Factors Contributing to Depressive Disorder among Patients with Retroviral Disease

Major depressive disorder (MDD) increases further morbidity and mortality of patients with retroviral disease (RVD) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MDD and its contributing factors among them. Depressive symptoms were screened using the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), and MDD was diagnosed with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Of the total 210 RVD patients, 27(12.9%) had MDD. The contributing factors for MDD include amphetamine-type stimulants use, social support system, and CD4 count. Interventions for RVD patients should include counselling for those abusing drugs, increasing support system and adherence to treatment.    Keywords: Retroviral Disease, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Depression, Support system.    eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-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 & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.    DOI

Ethics in Neuromarketing and its Implications on Business to Stay Vigilant

Neuromarketing is an emerging field in which academic and industry research employ neuroscience techniques to understand the consumers’ mind by explaining consumers’ preferences, motivations, and expectations. Nevertheless, some people claimed that the use of neuroscience in marketing somehow had introduced companies to a ‘buy button’ that can read the mind of potential consumers and influence their buying decisions. Plus, those that oppose neuromarketing also believe that the act of ‘reading’ consumers’ mind with the aim of improving company services is unethical and should not be used, let alone implied. However, what does actually ‘ethics in neuromarketing’ means in the first place? Moreover, how does this become an issue in the marketing field? Herein, we will articulate common ethical concerns with neuromarketing. We argue that the most frequently raised concerns- autonomy, informed consent, confidentiality, privacy, benevolence, and no maleficence-given the current capabilities for business to stay vigilant. However, we identify how potentially serious ethical issues may emerge from neuromarketing practices in the industry, which are primarily exclusive. We identify approaches that business can use and reduce the threats to consumers. We conclude that neuromarketing has clear potential for business to stay vigilant and mitigate the positive impact on society

Opinion of Young People on the Crises of Emerging Adulthood: Premarital Sex, Ex-nuptial Pregnancy and Infant Abandonment

Premarital sex, ex-nuptial pregnancy and infant abandonment are increasing problems. This study aimed to explore the opinion of youngsters on the contributing factors of this triad. A focus group discussion was conducted among 59 consented youngsters who were clustered into six groups. Standard prompts were given, discussions were audiotaped, transcribed and thematically analysed. Main themes emerged as the contributing factors include adjustment with the transition in life, conflict in relationships and lacking internal defences. Understanding these factors within the social development of youngsters is essential to equip them in making an informed decision on their sexuality and crises in life. Keywords: ex-nuptial pregnancy, infant abandonment, premarital sex, youngsters 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 BY-NC-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/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI:https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v6iSI4.289

Burnout and Coping Skills amongst Medical Officers: A study in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia

Burnout among doctors is hazardous, leading to stress which results in poor decision making and exposure to medical errors.  This study aims to improve the knowledge gap of the issues of burnout and coping skills among medical officers. This study is a cross-sectional study involving 250 medical officers, using universal sampling. Of the total 250 participants, 63 (25.2%) were burnout. The presence of burnout was significantly associated with dysfunctional coping skills (t=-4.96; p <0.001).  Burnout is prevalent among medical officers. It is vital to take actions that can promote good mental health in the form of coping skills and resilience training.Keywords: burnout; coping skills; doctors; medicaleISSN: 2398-4287 © 2019. 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 & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v4i12.1940  

Coping skills and burnout among medical officers in a Malaysian tertiary hospital / Nur Faizah Ali … [et al.]

