Mammogram Screening Uptake and Its Associated Factors among Female Staff in Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Background: Breast cancer is among the most common cancers in Malaysia and around the world. Early detection is essential to improve outcomes, increase survival and reduce the death rate. Breast cancer screening via mammography is one of the proven effective methods. Health staff plays an important role to increase awareness and promote mammogram screening in the community. This study aims to determine the prevalence of mammogram screening and its associated factors among the female staff at Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the female staff aged 50 years old and above in Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and the Viarad online system. The questionnaires include sociodemographic information, medical factors, knowledge regarding breast cancer and health beliefs about breast cancer. The Viarad online system was used to trace data of mammogram findings for those who underwent mammogram screening. Results: Among 260 participants, the prevalence of mammogram screening uptake was only 51.9%. By using statistical analysis simple logistic regression and multiple logistic regression, we found that the most significant associated factors were age, clinical breast examination (CBE), level of knowledge and physician recommendation. The mammogram screening showed that most of the breast cancer findings in Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 2 were at a rate of approximately 35.6%. Conclusion: This study showed the prevalence of mammogram screening uptake among the female staff was 51.9% although the service is free, readily available and accessible. The older age group, CBE, physician recommendation and knowledge about breast cancer were the main associated factors for mammogram screening uptake in the female staff in this hospital. An education programme aimed at improving the knowledge and role of a physician in promoting mammogram screening among staff should be established.

Diabetes self-care and its associated factors among type 2 diabetes mellitus with chronic kidney disease patients in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Introduction: Diabetes self-care among diabetic patients is crucial as it determines how patients care for their illness in their daily routine for better diabetes control. This study aims to calculate the average score for diabetes self-care among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease and to identify factors that are associated with this score. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study enrols patients over 18 years old with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic renal disease with an eGFR of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. The Malay version of the Summary of Diabetic Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) was used to assess diabetes self-care, the Malay version of the diabetes-related distress questionnaire (DDS-17) was used to assess diabetes distress, and the Malay version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess depression. Data analysis was performed using both simple and multiple linear regression models to determine the associations between variables. Result: One hundred and seventy-six eligible patients were recruited for this study. The mean score for diabetes self-care is 3.62. The eGFR (p = 0.002) and diabetes distress (p = 0.004) are the significant associated factors for diabetes self-care among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with chronic kidney disease. Conclusion: The mean score for diabetes self-care indicated a moderate level of self-care. The eGFR level and diabetes distress were important factors influencing diabetes self-care practices.

Post-COVID-19 Dermatomyositis: A Delayed Reaction That Evades Early Detection.

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare autoimmune disease that causes symmetrical and predominantly proximal muscle weakness in the limbs and typical skin lesions. Its prevalence increased during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Viral infections may cause autoimmunity and trigger the pathogenesis of myositis. We present the case of a man with a long history of myalgia and muscle weakness, who was initially diagnosed with post-COVID-19 myalgia and subsequently developed progressive muscle weakness. Biochemical and muscle biopsy results confirmed DM. The patient responded favorably to the course of steroid treatment.

Self-Efficacy for Coping with Breast Cancer in North-Eastern State of Peninsular Malaysia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of self-efficacy for coping with breast cancer among Malaysian women and its association with socio-demographic and clinical variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 168 women diagnosed with breast cancer. The inclusion criteria were age >18 years old, having histologically confirmed breast cancer, and being diagnosed between January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2012. The exclusion criteria were being illiterate and having cognitive impairment. For data collection patients' medical records and the Cancer Behaviour Inventory-Brief (CBI-B) Malay version questionnaire were used. Simple and multiple logistic regression methods were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Patients' mean (SD) age was 51.4 (10.8) years old. Most of the patients were Malays, married, diagnosed at stage 2 breast cancer (41%), and completed their breast cancer treatment. The mean score for self-efficacy for coping with breast cancer was 83.67 (95% CI: 81.87, 85.47). The significant factors positively correlated with self-efficacy for coping with breast cancer were higher educational background and a higher family income. However, factors such as a family history of breast cancer and breast surgery reduced the mean score of self-efficacy for coping with breast cancer. CONCLUSION: The mean score of self-efficacy for coping with breast cancer in this study was moderate. Self-efficacy for coping with breast cancer in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia was not adequate among sufferers and improvement is needed probably by providing education to these patients.

Knowledge, Decision-Making and Acceptance of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination among Parents of Primary School Students in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia

Background: The incidence of cervical cancer in younger women remains high. This is worrisome as it affects future generations. Therefore Malaysia implements human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination as a national vaccination program. Parents play an important role in determining the success of this HPV vaccination program among schoolaged girls by their compliance. Objective: To assess parental knowledge, decision-making and acceptance of HPV vaccination. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 280 randomly selected parents of primary school students aged 11 in Kota Bharu using a pre-validated self-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge and decision-making with regard to HPV vaccination. Results: Most parents (62%) were shown to have poor knowledge while most decision-making was shared. Age of respondents (adjusted odds ratio 'AOR'= 1.09; 95% confidence interval 'CI'= 1.04-1.14; p <0.001) and good knowledge of HPV vaccination (AOR= 16.32; 95% CI= 7.32-36.4; p <0.001) were significantly associated with HPV vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: The majority of parents exhibited poor knowledge which may affect their decision-making and uptake of HPV vaccination among their children. This highlights the need to better educate parents on HPV vaccination.