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Chong DWQ, Jayaraj VJ, Ab Rahim FI, Syed Soffian SS, Azmi MF, Mohd Yusri MY, Mohamed Sidek AS, Azmi N, Md Said R, Md Salleh MF, Abu Bakar N, Shahar H, Abdul Rashid RM, Samad SA, Ahmad Z, Ismail MS, A. Bakar A, Hj Jobli NM, Sararaks S. Study protocol for a mixed methods approach to optimize colorectal cancer screening in Malaysia: Integrating stakeholders insights and knowledge-to-action framework. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299659. [PMID: 38593177 PMCID: PMC11003698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299659] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Colorectal cancer is a growing global health concern and the number of reported cases has increased over the years. Early detection through screening is critical to improve outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer. In Malaysia, there is an urgent need to optimize the colorectal cancer screening program as uptake is limited by multiple challenges. This study aims to systematically identify and address gaps in screening service delivery to optimize the Malaysian colorectal cancer screening program. METHODS This study uses a mixed methods design. It focuses primarily on qualitative data to understand processes and strategies and to identify specific areas that can be improved through stakeholder engagement in the screening program. Quantitative data play a dual role in supporting the selection of participants for the qualitative study based on program monitoring data and assessing inequalities in screening and program implementation in healthcare facilities in Malaysia. Meanwhile, literature review identifies existing strategies to improve colorectal cancer screening. Additionally, the knowledge-to-action framework is integrated to ensure that the research findings lead to practical improvements to the colorectal cancer screening program. DISCUSSION Through this complex mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, this study will explore the complex interplay of population- and systems-level factors that influence screening rates. It involves identifying barriers to effective colorectal cancer screening in Malaysia, comparing current strategies with international best practices, and providing evidence-based recommendations to improve the local screening program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Woei-Quan Chong
- Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Centre for Health Services Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Vivek Jason Jayaraj
- National Institutes of Health, Sector for Biostatistics and Data Repository, NIH Manager’s Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Fathullah Iqbal Ab Rahim
- Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Centre for Health Equity Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Mohd Yusaini Mohd Yusri
- Bandar Sri Jempol Health Clinic, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Bandar Seri Jempol, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Shanwani Mohamed Sidek
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kota Bahru, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Norfarizan Azmi
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Rosaida Md Said
- Department of Medicine, Hospital Serdang, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Firdaus Md Salleh
- Department of Medicine, Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Norasiah Abu Bakar
- Department of Medicine, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kota Bahru, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Hamiza Shahar
- Department of Medicine, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Shazimah Abdul Samad
- Family Health Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Zanita Ahmad
- Family Health Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Safiee Ismail
- Family Health Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Adilah A. Bakar
- Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | | | - Sondi Sararaks
- Institute for Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Director’s Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
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Jayaraj VJ, Husin M, Suah JL, Tok PSK, Omar A, Rampal S, Sivasampu S. Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines among children 6-11 years against hospitalization during Omicron predominance in Malaysia. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5690. [PMID: 38454077 PMCID: PMC10920657 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55899-5] [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] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
There is currently limited data on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 6-11 years in Malaysia. This study aims to determine vaccine effectiveness (VE) against COVID-19-related hospitalization after receipt of one- and two-doses of BNT162b2 mRNA (Comirnaty-Pfizer/BioNTech) vaccine over a duration of almost 1 year in the predominantly Omicron period of BA.4/BA.5 and X.B.B sub lineages. This study linked administrative databases between May 2022 and March 2023 to evaluate real-world vaccine effectiveness (VE) for the BNT162b2 mRNA (Comirnaty-Pfizer/BioNTech) vaccine against COVID-19-related hospitalization in the Omicron pre-dominant period with BA.4/BA.5 and X.B.B sub lineages. During the Omicron-predominant period, the cumulative hospitalization rate was almost two times higher for unvaccinated children (9.6 per million population) compared to vaccinated children (6 per million population). The estimated VE against COVID-19 hospitalization for one dose of BNT162b2 was 27% (95% CI - 1%, 47%) and 38% (95% CI 27%, 48%) for two doses. The estimated VE against hospitalization remained stable when stratified by time. VE for the first 90 days was estimated to be 45% (95% CI 33, 55%), followed by 47% (95% CI 34, 56%) between 90 and 180 days, and 36% (95% CI 22, 45%) between 180 and 360 days. Recent infection within 6 months does not appear to modify the impact of vaccination on the risk of hospitalization, subject to the caveat of potential underestimation. In our pediatric population, BNT162b2 provided moderate-non-diminishing protection against COVID-19 hospitalization over almost 1 year of Omicron predominance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Jason Jayaraj
