The effect of USM-IAM-based counselling vs standard counselling on insulin adherence, FBS and HbA1c among patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM): a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with T2DM on insulin are not optimally controlled despite receiving standard diabetes education counselling. Poor insulin adherence may be a contributing factor. We developed and evaluated a new module [Universiti Sains Malaysia-Insulin Adherence Module (USM-IAM)] on insulin-treated patients with poorly controlled diabetes. METHODS: Eligibility criteria are those diagnosed with T2DM, aged between 18 and 65 years, with HbA1c between 8 and 15% and on insulin therapy for 1 year. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either the USM-IAM-based counselling or the standard counselling (SC) at baseline and the second visit. Patients were instructed to adjust insulin doses based on blood glucose levels. Outcomes were changes in adherence score, FBS and HbA1c levels from baseline to 3 months and baseline to sixth month. RESULTS: Ninety patients were randomised to each group. The baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were homogenous among groups. Ninety patients were analysed for each group. Adherence score changes between baseline to 3 months were - 8.30 (- 11.47, - 5.14) in USM-IAM-based counselling group (USM-IAM) and - 7.64 (- 10.89, - 4.40) in standard counselling group (SCG), between baseline to sixth month were - 10.21 (- 13.40, - 7.03) in USM-IAM and - 10.79 (- 14.64, - 6.97) in SCG. FBS changes between baseline to 3 months were 1.374 (0.25, 2.50) in USM-IAM and 0.438 (- 0.66, 1.54) in SCG, and between baseline to sixth month were 1.713 (0.473, 2.95) in USM-IAM and 0.998 (- 0.02, 2.01) in SCG. HbA1c changes between baseline to 3 months were 1.374 (0.25, 2.50) in USM-IAM and 0.547 (0.12, 0.98) in SCG, and between baseline to sixth month were 1.03 (0.65, 1.41) in USM-IAM and 0.617 (0.20, 1.03) in SCG. Between-subjects effects for all outcomes were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Both groups had significant improvements in adherence score and HbA1c with time, with higher improvement in patients receiving the USM-IAM. FBS reductions were significant in the intervention group but not in the control group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study protocol is registered with Clicaltrials.gov with ID NCT05125185 dated 17th November 2021.

Correlation of Serum Prolactin and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Concentration in Infertile Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Infertility affects millions of people of reproductive age worldwide. Thyroid hormones and prolactin (PRL) affect reproduction and pregnancy; therefore, these two hormones influence fertility. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarise the strength of the correlation between serum PRL and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in infertile women and to explore selected factors influencing the correlation. We conducted a systematic search of online databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SAGE and Google Scholar) from inception until March 2021 and a manual search of the bibliographies of the included studies to identify relevant publications. The original research paper describing the correlation between PRL and TSH in reproductive-age women with infertility (primary and secondary) was included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. A random effect model was used to estimate the pooled correlations of PRL and TSH, followed by an assessment of heterogeneity and a sensitivity analysis. From a total of 822 relevant articles identified, 11 were eligible and included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The random effect pooled correlation estimates between PRL and TSH was 0.431 (95% CI: 0.251, 0.582), with substantial heterogeneity between the included studies (I2 = 80%, τ2 = 0.067, P < 0.001). No significant publication bias was observed. Study region, types of infertility, sample size and year of the study did not influence the correlation estimates. Our results highlighted a significant positive moderate correlation between serum PRL and serum TSH in infertile women.

Predictors of Treatment Failure and Mortality among Patients with Septic Shock Treated with Meropenem in the Intensive Care Unit.

