Kota Setar Research Articles

MY DIABETES APPS: IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE, COMPLIANCE, AND CONTROL IN UNCONTROLLED TYPE 2 DIABETES PATIENTS IN KEDAH, MALAYSIA

Introduction: Usage of mobile applications can be the game changer in managing diabetes patients and reducing the percentage of uncontrolled diabetes cases in Malaysia. This study aimed to measure the effectiveness of the locally developed diabetes mobile applications in improving knowledge, compliance and control of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. Methods: In the first phase, content of the mobile application was developed using Nominal Group Technique discussion by 11 experts. The produced prototype, My Diabetes Apps© undergone the second phase of pilot study for validation, SKAMA evaluation form. Final third phase interventional study was conducted in two districts in the state of Kedah (Kuala Muda as the control group, Kota Setar as the intervention group), involving eight health clinics. 82 respondents were selected using multi-stage random sampling technique among uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus patients over four months. Results: Thirteen key contents recommended by the expert panels as mandatorily important for diabetic patients. The mean(±sd) usability score of My Diabetes Apps was 86 (±10.90), indicating the usability of the mobile application. The intervention study found there was significant difference in the mean knowledge score between the control group and the intervention group [F(1.79)=42.27; p<0.001] and mean HbA1C between groups pre and post intervention [F(1.79)= 6.03; p=0.016]. No difference in the mean value of the compliance score between the two groups [F(1.79)=1.58; p=0.212]. Conclusion: My Diabetes Apps© proved to be improve patient knowledge and helpful in diabetic control. Integrating the technology in patient’s care improves patients’ self-efficacy and monitoring of diabetes.

The COVID-19 pandemic related stress and the associated factors among the healthcare workers in Kota Setar District Health Office, Malaysia.

The COVID-19 pandemic is the most significant worldwide health catastrophe, with massive impacts observed particularly among the healthcare workers. Stress among healthcare workers is a significant and pervasive issue that can have profound implications for both the well-being of healthcare professionals and the quality of patient care. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated factors among the healthcare workers (HCWs). A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted involving 533 HCWs in Kota Setar District Health Office. Related data was collected between January and June 2021. Stress was measured using the Depression Anxiety Depression Scale 21 (DASS-21). Other variables included in this study were sociodemographic and employment factors. The associated factors and predictors were determined by employing chi-square test and multivariate logistic models. COVID-19 related stress was reported at 10.5%. HCWs who work at the district health offices and those with degree or higher qualifications had 2.3 (AOR = 2.310, 95% CI: 1.177-4.535) and 3 (AOR = 2.899, 95% CI: 1.613-5.211) higher odds of experiencing stress compared to those working in the clinics and had lower qualifications (diploma or less). The mental wellbeing of the HCWs participated in this study had been affected negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in one in 10th of the HCWs were experiencing stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, with higher risk observed among those working at the district health office and HCWs with higher qualifications or ranking. This is expected since COVID-19 was a new and unprecedented outbreak associated with massive number of mortalities that requires active contact tracing and surveillance which commonly conducted at district health office level. Active intervention needed to cope with the overwhelming stress and working condition to ensure effective rehabilitation are in place and quality of work were not jeopardized.

Prevalence and description of digital device use among preschool children: A cross-sectional study in Kota Setar District, Kedah.

Digital device helps children enhance academic, cognitive and psychomotor skills. However, prolonged use causes physical inactivity, poor interpersonal skills and communication problems. Information on digital device use among young children in Malaysia is currently limited. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of digital device utilisation among preschool children in Kota Setar District, Kedah. A cross-sectional study at government preschools in Kota Setar District was conducted from February to April 2020. Selection of preschools and students was done using multistage simple randomisation. A self-administered questionnaire containing demographic and digital device use details was filled by parents. The prevalence of digital device use among preschool children was 95.9% and mostly used smartphones (94.2%). Most children (95%) did not own the device, and usage was under supervision (95.7%). The reason for supervision was to prevent exposure to inappropriate content (70.5%). The common reasons for allowing digital device use were for educational (37.4%) and entertainment purposes (36%) through videos (30.9%) and games (30.2%). Approximately 21.5% and 50.3% of the children spent more than 1 and 2 hours on digital devices during weekdays and weekends, respectively. The prevalence of digital device use among the preschool children in Kota Setar District was very high. Most of them used digital devices for educational and entertainment purposes under parental supervision. However, some exceeded the recommended screen time on weekends. These findings could promote awareness of digital device use among young children and help design public health awareness programmes and future policies.