- Sector for Biostatistics & Data Repository, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Masliyana Husin
- Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jing Lian Suah
- Data, Analytics and Research, Central Bank of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Peter Seah Keng Tok
- Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Azahadi Omar
- Sector for Biostatistics & Data Repository, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sanjay Rampal
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sheamini Sivasampu
- Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
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Jayaraj VJ, Ng CW, Hoe VCW, Chong DWQ, Rampal S. Rapidly scalable and low-cost public health surveillance reporting system for COVID-19. BMJ Health Care Inform 2024; 31:e100759. [PMID: 38238022 DOI: 10.1136/bmjhci-2023-100759] [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] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Data-driven innovations are essential in strengthening disease control. We developed a low-cost, open-source system for robust epidemiological intelligence in response to the COVID-19 crisis, prioritising scalability, reproducibility and dynamic reporting. METHODS A five-tiered workflow of data acquisition; processing; databasing, sharing, version control; visualisation; and monitoring was used. COVID-19 data were initially collated from press releases and then transitioned to official sources. RESULTS Key COVID-19 indicators were tabulated and visualised, deployed using open-source hosting in October 2022. The system demonstrated high performance, handling extensive data volumes, with a 92.5% user conversion rate, evidencing its value and adaptability. CONCLUSION This cost-effective, scalable solution aids health specialists and authorities in tracking disease burden, particularly in low-resource settings. Such innovations are critical in health crises like COVID-19 and adaptable to diverse health scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Jason Jayaraj
- Sector for Biostatistics & Data Repository, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Chiu-Wan Ng
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - 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
| | - Diane Woei-Quan Chong
- Health Systems Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Sanjay Rampal
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Tan LK, Chua EH, Mohd Ghazali S, Cheah YK, Jayaraj VJ, Kee CC. Does Awareness of Malaysian Healthy Plate Associate with Adequate Fruit and Vegetable Intake among Malaysian Adults with Non-Communicable Diseases? Nutrients 2023; 15:5043. [PMID: 38140302 PMCID: PMC10745645 DOI: 10.3390/nu15245043] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The healthy eating plate concept has been introduced in many countries, including Malaysia, as a visual guide for the public to eat healthily. The relationship between Malaysian Healthy Plate (MHP) and adequate fruit and vegetable (FV) intake among morbid Malaysian adults is unknown. Hence, we investigated the relationship between awareness of the MHP and FV intake among morbid Malaysian adults. National survey data on 9760 morbid Malaysian adults aged 18 years and above were analyzed. The relationship between awareness of MHP and FV intake among Malaysian adults with obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia were determined using multivariable logistic regression controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle risk factors. Our data demonstrated that MHP awareness is associated with adequate FV intake among the Malaysian adults with abdominal obesity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-3.29), diabetes mellitus (aOR: 4.88, 95% CI: 2.13-22.18), hypertension (aOR: 4.39, 95% CI: 1.96-9.83), and hypercholesterolemia (aOR: 4.16, 95% CI: 1.48-11.72). Our findings indicated the necessity for ongoing efforts by policymakers, healthcare professionals, and nutrition educators to promote the concept of MHP and ensure that morbid Malaysian adults consume a sufficient intake of FV or adopt a healthy eating pattern to achieve and maintain optimal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lay Kim Tan
- Sector for Biostatistics & Data Repository, Office of NIH Manager, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia; (V.J.J.); (C.C.K.)
| | - En Hong Chua
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Sumarni Mohd Ghazali
- Biomedical Epidemiology Unit, Special Resource Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Yong Kang Cheah
- School of Economics, Finance and Banking, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok 06010, Kedah, Malaysia;
| | - Vivek Jason Jayaraj
- Sector for Biostatistics & Data Repository, Office of NIH Manager, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia; (V.J.J.); (C.C.K.)
| | - Chee Cheong Kee
- Sector for Biostatistics & Data Repository, Office of NIH Manager, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia; (V.J.J.); (C.C.K.)
