East Coast Of Malaysia Research Articles

Serotypes, virulence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Group B Streptococci isolated from infections in non-pregnant adults in Malaysia

This is a cross-sectional study describing on Group B Streptococcus (GBS) serotypes, virulence gene distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility in non-pregnant adults from two major hospitals on East-coast Malaysia. The patients’ clinical information was reviewed, while serotyping and virulence gene detection for the GBS isolates (n = 75) were conducted by PCR. GBS serotypes III and Ia were the most common, followed by serotypes II and IV. The majority of GBS (n = 65; 86.7%) presented with virulence genes such as cylE, scpB, lmb, hylE and bca. Skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) (n = 50; 66.7%) were the most common clinical diagnosis, with 90% of those diagnosed had underlying diabetes mellitus (DM). GBS serotype Ia and the virulence genes cylE and scpB were common in SSTI. Good sensitivity towards penicillin, erythromycin and clindamycin were observed.

ERROR ANALYSIS: INVESTIGATING THE PARAGRAPH WRITING OF ESL MALAYSIAN LEARNERS

The study investigates an impromptu writing task administered to diploma students studying in one of the technical universities on the East Coast of Malaysia. In particular, it identifies their errors in writing a one-paragraph essay, the kind of errors students made in completing the task, and the least errors students made in writing the one-paragraph. The samples were 48 students undergoing Preliminary Semester taking English as one of the subjects in the particular semester. The study found that students made errors to a certain degree in using articles, tenses, and subject-verb-agreement (SVA), to name a few in the current study. More specifically, the highest number of errors students made were in tenses, SVA, and word choices, while the least errors were in possessive and attributive structures, gerunds, and infinitives. The study implied that assigning students impromptu writing contributed to their performance errors. Despite their low vocabulary knowledge, it also made them less expressive when writing in the condition.

Depressive, Anxiety, and Stress Symptoms in Parents of Children Being Admitted for Febrile Seizures in a Tertiary Hospital in the East Coast of Malaysia.

Febrile seizures in children are an alarming experience for parents. This study aimed to assess the psychological functioning of parents of children when they were being admitted for treatment of febrile seizures in the hospital, the importance of which is clear, since parents are the primary custodian of their children. This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 110 participants whose child had been admitted for a febrile seizure to Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from September 2020 until June 2021. The depression, anxiety, and stress levels were determined based on a validated Bahasa Melayu questionnaire of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). In addition, multiple logistic regression was used to determine the associated factors related to the participants' psychological functioning. The mean age of children with febrile seizures were 21 months old, and most children showed features of simple febrile seizures (71.8%). The prevalence of anxiety, stress, and depression were 58.2%, 29%, and 23.6%, respectively. Using multiple logistic regression, child age, family history of febrile seizures, family history of epilepsy, and length of stay in the ward were found to be significantly associated with anxiety when adjusted for other variables. Otherwise, for depression and stress, no significant associated variables were found when adjusted for other variables. Anxiety was highly reported by participants when their children were admitted for febrile seizures. Several factors impacted their anxiety, including the lower the child's age was, participants with no family history of febrile seizures before, and the longer duration of hospital stay. Therefore, further study and intervention on reducing the parent's anxiety could be emphasized in the future.

Assessment of household-level adaptation strategy to flood in East Coast Malaysia

The increase of flood-related event has affected not only property damage but also casualties among the community that lives in a flood-prone area. Increasing risk of exposure to the flood-related event will consequently affect the livelihoods of a community. Therefore, the adaptive capacity of a community is vital for farmers to be resilient in any disaster or risk-related situation. Thus, this study will determine a household-level adaptation strategy to flood on the east coast of Malaysia by using the assessment of the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI). 100 paddy farmers living in Kota Bharu Kelantan were chosen as the respondents and the analysis of this study focuses on the adaptive capacity of the respondents. Indicators such as sociodemographic profile, livelihood strategies, and social network is used to assess farmers’ vulnerability and their adaptation capacity. Overall finding of the study shows that the paddy farmers’ household is in less vulnerable to flood events (0.36813). The result shows that social network (0.5275) is the least indicator to have higher adaptive capacity compared to indicators like livelihood strategies (0.3883) and sociodemographic profile (0.3485). The element of adaptive capacity is crucial to increase household resilience as well as to sustain the need of a household and decrease their vulnerability to a natural disaster such as flood. Therefore, assistance from the government and non-government agencies is needed to assist and support this community to promote well-being and quality of life.

