Category: Nevin Manimala

Med J Malaysia. 2026 Jul;81(4):586-592.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common head and neck malignancy often diagnosed at advanced stages, resulting in poor prognosis and high recurrence rates. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), particularly miR-21 and miR-223, have emerged as promising non-invasive biomarkers because of their stability in body fluids and involvement in tumour biology. This study systematically reviewed the diagnostic and prognostic significance of circulating miR-21 and miR-223 in LSCC and performed an exploratory diagnostic metaanalysis of miR-21 when sufficient quantitative data were available.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and SciSpace. Eligible studies evaluated circulating miR-21 and/or miR-223 in serum or plasma samples from LSCC patients and assessed their association with diagnostic or prognostic outcomes. Data regarding expression levels, diagnostic performance, and survival outcomes were synthesized qualitatively. Exploratory diagnostic meta-analysis was performed by pooling Area Under the Curve (AUC) values using the inverse variance method. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, and a random-effects model was applied.

RESULTS: Five studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Elevated miR-21 expression was consistently associated with advanced tumour stage, nodal involvement, recurrence, and poorer survival outcomes. miR-223 demonstrated dynamic changes following treatment and recurrence, suggesting potential utility for disease monitoring. Only two studies were eligible for exploratory diagnostic meta-analysis, yielding an exploratory pooled AUC of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.50-1.04) with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 83%).

CONCLUSION: Circulating miR-21 and miR-223 show potential clinical utility in LSCC, particularly for prognosis and recurrence monitoring. However, current evidence remains limited and heterogeneous, and the quantitative findings should be interpreted cautiously.

PMID:42584450

Med J Malaysia. 2026 Jul;81(4):577-585.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Self-care behaviour, motivation, and selfefficacy represent related but distinct dimensions of hypertension self-management. Previous Indonesian studies have generally examined self-care behaviour as the primary outcome or treated motivation and self-efficacy as its explanatory factors. Evidence describing the outcomespecific associations of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics with these three domains remains limited. This study examined the associations of selected sociodemographic and clinical characteristics with self-care behaviour, motivation, and self-efficacy among adults with hypertension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study included 120 adults with hypertension attending the Gianyar 1 Community Health Centre, Bali, Indonesia, between August and September 2024. Participants were selected from an eligible patient registry using simple random sampling. Self-care behaviour, motivation, and selfefficacy were measured using the validated Indonesian version of the High Blood Pressure Self-Care Profile. Bivariate comparisons were followed by three separate multiple linear regression models.

RESULTS: The mean scores were 44.09 (95% confidence interval [CI] 42.44-45.74) for self-care behaviour, 44.64 (95% CI 42.56-46.72) for motivation, and 42.99 (95% CI 41.21- 44.78) for self-efficacy. The self-care behaviour model was statistically significant (R²=0.375; adjusted R²=0.304; p<0.001). Higher self-care behaviour scores were observed among participants aged 41-50 years and private-sector employees, whereas lower scores were observed among participants with no formal schooling, junior high school education, and a hypertension duration of 1-5 years. The motivation model was also statistically significant but had lower explanatory value (R²=0.186; adjusted R²=0.094; p=0.028). Participants aged 41-50 years had higher motivation scores, whereas those with junior high school education had lower scores. The overall self-efficacy model was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Associations were observed mainly for selfcare behaviour and motivation, whereas the examined characteristics did not collectively explain self-efficacy. These findings support individualised assessment of behavioural, motivational, and confidence-related needs in primary care. Causal relationships cannot be inferred from this cross-sectional study.

PMID:42584449

Med J Malaysia. 2026 Jul;81(4):548-553.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Chest drainage remains an important intervention for pneumothorax when conservative or ambulatory management is not suitable. Although chest drain techniques have been widely studied, contemporary real-world data from Southeast Asia remain limited, particularly in populations with a high burden of secondary pneumothorax related to infectious lung disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult pneumothorax patients who underwent intercostal chest drain insertion at Sibu Hospital, Sarawak, Malaysia, between January 2021 and February 2024. Patients were managed with either conventional trocar chest tubes or Seldinger wire-guided drains. The primary outcome was chest drain-related complications. Secondary outcomes included chest drain duration, hospital length of stay, persistent air leak (PAL >5 days) and mortality. Continuous variables were analysed using independent ttests and categorical variables using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of subcutaneous emphysema, and multiple linear regression was used to evaluate factors associated with chest drain duration.

RESULTS: A total of 123 patients were included (86 conventional and 37 Seldinger). Subcutaneous emphysema occurred significantly less frequently in the Seldinger group (5.4% vs 55.8%, p<0.001). Mean chest drain duration was shorter in the Seldinger group (8.86 ± 7.10 vs 10.34 ± 11.96 days, p=0.032). Differences in insertion failure (0% vs 8.1%, p=0.074), tube dislodgement (2.7% vs 11.6%, p=0.112), persistent air leak >5 days (67.6% vs 54.7%, p=0.182) and mortality (10.8% vs 15.1%, p=0.518) were not statistically significant. Multivariate logistic regression identified conventional chest drainage as an independent predictor of subcutaneous emphysema (OR 27.6, 95% CI 5.24-145.94; p<0.001). Multiple linear regression demonstrated that conventional drainage, non-tension pneumothorax, smoking and persistent air leak were independently associated with longer chest drain duration.

CONCLUSION: In this retrospective cohort, the Seldinger technique was associated with lower complication rates and shorter drainage duration compared with conventional chest drainage. Prospective multicentre studies are required to confirm these findings.

PMID:42584445

Med J Malaysia. 2026 Jul;81(4):540-547.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Young adulthood is a critical period for establishing lifelong health behaviours, yet oral health is often neglected. This study investigated factors associated with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Malaysian university students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 395 undergraduate students aged 18 to 25 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, perceived oral health status, oral healthcare seeking behaviour, and OHRQoL via the short Malay version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (S-OHIP(M)). Multiple linear regression was used to identify predictors of OHRQoL.

RESULTS: The prevalence of OHRQoL impact was 41.0%, with a mean S-OHIP(M) score of 9.15 (SD=6.39). Significant predictors of poorer OHRQoL included having at least one oral health problem, dissatisfaction with oral health status, and visiting the dentist due to an oral health issue. Dental and medical students reported significantly better OHRQoL compared to health sciences students. Oral health care seeking behaviour, although generally favourable, was not significantly associated with OHRQoL.

CONCLUSION: OHRQoL among young adults is influenced by both subjective perceptions and behavioural patterns. Promoting routine dental visits and enhancing oral health awareness may improve quality of life outcomes. These findings inform strategies for preventive care and service delivery targeting young adult populations.

PMID:42584444

Med J Malaysia. 2026 Jul;81(4):513-520.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in developed countries, with rising incidence worldwide. While early stage disease generally carries a favorable prognosis, recurrence remains a significant clinical concern. Among the histopathological features, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) has emerged as a critical prognostic factor, reflecting tumor aggressiveness and potential for metastatic spread. LVSI is associated with increased risk of recurrence, distant metastasis, and reduced survival, even in patients with otherwise low risk disease. Understanding the role of LVSI in endometrial cancer is essential for refining risk stratification, guiding adjuvant therapy decisions, and improving patient outcomes. Our study to evaluate the impact of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) on treatment outcomes, recurrence, and survival in patients with stage I endometrioid endometrial cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) Gynecologic Oncology Clinic, with ethical approval from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Patients with stage I endometrial carcinoma, classified according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2018, and confirmed on hysterectomy specimens were included. Demographic clinicopathological, and treatment data were collected. LVSI was defined as the presence of tumor cells within endothelial lined spaces. Overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26, employing chi square, t tests, and Kaplan-Meier estimates, with significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: Of 180 patients, 163 had endometrioid carcinoma; 114 were included in the final analysis (mean age 58 years; 79.8% postmenopausal). LVSI was present in 14.2% of cases and was associated with higher grade and deeper myometrial invasion. Recurrence occurred in 8.5% overall, with 18.8% in LVSI positive and 4.1% in LVSI negative patients. The 2 year disease free survival (DFS) rate was 93.4% (80.8% LVSI positive vs 99% LVSI negative). The 5 year DFS rate was 91.1% (73.4% LVSI positive vs 94% LVSI negative). The OS rate was 97.3% (87.5% LVSI positive vs 99% LVSI negative). Distant metastasis predicted 2 year DFS, whereas LVSI positivity independently predicted reduced 5 year OS. At 5 years, the DFS rate was 91.1% (SE = 0.031), while the OS rate was 97.3% (SE = 0.013). The similarity between DFS and OS reflects the low number of recurrence and death events, indicating favorable prognosis and effective disease control. Median survival was not reached.

