Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Research Articles

Evaluation of the Confidence and Competency of House Officers in Rapid Sequence Intubation (ECCHO-RSI) in Emergency Department of Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre during COVID-19 Pandemic

Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is a procedural skill that house officers (HO) in Malaysia need to learn during their training in emergency department (ED) posting. This study aimed to evaluate the confidence and competency of HO in RSI after completed training in the ED of a university hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 44 HO. When they begin their posting in ED, a pre-test was done with a questionnaire to evaluate their knowledge and confidence level. A post-test was conducted three months later with a similar questionnaire. They underwent an objective structured clinical examination to evaluate their skill. A feedback survey form was filled in by the HO regarding their satisfaction in training in emergency rotation. The mean score for pre-test and post-test were 8.75 ± 3.005 and 14.86 ± 2.258, respectively (P = 0.000). There was an improvement in knowledge level and confidence level between pre-test and post-test (all P = 0.000). 43.2% were competent in knowledge, while 65.9% were competent in skill. 35 house officers filled in the feedback survey form. It showed that 42.9% (n = 15) were very satisfied and 28.6% (n = 10) were satisfied with the training in ED. There was an improvement in knowledge and confidence level in RSI among the HO after ED rotation. The clinical exposure in intubating real patients was limited among HO due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The training of HO for RSI in ED needs to be further improvised to optimize their learning process.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE CHOICES OF CONCENTRATION FIELD AMONG LIBERAL STUDIES STUDENTS IN UKM

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia is the first public university in Malaysia which takes up the challenge to offer Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies. This degree is the first personalized curriculum degree which entitles students to choose their own curriculum structure, which is called concentration field in this program. The concentration field is created by students to fulfil their future personal goals and career. This paper will highlight the fields chosen for their concentration and factors contributing to their decision. The study will use self -administered survey to registered Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies students. The data collected will be analyzed descriptively. Findings show that there are 52 combinations of concentrations fields which cross-disciplines of science, technology, humanities, and social science. Three main factors which influence decision in choosing the concentration field are interest, future career, and academic ability. Two lowest factors are parents and peers influence. This study suggests a model of success for Liberal Studies students includes three internal factors i.e., interest, ambition and academic ability, and three external support which are parents, peers and the university. This paper will give insights to other higher education institutions that are interested in offering this future-focused curriculum in line with the aspiration of the Malaysian Education Blueprint. Keywords: Liberal studies; Concentration, Citra UKM; Malaysian Education Blueprint; Future-focused curriculum.

Perceived Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Stress amongst Staff in a Malaysian Public University: A Workers Survey.

Mental health conditions are a major part of workers’ health that predisposes to poor self-motivation for sustaining productivity. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among staff in a Malaysian public university and its associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 459 staff from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) between April and June 2019. A questionnaire that consisted of items on socio-demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, employment description, lifestyle risk behaviors, personal medical history, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress was administered to participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted using SPSS version 22.0. The prevalence of perceived symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among the respondents was 28.7%, 50.1%, and 14.8%, respectively. Over one-quarter (26.5%) of the participants presented symptoms of two or more mental disorders. Women, those aged less than 40 years old, and non-academic professionals were more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms, while those with medical conditions that required hospitalizations sustained anxiety symptoms. Perceived stress was more likely to be prevalent among staff with secondary education or less and smokers. Proactive support for staff needs to be offered in sustaining their emotional well-being.

Incidence and clinicopathological features of colorectal cancer among multi-ethnic patients in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: a hospital-based retrospective analysis over two decades.

