Generation Y employees in the banking sector in Malaysia: social needs, intention to stay and perceived organizational support

By year 2025, 75% of the workforce will be Gen Y employees. This study examined the influence of social needs on the intention to stay by Gen Y employees in the banking sector in Malaysia. The mediation role of perceived organizational support between the two constructs was examined. In this quantitative study, primary data was collected from a sample of 470 respondents. The examination concluded that higher level of social needs had a positive and significant influence on intention to stay. This study further revealed that perceived organizational support partially mediated the relationship between social needs and intention to stay. Due to the expected rise of the Gen Y workforce in future, this study will give organizations a better understanding and knowledge of Gen Y social needs and provide them the right tools to collaborate and find the right solutions. (Abstract by authors

Pattern of weight changes in women with breast cancer.

This study describes weight changes experienced by Malaysian women with breast cancer. Women with breast cancer (n=368) were recruited from eight hospitals and four breast cancer support groups in Peninsular Malaysia. Current weight was measured and weight at the time of diagnosis and a year preceding diagnosis were based on self-reports. Change in weight was determined from the year preceding breast cancer diagnosis to study entry (time 1), at the time of diagnosis to study entry (time 2) and from a year preceding breast cancer diagnosis to the time of diagnosis (time 3). Current body mass index, at a year preceding diagnosis and at the time of diagnosis were determined. Waist circumference was also measured. The sample comprised 57% Malay, 34% Chinese and 9.8% Indian women. The mean age of the women was 54 ∓ 9.04 years and over 80% were post-menopausal. Majority of the women were in stage I and stage II breast cancer at the time of diagnosis. The most common treatments received by these women were chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy and mastectomy. Overweight and obesity were prevalent in over 40% of the survivors at all three periods. Significant weight changes were observed during time 1 (-0.74 ∓ 4.78kg, p< 0.001), time 2 (2.73 ∓ 8.06kg, p< 0.001) and time 3 (3.47 ∓ 7.53kg, p< 0.001). At time 1, almost 50% showed no changes in their weight. At time 2, nearly two-thirds had gained weight and at time 3, 69% had gained weight, abdominal obesity was observed in nearly two-thirds of the women at study entry. A significant difference in weight change among age groups was observed in time 2 and time 3. All ethnic groups had significant weight change in time 1 and time 2. Significant weight gain was observed in relation to body mass index prior to diagnosis, at diagnosis and at study entry. However, no significant difference in weight change by educational level, family history of cancer and cancer stages were observed in all 3 periods. In conclusion, significant weight gain was evident in this sample of women after diagnosis of breast cancer and treatment. Women with breast cancer should be encouraged to maintain normal body mass index and waist circumference through appropriate diet and regular physical activity which may help to reduce their risk of recurrence, secondary cancer and metastasis

Weight changes and lifestyle behaviors in women after breast cancer diagnosis: a cross-sectional study

Background: Weight gain rather than weight loss often occurs after breast cancer diagnosis despite breast cancer survivors frequently reported making healthful lifestyle changes. This study describes the prevalence and magnitude of changes in weight before and after breast cancer diagnosis and examines lifestyle behaviors of breast cancer survivors with stable weight, weight gain or weight loss. Methods. Respondents were 368 women with breast cancer characterized by stages I, II and III. All were recruited from hospitals or breast cancer support groups and had completed conventional treatment. Current weight and height were measured while weight at cancer diagnosis and 1 year before diagnosis were self-reported. Weight change was calculated as the difference between current weight and weight a year preceding breast cancer diagnosis. A 24-hour diet recall and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire assessed dietary intake and physical activity, respectively. Differences in lifestyle behaviors among weight change groups were examined using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Results: Mean weight change from a year preceding diagnosis to study entry was 2.73 kg (95% CI: 1.90-3.55). Most women (63.3%) experienced weight gain rather than weight loss (36.7%) with a higher percentage (47.8%) having at least 5% weight gain (47.8%) rather than weight loss (22%), respectively. Compared to other weight change groups, women in >10% weight gain group had the lowest fruit and vegetable servings (1.58 servings/day; 95% CI: 1.36-1.82) and highest servings of dairy products (0.41 servings/day; 95% CI: 0.30-0.52). Conclusions: Weight gain was evident in this sample of women after breast cancer diagnosis. Information on magnitude of weight change after breast cancer diagnosis and lifestyle behaviors of breast cancer survivors with varying degrees of weight change could facilitate the development and targeting of effective intervention strategies to achieve healthy weight and optimal health for better survival

