International Journal of Public Health Research

Population Growth Demand and Challenges of Health Equality Among Immigrants Towards Healthcare Services in Malaysia

2023-11-21T02:30:50+00:00

Introduction: Malaysia’s economic development leads to increased demand for immigrant workers. This article addresses the challenges of immigrant health equity.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze the existing literature and identify key findings.

Results: Immigrants face health inequalities due to complex immigration policies, and cultural and social differences that result in poor health outcomes among immigrants.

Discussion: Comprehensive strategies need to be addressed relating to immigration policy and social and cultural differences in order to ensure access for all immigrants

Conclusion: Efforts should be made to provide equitable healthcare access to ensure that all immigrants receive optimum health equality in Malaysia.

Demographic Characteristics Associated with Missed Follow-Up Appointments among Tuberculosis Patients at Hospital Shah Alam, Selangor: A Retrospective Study from January to June 2023

2023-11-28T03:01:32+00:00

Introduction:

Tuberculosis (TB) patients default their treatment during the treatment course. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the demographic characteristics of the patient who missed follow-ups and identify the reasons for missed appointments or defaulted their treatment.

Methods:

The records of patients diagnosed with TB follow-up at the chest clinic from January to June 2023 were reviewed based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results:

The retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted based on the data collected. Based on the study sample (n=33), the result shows that the majority of the defaulted patients were male in gender (n=22). Most of the missed appointments patients and defaulters are of Malay (39.4%) ethnicity and Malaysian nationality (66.7%). Most patients gave the transport issues as the reason for missed appointments followed by financial issues and feeling healthy. The majority of them missed follow-up in the first month after starting anti-TB.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, missed appointments, treatment compliance and defaulted cases in TB treatment remain as one of the main challenges in the effort to end TB epidemics. Further in-depth research is required to propose effective measures to solve this issue and improve the national TB control program.

The Effect of Healthy House Indicators on the Incidence of Acute Respiratory Infection in Tangerang Regency, Banten Province

2023-08-17T06:58:57+00:00

Introduction:

A healthy home is a physical building that meets health criteria. The surrounding environment benefits physical and mental health and provides an appropriate social environment for family and individual health. Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is one of the effects of diseases caused by houses that do not meet healthy housing standards. ARI incidence was ranked 5th in Banten Province, with a prevalence of 17.7%. This study aims to determine whether healthy home indicators affect the incidence of ARI in assisted families in Tangerang Regency, Banten Province.

Material and Methods:

This analytic study with a cross-sectional approach was conducted on 115 Kresek Village and Kemiri Village residents, who were taken using a purposive sampling technique. Methods of data analysis using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis using software IBM-SPSS version 29.0 and Microsoft Excel.

Results:

ARI was found in 50.4% of people in the past three months. There was a significant effect (P<0.05) between the incidence of ARI and indicators of a healthy home, specifically the area of ventilation in the house (P=0.002, OR:3.5, 95% CI 2.1 - 28.4) and opening the windows in the family room (P=0.030, OR:3.5, 95% CI 1.3 - 10.78).

Conclusion:

The indicator that most dominantly influenced the incidence of ARI in this study was the ventilation indicator. Thus, a strategy is needed to increase the use of ventilation by the people of Tangerang Regency.

Keywords: Healthy Homes; Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI); Ventilation; Indicators

Pembinaan dan Validasi Soal Selidik Faktor Sosiobudaya berkaitan COVID-19 dalam kalangan Orang Asli di Malaysia

2024-01-10T02:22:33+00:00

Pengenalan

Soal selidik sebagai alat untuk mengukur faktor sosiobudaya berkaitan COVID-19 masih belum digunakan secara meluas oleh kebanyakan penyelidik. Di Malaysia, tiada soal selidik yang dibina dan disahkan untuk tujuan tersebut. Oleh itu, tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk membina dan mengesahkan soal selidik sebagai alat ujian yang baru bagi mengukur faktor sosiobudaya berkaitan COVID-19 dalam kalangan Orang Asli di Malaysia.

Metodologi

Kajian rintis ini melibatkan 30 orang penduduk Orang Asli di Pos Lenjang, Kuala Lipis, Pahang. Indeks Kesahan Kandungan (CVI) digunakan untuk menguji kesahan kandungan soal selidik, manakala kesahan konstruk dan kebolehpercayaan konsistensi dalaman soal selidik ditentukan menggunakan Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) dan Cronbach’s Alpha.

Hasil Kajian

Satu set soal selidik terdiri daripada empat konstruk telah dibina iaitu kepercayaan, amalan perubatan tradisional, adat dan budaya tradisional, dan sokongan sosial. Sebanyak 16 item telah dikekalkan di dalam EFA dengan nilai Cronbach’s Alpha setiap konstruk adalah 0.617, 0.778, 0.773 dan 0.779.

