Delphi definition of general practice/family medicine specialty for a post-COVID world: in-person and remote care delivery.

Introduction: The evolving landscape of general practice (GP)/family medicine (FM) in the post-COVID-19 era, focussing on integrating telemedicine and remote consultations requires a new definition for this specialty. Hence, a broader consensus-based definition of post-COVID-19 GP/FM is warranted.

Methods: This study involved a modified electronic Delphi technique involving 27 specialists working in primary care recruited via convenient and snowball sampling.

Handgrip strength, and erectile dysfunction among men with metabolic syndrome attending an institutional primary care clinic in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an independent predictor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The prevalence increases with age, but little is known about the relationship between handgrip strength (HGS) and ED, especially among men with a high risk of CVD. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ED among men aged ≥40 years with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its association with HGS.

Predictors of grit among medical students: a study at a Malaysian Public University.

Background: Previous literature has demonstrated associations between grit and positive educational and psychological outcomes, such as higher academic grades, lower attrition rates in medical training, and protection from burnout. However, the predictors of grit have yet to be studied, particularly among medical students in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the level of grit and its predictors among Malaysian medical students.

Factors associated with usability of the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-management mobile app© among individuals with cardiovascular risk factors in primary care.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the usability of the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App© and evaluate the factors associated with its usability among patients with cardiovascular risk factors in primary care.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted among patients aged ≥ 18 years with cardiovascular risk factors attending a university primary care clinic. Patients were given the app to use for at least three months.

Factors associated with usability of the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Global Cardiovascular Risks Self-Management Booklet© among individuals with metabolic syndrome in primary care: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Self-management support has been recognized as one of the most essential elements of the Chronic Care Model (CCM). Inspired by the CCM, the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Global Cardiovascular Risks Self-Management Booklet was developed to aid and sustain self-management among patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in primary care to prevent cardiovascular complications. However, the usability of this booklet among these patients is not known.

Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Presenting with Chronic Cough and Hemoptysis in Primary Care: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND The article discusses an unusual case of papillary thyroid carcinoma in which chronic cough and hemoptysis were the predominant symptoms. While the more common causes of hemoptysis are pulmonary in origin, extrapulmonary etiologies have been reported, including thyroid carcinoma. The clinical presentation of thyroid malignancy in this case mimics many other common disorders, such as pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchogenic carcinoma, bronchiectasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of dyslipidaemia among adults in Malaysia.

Dyslipidaemia is an established cardiovascular risk factor. This study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of dyslipidaemia in Malaysian adults. A systematic review and meta-analysis of all cross-sectional, longitudinal observational studies which reported the prevalence of elevated total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), triglycerides (TG), and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) in adults 18 years old and older, was conducted.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Prehypertension and Hypertension Among Adults: Baseline Findings of PURE Malaysia Cohort Study.

Background: Although prehypertension and hypertension can be detected at the primary healthcare level and low-cost treatments can effectively control its complications, hypertension is still the world's leading preventable risk factor. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine its prevalence and its risk factors among Malaysian adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 7585 adults was performed covering the rural and urban areas.

Design, development, utility and usability testing of the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App among primary care physicians and patients with metabolic syndrome.

Objective: This study aimed to design, develop, assess and refine the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App among primary care physicians (PCP) and patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in primary care.

Methodology: Using the software-development-life-cycle (SDLC) iterative model, storyboard and wireframe were drafted; and a mock prototype was designed to illustrate the content and function graphically. Subsequently, a working prototype was developed.

Case Series of Genetically Confirmed Index Cases of Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Primary Care.

BACKGROUND In Malaysia, the prevalence of genetically confirmed heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) was reported as 1 in 427. Despite this, FH remains largely underdiagnosed and undertreated in primary care. CASE REPORT In this case series, we report 3 FH cases detected in primary care due to mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein-B (APOB), and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) genes.

Reducing Premature Coronary Artery Disease in Malaysia by Early Identification of Familial Hypercholesterolemia Using the Familial Hypercholesterolemia Case Ascertainment Tool (FAMCAT): Protocol for a Mixed Methods Evaluation Study.

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is predominantly caused by mutations in the 4 FH candidate genes (FHCGs), namely, low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B-100 (APOB-100), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), and the LDL receptor adaptor protein 1 (LDLRAP1). It is characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels leading to premature coronary artery disease. FH can be clinically diagnosed using established clinical criteria, namely, Simon Broome (SB) and Dutch Lipid Clinic Criteria (DLCC), and can be identified using the Familial Hypercholesterolemia Case Ascertainment Tool (FAMCAT), a primary care screening tool.

The alasian alth and Welleing ssessmen (MyHEBAT) Study Protocol: An Initiation of a National Registry for Extended Cardiovascular Risk Evaluation in the Community.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been a burden to many developing countries for decades, including Malaysia. Although various steps have been taken to prevent and manage CVD, it remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The rising prevalence of CVD risk factors such as hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes, overweight and obesity is the main driving force behind the CVD epidemic.

