Medical Journal of Malaysia最新文献

{"title":"Knowledge, attitude and practices of indigenous people towards non-communicable disease in Bera, Malaysia: A community-based study.","authors":"F Abdullah, N A A Rahman, V Kumaran, N Fazam, C E Wong","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>With the current trend of increasing noncommunicable diseases (NCD), like hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia worldwide and in Malaysia, a comprehensive study is essential to find the local population's knowledge, attitude and practice towards NCD. Little is known about the indigenous people of Orang Asli's health conditions and health-seeking behaviours towards these chronic diseases. The study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) status towards non-communicable disease and its association with demographic background among Orang Asli adults of the Semelai subgroup in central Pahang, Malaysia.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 251 adult Semelai people in Bera district, Pahang. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews to obtain socio-demographic data, KAP towards NCD. Bivariate analysis was performed to test the association between the socio-demographic factor and the KAP score.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among respondents, 57.4% were female, 82.5% were married, and 46.2% completed primary school. The majority were animism believers (83.3%), self-employed (75.3%) and earning less than RM1000 (87.6%). The respondents' ages ranged from 18 to 77, with a mean age of 41.1 (S.D ± 13.9). The prevalence of known type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, and dyslipidaemia was 9.6%, 20.7%, and 8.8%, respectively. About 23.1% of respondents have a family history of chronic disease. Regarding KAP parameters, only 12.7% have good knowledge, and 35.5% have good practice in prevention and treatment. However, more than half (59.8%) have a positive attitude towards chronic diseases. This study also showed that higher household income and education levels were positively associated with higher scores of KAP (p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study presented a low-to-moderate percentage of Orang Asli who have good KAP towards NCD. KAP levels were significantly associated with education levels and household income. Hence, improving education and poverty in the Orang Asli community may successively increase the knowledge level, impart a positive attitude towards NCDs, and improve the practice level toward treatment and prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":39388,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of Malaysia","volume":"79 5","pages":"531-537"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142355982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Refractive error and amblyopia among primary school children in remote islands of East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.","authors":"H J Wardati, W Karimmah, M Khadijah, M Ahmad-Sharmizi, W Y Wan-Julyatee, A S Ain-Nasyrah, M Shahidatul-Adha, H Waheeda-Azwa, K S Ng, H S Jesspreet-Kaur, N A Abdullah, H Hanizasurana, I Shatriah","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Little is known about the prevalence of refractive errors and amblyopia among school children on the islands of East Coast Malaysia. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of these conditions and their associated factors in this unique and remote geographical location.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This multicentre cross-sectional school-based study included 480 children aged 7 to 12 year from primary schools on the islands of the East Coast of Malaysia. All children underwent visual acuity assessment, orthoptic evaluation, anterior and posterior segment examinations and manifest refraction. Demographic data, history of parental refractive error, parental education level, duration of digital screen time and time spent outdoors were documented in a questionnaire distributed to the parents.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age was 9.53 ± 1.69 years, with an equal distribution of genders. The ethnic composition of the subjects was 99.4% Malay and 0.6% Orang Asli. The overall prevalence of refractive errors was 11.9% (95% CI: 9.1 to 15.1%), with myopia at 7.1% (95% CI: 5.0 to 9.8%), hyperopia at 2.5% (95% CI: 1.3 to 4.3%), astigmatism at 2.3% (95% CI: 1.1 to 4.1%) and amblyopia at 2.5% (95% CI: 1.3 to 4.3%). Older age, an absence of parental history of refractive error and reduced daily outdoor time were significantly associated with refractive errors (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The prevalence of refractive error is 11.9% and amblyopia is 2.5% among primary school children on the islands of the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Older age, an absence of parental history of refractive error and reduced daily outdoor time are associated with refractive error.