Malaysian Journal of Medical Research (MJMR)

Analysis of Pharmacists' Knowledge Level on Good Compounding Practice (GCP) in Pharmacies of Tenggarong and Tenggarong Seberang Subdistricts

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: The compounding of medications is gaining significant attention due to increasing reports of pharmaceutical errors, contamination, and adverse drug interactions. These risks highlight the importance of adhering to Good Compounding Practice (GCP), a set of standards that pharmacists must understand and implement to ensure the safety, effectiveness, and quality of compounded medications. GCP also supports access to customised medications for patients with specific health needs. This study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge regarding GCP among pharmacists in the Tenggarong and Tenggarong Seberang districts. Methods: This study employed a non-experimental, descriptive qualitative research design. The sampling technique used was total sampling, targeting all 56 pharmacists practicing within the specified districts. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed to assess knowledge of GCP. The data were then analysed through univariate analysis using Microsoft Excel to determine overall knowledge levels. Results: The findings revealed that pharmacists in both districts demonstrated a generally high level of knowledge regarding GCP. The average score among respondents was 85.98%, classifying their knowledge level as “good.” This suggests a satisfactory understanding of the core principles of compounding, including hygiene, documentation, labelling, storage, and quality assurance. Conclusion: The study concluded that pharmacists in Tenggarong and Tenggarong Seberang possess a good level of knowledge about Good Compounding Practice. Nevertheless, continued training, evaluation, and adherence to standard guidelines are recommended to maintain and enhance compounding quality, thus ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and legally compliant pharmaceutical care.

Combined Effect of Honey Supplementation and Walking Exercise on Antioxidant Enzyme Markers in 50 to 65 Years Old Postmenopausal Women

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: This study examined how honey supplements and walking exercise affected antioxidant enzymes in postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 65 years old. Methods: Forty participants were split into four groups: walking exercise alone (Ex), honey supplementation alone (H), sedentary without honey supplementation control (C), and combination honey supplementation and walking exercise (HEx) groups. The H group consumed 20g of honey daily for six weeks, while the Ex group performed walking exercises 30 min per day, thrice a week for six weeks. The HEx group followed both regimens. Anthropometry, body composition, levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the blood were measured. Statistical analysis was performed by using repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: There are significant increases in body weight in C, H and Ex groups but no significant changes in body fat percentage in all the groups. SOD levels remained unchanged in all the groups However, the Ex-group’s GPx was significantly greater (p=0.016) at the post-test than it was at the pre-test. Additionally, a propensity for a significant rise (p=0.05) in GPx relative to its pre-test value was observed in the HEx group. Conclusion: The results suggest that giving postmenopausal women aged 50 to 65 honey supplements for six weeks had no discernible effect on their GPx activity. However, walking exercise and their combination with honey supplementation have the potential to increase GPx activity. Nevertheless, more studies with longer study duration are warranted to confirm their efficacy.

Maternal Stimulation in Optimising Child Development

Mamik Ratnawati, Ririn Probowati, Monika Sawitri Prihatini — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Development is a process of psychological change as a result of the maturation of psychic and physical functions in a child. Growth and development disorders are serious problems for both developed and developing countries. Growth can be seen from body weight, height, and head circumference, while development can be seen from autonomic, social, emotional, language, and cognitive abilities. Objectives: This study aimed to analyse maternal stimulation in optimising child development. Methods: This study was conducted in Puton Village, Diwek District, Jombang Regency. The study was conducted in August-September 2022. The research design used was observational analytic. The population in this study consisted of toddlers in Puton Village, Diwek District, and Jombang Regency, totaling 63 toddlers obtained by purposive sampling technique. The sample of this study was some toddlers in Puton Village, Diwek District, Jombang Regency. The dependent variable in this study is toddler development, and the independent variable is stimulation. This study uses the Pre-Screening Development Questionnaire (KPSP) to interpret toddler development. This analysis is used to find a comparison between two variables in nominal and ordinal form using the Spearmen rank test. Results: Most (59%) of toddler mothers stimulate their children, and almost all (91%) of toddlers' development is following their age stage. Not all toddler mothers provide stimulation to their toddlers due to their educational background and employment responsibilities. Increased knowledge or information is required for toddler mothers, especially regarding stimulation. Conclusion: This can be done by providing education or counseling in groups or individually to toddler mothers or caregivers to prevent deviations in child development.

