Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Exploring Out-of-Pocket Costs and Health-Related Quality of Life among Patients with Cancer and Diabetes in Malaysia.","authors":"Mohd Redhuan Dzulkipli, Asrul Akmal Shafie, Siti Noorsuriani Maon, Azuana Ramli, Abdul Haniff Mohammad Yahaya, Ho See Wan, Nor Ilham Ainaa Muhsin, Azmi Nor Mohd Farez Ahmat","doi":"10.21315/mjms-07-2025-562","DOIUrl":"10.21315/mjms-07-2025-562","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Out-of-pocket costs for chronic illnesses have become significant barriers to continuing treatment, given the already substantial cost of the diseases. This study aims to estimate out-of-pocket costs and determine the health-related quality of life of patients with cancer and diabetes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A purposive cross-sectional study (January 2021-January 2022) was conducted to assess health-related quality of life and out-of-pocket costs among Malaysian adults with cancer or diabetes. Using the validated EQ-5D-5L and a three-section questionnaire, 571 participants from three hospitals and online surveys provided data on five cost categories expressed in 2021 MYR and USD.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant differences were observed across all cost categories between patients with cancer and diabetes. Diagnostic imaging had a larger effect size (<i>P</i> < 0.0001, <i>r</i> = 0.467). Annual outpatient and hospitalisation costs among patients with cancer were found to be 42 and 11 times higher than for patients with diabetes, respectively. Overall, the out-of-pocket expenditure per year for patients with cancer was MYR 88,346.12 and MYR 9,010.60 for patients with diabetes. Additionally, patients with cancer rated their health-related quality of life using the EQ-VAS score lower than patients with diabetes (EQ-VAS = 63.7, SD = 19.2 and EQ-VAS = 71.6, SD = 18.7).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Cancer and diabetes impose significant financial and quality of life burdens on patients in Malaysia. This study highlights gaps in insurance coverage and public assistance, calling for more comprehensive support for medical and nonmedical expenses and psychological support for patients. The analysis, which focuses on annual costs, may underestimate the long-term financial impact, especially for patients with cancer. Future research should examine household spending and the ability to pay for treatment costs to better understand the full economic burden of these chronic diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":47388,"journal":{"name":"Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"32 6","pages":"119-130"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13418906/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148622033","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":"Neurodevelopment and Gross Motor Function Outcomes in Children at Risk or Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy using Snoezelen Multisensory Room.","authors":"Ameerah Ali, Surini Yusoff, Wan Mohd Aiman Wan Ab Rahman, Hans Van Rostenberghe, Najib Majdi Yaacob, Fatimah Az-Zahraa' Dinsuhaimi","doi":"10.21315/mjms-04-2025-289","DOIUrl":"10.21315/mjms-04-2025-289","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Snoezelen multisensory room is an internationally recognised intervention designed to provide sensory stimulation that promotes developmental progress in children. This study aimed to evaluate neurodevelopmental and gross motor outcomes in children at risk of, or diagnosed with, cerebral palsy and who received neurodevelopmental therapy in the Snoezelen multisensory room at Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-six patients aged three to 24 months, either at risk of or diagnosed with cerebral palsy, were recruited. However, only 20 patients completed the study. All participants underwent neurodevelopmental therapy in the Snoezelen multisensory room for 12 weeks. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE), and gross motor function was evaluated using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) scores. Assessments were performed before therapy and after 12 weeks. Pre- and post-therapy scores were compared using paired <i>t</i>-tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>HINE scores increased significantly from pre-therapy (mean = 60.70, standard deviation [SD] = 16.19) to post-therapy (mean = 66.75, SD = 18.18; <i>t</i> = -3.211, <i>P</i> = 0.005). GMFM-88 scores also showed significant improvement from pre-therapy (mean = 49.00, SD = 34.34) to post-therapy (mean = 101.95, SD = 55.70; <i>t</i> = -6.116, <i>P</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Neurodevelopmental therapy delivered in a Snoezelen multisensory room was associated with significant improvements in neurodevelopmental and gross motor function after 12 weeks among children at risk of cerebral palsy.