CAPITALISING LOCAL FOOD FOR GASTRO-TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Food industries are essential to shaping and structuring destination food tourism focus and the overall food industry. By highlighting regional distinctiveness and the contribution of local food to distinctive visitor experiences as well as boosting the local economy, destinations and food producers or businesses must recognize the significance of local food and gastronomy experience in tourism. This research used qualitative techniques and was conducted in the states of Pahang and Terengganu in East Coast Malaysia (ECM). Since food production in ECM is one of the key contributions to the regional economy and a significant locally-owned industry, 13 food producers were picked for the interviews. Food producers are therefore essential for a destination to ensure that the local cuisine satisfies tourists' growing interest in and demand for local cuisine as well as their quest for an exceptional local food experience. In this regard, the research incorporated the viewpoints of the ECM local food producers to offer a beneficial and substantial contribution to developing gastrotourism and destinations.

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS AND RISK FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO DISEASE PROGRESSION AMONG HOSPITALISED PATIENTS WITH COVID-19: LESSON FROM MALAYSIA

Background: Patients who were hospitalised with severe COVID-19 infection could progress to severe conditions due to various factors, whereas some patients may recover to mild conditions quickly. There was limited information regarding characteristics and factors affecting disease progression in this population in Malaysia. This study aimed to investigate patient characteristics and risk factors contributing to disease progression among COVID-19 patients during hospitalisation. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study using electronic medical record data from COVID-19 patients admitted to two public hospitals in East Coast Malaysia from February 2020 to August 2021 was conducted. This study included patients with asymptomatic or mild condition (stage 1 – stage 3) upon hospital admission and progressed to severe condition (stage 4 – stage 5) during hospitalisation. Results: A total of 163 patients were included (57% male) with the age of (mean±SD, 62.3 ±14.0 years). Multivariable logistic regression associated with COVID-19 disease progression included elderly (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04, 1.08; p = ≤0.05), diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.27, 4.06; p = 0.006), chronic kidney disease (OR, 4.87; 95% CI, 1.92, 12.38; p=0.001), and presented with more than three COVID-19 symptoms (OR, 9.80; 95% CI, 6.08-15.81, p = ≤0.05). Conclusion: Risk factors for COVID-19 disease progression included elderly patients, comorbidities of diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease or more than three COVID-19 symptoms. Close monitoring and early intervention should be implemented for these patients to prevent the disease progression and poor prognosis.

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS AND RISK FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO DISEASE PROGRESSION AMONG HOSPITALISED PATIENTS WITH COVID-19: LESSON FROM MALAYSIA

Background: Patients who were hospitalised with severe COVID-19 infection could progress to severe conditions due to various factors, whereas some patients may recover to mild conditions quickly. There was limited information regarding characteristics and factors affecting disease progression in this population in Malaysia. This study aimed to investigate patient characteristics and risk factors contributing to disease progression among COVID-19 patients during hospitalisation. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study using electronic medical record data from COVID-19 patients admitted to two public hospitals in East Coast Malaysia from February 2020 to August 2021 was conducted. This study included patients with asymptomatic or mild condition (stage 1 – stage 3) upon hospital admission and progressed to severe condition (stage 4 – stage 5) during hospitalisation. Results: A total of 163 patients were included (57% male) with the age of (mean±SD, 62.3 ±14.0 years). Multivariable logistic regression associated with COVID-19 disease progression included elderly (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04, 1.08; p = ≤0.05), diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.27, 4.06; p = 0.006), chronic kidney disease (OR, 4.87; 95% CI, 1.92, 12.38; p=0.001), and presented with more than three COVID-19 symptoms (OR, 9.80; 95% CI, 6.08-15.81, p = ≤0.05). Conclusion: Risk factors for COVID-19 disease progression included elderly patients, comorbidities of diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease or more than three COVID-19 symptoms. Close monitoring and early intervention should be implemented for these patients to prevent the disease progression and poor prognosis.

