Development and validation of D-PATH website to improve hypertension management among hypertensive patients in Malaysia

Objective

This study aimed at developing and validating a web application on hypertension management called the D-PATH website.

Methods

The website development involved three stages: content analysis, web development, and validation. The model of Internet Intervention was used to guide the development of the website, in addition to other learning and multimedia theories. The content was developed based on literature reviews and clinical guidelines on hypertension. Then, thirteen experts evaluated the website using Fuzzy Delphi Technique.

Results

The website was successfully developed and contains six learning units. Thirteen experts rated the website based on content themes, presentation, interactivity, and instructional strategies. All experts reached a consensus that the web is acceptable to be used for nutrition education intervention.

Conclusion

D-PATH is a valid web-based educational tool ready to be used to help disseminate information on dietary and physical activity to manage hypertension. This web application was suitable for sharing information on dietary and physical activity recommendations for hypertension patients.

Quality of life in parents of autistic children: A transcultural perspective

Introduction

The concepts of health, illness, and disability as well as the perceptions of autism and quality of life (QoL) vary greatly across cultures and across time. This study sought to explore the interplay of culture on QoL and impact on parents caring for autistic children.

Methods

We used a transcultural dataset from seven countries (Australia, Hungary, Malaysia, Romania, Singapore, Spain, and the United Kingdom) with participating parents/carers reporting on the Quality of Life in Autism (QoLA) questionnaire. The QoLA questionnaire is a validated measure of QoL for parents of autistic children, with Part A subscale measuring parental QoL and part B subscale assessing the parental impact of the child's autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms or features. We used the Quade's ranked analysis of covariance to determine significant differences between the countries in relation to QoLA Part A and Part B scores while adjusting for baseline differences using covariates such as parents' gender, child's age, and gender. Additionally, a post-hoc analysis with Bonferroni correction was also conducted to examine multiple pairwise comparisons.

Results and conclusion

We found that while the effect of features of ASD (Part B subscale) stayed strongly comparable between cultures, the self-reported parental QoL was most likely determined by different aspects of culture in different countries. It is concluded that while the ASD symptoms or features appear to affect parents in the same way across different countries, the parental QoL may be a culturally informed construct.

Prevalence of Good Condom Usage and Its Association with Condom Use Self-Efficacy among Youth Attending HIV/STDs Clinics in Primary-Care Settings in Malaysia

The low prevalence of condom usage among youth with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Sexually Transmitted Diseases (HIV/STDs) is a concern. Condom use self-efficacy has been identified as a significant predictor of condom usage. This cross-sectional study examines the prevalence of good condom usage and its association with condom use self-efficacy among Malaysian urban youth, aged between 18 to 24 years old attending HIV/STDs clinics in primary-care settings, Selangor. Utilising the Harmonised Malay version of Condom Use Self-Efficacy Scale (CUSES M-H) questionnaire, the data from 218 responders were analysed using univariate and multiple logistic regression. The prevalence of good condom usage was 61% (95% CI: 54%, 68%). The average mean score of condom use self-efficacy was 3.07. Condom use self-efficacy was divided into four subscales of mechanics, perceived barriers, assertiveness and intoxicants. The assertiveness subscale had the highest average mean score of 3.42, while the intoxicant subscale score had the lowest average mean score of 2.24. Good condom usage was significantly associated with condom use during first sexual intercourse (aOR = 5.81, 95% CI: 1.97, 17.14), duration diagnosis of HIV/STDs of more than 12 months (aOR = 6.40, 95% CI: 2.30, 17.86) and the high assertiveness subscale score (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.36). A behavioural change campaign that targets high-risk youth in primary care settings could promote condom use self-efficacy particularly assertiveness to increase condom usage among the youth.