CONCLUSION: LVSI was associated with higher recurrence and poorer survival in patients with Stage I endometrioid endometrial carcinoma, independently predicting 5-year survival, supporting its role in risk stratification and treatment planning.

PMID:42584440

Med J Malaysia. 2026 Jul;81(4):504-512.

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INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) contact screening is a key strategy for early case detection and prevention of transmission. However, non-attendance at initial TB screening among contacts remains a persistent challenge, particularly in high-burden settings such as Sabah, Malaysia. This study aimed to determine factors associated with non-attendance at initial TB screening among contacts in Kudat, Sabah.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted using primary and secondary data from the National Tuberculosis Registry involving 468 TB contacts registered between June and December 2023. Cases were contacts who failed to attend initial screening within one month, while controls attended screening within the same period. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that factors associated with lower odds of non-attendance included contacts of male TB index patients (OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.194-0.470), contacts of extrapulmonary TB index patients (OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.050-0.179), and higher attitude scores (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.818-0.952). In contrast, contacts with secondary education had higher odds of nonattendance compared to those with no formal education (OR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.080-3.209).

CONCLUSION: Non-attendance at initial TB screening among contacts was associated with index case sex and TB form, contact education level, and attitudes towards TB. Targeted interventions addressing behavioural and structural barriers are essential to improve TB contact screening uptake in high-burden settings.

PMID:42584439

Med J Malaysia. 2026 Jul;81(4):489-496.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, there has been an exponential rise in students inbound to Malaysia to pursue their postgraduate studies. In particular, Chinese international postgraduate students (CIPS) represent a rapidly growing student population in this country, which is postulated to lead to substantial psychological distress resulting from academic, cultural, and financial adjustments that are required of the students immersing themselves in a new environment. Nevertheless, quantitative evidence regarding depression, anxiety, and stress among CIPS in Malaysian public universities remains limited.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 347 Chinese international postgraduate students at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) using mixedmode convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included sociodemographic variables, stressors, stress-relieving activities, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). For the statistical analysis, we performed descriptive statistics, group comparisons, Pearson correlations, and hierarchical regression analyses.

RESULTS: The prevalence of mild-to-extremely severe symptoms was 61.1% for depression, 67.1% for anxiety, and 56.2% for stress. Psychological distress was significantly associated with perceived discrimination, financial concerns, poorer self-rated health, and depression history. In the final hierarchical regression model, perceived discrimination emerged as the strongest predictor of distress (β = .270, p < .001). Furthermore, financial concerns, poorer self-rated health, and participation in artistic activities such as calligraphy classes were also positively associated with increasing DASS-21 scores, whereas positive future outlook scores showed a negative association. The final model explained 53.1% of the variance in psychological distress.

CONCLUSION: Psychological distress among CIPS at UPM was substantial and appeared to be strongly related to acculturative stress and resource-related pressures. A proposed model to overcome this should include universitydriven, culturally responsive mental health services, antidiscrimination support, and financial and academic assistance to ensure the successful onboarding and orientation of international postgraduate students.

