Azimatun Noor Aizuddin
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Ida Zarina Zaini
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-391455491
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25
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Harith AA, Ab Gani MH, Griffiths R, Abdul Hadi A, Abu Bakar NA, Myers J, Mahjom M, Robat RM, Zubir MZ. Incidence, Prevalence, and Sources of COVID-19 Infection among Healthcare Workers in Hospitals in Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12485. [PMID: 36231783 PMCID: PMC9564780 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced significant novel risks for healthcare workers and healthcare services. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, trends, characteristics, and sources of COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers during the early COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysian hospitals. A cross-sectional study used secondary data collected from a COVID-19 surveillance system for healthcare workers between January and December 2020. Two surges in COVID-19 cases among healthcare workers in Malaysia were epidemiologically correlated to a similarly intense COVID-19 pattern of transmission in the community. The period prevalence of COVID-19 infection and the mortality rate among healthcare workers in Malaysia were 1.03% and 0.0019%, respectively. The majority of infections originated from the workplace (53.3%); a total of 36.3% occurred among staff; a total of 17.0% occurred between patients and staff; and 43.2% originated from the community. Healthcare workers had a 2.9 times higher incidence risk ratio for the acquisition of COVID-19 infection than the general population. Nursing professionals were the most highly infected occupational group (40.5%), followed by medical doctors and specialists (24.1%), and healthcare assistants (9.7%). The top three departments registering COVID-19 infections were the medical department (23.3%), the emergency department (17.7%), and hospital administration and governance (9.1%). Occupational safety and health units need to be vigilant for the early detection of a disease outbreak to prevent the avoidable spread of disease in high-risk settings. The transformation of some tertiary hospitals to dedicated COVID-19 care, the monitoring of new procedures for the management of COVID-19 patients, and appropriate resource allocation are key to successful risk mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Aziz Harith
- Occupational and Aviation Medicine Department, University of Otago Wellington, New Zealand, 23A Mein Street, Newtown, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
- Occupational Health Research Centre, Institute for Public Health, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hafiz Ab Gani
- Occupational Health Research Centre, Institute for Public Health, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | - Robin Griffiths
- Occupational and Aviation Medicine Department, University of Otago Wellington, New Zealand, 23A Mein Street, Newtown, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
| | - Azlihanis Abdul Hadi
- Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Aras 3-7, Blok E1, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya 62590, Malaysia
| | - Nor Aishah Abu Bakar
- Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Aras 3-7, Blok E1, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya 62590, Malaysia
| | - Julia Myers
- Occupational and Aviation Medicine Department, University of Otago Wellington, New Zealand, 23A Mein Street, Newtown, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
| | - Maznieda Mahjom
- Occupational Health Research Centre, Institute for Public Health, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | - Rosnawati Muhamad Robat
- Occupational Health Unit, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Zulfakhar Zubir
- Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Aras 3-7, Blok E1, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya 62590, Malaysia
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Rumaling MI, Chee FP, Bade A, Hasbi NH, Daim S, Juhim F, Duinong M, Rasmidi R. Methods of optical spectroscopy in detection of virus in infected samples: A review. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10472. [PMID: 36060463 PMCID: PMC9422564 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Izzuddin Rumaling
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Fuei Pien Chee
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Abdullah Bade
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Nur Hasshima Hasbi
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Sylvia Daim
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Floressy Juhim
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Mivolil Duinong
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Rosfayanti Rasmidi
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Sabah Branch, Kota Kinabalu Campus, 88997 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
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27
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A state-of-the-art review on fucoidan as an antiviral agent to combat viral infections. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 291:119551. [PMID: 35698330 PMCID: PMC9057937 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
As a significant public health hazard with several drug side effects during medical treatment, searching for novel therapeutic natural medicines is promising. Sulfated polysaccharides from algae, such as fucoidan, have been discovered to have a variety of medical applications, including antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties. The review emphasized on the utilization of fucoidan as an antiviral agent against viral infections by inhibiting their attachment and replication. Moreover, it can also trigger immune response against viral infection in humans. This review suggested to be use the fucoidan for the potential protective remedy against COVID-19 and addressing the antiviral activities of sulfated polysaccharide, fucoidan derived from marine algae that could be used as an anti-COVID19 drug in near future.
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Ashari A, Nik Mustapha NM, Yuen JJX, Saw ZK, Lau MN, Xian L, Syed Mohamed AMF, Megat Abdul Wahab R, Yeoh CK, Deva Tata M, Sinnasamy S. A two-year comparative assessment of retention of arch width increases between modified vacuum-formed and Hawley retainers: a multi-center randomized clinical trial. Prog Orthod 2022; 23:40. [PMID: 36018418 PMCID: PMC9415262 DOI: 10.1186/s40510-022-00424-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To compare the clinical effectiveness of Hawley retainers (HRs) and modified vacuum-formed retainers (mVFRs) with palatal coverage in maintaining transverse expansion throughout a 24-month retention period and to assess the subjects’ perception toward the retainers.
Materials and methods The trial accomplished blinding only by the outcome assessor and data analyst. Data were collected from post-orthodontic treatment patients who met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-five subjects were randomly allocated using a centralized randomization technique into either mVFR (n = 18) or HR group (n = 17). Dental casts of subjects were evaluated at debond (T0), 3-month (T1), 6-month (T2), 12-month (T3), and 24-month retention (T4). The intercanine width (ICW), interpremolar width (IPMW), interfirst molar mesiobuccal cusp width (IFMW1), and interfirst molar distobuccal cusp width (IFMW2) were compared between groups over time using Mixed ANOVA. A pilot-tested and validated questionnaire consisting of six items were given at T4. Subjects were instructed to rate their retainer in terms of fitting, speech, appearance, oral hygiene, durability, and comfort on a 100-mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
Results No statistically significant differences in arch width were found between the two groups at ICW (P = .83), IPMW (P = 0.63), IFMW1 (P = .22), and IFMW2 (P = .46) during the 24-month retention period. Also, no statistically significant differences were found between perception of both retainers in terms of fitting, speech, oral hygiene, durability, and comfort (P > .05) after 24-month wear. The appearance of mVFRs was rated significantly higher compared to HRs (P < .05).