The Relationship between Burnout and Interpersonal Communication in Medical Inpatient Nurses

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Nursing management involves organising, supervising, and developing the skills of nurses to ensure optimal service standards. Burnout, characterised by significant physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion, can negatively impact individual performance. Interpersonal communication is one of the contributing factors to burnout, accounting for 28.7%, with the remaining 71.3% attributed to other factors. If left unaddressed, burnout can adversely affect the quality of nursing care. This study aims to determine the relationship between burnout and interpersonal communication among inpatient medical nurses. Methods: This study utilised a quantitative research method with a descriptive correlational research design and a cross-sectional approach. The Spearman Rank statistical test was employed to analyse the data. The sampling technique used was Total Sampling, and the analysis was carried out through bivariate analysis. Results: The majority of respondents were aged 31-40 years (standard deviation = 7.074), with most being female (92.9%, n = 78). Most respondents held a diploma in nursing (D3) (55.9%, n = 47). In terms of marital status, 83.3% (n = 70) were married, and the majority had more than 10 years of work experience (47.6%, n = 40). Regarding burnout dimensions, 81.0% of respondents experienced low emotional exhaustion, 79.8% showed low depersonalisation, and 100% exhibited high personal achievement. Statistical analysis revealed a negative relationship between burnout and interpersonal communication, with a p-value of 0.000 < 0.05. Spearman Rank correlations were as follows: -0.348 for emotional exhaustion, -0.452 for depersonalisation, and -0.568 for personal achievement. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between burnout and interpersonal communication among inpatient medical nurses. This highlights the importance of addressing burnout to improve communication and overall nursing care quality.

Unhealthy Mind, Unhealthy Gut: The Impact of Stress and Eating Patterns on Gastritis in Early Adolescents in Depok, Indonesia

Cholisah Suralaga, Merrin, Andi Mayasari Usman — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Gastritis is a prevalent digestive disorder among adolescents, frequently associated with stress and poor eating patterns. Due to academic pressures and irregular dietary habits, adolescents are increasingly vulnerable to unhealthy lifestyles that elevate their risk of developing gastritis. In Indonesia, such risk factors are particularly relevant given the rising incidence of gastritis among early adolescents. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design to analyse the relationship between stress levels, eating patterns, and the incidence of gastritis among early adolescents in Depok, Indonesia. A total of 150 adolescents were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data collection was conducted using a structured questionnaire that assessed participants’ stress levels, dietary habits, and gastritis symptoms. The data were analysed using logistic regression tests to evaluate the influence of stress and eating patterns on the likelihood of gastritis. Results: The findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between stress levels and gastritis incidence (p-value < 0.05; OR = 6.833). Similarly, poor eating patterns demonstrated a significant association with the occurrence of gastritis (p-value < 0.05; OR = 155.032). Among the two factors, poor eating patterns exhibited a stronger influence on gastritis development. Conclusion: The study concludes that both high stress levels and poor eating patterns are significant risk factors for gastritis among early adolescents, with dietary behaviour exerting a more pronounced impact. These results underscore the importance of promoting healthy eating habits and implementing stress management interventions. Collaborative efforts among schools, parents, and healthcare providers are essential in providing nutritional education and mental health support to enhance the well-being of adolescents.

