ObjectivesDyslipidaemia is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Malaysia. This study assessed the awareness, knowledge and practice of lipid management among primary care physicians undergoing postgraduate training in Malaysia.DesignCross sectional study.SettingPostgraduate primary care trainees in Malaysia.Participants759 postgraduate primary care trainees were approached through email or hard copy, of whom 466 responded.MethodA self-administered questionnaire was used to assess their awareness, knowledge and practice of dyslipidaemia management. The total cumulative score derived from the knowledge section was categorised into good or poor knowledge based on the median score, where a score of less than the median score was categorised as poor and a score equal to or more than the median score was categorised as good. We further examined the association between knowledge score and sociodemographic data. Associations were considered significant when p<0.05.ResultsThe response rate achieved was 61.4%. The majority (98.1%) were aware of the national lipid guideline, and 95.6% reported that they used the lipid guideline in their practice. The median knowledge score was 7 out of 10; 70.2% of respondents scored 7 or more which was considered as good knowledge. Despite the majority (95.6%) reporting use of guidelines, there was wide variation in their clinical practice whereby some did not practise based on the guidelines. There was a positive significant association between awareness and the use of the guideline with knowledge score (p<0.001). However there was no significant association between knowledge score and sociodemographic data (p>0.05).ConclusionsThe level of awareness and use of the lipid guideline among postgraduate primary care trainees was good. However, there were still gaps in their knowledge and practice which are not in accordance with standard guidelines.

Introduction: Globally, depression is one of the serious problems reported among medical students. Various studies reported that the prevalence of depression among medical students was high due to multiple risk factors. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among medical students in International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 medical students in IIUM Kuantan. A validated self-reported questionnaire using Depression Anxiety Stress Score 21 was distributed during the second semester of the 2018/2019 session. Descriptive statistics were used to measure the prevalence of depression. Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, independent sample T-test, and multiple logistic regression were used to determine the association between risk factors and depression. Result: The prevalence of depression was 39% with 10.5% of them were having severe and extremely severe level of depression. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed regular physical activity (AOR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.42-0.98) and Tahajjud prayer practice (AOR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.66-0.88) are two protective factors against depression among medical students. Conclusion: About two out of every five IIUM medical students had depression. Regular physical activity and Tahajjud prayer practised may reduce the risk of depression and should be encouraged.

Background The practice of referring diabetic patients for dental intervention has been poor despite awareness and knowledge of the oral health effects of diabetes. Likewise, dentists treating patients receiving diabetes treatment are rarely updated on the glycaemic status and as a result, the opportunity for shared management of these patients is missed. This study aimed to provide a standardised care pathway which will initiate screening for diabetes from dental clinics and link patients with primary care for them to receive optimised care for glycaemic control. Method A Modified Delphi technique was employed to obtain consensus on recommendations, based on current evidence and best care practices to screen for diabetes among patients attending dental clinics for periodontitis. Expert panel members were recruited using snowball technique where the experts comprised Family Medicine Specialists (5), Periodontists (6), Endocrinologists (3) and Clinical Pharmacists (4) who are involved in management of patients with diabetes at public and private healthcare facilities. Care algorithms were designed based on existing public healthcare services. Results The CODAPT© panel recommends referral to primary care for further evaluation of glycaemic status if patients diagnosed with periodontitis record fasting capillary blood glucose levels ≥ 5.6 mmol/L. Intervention treatment options for prediabetes are listed, and emphasis on feedback to the dental healthcare team is outlined specifically. Conclusion The CODAPT© care pathway has the potential to link dental clinics with primary care for diagnosis and/or optimised treatment of prediabetes/diabetes among patients receiving periodontitis treatment.

Introduction: Body weight perception is an important underlying psychological factor associated with body weight. Overemphasis on thinness among adolescents can lead to unhealthy dieting practices and eating disorders, whereas underestimation of body weight may increase risk of the development of overweight and obesity. This study measured the agreement between body weight perception and body weight status (BMI) among late adolescents in Kuantan. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2018 among 418 adolescents of six higher learning institutions in Kuantan; aged 17-19 years old. Weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated. Self-administered, validated questionnaires; Figure Rating Scale (FRS) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used. The strength of agreement between BMI and body weight perception was examined using Kappa statistics. Results: Overall, 37.6% of total participants misjudged their own body weight. Of particular note, 51.9% of real underweight participants misperceived body weight as normal weight and overweight while 47.2% of obese participants incorrectly perceived their body weight as overweight. The agreement between body weight perception and body mass index was poor (k=-0.09, p< 0.01). The discrepancy more marked in male (k = -0.11, p<0.01). Conclusions: Body weight perception was not in agreement with actual weight in late adolescents. Accurate body weight perception is an important factor in late adolescent’s weight management behaviour. More effort should be done in order to correct misperception among this age group for their health benefits.