Association between elevated carotid intima-media thickness and serum uric acid levels among patients with essential hypertension in primary care setting in Sungai Buloh, Malaysia

AIMS

Our study aimed to investigate the association between elevated carotid-intima media thickness (CIMT) and serum uric acid (SUA) levels in hypertensive patients attending primary care clinics in Sungai Buloh, Malaysia.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study on 140 hypertensive patients attending outpatient follow-up in two primary care clinics in Sungai Buloh, Malaysia, using a convenient sampling method. SUA levels were measured and divided into four quartiles. Two radiologist specialists performed B mode ultrasonography to assess the thickness of the right and left carotid intima media in all participants.

RESULTS

Participants' mean SUA level was 355.75 ± 0.13. Their mean age was 53.44 (± 9.90), with a blood pressure control of 137.09 ± 13.22/81.89 ± 8.95. Elevated CIMT taken at ≥75th percentile was 0.666 for the left and 0.633 for the right common carotid arteries. By using a hierarchical method of multiple logistic regression, compared with the first quartile of the SUA level as reference group, the odd of elevated CIMT in quartile 4 in the common carotid artery was (OR = 2.00; 95% CI = 0.64-6.27, P = .576) for the right and (OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.20-2.00, P = .594) for the left. Waist circumference (P = .001), body mass index (P = .013), triglycerides (P < .001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = .001) were significantly associated with the SUA quartiles.

CONCLUSION

Although there was an increasing trend in the odd of elevated right CIMT across the SUA quartiles, this association, however, was not significant. Preventive effort to tackle the clustering effect of metabolic markers within this study population is needed to reduce the future risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Towards Precision Health in Weight Reduction: Thematic Content Analysis of an Open-Ended Survey on Reasons Why Morbidly Obese Patients Want to Lose Weight.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-42745/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Background: Addressing individuals’ motivation to lose weight among patients with morbid obesity is an essential entity in weight reduction. Failures to shift motivation into weight loss actions are common. These could be contributed by the inadequacy to identify and subsequently address the key reasons, that are of particular concern to the patient' individual needs. We aimed to understand the motivations better and identify the reasons why morbidly obese patients attending hospital-based weight management programmes (WMP) wanted to lose weight. Methods: The study used a qualitative approach to analyze part of a quantitative questionnaire of a more extensive study to understand factors influencing weight loss among morbidly obese patients. We used thematic content analysis to analyze responses from a self-administered open-ended question "What is the main factor why you want to lose your weight?”. A total of 225 new patients attending obesity clinics in two tertiary hospitals responded to the questionnaire. Results: Patients’ mean BMI was 45.6±8.05 kg/m2. Four themes emerged for the reasons why morbidly obese patients wanted to lose weight. Health was the most commonly inferred theme (84%). Patients were concerned about the impact obesity had on their health. Overcoming obesity was seen as a reward not just for physical health, but also for their psychological wellbeing. Patients regard being functional to care for themselves, their family members, as well as their religious and career needs as the next most crucial theme (25.8%). Patients raised the theme appearance (12.9%), especially with regards to wanting to look and feel beautiful. The last theme was perceived stigmatization for being morbidly obese as they were mocked and laughed at for their appearance (3.1%).Conclusion: Patients with morbid obesity in this study had expressed their main personal motivational reasons to lose weight. Concerns about the impact of morbid obesity on health, physical, social and obligatory function, appearance and perceived stigma warrant detailed exploration by the managing health professionals. Identifying and addressing these unique personal motivations in a focused approach is vital at the beginning and throughout a weight reduction program in this unique group.

Suspected Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in an Adult: An Uncommon but Important Infectious Disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is an uncommon infection to be diagnosed in adults. We present a case of a 32-year-old immunocompetent man with HFMD. This case report highlights the importance of identifying a common childhood disease that could occur in an adult. Recognition is important for possible role in notification, especially for outbreak prevention and to consider potential differential diagnoses. The management and diseaseprevention measures in a working adult in Malaysia and the shortfalls identified in management guidelines are discussed.

Why women chose unassisted home birth in Malaysia: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Incidences of unassisted home birthing practices have been increasing in Malaysia despite the accessibility to safe and affordable child birthing facilities. We aimed to explore the reasons for women to make such decisions.

