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Wang L, Siau CS, Baharom N, Hairol MI, Huang L, Wee LH. Media Search Frequency, Source Credibility About e-Cigarette Health Information, and Motivation to Quit EC Among University Students in Chengdu, China. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:895-907. [PMID: 38476623 PMCID: PMC10929557 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s430997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose E-cigarettes (ECs) are gaining popularity among young people. This study aimed to assess university student vapers' search frequency and source credibility of commonly used media in China, and their association with daily EC users' motivation to quit EC use. Participants and Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving an online quantitative survey in six universities in Chengdu, China. Participants answered questions on their EC use patterns, motivation to quit EC, use frequency and source credibility of media use. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to determine the association between media search frequency and source credibility concerning EC health information with the motivation to quit EC. Results There were a total of 325 participants (Mean age = 20.43, SD = 1.333). Video platforms and social media were ranked frequently used by the participants and were deemed to be more trustworthy. Perceived trustworthiness of online media was the most influential predictor of motivation to quit EC. Those who reported a higher frequency of accessing video platforms and medical health applications recorded higher motivation to quit EC use. Source credibility of news portals were associated higher motivation to quit EC. The association between higher nicotine dependence and lower motivation to quit EC was attenuated when media source credibility and trustworthiness of online media were added into the fully adjusted regression models. Conclusion There is an association between media use frequency and source credibility to search for EC health information and motivation to quit vaping. More studies could be conducted to examine the effects of media use content on perceptions towards vaping and their motivation to quit vaping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Ya’an Polytechnic College, Ya’an, Sichuan, 625000, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Ching Sin Siau
- Center for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Nizam Baharom
- Primer Healthcare Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, 71800, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Izzuddin Hairol
- Center for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Lixin Huang
- Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Hum Wee
- Center for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia
- Non-Communicable Diseases and Public Health Research Group, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, 47500, Malaysia
- Digital Health and Innovations Impact Lab, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, 47500, Malaysia
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Poh BK, Wong JE, Lee ST, Chia JSM, Yeo GS, Sharif R, Nik Shanita S, Jamil NA, Chan CMH, Farah NM, Sameeha MJ, Koh D, Saat NZM, Lim SM, Norimah AK, Ruzita AT, Budin SB, Wee LH, Tang SF, Khouw I. Triple burden of malnutrition among Malaysian children aged 6 months to 12 years: Current findings from SEANUTS II Malaysia. Public Health Nutr 2023:1-36. [PMID: 37932916 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023002239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper aims to report South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS) II Malaysia data on nutritional status, dietary intake, and nutritional biomarkers of children aged 6 months to 12 years. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey conducted in 2019-2020. SETTING Multistage cluster sampling conducted in Central, Northern, Southern, and East Coast regions of Peninsular Malaysia. PARTICIPANTS 2989 children aged 0.5-12.9 years. RESULTS Prevalences of stunting, thinness, overweight, and obesity among children aged 0.5-12.9 years were 8.9%, 6.7%, 9.2%, and 8.8%, respectively. Among children below 5 years old, 11.4% were underweight, 13.8% had stunting, and 6.2% wasting. Data on nutritional biomarkers showed a small proportion of children aged 4-12 years had iron (2.9%) and vitamin A deficiencies (3.1%). Prevalence of anaemia was distinctly different between children below 4 years old (40.3%) and those aged 4 years and above (3.0%). One-fourth of children (25.1%) had vitamin D insufficiency, which was twice as prevalent in girls (35.2% vs. boys: 15.6%). The majority of children did not meet the recommended dietary intake for calcium (79.4%) and vitamin D (94.8%). CONCLUSIONS Data from SEANUTS II Malaysia confirmed that triple burden of malnutrition co-exists among children in Peninsular Malaysia, with higher prevalence of overnutrition than undernutrition. Anaemia is highly prevalent among children below 4 years old, while vitamin D insufficiency is more prevalent among girls. Low intakes of dietary calcium and vitamin D are also of concern. These findings provide policymakers with useful and evidence-based data to formulate strategies that address the nutritional issues of Malaysian children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bee Koon Poh
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jyh Eiin Wong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shoo Thien Lee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Management & Science University, 40100 Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Giin Shang Yeo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Razinah Sharif
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Safii Nik Shanita
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Aini Jamil
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Caryn Mei Hsien Chan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Mf Farah
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Jamil Sameeha
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Denise Koh
- Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nur Zakiah Mohd Saat
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - See Meng Lim
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - A Karim Norimah
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Abd Talib Ruzita
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siti Balkis Budin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lei Hum Wee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- School of Medicine, Taylor's University, 47500 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Swee Fong Tang
- Specialist Children's Hospital, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ilse Khouw
- FrieslandCampina, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
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3
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Chan CMH, Siau CS, Wong JE, Yahya N, Azmi NA, Chu SY, Ahmad M, Chong ASS, Wee LH, Tan JP. Characterizing Employees with Primary and Secondary Caregiving Responsibilities: Informal Care Provision in Malaysia. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2033. [PMID: 37510474 PMCID: PMC10379380 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11142033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a need to determine the extent to which Malaysian employees reconcile both paid employment and informal care provision. We examined data from the Malaysia's Healthiest Workplace via AIA Vitality Online Survey 2019 (N = 17,286). A multivariate multinomial regression was conducted to examine characteristics for the following groups: primary caregiver of a child or disabled child, primary caregiver of a disabled adult or elderly individual, primary caregiver for both children and elderly, as well as secondary caregivers. Respondent mean age ± SD was 34.76 ± 9.31, with 49.6% (n = 8573), identifying as either a primary or secondary caregiver to at least one child under 18 years, an elderly individual, or both. Males (n = 6957; 40.2%) had higher odds of being primary caregivers to children (OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.85-2.30), elderly (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.09-1.41) and both children and elderly (OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.57-2.22). However, males were less likely to be secondary caregivers than females (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.53-0.71). Our results highlight the differences in characteristics of employees engaged in informal care provision, and to a lesser degree, the extent to which mid-life individual employees are sandwiched into caring for children and/or the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caryn Mei Hsien Chan
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Ching Sin Siau
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Jyh Eiin Wong
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Noorazrul Yahya
- Center for Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Investigative Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Nor Aniza Azmi
- Center for Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Investigative Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Shin Ying Chu
- Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Mahadir Ahmad
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Agnes Shu Sze Chong
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Lei Hum Wee
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Lakeside Campus, No. 1, Jalan Taylor's, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Medical Advancement for Better Quality of Life Impact Lab, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors,Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Jo Pei Tan
- Department of Social Care and Social Work, Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BH, UK