A 10-Year Review of Obstetrics Anal Sphincter Injury at a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Introduction: Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) is an uncommon complication that may occur during vaginal delivery and increases the risk of pelvic floor dysfunction following delivery. This 10-year review is aimed to determine the occurrence of OASIS at a tertiary teaching hospital. Methods: A retrospective review of records of women who had their newborns delivered at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia between 2007-2016 was conducted. OASIS was classified according to the classification proposed by Sultan AH in 1999. Women who delivered on the same day with the index delivery but without OASIS acted as the control group (n = 154). Results: There were 61,049 vaginal deliveries over the ten years. A total of 154 women were recorded to have vaginal delivery complicated with OASIS, with a cumulative prevalence of 0.25% per year. Of these, 86% (n = 133) sustained a third-degree, and the remaining 14% (n = 21) had a fourth-degree perineal tear. Three independent risk factors for OASIS were identified using multivariable analysis: primiparity, greater gestational age, and higher infant birth weight. Conclusion: Nulliparous, primiparous, and a higher infant birth weight > 3500 g pose a higher possibility of developing OASIS during vaginal delivery among women who delivered at a tertiary teaching hospital on the east coast of Malaysia.

Assessing Students’ Perceived Engagement and Perceived Performance for E-Learning in East Coast Malaysia: A Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Perceived engagement is defined as the extensive use of learning management system services, features, and capabilities. In the wake of the Coronavirus disease 2019, studies show that there is an increase in user engagement level toward the learning management systems, especially among tertiary education. Perceived engagement extends the previous concept of information system usage by incorporating several dimensions: cognitive, affective, and behavioral perspectives. However, most of the research articles on user engagement are focusing on the level of the engagement, with the scarcity of research on its impacts. Thus, the aim of this study is twofold: first, to revisit and determine the level of user engagement with the learning management system. Second, to determine the relationship between the perceived engagement and perceived performance. To find the answer for the purpose of the study, a quantitative research methodology was adopted using convenience sampling. The instrument was developed by adapting and adopting previous research instruments. The instrument was expert reviewed and a pilot test was performed before the actual data collection. Data collection took two weeks involving students in one of the public universities in Malaysia. A total of 206 valid responses were received. The data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences version 26 for descriptive analysis and SmartPLS version 3.3.3 for inferential analysis. Findings show that the current level of user engagement in using learning management system is moderate; perceived engagement has a predictive power on perceived performance; perceived engagement has a large effect size on perceived performance; and there is a moderate level of perceived performance among respondents.

Oral Tradition: Dramatic and Theatrical Concepts in ‘Bari’ Performances

‘Bari’ performances refers to a traditional art in the form of oral tradition. It originates from east coast of Malaysia. At the beginning of its appearance, it served as the basis for other traditional performance, a medical platform and also as an entertainment platform. Through ‘Bari’ performances, a ‘Tok Bari’ plays his role as a narrator as well as an intermediary in delivering his performances or medicine. A research has been undertaken to identify the dramatic concepts that shape this art in addition to introducing the theatrical elements contained in ‘Bari’ performances. This effort is to enhance the understanding of the community while providing attractive value to ‘Bari’ performances. Dramatic concepts as well as theatrical elements are parsed using the approach of Aristotle Dramatic Theories. Through the process of analysis, this art is introduced as a dramatic and theatrical performance art because it contains elements of the formation of a performance such as spaces, languages, time, story collection, storytelling themes, plot and action as well as characters. The presence of melody, sound and music further strengthens its formation as a dramatic and theatrical performing art. It also shows its uniqueness when ‘Tok Bari’ who is identified as a shaman has the same role as an actor. This research attempts to find an alternative approach to documenting ‘Bari’ performances as one of the theatrical arts by emphasizing dramatic concepts in its performances.

