Enhanced Bandwidth Based Handover Decision Making Algorithm For Small Cell Wireless Networks

In small cell wireless networks, fast and precise vertical handover decision making algorithms are needed to minimize the handover failures and unnecessary handovers, especially in high-speed scenario. In small cell wireless networks such as WLAN and 5G, shorter traveling time is anticipated for a fast-moving user traversing the cell coverage. This results in frequent handovers. It leads to poor user experience and wastage of network resources. To overcome this problem, this paper proposed a new handover decision making algorithm that integrates the traveling distance prediction technique with the bandwidth based handover algorithm. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has successfully reduced the number of unnecessary handovers and handover failure in small cell wireless networks

Risk factors, prevalence, and co-Morbidities of Hypertension in adult villagers in Kampung Tajau Laut, Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia

Introduction: Hypertension is a condition where there is persistently raised pressure in the blood vessels. In Malay-sia, higher prevalence of hypertension could be explained by lifestyle factors such as higher rates of obesity, excess dietary intake of sodium and fat and lack of physical activity. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, risk factors and co-morbidities of hypertension in villagers aged 18 years and above in Kampung Tajau Laut, Kudat, Sabah. Methods: Non-probability convenience sampling method was used to select a total of 210 villagers for interview, anthropometric examinations and blood pressure measurements. House to house and face to face interview by trained year four medical students done using a pretested validated questionnaire. The ques-tionnaire contained data on socioeconomic status, tobacco use, physical activity, diet, extra-salt use, family history of hypertension, co-morbidity, anthropometric measurements and blood pressure. Results: Respondents noted to be hypertensive were 67.6%, and out of this, 61.3% were undiagnosed. There was a significant association between hypertension and family history (Chi-squared test=38.280, p=0.000), hypertension and smoking status (Chi-squared test=7.673, p= 0.006), hypertension and obesity (Chi-squared test= 8.731, p=0.003), hypertension and gender (Chi-squared test=5.126, p=0.024), hypertension and age (Chi-squared test=26.110, p=0.000) of respondents. There was no significant association between hypertension with vegetable intake, fruit intake, physical activity, marital status, ethnicity, economic status, level of education, and occupational status of respondents. Half of the known hyperten-sive respondents have comorbidities with most commonly being dyslipidaemia and diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Hypertension was found to have a significant association with family history, smoking status, obesity, age and gender among the studied population

Health promotion activity in Kampung Kelawat, 2015

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Overweight and Obesity Among Rural Community in Northern Borneo: Prevalence, Body Weight Perception and Its Associated Factors

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that Malaysia has the highest rate of obesity and overweight among Asian countries. There is an increasing trend in obesity from 11.9% (2015) to 14.8% (2019), according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, bodyweight perception, and associated factors of overweight and obesity among rural communities in Northern Borneo. This cross-sectional study was conducted in one village in Northern Borneo. Adults from 18 to 69 years of age (n = 165) were included in the survey, and data were collected by interview or self-administered questionnaires. Measurements of weight and height were done for body-mass-index (BMI) calculation. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the village was 71.5%. Kappa statistic indicated only a slight agreement between perceived and actual body weight status (k = 0.163, 95% CI = −0.156 to 0.482, p < 0.000). There were higher odds of being overweight and obese among the middle-aged group (35 – 55 years old) than the younger group (<35 years old) (OR = 3.575; 95% CI: 1.667, 7.667; p < 0.05) and among the married adults than the unmarried adults (OR = 2.196; 95% CI: 1.057, 4.565; p < 0.05). Although age and marital status are non-modifiable factors of overweight and obesity, this research indicated poor consistency between perceived and actual body weight with kappa statistics. The large magnitude of body weight misperception might contribute to overweight and obesity in the rural community

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hypertension Among Rural Communities in Kudat Sabah, East Malaysia

Approximately a third of Malaysian adult has been diagnosed with hypertension. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and key risk factors of hypertension in a community living in a rural area of Kudat, Sabah. Methods: The study included participants of at least 18 years old, able to communicate in the local dialect, no mental disability, not pregnant or lactating and no known cause of secondary hypertension. Sociodemographic data were recorded in addition to assessment of depression, anxiety, stress, and dietary salt of the participants using standard DASS-21 questionnaire (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales standard questionnaire) questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of hypertension and health-related variables predicted to be a risk factor. Results: Out of 111 participants, 30% were diagnosed with hypertension of which 60.6% were not aware of their health condition. Among the variables analyzed, higher age (at least 40 years old) and excess BMI (≥23.0) highly contributed to the predisposition of hypertension (p0.05). Conclusion: The community in Kudat, as a representation of the rural population in Sabah, has a high prevalence of hypertension, implying that lifestyle changes and regular health checks are effective interventions to minimise the risk of hypertension

Development of the school health education program from the perspective of comprehensive school health model: An example at a higher secondary school of Karachi, Pakistan