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Wee LH, Galvan JAA, Patil SS, Madhavan P, Mahalingam D, Yeong CH, Wong YH, Poh HQ, Suthahar S, David SD, Tan XJ, Rosli IA, Chan CMH, Baharom N, Muhamad NA, Siau CS. Understanding Factors Associated with Motivation to Quit Vaping among Vapers in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1980. [PMID: 37510421 PMCID: PMC10379365 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11141980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of vaping worldwide is showing an upward trend. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with motivation to quit vaping among vapers in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, through a cross-sectional, purposive sampling study. Respondents were required to complete a questionnaire consisting of vapers' sociodemographic questions, habitual behavioral pattern questions, the e-Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence, the Glover-Nilsson Smoking Behavioral Dependence Questionnaire, perception questions, motivation to quit questions, and withdrawal symptom questions. A total of 311 vapers participated in this study. The majority of the vapers were male (84.6%), younger (18-25 years) (55.3%), and with monthly income less than RM 4000 (USD 868; 83.9%). The level of motivation to quit vaping was found to have a significant association with the perception of vaping being as satisfying as cigarette smoking (p = 0.006) and mild to very strong nicotine dependence (p = 0.001). Participants who recorded moderate and strong habitual vaping behaviors had lower odds of having high motivation to quit vaping compared to those recording slight habitual behaviors (OR = 0.279, 95%CI(0.110-0.708), p = 0.007 and OR = 0.185, 95%CI(0.052-0.654), p = 0.009, respectively). Factors associated with higher motivation to quit vaping could be explored to gain better understanding of how to increase their motivation level for future quit attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Hum Wee
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Non-communicable Diseases and Public Health Research Group, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Medical Advancement for Better Quality of Life Impact Lab, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Jo Ann Andoy Galvan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Non-communicable Diseases and Public Health Research Group, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Medical Advancement for Better Quality of Life Impact Lab, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Sapna Shridhar Patil
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Non-communicable Diseases and Public Health Research Group, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Medical Advancement for Better Quality of Life Impact Lab, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Priya Madhavan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Non-communicable Diseases and Public Health Research Group, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Medical Advancement for Better Quality of Life Impact Lab, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Dinesh Mahalingam
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- SP Care Group, Level 3, Menara SP Care, Rawang Sentral, Rawang 48000, Malaysia
| | - Chai Hong Yeong
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Non-communicable Diseases and Public Health Research Group, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Medical Advancement for Better Quality of Life Impact Lab, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Yin How Wong
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Non-communicable Diseases and Public Health Research Group, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
- Medical Advancement for Better Quality of Life Impact Lab, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Hui Qi Poh
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Sanjay Suthahar
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Shamella Diya David
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Xiao Jing Tan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Izzah Athirah Rosli
- Sector for Evidence-Based Healthcare, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | - Caryn Mei Hsien Chan
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Nizam Baharom
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai 71800, Malaysia
| | - Nor Asiah Muhamad
- Sector for Evidence-Based Healthcare, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | - Ching Sin Siau
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
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Mat Salleh R, Baharom N, Siau CS, Chan CMH, Amit N, Sia PY, Wee LH. E-Cigarette Users' Profiles and Their Association with Identified Impacts of COVID-19 on Vaping among Young Adults in Malaysia. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11030434. [PMID: 36767009 PMCID: PMC9914650 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11030434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Electronic cigarettes (ECs) users' profiles and behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic remain unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore Malaysian EC users' profiles and their associations with related behaviors during the pandemic. The EC users (N = 351) were recruited from an official national vape entity. Respondents were predominantly of Malay ethnicity (90.6%), aged 31 to 35 years (27.6%), males (97.7%), married (68.7%), from Malaysia's west region states (63.5%) and tertiary educated (69.2%). The majority (80.3%) were non-dual users, and most purchased their vaping products online (77.2%), liked that they can vape while working at home (83.8%) and vaped more because of boredom (55.3%), had low and moderate nicotine addiction levels (94.9%), had low motivation level to quit EC use (92.6%) and were more likely to perceive that vaping did not increase the chances of complications from COVID-19. Respondents with moderate to high addiction levels had twice the odds of checking on their current EC supplies, whilst respondents with low motivation to quit had higher odds of using their tank/pod until the last drop and distancing from others when vaping. EC users should be encouraged to quit EC use, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawaida Mat Salleh
- Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nizam Baharom
- Primer Care Health Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Bandar Baru Nilai, Nilai 71800, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Ching Sin Siau
- Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Caryn Mei Hsien Chan
- Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noh Amit
- Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pei Yin Sia
- Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lei Hum Wee
- Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylors University Lakeside Campus, No. 1 Jalan Taylor’s, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- Correspondence: or
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Mavragani A, Yamaguchi M, Nishi N, Araki M, Wee LH. Predicting Overweight and Obesity Status Among Malaysian Working Adults With Machine Learning or Logistic Regression: Retrospective Comparison Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e40404. [PMID: 36476813 PMCID: PMC9773027 DOI: 10.2196/40404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overweight or obesity is a primary health concern that leads to a significant burden of noncommunicable disease and threatens national productivity and economic growth. Given the complexity of the etiology of overweight or obesity, machine learning (ML) algorithms offer a promising alternative approach in disentangling interdependent factors for predicting overweight or obesity status. OBJECTIVE This study examined the performance of 3 ML algorithms in comparison with logistic regression (LR) to predict overweight or obesity status among working adults in Malaysia. METHODS Using data from 16,860 participants (mean age 34.2, SD 9.0 years; n=6904, 41% male; n=7048, 41.8% with overweight or obesity) in the Malaysia's Healthiest Workplace by AIA Vitality 2019 survey, predictor variables, including sociodemographic characteristics, job characteristics, health and weight perceptions, and lifestyle-related factors, were modeled using the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms, as well as LR, to predict overweight or obesity status based on a BMI cutoff of 25 kg/m2. RESULTS The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.81 (95% CI 0.79-0.82), 0.80 (95% CI 0.79-0.81), 0.80 (95% CI 0.78-0.81), and 0.78 (95% CI 0.77-0.80) for the XGBoost, RF, SVM, and LR models, respectively. Weight satisfaction was the top predictor, and ethnicity, age, and gender were also consistent predictor variables of overweight or obesity status in all models. CONCLUSIONS Based on multi-domain online workplace survey data, this study produced predictive models that identified overweight or obesity status with moderate to high accuracy. The performance of both ML-based and logistic regression models were comparable when predicting obesity among working adults in Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miwa Yamaguchi
- National Institute of Health and Nutrition, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuo Nishi
- National Institute of Health and Nutrition, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michihiro Araki
- National Institute of Health and Nutrition, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Lei Hum Wee
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Taylor's University, Selangor, Malaysia
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Abdul Halim NA, Wee LH, Mohd Saat NZ, Jit Singh SJ, Ching Sin S, Caryn Mei Hsien C. Application of the Logic Model to the School-Based Fit and Smart Adolescent Smoking Cessation Programme. Malays J Med Sci 2022; 29:133-145. [DOI: 10.21315/mjms2022.29.5.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: School-based smoking cessation intervention programmes are challenging to implement and evaluate. This study aimed to explain the process of developing the Fit and Smart Adolescent Smoking Cessation Programme (FSSCP). Logic model is a visual tool that helps programme planners to create an activity action plan that suits the target group to achieve programme objectives and goals. Methods: This two-arm cluster-randomised controlled trial was implemented between January 2018 and November 2018. Six schools were selected using stratified random sampling, whereby students were purposively selected and invited. The criteria of inclusion to the programme were secondary school students (aged 13 years old–17 years old) who smoked conventional cigarettes (CC) and electronic cigarettes (EC). Results: A total of 422 students from six schools participated in this study. Three schools were designated as intervention (n = 250) and the other three as control schools (n = 172). Formative evaluation of participants in the FSSCP using the logic model showed that participants were satisfied with the overall programme (91.5%), were motivated to stop smoking (90.4%) and were prevented from relapse (89.2%). The quit rate at a 3-month follow-up was 41.8%. Conclusion: The logic model supported the development of the programme, with details on the processes, dissemination activities, identification of barriers, evaluation criteria and outcomes provided.