Introduction: Smartphone addiction is becoming a global concern affecting every part of society, including healthcare professionals. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of risk of smartphone addiction and its associated factors among medical and dental students in a public university in Malaysia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among pre-clinical medical and dental students using convenience sampling. Questions regarding sociodemographic profile and responses to the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (SAS-SV) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Score questionnaire (DASS-21) were collected. Multiple logistic regression testing was used to analyse the factors associated with smartphone addiction. Results: We invited 409 pre-clinical medical and dental students to participate voluntarily, resulting in a response rate of 80.2%. The prevalence of high-risk smartphone addiction among the participants was 47.9%. Male participants, participants who used smartphones mainly for social media, and participants with depressive symptoms were more likely to have a high risk of smartphone addiction. Medical students, participants who spent less than 3 hours per day on a smartphone, and participants who used smartphones for education-related activities were less likely to have a high risk of smartphone addiction. Conclusion: Smartphone addiction prevalence among pre-clinical medical and dental students was high. Therefore, the authorities should overcome this problem by implementing early measures.

Introduction: There was lack of local study assessing the oral health related quality of life (OHRQOL) of patients with periodontal diseases. Hence, this study aims to assess the OHRQOL and its associated factors in adult patients who were diagnosed with gingivitis and periodontitis. Material and method: This was a cross sectional study conducted from May to December 2018 among 100 participants attended Periodontal Clinic, Kulliyyah of Dentistry of International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) using purposive sampling methods. Clinical parameters of participants were recorded by a single examiner then followed by a selfadministered questionnaire using the validated short version of Oral Health Impact Profile(S-OHIP) (Malay) to assess the OHRQOL and its associated factors. The OHRQOL of participants were reported using mean and standard deviation. The factors associated with OHRQOL were determined using independent t-test and Spearman correlation test. Results: The mean score for S-OHIP was 14.73 ± 9.24. Participants with periodontitis have higher S-OHIP score compared to those with gingivitis. There were significant association between OHRQOL and underlying diabetes mellitus, self-perceived oral health status and self-perceived oral health satisfaction with p value < 0.05. This shows that those with underlying diabetes mellitus have higher S-OHIP score indicated poorer OHRQOL. Meanwhile, those who perceived they have either good or very good oral hygiene and satisfied with their oral health have lower S-OHIP score indicated better OHRQOL. Conclusion: This study found that periodontal diseases have significant association with the OHRQOL. Therefore, reinforcement of oral health education by the dentists is crucial.

Introduction: Little is known about the association between actual and selfperceived oral health status among residents living in a care home. This study aimed to assess their oral health status and to determine its association with their selfperceived oral health satisfaction. Materials and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2018 among 75 residents of Rumah Ehsan, Terengganu (the largest care home in east coast Malaysia). The oral health status and oral hygiene of the participants were examined. Their sociodemographic profile and self-perceived oral health status were collected through structured interviews. Chi-square, Man-Whitney, and multiple logistic regression tests were used to test the factors associated with the self-perceived oral health satisfaction of the participants. Results:  Unsurprisingly,  the majority of the participants had poor oral health with high median DMF-T score of 29.0 (IQR=12) and majority (86.7%) had poor oral hygiene. It was intriguing to know that the majority of them (64%) perceived they have good oral health status with 68% satisfied with their current oral health status. There was no significant association between their actual oral health status and their perceived satisfaction. However, increasing age, Malay and those eating dependently were less likely to satisfy with their oral health status. Meanwhile, those who were dependent on the staff to brush their teeth were more likely satisfied with their oral health status. Conclusion: There was a wide discrepancy between the actual and self-perceived oral health status among residents in care homes. Hence, it is crucial to improving awareness and knowledge among them in order to improve their oral health. Factors contributed to their oral health satisfaction should be acknowledged by all dental practitioners.

Transgender refers to individuals who perceive their gender differently from their original gender assigned at birth. Transgender women are those who were assigned male gender at birth but expressed themselves as female later on in their life. The numbers of transgender women in Malaysia have been increasing rapidly. Along with this increment, health problems related to this population has grown. Despite this, there is no specific local guideline about the health issues and its management related to this population. Many health professions out there did not know what to expect when dealing with transgender women. Unlike the original male or female, transgender women have their own unique needs as well as health problems related to their lifestyle. Furthermore, some of their health problems are related to the general population, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and sexually transmitted disease (STD). Failure to identify and manage the problems among transgender women will eventually contribute to an increase in cumulative HIV and STD cases in our country. Hence, the aimed of this article was to review current knowledge on transgender women’s health issues and challenges, especially in the context of the local population. This review also emphasizes that healthcare professionals in Malaysia need to have at least a basic knowledge of transgender women’s health issues.