Hafizah Pasi | International Islamic University Malaysia (original) (raw)

Papers by Hafizah Pasi

Journal of Behavioral Health and Psychology, Dec 30, 2023

The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of perinatal depressive and anxiety symptoms a... more The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of perinatal depressive and anxiety symptoms and infant temperament at 6 months postpartum on exclusive breastfeeding, and whether maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms at 6 months postpartum are moderators on the association between infant temperament and exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: We used data from a perinatal mental health cohort study conducted in health clinics in two states of Malaysia. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and anxiety subscale of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) were completed by 524 parents at late pregnancy and 6 months postpartum, while the Infant Characteristic Questionnaire and information on exclusive breastfeeding were completed by 524 mothers at 6 months postpartum. Results: Mothers' postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS) at 6 months were associated with shorter duration of exclusive breastfeeding, but not the postpartum anxiety symptoms (PAS). Mothers with persistent depressive and anxiety symptoms ceased exclusive breastfeeding earliest. Mothers' perceptions of infant temperament and its subscales were negatively associated with exclusive breastfeeding duration only in depressed mothers, but not in non-depressed, anxious, and non-anxious mothers. Therefore, mothers' PDS, not PAS, moderated the association between mothers' perceptions of infant temperament and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: The results signify the need to address maternal mental health in early postpartum and healthcare professionals should consider the role of maternal depression when working with mothers who report their infants as temperamentally challenging.

Research Square (Research Square), Dec 7, 2023

Malaria is a signi cant health problem, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, regardl... more Malaria is a signi cant health problem, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, regardless of it being a preventable disease. Despite numerous measures taken by health-related agencies, malaria cases continue to increase globally. These interventions are intended to change the behaviors of individuals and communities to reduce the risk of malaria transmission, especially in the long run. However, studies that systematically review existing literature on behavioral intervention for malaria prevention are limited. Hence, this systematic review aims to highlight and synthesize studies implementing behavioral interventions to prevent malaria infection among at-risk communities. This study includes English articles from Scopus and Web of Science, between the years 2009 to 2022, conducted based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis 2020 (PRISMA 2020). Out of the initial 67 articles identi ed through the screening process, four eligible studies of good to medium quality were selected for review. Three main themes were determined based on the deductive thematic analysis: i) tailor-made content, ii) community engagement and outreach, and iii) interpersonal communication. Based on an impact analysis on the four studies, this review concludes that behavioral interventions are an effective strategy to combat the prevalence of malaria worldwide. Hence, communities at risk of malaria would bene t from intervention programs that tap into behavioral change approaches inclusive of the three main themes identi ed in this review.

Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation, Dec 31, 2021

Research Square (Research Square), Dec 7, 2023

The uncertainties surrounding P. knowlesi's ability to be zoonotic have caused it to be "left out... more The uncertainties surrounding P. knowlesi's ability to be zoonotic have caused it to be "left out". Highlighting the individual, host-vector interactions and environmental risk factors for this disease were consequential towards more focused and effective prevention and control strategies. This study aims to identify the individual, host-vector interactions, and environmental risk factors for P. knowlesi malaria among at-risk communities in Peninsular Malaysia. A case-control study was conducted involving laboratory-con rmed cases of Plasmodium knowlesi malaria, registered and noti ed to the online vector disease reporting system, Vekpro Online System, and primarily resided in the study areas for a minimum of three weeks. A locality-matched individual with no history of fever and tested negative for malaria through blood slide and polymerase chain reaction, PCR of the same duration was taken as control. Univariate and multiple logistic regression was applied to evaluate the potential individual, host-vector interactions, and environmental risk factors for knowlesi malaria among respondents using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Results showed notably higher cases among males as compared to females (76.1% versus 23.9%). Multiple logistics regression analysis showed being male is 3.51 higher risk (p values < 0.001) to become a case. Respondents whose place of work or study is near the forest edge have 44.0% lower risk (p = 0.030), while those living in the Orang Asli village was 56.0% lower risk as compared to the organized village to become a case (p-value 0.035). These ndings demonstrated that gender emerges as an independent individual risk factor, while residing near a forest edge, living in an Orang Asli village, or occupying a brick or wooden workers' longhouse situated in hilly areas reduces the interactions between hosts and vectors, thereby lowering the environmental risk. These attested to different views and approaches aimed at mitigating the risk of knowlesi malaria within this speci c population. Thus, all relevant agencies must consider alternative directions in addressing the known risk factors associated with this type of malaria by acknowledging that a one-size-ts-all approach cannot be universally applied, but rather the design of prevention and control programs should be tailored to the unique characteristics of each population.