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Wee LH, Tee GH, Chan CMH, Draman S, Jamalludin AR, Ho BK, Yn Ling JM, Lim KH, Mohd Yusoff MF, Baharom N, Robson N, Kartiwi M, Ab Rahman NS, Siau CS, Nik Mohamed MH. The Role of Media and Retailer Message Recall on Malaysian Male Perceptions of E-Cigarette Use: The 2016 National Study of E-Cigarettes Prevalence. INQUIRY 2022; 59:469580221079683. [PMID: 35225040 PMCID: PMC8891842 DOI: 10.1177/00469580221079683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the perceptions of current smokers on electronic cigarette (EC) use, after exposure to information on EC use and its potential harms from various media and retail outlets. This cross-sectional study is a sub-analysis of the National Study of Electronic Cigarettes Prevalence (N = 4289) using the multi-stage stratified sampling method. Respondents were interviewed face-to-face by a trained data collector using a structured questionnaire printed in both Bahasa Malaysia and English. The analysis included 376 males who smoked conventional cigarettes and/or used ECs and reported ever seeing messages on ECs/vape in various platforms were analyzed using weighted simple and multiple logistic regression. Our findings showed different media types resulted in differing perceptions among smokers towards EC use especially between social media and conventional media. Those exposed to messages promoting EC in social media had higher odds of believing that ECs help people quit smoking (OR: 2.28), the urge to smoke is reduced by ECs (OR: 1.86), ECs are more effective than medication for quitting smoking (OR: 1.96), breathing is improved after using ECs (OR: 2.85), the smell of EC is better than a tobacco cigarette (OR: 2.73), and ECs should be regulated rather than banned completely (OR: 3.08). Vape shops, social, and conventional media provided very different perceptions among smokers towards EC use. Beyond using traditional communication channels, EC promoters have successfully utilized social media to promote ECs among smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Hum Wee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Guat Hiong Tee
- Institute for Public Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Caryn Mei Hsien Chan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Samsul Draman
- Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Ab Rahman Jamalludin
- Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Bee Kiau Ho
- Bandar Botanik Health Centre, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Jane Miaw Yn Ling
- Institute for Public Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Kuang Hock Lim
- Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | | | - Nizam Baharom
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Noorzurani Robson
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Mira Kartiwi
- Kulliyyah of ICT, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Norny Syafinaz Ab Rahman
- Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Ching Sin Siau
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Haniki Nik Mohamed
- Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
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9
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Leong WC, Azmi NA, Wee LH, Rajah HDA, Chan CMH. Validation and reliability of the Bahasa Malaysia language version of the Acceptance of Illness Scale among Malaysian patients with cancer. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256216. [PMID: 34587199 PMCID: PMC8480610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a life-threatening disease, and the challenges in accepting the diagnosis can bring a devastating emotional impact on the patient's mental and psychological wellbeing. Issues related to illness acceptance among cancer patients are not well studied in Malaysia. To date, the Acceptance of Illness Scale has not been translated to the Malay language (Bahasa Malaysia) nor validated for use in the oncology setting. The objective of the study is to translate, validate and determine the reliability of the Bahasa Malaysia version of the Acceptance of Illness Scale among Malaysian patients with cancer. A total of 129 patients newly diagnosed with cancer were consecutively sampled and the scale was administered via face-to-face interviews. A pilot test (n = 30) was conducted and test-retest reliability was determined. The Bartlett Test of Sphericity was statistically significantly (p<0.001), while the Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy was adequate at 0.84. Scale item mean scores ranged between 3.02 and 4.33, while the item-total correlation ranged between 0.50 to 0.66 (p<0.05). The internal reliability coefficient was 0.84. The test-retest reliability indicated a high correlation, r = 0.94 with p = 0.001. The Bahasa Malaysia version of the Acceptance of Illness Scale is a valid and reliable instrument that is appropriate for use in Malaysian patients with cancer. Use of this scale to assess illness acceptance among the Malay-speaking patients with cancer can act as a guide for delivery of psycho-oncological services to help patients have a better mental wellbeing and life adjustment in living with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wun Chin Leong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Nor Aniza Azmi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lei Hum Wee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Caryn Mei Hsien Chan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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10
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Wee LH, West R, Tee GH, Yeap L, Chan CMH, Ho BK, Perialathan K, Nik Mohamed MH, Michie S, Jackson SE. Effectiveness of training stop-smoking advisers to deliver cessation support to the UK national proposed standard versus usual care in Malaysia: a two-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial. Addiction 2021; 116:2150-2161. [PMID: 33220115 PMCID: PMC8359305 DOI: 10.1111/add.15346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To assess the effectiveness of training stop smoking services providers in Malaysia to deliver support for smoking cessation based on the UK National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT) standard treatment programme compared with usual care. DESIGN Two-arm cluster-randomized controlled effectiveness trial across 19 sites with follow-up at 4-week, 3-month, and 6-month. SETTING Stop smoking services operating in public hospitals in Malaysia. PARTICIPANTS Five hundred and two smokers [mean ± standard deviation (SD), age 45.6 (13.4) years; 97.4% male] attending stop smoking services in hospital settings in Malaysia: 330 in 10 hospitals in the intervention condition and 172 in nine hospitals in the control condition. INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR The intervention consisted of training stop-smoking practitioners to deliver support and follow-up according to the NCSCT Standard Treatment Programme. The comparator was usual care (brief support and follow-up). MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was continuous tobacco smoking abstinence up to 6 months in smokers who received smoking cessation treatment, verified by expired-air carbon monoxide (CO) concentration. Secondary outcomes were continuous CO-verified tobacco smoking abstinence up to 4 weeks and 3 months. RESULTS Follow-up rates at 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months were 80.0, 70.6 and 53.3%, respectively, in the intervention group and 48.8, 30.8 and 23.3%, respectively, in the control group. At 6-month follow-up, 93 participants in the intervention group and 19 participants in the control group were abstinent from smoking, representing 28.2 versus 11.0% in an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis assuming that participants with missing data had resumed smoking, and 52.8 versus 47.5% in a follow-up-only (FUO) analysis. Unadjusted odds ratios (accounting for clustering) were 5.04, (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22-20.77, P = 0.025) and 1.70, (95% CI = 0.25-11.53, P = 0.589) in the ITT and FUO analyses, respectively. Abstinence rates at 4 week and 3 month follow-ups were significantly higher in the intervention versus control group in the ITT but not the FUO analysis. CONCLUSIONS On an intention-to-treat analysis with missing-equals-smoking imputation, training Malaysian stop smoking service providers in the UK National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training standard treatment programme appeared to increase 6 month continuous abstinence rates in smokers seeking help with stopping compared with usual care. However, the effect may have been due to increasing follow-up rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Hum Wee
- Universiti Kebangsaan MalaysiaKuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Robert West
- Department of Behavioural Science and HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | | | | | | | - Bee Kiau Ho
- Ministry of HealthBandar Botanic Health CentreMalaysia
| | | | | | - Susan Michie
- Centre for Behaviour ChangeUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Sarah E. Jackson
- Department of Behavioural Science and HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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11
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Siau CS, Chan CMH, Wee LH, Wahab S, Visvalingam U, Chen WS, Yeoh SH, Tee JN, Yeap LLL, Ibrahim N. Depression and Anxiety Predict Healthcare Workers' Understanding of and Willingness to Help Suicide Attempt Patients. Omega (Westport) 2021; 87:469-484. [PMID: 34096373 DOI: 10.1177/00302228211021746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We examined whether burnout, depression, anxiety, stress, lifetime suicidal ideation, self-efficacy in preventing suicide and demographic factors predicted the understanding of and willingness to help suicidal patients among hospital healthcare workers. A total of 368 healthcare workers from the major surgical and medical departments in a general hospital setting were recruited. Participants responded to the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21, Self-efficacy in Suicide Prevention, and Understanding Suicide Attempt Patient Scale. Those from the psychiatric department, with higher suicide prevention self-efficacy, and lower personal accomplishment indicated more understanding and helpful attitudes; doctors, depressed and anxious healthcare workers reported less understanding and helpful attitudes. Suicide prevention efforts must be conducted in tandem with equipping and supporting the healthcare workers who manage suicidal patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching Sin Siau
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Caryn Mei Hsien Chan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lei Hum Wee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Suzaily Wahab
- Department of Psychiatry, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Uma Visvalingam
- Hospital Putrajaya, Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Won Sun Chen
- Faculty of Health, Arts, and Design, Swinburne University, Hawthorn, Australia
| | - Seen Heng Yeoh
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, Malaysia
| | - Jing Ni Tee
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Norhayati Ibrahim