Impact of Emotional Needs on Intention to Stay and the Mediating Role of Perceived Organizational Support.an Empirical Study of Gen Y Employees’ in the Banking Sector in Malaysia

It is anticipated that over the next 10 years, the banking sector would require a workforce of about 200,000. Gen Y employees makes up about 40% of the current workforce in Malaysia. This number is expected to increase to 75% within a relatively short span of time. The present study examined the influence of emotional needs of Gen Y employees towards intention to stay and the mediating role of perceived organizational support. This was a quantitative research that used a survey method. Data was collected from a sample of 470 Gen Y employees in the banking sector in Malaysia. The findings revealed that emotional needs had a significant impact on intention to stay. Perceived organizational support was found to mediate the relationship between the two. The findings have significantly contributed to the advancement of knowledge in the emotional needs and intention to stay of Gen Y employees in the banking sector. The significant and positive impact of emotional needs and perceived organizational support suggests the importance of these factors in retention of Gen Y employees. The paper's primary contribution is that it provides an understanding that emotional needs and the mediating role of perceived organizational support have an impact on improving the intention to stay of Gen Y employees in the banking sector in Malaysia. From the practical implications perspective, organizations need to implement policies and procedures to help lessen employees quitting intentions. The results of this study suggest that organizations can implement policies covering the employee emotional needs and employees’ perception that their work and contributions are valued. With current trends of globalizations and diversity, the finding of this study can be beneficial to improve retention of Gen Y employees in other countries. (Abstract by authors

Social Needs and Intention to Stay by Generation-Y Employees in the Banking Sector in Malaysia: the Mediating Role of Perceived Organizational Support

This study examined the impact of social needs of Generation Y employees towards their intention to stay longer in organizations. The mediating role of perceived organizational support was also examined. In this quantitative research, data was collected using a survey method. The study population were Generation Y employees in the banking sector in Malaysia. Random sampling was used to collect data from 470 respondents. Self-administered questionnaires were delivered by hand. Structural equation modelling was used to test the relationships. The findings revealed that Gen Y employees’ social needs were positively related to their intention to stay. It was found that perceived organizational support mediated the relationship between the two constructs. The findings presented new insights into how Gen Y employees social needs can contribute to improving their intention to stay in the banking sector. Given the paucity of research in the context of the role of social needs and perceived organizational support, this study provides an understanding to organizations on the influence of social needs and perceived organizational support in improving retention of Gen-Y employees. (Abstract by authors

Incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer in Malaysia

OBJECTIVES This is the first study that estimates the incidence and mortality rate for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in Malaysia by sex and ethnicity. METHODS The 4,501 patients were selected from National Cancer Patient Registry-Colorectal Cancer data. Patient survival status was cross-checked with the National Registration Department. The age-standardised rate (ASR) was calculated as the proportion of CRC cases (incidence) and deaths (mortality) from 2008 to 2013, weighted by the age structure of the population, as determined by the Department of Statistics Malaysia and the World Health Organization world standard population distribution. RESULTS The overall incidence rate for CRC was 21.32 cases per 100,000. Those of Chinese ethnicity had the highest CRC incidence (27.35), followed by the Malay (18.95), and Indian (17.55) ethnicities. The ASR incidence rate of CRC was 1.33 times higher among males than females (24.16 and 18.14 per 100,000, respectively). The 2011 (44.7%) CRC deaths were recorded. The overall ASR of mortality was 9.79 cases, with 11.85 among the Chinese, followed by 9.56 among the Malays and 7.08 among the Indians. The ASR of mortality was 1.42 times higher among males (11.46) than females (8.05). CONCLUSIONS CRC incidence and mortality is higher in males than females. Individuals of Chinese ethnicity have the highest incidence of CRC, followed by the Malay and Indian ethnicities. The same trends were observed for the age-standardised mortality rate