METHODS

Twelve women participated in in-depth interviews. They were recruited using a snowballing approach. The interviews were supported by a topic guide which was developed based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour and previous literature. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Women in this study described a range of birthing experiences and personal beliefs as to why they chose unassisted home birth. Four themes emerged from the interviews; i) preferred birthing experience, ii) birth is a natural process, iii) expressing autonomy and iv) faith. Such decision to birth at home unassisted was firm and steadfast despite the possible risks and complications that can occur. Giving birth is perceived to occur naturally regardless of assistance, and unassisted home birth provides the preferred environment which health facilities in Malaysia may lack. They believed that they were in control of the birth processes apart from fulfilling the spiritual beliefs.

CONCLUSIONS

Women may choose unassisted home birth to express their personal views and values, at the expense of the health risks. Apart from increasing mothers' awareness of the possible complications arising from unassisted home births, urgent efforts are needed to provide better birth experiences in healthcare facilities that resonate with the mothers' beliefs and values.

Why women chose unassisted home birth in Malaysia: A qualitative study.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.2.16973/v3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Background: Incidences of unassisted home birthing practices have been increasing in Malaysia despite the accessibility to safe and affordable child birthing facilities. We aimed to explore the reasons for women to make such decisions. Methods: Twelve women participated in in-depth interviews. They were recruited using a snowballing approach. The interviews were supported by a topic guide which was developed based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour and previous literature. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.Results: Women in this study described a range of birthing experiences and personal beliefs as to why they chose unassisted home birth. Four themes emerged from the interviews; i) preferred birthing experience, ii) birth is a natural process, iii) expressing autonomy and iv) faith. Such decision to birth at home unassisted was firm and steadfast despite the possible risks and complications that can occur. Giving birth is perceived to occur naturally regardless of assistance, and unassisted home birth provides the preferred environment which health facilities in Malaysia may lack. They believed that they were in control of the birth processes apart from fulfilling the spiritual beliefs.Conclusions: Women may choose unassisted home birth to express their personal views and values, at the expense of the health risks. Apart from increasing mothers' awareness of the possible complications arising from unassisted home births, urgent efforts are needed to provide better birth experiences in healthcare facilities that resonate with the mothers’ beliefs and values.

Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Arising in a Neglected Goiter: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Periodical clinical surveillance for early thyroid cancer detection among patients with diffuse goiter is a common scenario managed in the primary care setting. However, clinical palpation alone is neither sensitive nor specific in detecting the presence of nodules within a goiter. Hence, further investigation with ultrasound is key to effective surveillance for early detection of thyroid cancer. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a stable diffuse goiter in a 51-year-old woman diagnosed 30 years ago who refused further imaging investigation. Based solely on clinical palpation, the presence of nodules within the goiter was missed. This resulted in transformation into papillary thyroid carcinoma with lung metastases. She presented with progressive hoarseness of voice and cough for 3 months. An ultrasound of the thyroid gland revealed a large heterogeneous nodule in the left lower pole with coarse calcification and internal vascularity. Further imaging with contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the neck and thorax revealed an enhancing nodule in the left thyroid lobe which extends inferiorly to the left retroclavicular region which compresses the trachea causing narrowing of its lumen at T1 and T2 vertebral levels. There were multiple lung nodules in both lungs suggestive of metastases. CONCLUSION: A total thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine thyroid ablation therapy was performed. The histopathological examination revealed the surgical specimen to be papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Why women chose unassisted home birth in Malaysia: A qualitative study.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.2.16973/v2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Background: Incidences of unassisted home birthing practices have been increasing in Malaysia despite the accessibility to safe and affordable child birthing facilities. We aimed to explore the reasons for women to make such decisions. Methods: Twelve women participated in in-depth interviews. They were recruited using a snowballing approach. The interviews were supported by a topic guide which was developed based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour and previous literatures. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Women in this study described a range of birthing experiences and personal beliefs as to why they chose unassisted home birth. Four themes emerged from the interviews; i) preferred birthing experience, ii) birth is a natural process, iii) expressing autonomy and iv) faith. Such decision to birth at home unassisted was firm and strong despite the possible risks and complications that can occur. Giving birth is perceived to occur naturally regardless of assistance, and unassisted home birth provides the preferred environment which health facilities in Malaysia may lack. They believed that they were in control of the birth processes apart from fulfilling the spiritual beliefs. Conclusions: Women may choose unassisted home birth to express their personal beliefs and values, at the expense of the health risks. Apart from increasing mothers’ awareness of the possible complications arising from unassisted home births, urgent efforts are needed to provide better birth experiences in healthcare facilities that resonate with the mothers’ beliefs and values.