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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12
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Chan CMH, Wong JE, Wee LH, Jamil NA, Yeap LLL, Swarna Nantha Y, Siau CS. Psychological and work-related factors predicting work engagement in Malaysian employees. Occup Med (Lond) 2021; 70:400-406. [PMID: 32537649 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqaa107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Past research on work engagement has focused almost exclusively on either psychological or work-related factors in almost wholly separate literature. There is therefore a need to examine how these factors collectively influence work engagement. AIMS To determine levels of work engagement and to identify psychological and work-related characteristics predicting work engagement in employees in Malaysia. METHODS We recruited 5235 employees from 47 public and private organizations in Malaysia who responded to an online health survey. We assessed work engagement with the 9-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9) and psychological distress using the 6-item Kessler scale. We performed multiple linear regression to determine predictors of work engagement. RESULTS Employee mean age was 33.8 years (standard deviation [SD] ± 8.8). The mean work engagement score on the UWES-9 was 3.53 (SD ± 0.94). Eleven of 18 variables on multiple regression predicted work engagement, F(18, 4925) = 69.02, P < 0.001, R2 = 0.201. Factors that predicted higher work engagement were age, marital status, education level, job type, job permanency, longer sleep duration, lower psychological distress and no history of workplace bullying. CONCLUSIONS Key factors associated with poorer work engagement in Malaysian employees include inadequate sleep, psychological distress and a history of workplace bullying. These are modifiable factors that individuals and employers can target to improve work engagement, ideally tailored according to occupational type.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M H Chan
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - J E Wong
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - L H Wee
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N A Jamil
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - L L L Yeap
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Y Swarna Nantha
- Monash University Malaysia, Clinical School Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
| | - C S Siau
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Mohd Ridzwan SF, Bhoo-Pathy N, Wee LH, Isahak M. Beliefs, Facilitating Factors, and Barriers in Using Personal Dosimeter among Medical Radiation Workers in a Middle-Income Asian Setting. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 65:940-954. [PMID: 34037205 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This qualitative study explores the medical radiation workers' (MRWs) beliefs with the support of the theory of planned behaviour's constructs regarding the use of personal dosimeters in order to identify the facilitating factors and barriers to practising good personal dose monitoring. The exploration was conducted through semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 63 MRWs from the public, private, and university hospitals. Belief statements from the informants were organized under the behavioural, normative, and control belief, as guided by the theory. A thematic analysis found that a majority of informants acknowledged the benefits of using dosimeters. However, several factors influenced the actual usage. The informants were hesitant to use the dosimeter as the loss of the device involved an expensive penalty. They also mentioned that delayed dosimeter supplies due to late budget approval in the hospitals and some other reasons had got them disconnected from the monitoring system. The workers' attitudes and social norms highly induced their dosimeter usage as well; some perceived themselves to be at low risk for high exposure to radiation, and forgetfulness was also mentioned as a reason for lack of adherence. Device physical factor influenced low dosimeter use too. This study highlighted some unique findings in Asian settings. A better understanding of the underlying reasons for the lack of dosimeter use will be useful in developing strategies to increase good practices in personal radiation monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Farizwana Mohd Ridzwan
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lei Hum Wee
- Health Education Program, Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Marzuki Isahak
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Chan CMH, Siau CS, Wong JE, Wee LH, Jamil NA, Hoe VCW. Prevalence of Insufficient Sleep and Its Associated Factors Among Working Adults in Malaysia. Nat Sci Sleep 2021; 13:1109-1116. [PMID: 34285616 PMCID: PMC8286118 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s295537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Given the scarcity of data on sleep insufficiency in developing countries and its emerging importance in public health, this study aims to provide the prevalence and factors associated with insufficient sleep among working Malaysian adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 11,356 working adults (≥18 years) were recruited from a cross-sectional online health and work survey. Sleep duration was self-reported and was categorised as insufficient sleep (<7 h) and sufficient sleep (≥7 h) based on the National Sleep Guidelines' daily sleep time recommendation for adults. The 10-item Kessler scale was used to assess psychological distress levels (cutoff score ≥20). Bivariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine the factors associated with insufficient sleep. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 35.7 years (standard deviation, SD±9.2). There were more female (n=6613; 58.2%) respondents. The mean sleep duration was 6.49 h (SD±1.10). A total of 6212 individuals (54.7%) reported getting <7 h of sleep daily. After adjusting for gender, marital status and educational attainment, older age (odds ratio, OR=2.22, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI: 1.72-2.86), ever smoking (OR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.25-1.53), and high psychological distress (OR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.17-1.53) were found to be associated with insufficient sleep. Factors associated with sleep duration of <7 h per night included having children (OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.21-1.50), lifestyle factors (OR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.25-1.53), poor sleeping conditions (OR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.07-1.36), and mental health issues (OR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.12-1.54). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION More than half of the participants reported sleep insufficiency. Older age, ever smoking, and high levels of psychological distress were significantly associated with insufficient sleep. Our findings recognise sleep as an emerging public health issue. Smoking cessation programmes and addressing high psychological distress may be beneficial to improve sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caryn Mei Hsien Chan
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ching Sin Siau
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jyh Eiin Wong
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lei Hum Wee
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Aini Jamil
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Victor Chee Wai Hoe
- 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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Johari MZ, Wee LH, Nudin SSH, Ujang E, Roslan NM, Omar B, Chinna K. High Risk Health Behavior among Malaysian Adolescents: A Comparison between Gender. Glob J Health Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v12n11p152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE: The main objective was to study health risk behaviours, knowledge and perception amongst Malaysian adolescents aged between 13-17 years of age.
METHODS: Modified version of Youth Behaviour Risk Factor Surveillance System (YBRFSS) was used in this nationwide cross-sectional study involving 5,000 students enrolled from 50 selected schools, by adopting multi-stage sampling with randomization of schools and classes from all states in Malaysia. Descriptive data for behaviours, knowledge and perception were also compared between genders.
RESULTS: Overall, 72.6% and 21.1% adolescents were found to not perform adequate exercise or did not perform any exercise, respectively. Majority of them also (81.8%) spent time watching TV beyond one hour per day. Although overall compliance to meal timings showed better result for girls (89.2%) than boys (84.8%); non-compliance to breakfast timing was the most frequent (74.7%) compared to other meal timings. Signs of continuous sadness ranked highest (21.3%), followed by signs of depression (9.4%) and suicidal ideation (7.8%). Girls suffered worse than boys for signs of continuous sadness (25.4% vs. 16.2%) and suicidal ideation (10.4% vs. 4.5%). In terms of perception, only 50.1% responded favourably to managing their anger. Boys were more satisfied with their own body weight and body shapes compared with the girls (43.3% vs. 34.7%; 45.3% vs. 37.9%, respectively).
CONCLUSION: Although adolescents in Malaysia had good overall knowledge and perception on the healthy habits, they still practiced risky behaviours which may lead to early morbidity and mortality among adolescence.
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Chan CMH, Blanch-Hartigan D, Taib NA, Wee LH, Krupat E, Meyer F. Preferences for patient-centered care among cancer survivors 5 years post-diagnosis. Patient Educ Couns 2020; 103:1601-1605. [PMID: 32143985 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our primary objective was to identify predictors associated with preferences for patient-centered care among cancer survivors and the association between cancer health literacy and patient-centered care preferences. METHODS Cross sectional analyses of N = 345 adult cancer survivors (5 years post cancer diagnosis) attending follow-ups at University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia. Face-to face-interviews were conducted using the 30-item Cancer Health Literacy Test and the Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale to determine preference for patient-centered care. RESULTS Cancer survivors' preference for patient-centered care was associated with a higher cancer health literacy score, higher educational level, being employed, breast cancer diagnosis, and not desiring psychological support [F (14, 327) = 11.25, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.325]. CONCLUSION Findings from this study provide insights into preferences for patient-centered care among cancer survivors during receipt of follow-up care, which remains an understudied phase of cancer care delivery. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Efforts are needed to ensure different preferences for care are taken into account particularly in the setting of variable cancer health literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lei Hum Wee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia.
