International Journal of Public Health Research

Women in Menopause and the Workplace Experience: A Meta-Synthesis

2024-10-14T03:00:42+00:00

Introduction

Menopause is an inevitable phase in every woman’s life, significantly impacting their physical, psychological, and social well-being, with wide-ranging effects on their quality of life, including their ability to work. This systematic review employed a meta-synthesis to explore the workplace experiences of menopausal women.

Methodology

This study employed meta-synthesis to integrate findings from several qualitative and mixed-methods studies. Using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist and structured according to the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram, the review synthesized data from 12 final articles.

Results

Four key themes emerged from the thematic analysis: Impact and Symptom Experience, Disclosure and Attitude, Coping Tactics and Self-Management, and Workplace Policies and Practices. A meta-theme, Menopause as a Diversity-Wellbeing Concern in the Workplace, highlighted the need to recognize menopause as a critical diversity issue affecting women across all stages of their careers, from entry-level roles to senior positions.

Conclusion

This review underscores the importance of tailored support and creating inclusive workplace environments that value and respect menopausal women, allowing them to thrive professionally while navigating this life stage.

Systematic Review of the Economic Burden of Dengue Infection to the Healthcare in South East Asia (SEA)

2024-10-07T02:24:22+00:00

Introduction:

Dengue remains a public health threat that consumes a significant number of resources for its prevention and control. This systematic review aimed to solidify recent costing evidence in dengue management among South East Asian (SEA) countries.

Methods:

All studies conducted between 2010 and 2020 were retrieved using four international databases i.e. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Emerald Insight. The review was reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Quality assessments were done independently by two reviewers using a checklist adapted for the cost of illness studies.

Results:

We identified 13 original articles representing several SEA countries. Among the common reported costing measure include total cost/ health expenditure; direct medical cost; direct non-medical cost; and indirect cost. The estimated total cost for dengue management varied between countries largely due to the difference in the total incidence of dengue cases. The estimated cost spent on dengue per capita GDP ranges from less than 0.001% to 0.1%, depending on the recorded number of dengue cases of the year. The majority of the articles focused on the economic burden from the perspective of treatment such as hospitalization and ambulatory care.

Conclusions:

In a nutshell, the economic burden of managing dengue infection is costly and the evidence suggests a steady increase in health expenditure with the growing number of dengue cases.

Cabaran Dalam Pencegahan dan Kawalan Plasmodium Knowlesi Malaria Di Rantau Asia Tenggara – Ulasan Naratif

2025-01-27T03:23:12+00:00

Introduction:

Despite the success of the human malaria elimination campaign, there is an alarming rise in Plasmodium knowlesi (P. knowlesi) malaria infections among humans in the Southeast Asian region. A thorough grasp of the challenges in preventing and controlling this zoonotic malaria must be addressed, particularly when determining the most effective strategy to halt the disease's transmission.

Methodology:

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using specific keywords in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. Relevant articles were assessed for thematic trends. Overall, 32 articles were selected for this narrative.

Results:

Human heterogeneity, such as local socioeconomic and sociocultural variability, low perception and optimal adherence to prevention and control measures, must be tackled with. Issues of national funding, program implementation, and bureaucratic red tape must be overcome to effectively manage the role that the government and multisectoral collaboration play in managing malaria. Successfulness of a program will be hampered if there is no support from community leaders and interplay with social dynamics. The Anopheles mosquito's adaptability is primarily responsible for the challenges encountered in vector control. The effects of ecological shifts and climate change, coupled with anthropogenic activities, create zoonotic spillovers and adaptive variation that alter the landscape of sylvian and human transmission.

Conclusions:

Challenges from various factors reduce the effectiveness in preventing and controlling transmission of this disease. New approaches must be developed to reach affected areas with long-term, comprehensive and effective interventions.

Environmental Determinants in Sustaining the Transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis: A Systematic Review

2023-06-27T04:41:38+00:00

Introduction:

Since mass drug administration continues in many of the endemic countries, it is vital to synthesise evidence to adapt the challenges contributed by the environments. As such, the aim of this review was to explore relationship between lymphatic filariasis prevalence and potential environmental determinants .

Methodology:

We searched the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus between Jan 1, 2013, and Dec 31, 2022, for studies fulfilling the following criteria: it was an original article investigating the environmental determinants associated with transmission of lymphatic filariasis; and the study was published in English. The quality assessment tools for observational studies from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute was used to assess the study quality. This systematic review was registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42023393018).

