Journal of family & community medicine最新文献

{"title":"Determinants of psychosocial well-being of older adults in Sarawak, Malaysia.","authors":"Jeffery Stephen, Sam F Jiee, Azimah Azman, Md Mizanur Rahman, Rosalia Saimon, Hun C Gui, Lim S Hee, Romano Ngui","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_127_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_127_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaysia's rapid demographic shift toward an ageing society poses significant public health challenges, particularly with respect to psychosocial well-being. Sarawak, an ethnically diverse state, faces unique issues related to household dynamics, ageing, and urbanization. This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of older adults in urban Sarawak and assess their association with psychosocial well-being.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The cross-sectional study involved 766 older adults aged 60 and above in Kuching and Sibu. Participants were selected using multistage stratified random sampling and were interviewed using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The mental health continuum-short form was utilized to assess their psychosocial well-being, which was classified into poor, moderate, and good categories. Associations with sociodemographic factors were analyzed using Chi-square tests and ordinal logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 766 respondents, 50.8% were male, and 45.7% were aged 60-64 years. The prevalence of poor, moderate, and good psychosocial well-being was 37.2%, 31.9%, and 30.9%, respectively. Age group and household size were significantly associated with well-being (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Younger respondents (60-64 years) were more likely to report good well-being (odds ratio [OR] = 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-2.81; <i>P</i> = 0.013), while smaller household size reduced the likelihood of poor well-being (OR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.33-0.91; <i>P</i> = 0.019).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Recognizing that age and household size influence the psychosocial well-being of older adults in Sarawak presents an opportunity for constructive intervention. Tailoring age-specific programs to the context of urban, multigenerational living can effectively promote healthy ageing. By focusing on family engagement, community support, and access to resources, we can enhance resilience and improve the general standard of living for older adults in these environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 4","pages":"295-302"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12611013/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145515468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Her4 in gastric adenocarcinoma and its association with molecular prognostic markers Ki-67 proliferation index and p53 mutational status in Saudis: A study at a tertiary care hospital in Eastern Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Ayesha Ahmed","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_134_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_134_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Gastric cancer is the fifth most common and third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Her4 receptor has proapoptotic and antiproliferative activity. The role of Her4 in gastric carcinogenesis and its prognostic implications have not been much investigated, as evidenced by the paucity of overall and Saudi regional-based studies. This study aimed to highlight the expression of Her4 in gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) as well as its association with clinicopathological parameters and molecular prognostic markers Ki-67 and p53 in a Saudi cohort.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this descriptive cross-sectional study, data were retrospectively obtained by selecting all cases of GA from 2012 to 2022, for which Her4 immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis was done by total population sampling technique from the Pathology Department archives of King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Patients' demographic and clinicopathological profile, Lauren's histological classification, and IHC data for Ki-67, p53, and Her2-neu were also retrieved. Her4 positivity was recalibrated and its association with clinicopathological parameters, Ki-67, p53 and Her2-neu was determined. Data analysis performed using SPSS; Chi-square test assessed the relationship between Ki-67 proliferation index and p53 mutation status in Her4-negative cases.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of the 50 cases of GA selected, Her4-positive cases were 22% (<i>n</i> = 11), and in these Her4-positive cases, 63.6% had intestinal-type morphology, 54.5% were high-grade tumors, male preponderance was 63.6%, the median age was 73 years, and the mean age was 74 years (standard deviation [SD]: 9.3). 3 + positivity was seen at the mean age of 69 years (SD: 14.6), but there was one case at 53 years. A high Ki-67 proliferation index was present in 63.6% and a predominant aberrant/mutational p53 mutation status in 54.4% of the cases.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Her4 frequency of 22% is lower than other reported studies underlining the concept of geographical and ethnic variation in intrinsic tumor properties. Her4 expression with a higher tumor grade, high Ki-67 proliferation index, and aberrant/mutational p53 status imparts an aggressive tumor characteristic to this set of GA cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 4","pages":"303-309"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12611016/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145515482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exercise-related skin complaints of Saudi gym users in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Nasser M Alzoabi, Bader N M Algamdi, Jamal Alqahtani, Abdullah A N Aljalfan, Turki S Aljuhani, Hadeel K Alotaibi, Amar A Alzawad, Salam M Alsinan, Razan M Alawadh, Dema R Alasbly, Saud S AlMohrij, Nouf F Bin Rubaian","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_189_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_189_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>A thorough grasp of exercise-related skin complaints that gym users tend to have is now necessary owing to the growing popularity of gym culture and exercise facilities. The prevalence of dermatoses has greatly increased because of such factors as excessive perspiration and humidity, poor hygiene habits, and such wet areas as showers and pools.