| | - Edward Krupat
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, MA, USA
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Lim KH, Heng PP, Nik Mohamed MH, Teh CH, Mohd Yusoff MF, Ling JMY, Baharom N, Wee LH, Chan CMH, Ho BK, Robson Z, Draman S, Ab Rahman NS, Kartiwi M, Ab Rahman J. Prevalence and Factors Associated With Attempts to Quit and Smoking Cessation in Malaysia. Asia Pac J Public Health 2020; 31:22S-31S. [PMID: 31802718 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519874944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Smoking cessation significantly reduces risk of smoking-related diseases and mortality. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with attempts to quit and smoking cessation among adult current smokers in Malaysia. Data from the National E-Cigarette Survey 2016 were analyzed. Forty nine percent of current smokers had attempted to quit at least once in the past 12 months and 31.4% of the respondents were former smokers. Multivariable analysis revealed that current smokers with low nicotine addiction and aged below 45 years were more likely to attempt to quit smoking. Being married, older age group, and having tertiary education were significantly associated with smoking cessation. Only half of the current smokers ever attempted to quit smoking and only a third of smokers quit. Stronger tobacco control policies are needed in Malaysia to encourage more smokers to quit smoking. Improved access to cessation support for underprivileged smokers is also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang Hock Lim
- Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pei Pei Heng
- Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Chien Huey Teh
- Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Jane Miaw Yn Ling
- Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nizam Baharom
- Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lei Hum Wee
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Bee Kiau Ho
- Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Botanik, Klang, Malaysia
| | | | - Samsul Draman
- International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | | | - Mira Kartiwi
- International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
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Mohd Ridzwan SF, Bhoo-Pathy N, Isahak M, Wee LH. Perceptions on radioprotective garment usage and underlying reasons for non-adherence among medical radiation workers from public hospitals in a middle-income Asian setting: A qualitative exploration. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02478. [PMID: 31687573 PMCID: PMC6819771 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Radioprotective garments protect medical radiation workers from exposure to radiation at workplace. However, previous studies have found poor adherence to the use of radioprotective garments. Objectives We explored the perceptions and practices related to the use of radioprotective garments among medical radiation workers in public hospitals, and sought to understand the reasons for non-adherence. Design and setting A qualitative approach was applied by conducting face-to-face in-depth interviews with 18 medical radiation workers from three university hospitals using a semi-structured interview guide. Results Five themes emerged with respect to perceptions on the use of radioprotective garments: (i) the dilemmas in practising radiation protection, (ii) indication of workers' credibility, (iii) physical appearance of radioprotective garments, (iv) practicality of radioprotective garment use, and (v) impact on workflow. Actual lack of radioprotective garment use was attributed to inadequate number of thyroid shield and other garments, radioprotective garments' unsightly appearance including being dirty and defective, impracticality of using radioprotective garments for some nuclear medicine procedures, disruption of workflow because of workers’ limited movements, attitudes of workers, and organisational influences. Conclusion Medical radiation workers demonstrated a definitive practice of using radioprotective aprons, but often neglected to use thyroid shields and other garments. Availability and hygiene are reported as the core issues, while unclear guidelines on practical use of radioprotective garments appear to lead to confusion among medical radiation workers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study of its kind from a middle-income Asian setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Farizwana Mohd Ridzwan
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Marzuki Isahak
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lei Hum Wee
- Health Education Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Ho BK, Mohamad Haniki NM, Jamalludin AR, Samsul D, Mira K, Norny Syafinaz AR, Robson N, Chan C, Lim KH, Baharom N, Ismail N, Tee GH, Ling MY, Wee LH. Prevalence and characteristics of e-cigarette users among Malaysian current and ex-smokers. Malays Fam Physician 2019; 14:10-17. [PMID: 31827730 PMCID: PMC6818688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are new devices that have been accepted widely by both smokers and non-smokers. However, the evidence on EC used in Malaysia is scarce. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of EC use and the socio-demographic and smoking characteristics associated with current EC use among Malaysian current and ex-smokers. METHODS This was a sub-analysis of data from a cross-sectional, national-population- based EC study conducted from May to June in 2016 in Malaysia. A detailed description of the sampling methods can be found in the National E-cigarette Survey (NECS) 2016 report. Briefly, data were obtained from 1396 individuals who had ever been smokers, i.e., 957 (68.6%) current smokers and 439 (31.4%) ex-smokers. RESULTS Current EC use was found predominantly among current smokers (8.0%) as compared with ex-smokers (4.3%). Among current smokers, the main reasons given for smoking ECs were wanting to try it (44.7%), followed by intention to quit tobacco smoking (15.8%) and to reduce tobacco smoking (10.5%). Using multiple logistic regression analysis, we found that among current smokers, current EC users were more likely to be younger, i.e., 18-44 years (aOR= 4.83, 95% CI= 1.97-11.86, p=0.001), urban residents (aOR= 1.89, 95% CI= 1.15-3.11, p=0.012), single/ divorced/ widowed (aOR= 2.11, 95% CI= 1.24-3.61, p=0.006) and students (aOR= 2.25, 95% CI= 1.01-5.01, p=0.048). Among exsmokers, only younger respondents (18-44 years old) was reported as being more likely to be current EC users (aOR= 3.81, 95% CI= 1.14-12.76, p=0.030). CONCLUSION This study showed that currently using and ever having used ECs were more prevalent among current smokers. The reasons given for initiating EC use among current smokers were mainly wanting to try it, followed by intention to quit and to reduce tobacco smoking. Current EC use appears to be common among current smokers who are younger, urban residents, single/divorced/widowed and students. Therefore, EC cessation intervention strategies and policies should target these high-prevalence groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- B K Ho
- MBBS, M Fam Med, Bandar Botanic Health Center, Blok, A, Jalan Langat, Bandar Botanic, 41200 Klang, Selangor Darul, Ehsan, Malaysia.
| | - N M Mohamad Haniki
- B.Pharm(Hons), PharmD(TN, USA), International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia.
| | - A R Jamalludin
- MD, MPH, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia.
| | - D Samsul
- MD, M Fam Med, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia.
| | - K Mira
- B.Com, PhD(InfoSys), International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak, Malaysia.
| | - A R Norny Syafinaz
- B.Pharm(Hons), PhD(Pharmacy Practice), International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia.
| | - N Robson
- MBBS, PhD(Addiction), University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur
| | - Cmh Chan
- PhD(Psycho-oncology), National University of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - K H Lim
- BSc Enc Science, MSc Env Science, Institute for Medical Research Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | | | - N Ismail
- DrPH, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
| | - G H Tee
- BBioMedSC(Hons), MMedSc(Public Health), Institute for Public Health, Kuala, Lumpur
| | - M Y Ling
- BBioMedSC(Hons), MMedSc(Public Health), Institute for Public Health, Kuala, Lumpur
| | - L H Wee
- BA(Hons), PhD(MHlth Comm), National University of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Chan CMH, Ab Rahman J, Tee GH, Wee LH, Ho BK, Robson NZMH, Draman S, Ling Miaw Yn J, Kuang Hock L, Yusoff MF, Kartiwi M, Ab Rahman NS, Nik Mohamed MH. Perception of Harms and Benefits of Electronic Cigarettes Among Adult Malaysian Men: A Comparison by Electronic Cigarette Use and Smoking Status. Asia Pac J Public Health 2019; 31:32S-43S. [PMID: 31328531 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519860730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the perceptions of harm and benefit associated with the use of e-cigarettes in Malaysia. This was a cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample comprising 1987 males (≥18 years of age). Current, former, and never users of conventional cigarettes and/or e-cigarettes participated in a questionnaire study conducted via face-to-face interviews. The relationship between participant characteristics and perceptions of harm and benefit of e-cigarettes were determined with multivariable logistic regression. There were 950 current, 377 former, and 660 never users of e-cigarettes. Government employees (odds ratio [OR] = 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.29-2.66, P = .001), private sector employees (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.27-2.18, P = .001), and the self-employed people (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.31-2.17, P = .001) were more likely to perceive e-cigarettes as more harmful than conventional cigarettes compared with respondents who were not wage earners. All current users in the form of e-cigarette users (OR = 7.87, 95% CI = 3.23-19.18), conventional cigarette smokers (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.39-2.33), and dual users (OR = 8.59, 95% CI = 4.76-15.52) were more likely to perceive e-cigarettes as useful in quitting conventional cigarette smoking compared with former and never users. Our findings constitute an important snapshot into the perceptions of e-cigarette harms and benefits, which could inform targeted public health messaging strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Guat Hiong Tee
- Institute for Public Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lei Hum Wee
- National University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Bee Kiau Ho
- Bandar Botanik Health Centre, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Shamsul Draman
- International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jane Ling Miaw Yn
- Institute for Public Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Mira Kartiwi
- International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Chan CMH, Wong JE, Yeap LLL, Wee LH, Jamil NA, Swarna Nantha Y. Workplace bullying and psychological distress of employees across socioeconomic strata: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:608. [PMID: 31196025 PMCID: PMC6565541 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6859-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background 1Little is known of the extent of workplace bullying in Malaysia, despite its growing recognition worldwide as a serious public health issue in the workplace. Workplace bullying is linked to stress-related health issues, as well as socioeconomic consequences which may include absenteeism due to sick days and unemployment. We sought to examine the prevalence of workplace bullying and its association with socioeconomic factors and psychological distress in a large observational study of Malaysian employees. Methods This study employed cross-sectional, self-reported survey methodology. We used the 6-item Kessler screening scale (K6) to assess psychological distress (cutoff score ≥ 13, range 0–24, with higher scores indicating greater psychological distress). Participants self-reported their perceptions of whether they had been bullied at work and how frequently this occurred. A multivariate logistic regression was conducted with ever bullying and never bullying as dichotomous categories. Results There were a total of 5235 participants (62.3% female). Participant ages ranged from 18 to 85, mean ± standard deviation (M ± SD): 33.88 ± 8.83. A total of 2045 (39.1%) participants reported ever being bullied. Of these, 731 (14.0%) reported being subject to at least occasional bullying, while another 194 (3.7%) reported it as a common occurrence. Across all income strata, mean scores for psychological distress were significantly higher for ever bullied employees (M ± SD: 8.69 ± 4.83) compared to those never bullied (M ± SD: 5.75 ± 4.49). Regression analysis indicated significant associations (p < 0.001) between workplace bullying with being female (Adjusted OR (aOR) = 1.27, 95% CI 1.12–1.44), higher individual income levels of between RM4,000 to RM7,999 (aOR =1.24, 95% CI 1.06–1.45) and RM8,000 and above (aOR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.10–1.56), and psychological distress (aOR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.13–1.16). Conclusions More than one in three employees reported having experienced workplace bullying, which was found to be specifically associated with being female, drawing a higher income, and greater psychological distress. In general, low individual income was associated with greater psychological distress. However, higher income employees were far more likely to report experiencing workplace bullying. Findings from this study offer relevant insight into the associations between socioeconomic status and psychological distress in workplace bullying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caryn Mei Hsien Chan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jyh Eiin Wong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Lei Hum Wee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Nor Aini Jamil
- Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Nur Atikah AH, Wee LH, Nur Zakiah MS, Chan CMH, Mohamed Haniki NM, Swinderjit JS, Siau CS. Factors associated with different smoking statuses among Malaysian adolescent smokers: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:579. [PMID: 31196055 PMCID: PMC6565528 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6857-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study focused on the associations between socioeconomic status (SES) and adolescent smoking among secondary school students (13 to 17 years) in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Our objective was to evaluate the relationships between adolescent demographics, socioeconomic status and smoking status. METHODS The survey data were based on baseline findings from a cross-sectional study (N = 422 adolescents). Chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status (household monthly income and daily allowance) and adolescent smoking status. Exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) reading and the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC) were used to evaluate adolescent smoking status. A Multivariate Multinomial Logistic Regression (MMLR) was employed to test selected demographic and socioeconomic predictors of smoking status. RESULTS Of the 422 adolescents (M age = 15.58, SD = 1.24), more than half of the participants initiated smoking between 13 to 17 years old (59.0%). A total of 308 (73.0%) were electronic cigarette users, with more than 50% comprising of single users. The mean CO reading was 2.14 ppm with 78.0% of adolescents scoring more than 0 on the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC). Males and participants aged 15 and 16 years were at increased risks of sole CC smoking. Meanwhile, males, those who are not hooked on smoking and with a non-smoker CO reading were at increased risks of sole EC smoking. Finally, Bumiputeras were at less risk of EC smoking. CONCLUSIONS Demographic variables such as age, gender and ethnicity predicted smoking status predicted smoking risk, but not socioeconomic factors. The findings allow policy makers to target specific high-risk demographic groups when designing smoking cessation programs for adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Nur Atikah
- Health Education Program, Community Health Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, The National University of Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lei Hum Wee
- Health Education Program, Community Health Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, The National University of Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - M S Nur Zakiah
- Health Education Program, Community Health Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, The National University of Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Caryn Mei Hsien Chan
- Health Education Program, Community Health Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, The National University of Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N M Mohamed Haniki
- Kulliyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic of Malaysia (UIA), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - J S Swinderjit
- National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ching Sin Siau
- Health Education Program, Community Health Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, The National University of Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Faculty of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Wee LH, Yeap LLL, Chan CMH, Wong JE, Jamil NA, Swarna Nantha Y, Siau CS. Anteceding factors predicting absenteeism and presenteeism in urban area in Malaysia. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:540. [PMID: 31196096 PMCID: PMC6565599 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6860-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Organization productivity is strongly linked to employees’ socioeconomic characteristics and health which is marked by absenteeism and presenteeism. This study aims to identify anteceding factors predicting employees’ absenteeism and presenteeism by income, physical and mental health. Methods An online health survey was conducted between May to July 2017 among employees from 47 private companies located in urban Malaysia. A total of 5235 respondents completed the 20-min online employee health survey on a voluntary basis. Chi-Square or Fisher’s exact tests were used to determine association between income with demographic and categorical factors of absenteeism and presenteeism. Multivariate linear regression was used to identify factors predicting absenteeism and presenteeism. Results More than one third of respondents’ monthly income were less than RM4,000 (35.4%), 29.6% between RM4,000-RM7,999 and 35.0% earned RM8,000 and above. The mean age was 33.8 years (sd ± 8.8) and 49.1% were married. A majority were degree holders (74.4%) and 43.6% were very concerned about their financial status. Mean years of working was 6.2 years (sd ± 6.9) with 68.9% satisfied with their job. More than half reported good general physical health (54.5%) (p = 0.065) and mental health (53.5%) (p = 0.019). The mean hours of sleep were 6.4 h (sd ± 1.1) with 63.2% reporting being unwell due to stress for the past 12 months. Mean work time missed due to ill-health (absenteeism) was 3.1% (sd ± 9.1), 2.8% (sd ± 9.1) and 1.8% (sd ± 6.5) among employees whose monthly income was less than RM4,000, RM4,000-RM7,999 and over RM8,000 respectively (p = 0.0066). Mean impairment while working due to ill-health (presenteeism) was 28.2% (sd ± 25.3), 24.9% (sd ± 25.5) and 20.3% (sd ± 22.9) among employees whose monthly income was less than RM4,000, RM4,000-RM7,999 and over RM8,000 respectively (p < 0.0001). Factors that predict both absenteeism and presenteeism were income, general physical health, sleep length and being unwell due to stress. Conclusions A combination of socioeconomic, physical and mental health factors predicted absenteeism and presenteeism with different strengths. Having insufficient income may lead to second jobs or working more hours which may affect their sleep, subjecting them to stressful condition and poor physical health. These findings demand holistic interventions from organizations and the government.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Hum Wee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lena Lay Ling Yeap
- Stats Consulting Sdn. Bhd, Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Caryn Mei Hsien Chan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Jyh Eiin Wong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Aini Jamil
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yogarabindranath Swarna Nantha
- Primary Care Department, Tuanku Jaafar Hospital, The Ministry of Health Malaysia, Bukit Rasah, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Ching Sin Siau
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Thomas BAWM, Kaur S, Hairol MI, Ahmad M, Wee LH. Behavioural and emotional issues among primary school pupils with congenital colour vision deficiency in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: A case-control study. F1000Res 2018; 7:1834. [PMID: 30815251 PMCID: PMC6372925 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.17006.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Congenital colour vision deficiency (CCVD) is an untreatable disorder which has lifelong consequences. Increasing use of colours in schools has raised concern for pupils with CCVD. This case-control study was conducted to compare behavioural and emotional issues among age, gender and class-matched pupils with CCVD and normal colour vision (NCV). Methods: A total of 1732 pupils from 10 primary schools in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur were screened, of which 46 pupils (45 males and 1 female) had CCVD. Mothers of male pupils with CCVD (n=44) and NCV (n=44) who gave consent were recruited to complete a self-administered parent report form, Child Behaviour Checklist for Ages 4-18 (CBCL/ 4-18) used to access behavioural and emotional problems. The CBCL/ 4-18 has three broad groupings: Internalising, Externalising and Total Behaviour Problems. Internalising Problems combines the Withdrawn, Somatic Complaints and Anxiety/ Depression sub constructs, while Externalising Problems combines the Delinquent and Aggressive Behaviour sub constructs. Results: Results from CBCL/ 4-18 showed that all pupils from both groups had scores within the normal range for all constructs. However, results from the statistical analysis for comparison, Mann-Whitney U test, showed that pupils with CCVD scored significantly higher for Externalising Problems (U=697.50, p=0.02) and Total Behaviour Problems (U=647.00, p= 0.01). Significantly higher scores were observed in Withdrawn (U=714.00, p=0.02), Thought Problems (U=438.50, p<0.001) and Aggressive Behaviour (U=738.00, p=0.04). Odds ratios, 95% CI, showed significant relative risk for high Total Behaviour Problem (OR:2.39 ,CI:1.0-5.7), Externalising Problems (OR:2.32, CI:1.0-5.5), Withdrawn (OR:2.67, CI:1.1-6.5), Thought Problems (OR:9.64, CI:3.6-26.1) and Aggressive Behaviour (OR:10.26, CI:3.4-31.0) scores among pupils with CCVD. Conclusion: Higher scores among CCVD pupils indicates that they present more behavioural and emotional problems compared to NCV pupils. Therefore, school vision screenings in Malaysia should also include colour vision to assist in the early clinical management of CCVD children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belina Anne William M Thomas
- Optometry & Vision Science Programme, School of Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Sharanjeet Kaur
- Optometry & Vision Science Programme, School of Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Izzuddin Hairol
- Optometry & Vision Science Programme, School of Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Mahadir Ahmad
- Health Psychology Programme, School of Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
| | - Lei Hum Wee
- Health Education Programme, School of Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
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Chan CMH, Ng CG, Taib A, Wee LH, Krupat E, Meyer F. Reply to Course and predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder in a cohort of psychologically distressed patients with cancer: A 4-year follow-up study-methodological and statistical issues. Cancer 2018; 124:2457. [PMID: 29645084 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.31365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Caryn Mei Hsien Chan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chong Guan Ng
- University Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Aishah Taib
- University Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lei Hum Wee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Edward Krupat
- Center for Evaluation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Fremonta Meyer
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
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Chan CMH, Ng CG, Taib A, Wee LH, Krupat E, Meyer F. Reply to Do 1 in 5 cancer patients develop post-traumatic stress disorder? Cancer 2018; 124:1839-1840. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.31281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chong Guan Ng
- University Malaya Medical Centre; Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Aishah Taib
- University Malaya Medical Centre; Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Lei Hum Wee
- Faculty of Health Sciences; National University of Malaysia; Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Edward Krupat
- Center for Evaluation; Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
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Mok WKH, Poh BK, Wee LH, Devanthini DG, Ruzita AT. Juara Sihat: assessing the sustained impact of a school-based obesity intervention. Med J Malaysia 2018; 73:100-105. [PMID: 29703873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obesity and physical inactivity among school children are among the most challenging health problems in Malaysia. The present study aimed to evaluate the sustained impact of Juara Sihat programme on physical activity level and anthropometric status at 18-month post-intervention. METHOD Participants of Juara Sihat (n=55) were followed-up at 18 months after completion of the intervention. Juara Sihat intervention was implemented over 12 weeks and focused on four key components: (i) five one-hour nutrition education classes, (ii) four one-hour physical activity education sessions, (iii) family involvement, and (iv) empowerment of Parents and Teachers Association. Anthropometric variables (body mass index, body fat percentage and waist circumference) were measured and physical activity level was evaluated by using Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) at baseline (P0), immediately upon completion of intervention (P1), at three-month post-intervention (P2), and at 18-month postintervention (P3). Analyses of repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with intention-to-treat principle were applied. RESULTS Sustained effects were found in BMI-for-age z-score which showed a reduction (P0 2.41±0.84 vs P3 2.27±0.81) and physical activity level which showed positive improvements (P0 2.46±0.62 vs P3 2.87±0.76) at 18 months after intervention was completed. Body fat and waist circumference had increased over the same time period. CONCLUSION Overall, this study successfully demonstrated sustained intervention effects of Juara Sihat intervention on BMI-for-age z-score and physical activity, but not on body fat percentage and waist circumference.