Burnout among doctors is hazardous, leading to stress which results in poor decision making and exposure to medical errors. This study aims to improve the knowledge gap of the issues of burnout and coping skills among medical officers. This study is a cross-sectional study involving 250 medical officers using universal sampling. Of the total 250 participants, 63 (25.2%) were burnout. The presence of burnout was significantly associated with dysfunctional coping skills (t=-4.96; p <0.001). Burnout is prevalent among medical officers. It is vital to take actions that can promote good mental health in the form of coping skills and resilience training

View and Experiences of Unwanted Pregnancy Among Malays Teenage Mother

Ex-nuptial pregnancy among teenagers in Malaysia associates with negative consequences. However, perspective from them is lacking. To explore their experiences and perspective in addressing this phenomenon. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with informed consent among 10 young women who experienced becoming unwed mothers during adolescents. Data were encoded and analyse using Qualitative Data Analysis Miner Program and interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four themes emerged; sexual activity trajectory, motherhood struggles to them, formula of resilience teenage mothers and life after misery. Perspectives from them are vital. Great support strategies could assist them for a better life. Keywords: teenage, motherhood, pregnant, sexuality, Malaysia  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 BY-NC-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/Africans/Arabians) 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.v6iSI4.289

Determinants for Healthy Lifestyle of Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolaemia

Lifestyle modification is a pivotal intervention for Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH). This study aims to describe the lifestyles (physical activity and healthy diet) and their associations with sociodemography, illness characteristics, psychological elements, family support and level of barrier. 100 participants were given Pro forma questionnaires to assess sociodemography and illness characteristics. The lifestyles, psychological elements, family support and level of barrier were assessed using the Theory of Planned Behaviour questionnaire. The determinants of healthy lifestyles include the status of receiving treatment, level of barrier and intention for behavioural change. The findings may inform the strategy for lifestyle modification of FH patients.Keywords: Familial Hypercholesterolaemia; lifestyle; physical activity; healthy diet.eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-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.v5i14.233

Research on a Socially, Ethically, and Legally Complex Phenomenon: Women Convicted of Filicide in Malaysia

Little is known about filicide from the perspective of women convicted of the offence. The lack of research is partly attributable to the many difficulties entailed in researching socially marginalised and incarcerated people. Research on filicide engages with socially, culturally, and politically sensitive matters, including gendered social structures and behaviours, legal and ethical complexity, emotionally arousing topics, a rare phenomenon, and hard-to-reach participants. In countries where there is poor surveillance, limited local information, and few resources or experts in filicide, researchers must find innovative ways of overcoming these problems. Here we describe the particular challenges in conducting research on women convicted of filicide in Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim country, when the researchers are based at an Australian university. The persistence, resilience, and creativity required to overcome each problem were justified by the achievement of research that contributes to knowledge and has implications for change in policy and practice

Coping Strategy and Depression among Caregivers of Cancer Patients Receiving Palliative Care

Major depressive disorder (MDD) put caregivers of palliative cancer patients (CPCP) and the patients at risk for various physical and psychological complications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MDD and its contributing factors among CPCP. The diagnosis of MDD was determined using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Pro forma and validated questionnaires were used to assess sociodemography, caregiving and patient factors, coping strategy, and social support. About 6% of CPCP had MDD. Predictors for MDD were coping by behavioural disengagement and positive reframing. These coping strategies are crucial for CPCP to have optimum mental health status.   Keywords: Caregiver, Cancer, Palliative, Depression, Coping Strategy.   eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-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.v5i14.233

Determining Predictors of Depression and Anxiety for Prevention of Common Mental Illness among Staff of an Academic Institution in Malaysia

The Adopt-A-Park Programme has Information on depression, anxiety and predictors for these mental illnesses among the staff of the academic institution is sparse. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of these mental illnesses and investigate possible predictors. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21-item and pro forma questionnaires were used to assess the presence of depression, anxiety, sociodemographic, personal and job-related factors. Of 278 participants, 27.7% had depression, and 26.7% had anxiety. Predictors for depression include inadequate workplace facilities, low-tier job category, working in urban campus and low income. Predictors for clinical anxiety were high workplace responsibility and low-tier job category. Keywords: Depression; Anxiety; Academic Institution; Staff 2398-4279 © 2019 The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA CE-Bs by E-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-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. &nbsp;DOI:&nbsp;https://doi.org/10.21834/ajqol.v4i17.19