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study recruited gym users from seven different fitness centers in four major cities in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews of the participants using a validated structured questionnaire. Data analyzed using SPSS; continuous variables were expressed as means and standard deviations, while categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Pearson's Chi-square test was employed to assess the statistical relationship between categorical variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of exercise-related skin complaints of gym participants was 33.2%. Of those, 50.5% experienced dryness, followed by redness (39%), and itching (35%). The skin complaints were more common in males and in the 18-30 age group. Examination of dermatoses associated with close contact sports showed common conditions such as calluses and corns (40.5%), acne mechanical (25%), and friction blisters (8%). The areas of the skin most affected were the hands/palms (54.5%), followed by the head/neck (30.5%) and arm/shoulders (29.5%). Only 15.5% reported very much impact on training frequency, whereas 29.5% occasionally assumed postures to alleviate discomfort. To manage skin complaints, 64.5% of the gym users applied over-the-counter pharmaceutical products (41.9%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A considerable number of gym users experienced exercise-related skin complaints, some of which limited their exercise performance. However, there is a noticeable gap in the worldwide literature regarding exercise-related skin complaints of general gym users; advanced research is required to detect, manage, and most importantly, prevent these complaints.</p>","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 4","pages":"347-353"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12611007/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145515489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The World Health Organization's package of essential noncommunicable diseases in the West Bank: Health education, disease control, and bio-physical outcomes.","authors":"Masarra M Khasib, Mahmoud T Al-Kalaldeh, Imad N Thiltheen, Wesam T Almagharbeh, Nashi Alreshidi","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_196_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_196_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are prevalent worldwide and contribute to public health challenges. Health education, driven by World Health Organization's (WHO's) Package of Essential Non-Communicable Diseases (PEN), is a mainstay in managing these NCDs in primary healthcare settings in Palestine. This study evaluated the effect of the WHO's PEN's health education protocol on NCD patients' bio-physical outcomes in the West Bank, Palestine.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Patients with NCDs receiving within PEN protocol at 49 primary healthcare clinics in the Ramallah district of the West Bank were identified and were selected into study consecutively at the time of their visit to the clinic. Patients' perspectives towards management of their NCDs were retrieved from the WHO STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance (STEPS). Bio-physical measurements were taken at the time of the visit to clinic and compared to previous records. Data analysis performed using SPSS; mean and standard deviations computed for continuous variables, while categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Paired sample t-test used to test for statistical significance for changes between initial and last bio-physical or bio-chemical measurements.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 377 patients were included in the study. Self-evaluation showed positive feedback towards assessing, monitoring, and managing all assessed NCDs. Majority of participants reported rarely or never receiving health education on quitting smoking (85.6%), nutrition (95.5%), physical exercise (91.5%), and medication-related issues (84.9%). Biophysical parameters showed reductions in weight by 1.5 kg/m², waist circumference by 2.2 cm, and systolic and diastolic BP by 6.5 and 4 mmHg, respectively. Biochemical value reductions were observed for Hemoglobin A1c by 0.6%, total cholesterol by 25mg/dl, triglyceride by 11.5mg/dl, and low-density lipoprotein by 25mg/dl over a year.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite its significant bio-physical outcomes, the PEN health education protocol needs systematic planning and evaluation to attain the best outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 4","pages":"331-338"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12611092/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145515487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comments on \"Akram's lifestyle: An effective remedy for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease\".","authors":"Alisina Mirzaei","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_139_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_139_25","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 4","pages":"362"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12610950/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145515479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Authors' reply.","authors":"Abdulaziz M Alruzaihan, Abdulrahman K Ashour, Turki E Almahmoud, Saif F Alsaif, Eman R Mohamed, Manahel A Almulhem, Abdulmohsen H Al Elq, Mohammad Zeeshan","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_277_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_277_25","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 4","pages":"366"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12611021/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145515432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Undergraduates' perceptions of problem-based learning approach to developing skills and attitude at a College of Medicine in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Farhat N I Saudagar, Mohammed S Madadin","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_195_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_195_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered approach. After decades of experience in implementing PBL in our medical curriculum, this study was carried out to assess the impact of PBL on undergraduates' skills and attitudes and developing core competencies that effectively meet the evolving needs of medical education and prepare them for clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among second- and third-year medical students at a college of medicine in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was used to collect data on: communication and presentation, problem solving, and critical thinking skills; Self-directed Learning (SDL) and integration abilities; professional attitudes and overall satisfaction. A five-point Likert scale was used to measure student agreement level. Chi-square test was used to test for significant differences between groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 452 out of 607 students participated. About 92% females and 94.6% males reported improved communication and presentation skills. Problem-solving abilities rose for 82.8% females