Parenting stress among Malaysian parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental childhood disorder associated with cognitive and language impairments. Previous research found that children with developmental disorders increase parenting stress but parents of children with ASD, specifically have recorded higher parenting stress than any other developmental disabilities. Hence, this study investigates the difference in parenting stress levels among parents of children with ASD compared to a typical development (TD) control group. Parenting Stress Index, 3rd Edition Short Form was used to assess the parenting stress levels of 30 parents of children with ASD and 36 parents of TD children. Parents of children with ASD were sampled at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Tangkak Hospital and National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) in Muar and Segamat. Parents of children with ASD recorded significantly higher levels of parenting stress compared to the TD group (p<0.001). Parents of male children of ASD recorded significantly higher levels of parenting stress compared to the parents of male children of TD group (p<0.001). Parents of female children of ASD also recorded significantly higher levels of parenting stress compared to parents of female children of TD group (p<0.001). Intervention towards ASD children should not only focus on minimizing the core symptoms but should also pay attention to the family’s mental health as well

Islamic Psycho-Spiritual Support Model for Disaster Victims

Religiosity and spiritual experiences are primarily associated with better physical and mental health, less need for health services, faster recovery from illness, and increased longevity.  Unfortunately, in any disasters or calamities, psycho-spiritual consequences are given less emphasis. In fact, to date, there has been no specific and comprehensive religious-based model being introduced to the victims in minimizing the risks of psycho-spiritual impacts. Therefore, the objective of this study is to describe a proposed model of psycho-spiritual support for disaster victims based on the Islamic principles of maqasid shariah. Keywords: Islamic; psycho-spiritual; model; disaster eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2021. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning &amp; Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v6iSI5.293

Early functional and radiological outcomes between plaster cast and fiberlass cast in stable thoracolumbar burst fracture

Introduction: Burst fracture results from compression failure of both the anterior and middle columns under substantial axial loads. Conservative treatment was a method of treatment for fractures without neurological deficit. This cross sectional study was designed to evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of patient with thoracolumbar burst fracture treated conservatively. Methods: 40 cases were recruited from January 2013 till December 2015. They were followed-up with minimum period of 1 year and evaluated for the functional (Oswetry Disbility Index) and radiological outcomes (kyphotic angle deformity and anterior body compression). Results: 20 patients were treated with body cast made form plaster of Paris and remaining 20 patients with fiberglass cast. In plaster of Paris group, mean kyphotic angle deformity at last follow up was 16.60 ± 2.95 with a mean improvement 4.45 degree and anterior body compression at last follow up was 30.35% ± 10.2 with mean improvement of 9.30%. In fiberglass group, mean kyphotic angle deformity at last follow up was 15.55 ± 3.38 with a mean improvement 7.25 degree and anterior body compression at last follow up was 25.90% ± 7.81 with mean improvement of 3.45%. The functional outcome showed Oswetry Disability Index (ODI) score in plaster of Paris group was 23.70 (SD = 7.82) and in fiberglass group was 18.50 (SD = 5.94). Conclusions: Application of body cast using a fiberglass material give better radiological outcome hence less pain, more functional and higher patient’s satisfaction as compared to plaster of Paris

Reducing the isolation: A malaysian family in need

ABSTRACT Introduction: Many challenges are faced in the optimum management of a family caring for children with developmental disorders (FCCDD). Case Report: This case report highlights an isolated Malaysian family as victims of discrimination against special children, illustrates the factors and challenges that are associated with it. We report our experience, as part of a multiprofessional team in managing an isolated FCCDD. Our role of service providers, became that of the sole lifeline the family depended upon. We helped the family return from the brink of death; they helped us understand that no family should be an island and every family has a right to optimum care. Conclusion: Isolation that occurs in FCCDD is real and can be influenced by multiple factors such as low education and income. To help an FCCDD is to help Malaysian society overcome its prejudices. Getting FCCDD to participate in decisions regarding treatment and in other biopsychosocial needs is crucial i

Prevalens dan tekanan psikologikal dalam kalangan pelajar sekolah menengah yang mencederakan diri tanpa niat membunuh diri di negeri Selangor

Penglibatan golongan remaja dalam tingkah laku mencederakan diri tanpa niat membunuh diri atau Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) dilihat semakin kerap dan amat membimbangkan. Tingkah laku ini juga didapati memudaratkan diri sendiri baik dari segi fizikal dan mental. Selain daripada faktor sosial dan persekitaran, faktor dalaman seseorang individu seperti tekanan psikologikal turut menyumbang kepada tingkah laku NSSI. Kajian ini dijalankan untuk membentangkan prevalens NSSI dalam kalangan pelajar sekolah menengah di negeri Selangor serta mengenal pasti perbezaan tahap tekanan psikologikal yang dialami antara pelajar yang pernah dan tidak pernah terlibat dalam NSSI. Kajian ini dilakukan melalui kaedah kuantitatif iaitu metod survei dengan menggunakan borang soal selidik yang merangkumi item berkaitan NSSI dan juga instrumen General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Responden kajian ini melibatkan 1021 pelajar sekolah menengah yang dipilih menggunakan kaedah persampelan rawak. Secara keseluruhannya, kadar prevalens NSSI dalam kalangan pelajar sekolah menengah di Selangor ialah 15.1% di mana prevalens dalam kalangan pelajar lelaki ialah 14.2% dan pelajar perempuan ialah 16.1%. Hasil analisis Ujian T Sampel Bebas menunjukkan terdapat perbezaan signifikan bagi tahap tekanan psikologikal (t(1019)=8.28, p<.001 yang dialami antara pelajar yang pernah mencederakan diri dan tidak pernah mencederakan diri. Pemahaman yang mendalam tentang faktor psikologikal terhadap tingkah laku NSSI dapat memberi pendedahan kepada pelbagai pihak termasuklah badan kaunseling dan kesihatan mental bagi mengenal pasti langkah pencegahan proaktif serta intervensi yang boleh diambil untuk membanteras tingkah laku mencederakan diri