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the predictors of meropenem treatment failure and mortality in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Methods: This was a retrospective study, involving sepsis and septic shock patients who were admitted to the ICU and received intravenous meropenem. Treatment failure is defined as evidence of non-resolved fever, non-reduced total white cell (TWC), non-reduced C-reactive protein (CRP), subsequent culture negative and death in ICU. Results: An Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and duration of antibiotic treatment less than 5 days were associated with treatment failure with adjusted OR = 1.24 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.33; P < 0.001), OR = 65.43 (95% CI: 21.70, 197.23; P < 0.001). A higher risk of mortality was observed with higher APACHE and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, initiating antibiotics > 72 h of sepsis, duration of antibiotic treatment less than 5 days and meropenem with renal adjustment dose with an adjusted OR = 1.21 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.30; P < 0.001), adjusted OR = 1.23 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.41; P < 0.001), adjusted OR = 6.38 (95% CI: 1.67, 24.50; P = 0.007), adjusted OR = 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.14; P < 0.001), adjusted OR = 0.30 (95% CI: 0.14, 0.64; P = 0.002). Conclusion: A total of 50 (14.12%) patients had a treatment failure with meropenem with 120 (48.02%) ICU mortality. The predictors of meropenem failure are higher APACHE score and shorter duration of meropenem treatment. The high APACHE, high SOFA score, initiating antibiotics more than 72 h of sepsis, shorter duration of treatment and meropenem with renal adjustment dose were predictors of mortality.

Factors affecting central macular thickness of diabetic macular oedema patients after an induction treatment of intravitreal ranibizumab.

OBJECTIVE: Intravitreal ranibizumab is one of the anti-vascular endothelial growth factors used for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema, not always successfully. We aimed to identify the factors affecting the changes of central macular thickness after induction treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab, to predict the treatment effect and facilitate early treatment decisions. METHODS: Cross-sectional study involving a retrospective record review of diabetic macular oedema patients who received an induction treatment of three monthly 0.5 mg intravitreal ranibizumab injections between 2016 and 2019. Central macular thickness was measured at baseline and 3 months post-treatment. Linear regression was applied to identify the factors associated with the changes of central macular thickness. RESULTS: A total of 153 diabetic macular oedema patients were involved in this study. Their mean age was 57.5 ± 7.7 years, 54.9% were female. The mean change of central macular thickness from baseline to 3 months after completed induction treatment of intravitreal ranibizumab was 155.5 ± 137.8 µm. Factors significantly associated with changes of central macular thickness were baseline central macular thickness [b = 0.73; 95% (CI): 0.63, 0.84; p = <0.001] and presence of subretinal fluid [b = 35.43; 95% CI: 3.70, 67.16; p = 0.029]. CONCLUSION: Thicker baseline central macular thickness and presence of subretinal fluid were the factors significantly associated with greater changes of central macular thickness in diabetic macular oedema patients after receiving three injections of intravitreal ranibizumab.

Diagnostic value of serum and tissue eosinophil in diagnosis of asthma among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases of sinonasal mucosa. Asthma among CRS patients is often underdiagnosed which makes the management of CRS more challenging. Therefore, using serum and tissue eosinophil as an indicator and predictor of asthma in CRS patients is vital for further preventing recurrent and increasing the effectiveness of treatment for CRS. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association and diagnostic ability of serum and tissue eosinophils in the diagnosis of asthma among CRS patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 24 CRS patients with asthma and without asthma, respectively, from the Otorhinolaryngology clinic of two tertiary hospitals located on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Serum and tissue eosinophils (obtained from nasal polyp) levels between both groups were compared. Association between serum and tissue eosinophils with asthma was evaluated using logistic regression analysis, adjusting for important sociodemographic characteristics. The diagnostic ability of serum and tissue eosinophil was then evaluated by assessing the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: A total of 48 CRS patients with a mean [SD] age of 47.50 [14.99] years were included. Patients with asthma had significantly higher serum [0.48 vs 0.35 × 109/L] and tissue eosinophil [100 vs 8.5 per HPF] levels. Tissue eosinophils were found to be an independent predictor of asthma with adjusted OR 1.05, p < 0.001, after adjusting for age and serum eosinophils. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for serum eosinophil was 69.0%. At optimal cut-off value (0.375 × 109/L), the sensitivity and specificity for serum eosinophil was 75.0% and 70.8%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for tissue eosinophil was 93.4%. At the optimal cut-off value (58.0 per HPF), the sensitivity and specificity for tissue eosinophils were 79.2% and 91.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study indicates a significantly higher level of serum and tissue eosinophils in CRS with asthma. However, there was no correlation between serum and tissue eosinophils in both group. Based on this study, the CRS patient needs to be screened for asthma if the level of serum eosinophil is > 0.375 × 109/L and tissue eosinophil > 58 per HPF.

