Perceived Shame and Stigma, and Other Psychosocial Predictors of Psychological Distress Among Cancer Patients in Malaysia.

Background: Patients' sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics, distress factors, perceived shame and stigma may give rise to psychological distress in cancer patients that bring about further psychosocial impact.

Aims: (1) to determine the degrees of shame and stigma towards cancer and psychological distress among cancer patients in Malaysia and (2) to examine the clinical and psychosocial predictors of psychological distress.

Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited a total of 217 cancer patients.

The regulatory effects of mitragynine on P-glycoprotein transporter.

Objectives: Kratom preparation containing Mitragyna speciosa Korth plant is frequently used as a recreational drug. Mitragynine, a major alkaloid isolated from M. speciosa, is often detected concurrently with other drugs during forensic analysis, indicating a safety concern.

EEG components of inhibitory control ability in internet gaming disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Inhibitory control ability is a crucial cognitive function that enables individuals to regulate their impulses and behaviors in a goal-directed manner. However, with the increasing prevalence of internet gaming disorder (IGD), there has been growing concern about the impact of excessive gaming on inhibitory control ability. Despite the accumulating evidence on this topic, the research conclusion on whether people with IGD have worse inhibition control ability than healthy controls remains inconsistent, and the lack of effective electroencephalography prediction indicators further complicates this issue.

Psychometric Properties of the 34-Item Short-Form Supportive Care Need Survey (SCNS-SF34) Scale in the Malaysian Cancer Healthcare Context.

(1) Background: This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Malay version of SCNS-SF34 among Malaysian cancer patients. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 171 cancer patients. Data were collected using the structured five-factor survey via telephone call or face-to-face interviews.

A narrative review of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on cognitive performance in Alzheimer's disease.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that is highly expressed in the brain. It influences neuronal survival, growth and acts as a control centre for neurotransmitters. It also plays a crucial role in learning and memory.

Effects of kratom ( Korth.) in reducing risk-behaviors among a small sample of HIV positive opiate users in Malaysia.

Out-of-treatment HIV positive opiate users often engage in risky injecting and sexual behaviors. We sought the self-reported experiences on whether or not kratom ( Korth.) use was associated with a reduction in HIV risk behaviors among them.

Exercise Interventions as the Primary Treatment for Depression: Evidence from a Narrative Review.

There is an increasing evidence supporting the efficacy of exercise interventions in the treatment of depression, which is a growing global health concern. However, data on the efficacy of exercise as the primary treatment for depression are scarce. This narrative review explored the efficacy of exercise interventions as the primary treatment for depressive disorders.

Is kratom ( Korth.) use associated with ECG abnormalities? Electrocardiogram comparisons between regular kratom users and controls.

Objectives: Little is known about the cardiotoxic effects of kratom ( Korth.), a medicinal plant. This analytical cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities and QTc intervals in regular kratom users compared with non-kratom-using control subjects.

Diagnosis of cancer is not a death sentence: Examining posttraumatic growth and its associated factors in cancer patients.

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is the experience of positive psychological growth as a result of struggle with highly challenging life crises. This study was conducted to investigate the degree of PTG and its associated factors, as well as to identify which positive psychological parameters most significantly associated with greater PTG among Malaysian cancer patients. This cross-sectional survey included 195 patients with different cancer diagnoses.

Posttraumatic growth, depression and anxiety in head and neck cancer patients: examining their patterns and correlations in a prospective study.

Background: Positive and negative psychological reactions have been described in head and neck cancer patients. Nevertheless, the relationships between these responses across time need to be studied to understand the patients' strengths and vulnerabilities.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the changes in posttraumatic growth (PTG), depression and anxiety longitudinally and the correlations between PTG and depression and anxiety in head and neck cancer patients.