Knowledge of blood-borne infectious diseases and the practice of universal precautions amongst health-care workers in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia

This study aimed to assess the knowledge of blood-borne diseases transmitted through needle stick injuries amongst health-care workers in a tertiary teaching hospital. We also aimed to assess the practices of universal precautions amongst these workers and its correlation with the facts. We carried out a cross-sectional study from January to July 2008 involving various levels of health-care workers in Serdang Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia. A self-administered questionnaire assessing knowledge of blood-borne diseases and universal precautions, and actual practice of universal precautions was used. Two hundred fifteen respondents participated in this study; 63.3% were staff nurses. The mean knowledge score was 31.84 (SD 4.30) and the mean universal practice score was 9.0 (SD 2.1). There was a small, positive correlation between knowledge and actual practice of universal precautions (r = 0.300, n = 206, p < 0.001) amongst the cohort studied. Factors such as age and years of experience did not contribute towards acquisition of knowledge about blood-borne illnesses or the practice of universal precautions

Risk determinants of peripheral neuropathy in patients with Type II diabetes mellitus attending follow-Up clinics at University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC): a cross sectional study

Peripheral neuropathy is highly associated with foot complications among diabetics. This study aimedto identify risk factors associated with the development of peripheral neuro­pathy in diabetic patients and their association with degree of severity of peri­pheral neu­ropathy. Across-sectional study was conducted in follow-up clinics at the Uni­versiti Ke­bangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Malaysia involving 72 diabetic patients and 19 controls. Exclusion criteria were those with amputated limbs, gross foot deformity and existing peripheral neuropathy. Controls were non diabetics who walked normally, had no history of foot problem and attended the clinic as sub­jects’ companion. Quantita­tive assessment of neuropathy was done using Semmes-Weinstein monofila­ment. Neu­ropathy Disability Score (NDS) were used to quantify se­verity of diabetic neu­ropathy. Spearman’s Rank test and Mann-Whitney test were used to determine correlation be­tween variables and their differences. Logistic regression analysis was used to deter­mine risk factors associated with peripheral neuropathy. The mean HbA1c among di­abetics was 8.6% + 4.1, and mean NDS was 7.0 + 6.0. A total of 79.1% demonstrated various level of neuropathy with presence of callus was asso­ciated with higher NDS scores. Older age (P=0.02), body weight (P=0.03), HbA1c (P=0.005) and duration of di­abetes (P <0.005) showed positive correlation with NDS. Proper foot care program for diabetics should include recognition of the callus, with special emphasis given to those with heavier weight and increasing age

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome in post streptococcal glomerulonephritis

Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) is a uncommon neurological disorder among pediatric population. Clinical features started with decreased alertness and activity, and associated with headache, visual changes, altered mental status such as seizures, confusion and abnormal behavior. Radio imaging findings commonly present typical changes in the white matter located in the posterior regions of the cerebral hemisphere and cerebellum. This syndrome commonly associated with hypertension, ecclampsia, renal failure or the used of some immunosuppression medications especially cyclosporine and tacrolimus. We describe a previously healthy 9-year-old boy who presented with acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, and he developed neurological symptoms of posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome with hypertensive crisis. His CT scan shows typical changes of non enhancing white matter with hypodensities at the occipital and parietal temporal areas. He had a rapid resolution of neurological symptoms with adequate treatment of hypertension. He was discharged well after 14 days in the ward

The association of various risk factors and plantar pressures in the development of peripheral neuropathy amongst diabetic patients attending outpatient clinics