Conclusions HR and mVFR have similar clinical effectiveness for retention of transverse expansion cases in a 24-month retention period. Both retainers were perceived to be equal in terms of fitting, speech, oral hygiene, durability, and comfort. Subjects in the mVFRs group found their retainers to be significantly more esthetic than those in HRs group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Ashari
- Department of Family Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Nik Mukhriz Nik Mustapha
- Centre for Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jonathan Jun Xian Yuen
- Department of Family Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zhi Kuan Saw
- Department of Family Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - May Nak Lau
- Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, University of Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Lew Xian
- Department of Family Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Rohaya Megat Abdul Wahab
- Department of Family Oral Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chiew Kit Yeoh
- Orthodontic Specialist Unit, Klinik Pergigian Sungai Chua, Ministry of Health, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Malathi Deva Tata
- Orthodontic Speciaist Unit, Klinik Pergigian Bandar Botanik, Ministry of Health, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sindhu Sinnasamy
- Orthodontic Speciaist Unit, Klinik Pergigian Bandar Botanik, Ministry of Health, Selangor, Malaysia
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Sannyal M, Mukaddes AMM. Transmission parameters of coronavirus disease 2019 in South Asian countries. Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2022; 13:191-202. [PMID: 35820668 PMCID: PMC9263333 DOI: 10.24171/j.phrp.2021.0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to estimate the transmission parameters, effective reproduction number, epidemic peak, and future exposure of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in South Asian countries. Methods A susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered-death (SEIRD) model programmed with MATLAB was developed for this purpose. Data were collected (till June 28, 2021) from the official webpage of World Health Organization, along with the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. The model was simulated to measure the primary transmission parameters. The reproduction number was measured using the next-generating matrix method. Results The primary transmission rate followed an exponential Gaussian process regression. India showed the highest transmission rate (0.037) and Bhutan the lowest (0.023). The simulated epidemic peaks matched the reported peaks, thereby validating the SEIRD model. The simulation was carried out up to December 31, 2020 using the reported data till June 9, 2020. Conclusion The information gathered in this research will be helpful for authorities to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in the subsequent wave or in the future.
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Extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology for COVID-19 Contact Tracing Application by Malaysian Users. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14116811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The Malaysian government has mobilized its strength to confront the current COVID-19 pandemic and has sought to develop and implement a digital contact tracking application, making it an integral part of the exit strategy from the lockdown. These applications record which users have been near one another. When a user is confirmed with COVID-19, app users who have recently been near this person are notified. The effectiveness of these applications is determined by the users’ willingness to install and use them. Therefore, this research aims at identifying the factors that would stimulate or slow down the adoption of a contact-tracing app. It proposes solutions to mitigate the impact of the factors affecting the user’s acceptance of COVID-19 Digital Contact Tracing Apps. A quantitative approach was followed in this research, where an electronic survey was spread in Malaysia, for the objective of data collection, considering the previous discussion of the results. Then, using PLS-SEM, the collected data were analyzed statistically. The findings of this study indicate that the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) factors (Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Facilities Condition) were significant predictors of MySejahtera application adoption among citizens in Malaysia. On the other hand, the factors of app-related privacy concern were found to be insignificant for MySejahtera application adoption.
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Awang H, Yaacob EL, Ahmad Daud A, Ahmad N, Ishak MS, Alias NA, Ghazali NH, Ismail NF, Abd Khalim MA, Mohamed Yusof SA, Samsury SF, Abd Rahman MA, Embong K. Risk Factors for Mortality among COVID-19 Patients in Besut Region, Terengganu, Malaysia. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES 2022; 4:1-6. [DOI: 10.24018/ejmed.2022.4.3.1307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 mortality is a public health issue in Malaysia and its contributing factors need to be addressed thoroughly. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for COVID-19 mortality in Besut region of Malaysia.
Materials and Methods: A 1:5 case-control study between deceased and survived groups among COVID-19 patients was conducted in Besut district, Terengganu state from 1st October 2020 until 16th September 2021 based on retrospective record review. The inclusion criteria for cases were individuals with laboratory RT-PCR confirmed positive test for COVID-19 and died during COVID-19 care period. Descriptive statistics, simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed for statistical analysis.
Result: There were 6464 COVID-19 cases in Besut district during the studied period. The proportion of COVID-19 mortality was 0.84%. Among the deceased group, majority of them were male (51.9%), symptomatic (87.0%), unvaccinated (94.4%); had COVID-19 of category 5 (31.5%) and comorbidity (81.5%). Multiple logistic regression revealed older age, stage 4 COVID-19, stage 5 COVID-19, symptomatic, cases with comorbidity and unvaccinated cases as the significant associated factors for COVID-19 mortality with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 1.07 (95%CI: 1.01, 1.10), p<0.001; AOR 92.61 (95%CI: 7.07, 1212.02), p=0.001; AOR 274.97 (95%CI: 25.27, 2991.74), p<0.001; AOR 8.83 (95%CI: 3.21, 24.28), p<0.001; AOR 46.72 (95%CI: 15.29, 142.70), p<0.001; and AOR 16.94 (95%CI: 6.34, 121.22), p=0.001, respectively.