BackgroundThe incidence rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Asian countries is increasing. Furthermore, recent studies have shown a concerning rise in the incidence of CRC among younger patients aged less than 50 years. This study aimed to analyze the incidence trends and clinicopathological features in patients with early-onset CRC (EOCRC) and later-onset CRC (at age ≥ 50 years).MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 946 patients with CRC diagnosed from 1997 to 2017 at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre. The time trend was assessed by dividing the two decades into four 5-year periods. The mean age-standardized and age-specific incidence rates were calculated by using the 5-year cumulative population of Kuala Lumpur and World Health Organization standard population. The mean incidence was expressed per 100,000 person-years.ResultsAfter a stable (all age groups) CRC incidence rate during the first decade (3.00 per 100,000 and 3.85 per 100,000), it sharply increased to 6.12 per 100,000 in the 2008–2012 period before decreasing to 4.54 per 100,000 in the 2013–2017 period. The CRC incidence trend in later-onset CRC showed a decrease in the 2013–2017 period. Contrariwise, for age groups of 40–44 and 45–49 years, the trends showed an increase in the latter 15 years of the study period (40–44 years: 1.44 to 1.92 to 2.3 per 100,000; 45–49 years: 2.87 to 2.94 to 4.01 per 100,000). Malays’ EOCRC incidence rate increased from 2008–2012 to 2013–2017 for both the age groups 40–44 years (1.46 to 2.89 per 100,000) and 45–49 years (2.73 to 6.51 per 100,000). Nearly one-fifth of EOCRC cases were diagnosed at an advanced stage (Dukes D: 19.9%), and the majority of them had rectal cancer (72.8%).ConclusionThe incidence of EOCRC increased over the period 1997–2017; the patients were predominantly Malays, diagnosed at a later stage, and with cancer commonly localized in the rectal region. All the relevant stakeholders need to work on the management and prevention of CRC in Malaysia.

Evaluation of previous management against a developed clinical pathway for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center.

The study aims to evaluate previous management of CRSwNP patients in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC) against a developed CP.Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) has high economic burden and impacts patient's quality of life. Implementation of clinical pathway (CP) can standardize care while optimizing resources.Analytical cross-sectionalThis study utilized medical records of 103 CRSwNP patients at UKMMC otorhinolaryngology clinic from 2010 to 2015. Patients were divided into groups who underwent or did not undergo surgery. Information was obtained regarding sociodemographic, follow-ups, pharmaceutical regimes, and treatment cost. Cost analysis was done using top-down analysis and activity-based costing and CP was formulated. Cost was calculated using year 2020 rates to adjust for inflation. (United States Dollars [USD]1 = Ringgit Malaysia [RM] 4.2015)Study showed non-CP patients were undertreated compared to CP. This affects clinical outcomes as optimal treatment demanded by CP was not achieved. Total cost for non-CP, non-surgery patients were lower (USD660) compared to CP (USD780) due to under treatment and shorter follow-ups. Meanwhile, total cost for non-CP surgery patients were higher (USD3600) compared to CP (USD2706) due to longer visit durations and hospital stays. Non-CP surgery group underwent lengthy follow-up duration (20.7 months) prior to operation compared to 12 months expected in CP.Study showed non-CP patients were undertreated compared to CP. We identified aspects which resulted in resource wastage and unnecessary burden to our healthcare system. This study enables development of a written CP by fine-tuning various aspects of CP which could be applied to our future practice.

Normative data of olfactory abilities using cultural adaption Sniffin' sticks smell test in different age groups.

Objectives:To assess olfactory abilities using a culturally adapted Sniffin’ Sticks smell test in different age groups.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study, conducted at Otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Secondary Science School, and Children Learning Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from August 2019 until December 2021.Results:In 450 healthy participants, the cut-off points of the threshold discrimination identification (TDI) scores at the 10th percentile for olfactory abilities were 19 in children, 30.1 in adolescents, 32.1 in young adults, 31.1 in middle-aged adults, and 28.6 in older adults. The children had significantly lower olfactory abilities, with the Bonferroni post-hoc tests of p<0.001. The young adults had higher olfactory abilities than older adults (p<0.05). The results showed that the identification score was highest in middle-aged adults (p<0.001). The discrimination score was the highest in young adults (p<0.001). The best odor threshold performance was observed in adolescents (p<0.001). The TDI score showed a significant difference in olfactory abilities between men and women (p=0.001).Conclusion:Using a culturally adapted smell test, our population was able to identify, discriminate, and perceive odorants better than the European population. This data will help clinicians and researchers with a tool to reliably establish the correct results of olfactory function in our population. Women had better olfactory abilities than men.

