Browsing by Author "Amirah Azzeri"
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Publication Ability To Pay And Willingness To Pay For Covid-19 Vaccination: Are We Ready?(Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association, 2021) ;Amirah Azzeri ;Nur Amalina Abd Laziz ;Muslimah IthninMohd Hafiz JaafarVaccinations were considered to be among the most effective way in preventing further COVID-19 transmission. To date, the manufactures of vaccines were in the third phase of clinical trial studies. However, the extent to which the publics are able to pay and willing to pay for this vaccine remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the ability to pay (ATP) and willingness to pay (WTP) for COVID-19 vaccination in Malaysia. A cross sectional study was conducted among 67 staff of a public university in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan. The ATP and WTP were obtained through an open and close-ended method via either face-to-face interview or telephone-based interview. For the open-ended method, the mean (SD) ATP and WTP values recorded were USD 52.35 (620.83) and USD 52.08 (620.82) respectively. As for the close-ended, the mean (SD) ATP and WTP values recorded were USD 52.08 (620.82) and USD 32.38 (147.97) respectively. Through closed-ended method, lower ATP and WTP values were recorded compared with open-ended method, as the respondents are able to negotiate through a bidding process to get the best price of vaccine. Female, Malay, married, permanent staff and respondents with side-income respondents recorded higher ATP and WTP values in open-ended method. Nevertheless, except for the side-income, other factors in this study were not statistically significant. Findings from this study could facilitate government to set appropriate market price to ensure the affordability of COVID-19 vaccine and improve its accessibility so that a big proportion of the people will be vaccinated and protected from this disease. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Age And Fasting Blood Sugar Levels Are Associated Factors For Mindful Eating Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients During Covid-19 Pandemic Confinement(PLOS ONE, 2022) ;Nurul Hayati Chamhuri ;Noorlaili Mohd Tohit ;Amirah Azzeri ;Norshamliza ChamhuriSiti Rohani M. AliasThe COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the eating behaviours of many people, especially Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients. This study aimed to determine the level of mindful eating and its associated factors among T2DM patients at a primary care clinic near Kuala Lumpur. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 18th December 2020 to 5th March 2021 during the movement control order in Malaysia. Respondents were recruited using systematic random sampling via an electronic appointment system. They completed a questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic, clinical profiles, and a Malay-translated Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ-M). Their blood pressure and body mass index were taken during the appointment day while the remaining clinical profiles such as fasting blood sugar (FBS) were obtained from the medical record. Two hundred respondents were recruited with a mean (SD) age of 57.0 (10.90) years. More than half of them were female (54%). Two-thirds of them had uncontrolled diabetes based on elevated FBS of >7 mmol/L (61.5%) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) of >7% (67%), respectively. The mean (SD) score for mindful eating was 2.9 (0.25). Multiple logistic regression revealed that older respondents had a higher level of mindful eating [(AOR = 1.05, p-value 0.01, 95% CI = 1.01–1.09)]. In addition, elevated FBS level was also associated with a greater level of mindful eating [(AOR = 2.55, p-value 0.01, 95% CI = 1.28–5.07)]. Therefore, healthcare providers should promote mindful eating during the consultation, especially among younger patients. Blood glucose monitoring is also recommended to instil awareness of the importance of healthy eating habits. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Assessing the Governance of Ecotourism in a Forest-Protected Areausing Social Network Analysis: Sungei Moroli, Kampung Luanti Baru, Kawang Forest Reserve, Sabah.