Conclusion: Advanced age, severe stages of COVID-19, symptomatic cases, cases with comorbidity and unvaccinated cases were the risk factors for COVID-19 mortality. Emphasis should be given to these factors to ensure timely control and treatment strategies.
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Saadatian-Elahi M, Alexander N, Möhlmann T, Ariffin FD, Schmitt F, Richardson JH, Rabilloud M, Hamid NA. Addressing the COVID-19 pandemic challenges for operational adaptations of a cluster randomized controlled trial on dengue vector control in Malaysia. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:667. [PMID: 35387611 PMCID: PMC8985393 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13026-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic placed an unprecedented overload on healthcare system globally. With all medical resources being dedicated to contain the spread of the disease, the pandemic may have impacted the burden of other infectious diseases such as dengue, particularly in countries endemic for dengue fever. Indeed, the co‐occurrence of COVID‐19 made dengue diagnosis challenging because of some shared clinical manifestations between the two pathogens. Furthermore, the sudden emergence and novelty of this global public health crisis has forced the suspension or slow-down of several research trials due to the lack of sufficient knowledge on how to handle the continuity of research trials during the pandemic. We report on challenges we have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and measures that were implemented to continue the iDEM project (intervention for Dengue Epidemiology in Malaysia). Methods This randomized controlled trial aims to assess the effectiveness of Integrated Vector Management (IVM) on the incidence of dengue in urban Malaysia by combining: targeted outdoor residual spraying (TORS), deployment of auto-dissemination devices (ADDs), and active community engagement (CE). Our operational activities started on February 10, 2020, a few weeks before the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Malaysia. Results The three main issues affecting the continuity of the trial were: ensuring the safety of field workers during the interventions; ensuring the planned turnover of TORS application and ADD deployment and services; and maintaining the CE activities as far as possible. Conclusions Even though the pandemic has created monumental challenges, we ensured the safety of field workers by providing complete personal protective equipment and regular COVID-19 testing. Albeit with delay, we maintained the planned interval time between TORS application and ADDs services by overlapping the intervention cycles instead of having them in a sequential scheme. CE activities continued remotely through several channels (e.g., phone calls and text messages). Sustained efforts of the management team, significant involvement of the Malaysian Ministry of Health and a quick and smart adaptation of the trial organisation according to the pandemic situation were the main factors that allowed the successful continuation of our research. Trial registration Trial registration number: ISRCTN-81915073. Date of registration: 17/04/2020, 'Retrospectively registered'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Saadatian-Elahi
- Service Hygiène, Epidémiologie, Infectiovigilance Et Prévention, Centre Hospitalier Edouard Herriot, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France. .,Public Health, Epidemiology and Evolutionary Ecology of Infectious Diseases, (PHE3ID) - Inserm - U1111 - UCBL Lyon 1 - CNRS - UMR5308 - ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France.
| | - Neal Alexander
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Tim Möhlmann
- In2Care B.V, Marijkeweg 22, 6709PG, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Farah Diana Ariffin
- Medical Entomology Unit, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vectors, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, National Institutes of Health, Block C, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Seksyen U13, Setia Alam, 40170, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Frederic Schmitt
- Bayer S.A.S, Environnemental Science, Crop Science Division, 16 rue Jean Marie Leclair, CS 90106 , 69266, Lyon Cedex 09, France
| | - Jason H Richardson
- Innovative Vector Control Consortium, Pembroke PlaceLiverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Muriel Rabilloud
- Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France; Université Lyon 1, F-69100, Villeurbanne, France; Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pôle Santé Publique, Service de Biostatistique Et Bioinformatique, F-69003, Lyon, France; CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie Et Biologie Évolutive, Équipe Biostatistique-Santé, F-69100, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Nurulhusna Ab Hamid
- Medical Entomology Unit, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vectors, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, National Institutes of Health, Block C, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Seksyen U13, Setia Alam, 40170, Shah Alam, Malaysia
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Awang H, Yaacob EL, Abd Majid MS, Wahab A, Abd Rahman MA, Embong K. Epidemiological Features of COVID-19 Patients in Terengganu State of Malaysia and the Predictors for SARS-CoV-2 Transmissibility. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES 2022; 4:67-71. [DOI: 10.24018/ejmed.2022.4.2.1276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: Terengganu state has experienced fifteen COVID-19 communal clusters throughout the year 2020. Knowing the predisposing factors of COVID-19 transmissibility can be helpful in planning the control and preventive measures. This study aimed to describe the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients in Terengganu state, and to determine the predictors for SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility using RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) value as surrogate marker.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Terengganu state including all COVID-19 cases from 1st March 2020 until 31st January 2021 based on retrospective record review. The inclusion criteria were individuals with laboratory RT-PCR confirmed positive test for COVID-19. Descriptive statistics, simple and multiple linear regression analyses were employed for statistical analysis.
Result: There were 2,142 COVID-19 cases in Terengganu during the studied period. The mean age of cases was 33 (±17) years. Majority of COVID-19 cases were male (60.6%), adult (70.0%) and from working group (49.2%). 3.9% of cases were healthcare workers. Among the common symptoms were fever (17.2%) and cough (14.0). The mean RT-PCR Ct value was 25.76 (±10.99). Multiple linear regression revealed older age, male gender, having fever and cough as the significant predictors for high SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility with β: -0.06 (95%CI: -0.09,-0.03); p<0.001; β: -3.80 (95%CI: -4.73,-2.86); p<0.001; β: -1.31 (95%CI: -2.54,-0.08); p=0.037; β: -1.86 (95%CI: -3.51,-0.20); p=0.028, respectively.