ABO Rh Blood Groups and Socio-Demographic Factors in COVID-19 Susceptibility and Severity: A Cross-Sectional Survey in India

Sajal Bhattacharya, Sumeet Singh, Rina Tilak — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Conflicting evidence regarding the association between blood groups with COVID-19 susceptibility as also Rh status implored investigation to determine the association between blood groups as also the effect of various sociodemographic factors on the severity and susceptibility of COVID-19. Methods: An online cross sectional survey using Google Form was used to recruit participants by snowball sampling method. The study included COVID-19 patients who were positive for the SARS-CoV-2 RNA test through RT-PCR from the nasopharyngeal swab between March 2020 and December 2021. Sample size was estimated using the formula for estimating proportion. Taking 20% as incomplete data forms, the final sample size worked out to be 167. However, finally a total of 259 patients and 518 controls were enrolled. Chi square for independence was used to find the association between COVID status and blood groups, rhesus status and some sociodemographic variables. Results: Blood group B was found to be associated with increased susceptibility while AB was found to have the least susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. Gender, educational status of the individual, place of residence (urban or rural) and use of air conditioner at home were found to be significantly associated with the COVID-19 status (p value < 0.05), whereas, rhesus status, smoking both active and passive, dietary habits of being veg/nonveg, pets at home, cow sheds in the vicinity were not found to have significant association with the COVID-19 status (p value > 0.05). Conclusion: The study reports blood group B, gender, educational status, place of residence and use of air conditioners to be significantly associated with COVID-19 infection. The non association of smoking status with COVID infection is an interesting finding along with the dietary habits and presence of pets not being associated with infection. The study findings provide evidence which may be considered for future modelling and developing forecasting algorithms for COVID-19 outbreaks.

Knowledge and Attitude Towards Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Among Undergraduate Dental Students in Malaysia – A Questionnaire Survey

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: This study investigates the knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate dental students in private universities in Klang Valley, Malaysia, towards cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude towards cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) among undergraduate dental students in private universities in Klang Valley, Selangor, Malaysia. Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 14 close ended questions was given to 250 undergraduate dental students in private universities in Klang Valley. The chi-square test was used to statistically analyse the differences in responses based on educational level. Results: A total of 182 participants responded to this study. All of the participants consisting of 39 year 3 students (21.4%), 70 year 4 students (38.5%) and 73 year 5 students (40.1%) were aware of CBCT (100%). 82.4% (n = 152) obtained information regarding CBCT by internet, 69.2% by (n = 119) by faculty lessons and 54.4% (n = 88) through seminars. 64.5% (n = 118) thought that faculty was not providing adequate education regarding CBCT and 97.3% (n = 177) thought that CBCT should be part of the undergraduate curriculum, specifically in the clinical phase (76.4%, n = 139). 78.6% (n = 143) thought that it is necessary for a CBCT unit to be available at their faculty. 60.4% (n = 110) believed that CBCT will be used in all areas of dentistry in the future. 91.8% (n = 167) planned to use CBCT in their future professional career and 79.7% (n = 145) would take the initiative to update themselves regarding information on CBCT from time to time. Conclusion: This research suggests more emphasis should be given on CBCT in dental school curriculum and effort should be made to improve student’s basic knowledge, understanding and practical training for better interpretation in routine clinical practice.

The Effect of Pregnancy Exercise on the Sleep Quality of Pregnant Women in the Third Trimester in the Working Area of Siotapina Public Health Center in Buton Regency

Dewi Sari Pratiwi, Hasniah Dina, Armayani — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Sleep disorders in pregnant women are often caused by elevated fetal weight, maternal dyspnea, noticeable fetal movements, frequent urination, and back pain. Pregnancy exercises are believed to enhance sleep quality, particularly in the third trimester. This study aims to assess the impact of pregnancy exercise on the sleep quality of third-trimester pregnant women within the jurisdiction of the Siotapina Public Health Center. Methods: A pre-experimental design with a one-group pre-test and post-test method was used in this study. The population comprised 148 third-trimester pregnant women, and a purposive sampling technique was applied to select 44 participants. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was employed to analyse the results. Results: Before the pregnancy exercise intervention, 16 (36.4%) respondents had good sleep quality, while 28 (63.6%) had poor sleep quality. After the intervention, the number of respondents with good sleep quality increased to 30 (68.2%), while 14 (31.8%) continued to experience poor sleep quality. Conclusion: Pregnancy exercises significantly improve the sleep quality of third-trimester pregnant women. Future research should explore further pregnancy exercise interventions to enhance sleep quality among pregnant women in their third trimester.