</p>","PeriodicalId":47388,"journal":{"name":"Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"32 6","pages":"143-150"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13418905/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148622026","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":"Brain Shift Patterns: Upward, Lateral and Downward Herniation, Its Correlation with Clinical Patterns in Acute Intracranial Pathologies and Neurosurgical Management.","authors":"Nur Nazleen Said Mogutham, Jafri Malin Abdullah, Suzuanhafizan Omar, Mohammad Iskandar Sa'uadi, Sharifah Nawal Syed Jaafar","doi":"10.21315/mjms-11-2025-787","DOIUrl":"10.21315/mjms-11-2025-787","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Brain shift is a critical radiological indicator of intracranial mass effect, resulting from haematoma, tumour, infarction, or cerebral oedema. Depending on the direction of displacement, herniation may occur as downward transtentorial, upward (reverse transtentorial), or lateral midline shift (MLS). This study aims to classify brain shift patterns and correlate radiological findings with clinical parameters, including level of consciousness, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), pupillary size and reactivity, and predicted intracranial pressure (ICP). Radiological data from CT and MRI were analysed alongside clinical observations in patients with acute intracranial pathology. Downward transtentorial herniation was graded into four stages based on caudal migration of the mammillary bodies, while upward transtentorial herniation was classified into three stages reflecting progressive cerebellar and brainstem displacement. Increasing degrees of brain shift correlated with declining GCS, pupillary abnormalities, and elevated ICP. In conclusion, standardised integration of imaging-based brain shift classification with clinical assessment enables earlier recognition, optimised surgical intervention, and improved prognostication in patients with acute intracranial pathologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":47388,"journal":{"name":"Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"32 6","pages":"183-201"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13418907/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148621994","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":"Understanding Gait, Its Neurophysiologic Control and Systematic Localisation of Gait Abnormalities.","authors":"Thaanesh Manokaran, Muhammad Zikri Yusoff, Prehmanraj Mariyapan, Jafri Malin Abdullah","doi":"10.21315/mjms-05-2025-406","DOIUrl":"10.21315/mjms-05-2025-406","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gait analysis is a crucial diagnostic tool in neurology and rehabilitation, reflecting the intricate coordination between the central and peripheral nervous systems, musculoskeletal structures, and sensory feedback mechanisms. This article integrates the neurophysiological basis of gait, emphasising the role of central pattern generators in the spinal cord and the mesencephalic locomotor region in regulating initiation, speed, and adaptability (1). Gait disorders result from disruptions in various neural structures, including the cerebellum, basal ganglia, motor and sensory pathways, and the peripheral nervous system (2). Functional gait disorders, characterised by inconsistent or exaggerated patterns, require differentiation from organic conditions (3). This article also highlights diagnostic tools, including motion capture systems, electromyography, and wearable sensors, as well as therapeutic interventions, such as physical therapy, pharmacological treatments, and emerging rehabilitative technologies (4).</p>","PeriodicalId":47388,"journal":{"name":"Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"32 6","pages":"176-182"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13418903/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148621992","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":"A Modified Delphi Consensus on Optimal Pharmacological Management of Insomnia: Insights from a Malaysian Perspective.","authors":"Ng Chong Guan, Ahmad Hatim Sulaiman, Nor Hazlin Talib, Ahmad Izuanuddin Ismail, Rusdi Abd Rashid, Tan Maw Pin, Thirunavukarasu Rajoo, Tan Chong Tin","doi":"10.21315/mjms-07-2025-508","DOIUrl":"10.21315/mjms-07-2025-508","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Insomnia represents a significant risk factor for impaired daytime functioning and a range of chronic health conditions and has emerged as a growing public health concern in Malaysia. The absence of standardised local guidelines complicates treatment decision-making. This consensus aimed to develop pharmacological treatment recommendations for insomnia in Malaysia using a modified Delphi approach. An eight-member expert panel comprising specialists in sleep medicine, psychiatry, neurology, and pharmacology reviewed high-level evidence on the neurobiology, diagnosis, and treatment of insomnia. A 31-item consensus statement survey addressing the definition, diagnosis, and pharmacological management of insomnia was conducted, with agreement evaluated using a five-point Likert scale. The consensus recommendations were finalised after two Delphi rounds and a final vote, with at least 75% agreement