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Affiliation(s)
- W K H Mok
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nutritional Sciences Programme & Centre for Community Health, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - B K Poh
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nutritional Sciences Programme & Centre for Community Health, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - L H Wee
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nutritional Sciences Programme & Centre for Community Health, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - D G Devanthini
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nutritional Sciences Programme & Centre for Community Health, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - A T Ruzita
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nutritional Sciences Programme & Centre for Community Health, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Wee LH, Ho BK, Ahmad A, Mahdi A, Perialathan K, Abdul Rahman AB, Jagsingh S, Nik Mohammed MH. Impact of behavioural intervention to the predictors of quit success among smokers attending quit smoking services in Malaysia: 1- month, 3-months and 6-months follow-up. Tob Induc Dis 2018. [DOI: 10.18332/tid/83991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Swarna Nantha Y, Wee LH, Chan CMH. Assessing predictors of intention to prescribe sick leave among primary care physicians using the theory of planned behaviour. BMC Fam Pract 2018; 19:18. [PMID: 29338699 PMCID: PMC5771020 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-017-0690-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Providing sickness certification is a decision that primary care physicians make on a daily basis. The majority of sickness certification studies in the literature involve a general assessment of physician or patient behaviour without the use of a robust psychological framework to guide research accuracy. To address this deficiency, this study utilized the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to specifically gauge the intention and other salient predictors related to sickness certification prescribing behaviour amongst primary care physicians. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among N = 271 primary care physicians from 86 primary care practices throughout two states in Malaysia. Questionnaires used were specifically developed based on the TPB, consisting of both direct and indirect measures related to the provision of sickness leave. Questionnaire validity was established through factor analysis and the determination of internal consistency between theoretically related constructs. The temporal stability of the indirect measures was determined via the test-retest correlation analysis. Structural equation modelling was conducted to determine the strength of predictors related to intentions. Results The mean scores for intention to provide patients with sickness was low. The Cronbach α value for the direct measures was good: overall physician intent to provide sick leave (0.77), physician attitude towards prescribing sick leave for patients (0.77) and physician attitude in trusting the intention of patients seeking sick leave (0.83). The temporal stability of the indirect measures of the questionnaire was satisfactory with significant correlation between constructs separated by an interval of two weeks (p < 0.05). Attitudes and subjective norms were identified as important predictors in physician intention to provide sick leave to patients. Conclusion An integrated behavioural model utilizing the TPB could help fully explain the complex act of providing sickness leave to patients. Findings from this study could assist relevant agencies to facilitate the creation of policies that may help regulate the provision of sickness leave and alleviate the work burden of sickness leave tasks faced by physicians in Malaysia. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12875-017-0690-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lei Hum Wee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50586, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Caryn Mei-Hsien Chan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50586, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Chan CMH, Ng CG, Taib NA, Wee LH, Krupat E, Meyer F. Course and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder in a cohort of psychologically distressed patients with cancer: A 4-year follow-up study. Cancer 2017; 124:406-416. [PMID: 29152719 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scant evidence exists on the long-term course of cancer-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is among the few studies worldwide, and the first in the South-East Asian region, to prospectively evaluate PTSD in patients with cancer using gold-standard clinical interviews. The objective of the study was to assess the course and predictors of PTSD in adult patients with cancer in a South-East Asian population. METHODS A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted in a cohort of 469 consecutively recruited patients (aged ≥18 years) with various cancer types within 1 month of diagnosis at a single oncology referral center. Only patients who had significant psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale total cutoff score ≥16) underwent the PTSD module of the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (SCID) at at 6-months follow-up. All patients completed the SCID at the 4-year follow-up assessment regardless of their initial Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score. RESULTS In an analysis combining patients who had both full and subsyndromal PTSD, there was a 21.7% incidence of PTSD at the 6-month follow-up assessment (n = 44 of 203 SCID-interviewed patients), with rates dropping to 6.1% at the 4-year follow-up assessment (n = 15 of 245 SCID-interviewed patients). Patients with breast cancer (compared with those who had other types of cancer) were 3.68 times less likely to develop PTSD at 6-months, but not at 4-years follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The overall rates of PTSD decreased with time, but one-third of patients (34.1%) who were initially diagnosed had persistent or worsening PTSD 4 years later. There is a need for early identification of this subset of patients who have cancer with PTSD to design risk-targeted interventions. Cancer 2018;124:406-16. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caryn Mei Hsien Chan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chong Guan Ng
- University Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Lei Hum Wee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Edward Krupat
- Center for Evaluation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Fremonta Meyer
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
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Wee LH, Binti Ithnin AA, West R, Mohammad N, Chan CMH, Hasan Nudin SS. Rationalizations and identity conflict following smoking relapse: a thematic analysis. J Subst Use 2017; 22:47-52. [PMID: 28217031 PMCID: PMC5293003 DOI: 10.3109/14659891.2016.1143045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 12/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Little is known about how smokers respond cognitively and emotionally to the experience of “late” relapse after the acute withdrawal phase. This study assessed the kinds of thoughts and feelings that emerge in order to provide a basis for quantitative research assessing prevalence of different types of response and implications for future quit attempts. Methods: Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted among 14 people attending a quit smoking clinic in Malaysia who had relapsed after at least 6 weeks of abstinence. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis to enable emergence of important aspects of the experience. Results: Following relapse, smokers often engaged in rationalizations and activities to minimize worry about the harmful effects of smoking by switching to a lower-tar cigarette, reducing the number of cigarette smoked, attempting to reduce cigarette smoke inhalation, comparing themselves with other smokers, and minimizing the health risks associated with smoking. In some cases, smokers retained a “non-smoker” identity despite having relapsed. Conclusion: Smoking relapsers rationalize their failure to quit and minimize their health risk in order to protect their image as non-smokers while it remains a source of identity conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Hum Wee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | | | - Robert West
- Cancer Research UK, University College London , London , UK
| | - Nihayah Mohammad
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Caryn Mei Hsien Chan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
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Wee LH, Chan CMH, Yogarabindranath SN. A Review of Smoking Research In Malaysia. Med J Malaysia 2016; 71:29-41. [PMID: 27801386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Two hundred and seventy one original published materials related to tobacco use were found in a search through a database dedicated to indexing all original data relevant to Medicine and Health in Malaysia from 1996 - 2015. A total of 147 papers were selected and reviewed on the basis of their relevance and implications for future research. Findings were summarised, categorised and presented according to epidemiology, behaviour, clinical features and management of smoking. Most studies are cross-sectional with small sample sizes. Studies on smoking initiation and prevalence showed mixed findings with many small scale studies within the sub-groups. The majority of the studies were related to factors that contribute to initiation in adolescents. Nonetheless, there are limited studies on intervention strategies to curb smoking among this group. There is a lack of clinical studies to analyse tobacco use and major health problems in Malaysia. In addition, studies on the best treatment modalities on the use of pharmacotherapy and behavioural counselling have also remained unexplored. Reasons why smokers do not seek clinic help to quit smoking need further exploration. A finding on the extent of effort carried out by healthcare providers in assisting smokers to make quit attempts is not known. Studies on economic and government initiatives on policies and tobacco use focus mainly on the effects of cigarette bans, increased cigarettes taxes and the influence of the tobacco industry. Recommendations are given for the government to increase efforts in implementing smoke-free legislation, early and tailored interventions. Clinical studies in this area are lacking, as are opportunities to research on ways to reduce smoking initiation age and the most effective quit smoking strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Wee
