Transcripts of unfulfillment : a study of sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction among Malay-Muslim women in Malaysia

The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), or in everyday notion, sexual dissatisfaction, among Malay women remains high, denoting that there are several influences shaping their experience of sex within marriage. This qualitative study identified the perceived effects of social factors in the development of sexual dysfunction among Malay women. Engaging a phenomenological framework, 26 in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted among married women from Peninsular Malaysia, based on their self-reporting of FSD symptoms. All sessions were audio-recorded and the data were transcribed verbatim and managed in the ATLAS.ti software before being analysed. The three themes that emerged—‘sex is taboo and culturally unacceptable’, ‘self-ignorance about sex’, and ‘lack of husband’s role in mutual sexual enjoyment’—suggest some influence of Islamic teachings and cultural conduct, as in Adat, on sexuality in society. However, a lack of knowledge and nonadherence to positive values and teachings around sexual satisfaction between men and women, as espoused through the Islamic religion, have affected woman’s sexual functions and coupling relationship even more significantly. The results of this qualitative study show that a formal, culturally sensitive, and comprehensive sex education programme incorporating both medical and Islamic knowledge may work to effectively reduce FSD

Coping strategies for sexual problems and sexual dysfunction amongst Malay women with breast cancer : a qualitative study

Introduction: Women’ sexuality becomes complex after breast cancer diagnosis and sexual health is highly neglected in the management of the illness. Aims: To explore the coping and strategies to overcome sexuality problems and sexual dysfunction among women with breast cancer. Material and Methods: Using the in-depth and photo-elicitation interview methods, this qualitative study following phenomenological analysis was conducted on fourteen married female respondents with breast cancer and had the positive result for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) screened by Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6 items) from Kelantan, Malaysia. The interviews data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and managed in analytic computer software NVivo11 Pro. The transcriptions were analyzed using thematic analysis by referring to the meaning-making theory. Main Outcome Measures: We identified overlapping themes of coping and strategies among women with breast cancer to overcome sexual problems and sexual dysfunction which correspond with meaning-making theory. Results: Three themes have emerged. Women with breast cancer that developed sexuality problem and sexual dysfunction strived to accept the illness using religious belief and conform by altering sexual practices. These individuals positively look for a solution by seeking formal healthcare advice, modify their physical appearance, active discussion with the husband and support from other survivors. A few of them passively struggle with the subject by averting the intimacy and receptive toward polygamy. Conclusion: This study highlighted the various mechanisms that emphasized the pivotal role of religious belief and relationship context as key factors in the coping strategies among women with breast cancer in Malaysia. The finding may not be generalized to other countries

The decision of breastfeeding practices among parents attending primary health care facilities in suburban Malaysia

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the association between decision making for breastfeeding practices and associated factors for exclusive breastfeeding practices among parents attending primary health care facilities. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 196 parents who attended primary health care facilities in suburban Malaysia. A self-administered questionnaire was given to assess decision-making styles and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practices. Systematic random sampling was used for the nonexclusive breastfeeding group, and convenience sampling was used for the exclusive breastfeeding group. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the associated factors for exclusive breastfeeding practices. Results: We found an association between the mutual decision of parents on exclusive breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding practices. Previous exclusive breastfeeding experience, fathers’ ages, mothers’ occupations and mutual decisions had significant impact on exclusive breastfeeding practices. Conclusion: The important determinant for practising exclusive breastfeeding is parents’ mutual decisions. Therefore, practitioners need to continuously educate and emphasize the fathers’ role in the breastfeeding process

Sequelae of neglected senile cataract

Cataract is the most common cause of blindness in the world. An attack of phacolytic and phacomorphic glaucoma as a result of neglected cataract constitutes a medical emergency that must be addressed immediately. Ocular emergencies such as these is challenging for the surgeon with guarded or poor prognosis. We describe the presentation, management and prognosis of three cases of phacomorphic and phacolytic glaucoma. All three patients underwent aggressive management of intraocular pressure. Despite successful cataract operation with implantation of intraocular lens, there was only mild improvement of the vision. Optic nerve and pupil functions were permanently affected following the insult. Phacomorphic and phacolytic glaucoma present a very challenging problem to the surgeon with poor visual outcome. Public health education and awareness are important and health workers should encourage patients with cataract to seek early treatment for better prognosis

