Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Survey of Osteoporosis among Students of a Tertiary Institution in Malaysia

Purpose: To evaluate knowledge and perceptions of osteoporosis among university students in Malaysia belonging to different age groups, gender and ethnicity.Methods: Using convenience sampling method, current study was conducted among students of University Sains Malaysia (USM), Pulau Penang, Malaysia. A pre-validated self- administered questionnaire was used to carry out the study.Results: The mean age of the participants was 24.61 ± 5.51 years. A majority, 401 (87 %), identified osteoporosis correctly as a disease that makes bones weak and fragile. Lack of milk and dairy products were identified by majority of participants (74 %) as a risk factor for  osteoporosis while being petite (24 %) and family history (34.5 %) were the least identified risk factors. Female showed statistically higher knowledge score than males (243.89 versus 216.12, p = 0.02). Ethnicity (Malay: 228.32, Chinese: 264.46, Indian: 194.04, Others: 236.94, p = 0.00) and type of education (Hybrid: 225.99, Arts: 182.21, Science: 286.23, p = 0.00) were factors that correlated significantly with knowledge and perceptions of osteoporosis.Conclusion: This study demonstrates an urgent need for the  implementation of educational and awareness programs for university students belonging to various age groups. Such programs should be designed on the basis of the parameters of health belief model.Keywords: Attitude, Bones, Knowledge, Osteoporosis, Practice, University students

A qualitative study of community pharmacists' opinions on the provision of osteoporosis disease state management services in Malaysia

Background: Osteoporosis has significant impact on healthcare costs and quality of life. Amongst the models for collaborative disease state management services published internationally, there is sparse evidence regarding the role of community pharmacists in the provision of osteoporosis care. Hence, the aim of our study was to explore community pharmacists' opinions (including the barriers and facilitators) and scope of osteoporosis disease state management services by community pharmacists in Malaysia, informing a vision for developing these services. Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups discussions were conducted with community pharmacists from October 2013 to July 2014. Three trained researchers interviewed the participants. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed thematically using an interpretative description approach. Results: Nineteen community pharmacists with 1-23 years of experience were recruited (in depth interviews: n = 9; focus group discussions: n = 10). These participants reflected on their experience with osteoporosis-related enquiries, which included medication counseling, bone density screening and referral of at-risk patients. Key barriers were the lack of numerous factors: public awareness of osteoporosis, accurate osteoporosis screening tools for community pharmacists, pharmacists' knowledge on osteoporosis disease and medications, time to counsel patients about bone health, collaboration between pharmacists and doctors, and support from the government and professional body. The pharmacists wanted more continuing education on osteoporosis, osteoporosis awareness campaigns, a simple, unbiased osteoporosis education material, and inter-professional collaboration practices with doctors, and pharmacists' reimbursement for osteoporosis care. Conclusions: The involvement of community pharmacists in the provision of osteoporosis disease state management was minimal. Only ad-hoc counseling on osteoporosis prevention was performed by community pharmacists. Development and trial of collaborative osteoporosis disease state management services in community pharmacy could be facilitated by training, support and remuneration

Halal Certification of Food, Nutraceuticals, and Pharmaceuticals in the Arab World

Food is an organic need and essential to our survival, whereas nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals play an important role in disease prevention and cure. The food processing and healthcare industries are often linked together for economic growth and health promotion. However, the complexity of the ingredients and processes led communities to question their motivation, accuracy, and imposed standards. Different standards are often applied to ensure high quality, reproducibility, and traceability. Many processed products contain ingredients derived from animals, where the consumption of such products is prohibited by several religions and lifestyles. Patients who want to avoid certain medications derived from animal need to know the source of origin and detailed ingredients contained in their medicines. Recently many Muslim and non-Muslim countries have realized the value of Halal products and led to an increase in Halal awareness. This chapter aims to provide more insight into the issue of Halal status of food and medications in the context of healthcare and describe the process of certification and the list of ingredients and drugs with potential non-Halal sources. Traceability procedure and identification of a long list of ingredients is a challenge but also key for verifying the Halal status of the end product. Implementation of Halal-Tayyib concept is essential to determine the Halalness of food and pharmaceuticals. To increase confidence, eliminate suspicion, and improve trust with producers, Halal certification is required. However, exerting 100% effort is possible, whereas achieving products that are 100% clean and pure and comply with Shari’ah is debatable