Predictors of musculoskeletal disorders among public elderly care home workers in west coast Malaysia

Background: Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) among elderly care home workers is related to the type of movement and work environment. Frequency and burden of manual handling while assisting elderly residents and domestic tasks contributed to the MSD symptoms over several body parts such as neck, shoulder, forearm, hand, lower back leg and foot. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of MSD among elderly care home worker, associated factors and predictors contribute to MSD symptoms among the workers. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in eight elderly care home in West Coast Malaysia from February until July 2016. Eight elderly care home was selected. A total of 252 workers were randomly selected based on simple random sampling method. Validated and reliable self-administered questionnaire was used. The dependent variable was worker with MSD symptoms and independent variable were socio demographic factors organizational and factors ergonomic factors. Analysis was done using SPSS Version 22. Chi-square test and logistic regression was used for analysis. Result: Based on respondents report, prevalence rate of WMSD in the previous 12 months was 50%. Prevalence rate was highest at lower back (33.8%). Twenty three percent (23%) of them needed to get treatment and 15.3% needed to take sick leave due to MSD. Highest prevalence rate of WMSD was among female (56.9%) and assistant nurse (55.6%). The predictors for WMSD were female (AOR=2.0, 95% CI=1.1-3.6) and burden of manual task (AOR=2.2, 95% CI=1.3-4.0). Conclusion: The prevalence of WMSD was high among the female workers and assistant nurses. Burden of manual handling tasks was an important factor associated with MSD. Hence ergonomic intervention is important to reduce prevalence of WMSD among the workers

Association between self-esteem and smoking among religous school students in Petaling District, Selangor

Introduction: According to the Youth Behaviour Risk Factor Surveillance (YBRFSS, 2011) in Malaysia, the prevalence of smokers nationally among Form 1, 2 and 4 students government secondary school students was 9.1% (ever smokers) and 8.7% (current smokers). However, there is limited information on the prevalence of smoking among religious secondary school students and self-esteem as risk factor. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence and factors associated with smoking among the religious secondary school students in Petaling district, Selangor. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 899 students. The schools were selected using cluster sampling and self-administered questionnaire was used. Data was analyzed using chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression to identify the independent factors for smoking. Results: The response rate was 94%. The prevalence of ever smoking was 10.1%; 3.9% among female and 18.6% among male. The median age (interquartile range) of smoking initiation was 12.00 (4.01) years. The results showed that independent factors for smoking were: males (OR= 5.47); age group 14-15years (OR=2.82) and 16-17 years (OR=3.63) and having low self -esteem (OR=6.24). Conclusion: prevalence of ever smokers is higher when compared to YBRFSS, (2011) and it was revealed that most of the smokers started smoking even before secondary school. The results also revealed the importance of promoting self-esteem. Efforts in smoking prevention should therefore be focused on curbing the initiation of the acts and improving students’ self-worth

Predictors of upper limb disorders among a public university workers in Malaysia

Background: Upper Limb Disorder (ULD) includes a wide range of musculoskeletal diseases and syndromes, which are usually associated with pain and discomfort. The major forms of musculoskeletal disease that account for significant work-related morbidity include upper limb disorders. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of upper limb disorders among a public university worker. Methodology: A cross sectional study design and simple random sampling was used to select six out of fifteen faculties. A total 271 participants were selected from the list of workers name during 20th of May 2014 to 1st of September 2014. Data were collected by face-to-face interview based on standardizes Nordic questionnaire. Weight was measured with a digital (TANITA Weighing Scale) and height by using (SECA206 bodymeter). Results: The results of this study showed that the response rate was 86%, the prevalence of ULDs among staffs of public university in Malaysia was 67.2% in different body regions, while neck had the highest prevalence 147 (54.2%) and elbows had the lowest prevalence 35 (13%). In addition, significant association were found between ULDs with age, smoking, BMI, exercise and duration of employment (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that BMI and exercise were significant predictors of ULDs. Conclusion: The prevalence of upper limb disorders among public university workers is high (67.2%). The major risk factors responsible for ULDs was BMI and exercise among public university workers, so workers should be educated on how to maintain an optimal BMI through the consumption of appropriate meals and regular exercise recommended in order to prevent ULDs and other related musculoskeletal problems