required for each statement. Consensus statements highlighted the need for tailored treatment strategies in Malaysia that combine nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions. Insomnia was recognised as a chronic condition diagnosed primarily using subjective criteria, with sleep diaries and questionnaires recommended as assessment tools. Benzodiazepines, Z-class drugs, and dual orexin receptor agonists (DORAs) were found to be effective; however, concerns regarding long-term safety and dependency were noted. DORAs demonstrated promise in managing both sleep onset and maintenance, with lemborexant highlighted as a promising pharmacological option. The meeting emphasised the importance of individualised treatment plans and careful risk assessment, particularly for older adults, and provided practical recommendations for the management of insomnia. The integration of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia with pharmacotherapy was strongly advocated. These consensus statements offer a practical foundation for the development of future national guidelines to enhance insomnia care in Malaysia's primary care settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":47388,"journal":{"name":"Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"32 6","pages":"26-45"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13419061/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148621975","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":"Obliteration Rate of Arteriovenous Malformation by Radiosurgery.","authors":"Sarah Atiqah Mohd Zamri, Mohd Raffiz Mohd Ali, Siti Azleen Mohamad, Abdul Rahman Izaini Ghani, Zamzuri Idris, Jafri Malin Abdullah","doi":"10.21315/mjms-05-2025-324","DOIUrl":"10.21315/mjms-05-2025-324","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The main goal of any arteriovenous malformation (AVM) intervention is to eliminate the risk of haemorrhage, which can be achieved by complete extirpation, endoluminal occlusion, or obliteration of the AVM. Radiosurgery is a minimally invasive intervention that can be performed alone or in combination with other treatments. This study aimed to determine the rate of AVM obliteration in our study population and to explore the effect of AVM characteristics, treatment mode, and treatment parameters on the obliteration rate.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Three centres participating in this study obtained approval from the institutional review board and ethics committee. A total of 104 patients from among 146 were identified according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data retrieved from each centre includes demographic review, AVM characteristics such as size, volume, location, eloquence, venous drainage, aneurysm association, treatment mode, and parameters. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the potential predictors of clinical outcome, AVM obliteration, and early obliteration.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 104 patients who underwent radiosurgery, 45 (43.3%) were obliterated, and 88.9% were obliterated within three years. The independent predictors of AVM obliteration were low Spetzler-Martin grading (<i>P</i> = 0.005), dose > 22 Gy (<i>P</i> = 0.001), low radiosurgery-based AVM grading scale score (<i>P</i> = 0.037), low Virginia radiosurgery AVM scale score (<i>P</i> = 0.045), fraction (<i>P</i> = 0.002), and treatment mode (<i>P</i> = 0.025). Volume was the independent predictor of early obliteration (<i>P</i> = 0.013). The presence of a neurological deficit was the independent predictor of the clinical outcome (<i>P</i> = 0.018).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Identifying predictors of good outcomes for patients who are suitable for radiosurgery is important to ensure optimal AVM treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":47388,"journal":{"name":"Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"32 6","pages":"72-88"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13421551/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148632241","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":"Microbiological and Physicochemical Assessment of Untreated Borehole Water in Residential Areas of Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.","authors":"Wan Abdul Wahab Wan Nor Amilah, Isatou O Jah, Gillian Steffy George Lojuyo, Noor Jamil Noor Izani","doi":"10.21315/mjms-07-2025-570","DOIUrl":"10.21315/mjms-07-2025-570","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Due to concerns regarding the quality of municipal water in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia, many residents rely on borehole water, which is often untreated and potentially unsafe. In this study, we assess the microbiological and physicochemical quality of borehole water from household outdoor sources and examine potential risk factors in this regard, including borehole depth and the proximity to sewage systems.