Prevalence of optimal cardiovascular screening activities and associated factors among apparently healthy school teachers in Kota Bharu, Kelantan

الملخص: أهداف البحث: تهدف هذه الدراسة لتحديد مدى انتشار أنشطة الفحص الأمثل لأمراض القلب والأوعية الدموية، والعوامل المرتبطة بين معلمي المدارس الذين يظهر أنهم أصحاء. طرق البحث: تم إجراء دراسة مقطعية تحليلية رصدية على ٣٨٠ من معلمي المدارس الثانوية في كيلانتان، ماليزيا. وزعت استبانة تعبأ ذاتيا فيما يتعلق بالبيانات الديموغرافية والعوامل المؤثرة على أنشطة الفحص الأمثل لأمراض القلب والأوعية الدموية. تم إجراء التحليل الوصفي، وتحليل الانحدار اللوجستي البسيط والمتعدد. النتائج: استجاب ٣٤٨ معلما؛ بمعدل استجابة ٩١.٦٪. وكان مدى انتشار أنشطة الفحص الأمثل لأمراض القلب والأوعية الدموية ٢٩.٣٪ (٩٥٪ فاصل ثقة: ٢٤.٥٢، ٣٤.٠٨). ظهر أن العمر، والمعرفة عن الفحص لأمراض القلب والأوعية الدموية، والتاريخ العائلي لأمراض القلب والأوعية الدموية وتوفر المرافق الصحية ترتبط ارتباطا كبيرا مع فحص أمراض القلب والأوعية الدموية. الاستنتاجات: مدى انتشار أنشطة الفحص الأمثل لأمراض القلب والأوعية الدموية كان منخفضا. وكانت الغالبية العظمى من العوامل التي تسهم في الفحص الأمثل قابلة للتعديل. لذا ينبغي من مقدمي الرعاية الصحية تنفيذ الصحة العالمية على نطاق واسع بدلا من التقييم الموجه للأمراض في ممارستهم اليومية. Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of optimal cardiovascular disease (CVD) screening activities and the associated factors among apparently healthy school teachers. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical observational study was conducted among 380 secondary school teachers in Kelantan, Malaysia. A self-administered questionnaire addressing sociodemographic data and factors influencing CVD screening activities was administered. Descriptive analysis, simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: A total of 348 teachers responded to the questionnaire, with a response rate of 91.6%. The prevalence of optimal CVD screening activities was 29.3% (95% CI: 24.52, 34.08). Age, knowledge of CVD screening, family history of CVD and availability of health facilities were significantly linked to CVD screening. Conclusion: The prevalence of optimal screening activities was low. A great majority of the factors contributing to optimal screening were modifiable. Health care providers should widely implement global health-oriented rather than disease-orientated assessment in their daily practice. الكلمات المفتاحية: فحص أمراض القلب والأوعية الدموية, خطر أمراض القلب والأوعية الدموية, الفحص الصحي, تاريخ العائلة, معلمي المدارس, Keywords: Cardiovascular disease screening, Cardiovascular risk, Family history, Health screening, School teacher

The effect of Tualang honey on the quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a 6-months regime of honey supplementation in improving the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: A single blind randomized controlled trial on 34 patients with COPD was conducted. The participants were divided into two groups, including honey (n = 22) and standard care (n = 12). St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) was used to assess the QoL. The QoL total score was analysed using repeated measure ANOVA. Result: There were no significant differences between the honey and standard care groups for socio-demographic and QoL variables. The within-time analysis showed statistically significant differences between baseline and post 2, 4 and 6-months in the total QoL score in the honey group. Otherwise, only marginally significant difference was detected between baseline and post 2-months in the standard care group. A comparison of total QoL score between the two groups, based on time (between and within), favoured the honey group. The honey group demonstrated a significantly lower mean total QoL score compared with the standard group at 4-months (28.89; 95% CI: 21.19, 36.59 vs 42.38; 95% CI: 31.95, 52.81) and 6 months (22.91; 95% CI: 14.94, 30.87 vs 41.95; 95% CI: 31.17, 52.73). Conclusion: Supplementation of honey in patients with COPD results in better intermediate and long-term changes in the overall QoL