Objectives: To assess need for school health program, common health issues, knowledge and attitude towards health, perceived needs of students, teachers and parents. Thereafter apply Comprehensive School Health Model in a higher secondary school of Karachi; and gather outcome of the program through anecdotal evidences from stakeholders.Methods: Baseline assessment was conducted through focus group discussions and individual views from through interactive activities from 250 students; focus group discussions with 35 teachers and administered questionnaires to 16 parents. We thematically analyzed the data. Based on the thematic analysis, assigned school health nurse developed and implemented health education curriculum. We gathered anecdotal evidence from stakeholders to gauge success of the program.Results: The responses of students were more inclined towards physical aspects of health, and those of parents on issues related to mental and social development. Teachers emphasized broad and important aspects of counseling on psychosocial problems of students. After implementation of the curriculum, there were developments like establishment of a cafeteria committee to ensure healthy food availability and extended counseling facilities to help students cope with daily life stressors.Conclusions: The program was successful in terms of executing health promoting initiatives for school children. The framework can act as a reference for other schools in developing countries that share similar needs and want to administer and direct the concept of school health promotion for their students

Risk Assessment of Ambient Air Pollutants and Health Impact around Fuel Stations in Urban Cities of KSA

Abstract Background: In Saudi Arabia, fuel dispensing facilities commonly present around the residential places, educational institutions, and various health care facilities. Fuel pollutants such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX) and its alkyl derivatives are harmful to human health because of their toxic, mutagenic, or carcinogenic properties. The aim of this study was to determine the BTX concentration levels of common pollutants in and around fuel stations and their harmful health effects in the urban cites of KSA. Methods: Forty fuel dispensing facilities were randomly selected on the basis of three different areas: residential, traffic intersection, and petrol pump locations (refueling stations). Portable ambient analyzer was used for measuring BTX concentration. t‑test was applied to determine the difference between these different areas. Results: All mean concentration values of pollutants such as BTX around residential, traffic intersection, and fuel stations are exceeding the limits of air quality standards values (P < 0.01). The mean levels of benzene are 10.3 and 11.07 ppm in Dammam and Khobar, respectively, and they exceed the reference level of 0.5 ppm. Hazard quotient was more than >1, which shows that carcinogenic probability has increased those who were living and working near fuel stations. Conclusions: The results found that the high concentration of pollutants (BTX) is in the environment around fuel stations. The environmental contamination associated with BTX in petrol fuel stations impulses the necessity of preventive programs to reduce the further air quality deterioration and reduce the harmful health effects. Keywords: Air, benzene, fuel, pollution, toluene, xylene

Obesity and mental health issues among healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study in Sabah, Malaysia

This study aims to determine the prevalence of obesity and its relationship with mental health issues among healthcare workers in Kota Kinabalu District Health Office, Sabah Borneo and its associating factor

Obesity and mental health issues among healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study in Sabah, Malaysia

Purpose – This study aims to determine the prevalence of obesity and its relationship with mental health issues among healthcare workers in Kota Kinabalu District Health Office, Sabah Borneo and its associating factors. Design/methodology/approach – This cross-sectional study was conducted among 387 healthcare workers working in the Kota Kinabalu District Health Office, Sabah. Sociodemographic data and anthropometric measurements were collected and DASS 21 questionnaire was used to assess mental health status. Findings – The prevalence of obesity among healthcare workers was 29%, which is significantly associated with years of service (p 5 0.016) and abnormal depression subscale scores (p 5 0.012) at univariate analysis. The percentage of abnormal subscale score for depression, anxiety and stress was 16, 26 and 12%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that more than five years of service years (OR 2.23, 95%CI 1.16–4.28) and high depressive subscale score (OR 2.09, 95%CI 1.18–3.71) were both significantly associated with obesity. Originality/value – This study has affirmed the link between physical and mental health. Policies that tackle both issues should be put in place to promote wellness among healthcare workers

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hypertension Among Rural Communities in Kudat Sabah, East Malaysia

Approximately a third of Malaysian adult has been diagnosed with hypertension. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and key risk factors of hypertension in a community living in a rural area of Kudat, Sabah. Methods: The study included participants of at least 18 years old, able to communicate in the local dialect, no mental disability, not pregnant or lactating and no known cause of secondary hypertension. Sociodemographic data were recorded in addition to assessment of depression, anxiety, stress, and dietary salt of the participants using standard DASS-21 questionnaire (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales standard questionnaire) questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of hypertension and health-related variables predicted to be a risk factor. Results: Out of 111 participants, 30% were diagnosed with hypertension of which 60.6% were not aware of their health condition. Among the variables analyzed, higher age (at least 40 years old) and excess BMI (≥23.0) highly contributed to the predisposition of hypertension (p0.05). Conclusion: The community in Kudat, as a representation of the rural population in Sabah, has a high prevalence of hypertension, implying that lifestyle changes and regular health checks are effective interventions to minimise the risk of hypertension