❖ There is a high unmet need for modern contraception among Orang Asli women¹. Orang Asli women h... more ❖ There is a high unmet need for modern contraception among Orang Asli women¹. Orang Asli women has high risk for maternal health related morbidity and morbidity. ❖ Modern contraceptive usage are proven able to reduce maternal health related morbidity and mortality, as well as improving the quality of life of women in general². ❖ The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of modern contraceptive usage among Orang Asli women as well as its associated factor

Introduction: The modified Viennese manual perineal protection (VMPP) is a modified method based ... more Introduction: The modified Viennese manual perineal protection (VMPP) is a modified method based on an experimental study on a computerized biomechanical model of the perineum by Jansova and colleagues. It determines the exact placement of fingers on the perineum that has less perineal tension with the minimal perineal injury. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of modified VMPP in protecting the perineal injury and need of episiotomy compared to conventional method. The associated risk factors for perineal injury were also identified. Methodology: A randomize case control study on laboring women without previous vaginal delivery at the tertiary hospital. The modified VMPP was based on a method described by Jansova et al., (2014). The sanitary pad was used to support and protect perineum in the control group. Result: A total of 158 women were recruited and divided into modified VMPP group (n=71) and control group (n=78). Nine cases were excluded due to instrumental deliveries. Thirty two (21.5%) women had intact perineum mainly in modified VMPP group (p=0.022).There were 81 (54.4%) cases of first degree perineal tear, 16 (10.7%) second degree tear and 26 (18.7%) required episiotomy which is more in the control group (p=0.548). None of the participants suffered third or fourth degree perineal tears. The more advanced maternal age, the higher BMI and larger infant’s head circumference, the higher risk of perineal injury. Conclusion: Modified VMPP is effective in minimizing perineal injury and less need for an episiotomy. The risk of perineal injury is higher with increasing maternal age, BMI and fetal head circumference

JURNAL INFO KESEHATAN

Research shows that nurses are one of the most vulnerable categories of professionals to develop ... more Research shows that nurses are one of the most vulnerable categories of professionals to develop stress and other problems due to the nature of their job. Thus the objective of this study is to describe the perceived stress experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic among Malaysian nurses. A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online form involving 319 randomly selected nurses from a teaching hospital on the east coast of Pahang, Malaysia, between January to December 2022. The perceived stress was measured using the Malay version 10-item Perceived Stress Scale, PSS-10 questionnaire. Descriptive and linear regression analysis was applied to measure the mean score of perceived stress and the association between perceived stress scores and other factors in this population. The study found that the total mean score of PSS-10 among the respondents was 19.1 ± 5.8. The three items with the highest mean scores were under the subscales “lack of self-efficiency” of the questionnaire ...

Jurnal Komunikasi: Malaysian Journal of Communication, Jun 30, 2023

This study explores at-risk communities’ attitudes toward Plasmodium knowlesi (P. knowlesi) malar... more This study explores at-risk communities’ attitudes toward Plasmodium knowlesi (P. knowlesi) malaria prevention behaviours using the Integrated Behavioural Model (IBM) as a guiding framework. This study also presents efforts and challenges faced by district health officers in Peninsular Malaysia in their role as the health authority for mitigating the disease. Seventeen informants were selected from at-risk areas in three states with high cases of P. knowlesi in 2019 (Johor, Pahang, Kelantan) to be interviewed. Semi-structured interview questions were developed guided by the IBM framework. Three district health officers who were involved in malaria prevention efforts in the selected states were also interviewed. Qualitative data analysis using Atlas.ti 8 software was used to facilitate thematic coding. Five prevention behaviours were found to be prevalent among the informants and are hypothesised to be suited for behavioural improvement intervention among at-risk communities. The prevention behaviours identified are: consuming prophylaxis, wearing long sleeves, using bed nets, mosquito coils and insect repellent. Current efforts by health district officers for P. knowlesi malaria prevention include erecting warning signs, community education programmes, and empowering community influencers. Challenges faced by the health district officers include difficulty accessing remote locations, limited facilities, and military-specific issues. This study suggests that future prevention efforts focused on behavioural improvement among at-risk communities in Malaysia should concentrate on the five prevention efforts most prevalent among these communities. Keywords: P. knowlesi malaria, attitude, prevention challenges, prevention efforts, peninsular Malaysia.

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, Jun 1, 2023

Background and Aims: The number of elderly who suffers from end stage renal disease (ESRD) is inc... more Background and Aims: The number of elderly who suffers from end stage renal disease (ESRD) is increasing and hence the dialysis therapy rate. Although dialysis increases life span, the overall benefits to elderly patients is arguably unpredictable due to the multiple comorbidities and functional impairment. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has been an important key outcome in the decision-making yet to date, there is no available local data of the dialysis implications on the elderly. Therefore, we aim to study on the impact of dialysis initiation on HRQOL among elderly ESRD patients.