Educational training intervention on workplace violence among healthcare workers

Background: Workplace violence is defined as incidents where staff are abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances related to their work, including commuting to and from work, involving an explicit or implicit challenge to their safety, well-being or health. In healthcare setting, it can bring serious consequences to the workers, organization and quality of patient care. Educational training is one of the methods to reduce the incident and prepare the workers in order to face this challenge. This manuscript aims to analytically analyse educational intervention on workplace violence among health workers. Materials and Methods: Systematic review was conducted via Pubmed and ScienceDirect, using keywords of (aggression OR violence) AND healthcare workers) AND (education OR training). A total of 1914 articles from search engines and other sources were obtained. After screening, 12 articles were included in this manuscript. Result: There are 12 studies in this review including two randomised controlled trials (RCTs), five quasi-experimental design and five before-after experimental design. Studies were conducted across various healthcare organizations and most of these were hospitals. Most of the studies include multiple modules including de-escalating techniques, assessing risk of violence, communication skills, workers responsibility, notification and post incident procedure, and legal aspect of workplace violence. Studies showed improvement in knowledges, attitude, confidence and coping. Conclusion: Majority of this evidence were weak and more high-quality research is needed in this area of study. Sound methodology and controlled study design to avoid biases should be done to prove the effectiveness of educational learning in workplace violence

Factors associated with work related injuries among workers of an industry in Malaysia

Background: Industrial accidents are very common till date; there are thousands of workers getting injured every day. Work related injury in the workplace is a global major risk factor to the worker's health, which results into serious health, social, and economic consequences on workers and their employers. The objective of the study was to determine the organizational, occupational and behavioural risk factors associated with work related injuries among workers of an industry. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study involving 215 workers of an industry in Malaysia. The required sample size was calculated using the two proportions formula. Result: The overall prevalence of work related injuries was 73.5% (82.1% among male and 66.7% among female). The variables found to be significantly associated with work related injuries were: ethnicity, educational background, unit of operation, limited work space, noise, job task demand and administrative control (p<0.005). Occupational factor such as the type of machine (electrical motor) used (Fisher’s exact = 8.88, p= 0.031) and behavioural factor such as job task demand (felling tired and dizzy) (mean=2.80±0.76 vs. mean=2.18±0.60; t-test=6.24, p<0.001) reported high prevalence of work related injuries (p value = 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of work related injuries in this study was high. Despite this high prevalence, the consideration of the effectiveness of relevant guidelines and policies for preventive action should be put in place and training courses on the proper usage of machines can reduce the number of work related injuries in Malaysia

Radiation protection literacy and its associated factors among healthcare workers in Negeri Sembilan

Background: Ionizing radiation can be an occupational hazard that need protection when in the form of particle which can produce biological changes to cells, tissues or organs. About 19.7% of worldwide average radiation dose is due to the medical use of radiation. In Malaysia, about 700,000 X-ray examinations were performed in 2014. The objective of this study is to assess the level and predictors for radiation protection literacy among healthcare workers in Negeri Sembilan. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in health facilities in Negeri Sembilan from April 2018 to June 2018 among 151 healthcare workers. Respondents were selected based on their workplace using proportionate stratified random sampling method and data was obtained using validated self-administered questionnaire that focused on knowledge, attitude and practices on radiation protection. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23.0. Result: 52.3% of respondents had high knowledge, 80.8% had positive attitude and 56.3 % had good practice on radiation protection. Significant predictors for high knowledge were the use of radiation hazard monitoring device and being a radiation worker meanwhile for positive attitude was received medical surveillance. Significant predictors for good practice were the use of radiation hazard monitoring, being a radiation worker, being a health professional and being a health associate professional. Conclusion: Attitude on radiation protection among healthcare workers in Negeri Sembilan was still positive despite knowledge and practice was marginal. Future radiation protection awareness programme, education and training should be strengthen in order to improve radiation protection literacy among healthcare worker in Negeri Sembilan

Factors associated with smoking among religious secondary schools students in a district of Selangor

Background: The Youth Behaviour Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (YBRFSS) 2011 in Malaysia reported the national prevalence of ever and current smoking among Form 1, 2 and 4 of government secondary school students as 9.1% and 8.7% respectively. Whereas, the prevalence of ever and current smokers among males was 17.6% and 14.6% respectively. Among females 3.9% were ever smokers while 2.0% were current smokers. This study was therefore conducted to determine the prevalence and factors associated with smoking among the religious secondary school students in a district of Selangor. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 899 students from three religious schools in the district selected using cluster sampling and self- administered questionnaire was used as instrument. Data was analyzed using chi-square and multivariate logistic regression to identify the independent factors for smoking. Results: The prevalence of ever smoking was 10.1% which was higher in males (18.6%) than females (3.9%). However, the prevalence of current smoker was only 2.9% which was also higher in males (6.2%) and than females (0.5%). The independent factors for smoking were males; age group 14-15years and 16-17 years; wanting to accept cigarette from friend; having brother who smoke and a father who smokes. Conclusion: Prevalence of ever smoker was relatively higher when compared to YBRFSS. However, the prevalence of current smoker was lower than YBRFSS. The results also highlight the importance of smoke -free family background. Efforts in smoking prevention should also be focused on modifiable factors such as peer influence