Multicriteria Decision Model for Road Construction Project

Construction of roads plays an important role in linking one area to another, and also acts as a substance for the local economy. However, the limitation of study on the project performance towards the road infrastructure construction project requires more precise attention. Thus, it requires distinct responsiveness from contractors to evaluate and cope with the risks. This study aims to identify the project execution risk factors involved in the road construction project, reference to a current case study from a federal government project Public Work Department (PWD) on the East Coast of Malaysia: Upgrading 14.7 kilometre (km) federal road from the Pekan town to Sungai Miang. This study will begin with the identification of the project execution risk factors, utilizing an extensive review of the literature. Next, the gathered risk factors will go through a pilot phase validation interview with road construction experts from the public work department (PWD) and also construction practitioners that are involved directly in the project case study. Findings found seven (7) main project execution risk factors involved in the road construction project, which include resource risk, land acquisition issue, project management issue, technical risk, service utility issue, unforeseen ground condition, and force majeure risk. Among the seven (7) factors twenty-one (21) project execution risk sub-factors, were further explored that are crucial to the project. The main contribution of this study is the final multi-criteria decision model obtained from literature searching cross-referenced to the real case study that may be beneficial to the road construction project team specifically.

Uptake and determinants of private health insurance enrollment in a country with heavily subsidised public healthcare: A cross-sectional survey in East Coast Malaysia.

Malaysia's subsidised public healthcare system is heavily reliant on government funding. Increasing the uptake of private health insurance (PHI) would alleviate the financial burden on public healthcare facilities caused by high patient loads. The study aimed to determine the uptake of PHI and its associated factors among the East Coast Malaysian populations. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between February and June 2021. Proportionate stratified sampling was applied to select 1138 participants, and logistic regression was performed to determine the factors associated with PHI uptake. The proportion of the study samples that purchased PHI was 54.3%. Enrolment of private health insurance was associated with working in the public sector (aOR: 6.06, 95% CI: 2.65, 13.88) and private sector (aOR: 6.27, 95% CI: 2.65, 14.85), being self-employed (aOR: 9.23, 95% CI: (3.59, 23.70), being in the middle 40% household income percentile (aOR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.95, 3.85) and top 20% household income percentile (aOR: 4.42, 95% CI: 2.87, 6.80), and living in urban areas (aOR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.70). Even in the presence of subsidised public healthcare, the high proportion of PHI uptake reflects a demand for private health insurance. The study suggests that PHI should be promoted among those who are employed or self-employed, the middle- and high-income groups, and urban residents. The findings may be beneficial for the government and insurance companies to improve strategies to enhance PHI uptake among these population.

The rising threat of illicit amphetamine-type stimulant use among methadone maintenance treatment patients in East Coast Malaysia: a retrospective observational study