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is associated with foot complications among diabetics. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with peripheral neuropathy and its association with the difference in plantar pressures in degree of severity of peripheral neuropathy. Methods and Material: Cross sectional study conducted in outpatient clinics at the University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Malaysia. Diabetics aged 18-70 years were recruited. Exclusion criteria were those with amputated limb, gross foot deformity and existing peripheral neuropathy. Controls were non-diabetics who walk normally, no history of foot problem and attended the clinic as subjects' companion. Quantitative assessments for neuropathy Semmes-Weinstein monofilament and Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS). F-scan system was used to analyze the plantar pressures. Spearman's Rank test, Mann-Whitney test used to determine correlation between variables and logistic regression analysis used to determine risk factors associated with peripheral neuropathy. P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: 91 subjects were recruited (72 diabetics; 19 non diabetic volunteers). Presence of callus was associated with higher NDS scores. Older age (P = 0.02), heavy weight (P = 0.03), HbA1c (P = 0.005) and duration of diabetes (P < 0.005) showed positive correlation with NDS. Forefoot to rearfoot (F/R) ratio of maximal plantar pressure in both feet showed no significant difference to callus or ulcers (p = 0.195) and degree of severity (p = 0.598). Conclusion: Age and weight were associated risk factors for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Plantar pressure is not a valuable tool for predicting foot ulceration among diabetes patients

Clinical features and risk factors for HIV encephalopathy in children

A prospective cohort study was conducted to determine the incidence of progressive encephalopathy (PE) and its associated clinical manifestations amongst a cohort of HIV infected children attending the HIV/AIDS clinic of the Pediatric Institute, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Malaysia. Neurological and neurobehavioral assessments were performed in 55 children with HIV over a 24-month study period. Parameters assessed were physical and neurological assessments, CD4 counts, CD4 percentages, RNA viral loads and an IQ assessment at four monthly intervals. PE was diagnosed when patient developed at least one of the definitive criteria for PE based on the Consensus of Pediatric Neurology / Psychology Working Group, AIDS Clinical Trial 1996. The incidence of encephalopathy was 18.2% (n=10) in 2002. All the patients had hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, abnormal deep tendon reflexes and five had impairment in brain growth. The CD4 counts and CD4 percentages were more likely to be associated with PE compared to the non-PE group

The application of technology devices in commissary catering kitchen establishments

Technology is undeniably very important in food service industry. This study empirically investigated the application of technology in Malaysia commissary catering establishments and how it implicated the productivity. Using semi-structured interviews with managers and questionnaire survey with employees of four commissary catering establishments, some meaningful insights on the topic of interest were obtained. The application of technology had brought vast benefits to commissary establishments. Technology used not only increased the speed, volume, quality and cleanliness but also helped in smooth running of the food production and most importantly boosted the productivity of the commissary catering establishment. These findings produced significant indicators not only to those who are already in commissary catering but also to those individuals or companies who intent to venture into food service businesses

Evaluating TPACK knowledge and skills among Arabic pre-service teachers in implementing online assessment during movement restriction control (MCO) of COVID-19

The importance of having the knowledge and skills in Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) among teachers when dealing with teaching via technology is very clear. In TPACK, there are three essential components that need to be practiced during teaching and learning in using technologies, including the current situation of COVID-19 pandemic. This study was conducted to evaluate the level of TPACK knowledge and skill among Arabic trainee teachers in implementing online teaching and assessment during Movement Restriction Control (MCO) of COVID-19 by the Malaysian government, whereby the schools are closed to face-to-face learning activities. The pre-service teachers were purposively selected among final year students of Bachelor of Education in Teaching Arabic as a Second Language, from the Kulliyah of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). They were sent to various secondary schools in Selangor to complete the graduation requirement of Bachelor of Education degree in teaching practicum. The research instruments were investigating the teachers’ knowledge about three essential components of TPACK, which include technology, content, and pedagogy as well as open-ended surveys on obstacles and challenges in home-based teaching and online assessment of Arabic language before and during MCO, online learning platforms used and further suggestions to improve the use of technology in implementing online assessment of Arabic language teaching in schools during pandemic. The findings showed that the understanding of the trainee teachers’ level of knowledge and understanding of TPACK is very good towards implementing online teaching and assessment during the home-based and online teaching during pandemic. The responses of online learning platforms used and proposed suggestions to improve the use of technology in implementing online assessment may also beneficial to teachers in preparing the online teaching and assessment in home-based setting during COVID-19 pandemic

A cross-sectional study of hypertensive outpatients to determine the necessity of asking about erectile dysfunction symptoms.