Results:

We identified 409 potentially eligible published articles, of which 11 met our inclusion criteria. The main environmental determinants associated with lymphatic filariasis transmission were Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), land cover, distance to waterbody, rainfall/precipitation, elevation, slope, day land surface temperature, average annual temperature, house type and distance to stable light.

Conclusion:

This review is one of the steps towards understanding the associations between environmental determinants and transmission of lymphatic filariasis. These results can be used in future evidence-based strategies to strengthen surveillance and control strategies.

Kimia Obesogen dan Obesiti Kanak-kanak sebagai Ancaman Kesihatan Awam: Satu Ulasan Naratif

2024-12-12T07:02:17+00:00

Introduction:

Childhood obesity is a growing global health issue with a high prevalence, particularly in Malaysia. Environmental factors, such as exposure to obesogenic chemicals, are thought to contribute to the increased risk of obesity. This narrative review aims to investigate the relationship between obesogenic chemicals and childhood obesity to support the development of more effective prevention strategies.

Method:

A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus to explore the relationship between obesogenic chemicals and childhood obesity. Relevant keywords were used to identify articles aligned with the study's scope, and additional articles were sourced through the snowballing technique from selected articles in the initial search.

Result:

Obesogens are exogenous chemicals that disrupt metabolic functions, promote fat accumulation, and increase the risk of childhood obesity. These effects occur through impaired adipogenesis, reduced basal metabolic rate, and altered appetite regulation. Studies revealed significant associations between prenatal exposure to chemicals like phthalates and PFAS and increased body mass index (BMI) and obesity risk in children. Experimental studies further confirmed that obesogens, such as BPA and phthalates, promote adipogenesis and metabolic disruption in animal models and human adipose tissue cells, providing strong evidence of their role in childhood obesity.

Conclusion:

Exposure to chemical obesogens significantly impacts childhood obesity. Immediate action through chemical regulation and public education is essential. Further research and global policy changes are needed to secure a healthier future for the next generation.

Mapping of Bibliometric Studies in Healthcare: Evidence from South Asian Countries

2024-11-28T01:32:34+00:00

Introduction:

The current bibliometric study is designed to analyse the bibliometric studies in healthcare specific to South Asian countries.

Methodology:

Bibliometric and thematic analysis was performed on 85 screened documents and author keywords respectively from Scopus. The current study covered the timespan from 2013 to 2023.

Results:

Results are classified into three broad themes i.e., bibliometric, healthcare, and technological mapping. These three themes are grouped with the relevant sub-themes. Findings reveal the publication output trend, prominent authors, subject areas, journals, and affiliated institutions. Important and conspicuous words (author keywords) are visualized in bibliometric maps showing the noticeable themes for future research directions such as machine learning, blockchain, deep learning, and scientometrics in the area of healthcare.

Conclusions:

This study guides the researchers who are involved in conducting bibliometric studies specifically in healthcare. It serves as a compilation of published bibliometric studies through which different uncovered and underexplored aspects of healthcare research have emerged.

A Systematic Review of Health-Related Quality of Life Assessment Instruments for Cancer Patients: A Malaysian Perspective

2024-11-26T04:00:16+00:00

Introduction:

The absence of a review of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment tools has led to inconsistencies in the use of HRQoL instruments across different cancer populations, such as adults, pediatric patients, and caregivers, limiting the comparability of findings and hindering the accurate evaluation of cancer care outcomes. With that, this study aimed to investigate how Malaysian cancer patients’ and other sub-population’s HRQoL is measured and quantified through HRQoL assessment instrument.

Methodology:

From 2013 to 2023, a literature search was conducted on Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The included studies and previously published review papers were also cited backward. For each HRQoL assessment instrument, attributes such as author(s), year of publication, study site, study design, target population, cancer types, study purpose, sample size, and instrument languages were extracted and compared.

Result:

In this systematic review encompassing 88 studies, a variety of HRQoL assessment tools were employed, including both generic and cancer-type specific instruments. Distinct HRQoL assessment tools were identified for different populations, including pediatric, adolescent, and caregiver groups. The findings underscore the wide variety of instruments used across different cancer populations and age groups, highlighting the need for tailored assessments that consider specific demographic and clinical contexts. While generic HRQoL tools were the most commonly used across studies, disease-specific instruments for various cancer types were also frequently employed as supplementary measures.

Conclusion:

Moving forward, it is essential for stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the gaps in HRQoL research and to work towards the standardization of HRQoL assessment tools to ensure consistency and comparability in future studies.