Nearby Pockets for Promoting Students' Social Interaction on Malaysian Campus Ground

Recently, nearby pockets on campus ground have become an important tool to improve academic outcomes by enhancing students’ social-learning activities. However, nearby open spaces and pocket parks of Malaysian universities lack the promotion of social interaction and informal activities that affect the academic experience, especially in the outdoor spaces. Therefore, there is a need to enhance students' social interaction on campus ground in Malaysian universities. This study aims to understand the preferred attributes of nearby pocket parks in Malaysian universities to predict students’ social interaction. This study employed a visual preference survey (VPS) conducted in three Malaysian universities, including Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), to assess the visual preferences of 415 students toward six pocket parks photographs. Multiple regression analysis was used to predict the relationship between students' social interaction and preferred pocket parks. The results indicate that students preferred pockets that provide variety in softscape and activities as well as offer proper hardscape and shade to enhance their social interaction. The results also show that students from different ethnicities, education status and universities have different social interaction levels on Malaysian campus grounds. The current study contributes to integrating nearby pocket parks in outdoor social interaction to improve campus urban design and academic experience. Hence, the study's findings are of great importance for policymakers, architects, landscape architects, urban planners, and researchers in the field in creating sustainable-socially responsive campuses.

Factors Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life amongst Employees in a Malaysian Public University.

The current academic landscape has overwhelmed faculties and with demands to adopt tech-savvy teaching modes and accelerate scholarly works, administrative duties, and outreach programs. Such demands have deteriorated the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among university employees. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with HRQoL among university employees in a Malaysian public university. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 397 employees from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) between April and June 2019. A self-administered questionnaire that consisted of socio-demographic items, risky health behaviors, health-related information, and validated scales for measuring employees’ physical inactivity, psychological states, and HRQoL was utilized. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated using SPSS version 23.0. Hierarchical multiple linear regression models were yielded to determine the factors associated with different domains of HRQoL. Mediation analysis was conducted using PROCESS MACRO (Model 4). Statistical significance was set to p < 0.05. Physical HRQoL scored the highest, while environmental HRQoL had the lowest score among the employees. Physical HRQoL was influenced by age, service duration, comorbid conditions, BMI, chronic diseases, and anxiety. Factors associated with psychological HRQoL were age, service duration, depression, and stress. Age, service duration, and chronic diseases affected employees’ social relationship HRQoL, while environmental HRQoL was associated with age, occupation type, chronic diseases, and depression. Socio-demographics, risky health behaviors, health profiles, and psychological attributes were significantly associated with employees’ HRQoL. Age was the only positively correlated factor across all HRQoL domains, while other factors deteriorated employees’ HRQoL.

On-Campus Pocket Parks for Enhancing Outdoor Learning Experience in Malaysian Universities

Recently, small nearby outdoor spaces have become an important tool to improve academic outcomes by enhancing students' social-learning experience. However, nearby open spaces and pocket parks of Malaysian universities lack the absorption of informal and formal outdoor education that may affect the academic experience, especially in the outdoor spaces. Therefore, there is a need to enhance students' on-campus learning experience in Malaysian universities. This study aimed to investigate the visually preferred pocket parks criteria to promote students' learning experience on Malaysian campus grounds; this is in line with the Twelfth Malaysia Plan for 2021-2025. This study employed a visual-verbal preference survey (VVPS) conducted in three Malaysian universities, including Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), to assess the visual preferences of 415 students toward six pocket parks sceneries. Multiple regression analysis was used to predict the relationship between students' outdoor learning experience and preferred pocket parks criteria. The result showed that pocket parks that provide a strong shade, variety in softscape and activities, and bench hardscape contributed to enhancing students' outdoor learning. The result indicated that providing on-campus pocket parks with the preferred design criteria can enhance the learning experience. Thus, the current study contributed to integrating nearby pocket parks in outdoor learning to improve campus urban design and academic experience. The study's findings are of great importance for policymakers and academic administration, landscape and urban planners, and researchers in the field in creating an academically responsive campus.