KEPIMPINAN INSTRUKSIONAL PENGETUA DAN EFIKASI GURU DI SEKOLAH MENENGAH KEBANGSAAN DAERAH KOTA SETAR

This study examines the relationship between Principals' Instructional Leadership and Teacher Efficacy in Secondary Schools in the district of Kota Setar, Kedah. Quantitative methods using a survey approach through questionnaires were applied to examine Principals ’Instructional Leadership and Teacher Efficacy. A total of 1480 teachers serving in 84 Secondary Schools in Kota Setar District were involved as a population in this study. Meanwhile, a total of 306 teachers were selected as the study sample. Simple random sampling was used to select the sample of the study. The questionnaire is the main instrument of this study. The instrument is adapted from Principal Instructional Management Rating Scale (PIMRS) contain 25 item and Teacher Self Efficacy Scale contain 23 items with high reliability, Principal Instructional Leadership Style (α = 0.95) and Teacher Efficacy (α = 0.90). Data were analyzed using Descriptive and Inferential Statistics. The findings of the study showed that all the principals practiced Instructional Leadership at a high level. This study shows that there is a significant relationship between Principal Instructional Leadership and Teacher Efficacy, and the relationship is positive and at a moderate level. The findings of this study have made a significant contribution to the field of knowledge by highlighting the relationship between the Principal Instructional Leadership variable and Teacher Efficacy variable.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THALASSAEMIA CARRIER AMONG FORM FOUR STUDENTS IN KEDAH, MALAYSIA

Thalassaemia and abnormal haemoglobins are the most common genetic disorder worldwide. School-based screening thalassaemia program for form four students was introduced with the objective to screen for the thalassaemia status. There is paucity in the data in Kedah on distribution of thalassaemia carrier and the associated factors. Hence this study aims to identify the factors associated with being a thalassaemia carrier and to describe the laboratory cost for the thalassaemia screening. This study used secondary data from the school-based thalassaemia screening in 2018 obtained from Kedah State Health Department. Results showed the prevalence of thalassaemia carrier among form four students in Kedah was 10.91%. Multivariate logistic regression showed that students from Baling, Padang Terap and Yan were 1.40, 1.34 and 1.23 times more likely to be a thalassaemia carrier respectively compared to Kota Setar (aOR Baling 1.40;95% CI 1.21,1.64; aOR Padang Terap 1.34;95% CI 1.11,1.61 and aOR Yan 1.23;95% CI 1.03,1.47). Malay and Siamese students were five times more likely be thalassaemia carriers compared to Indian (aOR Malay 5.16;95%CI 3.42,7.79, aOR Siamese 5.63;95%CI 3.19,9.97). Meanwhile, Chinese students had 2.61 higher odds to be a thalassaemia carrier compared to Indian (aOR Chinese 2.61;95%CI 1.65,4.12). The laboratory cost for the thalassaemia screening ranged from RM2.14 to RM142.14 per participant. As for conclusion, this study reported high prevalence (10.91%) of thalassaemia carriers in Kedah. Our study also confirmed that the district and the ethnicity significantly influenced the thalassaemia carrier status. The identified factors should inform future thalassaemia campaign to prevent higher prevalence of thalassaemia patients.

