Browsing by Author "Ahzairin Ahmad"
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- PublicationA systematic review protocol on small/kiddie cigarette packaging size and its impact on smoking(2020)
;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani ;Miaw Yn Jane Ling ;Tania Gayle Robert Lourdes ;Thamil Arasu Saminathan ;Nur Liana Ab Majid ;Ahzairin Ahmad ;Hasimah IsmailMuhammad Fadhli Mohd YusoffBackground: Small/kiddie cigarette packs consist of less than 20 cigarette sticks. Kiddie packs were recently proposed to be reintroduced by the tobacco industry with an excuse to prevent consumers from buying illicit cigarettes. By reintroducing kiddie packs, cigarettes will inevitably be more affordable and this would appeal to lower-income consumers especially teens. In this systematic review, we aimed to identify the impact of kiddie packs on smoking, specifically on smoking initiation, the urge/tendency to buy cigarettes and attempts to reduce cigarette consumption. Methods: This systematic review will be based on the review of original articles on the impact of kiddie packs on smoking. There is no restriction on the publication dates. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus will be searched to retrieve potential original articles. Additional records identified through other sources: Google Scholar, as well as Journal of Substance Use and Tobacco Control, are also to be searched. These will include original articles in any language which included all study designs (randomised controlled trials, quasi experimental and experimental studies, observational cross-sectional and cohort studies) comparing kiddie packs with regular cigarette packs. The primary outcomes of interest will be initiation of smoking and urge/tendency to buy cigarettes in the general population and attempts to reduce cigarette consumption among current smokers. Secondary outcomes will be the prevalence of smoking using kiddie packs among the current smokers. Discussion: This systematic review will provide evidence to support the impact of kiddie packs on smoking in terms of smoking initiation, smoking prevalence, urge/tendency to purchase cigarettes and attempts to reduce cigarette consumption. The findings from this review could be helpful to policymakers in regulating kiddie packs to control the consumption of tobacco. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42018102325 - PublicationExposure to secondhand smoke among school-going adolescents in Malaysia: Findings from the tobacco and e-cigarettes survey among Malaysian adolescents (TECMA)(European Publishing, 2020)
;Miaw Ling ;Kuang Lim ;Wan Shakira Hasani ;Halizah Rifin ;Nur Liana Majid ;Tania Lourdes ;Thamil Saminathan ;Ying Chan ;Ahzairin Ahmad ;Hasimah IsmailMuhammad Fadhli YusoffIntroduction: Many studies have revealed that exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) substantially increases the risk of smoking related diseases especially among the vulnerable groups, yet data on the location of SHS exposure among youth in Malaysia are still lacking. The study aims to describe the prevalence and factors associated with SHS exposure at home, outside the home, and inside the school among school-going adolescents in Malaysia. Methods: We derived the data from the TECMA study, which used a cross-sectional study design and multi-stage sampling method to obtain a representative sample of school-going adolescents aged 11–19 years in Malaysia in 2016. Data were collected through a self-administered approach using a pre-validated standard questionnaire. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were used to analyze the data, and results are presented as adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: SHS exposure for the past seven days was higher outside the home (51.2%; 95% CI: 49.2–53.2) compared to at home (37.8%; 95% CI: 35.8–39.9) while 27.3% (95% CI: 25.1–29.5) of school-going adolescents reported exposure to SHS inside the school in the past one month. In the regression analyses, older adolescents, those of Malay and Bumiputra Sarawak ethnicities, adolescents from rural areas and current smokers had higher likelihood of exposure to SHS at home, outside home and inside the school. Our study also found that adolescents who were current smokers had higher odds of being exposed to SHS at home (AOR=2.87; 95% CI: 2.57–3.21), outside the home (AOR=3.46; 95% CI: 3.05–3.92) and in the school (AOR=2.25; 95% CI: 2.01–2.51). Conclusions: Health promotion measures should target parents/guardians and household members to reduce SHS exposure among adolescents. In addition, smoke-free regulation should be fully enforced in school. Furthermore, more public places should be designated non-smoking areas to reduce SHS exposure and denormalize smoking behavior. - PublicationPersepsi Peniaga Terhadap Kawalan Tikus Yang Dijalankan Di Pasar Moden Seksyen 6 Dan Seksyen 16 Shah Alam, Selangor(2020)
;Ahzairin Ahmad ;Mohd Hatta Abdul Mutalip ;Hasimah Ismail ;Azirol Hisham AzmiMohd Sabri Mohd RedzuanIn Malay : Pasar merupakan salah satu kawasan di perbandaran yang sering menjadi kawasan hurungan atau infestasi tikus dan masalah ini sering dilaporkan di media massa. Tikus juga merupakan makhluk perosak bukan sahaja boleh merosakan malah adalah punca merebaknya penyakit. Menjadi tanggungjawab peniaga di pasar-pasar untuk mengawal kehadiran tikus ini ke pasar-pasar bagi memastikan kawasan premis pasar mereka selamat. Kajian ini dijalankan bagi melihat persepsi para peniaga dalam mengawal kehadiran tikus di pasar. Kajian ini melibatkan 56 orang responden iaitu peniaga dari dua kawasan kajian iaitu Pasar Moden Seksyen 6 dan Pasar Moden Seksyen 16, Shah Alam. Kajian menggunakan borang soal selidik dan data dianalisis menggunakan perisian Statistical Packages For Social (SPSS) versi 21.0. Statistik deskriptif seperti frekuensi, min dan sisihan piawai digunakan untuk mengenalpasti tahap keberkesanan pemboleh ubah yang dikenalpasti dan paling dominan dalam kawalan tikus oleh responden. Dapatan kajian