Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Knowledge, Awareness, And Perceived Barriers Regarding Cervical Cancer Screening Among Bangladeshi Women Suffering From Cervical Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study, Muhammed Mohibul Islam, Farhana Sultana, Md Hasan Shahriar Rahman, Nandita Islam Pia, Md. Al Hasibuzzaman, Arman Ahmed, Mohammed Shamim Hasan, Md Kayes Mahmud, Rabeya Akter, Md. Saqline Mostaq, Mohammad Nurul Amin

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and perceived barriers regarding cervical cancer screening among women in Bangladesh.

Methods: A hospital-based survey was conducted from January to April 2021 among 200 female participants. Statistical analysis of this study was performed by using Stata 13 (StataCorp LP, 4905 Lakeway Drive, College Station, TX 77845, USA), where Chi-square test was used for the determination of the correlation among different variables.

Results: Among the participants, 86.5% were rural residents, 96% were married, 87.5% were housewives, 47% were uneducated, and 93.5% lived on a husband’s income. Moreover, 84.5% hadn’t …

Prediction Of Factors For Patients With Hypertension And Dyslipidemia Using Multilayer Feedforward Neural Networks And Ordered Logistic Regression Analysis: A Robust Hybrid Methodology, Wan Muhamad Amir W Ahmad, Mohamad Nasarudin Bin Adnan, Norhayati Yusop, Hazik Bin Shahzad, Farah Muna Mohamad Ghazali, Nor Azlida Aleng, Nor Farid Mohd Noor

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Hypertension is characterized by abnormally high arterial blood pressure and is a public health problem with a high prevalence of 20%–30% worldwide. This research combined multiple logistic regression (MLR) and multilayer feedforward neural networks to construct and validate a model for evaluating the factors linked with hypertension in patients with dyslipidemia.

Methods: A total of 1000 data entries from Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia and advanced computational statistical modeling methodologies were used to evaluate seven traits associated with hypertension. R-Studio software was utilized. Each sample's statistics were calculated using a hybrid model that included bootstrapping.

Results: Variable …

Factors Associated With Independent National Health Insurance Ownership Among Reproductive Aged Women In Indonesia, Ika Putri Widiarti, Haerawati Idris

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Indonesia has been aiming toward universal health coverage since 2019, but it has yet to be achieved. The National Health Insurance (NHI) program provides individual services for women of reproductive age who require health care before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and at the time of labor. This study aims to analyze factors associated with independent NHI ownership among women of reproductive age in Indonesia.

Methods: Secondary data from the Wave 5 Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS) involving 2,084 women of reproductive age were used. The chi-square test and logistic regression test were used for data analysis.

Results: …

Association Between Cigarette Smoking And Breast Milk Levels Of Nesfatin-1, Irisin, And Oxidative Stress Markers, Nesibe Yildiz, Adnan Yilmaz, Hatice Iskender, Eda Dokumacioglu

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Breast milk is a very important functional food in the prevention of metabolic and chronic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of smoking during pregnancy on the concentrations of nesfatin-1, irisin, and oxidative stress markers in breast milk.

Methods: This study included two groups of 14 smoking and 14 nonsmoking mothers. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured according to the spectrophotometric method in breast milk samples. Nesfatin and irisin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Levels of nesfatin-1 and MDA of the smoking group were significantly higher than …

Perceived Preparedness Of Healthcare Workers To Cope With Covid-19 Pandemic In Hail Region Hospitals, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study, Farhan Alshammari, Evalynn Rondilla, Abdalkarem Asharari, Fahad Alshammari

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: All hospitals must have emergency plans because they play a crucial role in providing critical care. This study assesses the perceived hospital preparedness of healthcare workforces to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic regarding their demographic characteristics.

Methods: This study utilized a descriptive, cross-sectional design to investigate the preparedness of hospital and healthcare workers in the city of Hail, Saudi Arabia. A convenience and snowball sampling method was used. A total of 330 healthcare workers participated in the study, which utilized a Google Form survey and was adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Descriptive …

Quality Of Life Of Pharmacy Students With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome In South India: A Cross-Sectional Study, Vinodkumar Mugada, Krishna Priya Mandarapu

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: One in five women in India suffers from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the quality of life of pharmacy students suffering from PCOS and provide awareness through counseling.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 103 students with PCOS for 6 months. The Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Quality of Life (PCOSQ) questionnaire was used to determine the quality of life.

Results: The prevalence of PCOS in our study was 39.5%. The mean age of the students was 21.1 (±1.8) years. The mean duration of the disorder was 17.8 (±13.0) months. More …

Trends And Determinants Of Family Planning Utilization Among Men In Indonesia, Haerawati Idris, Willyana Syafriyanti

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Population growth rate in the world is still increasing. To control population growth, governments issue family planning programs for married women and men. However, contraception use is still dominated by women. This study aims to analyze the trends and determinants of family planning utilization among men in Indonesia.

Methods: This study is quantitative in nature with a cross-sectional design, using secondary data from the Indonesian Health Demographic Survey (2007–2017). The sample comprised married men with a total of 27,859 respondents. For the final analysis, we conducted logistic regression statistical tests to determine family planning utilization among men. …

Parental Differences In Knowledge, Perception, And Safety Behaviors Regarding Home Injuries In An Urban Malaysian District, Munirah Mohd Basar, Mohd Fairuz Ali, Aznida Abdul Aziz

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Parents play an essential role in the prevention of home-related injuries among children. Traditionally, mothers provided direct overall care, whereas evidence on fathers' roles in children’s injuries is limited. This study assesses the differences between parents of children attending kindergarten regarding their knowledge and perception of home injuries and safety behaviors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2018 in 10 private kindergartens in the Selangor district in Malaysia. Self-administered questionnaires on sociodemographic data, knowledge of home injuries, perceptions toward home injuries, and safety behaviors at home were distributed. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were …

A Convergent Parallel Study On Knowledge, Perceptions, And Attitudes Of Mainstream Workers During Covid-19, Farhan Alshammari, Romeo Mostoles Jr, Eddieson Pasay-An, Sultan Alshammari

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study explores and assesses the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of mainstream workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Ha’il Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Using convergent parallel mixed-methods design, 502 frontline workers were enlisted via snowball and purposive sampling. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively.

Results: There is a well-prepared response to COVID-19, namely, a commendable knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) gap documented in reliable information concerning the virus, specifically, awareness that COVID-19 can be a potentially fatal disease (100%); that droplets from infected people …

Alveolar Bone Loss Analysis On Dental Digital Radiography Image, Aulia Karina Fitriananda, Bramma Kiswanjaya, Hanna H. Bachtiar-Iskandar

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Periodontal disease is the second most common tooth and mouth disease in Indonesia. Moreover, radiographic examination is the most useful tool to evaluate alveolar bone loss and diagnose periodontal diseases. This study aimed to analyze radiographically the relationship between alveolar bone loss and age among patients with chronic periodontitis.

Methods: A total of 192 digital periapical images of patients aged 25–40 years were collected. Four regions were selected, including the maxillary and mandibular central incisors and maxillary and mandibular first molars. Alveolar bone loss was measured in the mesial and distal surfaces.

Results: The mean and …

Preventive Behaviors, Barriers, And Drivers Of The Covid-19 Pandemic In Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Survey, Normaliza Ab Malik, Rusyda Helma Mohd, Nor Ba'yah Abdul Kadir

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a public health concern worldwide. This study aimed to assess the preventive behaviors, barriers, and drivers, including the knowledge and self-efficacy of COVID-19 in Malaysia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the COVID-19 outbreak by using a self-administered questionnaire. The instrument used was adopted from the World Health Organization resources. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the categorical data. Chi-square and independent t-test were performed to evaluate the associations between the variables and preventive behaviors.

Results: A total of 465 (97.3%) respondents were recorded. The mean age was 34.3 ± …

Prevalence And Correlates Of Frequent And Infrequent Bullying Victimization Among School Adolescents From Five Southeast Asian Countries, Karl Peltzer, Supa Pengpid

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Little is known about the frequency of bullying victimization (BV) among adolescents in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states. This study aims to assess the prevalence and correlates of frequent and infrequent BV among school-going adolescents in five ASEAN member states.

