Association of LDLR, TP53 and MMP9 Gene Polymorphisms With Atherosclerosis in a Malaysian Study Population.

Preliminary research has shown that low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), tumor protein (TP53) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) genes expression levels were significantly increased in atherosclerosis coronary artery tissue (ACAT) compared to non-atherosclerotic coronary artery tissue (NCAT) samples. Thus, further investigation was carried out to study the association of LDLR, TP53 and MMP9 gene polymorphisms and the risk of developing atherosclerosis (ATH) in a Malaysian population. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of C88S, TP53 codon 72 and MMP9C>T were analyzed in 76 ACAT samples and 149 NCAT samples, representing cases and controls, respectively.

Prevalence and Predictors of Overweight and Obesity Among Adolescents in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

Introduction:  Obesity is recognized as a serious public health threat. Recent evidence has warned of the alarming rise in the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity throughout the world. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity, and its associations with socio-demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial factors among school-going adolescents in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.

Effectiveness of a Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Intervention in Improving Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and Self-Efficacy among Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The awareness and practice of pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) in the prevention and reduction of the rate of urinary incontinence among pregnant women was considerably poor, despite the increased prevalence of urinary incontinence during pregnancy across Malaysia. There healthcare providers do not give adequate attention to the potential impact of PFME on urinary incontinence and there is limited local intervention addressed urinary incontinence during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a newly developed PFME intervention in terms of knowledge, attitude, practice, self-efficacy, and urinary symptoms.

Prevalence, Associated Factors and Psychological Determinants of Obesity among Adults in Selangor, Malaysia.

Background: The pervasiveness of obesity is a growing concern in the world. This study aims to determine the prevalence of obesity among a segment of the Malaysian population, as well as investigate associated factors and psychological determinants of obesity.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was carried out in Selangor, Malaysia.

Effects of Counselling on Quality of Life among Cancer Patients in Malaysia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: We aimed to assess whether "Managing Patients on Chemotherapy" book is effective to improve quality of life (QOL) of cancer patient via counselling by pharmacist.

Methods: A randomized control trial study was run among 2120 cancer patients in public hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia, from Apr 2016-Jan 2018. The treatment group received counselling regarding chemotherapy by using developed module.

Effectiveness of Health-Led Cognitive Behavioral-Based Group Therapy on Pain, Functional Disability and Psychological Outcomes among Knee Osteoarthritis Patients in Malaysia.

Background: Psychosocial interventions for patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee to reduce pain and improve physical and psychological functioning are still lacking in Malaysia.

Methods: A parallel-group unblinded randomized controlled trial involving 300 patients was conducted in two hospital orthopedics clinics in Malaysia. Patients were randomly assigned to receive cognitive behavioral-based group therapy ( = 150) or no further intervention ( = 150).

Conceptual Framework for Investigating and Influencing Adherence Behavior among HIV-Positive Populations: An Applied Social Cognition Model.

Non-adherence remains a significant barrier to achieving successful HIV treatment outcomes. This review aimed to holistically examine the concept of adherence in the light of current research evidence and to provide a basic and adaptable conceptual framework for investigating and influencing adherence behavior among various HIV populations. We reviewed published journal articles and gray literature within the period from 2000 to 2017.

HIV Treatment Adherence - A Shared Burden for Patients, Health-Care Providers, and Other Stakeholders.

Successful HIV treatment is contingent on sustained high levels of treatment adherence. Several barriers to optimal adherence have been documented. In this article, we first review the global burden of non-adherence among HIV/AIDS positive individuals on a public health scale.

Determinants of quality of life among Malaysian cancer patients: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Cancer is a serious public health problem not only in Malaysia, also worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the determinants of quality of life (QOL) among cancer patients in Peninsular Malaysia.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 2120 cancer patients in Peninsular Malaysia, between April 2016 to January 2017.

Effectiveness of health education intervention in improving knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding Tuberculosis among HIV patients in General Hospital Minna, Nigeria - A randomized control trial.

Introduction: The risk of development of active TB in HIV-infected individuals is 20-37 times higher than those that are HIV negative. Poor knowledge of TB amongst people living with HIV has been associated with high transmission.

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of a new health education intervention module in improving knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding tuberculosis among HIV patients in General Hospital Minna, Nigeria.

Effectiveness of chemotherapy counselling on self-esteem and psychological affects among cancer patients in Malaysia: Randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to implement and evaluate the outcomes of chemotherapy counselling based on the "Managing Patients on Chemotherapy" module on self-esteem and psychological affect (anxiety, depression) of cancer patients by pharmacists in ten selected government hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia.

Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted among 2120 cancer patients from April 2016 to January 2017 in ten selected government hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia. Cancer patients were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups.

Prevalence of Absence of Palmaris Longus and Its Association with Gender, Hand Dominance and Absence of FDS Tendon to Little Finger Among Malay Population.

Background: Palmaris Longus is being widely used in reconstructive, plastic and cosmetic surgeries due to its long tendon. It is the most readily available source for tendon grafting. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of absence of Palmaris Longus and its association with gender, hand dominance and absence of FDS (flexor digitorum superficialis) tendon to little finger among Malay population.