The Development of English Education in Kota Setar, 1909-1957

This research aims to study the development of English education in Kota Setar from 1909 to 1957. Before the colonization of the British, Kota Setar used informal education system. After the Bangkok Treaty 1909 was signed, Kedah was put under British influence. With that, the British have changed the administration system in Kedah especially in the English education in Kota Setar. This study uses qualitative methods by reference in libraries and archives. The information is obtained through primary and secondary sources. The primary source is from the analysis of documents such as the Annual Report, and Government Secretary (SUK) files from the National Archives. While the secondary sources obtained from scholarly papers from the National Archives, University of Malaya (UM), Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) and National University of Malaysia (UKM). This study found that the British had made changes in English education and expanded English education in Kota Setar. Initially, Kota Setar implemented an informal and traditional education system such as indirect learning from pondok and mosques. After the British occupation, English education system has given the local community the opportunity in learning English to improve their standard of living. Therefore, the study was conducted to review the development of English education brought in by the British to help improve the state's administration as well as improving the standard of living of the local community in Kota Setar, Kedah.

A Study of Mosque Mimbar Entrance

One of the mosque component or elements is mimbar. Mimbar is a place where khatib giving khutbah or speech. This research is about a study of mosque mimbar entrance. The aim of study is to identify mosque mimbar entrance typology. This study through observation of Mosque mimbar around Kota Setar district. Data collected by taking photograph and site visit. As a result, based on data collected shows that there are several type of mosque mimbar entrance which is entrance from front, side and from back. Most of the mosque mimbar entrance is from the front which is facing qiblat.

Chinese Academic Leadership from the Perspective of Confucian Virtues and its Effects on Teacher Commitment

The effect of principal leadership on school outcomes is contextually and culturally specific. However, the influence of Chinese academic leadership on teacher commitment has received less attention in the literature. This study aims to examine the direct relationships between Chinese academic leadership and four dimensions of teacher commitment, namely (a) commitment to teaching, (b) commitment to students, (c) commitment to profession, and (d) commitment to school. Data were collected from 260 teachers who worked in 15 National-Type Chinese Primary Schools (NTCPS) in Kota Setar district in Kedah. This study utilised descriptive statistics and partial least squares structural equation modelling approach using WarpPLS 5.0 software for data analysis. Findings revealed the levels of the five dimensions of Chinese academic leadership were moderate. Chinese academic leadership was positively related to commitment to school (I² = 0.468, p < .001), commitment to students (I² = 0.327, p < .001), commitment to profession (I² = 0.275, p < .001), and commitment to teaching (I² = 0.356, p < .001). Implications and future studies are presented.

Effectiveness of the ColorApp Mobile App for Health Education and Promotion for Colorectal Cancer: Quasi-Experimental Study.

BackgroundLack of knowledge and poor attitude are barriers to colorectal cancer screening participation. Printed material, such as pamphlets and posters, have been the main approach in health education on disease prevention in Malaysia. Current information technology advancements have led to an increasing trend of the public reading from websites and mobile apps using their mobile phones. Thus, health information dissemination should also be diverted to websites and mobile apps. Increasing knowledge and awareness could increase screening participation and prevent late detection of diseases such as colorectal cancer.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the ColorApp mobile app in improving the knowledge and attitude on colorectal cancer among users aged 50 years and older, who are the population at risk for the disease in Kedah.MethodsA quasi-experimental study was conducted with 100 participants in Kedah, Malaysia. Participants from five randomly selected community empowerment programs in Kota Setar district were in the intervention group; Kuala Muda district was the control group. Participants were given a self-administered validated questionnaire on knowledge and attitudes toward colorectal cancer. A mobile app, ColorApp (Colorectal Cancer Application), was developed as a new educational tool for colorectal cancer prevention. The intervention group used the app for two weeks. The same questionnaire was redistributed to both groups after two weeks. The mean percentage scores for knowledge and attitude between groups were compared using repeated measure ANCOVA.ResultsThere was no significant difference in age, sex, highest education level, current occupation, and diabetic status between the two groups. The number of smokers was significantly higher in the intervention group compared with the control group and was controlled for during analysis. The intervention group showed a significantly higher mean knowledge score compared with the control group with regards to time (Huynh-Feldt: F1,95=19.81, P<.001). However, there was no significant difference in mean attitude scores between the intervention and control groups with regards to time (F1,95=0.36, P=.55).ConclusionsThe ColorApp mobile app may be an adjunct approach in educating the public on colorectal cancer.

