Browsing by Author "Halizah Mat Rifin"
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- Publication10-year risk for cardiovascular diseases according to the WHO prediction chart: findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019(Springer Nature, 2024)
;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Mohd Azahadi Omar ;Kim Sui WanWan Shakira Rodzlan HasaniBackground There has been a significant increase in the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Malaysia. It is important to identify the group at high risk of CVD. This study aimed to assess the population distribution and factors associated with 10-year CVD risk among adults aged 40 to 74 years in Malaysia. Methods This study used secondary data from the NHMS 2019, a nationally representative cross-sectional population study. The following measurements were collected: anthropometric, systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, smoking, and sociodemographic. The 2019 WHO Southeast Asia laboratory-based charts were used to estimate individuals’ CVD risk. These charts predict significant cardiovascular events over ten years. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to ascertain the factors that are linked to elevated or extremely elevated risk of CVD. Results A total of 5,503 respondents were included in the analysis. Less than one-quarter of the respondents were current smokers and obese. Approximately 41.7%, 30.9%, and 22.5% of the participants had extremely low risk (less than 5%), low risk (between 5% and less than 10%), and moderate risk (between 10% and less than 20%), respectively. A total of 4.9% of the participants were categorised as having high (20% to < 30%) or very high (CVD) risk (≥ 30%). This classification was more prevalent among males (7.3%) than among females (2.5%; p < 0.001). The factors associated with high/very high CVD risk were unemployment (aOR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.47–2.40), those with non-formal and primary education level (aOR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.36 − 4.12 and aOR = 3.28, 95% CI = 2.10 − 5.12, respectively), and being physically inactive with obesity (aOR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.18 − 4.08). Conclusions This study revealed that almost 5% of the population in Malaysia has a high 10-year CVD risk. These findings highlight Malaysia’s urgent need for comprehensive CVD prevention efforts. - 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 - PublicationAssociation between Burnout, Job Dissatisfaction and Intention to Leave among Medical Researchers in a Research Organisation in Malaysia during the COVID-19 Pandemic(MDPI, 2022)
;Halizah Mat RifinMahmoud DanaeeEmployee turnover could affect the organisation’s performance. Job dissatisfaction and burnout have been identified as factors influencing the intention to leave. Thus, this study aimed to determine the level of intent to leave, and predictors associated with intention to leave among medical researchers in Malaysia. A cross-sectional, stratified random sampling study was conducted among researchers in a research organisation under the Ministry of Health. Respondents answered an online questionnaire that included sociodemographic information, job dissatisfaction, burnout, and intention to leave. A total of 133 researchers participated. More than one-third (41.4%) of the researchers had a moderate and high level of intention to leave. Burnout and job dissatisfaction were identified as significant predictors. Burnout was noted to have a positive relationship with the intent to leave (β = 0.289, 95% CI (B): 0.287, 1.096). Meanwhile, job satisfaction was found to have a negative relationship with the intention to leave (β = −0.348, 95% CI (B): −0.768, −0.273). Burnout among researchers is quite worrisome as more than two-thirds of the researchers experienced moderate to high burnout. Reducing burnout and job dissatisfaction would increase work performance and produce high-quality research output, hence decreasing the turnover rate. - PublicationCessation of E-Cigarette Use Among Adolescents and Its Associated Factors(2019)