Radiological anatomical variations of the lateral nasal wall and anterior skull base amongst different populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the anatomical variations of the lateral nasal wall and anterior skull base amongst populations in different geographical regions. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Using PRISMA guidelines, SCOPUS and PUBMED databases were searched from inception until 1 March 2022. The regions and populations identified were from Europe, Asia, Middle East, Australia-New Zealand-Oceania, South America, North America and Africa. Random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic and Cochran's Q test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anatomical variations of the lateral nasal wall and anterior skull base confirmed by computed tomography scan. RESULTS: Fifty-six articles were included with a total of 11 805 persons. The most common anatomical variation of the ostiomeatal complex was pneumatization of the agger nasi (84.1%), olfactory fossa was Keros type 2 (53.8%) and ethmoids was asymmetry of the roof (42.8%). Sphenoethmoidal and suprabullar cells have a higher prevalence in North Americans (53.7%, 95% CI: 46.00-61.33) while asymmetry of ethmoid roof more common in Middle Easterns (85.5%, 95% CI: .00-100). Bent uncinate process has greater prevalence in Asians while supraorbital ethmoid cells and Keros type 3 more common in non-Asians. The overall studies have substantial heterogeneity and publication bias. CONCLUSION: Certain anatomic variants are more common in a specific population. The 'approach of analysis' plays a role in the prevalence estimates and consensus should be made in future studies regarding the most appropriate 'approach of analysis' either by persons or by sides.

Validity and Reliability of the Malay Questionnaire for Olfactory Disorders.

Background: Olfactory disorders (OD) are an umbrella term for a diverse group of smell problems. Numerous tests and questionnaires have been formulated to identify and test the severity of smell impairment, which is not readily available or translated for the Malaysian population. This study aimed to translate the Questionnaire for Olfactory Disorders (QOD) and validate and test the reliability of the Malay Questionnaire for Olfactory Disorders (mQOD). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in two tertiary centres. A forward and backward translation was conducted for the QOD. The translated questionnaire was distributed to subjects with self-reported smell disorders on days 1 and 7. Internal consistency was analysed using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability was tested with an intraclass correlation coefficient. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to test construct validity. Results: A total of 375 participants were recruited, 52 dropped out and 323 completed the questionnaire a second time. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.537 for parosmia (P), 0.892 for life quality (LQ), 0.637 for sincerity (S) and 0.865 for visual analogue score (VAS). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for domain scores was > 0.9, while the ICC for all items was good to excellent. A three-factor model for mQOD showed an acceptable fit with indices chi-square value (CMIN)/degree of freedom (DF) = 3.332, Tucker-Lewis fit index (TLI) = 0.923, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.939, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.079 and standardised root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.0574. Conclusion: The mQOD is a valid and reliable tool for assessing OD in patients.

Master of Science in Medical Statistics Programme at Universiti Sains Malaysia: 20 Years Ongoing.

Health and medical research are important parts of the curriculum of medical and health programmes in universities and play an important role in the functioning of organisations related to health care. There is a shortage of well-trained health and medical research statisticians. This article describes the courses and structure of the Master of Science in Medical Statistics programme at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), as well as the graduates' achievements. It is a 2-year programme that prepares qualified and competent graduates in statistical methods and data analysis for research in health and medical sciences. The Biostatistics and Research Methodology Unit, School of Medical Sciences, USM has been running the programme since 2003. It is currently the only medical statistics programme available in Malaysia. There have been 97 graduates since 2005, with an employment rate of 96.7% and a successful subsequent doctorate rate of 21.1%. Most of the students returned to their previous employments, mainly with the Ministry of Health of Malaysia and several others became lecturers, statisticians or research officers. The employability of graduates from this programme is very high and their professional future is bright. We hope our graduates will impart their knowledge and skills to the nation.

Prevalence and Outcome of Sepsis: Mortality and Prolonged Intensive Care Unit Stay among Sepsis Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Centre in Malaysia.