Environmental Factors Contributing to Stunting among Under Six Years Old Children: A Scoping Review

2023-08-10T03:49:38+00:00

Stunting among preschool children is a serious public health issue worldwide. It is one of the major risk factors for poor physical and mental development of these children. Children’s health and wellbeing are impacted by exposure to unhealthy environment and a lack of stimulating activities especially in low- and middle-income countries ultimately contribute to the increase in the number of stunted children. This scoping review aims to identify environmental factors that contribute to stunting among preschool children. We used PRISMA-ScR to search Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. We included all English language research on environmental factors associated to stunting among preschool children. Data synthesised were charted and summarized. A total of 65 articles were reviewed and finally 25 eligible studies were included in this review. The included studies showed that unimproved access to safe water source, lack of improved sanitation and poor hygiene practice are associated with higher risk of stunting among preschool children. Apart from that, improper solid waste management, area and type of housing, poor quality cooking fuels and air quality, presence of intestinal parasitic infection and increased blood lead levels, were also noted as potential environmental factors affecting stunting. Stunting is linked to various environmental factors in varying degrees. Health promotion activities related to environmental factors need to be improved and expanded in addition to nutritional intervention to prevent stunting. Sound preventive measures through available policies, strategies, interventions, technologies and knowledge may reduce the case of stunting among children and improve the health outcome.

Menawan Gunung Kinabalu: Penyakit Altitud Tinggi dan Langkah-Langkah Pencegahan

2025-01-27T07:33:56+00:00

ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia at 4095 meters, is a popular destination for climbers but poses a risk of altitude-related illnesses to climbers. This article aims to discuss high-altitude illnesses and preventive measures that climbers can take before, during, and after the climb in terms of physiological mechanism changes.

Methodology:
A comprehensive literature review focused on the symptoms and prevention of high-altitude illness among hikers. Information was gathered from peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, and field studies related to Mount Kinabalu and high-altitude hiking.

Results:
High-altitude illnesses such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and other related conditions are examined in-depth. Additionally, risk factors for the illness are identified. Preventive strategies are discussed before, during, and after the hiking. Effective preventive measures include adequate physical conditioning, comprehensive pre-hiking health evaluation, a gradual ascent to higher altitudes, sufficient hydration, and the prophylactic administration of medications such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone.

Conclusion:

Every hiker aiming to conquer high-altitude mountains like Mount Kinabalu is at risk of altitude sickness. It can be a highly rewarding experience. However, it is crucial for hikers to take appropriate and adequate preventive measures, not only to reduce the risk of high altitude illness, but also to increase the likelihood of a successful and safe summit to Mount Kinabalu.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Personal Protective Equipment Use in Healthcare: Findings from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Era

2024-08-30T08:18:46+00:00

Introduction:

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), prompting a need to assess its usage among healthcare workers following established guidelines and ensure its rational use. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of PPE use among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Ministry of Health (MOH) facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine the predictors associated with good KAP.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2021. The study utilized an online, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire which was pretested and content-validated. The final questionnaire consisted of 28 items and was distributed among HCWs working directly with patients/specimens/close contacts in the MOH facilities. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences 26.0.

Results:

A total of 3132 respondents were included in the analysis after the exclusion criteria. 87.7% of HCWs possessed a good knowledge of PPE, 71.1% had a positive attitude, and 10.2% showed good practice. Formal training and having a good attitude and knowledge were significant predictors for good knowledge and positive attitude, respectively, while age, gender, state region and HCWs’ designation were the significant predictors of good practice.

Conclusion:

Most HCWs possessed good knowledge and positive attitude on PPE use but low magnitude on practice in terms of following guidelines, suggesting a gap between the level of knowledge and attitude and the actual practice. This necessitates additional education and training approaches to promote compliance with guidelines and ensure the rational use of PPE.

A Study of Indoor Environmental Factors in University Offices on Malaysia's East Coast to Enhance Well-being

2024-11-26T03:10:04+00:00

Introduction:

This study investigates indoor environmental factors in several offices from one of the university at Malaysia's East Coast, focusing on enhancing occupational health and well-being among university staff by examining lighting quality and thermal comfort.

Methodology:

Monitoring sampling were done based on hazard reports logged and data from three main offices or location were collected in this study.

Results:

Utilizing Extech HD450 Heavy Duty Data Logging Light Meter to measure illuminance, the study found that most sampled points fell below the Occupational Safety and Health Guidelines' recommended range of 300-500 lux, indicating insufficient lighting that can cause visual discomfort and reduce productivity. Thermal comfort assessments, conducted with EVM-7 Indoor Air Quality 3M QUEST and AirPro Solution Models AP500, revealed acceptable temperature and humidity levels but often inadequate air velocity, particularly in the Science Officer's Office, leading to poor air circulation and potential health issues.

