Validation study on a prediction formula to estimate the weight of children & adolescents with special needs aged 2-18 years old.

Background: This study aims to validate two predictive formulas of weight estimating strategies in children with special needs, namely the Cattermole formula and the Mercy formula.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study with a universal sampling of children and adolescents with special needs aged 2-18 years old, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was conducted at Community-Based Rehabilitation in Central Zone Malaysia. Socio-demographic data were obtained from files, and medical reports and anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, humeral length, and mid-upper arm circumference) were collected using standard procedures.

Mapping Palliative Care Availability and Accessibility: A First Step to Eradicating Access Deserts in the Low- and Middle-Income Settings.

Objective: Palliative care is unavailable and/or inaccessible for the majority of people in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). This study aims to determine the availability and accessibility of palliative care services in Malaysia, a middle-income country that has made good progress toward universal health coverage (UHC).

Method: Publicly available data, and databases of registered palliative care services were obtained from governmental and nongovernmental sources.

Proposal for improving access to palliative care by enhancing primary care services in an upper middle-income country.

Background: Primary care doctors play an important role in providing palliative care as they are often the first point of contact for most healthcare needs in the community. This mixed-method study aims to 1) determine the accessibility of palliative care services in Malaysia, an upper middle-income country with universal health coverage, 2) explore the knowledge, challenges and opportunities faced by primary care doctors in providing palliative care and 3) identify if minimum standards for palliative care service are clearly defined, available and achieved in primary care facilities.

Methods: Data on availability of palliative care services will be sourced from governmental and non-governmental databases and reports.

Missed Appointments at a Child Development Centre and Barriers to Access Special Needs Services for Children in Klang Valley, Malaysia: A Mixed Methods Study.

Attending appointments is vital for children with special needs, as such appointments involve long-term interdisciplinary care to ensure continuity of care and improve health and well-being. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of missed clinic appointments and identify the factors among those who have ever missed appointments and barriers of access to children's special needs services at the Child Development Centre (CDC) at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). Moreover, suggestions for improvement from the caregivers' perspectives were explored.

Prevalence and determinants of hearing disability among older persons in Malaysia: Finding of National Health Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2018.

Aim: An aging population is a potential burden for unprepared developing countries. Malaysia is foreseen to be an aging country by 2035. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hearing disability among older persons in Malaysia.

Prevalence and determinants of disability among adults in Malaysia: results from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2015.

Background: Reliable national data on disability which is internationally comparable is needed in Malaysia. This study aims to examine the prevalence of disability among adults in Malaysia and its determinants, particularly the socioeconomic factors and comorbidities.

Methods: This study was based on the disability module, which is part of the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2015.