Methods: The cross-sectional sample of the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) of 2015 comprised 33,184 school adolescents (14.6 years mean age) from five ASEAN countries. Students completed a paper-based, self-administered questionnaire on BV in their own languages during classroom periods. Multinomial logistic regression was used to predict frequent and infrequent BV, with no …

Loneliness And Health Outcomes Among Malaysian Older Adults, Siti Zuhaida Hussein, Azera Hasra Ismail, Suraya Hanim Abu Bakar

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Loneliness is a major social problem among the elderly all over the world.

Methods: A community-based survey was conducted among 380 community-dwelling older adults residing in Malaysia. A proportional stratified random sampling method was used to examine the relationship between health factors and loneliness. Data were collected using the short-form Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults, Geriatric Depression Scale-15, and RAND SF-20. p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant, and data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Statistics 26.0 for Windows.

Results: Results revealed that 32.6% of the respondents had social loneliness, 39.9% had emotional loneliness, and 9.2% had family loneliness. Bivariate analyses showed that social and emotional loneliness are significantly related to …

Determination Of The Nutritional Habits And Anxiety Levels In Individuals With Covid-19 In Turkey, Hatice Iskender, Eda Dokumacioglu, Osman Yalap

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has spread worldwide since December 2019, has infected and claimed the lives of millions of people. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between anxiety levels and nutritional habits of patients with COVID-19.

Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between February 1, 2021 and May 1, 2021. The study population included a total of 108 individuals with COVID-19 residing in Artvin, Turkey. This study used a self-administered online questionnaire, containing 40 questions from the State and Trait Anxiety Scale.

Results: The state anxiety score was 37.26, and the …

A Cross-Sectional Study On Bullying And Psychological Disturbances Among Malaysian School Children, Muhammad Lokman Md Isa, Nurfatin Aina Mocktar, Wisam Nabeel Ibrahim, Mohd Said Nurumal, Muhammad Kamil Che Hasan

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Bullying is a common violence in school and has become a major public health and global concern. Bullying influences mental health and is identified as a leading factor of depression. Therefore, this study aimed to identify bullying prevalence and its association toward psychological disturbances (stress, anxiety, and depression).

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in three secondary schools in Kuantan. After obtaining consent from parents/guardians, participants were asked to answer a self-administered questionnaire, including School Climate Bullying Survey, Depression Anxiety Stress Questionnaire-21, Patient Depression Questionnaire, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Demographic data were self-reported. Data were analyzed using …

Effects Of Ectodermal Dysplasia On The Maxilla: A Study Of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, Beyza Karadede Ünal

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to examine the effects of ectodermal dysplasia (ED) on the transverse width of the maxillary bone.

Methods: The ED group was composed of seven people, while the control group consisted of retrospective cone-beam computed tomography images of seven individuals with skeletal class 1 relationship. Images on the sagittal planes were taken, and cross-sections were taken from the longest point of the Anterior Nasal Spine-Posterior Nasal Spine line. The distance between the distal anterior canine teeth from the right buccal cortical bone to the left buccal cortical bone was measured. At the posterior region, the …

Prevalence And Associated Factors Of Urinary Incontinence Among Elderly In Pekanbaru, Indonesia, Wulan Sari

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The proportion of the elderly in Riau Province was 4.8% higher than that (4.2%) in 2011. Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common health problem among the elderly. This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors for UI among the elderly (≥60 years).

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 20 public health centers in Pekanbaru City in 2018. A total of 351 elderly meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Gender, age, education, occupation, marital status, obesity, depression, cognitive impairment, smoking status, history of chronic cough, and history of lower abdominal surgery served as the independent …

Factors Affecting Health-Promoting Lifestyles Among Community Residents At East Gyogone Ward, Insein Township, Rita Meemee, Naw Ohn Khin Khin, Min Htike Aung

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are becoming major challenges for health professionals. Health-promoting lifestyles (HPL) are one of the main criteria for determining health and recognized as the main factor affecting the development of chronic NCDs. This study aimed to determine factors affecting HPL practices among community residents.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Insein Township, Yangon, Myanmar. A total of 194 participants were recruited by using systematic sampling method, and self-administered questionnaires for sociodemographic characteristics and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II were used for data collection. Independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance were employed …

Prevalence And Impacts Of Musculoskeletal Pain Among The Elderly Living In The East Coast Region Of Peninsular Malaysia, Muhammad Kamil Che Hasan, Nur Nabila Izzati Asmera, Suliza Sulaiman, Mohd Said Nurumal, Nik Noor Kaussar Nik Mohd Hatta

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Musculoskeletal pain commonly affects the elderly, but the extent of this problem within the Malaysian community remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal pain among the elderly living in the community.