(UiTM, 2023) ;Nor Aziah Abd Kadir ;Mohd Iqbal Mohd Noor ;Amirah Azzeri ;Mohd Hafiz JaafarMuhammad Fuad AbdullahCommunity-based management has been heralded to practice stakeholder inclusivity and is claimed to be the panacea in overcoming problems and dilemmas in governing ecotourism in a forest-protected area. Sungei Moroli, Kawang Forest Reserve (SMKFR) at Kampung Luanti Baru Sabah, a unique destination offering Kelah fish massage is selected as the study site on account of being associated with co-management governance. This study aims to identify the key stakeholders within the governance network in this area who are involvedin eco-tourism management and to understand the interests and roles of these stakeholders. Social Network Analysis (SNA) is utilized in this study. SNA is a tool to measure the criteria used, the number of ties, density, and geodesic distance, together with the degree and betweenness centralities of the network map.The social network map obtained suggests that the local community management is the most critical stakeholder in ensuring the effective operation of the ecotourism set-up in SMKFR. The bottom-up management approach with high participation and commitment of the stakeholders was indeed in place and is its critical success factor of eco-tourism activities in SMKFR. The implications of these findings to ecotourism management in the protected area for greater inclusivity of stakeholders, especially among the local communities.Keywords: Community Based Management, Ecotourism, Kawang Forest Reserve,Social Network AnalysisINTRODUCTIONWith the rising potential of ecotourism in a protected area, it is necessary for providers to maintain high-qualityservices for visitors while retaining biodiversity conservation values. Environmental-friendlyservices and products have been ranked as one of the most important criteriain ecotourism service quality (Jeong et al., 2021; Mulyani et al., 2021). Another important service construct is the design of the attractions and facilities provided. Tangibleaspects of the service environment such as public facilities also had a critical impact on the affective responses of customers,and this may influence their perceptions of the place (So et al., 2021). Tourist service quality reactions are also easily affected by the actions of service providers and other tourists as well (Abdullah et al., 2021). The ability of - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Assessing the Impact of Out-of-Pocket Expenditures for Prevention of COVID-19 Infection on Households: Evidence From Malaysia(SAGE Publications Inc., 2021) ;Mohd Hafiz Jaafar ;Nur Amalina Abd Laziz ;Muslimah IthninAmirah AzzeriCOVID-19 infection resulted in significant economic implications to patients as well as a considerable financial burden to the general population for preventive measures. A descriptive study was conducted among staff at one of the public universities in Malaysia to estimate the monthly out-of-pocket expenditures for preventive measures used for COVID-19 infection. The study tool includes questions on household out-of-pocket expenditure and the measurements of the impact of the expenditure on household income. It was found that the average cumulative monthly expenditures related to the preventive measures were US$ 45.90 (Ringgit Malaysia 187.77), which was 4.3% of the household income. The highest expenditures were for traditional and complementary medicine followed by nutraceutical/supplements and disposable facemask. 8% of the households in this study incurred more than ten per cents of their monthly household income for expenditures related to COVID-19 preventive measures. Several households are experiencing substantial financial implications for preventive measures related to COVID-19 infection. This study highlights the out-of-pocket expenditures incurred for preventive measures were substantial for certain households. Effective initiatives from the government on providing subsidized protective personal equipment and a cost-sharing approach could help to alleviate the household financial burden. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Cost Effectiveness Of Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccines In The Elderly Population Of Malaysia(Springer Nature, 2023) ;Syed MohamedAljunid ;Nur Syazana MadTahir ;Aniza Ismail ;Aznida FirzahAbdulAziz ;Amirah Azzeri ;S.A. ZafrahAzimatun NoorAizuddinThe economic burden of influenza is a significant issue within healthcare system, related to higher medical costs particularly among the elderly. Yet, influenza vaccination rates in the elderly in Malaysia were considerably low as it is not part of Malaysia’s national immunization program, with substantial mortality and morbidity consequences. Therefore, we conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) for the elderly in Malaysia compared with the current no-vaccination policy. A static cost-utility model, with a lifetime horizon based on age, was used for the analysis to assess the cost-effectiveness and health outcomes associated with QIV. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to test the effects of variations in the parameters. The use of QIV in Malaysia’s elderly population would prevent 66,326 potential influenza cases and 888 potential deaths among the elderly, leading to 10,048 potential quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained. The QIV would also save over USD 4.4 million currently spent on influenza-related hospitalizations and reduce productivity losses by approximately USD 21.6 million. The ICER per QALY gained from a third-party payer’s perspective would be USD 2216, which is lower than the country’s gross domestic product per capita. A QIV-based vaccination program in the elderly was found to be highly cost-effective, therefore would reduce the financial burden of managing influenza and reduce pre-mature death related to this disease. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Determining Factors Associated With The Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Covid-19 Pandemic Among Medical Students In Malaysia(Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association, 2021) ;Amirah Azzeri ;Muhammad Amalin ;Kamaruddin Ezieyan ;Zaidi Nurin ;Nazri Aina ;Ridza Anis ;Anuar Balkhis ;Affandi Arni ;Zuhairi Alia ;Rashid Farhan ;Ayub Haziq ;Rahman Al Azam ;Najib Nazdmi ;Shamsuddin Syamim ;Tengku Amatullah Madeehah T Mohd ;Nadeeya'ayn Umaisara Mohamad Nor ;Mohamed Fakhri Abu Baharin ;Nizam Baharom ;Mohd Dzulkhairi Mohd Rani ;Aza Sherin Mohamad Yusuff ;Zairina A. RahmanMohd Hafiz JaafarCOVID-19 pandemic results in unprecendeted impacts globally. New discoveries and knowledge on this pandemic is evolving. A study was conducted to determine factors that are associated with knowledge, attitude and practice among medical students at one of the public universities in Malaysia towards COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted through online surveys by using a set of questionnare. The questionnaire was adapted and adopted from validated sources. It was found that, the scores for knowledge, practice and attitude were high among medical students. Male students had higher level of knowledge whereas females had significantly higher level of attitude and practice. Level of knowledge differed between years of study. Clinical year students had higher level of knowledge and practice compared to pre-clinical year students. Findings from this study might prove as the baseline for planning awareness campaigns for students for better containment of COVID-19 and its further spread - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Determining The Prevalence Of Family Planning (FP) Utilisation And Its Associated Factors Among Adults In Malaysia: An Online Survey.(Zes Rokman Resources, 2021) ;Nadeeya ‘Ayn Umaisara Mohamad Nor ;Amirah Azzeri ;Mohamed Fakhri Abu Baharin ;Nizam Baharom ;Mohd Dzulkhairi Mohd Rani ;Aza Sherin Mohamad Yusuff ;Zairina A Rahman ;Hafiz Jaafar ;Tengku Amatullah Madeehah Tengku Mohd ;Ahmad Taufeeq Bin Basri ;Nadia Binti YazidAkmal Hisham Bin Shamshul BahriBackground: Family Planning (FP) is one of the pillars of Safe Motherhood Program in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. Despite positive evidence on the benefit of family planning, its utilisation among Malaysian population is still lower than expected. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of family planning utilisation and its associated factors among adults in Malaysia. Methods: An online survey was conducted involving 402 respondents of Malaysian adults. Convenience sampling was used in recruiting the respondents. Pretested questionnaire was distributed using online google form through various social media platform. Family planning utilisation was defined as the usage of any contraceptive methods (modern or traditional) within the past one year. The independent variables studied were sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and attitude towards family planning, presence of spousal communication for family planning and accessibility to the service. Results: Prevalence of FP utilisation was 49.0% with higher percentages noted among female, Malay, age between 24-35 years, married, completed tertiary education, middle income group (M40) and having one to five children. Mean (SD) scores of knowledge (9.01 (2.271) and attitude (42.20 (4.948) towards FP were higher among respondents who utilised FP. The accessibility rate for FP services was 69.9%. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that predictors for FP utilisation were, high scores of knowledge (P=0.001) and attitude (P=0.026) towards FP, age group of 25-34 (P=0.001) together with 35-50 years old (P=0.001) and having 1 to 5 children in the family (P=0.011). Conclusion: Family planning utilisation remains low despite easily accessible services. Increasing knowledge, instils positive attitude and targeting towards suitable population are among the crucial elements to be focused in any intervention plans by the relevant authorities - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Economic Burden of Sars-cov-2 Patients with Multi-morbidity: A Systematic Review Protocol(MDPI, 2022) ;Amirah Azzeri ;Mohd Noor Afiq Ramlee ;Mohd Iqbal Mohd Noor ;Mohd Hafiz Jaafar ;Thinni Nurul RochmahMaznah DahluiEconomic burden issues in SARS-CoV-2 patients with underlying co-morbidities are enormous resources for patient treatment and management. The uncertainty costs for clinical management render the healthcare system catatonic and incurs deficits in national annual budgets. This article focuses on systematic steps towards selecting and evaluating literature to uncover gaps and ways to help healthcare stakeholders optimize resources in treating and managing COVID-19 patients with multi-morbidity. A systematic review of all COVID-19 treatment procedures with co-morbidities or multi-morbidity for the period from 2019 to 2022 was conducted. The search includes studies describing treatment costs associated with multi- or co-morbidity cases for infected patients and, if concurrently reported, determining recurring expenses. Study selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Galbraith plots and I2 statistics will be deployed to assess heterogeneity and to identify potential sources. A backward elimination process will be applied in the regression modelling procedure. Based on the number of studies retrieved and their sample size, the subgroup analysis will be stratified on participant disease category, associated total costs, and degree of freedom in cost estimation. These studies were registered in the PROSPERO registry (ID: CRD42022323071). - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Estimating The Economic Burden Of Influenza On The Older Population In Malaysia(Public Library of Science (PLOS), 2023) ;Nur Syazana Mad Tahir ;Aniza Ismail ;Syed Mohamed Aljunid ;Aznida Firzah Abdul Aziz ;Amirah AzzeriAhmed Abdelmajed AlkhodaryBackground Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause life-threatening complications among high-risk groups. Estimating the economic burden of influenza is essential to guide policy-making on influenza vaccination programmes, especially in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to estimate the economic burden of influenza on older adults (those aged 60 years) in Malaysia from the provider’s perspective. Methods The main data source in this study was the MY-DRG Casemix database of a teaching hospital in Malaysia. Cases with principal and secondary diagnoses coded in the International Classification of Diseases version 10 (ICD-10) as J09, J10.0, J10.1, J10.8, J11.0, J11.1, J11.8, J12.8, and J12.9, which represent influenza and its complications, were included in the study. The direct cost of influenza at all severity levels was calculated from the casemix data and guided by a clinical pathway developed by experts. The effect of the variations in costs and incidence rate of influenza for both the casemix and clinical pathway costing approaches was assessed with sensitivity analysis. Results A total of 1,599 inpatient and 407 outpatient influenza cases were identified from the MYDRG Casemix database. Most hospitalised cases were aged <18 years (90.6%), while 77 cases (4.8%) involved older people. Mild, moderate, and severe cases comprised 56.5%, 35.1%, and 8.4% of cases, respectively. The estimated average annual direct costs for managing mild, moderate, and severe influenza were RM2,435 (USD579), RM6,504 (USD1,549), and RM13,282 (USD3,163), respectively. The estimated total annual economic burden of influenza on older adults in Malaysia was RM3.28 billion (USD782 million), which was equivalent to 10.7% of the Ministry of Health Malaysia budget for 2020. The sensitivity analysis indicated that the influenza incidence rate and cost of managing severe influenza were the most important factors influencing the total economic burden. Conclusions Overall, our results demonstrated that influenza imposes a substantial economic burden on the older Malaysian population. The high cost of influenza suggested that further efforts are required to implement a preventive programme, such as immunisation for older people, to reduce the disease and economic burdens. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Exploring Ethnomedicine Plants Used By The Indigenous Communities In Terengganu, Malaysia: Human Health And The Environment(Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association, 2021) ;Muhammad Fuad Abdullah ;Elizabeth Pesiu ;Mohd Iqbal Mohd Noor ;Azniza Ahmad Zaini ;Amirah AzzeriMohd Tajuddin AbdullahIndigenous community in Malaysia practices traditional medicine, particularly from the surrounding plants to cure different diseases and illnesses. This traditional way of life has been practised for centuries and passed down through generations. This study aims to document medicinal plants that have been used by the Orang Asli to treat illness. A qualitative ethnomedical study was done to document the species that were believed to have medicinal value. This study was carried at all three resettlement villages in Terengganu. Eleven informants who were the head of household with the age of over 30 years old were interviewed. Fieldwork surveys, observation and face-to-face communication were methods used in this study. The finding shows that most of the Orang Asli community in Terengganu are still dependent on plants and herbs to cure ailments. A total of 106 species that belong to 55 plant families were used by them. This study will encourage researchers in various fields such as ethnobotanical, ethno-zoological, ethnomedicinal and pharmaceutical and toxicological accomplishment of flora and fauna from these areas. As such, these medicinal plants need some more extensive efforts to validate scientifically and clinically were to prove the ethnomedical claims toward them. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Health literacy status among community in the protected area A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis(Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc., 2023) ;Nor Aziah Abd Kadir ;Amirah Azzeri ;Mohd Iqbal Mohd Noor ;Zurina Kefeli ;Muhammad Fuad Abdullah ;Mohd Noor Afiq RamleeMohd Hafiz JaafarBackground: Adequate health literacy is necessary for individuals as it enables them to readily acquire information, process it, and apply it to health-related decisions. Various factors including geographical area will determine the disparity in health literacy status. Communities living in protected areas have limited health literacy and health status owing to a lack of access to infrastructure and medical facilities. Existing studies have discussed health literacy among various populations disproportionately affected by certain diseases. However, research remains underdeveloped, and the causal factors are largely untested. This research aims to better understand how population living conditions especially those who are living in protected areas are affected and exposed to limited health literacy. Method: This study will comprehensively review full-text papers published between 2013 and 2023. We will search 3 databases, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, using the keyword search strategy to find articles related to the issue. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses will be used to guide the selection of relevant studies. The results will then be assessed using the standard Cochrane Quality assessment method. The outcome is addressed in light of a narrative synthesis that utilizes a theme category and focuses on each component’s main conclusions. Result: This protocol describes the planned scope and methodology for the systematic review and meta-analysis that will provide current evidence on; The status of health literacy among the community in protected areas and; The effect of Protected Areas on health literacy according to their types and characteristics. Conclusion: Meta-analysis of low-to-high health literacy status will benefit the development of policy recommendations for protected areas. Abbreviations: HL = health literacy, PA = protected area. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Hepatitis C Virus Core Antigen As Alternative Diagnostic Algorithm For Active Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Haemodialysis Population: Cost Implications(John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2021) ;Xue Z. Wong ;Amirah Azzeri ;Chye C. Gan ;Shabaruddin Fatiha ;Dahlui Maznah ;Rosnawati Yahya ;Shubash Ganapathy ;Soek S. Tan ;Rosmawati MohamedSoo K. LimAims: In Malaysia, majority anti-HCV positive haemodialysis patients do not undergo hepatitis C confirmation due to the high cost of HCV RNA. HCV Core Antigen might be a cost-effective diagnostic test to identify HD patients who have active HCV infection eligible for Direct Acting Anti-viral therapy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the correlation between HCV Ag and HCV RNA and the cost implications of different diagnostic algorithms to diagnose active HCV infection using Anti-HCV, HCV Ag, and HCV RNA. Pre-dialysis blood was tested for both HCV Ag and HCV RNA. HCV Ag was tested with Abbott ARCHITECT HCV Ag test. Results: Two-hundred twenty-seven haemodialysis patients were recruited from 20 centres with mean age of 57.68 ± 12.48 years, and male constitutes 56.8% (129) of the study population. HCV Ag correlated well with HCV RNA (Spearman test coefficient 0.943, p < .001) with sensitivity of 93.9%, specificity 99.3%, and the accuracy was 97.36%. Cost analysis indicated that a sequential test involving Anti-HCV antibody as initial screening, followed by HCV Ag on Anti-HCV positive and HCV RNA on HCV Ag negative cases translated to a modest cost-saving algorithm compared to standard diagnostic algorithm. Conclusion: HCV Ag correlated well with HCV RNA and can potentially be fused in an alternative diagnostic algorithm to generate cost savings methods to diagnose active HCV infection among haemodialysis patients. This alternative algorithm is especially relevant in low to middle-income countries such as Malaysia to optimize the use of the healthcare resource and gains in clinical outcomes. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Malaysia And Its Changing Trend(Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishing (P) Ltd., 2018) ;Ruksana Raihan ;Amirah Azzeri ;Fatiha H ShabaruddinRosmawati MohamedHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of death globally. In Malaysia liver cancer is the eighth most common cause of cancer for both gender and fifth most common cause of cancer for males. Liver cancer is a cause of premature death in Malaysia: The trend from 1990 to 2010 was observed upward. Since 1990, the annual years of life lost (YLLs) from liver cancer have increased by 31.5%. Older persons are at higher risk and there is male predominance observed. Curative surgical resection, liver transplantation, and supportive symptomatic care, including percutaneous ethanol injection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and noncurative transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are among available treatment facilities. Yet the survival rate is very poor as majority of patients present at very advanced stage. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remained the leading cause of HCC in Malaysia. Several studies showed cryptogenic causes, which are mainly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) among the predominant causes of HCC in Malaysia than hepatitis C virus (HCV), alcohol, or any other reason. This mainly correlates with the increasing incidence of diabetes and obesity in Malaysia. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication The Impact Of Haze On Healthcare Utilizations For Acute Respiratory Diseases: Evidence From Malaysia(Frontiers Media S.A., 2021) ;Hafiz Jaafar ;Amirah Azzeri ;Marzuki IsahakMaznah DahluiHaze imposes a substantial disease burden on the human population especially in the Southeast Asia region due to the high frequency of haze episodes. The reduction of air quality levels by haze has resulted in a substantial disease burden and an increase in healthcare utilization (HU). This study aims to determine the association between haze and HU of haze-related respiratory illnesses with a focus given on the acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma (AEBA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). A cross-sectional study was conducted through secondary data collection of haze/non-haze episodes as the study exposures and HU related to the exacerbation of bronchial asthma and COPD as the study outcomes. Data on haze/non-haze episodes and HU for four consecutive years (2012–2015) were retrieved from the Department of Environment and Ministry of Health Malaysia, respectively. In the four consecutive years, the percentage of haze episodes recorded in all stations was higher (67%) as compared to non-haze (33%) episodes. Means (SD) of patients diagnosed with AEBA and AECOPD were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) for inpatient 74 (62.1) and outpatient 320 (650.1) cases during haze episodes as compared to inpatient 34 (16.5) and outpatient 146 (170.5) cases during non-haze episodes. Findings from this study indicated that haze episodes incurred a significant healthcare burden due to an increase in HU. The evidence from this study will help the policymakers to prepare and allocate resources to control future implications of haze-related illnesses. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication The Impact Of Movement Control Order During Covid-19 Pandemic On Healthcare Utilisation: How Does The Projected Patient Workload Compared To The Actual Number Of Patients In Care?(Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 2021) ;Amirah Azzeri ;Nur Farhan Abdul Hakim ;Mohd Hafiz Jaafar ;Maznah Dahlui ;Sajaratulnisah OthmanTunku Kamarul Zaman Tunku Zainol AbidinThe rising healthcare demand during COVID-19 outbreak may endanger patients and forces hospital to plan for future needs. Predictive analyses were conducted to monitor hospital resources at one of the gazetted COVID-19 hospitals in Malaysia. Simultaneously, a real-time observation on patient’s volume was conducted to understand the actual trend of healthcare resource utilisations. All the projections were directly compared to the actual number of patients in-care. This predictive study was done at University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) using various sources of data. The projections revealed a steady increase in the number of cumulative cases until April 2020 followed by an exponential increase in the number of cumulative positive cases in Malaysia. When a comparison between the projection and actual data was done, it was found that the initial projections estimated a range that is 50% to 70% higher during the first three phases of Movement Control Order (MCO) compared to the actual number of COVID-19 patients at UMMC. Subsequent projections were done by using recent estimations from the national database and it was estimated that the number of patients treated will be less than 10 each day up until the end of May 2020. The accuracy of this estimation is 95% when compared to the actual number of COVID-19 patients in care. In conclusion, the practice of continuous projections and real-time observation through predictive analysis using mathematical calculations and algorithms is one of the useful tools to facilitate hospital management to allocate adequate resource allocations. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Impact of Rapid Vaccination on Sars-Cov-2 Genomic Diversity: An Intervention to Minimise the Public Burden of the Pandemic(Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2023) ;Amirah Azzeri ;Shuhaila Mat-Sharani ;Danish A/L Kumareahsan ;Ismatul Nurul Asyikin Ismail ;Muhamad Arif Mohamad JamaliLiyana AzmiGlobal sharing of SARS-CoV-2 sequences enabled comprehensive analyses of COVID-19 genomic diversity and demographics. Yet, regional genomic surveillance is often neglected, leading to the possible oversight of novel mutations by public health authorities. Our study used the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID) database to analyse infection patterns in the state of Negeri Sembilan, and compare infection patterns to the state of Selangor, in Malaysia. We discuss the impact of rapid vaccination on resulting single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and identified novel sporadic mutations may affect viral fitness and pathogenicity. Four hundred and seventeen SARS-CoV-2 sequences extracted from Negeri Sembilan from July 2021 until June 2022. Infection patterns based on pangolin lineages from Negeri Sembilan was compared to infections of the same period from Selangor. SNVs from the spike protein were sorted by frequency, with the lowest frequency variant submitted for functional prediction using PredictSNP. Negeri Sembilan exhibited a comparable infection pattern to Selangor, but with fewer Omicron sequences which was postulated to occur due to the rapid vaccination strategies by Negeri Sembilan. Omicron outbreaks were associated with eased lockdowns and policy changes in December 2021. From our extracted data, seventy novel SNVs in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 were extracted from this study. In silico predictions indicated five of the SNVs (S221L, L226S, V826L, C1240F and C1243F) to may cause functional defects to the spike protein. Rapid sequencing and analysis will aid policymaking for public health controls by detecting potential outbreaks within transient variants. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Period Poverty: A Neglected Public Health Issue(Korean Academy of Family Medicine, 2023) ;Hafiz Jaafar ;Suraya Yasmin IsmailAmirah AzzeriPeriod poverty is a global community health dilemma that has long been overlooked. This condition is described as having insufficient access to menstrual products, education, and sanitation facilities. Briefly, period poverty means that millions of women are subjected to injustice and inequity due to menstruation. This review aimed to explore the definition, challenges, and effects of period poverty on the community, especially among women at their productive ages. In addition, suggestions to minimize the impact of period poverty are discussed. A search strategy was applied using the keywords “period poverty,” “period equity,” “period poverty,” and “menstrual hygiene” in Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, MEDLINE, and PubMed electronic databases, journals, and articles on relevant topics. Trained researchers conducted a keyword search from January 2021 to June 2022. Based on the reviewed studies, it has been proven that many countries are still affected by the period stigma and taboo, inadequate exposure to menstrual health and its management, lack of education about menstruation, and shortage of access to menstrual products and facilities. The next step is to reduce and slowly eliminate the period poverty issue by conducting more research to increase clinical evidence and future references. This narrative review could inform policymakers of the magnitude of the burden related to this issue and guide them to develop effective strategies to minimize the impact of poverty, especially during the challenging years of the post-coronavirus disease 2019 era. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Photovoice Method Trends, Status, And Potential For Future Participatory Research Approach(Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine (MJPHM), 2022) ;Mohd Iqbal Mohd Noor ;Voon-Ching Lim ;Amira Mas Ayu Amir Mustafa ;Amirah Azzeri ;Mohd Hafiz Jaafar ;Nursyaidatul Kamar Md Shah ;Nur Syafiqah Hussin ;Mohd Azim ZainalMuhammad Fuad AbdullahIn the last decade, researchers from around the world have shown deep interest in using photovoice as a method of analysis in scientific research. This might be due to the participatory strength of the method that acts as a bridge to connect researcher and community by balancing scientific research and mitigating action. The purpose of this research is to synthesize the available research on the photovoice method using the Scientometric method. This article explores the research landscape, key topics, and developments of the photovoice method based on the 1252 document data retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection dated from 1997 to 2019. The results show that the interest in using this method is significantly high in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom as they are the major leaders in publication contributions. A Scientometric analysis for Document co-citation analysis was applied and 15 research clusters were identified. This paper reviews the main characteristics of 6 most important clusters and their contribution to the photovoice method. The outcome of this study contributes to academia, industry practitioners and policymakers by providing an understanding of overall trends, status, and potential research questions of study in this domain. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Potential Health And Economic Impacts Of Dexamethasone Treatment For Patients With Covid-19(Nature Publishing Group, 2021) ;Ricardo Águas ;Adam Mahdi ;Rima Shretta ;Peter Horby ;Martin Landray ;Lisa WhiteAmirah AzzeriDexamethasone can reduce mortality in hospitalised COVID-19 patients needing oxygen and ventilation by 18% and 36%, respectively. Here, we estimate the potential number of lives saved and life years gained if this treatment were to be rolled out in the UK and globally, as well as the cost-effectiveness of implementing this intervention. Assuming SARS-CoV-2 exposure levels of 5% to 15%, we estimate that, for the UK, approximately 12,000 (4,250 - 27,000) lives could be saved between July and December 2020. Assuming that dexamethasone has a similar effect size in settings where access to oxygen therapies is limited, this would translate into approximately 650,000 (240,000 - 1,400,000) lives saved globally over the same time period. If dexamethasone acts differently in these settings, the impact could be less than half of this value. To estimate the full potential of dexamethasone in the global fight against COVID-19, it is essential to perform clinical research in settings with limited access to oxygen and/or ventilators, for example in low- and middle-income countries. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Prediction Of Disease Burden And Healthcare Resource Utilization Through Simple Predictive Analytics Using Mathematical Approaches, An Experience From University Of Malaya Medical Centre(Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 2020) ;Amirah Azzeri ;Nur Farhan Abdul Hakim ;Mohd Hafiz Jaafar ;Maznah Dahlui ;Sajaratulnisah OthmanTunku Kamarul Zaman Tunku Zainol AbidinThe sudden surge in the number of healthcare utilizations compels the hospital to plan for its future needs. Several time-series projections of Covid-19 were conducted to forecast the disease burden and resources utilization through simple predictive analytics. The projections revealed a rapid increase in the number of cases and patient in care at the hospital. It was estimated that the number of patients in care to range from 62 to 81 and 89 to 121 patients daily in the second and third phase of movement control order respectively. It was estimated that more than 100,000 plastic aprons, 80,000 sterile and non-sterile isolation gowns, 40,000 masks N95 and face shields, 30,000 gloves and nearly 17,000 bottles of hand sanitizers are needed until late May. Hence, a simple mathematical algorithm is a helpful tool to manage hospital resources during the pandemic.