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Jayaraj VJ, Hoe VCW. Forecasting HFMD Cases Using Weather Variables and Google Search Queries in Sabah, Malaysia. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:16880. [PMID: 36554768 PMCID: PMC9779090 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
HFMD is a viral-mediated infectious illness of increasing public health importance. This study aimed to develop a forecasting tool utilizing climatic predictors and internet search queries for informing preventive strategies in Sabah, Malaysia. HFMD case data from the Sabah State Health Department, climatic predictors from the Malaysia Meteorological Department, and Google search trends from the Google trends platform between the years 2010-2018 were utilized. Cross-correlations were estimated in building a seasonal auto-regressive moving average (SARIMA) model with external regressors, directed by measuring the model fit. The selected variables were then validated using test data utilizing validation metrics such as the mean average percentage error (MAPE). Google search trends evinced moderate positive correlations to the HFMD cases (r0-6weeks: 0.47-0.56), with temperature revealing weaker positive correlations (r0-3weeks: 0.17-0.22), with the association being most intense at 0-1 weeks. The SARIMA model, with regressors of mean temperature at lag 0 and Google search trends at lag 1, was the best-performing model. It provided the most stable predictions across the four-week period and produced the most accurate predictions two weeks in advance (RMSE = 18.77, MAPE = 0.242). Trajectorial forecasting oscillations of the model are stable up to four weeks in advance, with accuracy being the highest two weeks prior, suggesting its possible usefulness in outbreak preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Jason Jayaraj
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya 62000, Malaysia
| | - Victor Chee Wai Hoe
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
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Abstract
Malaysia has reported 2.75 million cases and 31,485 deaths as of 30 December 2021. Underestimation remains an issue due to the underdiagnosis of mild and asymptomatic cases. We aimed to estimate the burden of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia based on an adjusted case fatality rate (aCFR). Data on reported cases and mortalities were collated from the Ministry of Health official GitHub between 1 March 2020 and 30 December 2021. We estimated the total and age-stratified monthly incidence rates, mortality rates, and aCFR. Estimated new infections were inferred from the age-stratified aCFR. The total estimated infections between 1 March 2020 and 30 December 2021 was 9,955,000-cases (95% CI: 6,626,000-18,985,000). The proportion of COVID-19 infections in ages 0-11, 12-17, 18-50, 51-65, and above 65 years were 19.9% (n = 1,982,000), 2.4% (n = 236,000), 66.1% (n = 6,577,000), 9.1% (n = 901,000), 2.6% (n = 256,000), respectively. Approximately 32.8% of the total population in Malaysia was estimated to have been infected with COVID-19 by the end of December 2021. These estimations highlight a more accurate infection burden in Malaysia. It provides the first national-level prevalence estimates in Malaysia that adjusted for underdiagnosis. Naturally acquired community immunity has increased, but approximately 68.1% of the population remains susceptible. Population estimates of the infection burden are critical to determine the need for booster doses and calibration of public health measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Jason Jayaraj
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Chiu-Wan Ng
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Awang Bulgiba
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Sanjay Rampal
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Wan KS, Tok PSK, Yoga Ratnam KK, Aziz N, Isahak M, Zaki RA, Nik Farid ND, Hairi NN, Wai Hoe VC, Rampal S, Ng CW, Samsudin MF, Venugopal V, Asyraf M, Damanhuri NH, Doraimuthu S, Arumugam CT, Marthammuthu T, Nawawi FA, Baharudin F, Quan Chong DW, Jayaraj VJ, Magarita V, Ponnampalavanar S, Hasnan N, Kamarulzaman A, Said MA. Correction: Implementation of a COVID-19 surveillance programme for healthcare workers in a teaching hospital in an upper-middle-income country. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268492. [PMID: 35544532 PMCID: PMC9094549 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Baha Raja D, Abdul Taib NA, Teo AKJ, Jayaraj VJ, Ting CY. Vaccines alone are no silver bullets: a modeling study on the impact of efficient contact tracing on COVID-19 infection and transmission in Malaysia. Int Health 2022; 15:37-46. [PMID: 35265998 PMCID: PMC8992270 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihac005] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The computer simulation presented in this study aimed to investigate the effect of contact tracing on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission and infection in the context of rising vaccination rates. METHODS This study proposed a deterministic, compartmental model with contact tracing and vaccination components. We defined contact tracing effectiveness as the proportion of contacts of a positive case that was successfully traced and the vaccination rate as the proportion of daily doses administered per population in Malaysia. Sensitivity analyses on the untraced and infectious populations were conducted. RESULTS At a vaccination rate of 1.4%, contact tracing with an effectiveness of 70% could delay the peak of untraced asymptomatic cases by 17 d and reduce it by 70% compared with 30% contact tracing effectiveness. A similar trend was observed for symptomatic cases when a similar experiment setting was used. We also performed sensitivity analyses by using different combinations of contact tracing effectiveness and vaccination rates. In all scenarios, the effect of contact tracing on COVID-19 incidence persisted for both asymptomatic and symptomatic cases. CONCLUSIONS While vaccines are progressively rolled out, efficient contact tracing must be rapidly implemented concurrently to reach, find, test, isolate and support the affected populations to bring COVID-19 under control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhesi Baha Raja
- Ainqa Health, Lot 7.01 B & C, Menara BRDB, 285 Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nur Asheila Abdul Taib
- Ainqa Health, Lot 7.01 B & C, Menara BRDB, 285 Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Alvin Kuo Jing Teo
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore 117549
| | - Vivek Jason Jayaraj
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Level 5, Block I, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Chong DWQ, Jayaraj VJ, Ng CW, Sam IC, Said MA, Ahmad Zaki R, Hairi NN, Nik Farid ND, Hoe VCW, Isahak M, Ponnampalavanar S, Syed Omar SF, Kamaruzzaman SB, Ong HC, Hasmukharay K, Hasnan N, Kamarulzaman A, Chan YF, Chong YM, Rampal S. Propagation of a hospital-associated cluster of COVID-19 in Malaysia. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1238. [PMID: 34886794 PMCID: PMC8655495 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06894-y] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospitals are vulnerable to COVID-19 outbreaks. Intrahospital transmission of the disease is a threat to the healthcare systems as it increases morbidity and mortality among patients. It is imperative to deepen our understanding of transmission events in hospital-associated cases of COVID-19 for timely implementation of infection prevention and control measures in the hospital in avoiding future outbreaks. We examined the use of epidemiological case investigation combined with whole genome sequencing of cases to investigate and manage a hospital-associated cluster of COVID-19 cases. METHODS An epidemiological investigation was conducted in a University Hospital in Malaysia from 23 March to 22 April 2020. Contact tracing, risk assessment, testing, symptom surveillance, and outbreak management were conducted following the diagnosis of a healthcare worker with SARS-CoV-2 by real-time PCR. These findings were complemented by whole genome sequencing analysis of a subset of positive cases. RESULTS The index case was symptomatic but did not fulfill the initial epidemiological criteria for routine screening. Contact tracing suggested epidemiological linkages of 38 cases with COVID-19. Phylogenetic analysis excluded four of these cases. This cluster included 34 cases comprising ten healthcare worker-cases, nine patient-cases, and 15 community-cases. The epidemic curve demonstrated initial intrahospital transmission that propagated into the community. The estimated median incubation period was 4.7 days (95% CI: 3.5-6.4), and the serial interval was 5.3 days (95% CI: 4.3-6.5). CONCLUSION The study demonstrated the contribution of integrating epidemiological investigation and whole genome sequencing in understanding disease transmission in the hospital setting. Contact tracing, risk assessment, testing, and symptom surveillance remain imperative in resource-limited settings to identify and isolate cases, thereby controlling COVID-19 outbreaks. The use of whole genome sequencing complements field investigation findings in clarifying transmission networks. The safety of a hospital population during this COVID-19 pandemic may be secured with a multidisciplinary approach, good infection control measures, effective preparedness and response plan, and individual-level compliance among the hospital population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Woei-Quan Chong
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Ministry of Health Malaysia, 62590 Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Vivek Jason Jayaraj
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Ministry of Health Malaysia, 62590 Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Chiu-Wan Ng