ABSTRACT Background: In recent years, amphetamine-type-stimulants (ATS) have been extensively misused in South-East Asia, inducing major problems among methadone-maintenance-treatment (MMT) patients. Objective: We examine ATS-misuse prevalence and its determinants among MMT patients in East-Coast-Malaysia. Methods: A retrospective–observational study was conducted on government-subsidized medication for opioid-use-disorder (MOUD) treatment clinics involving 292 MMT-patients (98% males) who were selected using a multilevel-proportional-stratified random sampling technique. Information obtained during the mandatory monitoring procedure from January 1 to December 31 2019, was utilized to determine ATS misuse prevalence from consecutive random urine drug screening. The determinants associated with its use, namely sociodemographics, social networks, comorbidities, and pharmacological assessments were analyzed via a logistic model. Results: Overall, 52.2% of the MMT-patients (95% CI: 0.42–0.54) had misused ATS at least once during their methadone treatment. These misusing patients were active smokers, hepatitis B and C seronegative, concurrently misused opioids, and had received suboptimum prescribed doses of methadone. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the odds of misusing ATS during methadone treatment were 37 times higher among those who concurrently misused opioids (AOR: 37.60, 95% CI: 14.03–100.74) and 12 times higher among those who received suboptimal methadone doses (<60 mg/day) (AOR: 12.24, 95% CI: 5.58–25.43). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the significant prevalence of ATS misuse among MMT-patients in East-Coast-Malaysia, especially among patients who were prescribed suboptimal doses of methadone and/or demonstrated concomitant opioid-misuse. Stringent urine-monitoring is crucial to prevent diversion to ATS misuse. Nonetheless, to avoid negligence and improve physician engagement, the relevant authorities should immediately plan a comprehensive national-standard training module comprising support activities for professional methadone-prescribers.

The Innovation Elements of Homestay Programmes on the East Coast of Malaysia

The Innovation Elements of Homestay Programmes on the East Coast of Malaysia

Serum Albumin as Independent Predictor In Determining The Outcome Of Traumatic Brain Injury

Context: Serum albumin is the major protein of the human plasma, accounting for about 60% of the total plasma protein. Serum albumin levels tend to decline in the plasma due to injury or infection independent of nutritional status. Serum albumin consumption increases in a state of stress. Reduction in serum albumin occurs with intracranial haemorrhages. In a patient with severe head injury, there is a significant decline in serum albumin leading to hypoalbuminemia. Serum albumin can be used as an outcome marker in various critical illnesses, including traumatic brain injury. Aim: To determine that serum albumin is an independent predictor affecting the outcome of patients with severe traumatic brain injury over a 6-month duration Settings and design: This was conducted as prospective cohort study in two neurosurgical centres in the East Coast of Malaysia from June 2020 to June 2021 Subjects and methods: A total of fifty-five patients were admitted to our emergency intensive care, or high dependency unit with varying degrees of severe head injuries. Forty patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria of our study and were recruited for data collection and further analysis. Their serum albumin levels were drawn, analysed, and recorded. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive, univariate and multivariate analyses using Multiple Logistic Regression model were done using SPSS version 26.0. Results: Average age for patients in this study was 42 years old. 87.5% of patients involved in this study were male, while the remaining 12.5% were female. The ethnicity of the majority of patients were Malays (77.5%) and the other ethnicities involved were Chinese, Indians and Bangladeshi, with a total of 22.5%. Multiple intracranial injuries were suffered by 57.5% of our study population, Subdural Hemorrhage, Extradural Hemorrhage, Contusional bleed, and Diffuse Axonal Injury were seen respectively in 20%, 10% 7.5% and 5% of the study population. At six months, the unfavourable outcome for serial serum albumin in patients with severe head injury patients was 62.5%, while the favourable outcome was 37.5%. Serum albumin of 30 g/L or less than 30g/L at day 1,3 and 5 post-trauma was noted to have unfavourable outcomes compared to serum albumin level of more than 30g/L. Conclusion: Serum albumin is an independent predictor of outcome in severe TBI patients. However, larger prospective studies are required to verify these findings.

Distribution of heavy metals (arsenic, cobalt, copper and zinc) composition and bacterial communities in sediments along tropical river east coast Malaysia

Distribution of heavy metals (arsenic, cobalt, copper and zinc) composition and bacterial communities in sediments along tropical river east coast Malaysia

Sustainability of Malay Traditional Silverware Industry in the East Coast Region of Malaysia