;Thamil Arasu Saminathan ;Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani ;Tania Gayle Robert Lourdes ;Muhammad Fadhli Mohd Yusoff ;Hasimah Ismail ;Hamizatul Akmal Abd Hamid ;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Jane Miaw Yn Ling ;Nur Liana Ab MajidAzhairin AhmadWe assessed the prevalence of cessation of e-cigarette and its associated factors among adolescents in Malaysia. This study analyzed data from the Tobacco and E-Cigarette Survey among Malaysian Adolescent (TECMA) in 2016, a cross-sectional study with 2-stage stratification cluster sampling. A total of 14 832 school-going adolescents aged 10 to 19 years participated in this survey. A complex sampling design and multiple logistic regression analysis were applied. Nearly half of the adolescents (49.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 44.9-55.0) who had ever used e-cigarette ceased the usage. Based on multivariate analysis, adolescents were more likely to quit e-cigarette because they could not afford the e-cigarette (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.78-3.20), if they are aged 13 year and older (aOR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.25-2.61), and those who claimed their e-cigarette does not contain nicotine (aOR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.03-1.78). E-cigarette prevention efforts among adolescents could consider the cessation factors described in this study. - PublicationCigarette Smoking Among Secondary School-Going Male Adolescents in Malaysia: Findings From the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2017(2019)
;Miaw Yn Jane Ling ;Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani ;Muhammad Fadhli Mohd Yusoff ;Hamizatul Akmal Abd Hamid ;Kuang Hock Lim ;Guat Hiong Tee ;Nizam Baharom ;Nur Liana Ab Majid ;Tania Gayle Robert Lourdes ;Halizah Mat RifinThamil Arasu SaminathanSmoking is a learned behavior during adolescence, and it is found predominantly among male adolescents in Malaysia. Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictive factors of current cigarette smoking among school-going male adolescents in Malaysia. Data were derived from the National Health and Morbidity Survey: Adolescent Health Survey 2017, a cross-sectional study that utilized a 2-stage stratified cluster sampling to select a nationally representative sample of school-going adolescents in Malaysia (n = 27 497). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with current cigarette smoking among male adolescents in Malaysia. Male adolescents aged 16 to 17 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.41-1.70), current illicit drug users (AOR = 8.14; 95% CI = 6.37-10.41), current alcohol users (AOR = 1.92; 95% CI = 1.65-2.23), those from rural schools (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.46-1.76), those whose parents were widowed/divorced/separated (AOR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.21-1.55), and those whose parents/guardians were tobacco product users (AOR = 3.47; 95% CI = 2.33-5.16) were more likely to be current cigarette smokers. Tobacco control strategies should be aimed at both adolescents at risk and at promoting parental smoking cessation. - PublicationCluster of COVID-19 Cases in a Workplace: the First Cluster of a Workplace-related Outbreak in Malaysia, 2020(2022)
;Noor Aliza Lodz ;Chong Zhuo Lin ;Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani ;Noor Ani Ahmad ;Fazila Haryati Ahmad ;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Shubash Shander Ganapathy ;Nur Liana Ab Majid ;Nik Adilah Shahein ;Muhd Hafizuddin Taufik Ramli ;Zazarida Zakiman ;Salina Md Talib ;Lee Soo Cheng ;Rama Krishna Supramaniam ;Muhammad Haikal GhazaliMohamed Paid YusofIn the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis, there was no specific guideline for handling an outbreak if it occurred in a workplace. This study aimed to describe the first and one of the largest clusters linked to a business corporate in Malaysia. A descriptive analysis was conducted using surveillance data from the Petaling District Health Office notified between 28 Feb and 22 Mar 2020. All cases and contacts were identified through surveillance, epidemiological investigation, and laboratory investigation. The total number of confirmed cases and close contacts were 63 and 1,536, respectively. The respondents were mainly Malay, male, and the mean age was 46 years. Of the 63 positive cases, 48 (76%) were reported to have symptoms during the investigation, while the remaining 15 cases (24%) were asymptomatic. The main clinical manifestations were fever (52%), cough (37%), sore throat (27%) and shortness of breath (27%). The mean incubation period was 3.5 days. Due to the timely prevention and control measures carried out by the Petaling District Health Office, the chain of transmission was interrupted as the last case was reported on 19 Mar 2020. - PublicationComorbidities and clinical features related to severe outcomes among COVID-19 cases in Selangor, Malaysia(2021)
;Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani ;Shubash Shander Ganapathy ;Chong Zhuo Lin ;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Mohammad Nazaruddin Bahari ;Muhammad Haikal Ghazali ;Noor Aliza Lodz ;Muhammad Hafizuddin Taufik Ramli ;Nur Liana Ab Majid ;Jane Ling Miaw Yn ;Muhammad Fadhli Mohd Yusoff ;Noor Ani Ahmad ;Anita Suleiman ;Ahmad Faudzi Yusoff ;Venugopalan BalanSha'ari NgadimanBackground: Pre-existing comorbidities are predictive of severe COVID-19 infection requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. This study determined comorbidity and additional predictive factors for invasive ventilatory support among Malaysian COVID-19 patients. Method: Field data collected during COVID-19 outbreak in Selangor, Malaysia up to 13th April 2020 were used. It contained sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, and presenting symptoms of COVID-19 cases. Their medical records were traced for information on intensive care unit admission requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Results: A total of 1,287 COVID-19 positive cases were included in the analysis. The most common comorbidities among COVID-19 patients were hypertension (15.5%) and diabetes (11.0%). More than one third of symptomatic patients presented with fever (43.8) and cough (37.1%). Among all 25 intubated cases, 68.0% had hypertension, 88.0% had fever, 40.0% had dyspnoea and 44.0% was lethargic. Multivariable regression model showed that the odds of being intubated among COVID-19 patients were significantly higher among older person (aged ?60 years) [adjusted odd ratio (aOR=3.9)], those who had hypertension (aOR =5.7), presented with fever (aOR=9.8), dyspnoea (aOR=9.6), and lethargy (aOR = 7.9). Conclusion: Old age, hypertension, and several presenting symptoms were strong risk factors for invasive ventilatory support among COVID-19 patients. They must be diagnosed early and monitored closely to improve clinical outcome. - PublicationCorrespondence: “A multisociety Delphi consensus statement on new fatty liver disease nomenclature”(2024)
;Kim Sui Wan ;Wah-Kheong Chan ;Muhammad Fadhli Mohd Yusoff ;Feisul Mustapha ;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Kishwen Kanna Yoga RatnamNoor Ani Ahmad - PublicationDiagnostic accuracy of Cardiochek® PA point-of-care testing (POCT) analyser with a 3-in-1 lipid panel for epidemiological surveys(2024)
;Tania Gayle Robert Lourdes ;Zhuo Lin Chong ;Thamil Arasu Saminathan ;Hamizatul Akmal Abd Hamid ;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Kim Sui Wan ;Nur Liana Ab Majid ;Kishwen Kanna Yoga Ratnam ;Mohd Ruhaizie Riyadzi ;Hasimah Ismail ;Nazirah AliasMuhammad Fadhli Mohd YusoffBackground: Point-of-care testing (POCT) is commonly used in epidemiological surveys due to its various advantages, such as portability and immediate test results. The CardioChek® PA analyser 3-in-1 lipid panel measures total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This study tested the reliability and diagnostic accuracy of the CardioChek® PA analyser using a 3-in-1 lipid panel. Methods: A cross-sectional study design with quota sampling was used. A total of 203 respondents aged 18 years and above from a research centre in the Ministry of Health, Malaysia, were recruited. Venous blood was sent to the laboratory and tested with Siemens Atellica CH, while a POCT analyser was used for capillary blood measurements. Intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) analysis was employed to determine the agreement between capillary and venous blood parameters. The diagnostic performance of the evaluated tests was evaluated using STATA version 12. Results: The agreement between capillary and laboratory venous blood was moderate (0.64–0.67) for TC and HDL, good (0.75) for LDL and excellent (0.91) for TG). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were as follows: TC, 57.1%, 94.3%, 92.3% and 64.8%; TG, 76.0%, 100%, 100%, and 96.6%; HDL, 96.2%, 83.2%, 47.2% and 99.3%; and LDL, 81.0%, 100%, 100% and 68.3%, respectively. Conclusions: The CardioChek® PA analyser showed acceptable diagnostic accuracy for screening high-risk individuals more often in places where laboratories are inaccessible. It could also be used in clinical settings where patients would benefit from swift treatment decisions. - PublicationEvaluation of the Impact of Enhanced Primary Health Care Intervention Programme in Malaysia: A Repeat Cross-sectional Pre-Post Quasi Experimental Study(2024)