Rumusan

Soal selidik yang telah dibina ini berjaya divalidasi dan boleh digunakan untuk mengukur faktor sosiobudaya berkaitan COVID-19 dalam kalangan Orang Asli. Walau bagaimanapun, penambahbaikan masih perlu dilakukan dari masa ke semasa untuk memastikan soal selidik ini relevan terutamanya jika ia digunakan ke atas populasi atau dari negara yang berbeza dari Malaysia, dengan mengambil kira juga penyakit yang berbeza.

Kata Kunci

Sosiobudaya - COVID-19 - Orang Asli - kepercayaan - perubatan tradisional – adat budaya tradisional – sokongan sosial.

Students Views and Perceptions on Outdoor Air Pollution in Iskandar Puteri, Malaysia

2024-01-17T02:31:57+00:00

Introduction:

Air pollution and air quality are growing concerns among urban citizens of Southeast Asia, especially the University students who devote most of their days to the vicinity of campus. However, there is limited data available on the extent of the problem, as well as an understanding of the knowledge of and perceptions of people who may be exposed to poor air quality.

Methods:

This focused study evaluated University students’ opinions, perceptions, and behavioral responses to local air quality in the Iskandar Puteri, Johor region of Malaysia using an online questionnaire, and measurements of NO₂, SO₂, formaldehyde, and particulate matter levels in the area using diffusion tubes. All air quality parameters were within the standards recommended by the local environmental authority, however, NO₂ levels exceeded the recommended World Health Organization (WHO) standards at all sites.

Results:

Questionnaire findings indicate that students most commonly suffered from respiratory diseases, and were very concerned about air pollution and its impacts. Respondents perceived the situation to be worse in the afternoons and weekends, corroborated by the PM2.5 readings in the area. Preferred preventive measures included wearing masks and limiting active time outdoors.

Conclusions:

The evidence from this study highlighted the need to improve air quality in Iskandar Puteri as the NO₂ level exceeded international standards for human health at all study sites. This could be supported by educational programs for industry, limitations on traffic emissions, and general awareness of air quality issues present locally.

Filipino Students' Adversity Quotient and School Connectedness

2023-06-27T04:29:38+00:00

Introduction:

The present study determined the adversity quotient (AQ) and the school connectedness (SC) of education students in one of the state universities in Region VII, Philippines and establish if there is an influence between AQ and SC.

Methods:

Randomized sampling through fishbowl technique was employed in this study which were participated by one hundred (100) third year Education students from Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) and Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED). There were two (2) major research tools used: AQ using student norm and self-made school connections checklist.

Results:

The result revealed a significant relationship between overall AQ and SC of the respondents by computing Pearson Product Moment Correlation (Pearson r). However, the reach dimension of AQ showed no significant relationship between factors of SC. Lastly, AQ does not affect the respondents’ connectedness in school in factors like commitment to education and school environment.

Conclusions:

Hence, this study concluded that AQ is a predictor of SC.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Diploma Students' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preventive Behavior about COVID-19 in Northeastern Thailand

2023-11-27T06:44:09+00:00

Introduction:

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 among diploma students. A total of 120 students were recruited from students of the diploma program at the Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani, Northeastern Thailand. An online survey was obtained in June 2021. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the independent t-test to understand the relationship between variables.

Results:

The results found that most participants were female (87.5%), and the mean age was 22 years. The participants (59.17%) studied the Diploma of Sciences program in Emergency Medical Operation. The majority of them (49.71%) were in the first year. 93.33% of them were not underlying diseases (49.71%). The majority of respondents (57.5%) had a strong knowledge of COVID-19 (mean=17, S.D.=1.83). The majority of individuals (66.7%) had a positive attitude (mean=3.24, SD=1.35), and 80 % had good COVID-19 preventive behavior (mean=3.54, S.D.=1.35). When comparison of variables between knowledge, attitude, and practice for the prevention of COVID-19. The relationship between COVID-19 preventative behavior and variables such as gender, study program, and attitude toward the virus was statistically significant at p<.05.

Conclusion

Even though our results indicate that the students had a positive attitude and practice regarding COVID-19. The knowledge, attitude, and practice about COVID-19 in participants' education remain to be continually improved.

Predictive Models for Forecasting Coronavirus Disease 2019 Cases: Relevance to Public Health Services

2023-11-30T07:59:09+00:00

Introduction:

The global impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has continually jeopardized vulnerable populations encompassing children, youth, elders, and individuals with immunodeficiency and comorbidities.