OPTIMAL OFF POINT DETERMINATION IN ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM USING RISK ASSESSMENT

In normal operation of distribution systems, protection systems are important for reliability and efficiency measures. For reliability enhancement of primary loop distribution systems, off points are normally located in midway between substations. Off point in networks allow the continued supply of electric to customer during faults as the feeder is separated into two sections, between two substations. Once a fault is cleared, then the faulted section can be reconfigured to accept supply from the unfaulted section. This is known as load restoration in network distribution system. Currently, off points are allocated using load flows and based on the engineer’s experience. However this method does not optimize the reliability to customers, as it does not take into account the risk allocation to customers. To overcome this, the research proposed a risk-based analysis, which can determine an optimal off point location. The analysis used a real network between PMU Kota Setar and PMU Kota Sarang Semut, Kedah, Malaysia. Actual field data from varying utilities were used for completion of this project. Six scenarios were developed to get a clear view of the total impact of risk with varying locations of off point. It is shown that the method proposed in this project gives a better indication for the optimal determination off point in electrical power distribution systems compared to the commonly used method.

Prescribing Patterns for upper Respiratory Tract Infections: A Prescription-Review of Primary Care Practice in Kota Setar District, Kedah, Malaysia

Prescribing Patterns for upper Respiratory Tract Infections: A Prescription-Review of Primary Care Practice in Kota Setar District, Kedah, Malaysia

Demographic characteristics and intravenous drug use among hepatitis C patients in the Kota Setar district, Kedah, Malaysia.

OBJECTIVES:This study explored the demographic characteristics of hepatitis C patients in the Kota Setar (KS) district, Kedah, Malaysia, the prevalence of intravenous drug use (IVDU) as a risk factor among these patients, and the associations between IVDU and demographic characteristics.METHODS:Retrospective data pertaining to 713 patients from January 2009 to December 2013 were retrieved from hospital and disease notification records for analysis. The risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were grouped into IVDU and non-IVDU risk factors for analysis using multiple logistic regression.RESULTS:Of the hepatitis C patients included in this study, the most common age group was 31 to 40 years (30.2%), and male patients (91.2%) made up the overwhelming majority. Ethnic Malays constituted approximately 80.4% of the patients, and IVDU was the main risk factor (77.8%) for HCV infection. Multiple logistic regression showed that male patients were 59 times more likely to have IVDU as a risk factor for HCV infection. Single patients were 2.5 times more likely to have IVDU as a risk factor. Patients aged ≥71 years were much less likely than patients aged ≤30 years to have IVDU as a risk factor for HCV infection.CONCLUSIONS:IVDU was found to be an important risk factor for HCV infection among patients in the KS district. The factors associated with IVDU included age, sex, and marital status. Appropriate preventive measures should be developed to target the groups in which IVDU is most likely to be a risk factor for HCV infection.

The Relationsip between Culture and Organizational Commitment among Chinese Primary School Teachers

The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between school culture and organizational commitment. The study focused on twenty three Primary Chinese Schools (SJKC) in Kota Setar, Kedah, Malaysia. 200 teachers were randomly selected to be the respondents where they were asked to complete the School Culture Inventory (SCI) (Maslowski, 2001) questionnaire to test the school culture while Organizational Commitment (OC) (Meyer & Allen , 1990) to examine teachers’ commitment. Descriptive statistics of the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 19. 0 were used to analyze the data to determine the frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Using Alpha Cronbachs, the reliability test of the instrument is 0. 90. To test the school culture and organizational commitment, statistical methods, descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Data collected was found to be not normal (K-S test) where Spearman correlation p􀀀0. 05. Findings indicate that school culture is related to organizational commitment. Dimensions of human relations, open system, rational goal, internal process showed positive and significant relationships with organizational commitment, thus, proving that school culture is a predictor of organizational commitment. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n2s5p93