Disseminated Melioidosis Presenting with Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Presentation Not to be Missed – A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Melioidosis commonly presents with pneumonia and is associated with a high mortality rate. This case report discussed a case of confirmed disseminated melioidosis. The case focused on the chronological clinical progressions of melioidosis which initially masqueraded as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and subsequently developed into septicemia. This case report aims to create awareness among the primary care doctors working in a potentially endemic area for melioidosis to be vigilant of its non-specific presentation. CASE REPORT: We report a case of an 80-year-old man who was treated for CAP and presented with unresolved fever and subsequently sepsis. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed disseminated lesions of varying sizes in the lungs, liver, spleen, and blood cultures grew Burkholderia pseudomallei. A pigtail drainage catheter was inserted into the liver abscess. In addition, the patient received a 46-day course of intravenous ceftazidime and a 4-month maintenance regime of oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and oral doxycycline. CONCLUSION: Completion of antimicrobial treatment resulted in resolution of clinical signs and abscesses on imaging.

Chronic Back Pain in a Young Female Patient: A Case of Ependymoma Originating from the Conus Medullaris

We present the case of a 14-year-old Malay girl with an ependymoma of the conus medullaris who presented to multiple general practitioner clinics with a 24-month history of chronic low back pain. The pain was symptomatically managed as a simple musculoskeletal pain and sciatica. Further imaging to aid diagnosis was delayed until the appearance of severe pain with neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enhancing spinal mass at L1 through L3, and histopathological investigations confirmed the grade II ependymoma according to the World Health Organization classification. She underwent gross resection of the tumor. After the surgery, she developed neurogenic urinary bladder and bowel, which required intermittent self-catheterization, intermittent enema use, and intensive physical therapy.

Managing adolescent pregnancy: The unique roles and challenges of private general practitioners in Malaysia

INTRODUCTION

Managing adolescent pregnancy in the primary care setting is complex, as it requires doctors to navigate through a combination of medical, social, financial and legal needs. Objective: This study explores the perspectives of private general practitioners on their roles and challenges in managing adolescent pregnancy in Malaysia.

METHODS

Nineteen private general practitioners in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur participated in in-depth interviews in 2015. A topic guide was used for interview navigation. Participants were asked to discuss their experiences and approaches in managing pregnant adolescents. We used purposive sampling to recruit consenting private general practitioners who had experience in managing adolescent pregnancy. The verbatim transcripts of the audio-recorded interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Data reached saturation at the nineteenth in-depth interview. Results: Two themes emerged. Under the theme 'inadvertent advocator,' participants described their tasks with regards to building trust, calming angry parents and delivering comprehensive counseling and care related to the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents, including requests for abortions. Theme two, 'challenges of private general practitioners,' refers mainly to personal and religious conflicts arising from a request for an abortion and deficiencies in support and multidisciplinary integration within their practice settings.

CONCLUSION

General practitioners practicing in the private sector identify themselves as active players in supporting pregnant adolescents but face many challenges arising from the personal, religious, professional and community levels. Addressing these challenges is important for optimal care delivery to pregnant adolescents in this community.