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty untreated borehole water samples were collected from residential households and analysed using standard microbiological and physicochemical techniques. Heterotrophic plate count (HPC), total coliforms, faecal coliforms and <i>Escherichia coli</i> were determined. Physicochemical parameters included pH, turbidity and free residual chlorine. Associations between microbial quality and borehole characteristics were assessed using Fisher's exact test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>While 70% of samples met the Malaysian Raw Water Quality Criteria (RWQC), 30% showed microbiological contamination, including three with <i>E. coli</i>. All samples had acceptable pH and turbidity levels, though residual chlorine was absent. None of the boreholes complied with the recommended minimum distance from sewage systems, and only four met the minimum depth standard. No significant associations were found between contamination and borehole depth or proximity to sewers (<i>P</i> > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite meeting physicochemical standards, a notable proportion of the borehole samples were microbiologically unsafe. These findings underscore the need for improved borehole construction practices, routine monitoring and public education to reduce waterborne health risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":47388,"journal":{"name":"Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"32 6","pages":"46-53"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13419291/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148622009","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":"Decision-Making in Surgical Treatment for Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (PICA) Aneurysm.","authors":"Sarah Atiqah Mohd Zamri, Nurfaten Hamzah, Thinesh Kumaran Jayaraman","doi":"10.21315/mjms-05-2025-349","DOIUrl":"10.21315/mjms-05-2025-349","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysm is rare. Endovascular treatment does not provide a decompressive effect, and the complex morphological features of PICA aneurysm make treatment approaches challenging. The objective of this study was to formulate a decision-making guide for PICA aneurysm according to location, based on an illustrative case and a review of the literature.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>From January 2022 until April 2023, a total of 157 aneurysm cases were treated using surgical and endovascular intervention. Fourteen patients were confirmed to have PICA aneurysm based on cerebral DSA/CTA. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, radiological findings, treatment plans, and outcomes were analysed. Outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), with scores of zero to three considered good. Statistical analyses included Fisher's exact test, Chi-square test, and McNemar test, where appropriate.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the total aneurysm cases, 8.9% were ruptured PICA aneurysms. Seven cases were located at the proximal PICA (P1 = 4 cases, P2 = 3), two cases at the mid PICA (P3), and five cases at the distal PICA (P4, P5). Out of 14 PICA aneurysms cases, nine were saccular, four were fusiform, and one was a dissecting aneurysm. Three patients underwent endovascular intervention (two saccular and one dissecting), while 11 underwent surgery (1 PICA-PICA <i>in situ</i> bypass with vertebral artery ligation, and 10 craniotomies with aneurysm clipping, with or without aneurysm reconstruction). Seven of 14 patients initially presented with good mRS scores, and at discharge, 10 patients had good scores. At discharge, two of three patients who had endovascular intervention had good mRS scores, and eight of 11 patients who went for surgery achieved good outcomes. Comparative analyses revealed no statistically significant associations between intervention type, aneurysm complexity, or location and outcome (<i>P</i> > 0.05). The McNemar test showed no significant difference between pre- and postoperative mRS scores (<i>P</i> = 0.25). However, a clinical trend toward improvement was observed, with the proportion of patients achieving good functional outcomes increasing from 50% before surgery to 71.4% at discharge.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Favourable outcomes could be achieved when PICA aneurysm is treated with appropriate surgical strategies by experienced surgeons. Neurovascular surgeon must acquire knowledge of different surgical approaches and the technical skills required to perform these procedures.