Psychometric Properties of the Malay Work-Related Quality of Life (WRQoL) Scale in Malaysia

Malaysia aims to be one of the developed nations by year 2020; therefore, it is crucial to gauge the quality of working life in a parallel manner using a well-established Work-Related Quality of Life (WRQoL) Scale. The goal of this study is to describe the validity and psychometric properties of the Malay WRQoL Scale in Malaysian population.A total of 572 respondents took part in this cross-sectional study giving a 97% response rate. The reliability of the Malay WRQoL Scale was assessed using the test retest reliability analysis after a 2-week period. Both the interclass correlation (ICC) and Cronbach’s alpha were within acceptable levels. However in the validity analysis, the exploratory factor analysis only revealed 5 factors instead of 6 in the original scale.The Malay WRQoL scale has demonstrated to have the appropriate psychometric properties and can therefore be used in Malaysia to assess the quality of working life

Translation, Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Malay Version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) in Malaysia

The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) has been widely used in research for more than 2 decades and is recognized as the leading measure of burnout. Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country and English is regarded as the second language. Therefore, it is essential to have a culturally acceptable translated Malay version of MBI, which can easily be understood by Malaysians, in order to study the burnout level in our population. Hence, the objectives of this study are to translate, cross-culturally adapt and validate specifically the Malay versions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Health Services Survey (MBI-HSS), Maslach Burnout Inventory – Educators Survey (MBI-ES) and Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey (MBI-GS) in Malaysia. Intraclass correlation was used to examine the test-retest reliability of the Malay versions of the MBI-HSS, MBI-ES and MBI-GS, while Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess the internal consistency of the subscales and the instruments as a whole. Exploratory factor analysis involving the principle component analysis extraction and varimax rotation were used to investigate the construct validity of the instruments. Overall, high intraclass correlation and Cronbach‘s alpha values were achieved in the Malay versions of the MBI-HSS, MBI-ES and MBI-GS. The eigenvalue in factor analysis revealed all items in the Malay versions of the MBI-HSS, MBI-ES and MBI-GS can be grouped into 3 components, which were very similar to the original English versions. In conclusion, the findings from this study had demonstrated the Malay versions of the MBI-HSS, MBI-ES and MBI-GS were valid and appropriate to be used in Malaysia

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

Knowledge and attitude on sex among medical students of a Malaysian university: a comparison study

Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between clinical/socio-demographic factors with knowledge and attitude on sex among medical students of the National University of Malaysia (UKM). Methods: A cross-sectional study assessing 452 students using a self-administered questionnaire of knowledge and attitude was performed and had a response rate of 80%. Results: The majority of respondents were Malays (56%), females (57.5%), lived in urban areas (66.4%), had a median family income of RM3000 and perceived themselves as moderately religious (60%). The overall score on knowledge about sex was 21.7 of 35 (a higher score indicates better knowledge about sex). It was noted that 73.2% of students felt that they did not receive adequate training in medical school to deal with patients' sexuality and sexual problems, while 51.5% felt uncomfortable talking to patients about these issues. Students in the clinical year were more knowledgeable than those in pre-clinical years (22.67 versus 20.71, P22 marks [median score]). Discussion: The students' attitude on sex was considered conservative as the majority of them disagreed on premarital sex, masturbation, abortion, homosexuality and oral sex. Gender and religiosity have a large influence on attitudes on controversial sexual issues, whereas clinical status plays a small role. Knowledge on sex among UKM medical students is inadequate and their attitudes on sex are considered conservative. Integration of sexual medicine and health modules in the medical curriculum is crucial for students to more effectively address patients' sexual problems and promote non-judgmental attitudes towards patients. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd