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This study was conducted to examine the association between physical activity (PA) and body weight status among adolescents in rural and urban areas. This cross-sectional study involved 257 adolescents aged 13-19 years, randomly selected from secondary schools around Kelantan, Malaysia. Body weight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The students completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form, to assess their physical activity. Ethical clearance was obtained from respected bodies. Adolescents in the urban area had significantly higher BMI (p-value

This literature review conducted to explore the best available intervention for diabetic foot care. Online databases (ProQuest, CINAHL, Science Direct and Google Scholar) were searched to retrieve relevant articles. The keywords diabetic foot care, diabetic foot care program, diabetic foot care intervention, diabetic foot education were used for data retrieval and PICO analysis. After screening analysis was completed, only 15 (from 7423) articles, published within 2007-2017, were included in a qualitative synthesis of the data. The articles were categorized as: systematic review (n=1), randomized control trial (n=3), quasi-experimental (n=3), pre-test-post-test (n=4), cohort (n=2), cross-sectional (n=1) and surveys (n=1). Themes synthesized from the analysis were: effective approach (group or individual), project leader, specialized skills required and adaptation of technology. A combination of identified approaches would help design a technology-friendly program for managing diabetic foot care.

Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of simulation-based exercise programme among overweight adult in higher learning institutes. Method A quasi-randomized controlled trial was conducted recruiting students from two different higher learning institutions in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. Students are selected after fulfilling the criteria such as body mass index (BMI) of ≥23 kg/m2, no chronic diseases that may influence by exercise, no significant changes in body weight within two months and not taking any medications or supplements. One institution was purposely chosen as a simulation-based group and another one control group. In the simulation-based group, participants were given a booklet and CD to do aerobic and resistance exercise for a minimum of 25 min per day, three times a week for 10 weeks. No exercise was given to the control group. Participants were measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), BMI, waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage before and after 10 weeks of simulation-based exercise. Results A total of 52 (control: 25, simulation-based: 27) participants involved in the study. There was no baseline characteristics difference between the two groups (p > 0.005). All 27 participants in the simulation-based group reported performing the exercise based on the recommendation. The retention rate at three months was 100%. No adverse events were reported throughout the study. Better outcomes (p Conclusions The findings of this study indicate that the simulation-based exercise programme may be feasible for an overweight adult in higher learning institutes. As a feasibility study this is not powered to detect significant differences on the outcomes. However, participants reported positive views towards the recommended exercise with significant improvements in body mass index, body fat percentage and reduced the waist circumference.

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and practice of body mechanics towards preserving musculoskeletal health in daily routine activities of HCPs (medical officers, staff nurses, community health nurses, assistant medical officers, physiotherapists, and assistant nurses) from Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Pahang. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted with convenience sampling employed across five different departments. The departments were a department of medical, surgical, orthopedics, emergency and rehabilitation. The samples were selected according to a minimum of two years of clinical experience without any history of low back surgery. An instrument consists of socio-demographic background, knowledge on body mechanics and Owestry Low Back Pain Disability Index Questionnaire was used in this study. Results A total of 139 HCPs were recruited including medical officers, staff nurses, community health nurses, assistant medical officers, physiotherapists, and assistant nurses. A self-administered questionnaire pertaining to knowledge revealed that 73.4% of HCPs had inadequate knowledge of musculoskeletal body mechanics. Among all, 90.6% (minimal: 9.4%, moderate: 43.2%, severe: 42.4%, crippled: 5.0%) of HCPs showed moderate to crippled disability using Oswestry Disability Index classifications indicating the poor practice of body mechanics while working. Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that a lack of knowledge among healthcare professionals lead to the inadequate practice of preserving musculoskeletal health while carrying out duty in caring patients. It is suggested that enforcing and emphasizing health education for healthcare professionals is urgently needed towards reducing the risk of the musculoskeletal problem among healthcare professionals.

Objective The objective of this study is to identify the need for basic first aid knowledge and skills among adolescents. Method A cross-sectional study using multistage sampling was conducted among 375 secondary school students in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. The survey was adapted from a Hong Kong Red Cross survey. A back to back translation of this instrument was carried out by two bilingual medical experts with Cronbach's alpha 0.8. The data were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) in terms of descriptive analysis, and an independent t-test and chi-square test were carried out. Results There were 149 respondents from the lower form (grade level) and 226 respondents from the upper form. The majority of respondents (81.6%) were Malay. An independent t-test revealed a significant association between knowledge and attitude, as students who scored higher on first aid questions showed a more positive attitude towards first aid (1.475%). There were also significant associations between race and experience learning first aid. Conclusions Adolescents receive minimal first aid education. Thus, there is an urgent need to educate adolescents more in first aid to promote a safer community and to prevent any further injuries.