Background: Sepsis and septic shock are the leading causes of critical care-related mortality worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sepsis, its intensive care unit (ICU) mortality rate and the factors associated with both ICU mortality and prolonged stay. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2019 with adult patients presenting evidence of sepsis who were admitted to the ICU. Parameters were assessed in the ICU to determine the association with all-cause ICU mortality and prolonged stay. Results: Out of 607 adults, 292 with sepsis were admitted to the ICU in 2019, with a mean age of 50.98 (standard deviation [SD] = 17.75) years old. There was, thus, a 48% incidence of sepsis. Mortality was observed in 78 patients (mortality rate = 26.7%) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 21.7, 32.2). Patients with higher Glasgow coma scale (GCS) scores had lower odds of ICU mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.82, 0.98; P = 0.019), while patients with higher sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores had higher odds (adjusted OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.35; P < 0.001). Eighty patients (37.4%) who survived had prolonged ICU stays (95% CI: 30.9, 44.2). Patients with higher albumin levels had lower odds of a prolonged ICU stay (adjusted OR = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.90, 0.98; P = 0.006) and patients on renal replacement therapy had higher odds of a prolonged ICU stay (adjusted OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.74, 7.12; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study identified a sepsis prevalence of 48% and an ICU mortality rate of 26.7% among adult patients admitted to the ICU. GCS and SOFA scores were the most important factors associated with ICU mortality.

Agreement of Parathyroid Hormone Status Measured by Intact and Biointact Parathyroid Hormone Assays among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients and Its Correlation with Bone Turnover Parameters.

Background: This study aimed to determine the agreement between intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and biointact parathyroid hormone (bio-PTH) assays and to correlate them with bone markers. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 180 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3b, 4 and 5D. We measured their iPTH, bio-PTH, 25-hydroxyvitaminD (25(OH)D), C-terminal telopeptide collagen (CTX), procollagen 1 intact N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Results: Higher iPTH than bio-PTH concentrations were seen in CKD stages 3b, 4 and 5D (58[62] versus 55[67] pg/mL, 94[85] versus 85[76] pg/mL and 378[481] versus 252[280] pg/mL, respectively). Both PTH assays showed good agreement among all the subjects, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.832 (P-value < 0.001). The Passing-Bablok showed that the equation for the bio-PTH was PTH = 0.64 iPTH + 15.80, with r = 0.99. The Bland-Altman plots showed increased bias with an increasing PTH concentration. Both PTH assays showed a high positive correlation with CTX and P1NP, a moderate correlation with phosphate, a low correlation with ALP and calcium, and a negligible correlation with phosphate and 25(OH)D. Conclusion: The iPTH and bio-PTH assays were in agreement, but their bias increased with the PTH concentration. The unacceptable large bias indicates that the two assays cannot be used interchangeably. They had a variable correlation with the bone parameters.

The prevalence of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) usage among allergic rhinitis patients in Malaysia.

PURPOSE: We conducted this study to estimate the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) usage among allergic rhinitis (AR) patients in Malaysia and understand the practice of CAM usage among them. We also included a literature review on the commonly used CAM for AR. METHODS: A cross-sectional study which included a questionnaire-based study and information of allergic rhinitis from patient's clinic records. Patients with AR who attended the ORL-HNS department in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia and Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Malaysia were enrolled after consented, on a first-come first-serve basis as convenience sampling from July 2020 until February 2021. A pre-tested self-administered, 16-item questionnaire in Malay language was distributed to the participants. The questionnaire consists of a set of 16 questions with subsets to enquire about the sociodemographic data and pattern of usage of CAM and its effectiveness. RESULTS: 372 patients were enrolled in this study consisting of 217 (58.3%) female and 155 (41.7%) male patients. 231 (62.1%) participants had used CAM for AR in the past 10 years. A higher proportion of females (p = 0.015) and those with higher income (p = 0.004) had used CAM. Among the users, 87.9% found CAM to be effective. No differences were found in terms of age (p = 0.888) and education level (p = 0.057) for CAM usage. CONCLUSION: CAM is widely used in Malaysia to alleviate AR symptoms, with a large proportion of users think it is effective. Therefore, more researches should be conducted to provide evidence and guidance to integrate CAM into AR management.