</p>","PeriodicalId":39388,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of Malaysia","volume":"79 5","pages":"499-506"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142356002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Navigating Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation decisions in emergency department in Malaysia: A retrospective study.","authors":"K S Chew, H T M Kho, X Y Yang","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The practice of Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation (DNAR) aims to respect patient autonomy and acknowledge medical futility. Despite its global acceptance, there is limited research on DNAR in many Asian countries, including Malaysia. This study addressed this gap by exploring DNAR decision-making processes in a Malaysian tertiary hospital.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A mixed-method retrospective study was conducted in the emergency and trauma department (ETD) of Sarawak General Hospital, Malaysia, from February to July 2023. Data were collected from 115 DNAR cases using a surveillance form to document the patient demographics, types of DNAR orders, initiating physicians, reasons for DNAR, surrogate decision-makers, specific types of procedures withheld or withdrawn and outcomes. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data, while inferential statistical analysis was applied to quantitative data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of patients was 71.32 years, with a male predominance (63.5%). The primary reasons for DNAR included \"critical illness with poor prognosis\" (33.9%), \"advanced age with frailty and poor prognosis\" (20.9%) and \"massive haemorrhagic or ischemic stroke\" (16.5%). Most DNAR decisions involved withholding resuscitation (90.4%) and were initiated mainly by internal medicine (52.2%) and emergency medicine teams (34.8%). Surrogate decisionmakers were predominantly adult children (63.5%). Only one case had an advance directive. Majority of patients (80.9%) were admitted to wards, while 16.5% died in the emergency department. The median age of patients was significantly older when adult children (78 years) and spouses (76 years) were the surrogates, compared to when they were not involved (64.5 years and 62.5 years, respectively; p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Conversely, the median age was significantly younger when parents (41.5 years) and siblings (64 years) were the surrogates, compared to when they were not involved (75 years and 74 years, respectively; p < 0.001 for both).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Advanced directives are rarely applied in Malaysia. DNAR decisions are typically made by surrogates when patients are critically ill, which is a common trend in many Asian cultures where discussing death is taboo. Cultural norms often lead families to withhold terminal diagnoses from patients, posing challenges for end-of-life care. The most frequent surrogates were adult children, who face dilemmas balancing aggressive treatment and their parents' wishes. The study underscores the need for better communication and decision-making support in emergency departments.</p>","PeriodicalId":39388,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of Malaysia","volume":"79 5","pages":"591-596"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142355983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The intersection of dermatology and immunology: Cutaneous manifestations, autoantibodies and quality of life in connective tissue diseases.","authors":"S W Lai, L Selvarajah","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are autoimmune diseases with multiorgan involvement. CTDs present with a heterogeneous clinical manifestation, especially in the cutaneous system. This study aimed to describe the common cutaneous manifestations of CTDs, to determine the association with antinuclear antibody (ANA) and other associated antibodies, and to assess the impact of CTDs on patient's quality of life (QOL).</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>This was a cross-sectional study conducted among patients 18 years and above, with a confirmed diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) or overlap syndrome, who attended the rheumatology clinic at Hospital Sultan Ismail Johor Bahru between March 2023 to June 2023. The assessment instrument used was the Dermatology Quality Life Index (DLQI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 79 patients recruited, the majority were females with a mean age of 39 ± 14.5 years. Malay was the predominant ethnic group. SLE was the most common CTD (64 patients, 81%), followed by systemic sclerosis (six patients, 7.6%), overlap syndrome (four patients, 5.1%), dermatomyositis (four patients, 5.1%) and MCTD (one patient, 1.3%). All patients had cutaneous involvement with photodermatitis being the commonest cutaneous manifestation (65 patients, 82.3%). ANA and anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA) positivity were significantly associated with SLE while anti-scl70 and anti-centromere antibodies (ACA) were strongly associated with systemic sclerosis (p < 0.05). The presence of anti-dsDNA and antiscl70 were significantly associated with renal involvement and interstitial lung disease (ILD) respectively (p < 0.05). CTD had a moderate effect on patient's QOL.