Conclusion:

The study highlights the necessity of improving lighting solutions by installing additional fixtures or upgrading existing ones for sufficient and evenly distributed illumination and enhancing ventilation systems to ensure adequate air movement. Addressing these deficiencies is crucial for creating a conducive working environment, promoting employee satisfaction and productivity. This research focuses solely on monitoring and analyzing the collected data. No qualitative evaluation has been conducted as part of this study. This research advocates for a holistic approach to Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), involving regular assessment and targeted interventions to enhance the overall quality of university office environments, ultimately fostering a healthier and more productive workplace.

The Effectiveness of the Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets in Controlling Malaria Vector: A Meta-Analysis of Experimental Hut Studies

2025-02-18T03:25:49+00:00

Background:

Malaria is a life-threatening, preventable, and curable vector borne disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles. The WHO Global Report 2010-2016 reported insecticide resistance in malaria. The main objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of new generation Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) compared to standard LLIN and untreated nets in terms of the mortality rate of adult female Anopheles gambiae.

Methods:

A comprehensive review of the literature was published in three databases (PubMed, Ovid, EBSCO Host) since 2010. Publications were searched with keywords including malaria, long-lasting treated bed net, long lasting insecticide-treated bed net, LLIN, and experimental hut. The search has identified 60 articles. Based on the PRISMA flowchart, 10 articles are qualified for data collection and analysis. The gathered data was analysed using Review Manager.

Results:

Following meta-analysis between subgroups, a risk difference of 0.31 between standard LLINs versus untreated net (p<0.001, I²=100% 95% CI:0.01,0.60). A comparison of upgraded LLINs with the untreated net has shown a significant difference with a pooled risk difference of 0.54 favours upgraded LLINs (p<0.001, I²=100% 95% CI: 0.54,0.84). Comparison between upgraded LLINs versus standard gave an overall risk difference of 0.24 (p < 0.001, I² = 100%, 95% CI: 0.10–0.39).

Conclusion:

Upgraded LLINs significantly increase Anopheles mortality compared to standard LLINs and untreated nets, suggesting their potential for improved malaria control. Thus, using upgraded nets in the field and translating them into malaria preventive programs would help achieve the target and improve health outcomes for those living in endemic areas.

Knowledge and Practice in Preventing Fall Among Obstetrics Patients in State Hospital in Terengganu

2024-06-25T03:15:25+00:00

Introduction:

Falls during pregnancy are a typical reason for minor injuries, and they can occasionally be dangerous for both the mother and the unborn child. This study is designed to identify the knowledge and practice in preventing falls among obstetrics patients in Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study used a self-reported questionnaire involving women admitted and delivered at a state hospital between October and December 2022. The Pearson Chi-Square test in SPSS software was used to examine associations between sociodemographic characteristics and variables of interest.

Results:

Overall, 350 postnatal women were selected as the subjects. The mean age of the women was 30.41±5.4 (range 19 to 44) years old. Most of the respondents were in parity 2 to 4 (56.3%). Fifty seven women (16.3%) reported falling at least once during the index pregnancy. The mean score for knowledge was 12.30±3.72, with 16.6% having good knowledge and the mean score for practice was 7.24±4.23, 25.4% of them were having good practice. The women's knowledge of preventing falls during pregnancy was predicted by their age (X²= 19.73, p=<0.05), education (X²= 21.58, p=<0.05), and parity (X²= 15.21, p=<0.05). The practice of the women about preventing falls was significantly poorer amongst the women who were younger (X²= 23.43, p=<0.05), less family income (X²= 17.95, p=<0.05), and had no more than a secondary education (X²= 14.88, p=<0.05).

Conclusion:

The findings of the study revealed that age, level of education and parity is associated with knowledge of women in preventing falls. While age, level of education and family income are associated with practice in preventing falls. Hence, awareness campaigns using effective risk communication models are advised to increase knowledge and good practice among pregnant women.

Development of Physical Training Program to Boost Functional Strength in Firefighter Recruits Using a Modified Nominal Group Technique

2025-02-05T03:22:00+00:00

Introduction:

A series of comprehensive focus group discussions with active firefighters revealed that inconsistencies in incorporating a rigorous physical training program during work hours contributed significantly to the challenges in maintaining functional fitness, particularly strength. This article outlines a process to identify the specific exercises required to enhance strength, drawing on the expertise and experience of physical trainers.