Objective: The traditional Malay silverware industries in Malaysia that have existed for more than 200 years began to deteriorate from time to time. Silverware is a craft field with its uniqueness and almost extinction hereditary since 1948 on the East Coast of Malaysia. In this context, innovation and sustainability play a vital role in the design and product development.&#x0D; Methodology: Research information is collected through field research: direct observation, participant observation, ethnography, qualitative interviews, and case studies. In addition, this study is supported by previous studies in scholarly journals, books, documents, and reports from relevant sources, local government agencies, newspapers, and other reliable website sources.&#x0D; Findings: In conclusion, the silverware craft industry is facing a bleak future with no implementation of the proper measure. It should be concerned that the sector will one-day face extinction.&#x0D; Implications: The most important parties to take off the efforts are the government bodies, the local community, and the higher education level to initiate collaboration programs on sustaining the Malay traditional silverware industries to the next level. As concerned, a focus group discussion is needed to see and fulfill the needs of the industry, consumers, and future generation.

Outcomes and Determinant Factors of Percutaneous Transcatheter Occlusion among Children with Patent Ductus Arteriosus in the East Coast Malaysia: A 10 Year Experience

Introduction: Transcatheter closure was a well-established procedure in patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The aim of the study was to determine the outcomes, median time and PDAs closure from diagnosis and the predictive factors which influenced the decision for PDA closure. Material and methods: A 10-year retrospective record review was performed involving patients who had undergone transcatheter closure of PDA from January 2007 to January 2017 at a single centre in the North-eastern of Peninsular Malaysia. Descriptive statistics were used to examine all variables. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was applied to determine median time for diagnosis and transcatheter closure of PDA. Multiple Cox regression analysis was used to identify predictors for early intervention of PDA closure. Results: A total of 123 patients were recruited with 65.9% of them were predominantly female. The age at the time of diagnosis was between 4-day to 14.5-year-old and median age for undergoing the procedure was 2.6-year-old (range:3-month to 15.8-year-old). The PDA size ranged between 0.2-12mm with 59% of the patients had large size PDA. Successful closure rate was achieved in 96.2 % with 3.8 % having very minimal residual shunt at 2 years post procedure. Complications were noted in 17 patients (4.0% major, 9.8% minor). Overall, the median time to diagnose and to close PDA were 6 months and 16.9 months respectively. Earlier intervention was likely to be performed in younger children (p&lt;0.001) with weight of less than 10 kg (p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: Transcatheter device closure was safe and effective in children with PDA with excellent outcome and minimal complication. Age and weight were the determinant factors for early PDA closure.

Sustainability of Malay Traditional Silverware in the East Coast region of Malaysia

The traditional Malay silverware industries in Malaysia that have existed for more than 200 years began to deteriorate from time to time. Silverware is a craft field with its uniqueness and almost extinction hereditary since 1948 on the East Coast of Malaysia. In this context, innovation and sustainability play a vital role in the design and product development. This study is to investigate and identify the current development of Malay traditional silverware and its relation to Sustainable Design Goals parallel with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030. The silverware industry growth is significant among the local community to sustain for gloomy future.

Students' Attitudes to the Implementation of Vocabulary Learning Strategies in Writing Task

Vocabulary is paramount in language learning. Learners can strategize vocabulary learning using vocabulary learning strategies (VLS), namely memory, cognitive compensation, metacognitive, social, affective, and determination. If used appropriately, VLS can help learners in writing. The study investigates the level of students' attitudes and use of VLS in writing. Also, it examines the male and female students in their attitudes and the use of VLS in writing. Finally, it investigates students' attitudes in writing according to their English grades. A quantitative research method, namely a survey, was employed as the research design in the study. It employed 71 diploma students taking engineering majors in one of the technical universities on the East Coast of Malaysia. The study found that students demonstrated a moderately high attitude in writing but moderately low VLS scores. There was also no significant difference in the attitudes and use of VLS between genders. Finally, there was insufficient evidence to show a significant difference in attitudes and English grades. Nevertheless, the study implied a need to familiarize the students with VLS to improve their writing skills. However, students were not required to use all the VLS as some VLS might be appropriate for a particular task but not the others.