Knowledge as a Predictor for Preparedness in Managing COVID-19 Among General Practitioners in Malaysia.

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the working environment for general practitioners (GPs). GPs had to adapt quickly when care mitigation for mild COVID-19 in the community began. We assessed Malaysian GPs' knowledge and preparedness to manage COVID-19. Method A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between May and October 2022 among the GPs. Emails were sent to GPs affiliated with the main GP organizations in Malaysia, such as the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia (AFPM). Additionally, participation was sought through social media groups, including the Association of Malaysian Islamic Doctors, the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners' Associations Malaysia, and the Primary Care Network. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire on items related to knowledge and preparedness to manage COVID-19. The content was validated by six experts. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the predictors for preparedness. Results A total of 178 GPs participated in this study. The mean age of the GPs was 41.8 (SD 12.37) years, 54.5% were males, 47.8% had a postgraduate qualification, and 68% had up to 10 years of general practice experience. Their practices are commonly solo (55.1%), located within an urban area (56.2%) and 47.2% operate 7 days a week. A majority of GPs (n = 124, 69.7%) had a good level of knowledge of COVID-19. In contrast, about a third (n = 60, 33.7%) had a good level of preparedness to manage COVID-19. GPs with a good level of knowledge of COVID-19 had 1.96 times the odds of having a good level of preparedness as compared to GPs with lower knowledge (OR = 2.11 (95% CI: 1.06, 4.18, p = 0.03)). Conclusion A good level of knowledge is a predictor for preparedness to manage COVID-19. Relevant and targeted measures to enhance knowledge for better preparedness among the GPs to respond to future pandemics are needed.

Manpower cost for a hypertension health campaign: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: The overall prevalence of hypertension is high, and many people are unaware of their condition. Screening campaigns can effectively identify this group of patients. The study aimed to determine the cost of manpower for a health campaign for detecting undiagnosed hypertension and the prevalence of hypertension. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at two health centres. Sociodemographic characteristics, hypertension and treatment statuses were recorded. Blood pressure (BP) was measured by either doctors or nurses using automated BP machines. The cost of manpower was calculated as the average salaries of manpower during the 3-day health campaign divided by the total number of days. The final sum was the cost of detecting undiagnosed hypertension. Results: A total of 2009 participants median age = 50 (IQR = 18-91) were included in the study. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 41.4% (n=832). Among the patients with hypertension, 49.2% (n=409) were unaware of their hypertension status. Conversely, 21.1% (n=423) were known to have hypertension, among whom 97.4% (n=412) were on medications. Among those who were on medications, 49% (n=202) had good BP control. The average total cost of manpower during the 3-day health campaign was RM 5019.80 (USD 1059). The cost of detecting an individual with elevated BP was RM 12.27 (USD 2.59). Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension and unawareness is high. However, the average cost of manpower to detect an individual with elevated BP is low. Therefore, regular public health campaigns aiming to detect undiagnosed hypertension are recommended.

Malaysian clinical practice guidelines for management of diabetic foot: A synopsis for the primary care physician.

Diabetic foot requires careful attention and coordinated management by a dedicated team. Screening, prevention, adequate assessment, and appropriate referral are crucial to prevent complications. Multimodal treatment and rehabilitation are recommended to ensure a better quality of life and reduction of amputation rate in people with diabetic foot.

Relationship of an adherence score with blood pressure control status among patients with hypertension and their determinants: Findings from a nationwide blood pressure screening program.

This study aimed to examine the relationship of adherence with blood pressure (BP) control and its associated factors in hypertensive patients. This cross-sectional nationwide BP screening study was conducted in Malaysia from May to October 2018. Participants with self-declared hypertension completed the Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale (Hill-Bone CHBPTS) which assesses three important domains of patient behavior to hypertension management namely medication taking, appointment keeping and reduced salt intake. Lower scores indicate better compliance while higher scores indicate otherwise. Participant's body mass index and seated BP were measured based on standard measurement protocol. Determinants of adherence to treatment were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Out of 5167 screened subjects, 1705 were known hypertensives. Of these, 927 (54.4%) answered the Hill-Bone CHBPTS and were entered into analysis. The mean age was 59.0 ± 13.2 years, 55.6% were female and 42.2% were Malays. The mean Hill-Bone CHBPTS score was 20.4 ± 4.4 (range 14-47), and 52.1% had good adherence. The mean systolic BP and diastolic BP were 136.4 ± 17.9 and 80.6 ± 11.6 mmHg, respectively. BP was controlled in 58.3% of those with good adherence compared to 50.2% in those with poor adherence (p = .014). Based on multiple linear regression analysis, female gender (ß = -0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.30, -0.15, p = .014), older age (ß = -0.05, 95% CI -0.07, -0.03, p < .001), and individuals with primary or lower educational level (ß = -0.91, 95% CI -1.59, -0.23, p = .009) had better adherence to BP management. Interventional programs targeted at the less adherent groups are needed in order to improve their adherence and BP control.

Development of a Sexually Transmitted Disease Client-friendly Unit at a Primary Care Clinic in Malaysia: Lessons Learnt.

Management of sexually transmitted diseases and human immunodeficiency virus is challenging due to the social stigma attached. We describe the development of a client-friendly sexually transmitted disease service in a primary care clinic in Malaysia with a special focus on key populations. Challenges and key lessons learnt from its development and implementation are discussed.