Food Handlers Understanding about Health Aspects at Eatery Premises in the State of Kedah: Pre and Post Training Programme for Food Handlers (LPM)

This article will discuss the differences before and after food handlers attending a course to understand the safety and hygiene of their eatery premises by looking at three aspects; i.e. food hygiene, personal hygiene and eatery premises hygiene. This is a fieldwork observation research using a survey method (questionnaire) conducted on a population of food handlers who attended a course organised by SLPM. The overall population consists of approximately 8000 food operators who were undergoing trainings for food handlers throughout the state of Kedah. The number of respondent who answered the questionnaires at the pre-programme and post-programme was 400 food handlers who were at that time undergoing food handlers’ trainings at schools appointed by LPM specially chosen as the sample of this study. The researchers focused only on the setting of the study which are all the way through the entire state of Kedah looking at the districts of Kulim, Kuala Muda, Kota Setar, Alor Setar and Langkawi. The analysis on the level of understanding about health among food handlers revealed that overall, food handlers responded that they really understand the importance of health in order to administer their business. The result about the overall understanding about health, indicating that before underwent the training, the level of understanding about overall health among the food providers was already high, indicating that they understand that health. Overall, the understanding of the importance of health in the running of business premises indicates a high level. In comparing the understanding level of pre-programme and post-programme, the study reveals that food handlers have already understood the importance of keeping their food, self and premises hygienic while running their business even before they underwent the course module, and their level of understanding increased after attending the course. However, the ministry should always stay alert and sensitive so as this would continue. Leaving this issue unattended will only cause a loss to the food handlers’ business because the understanding of food, personal and premise hygiene is very much vital because it is the pull factor that attract customers to go to their premises of which in the end will prosper their business.

Factors Affecting Cooperatives’ Performance in Relation to Strategic Planning and Members’ Participation

The cooperative society plays significant roles towards the economic development in Malaysia. It was first established in 1922 to protect the welfare of rural people and has expanded its establishment until today. With the aim to help its members, it is said that cooperative needs to accelerate its performance. However, there are issues regarding its weaknessess, especially in the management, financial and members’ participation. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors influencing its performance through strategic planning and members’ participation. Questionnaires constructed have been distributed among cooperatives board members in Kota Setar District, Malaysia. The findings provide guidance for the cooperative to improve its shortcomings performance towards realizing the National Cooperative Policy 2011-2020.

PAS in Kedah: cultural politics of pigs and development

On March 8, 2008, PAS led the coalition to victory in Kedah, winning 16 seats, while Barisan National won only 14 state seats. This paper highlights cultural dimensions of the shift from BN to the opposition coalition in this state of the Malay heartland. The PAS manifesto and campaign speeches in Kedah emphasized Islamic ethics, a just, clean, and pure government which would strive to improve the conditions of all the people. These notions of a “just” and “unmixed” party struggling to “strengthen Islam” resonated with many Malays in Kedah. In contrast, UMNO was depicted as corrupt practitioners of bribes and money politics who prioritize the interests of the rich over the needy. They were criticized as materialist, elitist figures stuck in their ways like the Pharaoh, while PAS’ commitment to upholding Islam was likened to the prophets. In addition, this paper discusses the way PAS approaches the issue of the “social contract” between Malays and other ethnic groups and the way their construct of Malay identity spoke to many Malay voters. I argue that PAS rhetoric must be viewed as more than political use of Islamic symbols, and that its effectiveness rests in the way it evokes more extensive cultural models. Finally, this paper considers the controversial post-election demolition of a pig slaughterhouse in a predominantly Malay kampong in Kota Setar, Kedah. Here I argue that this case embodies and reaffirms the cultural politics of the general election.