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Healthcare Sciences, Jalan Raja MudaAbdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - C M H Chan
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Healthcare Sciences, Jalan Raja MudaAbdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S N Yogarabindranath
- Ministry of Health Malaysia, State Department of Health, 70300 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
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Ng LO, Wee LH, Lee JK, Johari MZ, Hassan Nudin SS, Omar B. Developing a Malaysian Psychotic Symptom Screening Inventory: an exploratory study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/17542863.2013.835329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Wee LH, Shahab L, Bulgiba A, West R. Conflict About Quitting Predicts the Decision to Stop Smoking Gradually or Abruptly: Evidence From Stop Smoking Clinics in Malaysia. J Smok Cessat 2012. [DOI: 10.1375/jsc.6.1.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractBackground: Little is known about the extent to which smokers attending stop-smoking clinics experience conflicting motivations about their quit attempt, whether such conflict can be understood in terms of a single dimension and if this ‘conflict about quitting’ differs from motivation to stop smoking and is associated with a smoker's choice of method to stop smoking (stopping gradually or abruptly). Method: Sociodemographic, smoking and quit attempt characteristics as well as measures relating to conflict about stopping smoking were recorded in a cross-sectional survey of 198 smokers attending five quit smoking clinics in Malaysia. Results: Five measures (having seriously thought about quitting before, being happy about becoming a non-smoker, being strongly motivated to stop, intending to stop smoking completely and believing in stopping for good this time) were loaded onto a single factor that could be labelled ‘conflict about quitting’. The resultant scale had moderate internal reliability (Cronbach's α= .625). Most smokers exhibited conflicting motivations about stopping smoking, with over half (52.0%, 95% CI 45.1–59.1) scoring 2 or higher on the 5-point conflict scale. ‘Conflict about quitting’ was significantly associated with the decision to stop smoking gradually rather than abruptly controlling for other variables (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.05–1.76) and was more strongly associated with the choice of smoking cessation method than motivation to stop smoking. Conclusions: ‘Conflict about quitting’ can be conceptualised as a single dimension and is prevalent among smokers voluntarily attending stop-smoking clinics. The finding that smokers who display greater conflict about quitting are more likely to choose gradual cessation may explain contradictory findings in the literature regarding the effectiveness of different methods of smoking cessation.
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Wee LH, Shahab L, Bulgiba A, West R. Stop smoking clinics in Malaysia: characteristics of attendees and predictors of success. Addict Behav 2011; 36:400-3. [PMID: 21195553 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2010.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2010] [Revised: 11/04/2010] [Accepted: 11/22/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As Stop Smoking Clinics (SSCs) become more common across the globe, it is important to know how far one can make broad generalisations concerning characteristics of smokers who attend these clinics and factors that predict their success. This involves accumulation of data from different countries. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify characteristics of smokers and factors leading up to quitting with clinics in Malaysia. METHOD Records from 629 smokers who had sought help from five selected SSCs in Malaysia from January 2006 to June 2007 were analysed. RESULTS The characteristics of smokers attending Malaysian smoking clinics were broadly similar to those in Western countries. Consistent with the findings from other countries, older age and longest duration of previous quit attempts were associated with successful smoking cessation. Greater baseline carbon-monoxide readings (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.99; p=0.013), but not Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), predicted failure to quit at six-month in multivariate analysis. Success rates varied greatly between clinics even after adjusting for all other predictors. CONCLUSION In these rare data from a non-Western culture some predictors of successful smoking cessation appeared to generalise from Western smokers but the universal validity of the FTND in particular needs to be examined further.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Much is known about the predictors of success in quitting smoking. In particular, nicotine dependence, but not strength of motivation to stop, appears to predict abstinence. However, to date, studies have come almost exclusively from Western countries. More data are needed on the cross-cultural generalizability of these findings. METHODS One hundred and ninety-eight smokers attending 5 stop-smoking clinics in Malaysia completed a questionnaire prior to their target quit date and were followed up 3 months after this date. Predictors included sociodemographic variables, smoking patterns, past history of quitting, characteristics of current quit attempt, and smoking motives as well as nicotine dependence (Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence [FTND]) and self-rated strength of motivation of stop. RESULTS At 3-month follow-up, 35.4% (95% CI: 28.7-42.0) of participants reported being abstinent. A backward elimination multiple logistic regression identified a number of significant predictors of success, including strength of motivation to stop (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 3.05, 95% CI: 1.28-7.25). FTND did not predict success. CONCLUSIONS Motivation and nicotine dependence may play different roles in explaining variation in ability to stop smoking in different cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Hum Wee
- Institute of Health Management, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Abstract
Neonates are known to be sensitive to volatile anaesthetic agents which may lead to prolonged recovery. In this study, a remifentanil infusion was used in conjunction with an infusion of epidural ropivacaine and isoflurane anaesthesia for major abdominal surgery in small infants. This led to a short recovery time for infants aged 7 days to 3 months but a prolonged recovery in those under the age of 7 days. Good perioperative analgesia was achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Wee
- Department of Anaesthetics, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
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Abstract
One hundred and five children with malignant disease attended for lumbar puncture which was performed under general anaesthesia. A questionnaire was answered over the next three days to determine the incidence of post dural puncture headache Ninety-seven questionnaires were returned and the results show that no child aged under ten years developed a headache. Of the children aged 10-12 years, two out of seventeen developed a headache (11.8%). In children aged 13-18 years, five out of ten developed a headache (50%).
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Wee
- Department of Anaesthetics, Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham
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Wee LH, White E. Leakage of gas from an anaesthetic machine. Anaesthesia 1994; 49:179-80. [PMID: 8129148 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2044.1994.tb03405.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Wee LH, Ueno K, Takeda H, Soma K, Kitagawa H, Satoh T. Ethyl eicosapentaenoate restored the immunosuppression in mice fed fat-free diet. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol 1988; 62:49-66. [PMID: 2849787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on the humoral immune response in fat free diet-fed (FF) mice were studied. The lowered anti-SRBC PFC activity of ICR male FF mice was restored in a dose-dependent manner when EPA was administered orally at doses of 60-360 mg/kg/day for 20 days. In in vitro experiments, EPA similarly enhanced anti-SRBC PFC activity but did not affect the response against lipopolysaccharide. Furthermore, EPA did not cause any substantial effect on T suppressor cell activity induced by Concanavalin A in vitro. On the other hand, T helper cell activity induced by keyhole limpet hemocyanin was augmented. From these results, it is suggestive that EPA caused immunopotentiation to FF mice at least partially by an enhancement of T helper cell activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Wee
- Department of Drug Evaluation and Toxicological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Japan
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Abstract
Since platelet activation has been incriminated in the pathogenesis of asthma, we have investigated the effect of one of its major granule-derived mediators, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) on airway calibre in normal (12), atopic non-asthmatic (12) and atopic asthmatic subjects (16). On separate days subjects inhaled increasing concentrations of 5-HT and methacholine, and airway response was measured as FEV1, Vmax30 and sGaw. All subjects bronchoconstricted with methacholine, geometric mean provocation concentrations causing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PCf20) for the normal, atopic non-asthmatic and atopic asthmatic subjects being 28.6, 18.3 and 0.71 mM respectively. In contrast, 5-HT up to a maximum concentration of 77 mM had no consistent effect on FEV1, Vmax30 or sGaw in any of the subject groups. Thus, in contrast to a variety of animals, 5-HT is unlikely to serve as a significant bronchoconstrictor mediator in man.
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