Prevalence of upper limb disorders and associated factors with psychosocial and awkward postureamong public university workers in Malaysia

Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb are a most important cause of ill-health, incapacity and health care expenditure. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of Upper Limb Disorders associated with awkward posture and psychosocial factors among Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) workers. Simple random sampling was used to draw 271 participants from six faculties of the university. The use of a structured question was employed for data collection. Results of the study showed thatprevalence of ULDs among UPM workers was 67.2% in different body regions. Results showed that there is a significant association between ULDs and age, awkward posture, control at work, psychological demand, social support, and job satisfaction) (p<0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showedthat the workers who had medium and very high RULA risk level were 12.242 times more likely to complain about ULDs (OR=12.242, 95%CI: 3.617-41.435), compared to other workers who have low RULA risk level.In conclusion, it can be said from the result of the study that there is high prevalence of upper limb disorders among UPM workers which is significantly associated with age, awkward posture and all psychosocial factors. In order to minimize the prevalence rate of upper limb disorders, it is recommended that workers be educated on prevention strategies and an ergonomic program which emphasizes psycho-social risk factors and how to improve working conditions

Hypertension prevention and control in Malaysia: a review

Background: Hypertension is a major public health issue. It is the leading preventable risk factor for premature death and disability, mainly due to ischemic heart disease and stroke. In Malaysia, the age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension was 35.3% in 2015. Hypertension burden is expected to grow with the ageing population, urbanization, and unhealthy lifestyle. In this review, we aim to describe the current hypertension prevention and control program and its challenges in Malaysia, so that future strategies can be developed to further reduce hypertension prevalence. Methods: A narrative review was conducted in June 2020 using published and grey literature, policy and programme documents, guidelines, official statistics and technical reports that are related to hypertension prevention and control programme in Malaysia. Results: The National Strategic Plan for Non-communicable Diseases presented an overarching framework for primordial, primary, and secondary prevention of NCDs through a multi-faceted approach. The Salt Reduction Strategy has demonstrated a cost-effective, primary population-based prevention. The well-established health care system provided primary and secondary prevention through universal health coverage incorporating the Family Doctor Concept and guided by the Clinical Practice Guideline. Community-based programmes were launched to create a healthy environment that encourages and empowers communities to practice healthy behaviours. Conclusion: Moving the strategic plan forward will require substantial effort and significant capacity building through the whole of government and whole of society approaches. Furthermore, more implementation researches of innovative, cost-effective and sustainable programmes incorporating technologies, are needed to combat the country's emerging hypertension burden

Work-related hand injuries: type, location, cause, mechanism and severity in a tertiary hospital

Introduction: Work-Related Hand Injuries (WRHIs) may result in disability and diminished productivity and cause economic impacts not only to the individual, worker’s families and industries, but to the local community as well. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of severe Work-Related Hand Injuries (WRHIs) and factors associated at a tertiary hospital. Methods: A pre-tested validated questionnaire was used to obtain data. All patients 18 years and above with WRHIs seen at a tertiary hospital between January 2010 and June 2010 were included in the study. Data was analysed using SPSS version 18. Results: Out of the 297 industrial accidents, 74 (24.9%) were WRHIs. Among those with WRHIs, (47.3%) of them had severe hand injuries. The overall mean age of the respondents was 30.36 (± 9.54 SD) years. Majority (82.5%) of the injuries occurred between Mondays to Friday. Majority (70.1%) of hand injuries were caused by machine and 48.6% of the hand injuries occurred when the hand was caught in the operating part of the machine. Majority (62.1%) of the respondents had fingers’ injuries and 32.4% had open fracture. Bivariate analysis showed that there was significant association between severity of WRHIs and locations of injury, mechanisms of injury, sources of injury and sectors of industry (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that WRHIs was significantly associated with source of injury and sector of industry. Respondents with hand injury resulted while operating on mechanical machine was 26 times more likely to report severe WRHIs than those with other sources of their hand injury like (sharp tool, heavy door, and wet floor). Respondents working in metal-machinery industries were eight times more likely to report severe WRHIs than those who working in other sectors of industry like (wood-furniture, constriction, food preparing, service and automotive). Conclusions: WRHIs contributed to 24.9% of all industrial accidents seen at the emergency department and orthopaedic clinic and 47.3% of the respondents with WRHIs had severe hand injuries. Severity of WRHIs was significantly associated with sources of injury and sectors of industry