Sociodemographic profile and predictors of outpatient clinic attendance among HIV-positive patients initiating antiretroviral therapy in Selangor, Malaysia.

Background: Inconsistent literature evidence suggests that sociodemographic, economic, and system- and patient-related factors are associated with clinic attendance among the HIV-positive population receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) around the world. We examined the factors that predict outpatient clinic attendance among a cohort of HIV-positive patients initiating ART in Selangor, Malaysia.

Patients And Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed secondary data on outpatient clinic attendance and sociodemographic, economic, psychosocial, and patient-related factors among 242 adult Malaysian patients initiating ART in Selangor, Malaysia.

Mobile phone reminders and peer counseling improve adherence and treatment outcomes of patients on ART in Malaysia: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Adherence to treatment remains the cornerstone of long term viral suppression and successful treatment outcomes among patients receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).

Objective(s): Evaluate the effectiveness of mobile phone reminders and peer counseling in improving adherence and treatment outcomes among HIV positive patients on ART in Malaysia.

Methods: A single-blind, parallel group RCT conducted in Hospital Sungai Buloh, Malaysia in which 242 adult Malaysian patients were randomized to intervention or control groups.

Effect of chemotherapy counseling by pharmacists on quality of life and psychological outcomes of oncology patients in Malaysia: a randomized control trial.

Background: Cancer is now becoming a leading cause of death. Chemotherapy is an important treatment for cancer patients. These patients also need consultation during their treatment to improve quality of life and decrease psychological disorders.

Socioeconomic Predictors of Adherence Behavior Among HIV-Positive Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Selangor, Malaysia.

Medication adherence remains a critical link between the prescribed ART regimen and treatment outcome. Several factors may influence adherence behavior. This cross-sectional study aimed to highlight socioeconomic predictors of adherence behavior among a cohort of 242 adult Malaysian patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Hospital Sungai Buloh, Malaysia, where they were enrolled in a parent study (single-blinded randomized controlled trial) between January and December 2014.

A Web-Based Psychoeducational Intervention Program for Depression and Anxiety in an Adult Community in Selangor, Malaysia: Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Mental disorders are a major public health problem and are debilitating in many nations throughout the world. Many individuals either do not or are not able to access treatment. The Internet can be a medium to convey to the community accessible evidenced-based interventions to reduce these burdens.

Prevalence, associated factors and predictors of anxiety: a community survey in Selangor, Malaysia.

Background: Anxiety is the most common mental health disorders in the general population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety, its associated factors and the predictors of anxiety among adults in the community of Selangor, Malaysia.

Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in three districts in Selangor, Malaysia.

A cross-sectional study to explore postgraduate students' understanding of and beliefs about sexual and reproductive health in a public university, Malaysia.

Background: The main sexual and reproductive health issues among young people are premarital sexual intercourse, unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions and sexually transmitted diseases including Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge related to sexual and reproductive health among Malaysian postgraduate students in a public university in Malaysia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among postgraduate students by systematic random sampling technique.

Prevalence, associated factors and predictors of depression among adults in the community of Selangor, Malaysia.

Introduction: Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders and is an emerging public health problem. The objectives of this paper were to determine the prevalence of depression, its associated factors and the predictors of depression among adults in the community of Selangor.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in three districts in Selangor, from 11th June to 30th December 2012.

Impact of a customized peer-facilitators training program related to sexual health intervention.

This study aimed to develop and implement a customized training program related to the delivery of an integrated human immunodeficiency virus - sexually transmitted infections (HIV-STI) risk reduction intervention for peer-facilitators and to evaluate its immediate outcome including changes in trainee knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported competence and confidence. We developed and delivered a structured training program and materials about HIV and STI prevention in a university setting. The training was offered to candidate facilitators who were planned to be involved in a larger project, known as Integrated HIV-STI Risk Reduction Program.

Preliminary assessment of differential expression of candidate genes associated with atherosclerosis.

Identifying susceptible genes associated with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (ATH) may contribute toward better management of this condition. This preliminary study was aimed at assessing the expression levels of 11 candidate genes, namely tumor protein (TP53), transforming growth factor, beta receptor II (TGFBR2), cysthathionenine-beta-synthase (CBS), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), thrombomodulin (THBD), lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), and arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (ALOX5AP) genes associated with ATH. Twelve human coronary artery tissues (HCATs) were obtained from deceased subjects who underwent post-mortem procedures.

Ethnic differences in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome: results from a multi-ethnic population-based survey in Malaysia.

Introduction: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing disproportionately among the different ethnicities in Asia compared to the rest of the world. This study aims to determine the differences in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome across ethnicities in Malaysia, a multi-ethnic country.

Methods: In 2004, we conducted a national cross-sectional population-based study using a stratified two-stage cluster sampling design (N = 17,211).

Effectiveness of peer-led education on knowledge, attitude and risk behavior practices related to HIV among students at a Malaysian public university--a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Develop, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a peer-led education program related to HIV/AIDS among university students.

Design: randomized controlled trial with 276 university students at Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences University Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang in 2011.

Intervention: A peer-led education program on HIV prevention by university students.