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - I-Ching Sam
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mas Ayu Said
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noran Naqiah Hairi
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nik Daliana Nik Farid
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 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, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Marzuki Isahak
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | | | - Hang-Cheng Ong
- Ministry of Health Malaysia, 62590 Putrajaya, Malaysia
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kejal Hasmukharay
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nazirah Hasnan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yoke Fun Chan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yoong Min Chong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sanjay Rampal
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Jayaraj VJ, Rampal S, Ng CW, Chong DWQ. The Epidemiology of COVID-19 in Malaysia. Lancet Reg Health West Pac 2021; 17:100295. [PMID: 34704083 PMCID: PMC8529946 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has rapidly spread across the globe. Critical to the control of COVID-19 is the characterisation of its epidemiology. Despite this, there has been a paucity of evidence from many parts of the world, including Malaysia. We aim to describe the epidemiology of COVID-19 in Malaysia to inform prevention and control policies better. METHODS Malaysian COVID-19 data was extracted from 16 March 2020 up to 31 May 2021. We estimated the following epidemiological indicators: 7-day incidence rates, 7-day mortality rates, case fatality rates, test positive ratios, testing rates and the time-varying reproduction number (Rt). FINDINGS Between 16 March 2020 and 31 May 2021, Malaysia has reported 571,901 cases and 2,796 deaths. Malaysia's average 7-day incidence rate was 26•6 reported infections per 100,000 population (95% CI: 17•8, 38•1). The average test positive ratio and testing rate were 4•3% (95% CI: 1•6, 10•2) and 0•8 tests per 1,000 population (95% CI: <0•1, 3•7), respectively. The case fatality rates (CFR) was 0•6% (95% CI: <0•1, 3•7). Among the 2,796 cases who died, 87•3% were ≥ 50 years. INTERPRETATION The public health response was successful in the suppression of COVID-19 transmission or the first half of 2020. However, a state election and outbreaks in institutionalised populations have been the catalyst for more significant community propagation. This rising community transmission has continued in 2021, leading to increased incidence and strained healthcare systems. Calibrating NPI based on epidemiological indicators remain critical for us to live with the virus. (243 words). FUNDING This study is part of the COVID-19 Epidemiological Analysis and Strategies (CEASe) Project with funding from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (UM.0000245/HGA.GV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Jason Jayaraj
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive, Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Sanjay Rampal
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive, Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chiu-Wan Ng
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive, Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Diane Woei Quan Chong
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive, Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
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11
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Rampal S, Rampal L, Jayaraj VJ, Pramanick A, Choolani M, Liew BS, Gosavi A, Arj-Ong Vallibhakara S. The epidemiology of COVID-19 in ten Southeast Asian countries. Med J Malaysia 2021; 76:783-791. [PMID: 34806661] [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: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Periodic benchmarking of the epidemiology of COVID-19 in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries is critical for the continuous understanding of the transmission and control of COVID-19 in the region. The incidence, mortality, testing and vaccination rates within the ASEAN region from 1 January 2020 to 15 October 2021 is analysed in this paper. METHODS COVID-19 data on cases, deaths, testing, and vaccinations were extracted from the Our World in Data (OWID) COVID-19 data repository for all the ten ASEAN countries. Comparative time-trends of the epidemiology of COVID-19 using the incidence rate, cumulative case fatality rate (CFR), delay-adjusted case fatality rate, cumulative mortality rate (MR), test positivity rate (TPR), cumulative testing rate (TR) and vaccination rate was carried out. RESULTS Over the study period, a total of 12,720,661 cases and 271,475 deaths was reported within the ASEAN region. Trends of daily per capita cases were observed to peak between July and September 2021 for the ASEAN region. The cumulative case fatality rate (CFR) in Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, was of 0.9% (N=68), 2.2% (N=2,610), 3.5% (N=142,889), 0.1% (N=36), 1.2% (N=27,700), 4.0% (N=18,297), 1.6% (N=40,424), 0.1% (N=215), 1.7% (N=18,123), and 2.6% (N=21,043), respectively. CFR was consistently highest between January-June 2020. The cumulative mortality rate (MR) was 9.5, 13.7, 51.4, 0.2, 80.3, 32.4, 34.5, 1.6, 23.9 and 19.7 per 100,000 population, respectively. The cumulative test positivity rate (TPR) was 8.4%, 16.9%, 4.6%, 7.5%, 11.1%, 12.9%, 0.5%, 11.7%, and 3.6%, with the cumulative testing rate (TR) at 25.0, 90.1, 27.4, 917.7, 75.8, 177.8, 3303.3, 195.2, and 224.9 tests per 1,000 population in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, respectively. The percentage of population that completed vaccinations (VR) was 44.5%, 65.3%, 18.5%, 28.2%, 61.8%, 6.8%, 19.2%, 76.8%, 22.7%, and 10% in Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, respectively. CONCLUSION In 2020, most countries in ASEAN had higher case fatality rates but lower mortalities per population when compared to the third quarter of 2021 where higher mortalities per population were observed. Low testing rates have been one of the factors leading to high test positivity rates. Slow initiation of vaccination programs was found to be the key factor leading to high incidence and case fatality rate in most countries in ASEAN. Effective public health measures were able to interrupt the transmission of this novel virus to some extent. Increasing preparedness capacity within the ASEAN region is critical to ensure that any future similar outbreaks can be dealt with collectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Rampal
- University of Malaya, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - L Rampal
- University Putra Malaysia, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Community Health.
| | - V J Jayaraj
- University of Malaya, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - A Pramanick
- National University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Singapore
| | - M Choolani
- National University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Singapore
| | - B S Liew
- Hospital Sungai Buloh, Department of Neurosurgery, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - A Gosavi
- National University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Singapore
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12
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Jayaraj VJ, Rampal S, Ng CW, Chong DWQ. 1492Ordering the chaos: The global clustering of COVID-19 incidence and mortality. Int J Epidemiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyab168.319] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The propagation of COVID-19 has been dynamic across countries and time. We utilised a temporal clustering approach in exploring trends of incidence and mortality across 202 countries.
Methods
COVID-19 case and death data between 1 January 2020 and 30 April 2021 were extracted from open-source data repositories. A partitional clustering algorithm, using Euclidean distances and partition around medoids, was utilised in exploring 14-day incidence and mortality rates across 202 countries. Inter-cluster comparisons were carried out using the 14-day incidence and mortality rates across clusters.
Results
Country-specific trends of incidence and mortality across the study period were agglomerated into one of six clusters. The overall trend of incidence and mortality during this period peaked between November 2020 and January 2021. However, four of the six clusters have an upward trajectory. Countries in cluster four, mostly situated in Europe, reported the highest overall incidence of 192 cases per 100,000 population (95% CI: 166, 220). Countries in cluster three, a mix of countries from South America, Eastern Europe, and Africa, were observed to have the highest overall mortality rate of 32 deaths per 1,000,000 population (95% CI: 23, 45).
Conclusions
The high global burden of disease and inequity in vaccine access highlights the need for a consolidated global effort in mitigating the pandemic.
Key messages
Increasing trajectories of incidence and mortality in Asia, South America, and Africa suggest that the worst of the pandemic may be ahead of us.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Jason Jayaraj
- University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Ministry of Health, Putrajaya, Malaysia
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Rampal S, Jayaraj VJ, Chong DWQ, Ng CW. 1483A meta-analysis of the serial interval and generation time of COVID-19 transmission. Int J Epidemiol 2021. [PMCID: PMC8499873 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyab168.557] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Variation of the estimated serial interval and generation time introduces heterogeneity in COVID-19 transmission models. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate more precise serial intervals and generation times of COVID-19.