Conclusion: Early detection and isolation of vulnerable cases based on pinpointed risk factors in centralized quarantine station or hospital is recommended to reduce the risk of transmission and to ensure optimal care is given.
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Mohd Fuad SH, Juliana N, Mohd Azmi NAS, Mohd Fahmi Teng NI, Azmani S, Abu IF, Das S. Circadian Disruption and Occupational Toxicants Exposure Affecting the Immunity of Shift Workers During SARS CoV-2 Pandemic. Front Public Health 2022; 10:829013. [PMID: 35392476 PMCID: PMC8980348 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.829013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In several regions of the world, the recent Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak increased morbidity and mortality. The pandemic situation disrupted many workers' previously established lifestyles. The main aim of the present review was to describe the circadian disruption and occupational toxicant exposure affecting the immunity of shift workers during the SARS CoV-2 pandemic. We retrieved pertinent published literature from the Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases. In the present review, we discuss the circadian rhythm involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis at the molecular level, its disruption, occupational toxicant exposure causing immunomodulatory effects, and the role of immunity during the SARS CoV-2 pandemic. The severity of the progression of the viral infection depends on multiple factors affecting immunity. Hence, shift workers may need to be aware of those factors such as circadian rhythm disruption as well as occupational toxicant exposure. The timing of shift workers' energy intake is also important concerning the shift of the workers. The information in the present review may be important for all workers who are at risk during the pandemic. In the absence of any published literature related to association of circadian rhythm disruption with occupational toxicant exposure, the present review may have greater importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Hanisah Mohd Fuad
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Malaysia
| | - Norsham Juliana
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Sahar Azmani
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Malaysia
| | - Izuddin Fahmy Abu
- Institute of Medical Science Technology, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Kajang, Malaysia
| | - Srijit Das
- Department of Human & Clinical Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Muscat, Oman
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Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression among Psychiatric Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Malaysian Perspective. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10030532. [PMID: 35327009 PMCID: PMC8951112 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10030532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The psychological distress reported among frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) is concerning. Little is known about the mental health of non-frontline, psychiatric HCWs, who play a central role in handling the mental health crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among psychiatric HCWs and evaluate its association with socio-demographic, socio-economic, work-related factors and coping strategies. The authors proposed a cross-sectional study design using the Hospital Anxiety and Depressive Scale (HADS) and Brief-COPE scale. This study found that the prevalence of anxiety and depression were 22.0% and 16.8%, respectively. A multivariate analysis revealed that married psychiatric HCWs had a lower level of anxiety with OR = 0.31 (95% CI: 0.11-0.83). Psychiatric HCWs who were experiencing financial hardships, were unvaccinated and those who had a shorter duration of service in the psychiatric department had a higher level of depressive symptoms with OR = 0.31 (CI: 1.19-11.27), 3.21 (CI: 0.97-10.52), and 1.01 (CI: 1.00-1.02), respectively. For every increase of one unit of avoidant coping score among respondents, the odds of having anxiety and depression increased by 1.25 times (CI: 1.15-1.37) and 1.20 times (CI: 1.09-1.32), respectively, whereas for every increase of one unit of religious coping score among respondents, the odds of having anxiety reduced by 1.42 times (CI: 1.10-1.84). The authors highlight that psychosocial measures addressing the relatively high levels of anxiety and depression among psychiatric HCWs should be a key priority to ensure the sustainment of mental health services in the face of this prolonged pandemic.
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Ismail SNA, Abdul Halim Zaki I, Noordin ZM, Md Hussin NS, Ming LC, Zulkifly HH. Clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality in patients with COVID-19: A retrospective nationwide study in Malaysia. PROCEEDINGS OF SINGAPORE HEALTHCARE 2022. [PMCID: PMC8919107 DOI: 10.1177/20101058221085743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Age and multiple comorbidities have been reported to influence the case fatality rate of COVID-19 worldwide, so also in Malaysia; however, to date, no scientific study among the local population has been published to confirm this. This study aimed to determine the overall demographics and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 non-survivors in Malaysia, stratified by age (< 65 vs. ≥ 65 years old). The mortality was also compared between two half-year periods: March–August 2020 and September 2020–March 2021. Method Daily reports containing demographics and medical history of COVID-19 non-survivors from March 2020 to March 2021 were obtained from the Malaysian Ministry of Health website. All information was extracted retrospectively and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS. Results Of 1192 COVID-19 non-survivors, the overall mean (SD) age was 64.8 (15.7) years, with 64.7% male. Death was seen mostly among 50- to 64-year-olds (33.1%) and 65- to 74-year-olds (24.8%). The presence of underlying hypertension (61.8%) and diabetes mellitus (48.2%) were the most common comorbid diseases encountered in the COVID-19 non-survivors. Underlying hypertension, stroke, heart disease and dyslipidaemia were significantly higher among COVID-19 non-survivors who were ≥ 65 years old compared to those < 65 ( p < 0.05). Mortality was a lot higher in September 2020–March 2021 compared to March 2020–August 2020 (91.3% vs. 8.3%). Conclusion Older age, male gender and the presence of multimorbidity (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, stroke and heart disease) are risk factors that contribute to mortality due to COVID-19 in Malaysia, especially among those ≥ 65 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti NA Ismail
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Izzati Abdul Halim Zaki
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Selangor, Malaysia
- Cardiology Therapeutics Research Group, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia
| | - Zakiah Mohd Noordin
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Selangor, Malaysia
- Cardiology Therapeutics Research Group, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia
| | - Nur Sabiha Md Hussin
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Long Chiau Ming
- Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah (PAPRSB) Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei
| | - Hanis Hanum Zulkifly
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Selangor, Malaysia
- Cardiology Therapeutics Research Group, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia
- Hanis Hanum Zulkifly, Department of Pharmacy Practice, UiTM Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Zainulabid UA, Mat Yassim AS, Hussain M, Aslam A, Soffian SN, Mohd Ibrahim MS, Kamarudin N, Kamarulzaman MN, Hin HS, Ahmad HF. Whole genome sequence analysis showing unique SARS-CoV-2 lineages of B.1.524 and AU.2 in Malaysia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263678. [PMID: 35213571 PMCID: PMC8880882 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has spread throughout the world since its discovery in China, and Malaysia is no exception. WGS has been a crucial approach in studying the evolution and genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in the ongoing pandemic. Despite considerable number of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences have been submitted to GISAID and NCBI databases, there is still scarcity of data from Malaysia. This study aims to report new Malaysian lineages of the virus, responsible for the sustained spikes in COVID-19 cases during the third wave of the pandemic. Patients with nasopharyngeal and/or oropharyngeal swabs confirmed COVID-19 positive by real-time RT-PCR with CT value < 25 were chosen for WGS. The selected SARS-CoV-2 isolates were then sequenced, characterized and analyzed along with 986 sequences of the dominant lineages of D614G variants currently circulating throughout Malaysia. The prevalence of clade GH and G formed strong ground for the presence of two Malaysian lineages of AU.2 and B.1.524 that has caused sustained spikes of cases in the country. Statistical analysis on the association of gender and age group with Malaysian lineages revealed a significant association (p <0.05). Phylogenetic analysis revealed dispersion of 41 lineages, of these, 22 lineages are still active. Mutational analysis showed presence of unique G1223C missense mutation in transmembrane domain of the spike protein. For better understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 evolution in Malaysia especially with reference to the reported lineages, large scale studies based on WGS are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ummu Afeera Zainulabid