Preface

Following the success of 2014, 2016 and 2018 International Conference on Science & Technology Applications in Climate Change (STACLIM), the Institute of Climate Change (IPI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is proud to extend our promotion of research and education for the advancement of climate change studies. The 2021 International Conference on Science & Technology Applications in Climate Change (STACLIM 2021) with the theme “Empowering Breakthroughs for Climate Change” is the fourth in the series of conferences organized by IPI. This year the conference was carried out in virtual form through the Webex platform (1 – 2 July 2021) due to the COVID-19 travel restriction. Through the virtual form, the science community is able to share their research findings in time.The aim of this conference is to bring together researchers in fields of Environmental Science, Health Sustainability, Mathematics, Sustainable Energy, Economic Sustainability, Socio-Cultural Studies, Social Science, Atmospheric Science, and related fields, to present their research findings as well as create new opportunities for future research collaborations. This event is envisaged to witness active participation from various eminent environmental and earth scientists, engineers and students from academia, industry and government sectors for addressing complications associated with climate change and to draw forth novel and ground-breaking initiatives and solutions for climate resilience.List of Organizing Committee is available in this pdf.

Reviewer Acknowledgements

Journal of Agricultural Studies (JAS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JAS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 9, Number 3Ahmad Reza Pirali Zefrehei, Gorgan University, IranAlessandra M. Lima Naoe, Federal University of Tocantins, BrazilAlexandru Ioan Apahidean, Univ. of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, RomaniaAna Daniela Lopes, Universidade Paranaense, BrazilAnca-Luiza Stanila, ICPA, RomaniaAndré Luiz Rodrigues Magalhães, UFAPE, BrazilAngel Ramon Sanchez Delgado, Universidade federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, BrazilArnaud Z. Dragicevic, IRSTEA, FranceBenard Kiplangat Rop, University of Nairobi, KenyaCamilla H. M. Camargos, University of Campinas, BrazilCleber Duarte, University of Guararapes, BrazilDarwin Pangaribuan, University of Lampung, IndonesiaEben von Well, Agricultural Research Council, South AfricaEliana Mariela Werbin, National University of Cordoba, ArgentinianEmmanuel E. Omeje, University of Nigeria, NigeriaEric Krawczyk, University of Michigan, USAEric Owusu Danquah, CSIR-Crops Research Institute, GhanaFernando Rodrigues de Amorim, State University of Paulista (UNESP), BrazilGuitong Li, China Agricultural University, ChinaHabu Saleh Hamisu, National Horticultural Research Institute, NigeriaHedayatollah K. Soureshjani, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, IranJacquelin Teresa Camperos Reyes, São Paulo State University (UNESP), BrazilJorge A. López, University Tiradentes, BrazilJuliana Nneka Ikpe, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, NigeriaLuh Suriati, Warmadewa University, IndonesiaMahyar Gerami, Sana Institute of Higher Education, IranMaría Francisca Perera, ITANOA, EEAOC-CONICET, ArgentinaMariana Esteves, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture University of Sao Paulo, BrazilMohamed Mattar, King Saud University, Saudi ArabiaMohammed El Basuini, Kagoshima University, JapanMohammed Jamal Uddin, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), BangladeshNkemkanma Vivian Agi, Rivers State University Port Harcourt, NigeriaOlga Mykhailenko, National University of Pharmacy, UkraineRadu Liviu Sumalan, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary, RomaniaRaul Pașcalău, Banat's University, RomaniaSaiful Irwan Zubairi, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), MalaysiaSarir Ahmad, Abdul Wali Khan University, PakistanShubha Kumari, ICAR-RCER, IndiaSina Nabaei, Azad University, IranSudu Hakuruge Pushpa Malkanthi, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Sri LankaSybelle Mesquita Silva, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, BrazilToncho Gospodinov Penev, Trakia University, BulgariaTugay Ayasan, Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, TurkeyUtkarsh R. Moon, Mahatma Gandhi College of Science, IndiaZakaria Fouad Abdallah, National Research Centre, EgyptZeinab Mohammadi Shad, Iowa State University, USAZhao Chen, Clemson University, USA Richard WilliamsEditorial AssistantJournal of Agricultural Studies--------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesPhone: 1-702-953-1852 ext.521Fax: 1-702-420-2900Email 1: jas@macrothink.orgEmail 2: jas@macrothink.comURL: http://jas.macrothink.org