Methods:

Modified nominal group technique (mNGT) sessions were conducted to identify and rank exercises for five functional strengths (i.e., pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, and dragging). A total of six physical trainers from the firefighter academy were interviewed to 1) identify the skeletal muscles involved in the functional movements using a visual aid; 2) generate ideas for exercises via brainstorming; 3) privately rank the displayed list of exercises for each muscle group involved in each functional movement; and 4) design a physical training programme for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels by manipulating loads.

Results:

Males dominated the expert group (66.7%) and had a mean of 11.50 (SD 5.20) years of experience in physical training. The mNGTs yielded three top-ranking exercises for each functional strength: 1) Pushing: the push-up, sit-up, and jumping jack; 2) pulling: the push-up, jumping jack, and sit-up; 3) lifting: the jumping jack, push-up, and jumping squat; 4) carrying: the push-up, plank, and sit-up; and 5) dragging: the jumping jack, sit-up, and jumping squat. Then each exercise was designed for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels by manipulating loads (i.e. additional weight or number of repetitions).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that mNGT is an effective tool for identifying the three top-ranking exercises that address firefighter recruits’ functional strength. The experts chose multi-joint exercises targeting agonist and antagonist skeletal muscle groups and mimicking movements of daily work life. The exercises, corroborated by previous empirical evidence, provide opportunities for common skeletal muscle groupings to be targeted simultaneously to increase cardiovascular adaptations over a shorter period. The physical exercise is now ready to be implemented for piloting purposes among firefighter recruits.

Perspectives on Colorectal Cancer Screening in A Multiethnic Population in Kuala Lumpur using the Health Belief Model: A Qualitative Study

2024-11-28T01:46:54+00:00

Introduction:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) carries a significant burden in most world regions. However, its screening uptake remains low. This study explored awareness and perspectives on CRC screening programs in a multiethnic population and their preference for CRC screening decision aid.

Methodology:

In-depth interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, translated to English and analysed thematically using hybrid inductive and deductive approaches. Seventeen informants from three main ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese, and Indian) with various levels of risk for developing CRC were recruited.

Results:

Awareness on CRC screening program was found to be low. Majority of informants never heard of CRC screening program. Among 11 eligible informants, only five experienced CRC screening uptake. Thematic analysis of the transcripts yielded six major themes; knowledge of CRC, screening process, authority’s role, curability, willingness to screening and preference for decision aid, and they were mapped onto the Health Belief Model. Specific multiethnic perspectives found included preference for traditional medicine coming from all ethnics, and reliance on God coming from Malay informants. Majority preferred short videos as CRC screening decision aid, such as animation and live-action screenplay.

Conclusion:

Exploration of perspective of CRC screening helps in producing impactful decision aids. Future efforts should focus on developing short videos that incorporate population’s perspectives and can be disseminated through electronic media.

Gender-specific Associations between Tobacco Use and Body Mass Index among School-going Adolescents in Malaysia: Results from the National Health Morbidity Survey 2017

2024-12-05T03:10:01+00:00

Introduction:

Tobacco uses and obesity are major global public health concerns, with adolescence being a critical period for the onset of these risk factors. In Malaysia, rising trends in adolescent smoking and obesity necessitate further investigation. This study examined gender-specific associations between different types of tobacco use and body mass index (BMI) among school-going adolescents.

Methods:

Data were derived from the NHMS 2017, a nationwide cross-sectional survey using a two-stage stratified random sampling design (N=27,497). Complex sample logistic regression was employed to assess the odds of past 30-day tobacco use by BMI category (underweight/normal weight, overweight, obese) stratified by gender. Confounders, including age, ethnicity, physical activity, fast food consumption, and mental health, were controlled for in the analysis.

Results:

Adolescents classified as obese had a significant association with tobacco use, but this was not observed in overweight individuals. Male smokers were significantly less likely to be obese, whereas female smokers had a higher likelihood of obesity (AOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.25–2.02). Specifically, female users of e-cigarettes (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.36–2.56), smokeless tobacco (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.14–2.43), and other tobacco products (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.05–2.52) exhibited a higher risk of obesity. No significant association was found among male smokers.

Conclusion:

Female adolescent smokers showed a greater likelihood of obesity, emphasizing the need for gender-specific interventions. To mitigate these risks, public health efforts should incorporate education, policy measures, and lifestyle promotion. Further research is warranted to explore underlying biological mechanisms.