Perceived quality of care among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the north east region of peninsular Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: People with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are best managed by a chronic care model that is associated with enhanced quality of care and improved patient outcome. Assessing patients' perceived quality of care is crucial in improving the healthcare delivery system. Hence, this study determined the perceived quality of care among people with T2DM and explored its associations with (i) sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and (ii) types of healthcare clinics to guide future planning. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 20 primary healthcare clinics in the North East Region of Peninsular Malaysia and people with T2DM as the sampling unit was conducted from February to May 2019. The pro forma checklist, interview-guided Skala Kepuasan Interaksi Perubatan-11, and Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (Malay version; PACIC-M) questionnaire were used for data collection. Univariate analysis and linear regression were used to determine the status of perceived quality of care and the factors associated with the perceived quality of care, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, data from 772 participants were analyzed. The majority was from the Malay ethnic group (95.6%) with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of 8.91% (2.30). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of the number of medical officers available at each clinic was 6 (7), with Family Doctor Concept (FDC) clinics having a higher number of medical officers than non-FDC clinics (p = 0.001). The overall mean (SD) PACIC-M score was 2.65 (0.54) with no significant difference between scores of patients treated in the two clinic types (p = 0.806). Higher perceived quality of care was associated with lower number of medical officers (adjusted regression coefficient [Adj.ß], - 0.021; p-value [p], 0.001), and greater doctor-patient interaction in all domains: distress relief (Adj.ß, 0.033; p, < 0.001), rapport (Adj.ß, 0.056; p, < 0.001), and interaction outcome (Adj.ß, 0.022; p, 0.003). CONCLUSION: Although there was no significant difference found between clinic type, this study reflects that patients are comfortable when managed by the same doctor, which may support a better doctor-patient interaction. A larger specialized primary care workforce could improve diabetes care in Malaysia.

Relapsed/Progressive Disease and Its Prognostic Factors among Multiple Myeloma Patients Receiving Novel Agent Treatment in North East Peninsular Malaysia: A Single Centre Experience.

BACKGROUND: Some multiple myeloma (MM) patients still relapse/progress despite novel agent therapy and relapse/progression in MM is therefore a vital area of ongoing research in the novel treatment era. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the time to relapse/progression (TTP) among MM patients who received novel agents and to determine the associated prognostic factors. METHODS: This study included 89 MM patients treated at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. We analysed the TTP and the type of relapse/progression (biochemical versus clinical), and a Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify the significant prognostic factors. RESULTS: Sixty-four percent of patients had biochemical relapse/progression. The overall median TTP among MM patients who received the novel agent(s) was 29.33 months (95% CI: 21.36-37.29). The type of paraprotein at diagnosis (P = 0.026, P = 0.228), International Staging System (ISS) score (P = 0.036, P = 0.067) and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) (P = 0.002) were prognostic factors for relapse/progression by simple Cox regression, but ASCT was the only significant predictor detected by multiple Cox regression (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Our study reflects the importance of paraprotein monitoring to detect early features of relapse/progression. ASCT is the most prognostic factor that may lengthen the TTP.

Modelling excess mortality among breast cancer patients in the North East Region of Peninsular Malaysia, 2007-2011: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Measurement of breast cancer burden and identification of its influencing factors help in the development of public health policy and strategy against the disease. This study aimed to examine the variability of the excess mortality of female breast cancer patients in the North East Region of Peninsular Malaysia. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using breast cancer data from the Kelantan Cancer Registry between 2007 and 2011, and Kelantan general population mortality data. The breast cancer cases were followed up for 5 years until 2016. Out of 598 cases, 549 cases met the study criteria and were included in the analysis. Modelling of excess mortality was conducted using Poisson regression. RESULTS: Excess mortality of breast cancer varied according to age group (50 years old and below vs above 50 years old, Adj. EHR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.31, 4.09; P = 0.004), ethnicity (Malay vs non-Malay, Adj. EHR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.96; P = 0.008), and stage (stage III and IV vs. stage I and II, Adj. EHR: 5.75; 95% CI: 4.24, 7.81; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Public health policy and strategy aim to improve cancer survival should focus more on patients presented at age below 50 years old, Malay ethnicity, and at a later stage.