Current data shows an increment of the NCDs and its modifiable risk factors, resulting in an incr... more Current data shows an increment of the NCDs and its modifiable risk factors, resulting in an increasing number of related deaths. We sought to measure the proportion of adults with NCDs and its modifiable risk factors among resi- dents of FELDA Lepar Hilir 1, Kuantan, Pahang. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 216 consented adults aged 18 years old and above in the selected houses, using a simple random sampling. A face-to-face, interviewer-ad- ministered questionnaire adapted from National Health and Morbidity Survey, 2015 was used. Clinical assessment was measured using weighing scale SECA 762, height measuring tool SECA 242, measuring tape, manual mercury sphygmomanometer, and Rightest GM 550 Blood Glucose Monitoring System. We use SPSS (version 24.0) for data analysis. The proportions were highest for hypertension (31.9%), followed by hypercholesterolemia (27.8%) and diabetes mellitus (20.4%). For risk factors, 39.4% were inactive, while 88.4%, 91.2%, and 39.8% have ina...

Advances in Infectious Diseases

Background: P. knowlesi malaria remains a severe threat for at-risk communities in Malaysia. This... more Background: P. knowlesi malaria remains a severe threat for at-risk communities in Malaysia. This study explores efforts, challenges and initiatives taken by the health officers at districts with high cases of P. knowlesi malaria in peninsular Malaysia in their role as health authority for mitigating the disease.Method: In-depth interviews were conducted with three health officers from Gua Musang, Kuala Lipis and Kota Tinggi, where high cases of P. knowlesi malaria were recorded. A purposive sampling strategy was utilised to select each district's health officers involved with malaria prevention efforts. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using Atlas.ti 8 to identify current malaria prevention practices and the challenges faced in the implementation of these practices.Results: Efforts by the health district officers include conventional prevention strategies and inventive measures to mitigate infection. The conventional strategies were erecting warning signs, community...

Background Despite its proven benefits, participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) still remain... more Background Despite its proven benefits, participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) still remains low globally. The predictors of participation in this programme have been widely studied abroad however, in Malaysia, the data in this field is scarce as the programme is relatively new. Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between status of participation with sociodemographic, logistic and clinical health status. Methods A cross-sectional study was done in University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia. A total of 45 respondents of outpatient Phase II CR were selected through convenient sampling. The respondents completed sociodemographic and logistic survey through face-to-face and telephone-based interview. The clinical health status data were obtained from medical records. Data received were analyse using SPSS version 24.0. The percentage of each variable was calculated and the differences were tested using t-test and chi-square test where applicable. Multiple logistic regression was performed. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. Results 51% of respondents were participants while 49% were non-participants. Univariate analysis revealed significant difference of more non-participants had medical comorbidities while more participants perceived already exercise (p<0.05). However, multiple logistic regression of the status of participation with sociodemographic, logistic and clinical health status shows no statistical significant predictors in the final model. Discussion Presence of medical comorbidities and exercise status were associated with participation status in CR. Patients education and awareness on CR should be emphasized by health care practitioners. Further studies involving multiple centres with larger cohort of patients should be done to identify predictors for CR participation which can assist the policy maker in structuring the programme to encourage more participation in CR programme

Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia (AFPM), Sep 23, 2021

Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia., Oct 1, 2020

Introduction: Health education may empower the patient in term of reinforcing belief, medication ... more Introduction: Health education may empower the patient in term of reinforcing belief, medication adherence and initiating lifestyle changes. This study aims to examine the benefit of SDEP on the management of diabetes mellitus in a health clinic. Materials and method: The SDEP are a program targeted at poorly controlled diabetic patients. It is a half day program with 5-6 participants, consisting of interactive and practical sessions by doctor, diabetes educator, nutritionist, occupational therapist, and pharmacist. Based on the diabetes record book of patients who had participated in 2017 and 2018, only 35 participants have a complete record, thus were included in this study. All relevant information pre and one-year post program were obtained and analysed with SPSS. Results: All participants were Malay FELDA settlers with the mean age of 60+7. The mean HbA1c level at preprogram was 9.8%. There was a significant reduction in mean HbA1c level of 1.2% one-year post program. There were no new incidence of co-morbidities and diabetic complications or significant changes in other clinical parameters among this group. There was also no significant difference in total dose/day of diabetic treatment (OHAs, insulin) between pre and 1-year post-program. Conclusion: Diabetic education program, which is targeted, structured, interactive and multidisciplinary in nature has shown to be beneficial for diabetes mellitus management without the need for intensification of therapy.