</p>","PeriodicalId":47388,"journal":{"name":"Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"32 6","pages":"131-142"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13419060/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148622016","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":"Functional Limitations in Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy: Prevalence, Optimal Cut-off Points, and Impact on Physical and Mental Health.","authors":"Narongsak Khamnon, Pairaya Sitthiracha, Phannarin Suwannarat, Areeya Jiamjunyasiri, Chonticha Kaewjoho","doi":"10.21315/mjms-09-2025-614","DOIUrl":"10.21315/mjms-09-2025-614","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study aimed to examine the prevalence of functional limitations, compare physical ability and mental health between diabetic participants with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) who had and did not have functional limitations, and determine the correlations, cut-off points, area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of various physical performance tests for identifying individuals with these limitations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The participants' baseline characteristics and neuropathy severity were assessed. Functional limitations and mental health were evaluated using the 9-Question Depression Screening tool (9Q) questionnaire, while physical abilities were measured by handgrip strength (HG), the Five Times Sit To Stand Test (FTSTS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), the 10-m walk test (10MWT), and the 2-min step test (2MST).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the participants with DPN, 58% had at least one functional limitation, most commonly walking up 10 steps (86.8%), performing leisure activities (63.2%), and stooping or rising from a chair (27.9%). Those with limitations had significantly lower mental health, muscle strength, balance, and endurance (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Functional limitations correlated moderately with HG, FTSTS, TUG, 2MST, and 10MWT (<i>P</i> < 0.001) and mildly with 9Q score. 10MWT showed the strongest predictive ability (AUC = 0.927), while other tests demonstrated moderate to high accuracy (AUC = 0.692-0.899).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Over half of the individuals with DPN experienced at least one functional limitation, most commonly affecting mobility and daily activities. Those with limitations exhibited poorer dynamic balance, muscle strength, and endurance. Among the physical performance tests, 10MWT demonstrated the strongest predictive ability (cut-off = 0.75 m/s, AUC = 0.927), underscoring its reliability and efficiency in identifying functional limitations in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":47388,"journal":{"name":"Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"32 6","pages":"99-108"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13421557/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148632223","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":"Association of Sociodemographic Characteristics with the Time Spent in Occupational Activities of Older Persons in Malaysia.","authors":"Ker Ke Jun, Dzalani Harun, Siti Fairuz Ismail, Nor Diana Abdul Rahim, Hanif Farhan Mohd Rasdi, Ismarulyusda Ishak","doi":"10.21315/mjms-07-2025-563","DOIUrl":"10.21315/mjms-07-2025-563","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The rate of population ageing is increasing far more quickly than in the past, making active ageing a critical focus. Occupational activities are the daily tasks performed by individuals and are closely related to well-being. Research on sociodemographic factors associated with the time spent in occupational activities by older persons in Malaysia is limited. Understanding these patterns can help policymakers and healthcare providers tailor interventions to support different demographic groups among older persons. The occupational activities examined in this study were personal care, employment-related, education, domestic, childcare, purchasing, voluntary, social, and leisure activities. The objective of this study was to identify the differences in the time spent by older persons in occupational activities based on sociodemographic factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study involving 270 older persons from activity centres for older persons in Klang Valley was conducted using the Modified Occupational Questionnaire-Malay version and analysed using Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings show significant differences in time spent on domestic activities based on employment status (<i>P</i> = 0.046), employment-related activities based on type of housing and household size (<i>P</i> = 0.034; <i>P</i> = 0.047), and leisure activities based on household size (<i>P</i> = 0.006), while social activities differed based on gender (<i>P</i> = 0.038) were observed. Working older persons engaged more in domestic activities than non-working older persons; women engaged more frequently in social activities than men. A significant difference was also found in the time spent on employment-related activities between living in high-end and affordable housing.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Tailoring interventions based on these factors is crucial for promoting active ageing and enhancing the well-being of older persons.</p>","PeriodicalId":47388,"journal":{"name":"Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences","volume":"32 6","pages":"89-98"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13421558/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148632263","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}