Characteristics of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in the Malaysian population

Introduction: Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a distinct clinical entity, characterized by focal hyperfluorescence in the early phase of indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), with or without its associated branching vascular network (BVN).Purpose: To report the angiographic characteristics of PCV on ICGA in presumed PCV patients.Study design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.Materials and methods: This study involved 36 suspected PCV patients who attended the Ophthalmology Clinic, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre from June 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013. All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examination including colour fundus photography, ICGA, and fundus fluorescein angiography. ICGA images of confirmed PCV patients were analysed.Results: Twenty-five out of 36 eyes (69.4%) were diagnosed to have PCV based on ICGA. Mean age of confirmed PCV patients was 66.4 ± 8.42 years, with predominance of males (n = 17) and Chinese ethnicity (n = 19). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was between 6/6 and 6/18 in 64%. All 25 patients had unilateral disease. Average size of PCV lesions was 1461.4 ± 864.4 μm. The lesions were mostly concentrated in the extrafoveal region (n = 15, 60%). Lesion formation was cluster in 56% (n = 14), single in 32% (n = 8), string in 4% (n = 1), and combination in 8% (n = 2). The majority involved a single discrete area. Polyp pulsation was detected in six eyes, while seven eyes revealed nodular hyperfluorescence when viewed stereoscopically. BVN was evident in 56% (n = 14). Fifteen eyes demonstrated the hypofluorescent halo, while no hyperfluorescent ring was seen in this study population. Late geographical hyperfluorescence (LGH) was noted in seven eyes (28%). There was no significant association between the morphological characteristics of PCV, i.e., size of lesion, location, formation, discrete area involved, and LGH with BCVA.Conclusion: The demographic, clinical, and angiographic features observed in this study were in agreement with other previously published Asian studies. However, we found no association between the morphological characteristics of PCV with BCVA.

DOES CAFFEINE INTAKE INFLUENCE MENTAL HEALTH OF MEDICAL STUDENTS?

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) consumption among students is known to increase alertness and energy, as well as to alleviate stress. There has been an increase of caffeine consumption amongst young adults. Currently, there are no studies regarding caffeine consumption and its influence on mental health among Malaysians. We aimed to determine the relationship of caffeine consumption with depression, anxiety and stress among medical students. A cross sectional study was conducted among medical students in the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Data were collected via an online survey using two questionnaires, namely the semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaires on Caffeine Intake and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). A total of 262 medical students completed the survey. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 9.2%, 16.8% and 1.1%, respectively. Majority of students (98.5%) consumed caffeine from coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks and chocolate drinks/food. The median daily caffeine consumption among consumers was 67.98 (25th,75th percentile: 24.83, 139.71) mg/day. There was a significant association between race and anxiety (p=0.038) in which the Malay students had the highest prevalence (21.1%), followed by Indian (16.1%), other races (15.4%) and Chinese students (3.8%). Caffeine consumption did not influence mental health of medical students in this study. Anxiety is the most prominent mental health problem among them. We recommend a programme tailored to medical students in recognising symptoms of mental health problems so that early intervention can be carried out.

