Knowledge, awareness and dietary practice on urolithiasis among general population in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia: Preliminary findings

Background: To date, no studies have been published at evaluating the level of knowledge, awareness and practice of dietary, particularly regarding to urolithiasis in patients or the general population. This study aims to provide basic information on the level of knowledge, awareness and dietary practice among general population in Kuantan, Pahang.Design and Methods: The respondents (n=30) were conveniently recruited within 10 kilometres radius of Kuantan city. The data were obtained using semi-guided administered questionnaires, which consists of four parts: socio-demographic data, lifestyle and clinical history (Part A); attitude and awareness on dietary practice regarding urolithiasis (Part B); food frequency questionnaire on urolithiasis (Part C) and level of knowledge on urolithiasis (Part D).Results: Majority of the respondents were women (70%), Malay (83.3%), mean age of 33.97 (±9.27), married (63.3%), completed higher education level (60%), working with government sector (33.3%) and have fixed monthly income (53.3%). Some of them had hypertension (n=4), diabetes (n=1), gout (n=1) and intestinal problem (n=1). Majority (80%) claimed having no family history of urolithiasis, consumed alcohol (10%), exercise with average frequency 2-3 times/week (46.7%) and heard about urolithiasis from healthcare worker (46.7%). The respondents’ awareness about urolithiasis is considered to be good [81.23 (±9.98)] but having poor knowledge score [2.70 (±1.149)]. Majority preferred wholemeal bread, white rice, chicken meat, mackerel fish, chicken egg, apple, carrot, mustard leave and fresh milk in daily intake. Lesser plain water intake than standard requirement was noticed among respondents. Seasoning powder was commonly used for seasoning.Conclusions: Generally, the general population of Kuantan, Pahang was aware of urolithiasis disease but needed more information on dietary aspect in terms of knowledge and food choice

Knowledge, awareness, and practice on breast cancer among staff nurses in Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre (SASMEC@IIUM), Kuantan, Pahang: preliminary findings

Introduction: Knowledge insufficiency and late detection may contribute towards the growing number of incidence and mortality rate of breast cancer in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to identify the socio-demographic and level of knowledge, awareness and practice on breast cancer among staff nurses of SASMEC@IIUM, Kuantan, Pahang. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-developed questionnaires with good validity (CVI=88.3%) and reliability (Cronbach Alpha=0.87) among 50 nurses conveniently to assess their level of knowledge, awareness, and practice on breast cancer. Data was analyzed descriptively using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Among 50 nurses, 82% were female and Malays, 66% were married, while 16% had family history with breast cancer. Almost 56% had post-basic education and mean clinical experience of 6.6 (±6.28) years. The mean knowledge score on risk factors of breast cancer is 10.82 (±3.17), slightly lower than the 50th percentiles (11.00) and moderate knowledge score on sign and symptoms of breast cancer, [mean (SD)= 8.18 (±1.69)]. In terms of awareness and practice on breast self-examination, the score was moderate [mean (SD)= 74.04 (±25.07)] consequently [mean (SD)= 66.62 (±26.85)]. Conclusion and Recommendation: Overall, the knowledge of risk factors on breast cancer is still lower in comparison to knowledge of sign and symptoms. This consequently support the moderate score found on awareness and practice towards breast self-examination. Therefore, more awareness campaign and internal training should be conducted by the organization managerial to improve the healthcare professionals’ knowledge, awareness and practice on breast cancer as the front liners

Knowledge, awareness and dietary practice on urolithiasis among general population in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia: preliminary findings

Background: To date, there is a lack of published studies on assessing the level of knowledge, awareness and practice of dietary pattern particularly on urolithiasis among patients or general population. Aims: This study will provide baseline information on the level of knowledge, awareness and dietary practice among general population in Kuantan, Pahang Methods: Respondents (n=30) were conveniently recruited within 10 kilometres radius of Kuantan city between January to February 2020. Ethical approval was obtained from Kuantan Municipal Council prior data collection. Respondents were given adequate time to complete the survey. The data were obtained using semi-guided administered questionnaires consisted of four parts: socio-demographic data, lifestyle and clinical history (Part A); attitude and awareness on dietary practice regarding urolithiasis (Part B); food frequency questionnaire on urolithiasis (Part C) and level of knowledge on urolithiasis (Part D). The items in the questionnaire were developed based on the authors’ expertise, previous literature reviews and pre-test experience among 15 patients with urolithiasis. Content validity index and Cronbach alpha value were calculated for validity and reliability. The data was analysed descriptively using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. Results: Majority of the respondents were women (70%), Malay (83.3%), mean age of 33.97 (±9.27), married (63.3%), completed higher education level (60%), working with government sector (33.3%) and have fixed monthly income (53.3%). Some of them had hypertension (n=4), diabetes (n=1), gout (n=1) and intestinal problem (n=1). Majority (80%) claimed having no family history of urolithiasis, consumed alcohol (10%), exercise with average frequency 2-3 times/week (46.7%) and heard about urolithiasis from healthcare worker (46.7%). The respondents’ awareness about urolithiasis considered good [81.23 (±9.98)] but having poor knowledge score [2.70 (±1.149)]. Majority preferred wholemeal bread, white rice, chicken meat, mackerel fish, chicken egg, apple, carrot, mustard leave and fresh milk in daily intake. Lesser plain water intake than standard requirement was noticed among respondents. Seasoning powder was commonly used for seasoning. Conclusions: Overall, the general population of Kuantan, Pahang was aware about urolithiasis disease but need more input on dietary aspect in terms of knowledge and food choice. More awareness campaign shall be held in the future