Growth and development of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens (L.), Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae grown on carbohydrate, protein, and fruit-based waste substrates

There has been a surge in interest in using food waste (FW) as an insect-rearing substrate in recent years. We examine the effect of protein-based food waste (leftover boneless chicken, LBC), carbohydrate-based food waste (overnight rice, OR), and fruit-based food waste (rotten banana, RB) on the following parameters: substrate reduction (SR), waste reduction index (WRI), bioconversion rate (BCR) and relative growth rate (RGR). BSFL reared on OR feed substrate had the highest biomass (0.23±0.01) g at d9 followed by RB (0.22±0.00) g and LBC (0.16±0.00) g. Larvae from OR-fed BSFL were the longest, averaging 20.53±0.46 mm in length on d12. The SR calculated for all feed substrates were as followed: RB (95.35 ± 0.33)% > OR (85.29 ± 0.80)% > LBC (83.17 ± 0.27)%. The WRI for control (C) and BSFL-fed on all feeds were in the following manner: (RBC:8.90±0.00 g days-1, RBBSFL:9.53±0.00 g days-1) > (ORC:7.35±0.00 g days-1, ORBSFL:8.53±0.09 g days-1) > (LBCC:6.90±0.00 g days-1, LBCBSFL: 8.32±0.03 g days-1). OR-fed BSFL showed the highest BCR (76.0±1.0) % and RGR (0.32±0.01) days-1. The FW’s self-composting (as in control) influenced the BSFL’s SR and WRI in all diets. Overall, the BSFL’s growth and development are affected by the nature, quality, and type of diet of the feed substrates

Seroprevalence of leptospiral antibodies among market workers and food handlers in the central state of Malaysia

Objective:The high prevalence of leptospirosis in humans is of great public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of leptospiral antibodies and distribution of serovars, and to assess the usefulness of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as a screening method for leptospiral antibodies in a high-risk healthy community. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 231 market workers and food handlers in wet markets and food premises from two localities in central Malaysia. Respondents' background information was obtained using a questionnaire. Serum samples were tested for leptospiral antibodies using ELISA and microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Results: Seroprevalence of leptospirosis among healthy workers was 46.3%. Detection of seropositivity was higher by MAT (46%) than ELISA (15%). We observed high seropositivity among local workers (49%), food handlers (49.5%), females (60.8%) and those aged 34 years and older (46.3%). Local strain LEP175 was the predominant serovar, followed by WHO strain Patoc. Conclusion: Overall seroprevalence among healthy food handlers and market workers was high in this study. The workplace places susceptible individuals at risk of leptospirosis

Evaluating the growth and development of black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens (L.) (DIPTERA: STRATIOMYIDAE) larvae reared on different agricultural waste materials

The black soldier fly (BSL), Hermetia illucens (L.), is a beneficial insect that helps manage high concentrations of animal manure and other biosolids in tropical and warm-temperate areas. Bioremediation with black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) can turn biosolids into high-value biomass (proteins, oils, lipids, and chitin). This study explored the effects of three agricultural wastes as feedstocks for the growth and development of BSFL. A total of 1000 7-day-old BSFLs were reared separately in containers containing either palm kernel extract (PKE), soybean waste (SW), or coconut milk waste (CMW). The effect of feeding substrate on larval growth and development was determined for ten days by daily measurements of the BSFL’s length and weight. BSFL reared on PKE substrate resulted in the highest mean length (22.67±2.31 mm) and weight growth (0.27±0.02 g), followed by BSFL reared on SW (length: 18.67±1.53 mm; weight: 0.20±0.02 g) and CMW (length: 18.33±0.58mm; weight: 0.15±0.01 g). Bioconversion rate of BSFL was also found to differ across treatments; BSFL reared on PKE grows and converts substrates twice as fast as those fed on SW or CMW. This work then examines the effects of several SW:PKE ratios (20:80; 80:20; 30:70; 70:30 and 50:50) on BSFL growth. The weight (0.28±0.04 g) and length (22.67±2.52 mm) of BSFL were highest when SW:PKE ratio of 80:20 is used. High content of SW resulted in a significant increase in BSFL length (6.76%-15.25%) and weight (23.54%-64.71%). Therefore, it can be concluded that substrate feed type has a substantial effect on BSFL’s growth and development

Carer burden and burnout in relation to behavioral and emotional problems in children’s homes

Introduction: Carers in children’s homes encounter challenges in dealing with the children’s behavioural and emotional problems. This may lead to burden and burnout among carers. Aim: The objectives of this study were to determine the burden and burnout among carers in selected children’s homes. The correlation between them and the children’s behavioural and emotional problems were measured. Method: This was a comparative cross-sectional study among three governments’ (40 carers) and 11 private children’s homes (40 carers) in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Pahang. Assessments were carried out using the Maslach Burnout Inventory- General Survey (MBI-GS), Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) for the carers and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for the children. Result: Carers at both types of homes showed high levels of burnout. Majority of the carers from both types of homes had a mild to moderate burden of 52.5% and 47.5% respectively. Children at government homes had more behavioural problems. Carers at both homes showed significant association but a low correlation between several MBI-GS domains with several SDQ domains. There was significant association but a low correlation of ZBI score with total difficulties and emotional problems in private homes. Simple and multiple logistic regression did not reveal significant findings. Conclusion: Carer’s burden and burnout levels are high in children’s homes even though they were not significantly contributed by the children’s behavioural and emotional problems. Keywords: burden, burnout, carers, behavioural problems, emotional problems, children, children’s hom