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Photosensitivity was the commonest cutaneous manifestation among CTD patients. ANA was positive in the majority of SLE patients. The presence of anti-dsDNA was significantly associated with lupus nephritis, while anti-scl70 and ACA were strongly associated with systemic sclerosis and ILD. CTD had a moderate effect on patient's QOL.</p>","PeriodicalId":39388,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of Malaysia","volume":"79 5","pages":"597-603"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142356004","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring nasopharyngeal carcinoma genetics: Bioinformatics insights into pathways and gene associations.","authors":"C L Che Ismail, N Y Yusof, N Mat Lazim, S Sarina, Z B Alwi, B Abdullah","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is intricate, influenced by a combination of factors including host genetics, viral infection and environmental elements, resulting in genetic and epigenetic modifications. Despite a positive prognosis for early-stage patients, most NPC cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, highlighting the pressing need for enhanced accessibility to early diagnosis and treatment. The underlying molecular pathways driving NPC progression remain elusive. This study focuses on the use of bioinformatics techniques and databases in carrying out research to gain insights into gene relevance and potential applications in NPC.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Searches encompassed articles published in English from January 2017 to June 2024, utilising keywords such as 'nasopharyngeal carcinoma,' 'bioinformatics,' 'gene expression' and 'gene microarrays' across PubMed, MEDLINE and Scopus databases. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was utilised to access NPC messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiling studies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most studies utilised the GEO database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal and NPC tissues, followed by functional analysis using gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Protein protein interaction (PPI) networks of DEGs were commonly constructed using STRING and visualised with Cytoscape software. The integration of GO and KEGG pathway analysis alongside PPI network construction provides valuable insights into the dysregulated pathways and molecular mechanisms underlying NPC pathogenesis. Microarray analysis, particularly datasets such as GSE12452, GSE64634 and GSE34573, has enabled the identification of DEGs associated with NPC. PPI network analysis identifies hub genes, such as DNALI1, DNAI2 and RSPH9, implicated in NPC pathogenesis. Validation of gene expression patterns through platforms like GEPIA and Oncomine validates the clinical relevance of identified biomarkers. Furthermore, studies employing RNA sequencing and bioinformatics approaches uncover novel genes involved in NPC radio resistance and prognosis, paving the way for personalised therapeutic strategies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Integration of bioinformatics analysis provides insights into the complexity of tumour biology and potential molecular pathways, enabling the development of enhanced strategies for early detection, outcome prediction, recurrence detection and therapeutic approaches for NPC.</p>","PeriodicalId":39388,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of Malaysia","volume":"79 5","pages":"615-625"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142355980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The benefits of early pulmonary rehabilitation with incentive spirometer among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.","authors":"Y L Andrea Ban, A S Siti Istiana, N A Nik Nuratiqah, B H Ng, O Rose Azzlinda, J Hasni, S Z Syed Zulkifli","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;Inspiratory muscle dysfunction is prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to compare the benefits of adding volume incentive spirometry (VIS) to active-cycle-breathing technique (ACBT) and ground-based walking (GBW) training in patients hospitalised for COPD exacerbations. The objectives were to evaluate the impact of early initiation of VIS on respiratory muscle strength, measured by maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) and the 6-minute walk test (6-MWT), as well as on symptoms, as assessed by the COPD assessment test (CAT) score.