Methods: Elderly individuals aged 60 years and above with musculoskeletal pain and intact cognition were recruited for this study. Musculoskeletal pain was scored using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, and functional ability was assessed via the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale. Mental wellbeing was evaluated using the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing scale, and risk of falling was determined via …

Mothers’ Nutritional Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, And Practice Of Meal Preparation For School-Age Children In Yangon, Myanmar, Wut Yee Phyo, Ohn Khin Khin, Min Htike Aung

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Childhood malnutrition is a global public health concern. For Myanmar, mothers play a prominent role in improving the nutritional status of children as they prepare meals for children.

Methods: This community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 367 mother-child pairs (6–10 years). Significantly, systematic random sampling and structured questionnaires were utilized in this study.

Results: The mean age of mothers was 35.73 ± 6.9 years, and a majority had fair nutritional knowledge (52.3%), good self-efficacy (79.8%), and good practice of meal preparation (59.4%). The prevalence of childhood malnutrition was categorized as stunting (18.2%), underweight (18.8%), wasting …

Soft Drink Consumption Patterns Of Middle School Students In North Okkalarpa, Moh Moh Thwe, Sein Yaw May, Min Htike Aung

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Urbanization and economic development in Myanmar have brought about culture and dietary transition from a traditional to a westernized diet. The health of the nation, especially the youth, may influence the changing dietary patterns: i.e., the higher the soft drink consumption, the higher the prevalence of soft drink-related diseases.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 250 middle school students in North Okkalarpa Township, Yangon Region. Data were collected using self-structured questionnaires, and respondents were selected by using simple random sampling method.

Results: In this study, 81.2% of the students consumed soft drink once a …

Controlling Dentistry-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders With Ergonomic Interventions In Lahore, Pakistan, Marriyam Nasar, Farwa Rubab, Hazik Bin Shahzad, Minam Qureshi, Maham Shahid, Pakiza Batool

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) usually result from a prolonged static position and repetitive movements. A comfortable environment, appropriate working position, and multiple short breaks could alleviate MSDs. While the occasional back or neck ache is not a cause for alarm, regularly occurring pain or discomfort, if ignored, may further develop into an injury or career-ending disability.

Methods: A total of 370 dentists were selected from two dental hospitals and multiple dental clinics in Lahore, Pakistan. Current MSDs were recorded with the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ). Information sheets containing dental ergonomics and back and tendon-gliding exercises were distributed among …

Determinants Of Postnatal Care Service Utilization In Indonesia: A Secondary Analysis Using The Indonesian Health And Demographics Survey, Haerawati Idris, Willyana Syafriyanti

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The postnatal complication that occurs in the first week after childbirth is one of the causes of maternal death in Indonesia. However, it can be prevented with postnatal care (PNC). This study aims to analyze the determinants of PNC service utilization in Indonesia.

Methods: This quantitative study employed a cross-sectional study design and used secondary data from the Indonesian Health and Demographics Survey of 2017. The sample consisted of 14,724 women aged 15–49 years. We assessed the predictors of PNC service utilization using multivariate logistic regression models.

Results: About 78.4% of the respondents utilized PNC services. …

An Assessment Of Knowledge, Attitude, And Practice Of The Kuantan Community On The Effects Of Monosaccharides On Cancer, Muhammad Alif Mazlan, Muhammad Kamil Che Hasan, Afzan Mat Yusof, Muhammad Lokman Md Isa

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Cancer knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) levels of communities are essential to be assessed to enhance cancer educational programs. This study aimed to determine the KAP level of the Kuantan community on the effects of monosaccharides on cancer. The association between the sociodemographic data and KAP level of the community has also been evaluated.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed among residents living in the Kuantan community. Only 303 of 380 responses were included in the data analysis using the chi-square test.