Methods
A literature search was conducted using the WHO Global COVID-19 Literature database from 1 January 2020 to 30 April 2021. A single reviewer performed the data extraction. A random-effects model was used to pool the estimates. Subgroup analysis was performed to check the estimates for heterogeneity by geographical region and the presence of lockdown measures.
Results
A total of 222 articles were retrieved of which 73 articles were included based on the selection criteria. Serial intervals were reported in 65 articles that provided 75 unique estimates from 16,805 transmission pairs. Generation intervals were reported in 9 articles that provided 9 unique estimates from 1,150 transmission pairs. The pooled serial interval was 5.00 days (95% CI: 4.68, 5.33). The pooled generation time was 4.37 days (95% CI: 3.58, 5.16). The serial interval estimates did not vary by either geographical region (P > 0.05) or the presence of lockdown measures (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
This analysis provides more precise pooled serial and generation intervals that may decrease misspecifications of future transmission models.
Key messages
Epidemiological parameters are crucial components in estimating the dynamics of COVID-19 transmission. Periodically updating serial and generation time intervals are important to reduce model misspecification for a new disease such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vivek Jason Jayaraj
- Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Diane Woei Quan Chong
- Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
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Chong DWQ, Jayaraj VJ, Rampal S, Said MA, Farid NDN, Zaki RA, Hairi NN, Hoe VCW, Isahak M, Ponnampalavanar S, Omar SFS, Sam IC, Hasnan N, Ong HC, Kamarulzaman A, Ng CW. Establishment of a hospital-based health care workers surveillance programme to keep them safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Glob Health 2020; 10:0203100. [PMID: 33304566 PMCID: PMC7714316 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.10.0203100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Diane Woei-Quan Chong
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Vivek Jason Jayaraj
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Sanjay Rampal
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mas Ayu Said
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nik Daliana Nik Farid
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noran Naqiah Hairi
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 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
| | - Marzuki Isahak
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | - I-Ching Sam
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nazirah Hasnan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hang-Cheng Ong
- Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya, Malaysia.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chiu-Wan Ng
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Gill BS, Jayaraj VJ, Singh S, Mohd Ghazali S, Cheong YL, Md Iderus NH, Sundram BM, Aris TB, Mohd Ibrahim H, Hong BH, Labadin J. Modelling the Effectiveness of Epidemic Control Measures in Preventing the Transmission of COVID-19 in Malaysia. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E5509. [PMID: 32751669 PMCID: PMC7432794 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Malaysia is currently facing an outbreak of COVID-19. We aim to present the first study in Malaysia to report the reproduction numbers and develop a mathematical model forecasting COVID-19 transmission by including isolation, quarantine, and movement control measures. We utilized a susceptible, exposed, infectious, and recovered (SEIR) model by incorporating isolation, quarantine, and movement control order (MCO) taken in Malaysia. The simulations were fitted into the Malaysian COVID-19 active case numbers, allowing approximation of parameters consisting of probability of transmission per contact (β), average number of contacts per day per case (ζ), and proportion of close-contact traced per day (q). The effective reproduction number (Rt) was also determined through this model. Our model calibration estimated that (β), (ζ), and (q) were 0.052, 25 persons, and 0.23, respectively. The (Rt) was estimated to be 1.68. MCO measures reduce the peak number of active COVID-19 cases by 99.1% and reduce (ζ) from 25 (pre-MCO) to 7 (during MCO). The flattening of the epidemic curve was also observed with the implementation of these control measures. We conclude that isolation, quarantine, and MCO measures are essential to break the transmission of COVID-19 in Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balvinder Singh Gill
- Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur 50588, Malaysia; (B.S.G.); (S.S.); (S.M.G.); (Y.L.C.); (N.H.M.I.); (B.M.S.); (T.B.A.)