;Muhammad Fadhli Mohd Yusoff ;Thamil Arasu Saminathan ;Jane Ling Miaw Yn ;Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani ;Nur Liana Ab Majid ;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Tania Gayle Robert Lourdes ;Hasimah Ismail ;Suhaila Abdul GhaffarMohd Hasnan AhmadIntroduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCD) lead to substantial mortality and morbidity worldwide. Malaysia is currently experiencing an epidemic of NCDs. This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Enhanced Primary Health Care (EnPHC) intervention in reducing the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes, undiagnosed hypertension, and undiagnosed hypercholesterolemia as well as NCD risk factors in the population after about one year of intervention. Methodology: This is a repeat cross-sectional pre-post quasi-experimental study comparing intervention and control groups. The target population included adults aged 30 years and above living within the 40 selected clinics' catchment areas for at least six months. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews and clinical assessments. A difference-in-difference (DID) analysis was used to determine the effect of the EnPHC intervention. Results: The percentage of the population screened for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia increased from the baseline status by 8.7%, 9.9%, and 9.2%, respectively. The prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia decreased from the baseline status by 17.6% and 13.7% compared to the control group. However, the EnPHC intervention did not affect the prevalence of overweight, obesity and smoking. Conclusion: The EnPHC intervention contributed to the reduction in the prevalence of undiagnosed NCDs. A more extended period of intervention would be required to show the effect on NCD risk factors. Further strengthening of the intervention would be needed for implementation in other localities. - PublicationFactors Associated With E-Cigarette Usage and the Reasons for Initiation Among Malaysian Adolescents(2019)
;Tania Gayle Robert Lourdes ;Hamizatul Akmal Abd Hamid ;Muhammad Fadhli Mohd Yusoff ;Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani ;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Thamil Arasu Saminathan ;Nur Liana Ab Majid ;Jane Miaw Yn Ling ;Hasimah IsmailTahir ArisElectronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are handheld devices that deliver an aerosol by heating a solution made up of propylene glycol and/or glycerol with or without flavoring agents and nicotine. This nationwide cross-sectional survey examined factors associated with e-cigarette usage and reasons for its initiation among 13 162 Malaysian adolescents. Data from TECMA (Tobacco and E-Cigarette Survey among Malaysian Adolescents) were used. Nine percent of adolescents had used e-cigarettes in the past month. Males (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.36-4.95), 16 to 19 year olds (aOR = 2.64; 95% CI = 2.13-3.26), Malays (aOR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.79-2.83), Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputeras (aOR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.61-3.15), and cigarette smokers (aOR = 13.16; 95% CI = 11.14-15.54) were more likely to use e-cigarettes. Three main reasons for e-cigarette initiation among adolescents were its taste and smell, experimentation, and popularity. Sale of e-cigarettes with or without nicotine to people aged younger than 18 years should be banned. Flavored e-cigarettes should also be banned since there is evidence suggesting increased appeal among the younger generation. - PublicationFindings from a Nationwide Study on Alcohol Consumption Patterns in an Upper Middle-Income Country(2022)
;Tania Gayle Robert Lourdes ;Hamizatul Akmal Abd Hamid ;Mohd Ruhaizie Riyadzi ;Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani ;Mohd Hatta Abdul Mutalip ;Norli Abdul Jabbar ;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Thamil Arasu Saminathan ;Hasimah Ismail ;Muhammad Fadhli Mohd Yusoff ;Elisardo Becoña IglesiasZubair KabirAlcohol consumption is a risk factor for various diseases, especially non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries. The reduction of the harmful use of alcohol is mentioned in Target 3.5 of the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDG). This study aimed to determine factors associated with current alcohol drinking among Malaysians aged 15 years and above. Data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019, a cross-sectional nationwide survey using a two-stage stratified random sampling design, was used. Current alcohol drinking was defined as having consumed any alcoholic beverage in the past 12 months. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis were employed. The prevalence of current drinkers was 11.5%; 95% CI: 9.8, 13.5. The majority (65%) consumed alcoholic beverages in Category 2, which is mainly beer. Current drinkers consumed alcohol mostly once a month (59.0%), one or two drinks (71.1%), on a typical day. Most respondents had six or more drinks less than once a month (27.6%). Sex, age, ethnicity, education, employment, and smoking were found to be significantly associated with current alcohol drinking. Marital status, locality of residence, and household income were not significantly associated. Alcohol drinking is a problem among certain vulnerable groups and should be tackled appropriately - PublicationHypercholesterolemia Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment and Control among Adults in Malaysia: The 2015 National Health and Morbidity Survey, Malaysia(2018)