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Materials and methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This randomised, prospective study was conducted among COPD subjects admitted with exacerbation between June 2021 and August 2022. Subjects were randomly assigned to either the VIS (interventional group) or the control group. Baseline assessments, including spirometry, MIP, CAT score, and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), were performed. Both groups commenced active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT) and groundbased walking (GBW) training within 72 hours of admission, with daily sessions involving three repetitions of each phase to complete one cycle, repeated three times daily. The intervention group received VIS. Upon discharge, subjects were provided with a diary and instructed to continue a home-based pulmonary exercise regimen, performed for at least 15 minutes per day, 3 days a week, with compliance monitored through weekly phone calls. At the 4-week followup, repeat assessments of spirometry, MIP, maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), CAT score and 6MWT were conducted to evaluate the outcomes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;A total of 34 subjects with a median age of 68 years (interquartile range [IQR] 65-74.3 years). The cohort predominantly males (32 subjects, 94%). The distribution of disease severity was as follows: GOLD 2 in 15 subjects (44%) and GOLD 3 in 14 subjects (41%). Additionally, 17 subjects (50%) had experienced three or more exacerbations in the preceding year. The majority of patients (29 out of 34, 85%) had a length of stay of less than 7 days. In the interventional group, the median MIP improved from 50 cm H2O (IQR 40.5-70.5) to 59 cm H2O (IQR 39-76.5), though this was not statistically significant (p = 0.407). The control group saw an improvement from 58 cm H2O (IQR 36.5-85) to 60 cm H2O (IQR 33-88), also not statistically significant (p = 0.112). The 6MWT distance improved in the interventional group from 220 meters (IQR 118-275) to 260 meters (IQR 195-327) (p = 0.002) and in the control group from 250 meters (IQR 144-294) to 280 meters (IQR 213-359.5) (p = 0.001). The median CAT score decreased significantly in the interventional group from 22 (IQR 16-28) to 11 (IQR 7.5-13) (p &lt; 0.001) and in the control group from 21 (IQR 14-24.5) to 10 (IQR 8-12.5) (p &lt; 0.001).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;Early initiation of pulmonary rehabilitation in pa","PeriodicalId":39388,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of Malaysia","volume":"79 5","pages":"561-568"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142356003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Contact sensitisation pattern of patients with eczema at the face and neck region: A retrospective study in Kuala Lumpur.","authors":"H G Teo, S R Syed Nong Chek, M M Tang","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) involving the face and neck region (FNR) is not uncommon. We aimed to determine the sensitisation pattern among patients with dermatitis involving FNR who underwent skin patch tests between 2016 and 2022.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This is a 7-year retrospective review on contact sensitisation patterns in patients with dermatitis over the FNR who underwent skin patch tests between 2016 and 2022 in the Department of Dermatology Hospital Kuala Lumpur.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 291 patients (female-to-male ratio of 7.8:1; mean age of 34.1 ± 14.0 years) with dermatitis at the FNR who underwent patch tests. The majority (n = 116,39.9%) were aged between 20 and 29 years. About 8% were below 19 years of age. Nearly 50% had dermatitis over the perioral region, 8.6% at the periorbital area and 50.6% at the other parts of the face and neck region. The clinical diagnoses included contact dermatitis (n = 145, 49.8%), cheilitis (n = 81, 27.8%), endogenous eczema (n = 28, 9.6%) and others. All were tested with European baseline series, with 91.4% and 77.0% tested with extended series, and own products, respectively. About 70.1% were sensitised to at least one allergen. The most common sensitizing allergen was nickel sulfate (34.0%), followed by cobalt chloride (11.7%), fragrance mix (10.7%), methylchloroisothiazolinone/ methylisothiazolinone (8.9%), and formaldehyde (8.9%). Clinical relevance was documented in 58.8% of them.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Contact sensitisation was detected in about 70% of patients with dermatitis at the FNR who were patchtested. Nickel, cobalt chloride and fragrance mix were the most common sensitising allergens in these patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":39388,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of Malaysia","volume":"79 5","pages":"525-530"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142355968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global trends in the utilisation of NOMS framework for spinal metastasis management: A systematic review.","authors":"J F L Tobing, E Kow, S D A L Tobing","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Traditional risk stratification systems based on the clinicopathological criteria have limitations and may not accurately predict outcomes for all patients. The neurologic, oncologic, mechanical, and systemic (NOMS) framework aims to optimise treatment outcomes and improve patient care. Here, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the NOMS framework within the context of spinal metastasis.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The study rigorously followed the guidelines set by PRISMA. We conducted an extensive search and be as transparent as possible across wellregarded databases such as PubMed and Euro PMC. The primary outcome measure focused on examining the feasibility of implementing the NOMS framework for patients with spinal metastasis in real-world clinical settings, and this measure was predefined and justified.