Identification of cardiovascular risk factors among urban and rural Malaysian youths.

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early identification of the cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) among youths assists in determining the high-risk group to develop CAD in later life. In view of the modernised lifestyle, both urban and rural residing youths are thought to be equally exposed to various CRF.

Prevalence and factors associated with lipid-lowering medications use for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases among Malaysians: the REDISCOVER study.

Background: Lipid-lowering medications (LLM) are commonly used for secondary prevention, as well as for primary prevention among patients with high global cardiovascular risk and with diabetes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LLM use among high-risk individuals [participants with diabetes, high Framingham general cardiovascular (FRS-CVD) score, existing cardiovascular disease (CVD)] and the factors associated with it.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis from the baseline recruitment (years 2007 to 2011) of an ongoing prospective study involving 11,288 participants from 40 rural and urban communities in Malaysia.

Global prevalence of dyslipidaemia in adult populations: a systematic review protocol.

Introduction: Dyslipidaemia is one of the established risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Evidence from large-scale trials showed that effective treatment of dyslipidaemia can reduce all-cause and coronary mortality. To date, there is no published systematic review on the worldwide prevalence of dyslipidaemia in adults.

The Prevalence of Limited Health Literacy and Its Associated Factors among Elderly Patients Attending an Urban Academic Primary Care Clinic in Malaysia.

Limited health literacy (HL) is linked to many negative health outcomes, including poor self-management of chronic diseases and medication adherence among patients. There are a lack of data regarding HL in the elderly population in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of limited HL levels and its associated factors among elderly patients in an urban academic primary care clinic in Selangor, Malaysia.

High prevalence of dyslipidaemia subtypes and their associated personal and clinical attributes in Malaysian adults: the REDISCOVER study.

Background: Dyslipidaemia refers to lipid abnormalities consisting of either one or any combination of the following: elevated total cholesterol (TC), elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), elevated triglycerides (TG), and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). The prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia is steadily increasing in Malaysia. However, data on the prevalence of dyslipidaemia subtypes among Malaysians are lacking.

Validity and reliability of an adapted questionnaire measuring knowledge, awareness and practice regarding familial hypercholesterolaemia among primary care physicians in Malaysia.

Background: Primary care physicians (PCP) play an important role in detecting Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) early. However, knowledge, awareness and practice (KAP) regarding FH among Malaysian PCP are not well established, and there was no validated tool to assess their FH KAP. Thus, the aim of this study was to adapt an FH KAP questionnaire and determine its validity and reliability among Malaysian PCP.

The EMPOWER-SUSTAIN e-Health Intervention to improve patient activation and self-management behaviours among individuals with Metabolic Syndrome in primary care: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial.

Background: Epidemiological studies conducted in various parts of the world have clearly demonstrated that metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an increasing global health problem, not only in Western societies but also in Asian populations. Web-based and mobile phone-based self-management applications have been proven to be effective in improving self-management behaviour of patients with MetS components (i.e.

Validation study of the Parent Attitudes About Childhood Vaccines (PACV) questionnaire: the Malay version.

Vaccine hesitant parents are linked with re-emergence of vaccine preventable diseases, but evidence is scarce locally. The Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) questionnaire was validated and used in the USA to identify vaccine hesitant parents. This study aimed to adapt and translate the 15-item PACV questionnaire from English into the Malay language, and to examine its validity and reliability.

Knowledge, awareness and practice regarding familial hypercholesterolaemia among primary care physicians in Malaysia: The importance of professional training.

Background And Aims: This study aimed to determine knowledge, awareness and practice (KAP) regarding familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) among Malaysian primary care physicians (PCP), and to compare KAP between PCP with postgraduate qualification (PCP-PG-Qual) and PCP without PG qualification (PCP-noPG-Qual).

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving PCP with ≥1-year working experience in Malaysian primary care settings. An adapted and validated 25-item FH-KAP questionnaire was disseminated during primary care courses.

Validity and reliability of the patient assessment on chronic illness care (PACIC) questionnaire: the Malay version.

Background: Majority of patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, receive care at primary care setting. Efforts have been made to restructure diabetes care in the Malaysian primary care setting in accordance with the Chronic Care Model (CCM). The Patient Assessment on Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) is a validated self-report tool to measure the extent to which patients with chronic illness receive care that aligns with the CCM.

Comparable Enhanced Prothrombogenesis in Simple Central Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome.

Objective: There is limited data comparing prothrombogenic or fibrinolysis biomarkers (tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)) simultaneously in subjects with Metabolic Syndrome (MS), simple central obesity without MS (COB) and normal controls (NC). We investigated the concentrations of fibrinolysis biomarkers in subjects with MS, COB and NC.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 503 drug naive subjects (163 males, aged 30-65 years old (mean age ± SD = 47.