menunjukan perancangan pemasangan perangkap tikus adalah aspek yang paling dominan iaitu min keseluruhan adalah 4.05 (SD = 0.648) berbanding aspek lain. Dapatan kajian juga menunjukan tidak terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan (α = 0.05) antara Pengetahuan Berkaitan Tikus (p = 0.676), Perancangan Pemasangan Perangkap Tikus (p = 0.666), Pembersihan Pasar dan Rekabentuk (p = 0.138) dan Kerjasama dengan PBT (p = 0.616) dengan kawasan pasar moden berkaitan. Oleh itu disarankan agar para peniaga meningkatkan lagi kesedaran berkaitan kawalan tikus. PBT pula perlu meningkatkan lagi promosi pendidikan kesihatan berkaitan kawalan tikus. Kerjasama yang lebih baik amat digalakan antara peniaga dan PBT agar perkara yang dirancang dan dilaksanakan dapat dilakukan dengan sempurna. In English: The market is one of the areas in the municipality that is often an area of rat infestation or infestation and this problem is often reported in the mass media. Rats are also pests that can not only cause damage but are also the cause of the spread of diseases. It is the responsibility of traders in the markets to control the presence of these rats in the markets to ensure that their market premises are safe. This study was conducted to see the perception of traders in controlling the presence of rats in the market. This study involved 56 respondents who were traders from two study areas, namely Pasar Moden Section 6 and Pasar Moden Seksyen 16, Shah Alam. The study used a questionnaire and the data was analysed using Statistical Packages For Social (SPSS) software version 21.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, and standard deviation were used to identify the level of effectiveness of the identified and most dominant variables in mouse control by respondents. The findings of the study showed that the planning of the installation of rat traps was the most dominant aspect, the overall mean was 4.05 (SD = 0.648) compared to other aspects. The findings also showed that there was no significant difference (α = 0.05) between Rat-Related Knowledge (p = 0.676), Rat Trap Installation Planning (p = 0.666), Market Cleaning and Design (p = 0.138) and Cooperation with Local Authorities (p = 0.616) with relevant modern market areas. Therefore, it is recommended that traders further increase their awareness regarding rat control. Local authorities need to further increase the promotion of health education related to rat control. Better cooperation between traders and local authorities is encouraged so that the planned and implemented things can be done perfectly. - PublicationPhysical Inactivity and Its Associated Factors among Adults in Malaysia: Findings from National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019(UKM Press, 2022-03-01)
;Nazirah Alias ;Chan Ying Ying ;Lim Kuang Kuay ;Ahzairin Ahmad ;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Nik Adilah ShaheinAzli BaharudinIntroduction Physical inactivity has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for worldwide mortality with major implications towards general health. Monitoring the level of physical inactivity may reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors. This study aims to determine the prevalence of physical inactivity and its associated factors among adults aged 18 years and above in Malaysia. Methods Data was obtained from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019. It was a cross-sectional, population-based survey which employed twostage stratified random sampling design. A total of 10,356 out of 10,472 respondents were interviewed using a short version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results Overall, the prevalence of physical inactivity among adults aged 18 years and above in Malaysia was 24.6% (95% CI: 23.2, 26.1). Results from multivariable logistic model showed that Chinese ethnicity (aOR 1.32; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.67), urban dwellers (aOR 1.30; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.57), those who were single (including widow, widower and divorcee) (aOR 1.36; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.61), students (aOR 2.10; 95% CI: 1.30, 3.40), higher household income earners (aOR 1.34; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.68) and those with hypercholesterolaemia (aOR 1.25; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.51) were significantly more likely to be physically inactive. Conclusions Specific and appropriate intervention towards targeted group is in crucial need to increase the level of physical activity and to promote an active living towards an active and healthy Malaysia. - PublicationSelf‐reported diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia among older persons in Malaysia(2020)
;Nur Liana Ab Majid ;Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani ;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Tania Gayle Robert Lourdes ;Miaw Yn Jane Ling ;Thamil Arasu Saminanthan ;Hasimah Ismail ;Ahzairin AhmadMuhammad Fadhli Mohd YusoffAim: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of self‐reported diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia among older persons in Malaysia and their associated factors. Methods: The study used data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey in 2018. It was a cross‐sectional study with two‐staged stratified cluster sampling design. In total, 3977 adults aged ≥60 years were selected for this study. Respondents were interviewed face to face using a structured questionnaire. Self‐reported diabetes, hypertension or hypercholesterolemia was defined as having ever been told they have these diseases by a medical doctor or paramedic. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. The multiple logistic regression model was used to examine the factors associated with the prevalence of self‐reporting. Results: The prevalence of self‐reported diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia among older persons in Malaysia were 27.7%, 51.1% and 41.8% respectively. Presence of other comorbidities and being obese showed higher odds for all three diseases. Indians, unemployed, inactive had higher odds for diabetes. Other Bumiputras, unemployed, non‐smoker, obese and inactive had higher odds for hypertension. Non‐smoker had higher odds for hypercholesterolemia. Conclusions: Health promotion, vigilance, attention and services targeting on the associated factors should be strengthened for older persons in Malaysia to ensure healthy aging. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 79–84. - PublicationSmall/Kiddie Cigarette Packaging Size and Its Impact on Smoking: A Systematic Review(MDPI, 2022)