Early Pericardiocentesis for Pericardial Effusion Post-Thrombolysis Using Narrow Blood Pressure Shock Index as a Diagnostic Indicator

Gurjeet Singh a/l Harvendhar Singh, Leong Chong Hern — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Emergency departments manage a wide range of life-threatening conditions that span both surgical and medical domains. Among these, acute cardiac emergencies require immediate and specialized intervention. Cardiac life support is crucial in such scenarios, and the integration of cardiac critical care into emergency settings has increasingly gained importance. Timely acute cardiac intensive care can be life-saving, especially in cases involving complications following myocardial infarction. One advanced technique that has become a focal point for emergency physicians in cardiac critical care is pericardiocentesis, particularly when performed under ultrasound guidance. This minimally invasive procedure, although technically demanding, has been employed with varying success rates in emergency departments. It plays a pivotal role in addressing pericardial effusion—a potentially fatal condition when it progresses to cardiac tamponade. Notably, pericardial tamponade is a rare, yet life-threatening complication of thrombolytic therapy used in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Therefore, early detection and prompt management are essential to avert serious consequences. A key tool in the early identification of hemodynamic instability is the Blood Pressure Shock Index (BPSI), defined as the ratio of heart rate to systolic blood pressure. A narrow BPSI serves as a sensitive early indicator of impending circulatory collapse. This report highlights a clinical case where the identification of a narrow BPSI led to timely pericardiocentesis, ultimately resulting in the successful management of a pericardial effusion that developed post-thrombolysis. This case underscores the value of combining clinical acumen with diagnostic tools to guide lifesaving interventions in emergency care.

Role of Bronchoscopy in Emergency Department in Persistent Acute Type II Respiratory Failure

Faizatul Asna Abd Aziz, Gurjeet Singh a/l Harvendhar Singh — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Difficulty in ventilation despite pharmacological treatment in mechanically ventilatedpatients should be addressed to avoid further complication. This includes physical assessment of the airway via bronchoscopy as a diagnostic procedure. Depending on the findings of initial visualisation, further manoeuvres can be initiated as therapeutic measures. The usage of bronchoscopy by emergency physician and residents should be considered in acute setting of emergency department (ED) as soon as ventilatory issues arise to promptly mitigate the problem.

Clinical Case Studies in Managing Diabetic Foot Ulcers by Using Stabilised Hypochlorous Acid Wound Cleaning and Irrigation Solution

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are an increasingly health concern and pose a significant burden on healthcare providers and patients equally. Managing this chronic wound needs to take into consideration the choice of wound care solution that is not only effective but also provides a safe healing environment without causing any adverse effects on healing tissues. This case series focuses on the use of stabilized super-oxidised hypochlorous acid in wound cleaning, debridement and irrigation in the managing of DFUs and assessing of the wound healing progress. A total of three patients with diabetic foot ulcer were subjected to wound cleansing using stabilised super- oxidised hypochlorous acid solution throughout the study period, detailing wound progression, treatment protocols, and healing outcomes. Results show that the use of stabilised HOCl (Hypochlorous acid) wound irrigation solution prevented risk of infection in these chronic wounds thus allowing natural wound healing to take place without any adverse effects. These findings support the integration of HOCl-based wound care into standard DFU treatment practices. Adherence to follow-up care and complete wound management strategies is crucial, and the positive outcome seen in these cases highlights the potential relevance of stabilised super-oxidised HOCl wound cleaning solution in the management of diabetic foot ulcers.