An Examination on the Students’ Perceptions towards the Effectiveness of Using Game-Based Learning in Learning the English Language for Students in Higher Education

The use of games in educational settings and for learning purposes is not a new phenomenon. Given the level of engagement that games generate for a wide range of people, as well as the types of individual and social activities they enable, proponents have argued that games are an ideal medium for learning. As a result, the concept of game-based learning is being introduced. The first drawback is that the scientific area on the effectiveness of using game-based learning in English language learning is too broad and requires more research and the study participants in the papers examined were in primary and secondary schools. The primary goal of this study was to examine students' perceptions of the effectiveness of using game-based learning to learn English for students in higher education. Hundreds of higher education students took part in this study, which used a mixed research method. The perceptions of students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSK) were collected through a questionnaire, and three of them were interviewed. The findings of this study showed that higher students produced a range of conceptions about using games in learning English that were similar to those reported in the current literature. The outcomes of the research below have shown that most of the higher education students believe that game-based learning methods are effective in learning the English language and different from traditional or conventional methods.

Academicians’ Term of Experience on Sharing of Knowledge in Malaysian University

Knowledge sharing in Malaysian University is a vital driving force to enrich the pool of knowledge as well as offering fresh knowledge to students. However, extensive research in knowledge sharing between university academicians especially with different working experiences has been rather less discussed. This study aimed to identify the contrast between group of academicians with working experience of 10 years and below, with group of academicians with working experience of 11 years and above on three knowledge sharing factors; organizational factor, technological factor and individual factor. This study is conducted over a set of survey instrument among academicians in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Results from this study demonstrated that both groups of academicians approve that all factors are crucial especially knowledge self-efficacy under individual factors, but driving factors that are considered moderately important are organizational rewards under organizational factors and system quality under technical factors. These findings conclude that while there are no main concerns with individual factors of academicians in knowledge sharing, UKM's organization and technology in regards to knowledge sharing has rooms for improvement, specifically on organizational rewards and system quality.

PTEN protein expression has role in predicting disease-free-interval in endometrioid endometrial carcinoma.

To determine the significance of tumour PTEN protein expression in endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC) and it is correlation with tumour characteristics. A total of 30 eligible archived paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from 61 EEC cases (January 2015-December 2017) were retrieved from the Histopathology Laboratory in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) following institutional ethic approval. For PTEN protein detection, immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed and the data was correlated with clinicopathologic parameters. Fourteen samples (46.7%) showed positive PTEN protein expression, while 16 (53.3%) were negative. The mean age was 62.00±9.51 years old, while the mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 27.28±7.16kg/m2. There was no significant difference between age (p=0.27, 95% CI:-10.98 to 3.21) and BMI (p=0.67, 95% CI:-4.30 to 6.58) with PTEN protein expression. There were significant correlation between PTEN protein expression with myometrial invasion (p=0.010), but not with lymphovascular space invasion (p=0.743), grade (p=0.532), stage (p=0.733) and CA-125 level (p=0.47). The higher stage correlates with the presence of LVSI (p=0.002). PTEN positive associated with longer disease-free-interval (p=0.025), but not improving the overall survival (p=0.38). Positive PTEN protein expression correlates with less myometrial invasion.

Digital learning in medical education: comparing experiences of Malaysian and Japanese students

BackgroundMedical education has undergone a transformation from conventional to digital learning, enabling learning without any time and place restrictions. Nevertheless, the actual trends of usage and its impact on learning motivation among medical students between developed and developing nations are yet to be investigated. Hence, this study compares the effect of digital learning on learning motivation among Malaysian and Japanese medical students in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Shiga University of Medical Science (SUMS) respectively.MethodsA modified Students Motivation towards Science Learning (SMTSL) was used to assess the digital learning usage and learning motivation among 150 UKM and 147 SUMS medical students throughout Year 1 to 5.ResultsThe frequency of digital learning usage and learning motivation among UKM medical students was significantly higher as compared to SUMS (p < 0.001). Electronic books (e-books) were the most preferred source of digital learning among UKM medical students as compared to SUMS medical students who used research articles, e-books, online courses and videos at similar frequencies. UKM medical students in the clinical phase exhibited a significantly higher learning motivation as compared to preclinical students (p < 0.05) but not among SUMS medical students.ConclusionA suitable learning environment should be developed to encourage digital learning usage among different levels of medical students to enhance its complementary role in medical education and augment the level of motivation among medical students in continuous lifelong learning.