;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Miaw Yn Jane Ling ;Tania Gayle Robert Lourdes ;Thamil Arasu Saminathan ;Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani ;Nur Liana Ab Majid ;Hamizatul Akmal Abd Hamid ;Mohd Ruhaizie Riyadzi ;Ahzairin Ahmad ;Muhammad Fadhli Mohd YusoffNor Asiah MuhamadBackground: Small cigarette pack sizes contain less than 20 cigarette sticks in a pack. Smaller packs may suggest lower costs, increasing affordability among lower-income users, especially the younger generation, which could lead to tobacco-related diseases and economic costs, including human capital lost results from tobacco-attributable morbidity and mortality. This concern has caused many countries to ban the sale of single cigarette sticks or kiddie packs. However, small cigarette pack sizes were proposed recently to be reintroduced by the tobacco industry with an excuse to prevent consumers from buying illicit cigarettes. This would demean efforts in combating tobacco consumption based on the existing tobacco control policies to prevent minors from purchasing cigarettes. Given the competing influences of affordability and availability of tobacco on consumption and the dearth of evidence-based review on the impact of pack size on smoking, this systematic review was conducted to identify the link between kiddie packs and smoking specifically on the initiation of smoking, urge/tendency to buy cigarettes among the general population and attempt to reduce cigarette consumption and prevalence of smoking using kiddie packs among current smokers. Methods: We include all studies except for reviews, guidelines, conference papers, commentaries, editorials, or opinion pieces. A database search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Web of Science and Scopus on 27 November 2021. The results were presented in the form of narrative synthesis under four groups: initiation of smoking; urge/tendency to buy cigarettes; the prevalence of smoking, and attempt to reduce cigarette consumption. The literature search identified 1601 articles, of which 21 articles had met the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of all included articles was determined using a validated 16-item quality assessment tool (QATSDD). The average quality score for all papers was 34.8%. Discussion: Given the diverse study settings of the articles and despite the challenges of the methodological quality of some articles, this review provides some evidence that kiddie packs may increase the urge/tendency to buy cigarettes and mixed evidence on the attempt to reduce cigarette consumption. This review also found some evidence that kiddie pack purchasing among teenage smokers was higher compared to adults. However, we are uncertain about the link between kiddie packs and smoking initiation. Nevertheless, since most studies were of low quality, further high-quality studies are needed to conclude about the impact of kiddie packs on smoking to assist the policymakers and stakeholders in formulating new policies and strengthening existing strategies related to the kiddie packs. - PublicationTraining is an Important Factor for Community Health Workers in Performing KOSPEN Health Screening Activities in Malaysia: Community Health Workers (KOSPEN) 2016(2021)
;Tania Gayle Robert Lourdes ;Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani ;Muhammad Fadhli Mohd Yusoff ;Hamizatul Akmal Abd Hamid ;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Hasimah Ismail ;Thamil Arasu Saminathan ;Jane Ling Miaw Yn ;Nur Liana Ab Majid ;Mohd Ruhaizie Riyadzi ;Ahzairin AhmadRosnah RamlyIntroduction: Community health workers/volunteers (CHW) are health workers who are trained but do not possess a formal professional certificate. They are members of the community who live and work in that particular community. This study aimed to determine factors associated with not performing health screening activities by volunteers under KOSPEN; a community-based intervention programme, initiated by Ministry of Health Malaysia in October 2013. Methods: Data from the “Evaluation of the implementation of KOSPEN programme in Malaysia 2016” was used,a cross-sectional study which was carried out in randomly selected KOSPEN localities throughout Malaysia. The response rate was 94.9%. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used. Descriptive statistics andlogistic regression analysis was applied using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results: 700 volunteers were included in this study. Majority were female (65.7%), aged 50-59 years (30.9%), had secondary education (65.3%), employed (55.7%.) and married (80.4%). Several issues were identified by the volunteers; funding (47.2%), module content and comprehensibility (11.4% respectively), submitting returns (17%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that volunteers who never attended training (aOR 2.79; 95% CI:1.66, 4.67) and who felt the content of the training module was inadequate (aOR 2.693; 95% CI: 1.46, 4.98) were more likely did not perform screening activities in the community. Conclusions: Volunteers who were not trained and those who felt the content of the training module was inadequate did not carry out screening activities. These findings will be useful for stakeholders to make improvements to the programme for a more successful implementation.