| | - Vivek Jason Jayaraj
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
- Ministry of Health, Malaysia, Putrajaya 62590, Malaysia;
| | - Sarbhan Singh
- Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur 50588, Malaysia; (B.S.G.); (S.S.); (S.M.G.); (Y.L.C.); (N.H.M.I.); (B.M.S.); (T.B.A.)
| | - Sumarni Mohd Ghazali
- Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur 50588, Malaysia; (B.S.G.); (S.S.); (S.M.G.); (Y.L.C.); (N.H.M.I.); (B.M.S.); (T.B.A.)
| | - Yoon Ling Cheong
- Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur 50588, Malaysia; (B.S.G.); (S.S.); (S.M.G.); (Y.L.C.); (N.H.M.I.); (B.M.S.); (T.B.A.)
| | - Nuur Hafizah Md Iderus
- Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur 50588, Malaysia; (B.S.G.); (S.S.); (S.M.G.); (Y.L.C.); (N.H.M.I.); (B.M.S.); (T.B.A.)
| | - Bala Murali Sundram
- Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur 50588, Malaysia; (B.S.G.); (S.S.); (S.M.G.); (Y.L.C.); (N.H.M.I.); (B.M.S.); (T.B.A.)
| | - Tahir Bin Aris
- Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur 50588, Malaysia; (B.S.G.); (S.S.); (S.M.G.); (Y.L.C.); (N.H.M.I.); (B.M.S.); (T.B.A.)
| | | | - Boon Hao Hong
- Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan 94300, Malaysia;
| | - Jane Labadin
- Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan 94300, Malaysia;
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Jayaraj VJ, Avoi R, Gopalakrishnan N, Raja DB, Umasa Y. Developing a dengue prediction model based on climate in Tawau, Malaysia. Acta Trop 2019; 197:105055. [PMID: 31185224 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Dengue is fast becoming the most urgent health issue in Malaysia, recording close to a 10-fold increase in cases over the last decade. With much uncertainty hovering over the recently introduced tetravalent vaccine and no effective antiviral drugs, vector control remains the most important strategy in combating dengue. This study analyses the relationship between weather predictors including its lagged terms, and dengue incidence in the District of Tawau over a period of 12 years, from 2006 to 2017. A forecasting model purposed to predict future outbreaks in Tawau was then developed using this data. Monthly dengue incidence data, mean temperature, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, mean relative humidity and mean rainfall over a period of 12 years from 2006 to 2017 in Tawau were retrieved from Tawau District Health Office and the Malaysian Meteorological Department. Cross-correlation analysis between weather predictors, lagged terms of weather predictors and dengue incidences established statistically significant cross-correlation between lagged periods of weather predictors-namely maximum temperature, mean relative humidity and mean rainfall with dengue incidence at time lags of 4-6 months. These variables were then employed into 3 different methods: a multivariate Poisson regression model, a Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model and a SARIMA with external regressors for selection. Three models were selected but the SARIMA with external regressors model utilising maximum temperature at a lag of 6 months (p-value:0.001), minimum temperature at a lag of 4 months (p-value:0.01), mean relative humidity at a lag of 2 months (p-value:0.001), and mean rainfall at a lag of 6 months (p-value:0.001) produced an AIC of 841.94, and a log-likelihood score of -413.97 establishing it as the best fitting model of the methodologies utilised. In validating the models, they were utilised to develop forecasts with the model selected with the highest accuracy of predictions being the SARIMA model predicting 1 month in advance (MAE: 7.032, MSE: 83.977). This study establishes the effect of weather on the intensity and magnitude of dengue incidence as has been previously studied. A prediction model remains a novel method of evidence-based forecasting in Tawau, Sabah. The model developed in this study, demonstrated an ability to forecast potential dengue outbreaks 1 to 4 months in advance. These findings are not dissimilar to what has been previously studied in many different countries- with temperature and humidity consistently being established as powerful predictors of dengue incidence magnitude. When used in prognostication, it can enhance- decision making and allow judicious use of resources in public health setting. Nevertheless, the model remains a work in progress- requiring larger and more diverse data.
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