A study of the factors affecting the academic performance of postgraduate examinees in the Master of Medicine (Anesthesiology) Part-1 examination

Background: It has been observed that some candidates do very well in postgraduate examinations and get through in the very first attempt, whereas the others may not do very well and have to go for multiple attempts to get through the same examination. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting the performance and the success rate in the first attempt in the Master of Medicine (Anesthesiology) Part–1 examination. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study involving 73 postgraduate candidates who passed the Master of Medicine (Anesthesiology) Part–1 examination between 2016 and 2017. The candidates were required to respond to various questions about various factors assumed to be affecting their performance, including sociodemographic factors, pre–training, and in–training factors. Statistical analysis of the received responses was done and linked to the performance in the Part-1 examination. Results: The candidates with more than 5 y of medical service had 85% lower odds than those with 5 or fewer years (adjusted OR 0.15; 95% CI 0.03–0.81; p = 0.027). Those who passed the entrance examination after 2 or more attempts also had 80% lower odds than those who passed at the first attempt (adjusted OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.06–0.70; p = 0.011). The odds of the candidates who often had small-group discussions during their study leave were 16.21 times higher to pass than those who seldom had any discussion (adjusted OR 16.21; 95% CI 1.81–145.41; p = 0.013). Conclusions: The success in the Master of Medicine (Anesthesiology) Part–1 examination in first attempt was determined by a shorter duration of medical service, single attempt at the entrance examination, and regular small-group discussions. Key words: Anesthesiology; Postgraduate; Medicine; Examination; Candidate Abbreviations: UKM – Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; USM – Universiti Sains Malaysia; OSCE – Objective Structured Clinical Examination; SPM – Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia Citation: Yusoff ATM, Hassan WMNW, Hassan MH, Yusoff MSB, Shukeri WFWM, Yaacob NM. A study of the factors affecting the academic performance of postgraduate examinees in the Master of Medicine (Anesthesiology) Part-1 examination. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2021;25(4):478–486. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v25i4.1568 Received: April 16, 2021, Reviewed: May 30, 2021, Accepted: 2 June 2021

Radiograph’s Reject Rate Among Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Dental Undergraduates And Its Implications

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reject rate of periapical and bitewing radiographs among dental undergraduate students of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), identify the type of radiographic errors which are frequently encountered and compare reject rates between Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5 dental undergraduates. 118 rejected periapical radiographs and 27 rejected bitewing radiographs were collected from the UKM dental undergraduates’ polyclinics for a duration of 10 months. These rejected radiographs were further evaluated to determine the type of radiographic error. A spiking increase in periapical radiographs reject rate from Year 3 (4%) to Year 4 (11%) was observed. This finding was consistent with the statistically significant difference in the periapical radiographs reject rates for Year 3 and Year 4 ( p = 0.0475). In periapical radiographs, the most frequently committed radiographic error was apical cut, followed by high density film. Vice versa, high density film was accounted as the most common radiographic error in bitewing radiography. Analysis of periapical and bitewing radiographs’ reject rates among UKM dental undergraduate entails the necessity to supervise undergraduate students regardless of the year of their undergraduate training in all aspects of the radiographic procedures which include positioning radiographic armamentarium, the setting of radiographic exposure time and the film processing procedure. DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.17576/JSKM-2021-1902-08

Financial Health of Undergraduates in Malaysia: An Empirical Study on the Underlying Factors

This study aims to identify factors that influence the financial health of students in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Among the factors studied are financial socialization, childhood experience, financial literacy and academic qualifications. The sample of this study consists of a total of 173 students that were randomly selected. A questionnaire containing a Likert scale to measure each factor influencing the financial health of students was used as a research instrument and multivariate analysis was used to analyse the data. The results showed that financial literacy have a significant relationship on the financial health of students while financial socialization, childhood experience and academic qualifications had a non-significant relationship. In particular, students valued financial literacy to increase savings rates, obtain insurance, prepare retirement plans and use credit cards to achieve a high level of financial health. Lastly, we provide some recommendations on how to increase the financial literacy amongst young adults in Malaysia.