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Gambang, Pahang, Malaysia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University of Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | | | - Mushtaq Hussain
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Medicine Research Group, Dow Research Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences, Dow College of Biotechnology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Aslam
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Medicine Research Group, Dow Research Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences, Dow College of Biotechnology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sharmeen Nellisa Soffian
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Gambang, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Shafiq Mohd Ibrahim
- Department of Paediatric and Dental Public Health, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Norhidayah Kamarudin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University of Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Nazli Kamarulzaman
- Department of Surgery, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University of Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - How Soon Hin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University of Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Hajar Fauzan Ahmad
- Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Gambang, Pahang, Malaysia
- Centre for Research in Advanced Tropical Bioscience (Biotropic Centre), Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Gambang, Pahang, Malaysia
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Lestari W, Yazid NH, Azhar ZN, Ismail A, Sukotjo C. Impact of COVID-19 on Malaysian dental students' physical, mental, financial and academic concerns. BMC Oral Health 2022; 22:46. [PMID: 35197029 PMCID: PMC8865728 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-022-02081-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has gained worldwide attention and proved to hold an impact to humankind in all aspects of life. Dental students’ performances may indirectly be affected following the preventive measures in containing the disease. This study aims to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on physical, mental, financial health and academic concern among dental students in Malaysia. Methods The current research implemented a cross sectional study among dental students in Malaysia. Assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on dental education was done by the distribution of a set of online survey consisting of 28 questions to dental students (n = 353) from public and private universities in Malaysia. The questionnaires include sociodemographic backgrounds and assessment on the mental health, financial health, physical health and academic concern. Kruskal Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U test were used to analyse the impact of COVID-19 to these 4 domains according to sociodemographic background. Results A total number of 353 respondents was recorded and 76.2% comprised of female. 59.7% were clinical students and 40.3% were preclinical students. Most of students were concerned about their own emotional health, financial concern, physical wellbeing, in which Year 3 students were found to be more concerned about their mental and financial health concern. Conclusions COVID-19 pandemic had indeed significantly affected Malaysian dental students mainly due to fear of the quality of online learning and the amount of clinical skills acquired. Therefore, it is important to identify dental stressors and lessen the impact of COVID-19 to dental students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Widya Lestari
- Fundamental Dental and Medical Sciences Department, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Nur Hazirah Yazid
- Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Zawin Najah Azhar
- Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Azlini Ismail
- Fundamental Dental and Medical Sciences Department, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Cortino Sukotjo
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA.
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Tan MM, Musa AF, Su TT. The role of religion in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic: the Malaysian multi-faith perspectives. Health Promot Int 2022; 37:daab041. [PMID: 33928389 PMCID: PMC8135627 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daab041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Social distancing is crucial in breaking the cycle of transmission of COVID-19. However, many religions require the faithful to congregate. In Malaysia, the number of COVID-19 cases spiked up from below 30 in February 2020 to more than a thousand a month later. The sudden increase was mostly linked to a large Islamic gathering attended by 16,000 near the capital, Kuala Lumpur. Another large COVID-19 cluster was from a church gathering in Kuching, Sarawak. Within a few weeks, Malaysia became the worst hit country by COVID-19 in Southeast Asia. While religious leaders have advised social distancing among their congregants, the belief that "God is our shield" is often cited for gathering. There is a need to promote sound decision-making among religious adherents so that they will not prioritize their loyalty to the subjective interpretation of religion over evidence-based medicine. Malaysia, a multi-cultural and multi-faith country, is an example of how religious beliefs could strongly influence health behaviours at individual and community levels. In this article, we detail the religious aspects of COVID-19 prevention and control in Malaysia and discuss the possible role of religious organizations in encouraging sound decision-making among religious adherents in mitigating this crisis. We make recommendations on how to promote a partnership between the healthcare system and religious organizations, and how religion and faith could be integrated into health promotion channels and resources in the response of COVID-19 and future communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Min Tan
- South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO) & Global Public Health, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Farouk Musa
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Tin Tin Su
- South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO) & Global Public Health, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
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Cyanobacteria and Algae-Derived Bioactive Metabolites as Antiviral Agents: Evidence, Mode of Action, and Scope for Further Expansion; A Comprehensive Review in Light of the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020354. [PMID: 35204236 PMCID: PMC8868401 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19—a severe acute respiratory syndrome disease caused by coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)—has recently attracted global attention, due to its devastating impact, to the point of being declared a pandemic. The search for new natural therapeutic drugs is mandatory, as the screening of already-known antiviral drugs so far has led to poor results. Several species of marine algae have been reported as sources of bioactive metabolites with potential antiviral and immunomodulatory activities, among others. Some of these bioactive metabolites might be able to act as antimicrobial drugs and also against viral infections by inhibiting their replication. Moreover, they could also trigger immunity against viral infection in humans and could be used as protective agents against COVID-In this context, this article reviews the main antiviral activities of bioactive metabolites from marine algae and their potential exploitation as anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.