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2020

Introduction: Good physical health or istitha’ah is one of the shariah requisite to perform ... more Introduction: Good physical health or istitha’ah is one of the shariah requisite to perform hajj pilgrimage. Hence, passing the health screening is mandatory for the pilgrim to-be in Malaysia. The aim of this study is to describe the pilgrims’ health screening profile from a FELDA settlement in Pekan, Pahang. Materials and method: All 26 candidates from Chini’s FELDA cluster who were selected for hajj pilgrimage in 2017 underwent health screening at a nearby health clinic. Data from this health screening were analysed descriptively using SPSS software version 23.0. Results: Candidates consists of 11 men and 15 women aged between 48 to 86 years with the mean age of 61. Result showed that both sexes have comparable mean age and body mass index. Most of the candidates (88.5%) have at least 1 chronic medical problem (excluding overweight) while 54% have at least 2 or more medical problems. Women have higher prevalence of non-communicable disease (NCD) conditions namely obesity, hyp...

Background: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) following childbirth imposes significant burden to th... more Background: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) following childbirth imposes significant burden to the marital institution around the world. The perineal injury may potentially be one of the main risk factors contributing to postpartum female sexual dysfunction (PPFSD). The study aimed to determine the effect of perineal injury and patients’ characteristics on PPFSD. Methodology: This cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in six different health clinics in the district of Kuantan from April 2019 to October 2019. Eligible women who came to the family health clinics at 6 months postpartum were recruited as study population. The participants completed their biodata and socio-demographic form and the Malayvalidated Female Sexual Function Index (MVFSFI) questionnaire given. A cut-off point of 26.55 and below on MVFSFI scoring system was used as a measure of the primary outcome of sexual dysfunction. Results: Out of 240 women who delivered vaginally, 34 (14%) had intact perineum, ...

Fakulti Perubatan dan Sains Kesihatan Universiti Putra Malaysia, Jun 4, 2021

Contemporary Islamic ethical deliberations over biotechnology follow a largely formulaic, almost ... more Contemporary Islamic ethical deliberations over biotechnology follow a largely formulaic, almost utilitarian, moral calculus. Islamic jurists weigh the harms and benefits that might accrue, and where benefits predominate, a ruling of permissibility follows and vice versa. In cases where the technology might be controversial because of its source, e.g. porcine products, or some other aspect of its nature, yet it leads to lifesaving or similarly significant benefits, jurists might invoke dire necessity to contingently permit its use. Hence, all too often, Islamic bioethical deliberations devolve into invoking the constructs of maṣlaḥa and ḍarūra to further the biomedical enterprise. Recently, Muslim thinkers have offered up ethical frameworks drawn up from the Maqasid al-Shari'ah to affect a more holistic ethical assessment that examines the intent behind and the nature of the biotechnology alongside the outcomes produced. Yet these evaluative frameworks are also connected to notions of maṣlaḥa and ḍarūra and engage in a limited moral calculus. An often missing element in Islamic bioethical deliberation, I argue, considers the essence, limits, and reality of the human being. Although harms and benefits are assessed from the perspective of a human being, and the maqasid are concerned with preserving fundamental human interests, Islamic jurists and Muslim thinkers spend little time reflecting on how bioscience shapes the ways in which we conceive of the human being and that the bioethical questions we ask and address attend to certain constructions of the human being. Arguably, however, such understandings of what the human being is, or would become by applying said technology, is necessary to morally evaluate the technology in question. This presentation will demonstrate how various implicit conceptions of the human being undergird secular genethics discourses. The vocabulary used and the questions raised and addressed betray certain notions of the human being that Muslim interlocutors scarcely acknowledge. In turn, these suppositions are left unchecked, and Muslims undertake a utilitarian moral calculus. I will further argue that the concepts of maṣlaḥa, ḍarūra, and maqasid are built upon certain notions of the human being and that when invoking them, Muslim bioethicists must examine the impact biotechnology would have on the nature of the human being. Indeed, Islamic deliberations focus on the applied, and at times practical, dimensions of bioethics and leave aside the theoretical/conceptual dimensions that are more upstream. I contend that these upstream questions prefigure the downstream issues. Islamic theology provides resources for engaging these "larger" questions and must play a greater role in Islamic bioethics deliberation.

Journal of Behavioral Health and Psychology, Dec 30, 2023

Research Square (Research Square), Dec 7, 2023

Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation, Dec 31, 2021

Research Square (Research Square), Dec 7, 2023

JURNAL INFO KESEHATAN

Jurnal Komunikasi: Malaysian Journal of Communication, Jun 30, 2023

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, Jun 1, 2023

Advances in Infectious Diseases

Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia (AFPM), Sep 23, 2021

Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia., Oct 1, 2020

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2020

Fakulti Perubatan dan Sains Kesihatan Universiti Putra Malaysia, Jun 4, 2021