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This systematic review included three studies involving 300 participants with spinal metastases at the cervicothoracic junction. The studies examined surgical interventions like decompression, fusion and corpectomy within the NOMS framework. Across the studies, the NOMS approach is consistently associated with adverse outcomes, including complication rates, surgical revisions, hardware complications, deformities, tumour recurrence and variable survival rates. It is also linked to hospital stays, ICU durations and specific discharge statuses. Another study focused on spinal metastasis patients undergoing endoscopic surgery, highlighting the NOMS framework's connection to recurrence rates, performance metrics, neurological status, pain management, functional recovery and quality of life. In addition, other studies explored navigated instrumentation, with a primary focus on screw placement accuracy. All three studies demonstrated methodological rigor by reporting adequate allocation concealment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>NOMS framework consistently associates with adverse spinal metastasis surgery outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":39388,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of Malaysia","volume":"79 5","pages":"608-614"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142355981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Presentation skills teaching in anaesthesia.","authors":"S Shamsher, N N Alam, S Shamsher","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Presentation is a communication method to convey information within a specific time, involving judgment, decision-making and critical thinking. Incorporation of teaching- learning-assessment of presentation skills is essential in medical curriculum because medical education involves presentations such as case reports, seminar, and conferences. The presentation skills equip 'the future doctors' to be at par with the ever-advancing world of technology, artificial intelligence and globalisation. The presentations should involve effective constructive feedback to enhance the effectiveness of presentation skills in medical curriculum.</p>","PeriodicalId":39388,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of Malaysia","volume":"79 5","pages":"658-659"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142355987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Normocytic Anemia in Pregnant Women: A Scoping Review.","authors":"S A Sharief, R Minhajat, D S Riu, A Bukhari, H Amir","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The iron supplementation program for pregnant women is the main program for tackling anemia in various countries, especially in developing countries in which daily diets may lack sufficient iron intake. In Indonesia, it is recommended that expectant mothers ingest 90 iron tablets during their pregnancy; however, the World Health Organization reports that 37% of pregnant women in the country continue to experience anemia. Iron deficiency anemia consistently emerges as the primary etiology for diagnosing anemia; however, it is important to recognize that anemia can stem from various factors beyond just lack of iron. In addition to iron deficiency, chronic illnesses and infections significantly contribute to the prevalence of anemia worldwide. Consequently, this literature review endeavors to uncover the underlying factors responsible for normocytic anemia among pregnant women, focusing on developing countries.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Eight search engines, specifically Proquest, EbscoHost, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Garuda, were utilized to identify primary articles. Three independent reviewers assessed abstracts and full articles based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data collected encompassed information regarding the population under study, research methods employed, and primary findings pertinent to the review's objectives. Fifteen studies, published between 2014 and 2023, that met the eligibility criteria outlined in the PRISMA-ScR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 15 studies on normocytic anemia in pregnant women, malaria and HIV were the highest causes of normocytic anemia, followed by worm/intestinal parasite infections, chronic diseases, and bleeding.. In pregnant women, anemia of chronic disease and infection often coexists with iron deficiency anemia, both show decrease serum iron levels. Hence, other investigations need to be carried out to diagnose with certainty the cause of anemia in pregnant women.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Anemia is not a standalone disease but rather a symptom of various underlying diseases. Therefore, diagnosing anemia requires identifying the basic disease that causes anemia, rather than simply labeling it as anemia.</p>","PeriodicalId":39388,"journal":{"name":"Medical Journal of Malaysia","volume":"79 5","pages":"646-657"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142355984","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}