Survival Time and Prognostic Factors of Mortality among Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome in North-East Peninsular Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: Death resulting from the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a worldwide concern. This study is aimed at determining the overall median survival time, and the prognostic factors of mortality among AIDS-infected patients in North-East Peninsular Malaysia. METHODS: In 2018, a retrospective cohort study stretching from January to April was conducted. This study involved a review of data obtained from the National AIDS Registry. A total of 1,073 AIDS cases diagnosed from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2014 were selected, and follow-up procedures were conducted until 31 March 2015 (a 3-month follow-up). The Kaplan-Meier plot and Cox's proportional hazard regression were used for data analyses. RESULTS: 564 (52.5%) patients died due to AIDS, while the remaining 509 (47.4%) were censored. The overall median survival time was 11 months. The probability of survival in 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year and 5-year periods were 49.1%, 47.8%, 47.3%, 47.0% and 46.7%, respectively. Multiple Cox regression revealed that the significant prognostic factors were age 30-49 years [adjusted hazard ratio (Adj. HR) 1.57; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.16; P = 0.006], male (Adj. HR 1.39; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.79; P = 0.012), unemployed (Adj. HR 1.40; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.75; P = 0.003) and HIV-TB co-infection (Adj. HR 1.78; 95% CI: 1.37, 2.31; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The overall median survival time among AIDS patients in North-East Peninsular Malaysia was revealed to be short, in comparison to the other studies. The chances for survival can be improved with more emphasis on early detection (to ensure early treatment) and social support, particularly for HIV-TB co-infected patients, as well as for younger and unemployed patients.

Pre-Hospital Factors Influencing Time of Arrival at Emergency Departments for Patients with Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Pre-hospital delay is currently a major factor limiting early reperfusion among ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients worldwide. This study aims to determine pre-hospital factors affecting symptom-to-door time among STEMI patients in Malaysia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 222 STEMI patients admitted to two tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. By determining symptom-to-door time, the study population was categorised into two definitive treatment seeking groups: early (≤ 3 h) and delayed (> 3 h). Data was collected focusing on socio-demographical data, risk factors and comorbidities, clinical presentation, situational factors and action taken by patients. RESULTS: The mean age of our patients was 58.0 (SD = 11.9) years old, and the population consisted of 186 (83.8%) males and 36 (16.2%) females. Our study found that the median symptom-to-door time was 130.5 (IQR 240) min, with 64% of subjects arriving early and 36% arriving late. Pre-hospital delays were found to be significant among females (adj OR = 2.42; 95% CI: 1.02, 5.76; P = 0.046), patients with recurrence of similar clinical presentations (adj OR = 2.74; 95% CI: 1.37, 5.46; P = 0.004), patients experiencing atypical symptoms (adj OR = 2.64; 95% CI: 1.11, 6.31; P = 0.029) and patients who chose to have their first medical contact (FMC) for their symptoms with a general practitioner (adj OR = 2.80; 95% CI: 1.20, 6.56; P = 0.018). However, patients with hyperlipidaemia (adj OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.93; P = 0.030), self-perceived cardiac symptoms (adj OR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.73; P = 0.005) and symptoms that began in public places (adj OR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.69; P = 0.010) tended to seek treatment earlier. CONCLUSION: The symptom-to-door time among the Malaysian population is shorter in comparison to other developing countries. Nevertheless, identified, modifiable pre-hospital factors can be addressed to further shorten symptom-to-door time among STEMI patients.

Psychometric Properties of the Malay Version of the Goal Content for Exercise Questionnaire among Undergraduate Students at the Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the individual aspirations of exercise participation is important for promoting physical activity. However, there is a lack of evidence to validate a measurement instrument for exercise-based goal content among Malaysian populations. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Malay version of the Goal Content in Exercise Questionnaire (GCEQ) for a sample of Malaysian undergraduates. METHODS: The original English version of the GCEQ underwent forward and backward translation into the Malay language. A cross-sectional study was conducted. The finalised Malay version was administered to 674 undergraduate students at the Health Campus of the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) with a mean age of 20.27 years (SD = 1.35 years). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted for the psychometric evaluation. RESULTS: The measurement model consisted of 20 observed items and five latent factors. CFA demonstrated adequate fit to the data: comparative fit index = 0.929; standardised root mean square residual = 0.052; root mean square error of approximation = 0.061 (90% CI = 0.056, 0.067). The composite reliability coefficients for the five latent factors ranged from 0.777 to 0.851. All the correlations between the factors were less than 0.85, so discriminant validity was achieved. CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that the Malay version of the GCEQ is valid and reliable for assessing goal content in the exercise context of undergraduates at the Health Campus, USM.