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Chu DT, Vu Ngoc SM, Vu Thi H, Nguyen Thi YV, Ho TT, Hoang VT, Singh V, Al-Tawfiq JA. COVID-19 in Southeast Asia: current status and perspectives. Bioengineered 2022; 13:3797-3809. [PMID: 35081861 PMCID: PMC8974206 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2031417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has spread globally with catastrophic damages to the public health, social and economy since the beginning of the outbreak. In 2020, Southeast Asia proved that it could prevent the worst effects of a pandemic through the closure of activities and borders and movement restriction, as well as social distancing. Nevertheless, with the occurrence of the common variants of concern (VOCs), especially Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Delta (B.1.617.2), Southeast Asia is facing a significant increase in the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. Now, the area also has the threats of the spreading out of the dangerous variant – Omicron (B.1.1.529) from other close countries or regions. COVID-19 countermeasures such as closures and social distancing seem to be insufficient. Moreover, Southeast Asia is being held back by a shortage of vaccines and other medical resources. This work focuses on describing the COVID-19 situation, the virus variants, and the coverage of COVID-19 vaccination in the area. We also provide perspectives on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution, protecting the economic capitals, developing the green zone, and the importance of finding more vaccine supplies in Southeast Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinh-Toi Chu
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Department of Natural Science and Technology, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Suong-Mai Vu Ngoc
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hue Vu Thi
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Yen-Vy Nguyen Thi
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thuy-Tien Ho
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Van-Thuan Hoang
- Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Binh, Vietnam
| | - Vijai Singh
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, India
| | - Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Infectious Disease Unit, Specialty Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Schneiders ML, Naemiratch B, Cheah PK, Cuman G, Poomchaichote T, Ruangkajorn S, Stoppa S, Osterrieder A, Cheah PK, Ongkili D, Pan-ngum W, Mackworth-Young CRS, Cheah PY. The impact of COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions on the lived experiences of people living in Thailand, Malaysia, Italy and the United Kingdom: A cross-country qualitative study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262421. [PMID: 35061789 PMCID: PMC8782407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This qualitative study explores the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), including social distancing, travel restrictions and quarantine, on lived experiences during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand (TH), Malaysia (MY), Italy (IT) and the United Kingdom (UK). A total of 86 interviews (TH: n = 28; MY: n = 18; IT: n = 20; UK: n = 20) were conducted with members of the public, including healthcare workers (n = 13). Participants across countries held strong views on government imposed NPIs, with many feeling measures lacked clarity. Most participants reported primarily negative impacts of NPIs on their lives, including through separation, isolation and grief over missed milestones; work-related challenges and income loss; and poor mental health and wellbeing. Nonetheless, many also experienced inadvertent positive consequences, including more time at home to focus on what they most valued in life; a greater sense of connectedness; and benefits to working life. Commonly employed coping strategies focused on financial coping (e.g. reducing spending); psycho-emotional coping (e.g. engaging in spiritual practices); social coping and connectedness (e.g., maintaining relationships remotely); reducing and mitigating risks (e.g., changing food shopping routines); and limiting exposure to the news (e.g., checking news only occasionally). Importantly, the extent to which participants' lived experiences were positive or negative, and their ability to cope was underpinned by individual, social and economic factors, with the analysis indicating some salient differences across countries and participants. In order to mitigate negative and unequal impacts of NPIs, COVID-19 policies will benefit from paying closer attention to the social, cultural and psychological-not just biological-vulnerabilities to, and consequences of public health measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira L. Schneiders
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, Ethox Centre, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Bhensri Naemiratch
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phaik Kin Cheah
- Faculty of Arts & Social Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar, Malaysia
| | - Giulia Cuman
- Paediatric Ethics Committee; Research Ethics Committee, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Tassawan Poomchaichote
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- The SoNAR-Global Network, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supanat Ruangkajorn
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Anne Osterrieder
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Phee-Kheng Cheah
- Emergency and Trauma Department, Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Darlene Ongkili
- Emergency and Trauma Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Wirichada Pan-ngum
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Phaik Yeong Cheah
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, Ethox Centre, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The SoNAR-Global Network, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Jafar A, Mapa MT, Sakke N, Dollah R, Joko EP, Atang C, Awang Ahmad S, Vun Hung C, Geogre F. Vaccine hesitancy in East Malaysia (Sabah): A survey of the national COVID-19 immunisation programme. GEOSPATIAL HEALTH 2022; 17. [PMID: 35147010 DOI: 10.4081/gh.2022.1037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The Malaysian government has introduced the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) as a new mechanism to address the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Unfortunately, the number of PICK registrations is still unsatisfactory and is now even lower. The low level of participation of the Sabah (East Malaysia) population significantly impacts the PICK registrations. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors that cause vaccine hesitancy among the people of Sabah. This study seeks to identify these trends based on zone and district boundaries. A total of 1024 respondents were sampled in this study. Raw data collected through the survey method were analysed using K-means clustering, principal component analysis (PCA), and spatial analysis. The study discovered that factors including confidence, authority, mainstream media, complacency, social media, and convenience are the top causes of vaccine hesitancy among respondents. This study also revealed that the Sabah population's key variables causing vaccine hesitancy to vary by region (zones and districts). The conclusion is significant as a source of supporting data for stakeholders seeking to identify the Sabah population's constraints in each region and therefore, it would help improve PICK management's performance in Sabah.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Jafar
