Introduction:Pregnancy is common among women in the reproductive age and is associated with several risks. Preconception care has thus been introduced to promote health before conception and to improve pregnancy-related outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding preconception care among women attending antenatal care appointments. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from April to December 2012 at Klinik Kesihatan Bachok. A self-administered questionnaire was administered to 135 respondents from 18 to 45 years of age. The questionnaire consisted of four domains, assessing socio-demographic data and knowledge, attitudes and practice of preconception care. Results: The mean (SD) knowledge, attitude and practice scores were 11.37 (3.94), 15.39 (2.12) and 10.13 (2.30), respectively. In total, 98.5% of the respondents had good attitudes, 45.2% had good practices, and 51.9% had good knowledge of preconception care. Conclusion: Women in Bachok have fair knowledge of and good attitude towards preconception care. However, they have poor preconception care practices.

During the first phase of the Movement Control Order, many medical lecturers had difficulty adapting to the online teaching and learning methods that were made compulsory by the institutional directives. Some of these lecturers are clinicians who need to juggle between clinical work and teaching, and consider a two-week adaptation during this period to be not enough. Furthermore, converting traditional face-to-face learning to online formats for undergraduate and postgraduate clinical programmes would reduce the learning outcomes, especially those related to clinical applications and the acquisition of new skills. This editorial discusses the impact that movement restrictions have had on medical teaching and learning, the alternatives and challenges and the way forward.

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of hypothyroidism and its associated factors within one-year post radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. Methods A retrospective study was conducted among patients with hyperthyroidism who received RAI therapy at Nuclear Medicine Clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan. Data regarding patients’ demographics, gender, aetiology of hyperthyroidism, presence of autoantibodies, dose of RAI used and usage of antithyroid drug post RAI therapy were included in the analysis. Results Of a total of 167 screened patients, 137 subjects were eligible for this study. The incidence of hypothyroidism within one year of RAI therapy was 32.9%. Women were found to be less likely to develop hypothyroidism post RAI therapy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.406; 95% confidence interval: 0.181–0.908; p = 0.028). The usage of antithyroid drug post RAI was significantly associated with a lower incidence of hypothyroidism post RAI therapy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.188; 95% confidence interval: 0.081–0.438; p <0.001). Conclusion This study showed a high incidence of hypothyroidism within one-year post RAI therapy. Gender and usage of antithyroid drug post RAI therapy are significantly associated with the development of hypothyroidism.

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Introduction Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a common complication among breast cancer patients following treatment. Aim To assess the prevalence and factors associated with FSD among breast cancer patients in Kelantan. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited female patients, aged 18–65, who were married and sexually active with their partner, diagnosed with breast cancer, and had undergone breast surgery. Those with underlying psychiatry disorders, previous pelvic surgery, and husbands with sexual problems were excluded. The questionnaire contained demographic and clinical information, together with the Malay Version of the Breast Impact of Treatment Scale and the Malay Version of Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised. Their sexual function was evaluated using the Malay Version of the Female Sexual Function Index-6. The data were analyzed with simple and multiple linear regressions. Main Outcome Measures The prevalence and associated factors for FSD in breast cancer patients. Results Ninety-four eligible patients were recruited for this study. In total, 73.4% (n = 69) of the patients reported having sexual dysfunction. A family history of breast cancer ( P = 0.040), duration of marriage ( P = 0.046), and frequency of sexual intercourse ( P = 0.002) were significant factors associated with FSD in breast cancer patients after surgery. Conclusion The significant associated factors shown to influence the FSD score include family history of breast cancer, duration of marriage, and frequency of sexual intercourse. About 73.4% of patients have risk of developing FSD after receiving breast cancer treatment. Siang OP, Draman N, Muhamad R, et al. Sexual Dysfunction Among Women With Breast Cancer in the Northeastern Part of West Malaysia. Sex Med 2021;9:100351.