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common amongst hypertensive men. Hypertensive patients often attribute it to antihypertensive drugs, although conflicting evidence linking ED with antihypertensive medication exists. The objectives were to determine the prevalence and severity of ED, the type of treatment sought, and the risk factors for ED among hypertensive men. Method: A cross-sectional survey conducted over six months from June to November 2008 at University Kebangsaan, Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Inclusion criteria included hypertensive men above 30 years old, with essential hypertension for at least three months. We excluded diabetics, a history of pelvic surgery and known psychiatric illnesses. The International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) assessment was used with a standardised checklist. We analysed data using SPSS, to assess the prevalence and association of ED with selected variables. Results: Of the 200 participants screened, 35.5% perceived that they had ED. However, prevalence increased to 69% after screening using an IIEF-5 questionnaire. Forty-eight per cent were reported to have moderate-tosevere ED. ED was significantly associated with age (p-value = 0.0001). No significant associations were found between ED and the duration of the hypertension (p-value = 0.505), hypertension control (p-value > 0.05), smoking status (p-value = 0.858) or number of antihypertensive medication taken (p-value > 0.05). Among perceived and proven ED patients, traditional medicines were mainly used for treatment (18.3% and 17.2% respectively). Conclusion: ED is a problem among hypertensive patients. It was associated with age but not with hypertension duration, control, number of antihypertensive drugs or smoking. Physicians should enquire about ED symptoms in hypertensive patients, as most of them resorted to self-treatment with traditional medicines

Investigating the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) skill among arabic school trainee teachers in online assessment during COVID-19 pandemic

TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) is a crucial necessity for instructors and teachers during the teaching and learning process, particularly when using instructional technologies. The goal of this study is to learn more about the TPACK level of knowledge and skill among school trainee teachers in teaching Arabic language and conducting online teaching and assessment during the shutdown of schools in Malaysia due to COVID-19 Movement Restriction Control (MCO). The 32 final year students from the Kulliyyah of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia, were purposefully selected as trainee instructors (IIUM). They were assigned to teach practicum in several secondary schools in Selangor, Malaysia, in order to fulfil the Bachelor of Education degree's graduation requirement. Open-ended surveys on obstacles and challenges faced during the use of educational technology in teaching and online assessment of Arabic learning at home before and during MCO, platforms used, and further suggestions to strengthen the use of educational technology in implementing online assessment of Arabic learning were used to investigate the teachers' knowledge about three main components of TPACK, which include technology, content, and pedagogy, as well as open-ended surveys on obstacles and challenges faced during the use of educational technology in teaching and online assessment of Arabic learning at home before and during MCO. The findings and findings are helping to improve the trainee teachers' comprehension of their level of knowledge and skill in technology, pedagogy, and material in teaching Arabic, particularly during online instruction and assessment during the COVID-19 epidemic. The research could also help schools enhance their online learning techniques in preparation for post-COVID 19 schooling

Investigating the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) skill among arabic school trainee teachers in online assessment during COVID-19 pandemic

TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) is a crucial necessity for instructors and teachers during the teaching and learning process, particularly when using instructional technologies. The goal of this study is to learn more about the TPACK level of knowledge and skill among school trainee teachers in teaching Arabic language and conducting online teaching and assessment during the shutdown of schools in Malaysia due to COVID-19 Movement Restriction Control (MCO). The 32 final year students from the Kulliyyah of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia, were purposefully selected as trainee instructors (IIUM). They were assigned to teach practicum in several secondary schools in Selangor, Malaysia, in order to fulfil the Bachelor of Education degree's graduation requirement. Open-ended surveys on obstacles and challenges faced during the use of educational technology in teaching and online assessment of Arabic learning at home before and during MCO, platforms used, and further suggestions to strengthen the use of educational technology in implementing online assessment of Arabic learning were used to investigate the teachers' knowledge about three main components of TPACK, which include technology, content, and pedagogy, as well as open-ended surveys on obstacles and challenges faced during the use of educational technology in teaching and online assessment of Arabic learning at home before and during MCO. The findings and findings are helping to improve the trainee teachers' comprehension of their level of knowledge and skill in technology, pedagogy, and material in teaching Arabic, particularly during online instruction and assessment during the COVID-19 epidemic. The research could also help schools enhance their online learning techniques in preparation for post-COVID 19 schooling