Methods:

In recognizing the crucial role of predictive analytics in shaping public health decisions, this study utilizes a predictive design, drawing on official data from the Department of Health (DOH) in the Davao Region, Philippines, spanning 57 days from March 15 to May 10, 2020. By comparing the Susceptible, Infected, Recovered (SIR) model and the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model, the research aims to provide a scientific foundation for informed decision-making by public health authorities.

Result:

Analysis revealed that the SIR model emerged as the most effective in identifying trends and forecasting future cases. Despite both models indicating a substantial reduction in infection rates, caution is advised against discontinuing control and preventive measures due to the latent potential for another surge. The findings underscore the necessity for scientifically forecasted data to guide decision-makers in enhancing the responsiveness of public health services during similar and potentially worsening conditions.

Conclusions:

Hence, this study contributes to the ongoing pandemic preparedness and responsiveness discourse. Its emphasis on predictive analytics, particularly the SIR model, offers valuable insights for authorities tasked with safeguarding public health. The significance lies in addressing the current situation in the Davao region and providing a template for future scenarios. As the world grapples with the unpredictable nature of infectious diseases, informed decision-making based on scientific forecasts becomes imperative for effective public health management.

The Impact of 2013 Haze on Emergency Department Utilizations for Acute Respiratory Diseases: A Retrospective Study

2022-11-01T06:35:30+00:00

Introduction:

Haze imposes a substantial health burden especially in Southeast Asia where occurrences are frequent. Reduction in air quality levels has resulted in an increase in healthcare utilization, especially to the front door of healthcare, the emergency department (ED). Data on ED utilization during haze period is lacking.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study aimed to determine the association between haze and ED utilization of haze-related acute respiratory illnesses between April 2013 to September 2013. The study period was divided into haze/ non-haze period. Clinical data was collected from the registration book and patients’ case notes. Environmental data was obtained from Institute of Environment and Development Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Results:

Total number of patients presented to ED during the study was 32,661. Fifteen percent (n= 5177) presented with acute respiratory symptoms. Total Emergency Department visits during haze period reduced due to emergency declaration, hence reducing non-emergency visits. However, there was a significant increase in hospital admission (p=0.0015) and infective respiratory illnesses (p=0.001) during haze which correlates with increase air pollutant. Patients with chronic respiratory illnesses were more affected by haze (p = 0.001). PM₁₀ and ozone were the main pollutant during the haze period.

Conclusion:

Increasing pollutant levels from the haze significantly increases ED hospital admission. Evidence from this study can influence policymakers to prepare and allocate resources to hospitals in response to haze-related illnesses.

Environmental Risk Factors of Parkinson’s Disease: A Scoping Review

2023-08-15T02:25:18+00:00

Introduction:

Risk factors for Parkinson’s disease (PD) fall into three broad categories, namely environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Identifying environmental factors that increase the risk of PD would allow these exposure to be reduced and the disease prevented while facilitating experimental investigation of mechanisms and intervention options. Thus, the aim of this review is to summarise the current evidence on the role of environmental factors in the development of PD.

Methods:

All original articles published between 2018 and 2022 and written in English were searched from three databases, i.e., PubMed, Scopus Web of Science (WoS), using combination of primary keyword (PD and its MeSH and synonyms), and two secondary keywords; (“environment*”) and risk (factor*).

Result:

After a thorough screening process, nineteen articles were included in this scoping review. The environmental risk factors examined in the included studies fell into five categories: a) pesticide exposure, b) heavy metals and organic solvent exposure, c) drug abuse and d) air pollution and e) source of water.

Conclusions:

In summary, PD is a complex neurological disorder for which there are several environmental risk factors involved. Identifying and reducing exposure to these environmental factors could have a significant impact on the future occurrence of the disease.

The Roles of Socio-Environmental Factors Influencing the Transmission, Prevention, and Control of COVID-19 and Tuberculosis Disease: A Review

2023-06-27T04:06:57+00:00

Introduction:

Over the past two years, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and tuberculosis (TB) have killed over 5.7 million people globally. TB and COVID-19 continue to be significant public health problems worldwide. A growing body of research supports a link between socio-environmental factors and the transmission of COVID-19 and TB disease.

Methods:

This review article discussed the socio-environmental factors influencing the transmission, prevention, and control of COVID-19 and Tuberculosis disease.

Result:

In this review, we highlight similarities and differences between these two infectious diseases and explore the roles of socio-environmental factors (air pollution exposure and climate change) and socioeconomic factors in disease transmission. A comprehensive, integrated TB-COVID-19 management for prevention and disease control, which includes administrative, engineering, environmental control, effective personal protective equipment, and community-based public health activities were discussed.

Conclusion:

Understanding the similarities and differences between these two infectious diseases and the role of socio-environmental factors in disease transmission helps in planning and strengthening an integrated system for disease prevention and control strategies.