;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Tania Gayle Robert Lourdes ;Nur Liana Abdul Majid ;Hamizatul Akmal Abd Hamid ;Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani ;Miaw Yn Ling ;Thamil Arasu Saminathan ;Hasimah Ismail ;Muhammad Fadhli Mohd YusoffMohd. Azahadi OmarOBJECTIVE: Dyslipidaemia is one of the main modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, it is crucial to examine the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypercholesterolemia and its associated factors among adults in Malaysia. METHODS: We used data from 19,935 respondents aged 18 years and above who responded to the cholesterol module in the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2015. The survey employed a two-stage stratified sampling to select a representative sample of Malaysian adults. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyse the data.RESULTS: The overall prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was 47.7%. Among those who were diagnosed to have hypercholesterolemia, only 19.2% were aware of their hypercholesterolemia status. Only a mere 12.7% (95% CI: 12.4 -13.1) among those who were aware were on treatment and out of which only 53.7% (95% CI: 50.1-57.2) had their cholesterol levels controlled. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was associated with gender, age, ethnicity, education level, occupation, marital status, obesity, hypertension and diabetes. Awareness and treatment of hypercholesterolemia saw a similar pattern (except for gender and locality). For control of hypercholesterolemia, the female gender and secondary education levels were the only significant associated factors. CONCLUSION: The overall high prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in addition to poor awareness, treatment and control are significant public health problems. Intensified health campaigns and programmes especially among high-risk groups should be implemented in order to reduce or prevent complications of hypercholesterolemia in the near future. - PublicationKnowledge, Perception and Practice of Infection Control among Ministry of Health staff during COVID-19 Outbreak in Malaysia(2021)
;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Shubash Shander Ganapathy ;Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani ;Komathi Perialathan ;Manimaran Krishnan KaundanNoor Ani AhmadIntroduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic in the middle of March as the disease is highly contagious and spread very quickly throughout the world. Understanding the knowledge and practice among healthcare staff is also crucial, especially among the frontlines staff, as they need to protect themselves and facilitate in educating their patients and public regarding disease prevention measures. This study's objective is to assess knowledge, practice, and perception on the effectiveness of the preventive measures taken by Ministry of Health (MOH) staff to prevent transmission of the disease and measures they would take should they develop symptoms of the disease on COVID-19 disease. (TPB). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey from 30th March 2020 to 6th April 2020 among the Ministry of Health staff. 1719 staff completed the survey. Results The overall correct rate of knowledge was 46.6%. Most participants held good perceptions (range from 77.8% to 98.4%) and good practices (range from 88.8% to 99.7%) towards COVID-19 preventive measure. Meanwhile, the preventive measures practices if they develop symptoms of COVID-19 range from 89.8% to 99.7% and for the perception, it ranges from 85.5% to 98.9%. Conclusions: There are also still some lower percentages of perceptions and practices than expected. Additional education intervention and campaigns are required to provide the Ministry of health staff with adequate knowledge towards COVID 19 main symptoms, general knowledge and transmission route of COVID-19, and increase some of the perceptions and practices on COVID-19 preventive measures. - 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. - PublicationPolysubstance use among adolescents in Malaysia: Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2017(2021)
;Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani ;Thamil Arasu Saminathan ;Nur Liana Ab Majid ;Jane Ling Miaw Yn ;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Hamizatul Akmal Abd Hamid ;Tania Gayle Robert Lourdes ;Ahzairin Ahmad , Hasimah lsmail ;Rusdi Abd RashidMuhammad Fadhli Mohd YusoffBackground: Polysubstance use is defined as the use of more than one non-prescribed licit or illicit substance either concurrently or simultaneously. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of single substance users and polysubstance users and ’their associated factors among adolescents in Malaysia. Methods: This study was a secondary data analysis from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2017, a cross-sectional survey conducted among Malaysian school-going adolescents aged 13 to 17. The NHMS utilised a two-stage stratified cluster sampling. Multivariate Multinomial Logistic Regression analysis was applied. Results: The overall prevalence of single substance use and polysubstance use among adolescents were 17.2% and 5.1% respectively. The multinomial model showed a higher likelihood of being single or polysubstance user among male (single user OR = 3.0, poly user OR = 4.6), others Bumiputeras vs Malay (single user OR = 1.7, poly user OR = 5.3), those who live with a single parent (single user OR = 1.2, poly user OR = 1.4), involved in truancy (single user OR = 1.7, poly user OR = 3.6) and being bullied (single user OR = 1.3, poly user OR = 3.4), those who had lack of peer support (single user OR = 1.3, poly user OR = 1.4), poor parental bonding (single user OR = 1.4, poly user OR = 1.8), depression (single user OR = 1.4, poly user OR = 3.2) and those who had no close friend (single user OR = 1.3, poly user OR = 2.7) - PublicationPrevalence of chronic kidney disease and its associated factors in Malaysia; findings from a nationwide population-based cross-sectional study(2020)
;Thamil Arasu Saminathan ;Lai Seong Hooi ;Muhammad Fadhli Mohd Yusoff ;Loke Meng Ong ;Sunita Bavanandan ;Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani ;Esther Zhao Zhi Tan ;Irene Wong ;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Tania Gayle Robert ;Hasimah Ismail ;Norazizah Ibrahim Wong ;Ghazali Ahmad ;Rashidah Ambak ;Fatimah Othman ;Hamizatul Akmal Abd HamidTahir ArisBackground: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Malaysia was 9.07% in 2011. We aim to determine the current CKD prevalence in Malaysia and its associated risk factors. Methods: A population-based study was conducted on a total of 890 respondents who were representative of the adult population in Malaysia, i.e., aged ≥18 years old. Respondents were randomly selected using a stratified cluster method. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated from calibrated serum creatinine using the CKD-EPI equation. CKD was defined as eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m 2 or the presence of persistent albuminuria if eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73m 2. Results: Our study shows that the prevalence of CKD in Malaysia was 15.48% (95% CI: 12.30, 19.31) in 2018, an increase compared to the year 2011 when the prevalence of CKD was 9.07%. An estimated 3.85% had stage 1 CKD, 4.82% had stage 2 CKD, and 6.48% had stage 3 CKD, while 0.33% had stage 4–5 CKD. Hypertension (aOR 3.72), diabetes mellitus (aOR 3.32), increasing BMI (aOR 1.06), and increasing age (aOR 1.06) were significantly associated with CKD. Conclusion: Our study has shown that CKD has become one of the leading public health issues in Malaysia. Thus, there is an urgent need to screen for CKD and prevent its progression, associated morbidity, and mortality at the national level. - PublicationPrevalence of diabetic kidney disease and the associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes in a multi-ethnic Asian country(2024)
;Kim Sui Wan ;Noran Naqiah Hairi ;Feisul Mustapha ;Muhammad Fadhli Mohd Yusoff ;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Mastura Ismail ;Foong Ming MoyNoor Ani AhmadThe actual prevalence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Malaysia is unknown. We aimed to determine the prevalence of DKD and its associated risk factors among T2D patients in Malaysia. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using the year 2022 clinical audit dataset from the National Diabetes Registry. DKD was defined as albuminuria, a decreased glomerular filtration rate, or both. Among 80,360 patients, 62.2% were female, 68.4% were Malay, and the mean age was 61.4 years. A total of 56.7% (95% CI 56.4–57.1%) of patients were found to have DKD. Increasing age, male sex, Malay ethnicity, longer duration of diabetes, overweight, obesity, hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic foot ulcer, nontraumatic lower-extremity amputation, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, insulin, higher numbers of antihypertensive agents, antiplatelet agents, poorer HbA1c control, higher systolic blood pressure, non-achievement of triglyceride target, and non-attainment of HDL-cholesterol goal were independent risk factors associated with DKD. Clinicians, program managers, and health policymakers should target modifiable factors to manage DKD and prevent its progression to end-stage kidney disease in Malaysia. - PublicationPrevalence of metabolic syndrome and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in Malaysia 2023: study protocol for a community-based nationwide cross-sectional survey(2023)