and 77.2% males, theory-to-practice application enhanced in 86.2% females and 86.4% males, and clinical transition aided in 81.7% females and 76.1% males. Critical thinking improved for 86.6% females and 83.7% males, 88.4% females and 85.3% males noted effective knowledge application, and 82.8% females and 79.9% males reported smooth clinical transitions. Additionally, 68.2% students reported improvement in SDL, 70.5% in multidisciplinary integration, and 75-79% reported enhanced professional attitudes. Overall satisfaction rates for skills and attitude development were 72.9% and 73.6%, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings show that most medical undergraduates perceived PBL as an effective approach for developing skills and attitudes essential for lifelong learning and ethical medical practice. Furthermore, PBL has been shown to be effective in facilitating the transition from preclinical to clinical practice by linking theory with real-world applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 4","pages":"354-361"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12611067/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145515512","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Telemedicine as a tool for humanizing technology to provide health at a distance.","authors":"Bernardette Cotrina-Urteaga","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_58_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_58_25","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 3","pages":"257-258"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12331184/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144819020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Patterns and experiences of patients with undifferentiated lymphocytosis referred by primary care physicians in Canada.","authors":"Danny Dawd, Marek Benjamin, Lauren Gerard, Rouslan Kotchetkov","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_50_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_50_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>We assessed 93 hematology referrals of patients with undifferentiated lymphocytosis, focusing on patient experience and costs for both patients and the healthcare system.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study at the Royal Victoria Health Center in Barrie, Ontario, and the Hudson Regional Cancer Program, Canada. Data included the nature of referrals (primary vs. secondary lymphocytosis), flow cytometry (FC)-based diagnosis, number of visits, time spent, healthcare costs, and patient experience through anonymous questionnaires.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ninety-four percent of patients were referred by their family physicians. FC results revealed that 56% of patients had primary lymphocytosis. The remaining cases were secondary lymphocytosis, with 90% of secondary cases being smoking-related. Only two patients required therapy for a newly diagnosed lymphoproliferative disorder. The average number of visits in 2023 was 1.98; 20% of patients spending 3 h or more per visit, including travel and appointment time. The reason for referral was explained to 80% of patients. While 50% of patients were nervous about attending the cancer center, over 90% felt reassured after the initial hematology consultation and found the information clear and satisfactory. However, 30% of patients reported that the visits were both financially draining and time-consuming. The total healthcare cost in 2023 was $758.42 per patient, with the total expense of $31,095 for cases of secondary lymphocytosis that did not require referral.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings highlight that implementing FC in family practice can help distinguish primary from secondary lymphocytosis, reducing unnecessary hematology referrals, and potentially lowering healthcare costs, saving time, and reducing patient stress. This approach could lead to improved efficiency in the delivery of care and better utilization of healthcare resources.</p>","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 3","pages":"217-222"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12331177/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144819016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of transcranial direct electrical stimulation in management of patellofemoral pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Mahesh Sharma, Ramesh C Patra, Shashikumar C Govindappa","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_296_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_296_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Patellofemoral pain syndrome is more common in young adults. This pain is treated by therapeutic modalities and exercises involving quadriceps. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive method of relieving pain. This study assessed the tDCS together with knee strengthening exercises to treat patellofemoral pain syndrome.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Patients with patellofemoral pain were randomly put into two groups for a 6-week protocol. The experimental group was treated with transcranial direct electrical stimulation and knee muscles strengthening exercises, whereas the control group was treated with knee strengthening exercises only. Data for pain using Visual Analog Scale, disability or function using Anterior Knee Pain Score, and quality of life using The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score was collected for both groups at baseline and in 6^th week. Data for pain and disability were collected at baseline, in the 1^st, 2^nd, 4^th and 6^th week. Data were analyzed using SPSS; t-test for independent samples and ANOVA were used to compare mean scores between groups and various time intervals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed that pain, disability, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score improved in both the groups. However, the experimental group demonstrated a more favorable outcome than the control group (<i>P</i> < 0.001). Pain scores varied significantly between time periods. From baseline to the 6th week, the mean score of the experimental group decreased from 7.75 > 5.42 > 1.40 > 0.38, respectively, and the mean score of the control group decreased from 7.68 > 7.30 > 2.98 > 0.64, respectively. At the 2^nd and 4^th weeks, there was a significant reduction in the pain score with a mean of 5.42 > 1.40 in the experimental group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patellofemoral pain syndrome can be effectively treated with transcranial direct electrical stimulation combined with knee strengthening exercises, rather than with exercises only to strengthen knee muscles.</p>","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 3","pages":"223-230"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12331186/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144819014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}