Speciation of heavy metals in paddy soils from selected areas in Kedah and Penang, Malaysia

This study was carried out with the intention of evaluating heavy metal contamination in cultivated paddy areas. The speciation of heavy metals in paddy soils was determined in order to gain insight regarding their origin and distribution in soils. Five sampling sites were randomly selected from Kedah (Yan, Kota Setar, Kubang Pasu district) and Penang (Bumbung Lima district), where the soils constituted marine alluvial deposits. A site in Langkawi, where organic paddy farming is practised was used as the control. The sequential extraction method was adopted in order to obtain the four heavy metal fractions namely the easily leachable and ion exchange (ELFE), acid reducible (AR), oxidizable organic (OO) and resistant (RR) fractions. This study shows that the soil samples were clayey (82 to 96% of grain size Mn>Cr>Cd>Pb>Zn>Cu. Heavy metals such as Pb, Cu, Cr and Zn predominantly occurred in the insoluble form (RR fraction), with the oxides of Fe and Mn incorporated into the clay minerals. Although, the fertilizers and pesticides studied contained low amounts of heavy metals, the elevated amount of amount of Mn and Cd in the soils (ELFE fraction) could possibly be attributed to the longterm and repeated application of these materials to the cultivated paddy areas.

P107. Primary care clinicians’ knowledge of oral cancer: A Study of oral and general physicians in Kuala Muda & Kota Setar Districts, Malaysia

P107. Primary care clinicians’ knowledge of oral cancer: A Study of oral and general physicians in Kuala Muda & Kota Setar Districts, Malaysia

THE PROJECTION OF FUTURE RAINFALL CHANGE OVER KEDAH, MALAYSIA WITH THE STATISTICAL DOWNSCALING MODEL

Climate change is a crucial global issue. The trend of climate change is very important to the agriculture because its uncertainty may cause the reduction in crop yield and economic losses. Therefore, the climate model has been widely used to simulate the future climate variation based on atmospheric circulation pattern (predictors). This study utilized the Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM). The purpose of this paper is to describe the climate variation in Malaysia’s prominent agricultural state, Kedah, in the context of climate change scenario based on the temperature, rainfall intensity, wet and dry spell length. Twenty rainfall stations were selected in Kedah as they had lesser percentage of missing data to control the quality and capability of result. Based on the SDSM simulation result, the climate trend is not much different from the historical data but it is expected to increase continuously for every interval period from the year 2010 to 2099. The increasing of temperature is predictable up to 32oC during south-west monsoon season and 40oC during north-east monsoon season. The rainfall pattern shows that the intensity is estimated to focus on the middle area of Kedah such as Kota Setar, Pendang, Yan, Kuala Muda, Sik, and Baling district and is expected to increase during north-east monsoon season even when the wet spell during that period is relatively short. The longest dry spell which is expected to assault Kedah Peak and Kodiang in the future may cause water scarcity at critical areas.

The Sam-Sams: A Study of Historical and Ethnic Assimilation in Malaysia

The Sam-Sams are Thai-speaking Muslim communities found in the northwestern Malaysian states of Kedah, Perlis, and Perak as well as in some southern Thai provinces of Trang, Phang-nga, Songkhla, and Satun (Setul). Officially, however, there have been no Sam-Sam communities in either Malaysia or Thailand since 1911. They are now regarded as Malays (in Malaysia) or as Thai Muslims (in Thailand). The focus of this study is on the Sam-Sams in three districts of Kedah, namely Kubang Pasu, Padang Terap, and Kota Setar, where the community can still be distinguished from its Malay neighbourhood. The study highlights certain aspects of the Sam-Sams their origin, in particular, and their socio-cultural development and reviews the role of the Sam-Sams in the modern nation-state of Malaysia.