Usage of Traditional and Complementary Medicine among Dengue Fever Patients in the Northeast Region of Peninsular Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: The recent epidemic of dengue fever (DF) in Malaysia was alarming. The treatment of DF remains supportive as there is no anti-viral agent or vaccine available as yet. Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) provides an alternative option for the treatment of DF but there is limited evidence with regard to its usage. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, types and predictor factors of T&CM usage among DF patients in the northeast region of Peninsular Malaysia. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study of DF patients in the northeast region of Peninsular Malaysia who had been admitted to a tertiary centre from January 2014 until December 2015. Serologically-confirmed DF patients aged 18 years and above were randomly selected. Phone interviews were conducted to obtain information regarding the use of T&CM during hospitalisation. Notes were made regarding the prevalence and type of T&CM used. Binary logistic regressions were used to identify the predictor factors of T&CM usage. RESULTS: A total of 241 DF patients with a mean age of 36.62 (SD = 14.62) years were included. The estimated prevalence of T&CM usage was 84.6% (95%CI: 80.1%, 89.2%). The most common T&CM used were crab soup (85.3%), papaya leaf extract (64.2%) and isotonic drinks (61.8%). The significant predictors for T&CM usage were age [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.97; 95%CI: 0.94, 0.99], tertiary education (AOR 3.86; 95%CI: 1.21, 12.32) and unemployment (AOR 2.55; 95%CI: 1.02, 6.42). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of T&CM usage in our population is high. Age, tertiary education and unemployment influence the use of T&CM.

Procalcitonin as an Early Laboratory Marker of Sepsis in Neonates: Variation in Diagnostic Performance and Discrimination Value.

BACKGROUND: As an early recognition of neonatal sepsis is important for triggering the initiation of treatment, this study was thus designed to assess the diagnostic performance and discrimination value of procalcitonin (PCT) in neonatal sepsis cases. METHODS: This cross-sectional study, which was carried out at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) in Kelantan, Malaysia, had involved 60 neonates admitted for suspected sepsis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV) and the area under receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) for PCT were determined at initial presentation (0 h) as well as 12 h and 24 h after presentation in comparison to blood culture as the gold standard. RESULTS: The study consisted of 27 (45.0%) male and 33 (55.0%) female neonates with a mean (SD) age of 76.8 (48.25) h. At cut-off PCT value of > 2 ng/mL, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 66.7%, 66.7%, 33.3% and 88.9% at 0 h. The respective parameters were 83.3%. 56.3%, 32.3% and 93.1% at 12 h and 83.3%, 52.1%, 30.3% and 92.6% at 24 h. AUC was 71.6%, 76.6% and 71.7% at 0 h, 12 h and 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic performance and discrimination values of PCT for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis varied with time of obtaining the blood samples. The PCT result at 12 h demonstrates the most optimal diagnostic performance and discrimination values.

Validation of Malay Version of Body Self- Image Questionnaire-Short Form among Malaysian Young Adults.

BACKGROUND: Body self-image questionnaire-short form (BSIQ-SF) is developed to measure body image perceptions. Due to the cultural, language and environmental differences between western and eastern population, the validity and reliability need to be established. The aim of this study was to determine validity and reliability of Malay version BSIQ-SF. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involved web-based survey was employed. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed using SPSS version 22 and Mplus 7.3. RESULTS: There were 688 young adults in Malaysia with mean age of 23.67 (SD = 0.188) and mean body mass index (BMI) of 23.34 (SD = 0.27) participated in the study. Exploratory factor analysis performed and the number domains reduced from nine to four, namely 'Negative Affect', 'Attractiveness Evaluation', 'Physical Functionality Awareness' and 'Height Dissatisfaction'. CFA further confirmed the structure of the model with adequate goodness-of-fit values [CFI = 0.927, TLI = 0.913, SRMR = 0.075, RMSEA = 0.053 (95% CI: 0.047, 0.060)]. CONCLUSION: The revised 21-item of the Malay version BSIQ-SF was a valid and reliable instrument to measure body image perceptions among Malaysian young adults.