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
| | - Mohammad Tahir Mapa
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
| | - Nordin Sakke
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
| | - Ramli Dollah
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
| | - Eko Prayitno Joko
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
| | - Colonius Atang
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
| | - Syahruddin Awang Ahmad
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
| | - Chong Vun Hung
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
| | - Fionna Geogre
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
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44
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Wong LP, Alias H, Danaee M, Lee HY, Tan KM, Tok PSK, Muslimin M, AbuBakar S, Lin Y, Hu Z. Assessment of Impact of Containment During the COVID-19 Epidemic and Coping Behaviours Using Newly Developed Assessment Tools. Front Public Health 2022; 9:787672. [PMID: 35004587 PMCID: PMC8728738 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.787672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The confinement measures during COVID-19 had a massive effect on physical and psychological health in public. This study assessed the impact of containment and coping behaviour among the Malaysia public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Questions assessing the impact of containment and coping behaviours were developed and psychometrically tested. Methods: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted with the items using principal component analysis extraction and Varimax rotation. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to determine the relationship between coping and impact. Results: The 13-item of impact and 10-item coping instruments were developed with three dimensions identified through EFA. Both scales demonstrated excellent composite reliability and good convergent validity. The survey findings revealed that the impact on individual psychological aspects was prominent, followed by well-being and lifestyle. Mindfulness and physical coping strategies were most commonly reported. Coping through seeking help from health professionals and hotlines had a positive direct effect on well-being and lifestyle (b = 0.231, p < 0.001), psychological (B = 0.132, p < 0.001), and employment-related (0.194, p < 0.001) impacts. Coping through mindfulness practise had a negative effect on well-being and lifestyle-related impact (B = -0.180, p < 0.001) and employment-related impact (B = -0.096, p = 0.008). Conclusions: Despite some limitation, the scales for measuring impact and coping behaviours have the potential to be used as a measurement tool in future studies. Findings highlight the enormous impact of the pandemic on psychological well-being and lifestyles. Health authorities should support individual coping as it was found to be an important resilience-related factor to mitigate the impacts of containment during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ping Wong
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Haridah Alias
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mahmoud Danaee
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hai Yen Lee
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Kit Mun Tan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Peter Seah Keng Tok
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Mustakiza Muslimin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Science & Technology, PICOMS International University College, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sazaly AbuBakar
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yulan Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Ujang U, Azri S. Individual mobility pattern in Malaysia during COVID-19 Recovery Movement Control Order partial lockdown. GEO : GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENT 2022; 9:e00113. [PMID: 35942310 PMCID: PMC9349786 DOI: 10.1002/geo2.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Malaysia Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) aims to bring the business, education, tourism and other industry sectors back into operation. Due to movement constraints that result in local economic patterns, individual mobility patterns are expected to occur. However, this matter needs further investigation from people's spatial behaviour during the RMCO. Therefore, this research proposed a new technique for analysing people's spatial behaviour patterns via geo-tagged data. The data from social media users are gathered using data mining techniques. Geographical Information System (GIS) is used to show the geolocation of social media users and analyse their spatial behaviour. The finding of this analysis shows higher people's movement recorded when the RMCO was enforced; a distinctive pattern where spatial trajectory length is high but spatial area coverage is low. It is noticed that the focal points are concentrated in urban areas and tourism attractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uznir Ujang
- 3D GIS Research Lab Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Johor Bahru Malaysia
| | - Suhaibah Azri
- 3D GIS Research Lab Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Johor Bahru Malaysia
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46
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Ismail A, Ismail NH, Abu Kassim NYM, Lestari W, Ismail AF, Sukotjo C. Knowledge, Perceived Risk, and Preventive Behaviors amidst Covid-19 Pandemic among Dental Students in Malaysia. Dent J (Basel) 2021; 9:151. [PMID: 34940048 PMCID: PMC8700747 DOI: 10.3390/dj9120151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has affected dental education in Malaysia. However, studies on dental students' knowledge, perception, and behaviors with regards to COVID-19 are very limited. Thus, this study aims to determine the knowledge status, perceived risk, and preventive behaviors of dental students in Malaysia regarding COVID-19. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among students from 13 dental schools across Malaysia using online questionnaires. RESULTS From 355 respondents, 93.5% obtained a high score of knowledge of COVID-19. Female respondents scored higher than males in perceived risks and preventive behaviors. Chinese respondents scored highest in knowledge, while Malay respondents had the highest perceived risk score. The mean preventive behavior score did not vary across ethnicity. On-campus students scored higher in knowledge and perceived risk whereas off-campus students practiced more preventive behaviors. Clinical students' knowledge score was higher than preclinical students. Final year students scored higher in knowledge and perceived risk compared to their juniors. CONCLUSION The majority of dental students have good knowledge and a high perceived risk of COVID-19, and they practiced most of the preventive behaviors. However, the latest information on this disease should be incorporated into dental schools' curriculums and updated periodically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azlini Ismail
- Department of Fundamental Dental and Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang 25200, Malaysia; (A.I.); (W.L.)