Results: The knowledge and practice levels were moderate, whereas the attitude was at a …

Psychosocial Impacts Of Fixed Orthodontic Treatment In Lahore, Pakistan, Hazik Bin Shahzad, Dalia Iftikhar, Noor Ul Huda, Nayha Enver, Faiza Awais, Shabbir Hussain

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The aim of this study is to assess psychosocial impacts on oral health-related quality of life between individuals currently undergoing orthodontic treatment and those who have completed treatment.

Methods: A total of 135 individuals were selected from the Orthodontic Department at Rashid Latif Dental Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Current and previous orthodontic treatments were recorded. A questionnaire on oral impacts on daily performance was used to assess functional, psychological, and social limitations.

Results: The most prevalent psychosocial impact was difficulty in smiling/laughing (26.6%). Logistic regression analysis showed that individuals currently undergoing orthodontic treatment are 2.9 times more …

Dental Caries Among 12-Year-Old Children After Discontinuation Of Water Fluoridation In Pahang, Malaysia, Faizah Abdul Karim, Zamros Yuzadi Mohd Yusof, Nor Azlida Mohd Nor

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Water fluoridation (WF) has been a national caries prevention program in Malaysia since 1972. However, between July 2012 and December 2013, WF was discontinued in Pahang. This study aimed to compare caries prevalence and mean caries experience among Malaysian children in WF and WF-ceased areas and determine its associated risk factors.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 12-year-old schoolchildren in two Malaysian states: Pahang (WF-ceased) and Perak (WF-continued). Dental caries was examined using ICDAS criteria, and a questionnaire was used to collect relevant data. Associations between independent variables and dental caries were analyzed by simple logistic …

The Role Of Parents In Providing Sexuality Education To Their Children, Nur Azira Fideyah Binti Abdullah, Siti Mariam Muda, Norhasmah Mohd Zain, Siti Hazariah Abdul Hamid

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Parents have an important role in delivering sexuality education to their children. However, Asian parents are reluctant to discuss sexual matters with their children owing to the sensitivity of the topic and their lack of sexual health knowledge. This study aimed to examine Malaysian parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in providing sexuality education to their children.

Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used to conduct this cross-sectional study featuring 200 Malaysian parents. Descriptive and univariate analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Study (SPSS) version 23.0.

Results: Among the majority (79.5%) of the parents having good …

Self-Assessment Tool For Evaluating Periodontal Conditions, Haslina Rani, Tuti Ningseh Mohd-Dom, Shahida Mohd-Said, Nur Azwani Johari

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The global prevalence of periodontal disease is steadily rising. Early detection through the active screening of potential patients is important because periodontal disease leads to high disease, clinical, and economic burdens. The aim of this study is to develop a simple periodontal assessment tool for the Malay-speaking population; this tool is referred to in this work as MyGusi.

Methods: Translation and back-translation of a self-assessment tool containing 10 items related to periodontal health conditions and risk behaviors were conducted by three bilingual translators. Nine periodontists were selected to determine the content validity of the tool. After pre-testing …

Factors Influencing Health Service Utilization Among The Elderly In Insein Township, Yangon Region, Sandar Min Min Hlaing, Naw Clara, Aye Nanda Han

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: With the increasing needs of the aging population and the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, assessment of the equity and accessibility of health care among the elderly has become important.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from December 2018 to December 2019 among 225 elderly to describe the factors influencing health service utilization. Multistage sampling was applied, and structured questionnaire was used to interview the elderly. Chi-squared test and multiple logistic regression were performed in data analysis.

Results: The average age of the respondents was 71.7 ± 8.17 years old, and 68.4% of the respondents …

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Of Adolescents Regarding Sexuality And Reproductive Issues In The Cordillera Administrative Region Of The Philippines, Eddieson Pasay-An, Judith Odanee G. Magwilang, Petelyne P. Pangket

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning reproductive health (RH) and sexuality among in- and out-of-school adolescents in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Philippines.

Methods: Using a quantitative, cross-sectional approach, this study examined 739 in- and out-of-school adolescents who were recruited through snowball and simple random sampling.

Results: Statistically significant differences were noted in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sexuality based on age. Age was associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning RH. Educational attainment toward sexuality also caused statistically significant changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The KAP regarding sexuality and …