PMID:42584437

Med J Malaysia. 2026 Jul;81(4):483-488.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Palliative care is a human right and key to universal health coverage, yet remains inaccessible for many cancer patients. By 2030, Malaysia is expected to experience a 240% surge in demand for palliative care, with Sarawak, its largest state, projected to bear the greatest burden of unmet need. A novel statewide domiciliary palliative care (DPC) program was implemented to meet this growing demand across a culturally diverse and geographically dispersed region. This study characterizes the patterns of DPC service use during the inaugural year of this novel statewide program to inform future planning.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included adults with advanced illnesses referred to DPC services at eight health clinics across Malaysia’s largest state of Sarawak from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Descriptive analysis was utilized.

RESULTS: A total of 113 patients with terminal illness were seen, the majority (89%; n=101) of whom had advanced cancer. The commonest cancer types were gastrointestinal (25%; n=28) and thoracic (17%; n=19). Median time from referral to first DPC encounter was 4 days (IQR 2-7). Median time to death was 28 days (IQR 11-53). Most patients (72%; n=82) received care in urbanized locations.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the wide reaching implementation of DPC across a geographically and culturally diverse region, particularly to cancer patients. Opportunities for strategic growth include expanding rural outreach, strengthening engagement with indigenous populations, and community engagement to enable more timely, inclusive, and equitable access to palliative care.

PMID:42584436

Med J Malaysia. 2026 Jul;81(4):477-482.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Otomycosis is a common fungal infection of the external auditory canal, particularly in tropical regions. Aspergillus and Candida are the main causative agents, yet their clinical differentiation remains challenging due to overlapping manifestations. This study aimed to identify the distribution of fungal etiologies, and to compare clinical manifestations and predisposing factors between Aspergillus and Candida infections in a tertiary hospital in Central Java, Indonesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary hospital, including patients aged 17 years and above with clinically and microbiologically confirmed otomycosis. Demographic data, symptoms, physical findings, and predisposing factors were collected. Fungal identification was performed using culture and microscopy. Comparative analyses were conducted using chi-square or Fisher’s exact test.

RESULTS: A total of 41 patients (56 fungal isolates) were included. Aspergillus spp. accounted for 58.9% of isolates, while Candida spp. comprised 41.1%, with mixed infections observed in 16.1%. Itching, hearing loss, and ear fullness were the most common symptoms in both groups. No statistically significant differences were found in clinical manifestations or physical examination findings between Aspergillus and Candida infections (all p>0.05). Although whitish debris was more frequent in Candida and brownish debris in Aspergillus, these patterns were not discriminatory. Ear drop use and cotton bud manipulation were significantly associated with Aspergillus infections (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Substantial clinical overlap exists between Aspergillus and Candida otomycosis, underscoring the importance of microbiological confirmation for accurate diagnosis.

PMID:42584435

Med J Malaysia. 2026 Jul;81(4):466-472.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Inadequate medication adherence is a significant problem globally, affecting up to 50% of chronic illness patients. The complications can also be significant, with increased rates of disease complications and hospitalisations due to lack of adherence. This research study seeks to find the medication adherence rate across select suburban areas in Johor, Malaysia, and to identify the relationship between medication adherence and treatment concordance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with chronic diseases across various locations in Johor. A validated questionnaire, the Malaysia Medication Adherence Assessment Tool (MyMAAT) and a Modified Concordance Scale were used to explore the study objectives.

RESULTS: Medication adherence is defined as a MyMAAT score of ≥54. A total of 82 chronic illness patients participated in this study, with males (48.8%) and females (51.2%). The mean age of the participants is 57.5 years old. The study reported 41.5% adherence (MyMAAT ≥54). Female vs male OR was calculated via logistic regression adjusting for confounding factors, with adherence (MyMAAT≥54) as a binary factor (OR=4.23; 95% CI 1.38-12.91; p=0.011). A statistically significant weak correlation was found between the MyMAAT score and the Modified Concordance Scale score (SR ρ=0.286, p=0.009).

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the study shows a potential relationship between medication concordance and improved patient adherence in the Malaysian setting. More research should be conducted to further verify these findings.

PMID:42584433