| | - Nur Hanisah Ismail
- Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang 25200, Malaysia; (N.H.I.); (N.Y.M.A.K.)
| | | | - Widya Lestari
- Department of Fundamental Dental and Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang 25200, Malaysia; (A.I.); (W.L.)
| | - Ahmad Faisal Ismail
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang 25200, Malaysia;
| | - Cortino Sukotjo
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Kim YJ. Clinician Wellness—Self-Care for Staying Healthy: Acupressure for Mental Wellness. ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES 2021; 27:265-266. [DOI: 10.1089/act.2021.29355.yjk] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Jin Kim
- Yun Jin Kim, PhD, is an associate professor at Xiamen University, Selangor, Malaysia
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48
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Jayaraj VJ, Rampal S, Ng CW, Chong DWQ. The Epidemiology of COVID-19 in Malaysia. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2021; 17:100295. [PMID: 34704083 PMCID: PMC8529946 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has rapidly spread across the globe. Critical to the control of COVID-19 is the characterisation of its epidemiology. Despite this, there has been a paucity of evidence from many parts of the world, including Malaysia. We aim to describe the epidemiology of COVID-19 in Malaysia to inform prevention and control policies better. METHODS Malaysian COVID-19 data was extracted from 16 March 2020 up to 31 May 2021. We estimated the following epidemiological indicators: 7-day incidence rates, 7-day mortality rates, case fatality rates, test positive ratios, testing rates and the time-varying reproduction number (Rt). FINDINGS Between 16 March 2020 and 31 May 2021, Malaysia has reported 571,901 cases and 2,796 deaths. Malaysia's average 7-day incidence rate was 26•6 reported infections per 100,000 population (95% CI: 17•8, 38•1). The average test positive ratio and testing rate were 4•3% (95% CI: 1•6, 10•2) and 0•8 tests per 1,000 population (95% CI: <0•1, 3•7), respectively. The case fatality rates (CFR) was 0•6% (95% CI: <0•1, 3•7). Among the 2,796 cases who died, 87•3% were ≥ 50 years. INTERPRETATION The public health response was successful in the suppression of COVID-19 transmission or the first half of 2020. However, a state election and outbreaks in institutionalised populations have been the catalyst for more significant community propagation. This rising community transmission has continued in 2021, leading to increased incidence and strained healthcare systems. Calibrating NPI based on epidemiological indicators remain critical for us to live with the virus. (243 words). FUNDING This study is part of the COVID-19 Epidemiological Analysis and Strategies (CEASe) Project with funding from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (UM.0000245/HGA.GV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Jason Jayaraj
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive, Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Sanjay Rampal
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive, Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chiu-Wan Ng
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive, Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Diane Woei Quan Chong
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive, Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
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49
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Chia WY, Kok H, Chew KW, Low SS, Show PL. Can algae contribute to the war with Covid-19? Bioengineered 2021; 12:1226-1237. [PMID: 33858291 PMCID: PMC8806238 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1910432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The world at large is facing a new threat with the emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Though imperceptible by the naked eye, the medical, sociological and economical implications caused by this newly discovered virus have been and will continue to be a great impediment to our lives. This health threat has already caused over two million deaths worldwide in the span of a year and its mortality rate is projected to continue rising. In this review, the potential of algae in combating the spread of COVID-19 is investigated since algal compounds have been tested against viruses and algal anti-inflammatory compounds have the potential to treat the severe symptoms of COVID-19. The possible utilization of algae in producing value-added products such as serological test kits, vaccines, and supplements that would either mitigate or hinder the continued health risks caused by the virus is prominent. Many of the characteristics in algae can provide insights on the development of microalgae to fight against SARS-CoV-2 or other viruses and contribute in manufacturing various green and high-value products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Yi Chia
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Hanz Kok
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Kit Wayne Chew
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Sze Shin Low
- Biosensor National Special Laboratory, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Pau Loke Show
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
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50
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Teoh SP, Bustamam RS, Mustapha FI, Yip CH, Saad M, Somasundaram S, Megat Ramli PN, Nik Farid ND, Bhoo-Pathy N. Proposal for development of a guideline in maintaining quality cancer care during and post-covid-19 in an upper middle-income country with universal health coverage. J Cancer Policy 2021; 30:100300. [PMID: 35559796 PMCID: PMC8378062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2021.100300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background During periods of high community transmission of COVID-19, the public hospitals in Malaysia, an upper middle-income country, have been forced to scale down elective surgeries, prioritize cancer treatments based on treatment benefits, and postpone non-emergency imaging procedures. These inevitably led to disruptions in cancer care delivery within the public health care system. This study aims to explore the facilitators and barriers faced by healthcare providers and cancer survivors in cancer care, and to co-design a guideline to maintain the delivery of cancer care amid the disaster situations. Method In-depth interviews (IDIs) will be conducted with Malaysian healthcare providers and cancer survivors and findings will be analysed thematically. The insights will be used in a subsequent phase to co-design a guideline to maintain the delivery of quality cancer care in Malaysia via a three-round modified Delphi survey with a broad range of cancer stakeholders. Expected results Findings derived from IDIs and existing literature will be included for rating across three rounds by the expert panel. Feedback provided will be refined until consensus on the best practises for cancer care continuity during crises is achieved. Conclusion The output of the present study is not only expected to ensure the continuity of delivery of high-quality cancer care in Malaysia during the ongoing pandemic but also to be adapted during unforeseen crises in the near future. Policy summary statement Collaborative work between policy makers, public health physicians, members of the multidisciplinary oncology team as well as cancer survivors is vital in developing an evidenced- based contingency plan for maintaining access to cancer care.
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