;Kim Sui Wan ;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Muhammad Fadhli Mohd Yusoff ;Kishwen Kanna Yoga Ratnam ;Wah Kheong Chan ;Masni Mohamad ;Nurain Mohd Noor ;Feisul MustaphaNoor Ani AhmadIntroduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardio-metabolic dysfunctions characterised by increased fasting plasma glucose, waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides and reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Meanwhile, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the new term for fatty liver associated with MetS. People with MetS or MAFLD have higher risks for adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortalities. However, large-scale data on MetS and MAFLD prevalence in Malaysia is mainly unknown. This study aims to determine the prevalence of MetS and MAFLD among the general adult population in Malaysia. Methods and analysis: This is a community-based nationwide cross-sectional study in Malaysia. The data collection period is from July 2023 until September 2023, with a planned sample size of 1296 participants. We use a two-stage proportionate stratified random sampling method to ensure national representativeness. The definition of MetS follows the Harmonised Joint Interim Statement in 2009. A diagnosis of MAFLD is made if a participant has fatty liver, defined as having a Fatty Liver Index ≥60 and has type 2 diabetes, a body mass index ≥23 kg/m 2, or ≥2 metabolic risk abnormalities. Complex sample analysis will be conducted, and the disease prevalence will be reported with 95% CIs, unweighted counts and estimated populations. Ethics and dissemination: The protocol has been approved by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health Malaysia (NMRR ID-22–02845-GUT). The findings will be disseminated through a formal report, policy brief, scientific publications, conference presentations, social media, print media and stakeholder engagement activities. - PublicationPrevalence, Awareness, Treatment and Control of hypertension in the Malaysian population: findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2006–2015(Springer Nature, 2018)
;Nur Liana Ab Majid ;Mohd Azahadi Omar ;Yi Yi Khoo ;Balkish Mahadir Naidu ;Jane Ling Miaw Yn ;Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani ;Halizah Mat Rifin ;Hamizatul Akmal Abd Hamid ;Tania Gayle Robert LourdesMuhammad Fadhli Mohd YusoffHypertension is strongly associated with chronic diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and renal failure. The objective of this study is to determine the trend of prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension among Malaysian population since 2006 to 2015. The study used the data from National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2006, 2011, and 2015. It was a cross-sectional with two-stage stratified random sampling throughout Malaysia for eligible respondents 18 years old and above. Respondents were interviewed face to face and blood pressure was recorded as the average reading from two electronic pressure monitoring measurements. Data was analyzed using the Complex sample module in SPSS Version 20. The prevalence of hypertension in Malaysia was 34.6% (95% CI: 33.9, 35.3) in 2006, 33.6% (95% CI: 32.6, 34.6) in 2011 and 35.3% (95% CI: 34.5, 36.3) in 2015. Awareness of hypertension in 2006, 2011, and 2015 was 35.6% (95% CI: 34.6, 36.6), 40.7% (95% CI: 39.3, 42.1), and 37.5% (95% CI: 36.1, 38.9) respectively. The trend of receiving treatment from 2006 to 2015 was 78.9% (95% CI: 77.5, 80.2) to 83.2% (95% CI: 81.3, 84.8). The control of hypertension increased significantly from 27.5% (95% CI: 25.9, 29.2) in 2006 to 37.4% (95% CI: 35.3, 39.5) in 2015. Despite higher proportions receiving treatment over time, the control of hypertension remained below 40% since NHMS 2006 until 2015. The strategies to further reduce the prevalence and increase awareness of hypertension should be enhanced particularly among the targeted age group to ensure early detection, treatment, and control thus preventing from long-term complications.