DR. MAHMATHI KARUPPANNAN - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by DR. MAHMATHI KARUPPANNAN

Annals of phytomedicine, Nov 30, 2023

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) including agitation, psychosis, depress... more Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) including agitation, psychosis, depression, and apathy are very common among persons with dementia. Aromatherapy is one of the approaches used as a non-pharmacological management of BPSD. This study examines the effectiveness of diffused ylangylang essential oil based on dementia-related behavioural assessment tools and biochemical analysis on persons with BPSD. A pre-post quasi-experimental study was conducted over two months in three nursing homes with persons with dementia (n = 28). Ylang-ylang essential oil was diffused through an ultrasonic diffuser for 20 min twice a day during both intervention phase. Behavioural symptoms were documented, and blood was taken for biomarkers analysis. The scores of the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) and the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) decreased significantly following ylangylang aromatherapy. A significant reduction was seen in homocysteine, amyloid beta-42, interleukin-6 and interleukin-2 concentrations with inhalation of ylang-ylang essential oil. Overall, ylang-ylang aromatherapy helps to improve BPSD and is associated with reducing neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory plasma biomarkers.

BMC Health Services Research

Background Community pharmacy practice worldwide has been shifting from product-focused to patien... more Background Community pharmacy practice worldwide has been shifting from product-focused to patient-oriented. However, due to the absence of separation between prescribing and dispensing in Malaysia, community pharmacists may have limited roles in the provision of pharmaceutical care to patients with chronic diseases. Therefore, the main functions of community pharmacists in Malaysia are related to self-medication requests for minor ailments and the supply of non-prescription medications. The objective of this study was to determine the practice of pharmaceutical care by community pharmacists within the Klang Valley, Malaysia in response to self-medication requests for a cough. Methods This study utilised a simulated client method. A research assistant, acting as a simulated client, visited community pharmacies in the Klang Valley, Malaysia to consult the pharmacists on the treatment of a cough experienced by his father. Upon leaving the pharmacy premise, the simulated client entered...

Frontiers in Pharmacology

Adverse drug reaction (ADR) is one of the leading public health concerns associated with high mor... more Adverse drug reaction (ADR) is one of the leading public health concerns associated with high mortality rate. Healthcare professionals, particularly pharmacists, have a significant role in monitoring and preventing ADRs. This study was conducted on Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS) pharmacists who worked at the hospitals, health clinics, and community pharmacies to determine if pharmacists’ experiences on ADRs are still the same 10 years later. In 2010, a postal survey and in 2020, an online survey were conducted among these pharmacists. A total of 472 pharmacists and 208 participated in 2010 and 2020, respectively. About 82% and 90% of hospital/health clinic pharmacists (HCPs) observed an ADR over the last 6 months in 2010 and 2020, while 60% and 100% community pharmacists in 2010 and 2020 observed an ADR, respectively. Perindopril was the top drug (HCPs: p = 0.657; CPs: p = 0.98), and rash was the top ADR reported by the pharmacists in both years (HCPs: p < 0.001; CPs: p =...

International Journal of Pharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals and Cosmetic Science

Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are key instruments in providing the most appropriate decisio... more Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are key instruments in providing the most appropriate decision in the treatment of any disease. CPG was developed to improve health care by increasing the incorporation of evidence-based treatments to reduce the use of unnecessary, ineffective or harmful interventions. This study assessed 5 Malaysian CPGs using Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation II (AGREE-II) instrument which could help the stakeholders to decide if further improvement or modification is needed. AGREE-II is an international instrument that aids in CPG development. It comprises of 23-items under 6 different domains. The κ statistics was used to look for agreement between 3 appraisers across these domains. The relevance of the Malaysian CPG to the care of older people in this study was also assessed using an instrument that have been developed by a previous study (Quality of Australian clinical guidelines and relevance to the care of older people with multiple comorbid ...

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention

without any distinction based on age, gender or method of treatment (Winningham, 2001). Cancer-re... more without any distinction based on age, gender or method of treatment (Winningham, 2001). Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a medical issue that influences cancer patients before and after treatment (Curt

Journal of Herbal Medicine

Frontiers in Physiology

Background: Male infertility is an emerging health issue in the world today. Surgical interventio... more Background: Male infertility is an emerging health issue in the world today. Surgical interventions for the treatment of male infertility are available but are quite expensive. Herbal interventions pose a popular alternative for the treatment of infertility. However, much has to be learned regarding their safety and efficacy.Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of herbal interventions in male infertility and also assess the possibility of these interventions as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the future.Method: From inception until 16 December 2021, all articles emphasizing the efficacy of herbal interventions in the treatment of male infertility are included in this review. Seven databases are searched. The literature obtained is screened and extracted. Semen parameters, hormonal concentration, and conception are the outcomes of interest.Results: A total of 19 articles were included in this review. Herbal interventions might improve semen ...

The Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale (PAID) was translated using forward and backward translations... more The Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale (PAID) was translated using forward and backward translations following a predefined set of guidelines. The sample consists of 46 Malay patients from a public hospital in Malaysia. The PAID scale was found to have high internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha value = 0.921). The patients suffered from mild diabetes distress having an average PAID score of 39.4. The findings gave support of convergent validity with a significant association (Pearson correlation = 0.081; p<0.05) between PAID score and HbA 1c values. The Malay version of PAID was found to be reliable and valid among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients.

Frontiers in Pharmacology

Although efforts have been taken to educate the public about medication from a very young age, th... more Although efforts have been taken to educate the public about medication from a very young age, there are very limited availability and accessibility of education material for children. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of read-along videos of pictorial storybooks on children’s knowledge about rational use of medicines. This study compared pre and post knowledge scores in a nonrandomized, one-group pre-test-post-test experimental design. Pre-recorded read-along storytelling videos were used as intervention covering two topics on rational use of medicine -medicine storage and antibiotic resistance. The questionnaire and intervention videos were distributed using Google Forms to children aged six and seven in Malaysia via online social media platforms. 521 children completed the study. The mean baseline knowledge score for medication storage was 4.89 (SD = 1.12) pre-test and 5.44 (SD = 0.78) post-test while for antibiotic resistance the mean was 3.616 (SD = 1.340) pre-test ...

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, 2022

The link between the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and vitamin D deficiency has perplex... more The link between the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and vitamin D deficiency has perplexed the medical society due to the controversy in the data available. Saudi Arabia (SA) is a sunny region; however, ample amount of data reported the increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency along with T2DM. Thus, this study aimed to compare vitamin D deficiency between healthy and T2DM patients in SA, alongside with the risk factors associated with that. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Medical Unit, Taibah University in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, SA, from November 2017 to May 2018. The involved participants were non-diabetics and T2DM men. Measuring vitamin D for T2DM and non-diabetics group was done by trained technicians. Data analysis was done via SPSS. Results: Sixty-four participants (T2DM group = 32; non-diabetics group = 32) were recruited, and the mean age of T2DM patients was 48.6 ± 10.4, while that of the non-diabetics was 42.4 ± 6.5. The mean of vitamin D level was found higher in the non-diabetic participants than in diabetic patients. There was statistically significant association between vitamin D deficiency and T2DM (P = 0.001). Besides, duration of diabetes was the only factor, found to be positively correlated with vitamin D deficiency in T2DM patients. Conclusion: Early screening for vitamin D serum-level is recommended for T2DM patients in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, early correction of vitamin D levels should be considered, and medical and scientific societies, along with other sectors such as the media, should highlight and increase the awareness of the importance of vitamin D and the seriousness of its deficiency.

Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives, 2021

Value in Health, 2017

were questioned/ Most of them 188 (80%) live in Moscow, 47 (20%)-in the Moscow region. The averag... more were questioned/ Most of them 188 (80%) live in Moscow, 47 (20%)-in the Moscow region. The average term of labor was 39 ± 2 weeks. 99 (42%) had first pregnancy, 82 (35%)-the second, 31 (13%)-the third, in 24 (20%)-4 or more pregnancies. 160 patients (68%) had no problems with movements, moderate difficulties were noted in the remaining 75 (32%) of the respondents. Also, the majority-193 (82%) didn't experience difficulties with self-service, 42 (18%) experienced moderate difficulties. Daily activity wasn't impaired in 153 (65%) patients, and 82 (35%) had some problems with the daily routine. 60 respondents (25.5%) didn't complain about pain and discomfort during pregnancy, more than half: 155 (66%) experienced moderate pain and discomfort. 20 (8%) of the women surveyed experienced severe pain and discomfort. Only 49 respondents (20%) didn't experience anxiety and depression, 136 (57%) noted a slight anxiety, in 30 women (13%) these feelings were strongly pronounced. The average score of QOL measured with the visual analogue scale (VAS) was 0.76 ± 0.15. Data of QOLwere higher in patients attened special group for physical exercices during pregnancy (p<0,05). ConClusions: in most cases there were no changes in physical activity of patients, psycho-emotional changes, such as anxiety and depression, pain and discomfort were noted. It can be improved by physical activity.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, 2021

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of anaemia on the quality of life... more Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of anaemia on the quality of life (QOL) among breast cancer patients. Methods A total of 120 anaemic (haemoglobin < 12 g/dL) breast cancer patients were identified through chart review. Patients were followed-up for three cycles of chemotherapy filled in a QOL questionnaire Functional Assessment Chronic Therapy –Anaemia at each follow-up session. Data such as haemoglobin Hb levels and chemotherapy regimens were also recorded on each follow-up. Data were analysed using SPSS. Key findings The Hb level and QOL mean scores of all follow-ups were 10.34 ± 0.73 g/dL and 96.37 ± 16.15 g/dL, respectively. QOL was adversely affected by anaemia severity, and the curves declined significantly from the first follow-up to the third follow-up (P < 0.001). Conclusion It is crucial to consider developing a guideline for the treatment of anaemia, which is not available currently, and improve the QOL for the wellbeing of cancer pati...

Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice, 2020

Pharmaceutical industry is one of the main contributors of public health. In a pharmaceutical ind... more Pharmaceutical industry is one of the main contributors of public health. In a pharmaceutical industry, Data integrity is one of the most important aspect that relates to drug quality, safety, efficacy and purity. Recently, many industries have been given warning letters due to the violation of data integrity and strict action had been taken by international and local regulatory authorities. Data integrity should be a part of pharmaceutical policy. It claims that product has been manufactured after meeting the predetermined specification and quality attributes and showed compliance of testing methods according to the guidelines given in official books. The FDA, USA considers integrity of data, from initial step where it is generated, and extending throughout its life cycle, to be a critical component which ensures that only high quality and safe drugs are manufactured. Hence, it is essential to record each and every detail of drug manufacturing and testing which should comply with cGMP practices. In future, the completeness, consistency, and accuracy of the data will decide the fate of the pharmaceutical companies.

Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 2015

Pharmacy Education

In response to the inability to conduct conventional face-to-face objective structured clinical e... more In response to the inability to conduct conventional face-to-face objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) due to the COVID-19 lockdown, this study explored options to design virtual OSCE (vOSCE) that meets the objectives and standards of effective competency-based assessment for a large cohort of pharmacy students. The vOSCE required advanced planning of the actual assessment and technical conduct. The development of a master plan consisting of the types of competencies to test, topics and number of cases, and assessment rubrics, guided the team members to develop an adequate OSCE assessment module. Technical aspects included recruitment of examiners, simulated patients (SP), technical support, and a platform for vOSCE. The main challenges were to ensure well-ordered vOSCE and a stable internet connection for examiners, SP, and students. Google Meet was utilised due to its functionality, familiarity, and low internet consumption to all parties involved. Feedback was obtaine...

Data uploaded are the SPSS output for chi-square tests and binary logistic regression for the pre... more Data uploaded are the SPSS output for chi-square tests and binary logistic regression for the predictors of CAM use among different group of CKD patients

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the association between anaemia severity a... more Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the association between anaemia severity and risk factors among breast cancer patients. Methods: A prospective study design was conducted in three different oncology centres in Malaysia where 120 anaemic breast cancer patients (haemoglobin < 12 g/dL) were identified through medical chart review. Patients were followed-up for three cycles of chemotherapy and data such as haemoglobin (Hb) levels and demographic or clinical data were also recorded on each follow-up. Data were analysed using SPSS. Results: The average mean of Hb level of all follow-ups was 10.34 ± 0.73 g/dL. A chi-square and multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significant strong association between anaemia severity and associated risk factors, i.e., demographic data (age, body mass index [BMI], and marital status), chemotherapy data (dose delay, number of regimens, and type of chemotherapy), and cancer stage. Conclusion: Factors that have a great imp...

Annals of phytomedicine, Nov 30, 2023

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) including agitation, psychosis, depress... more Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) including agitation, psychosis, depression, and apathy are very common among persons with dementia. Aromatherapy is one of the approaches used as a non-pharmacological management of BPSD. This study examines the effectiveness of diffused ylangylang essential oil based on dementia-related behavioural assessment tools and biochemical analysis on persons with BPSD. A pre-post quasi-experimental study was conducted over two months in three nursing homes with persons with dementia (n = 28). Ylang-ylang essential oil was diffused through an ultrasonic diffuser for 20 min twice a day during both intervention phase. Behavioural symptoms were documented, and blood was taken for biomarkers analysis. The scores of the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) and the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) decreased significantly following ylangylang aromatherapy. A significant reduction was seen in homocysteine, amyloid beta-42, interleukin-6 and interleukin-2 concentrations with inhalation of ylang-ylang essential oil. Overall, ylang-ylang aromatherapy helps to improve BPSD and is associated with reducing neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory plasma biomarkers.

BMC Health Services Research

Background Community pharmacy practice worldwide has been shifting from product-focused to patien... more Background Community pharmacy practice worldwide has been shifting from product-focused to patient-oriented. However, due to the absence of separation between prescribing and dispensing in Malaysia, community pharmacists may have limited roles in the provision of pharmaceutical care to patients with chronic diseases. Therefore, the main functions of community pharmacists in Malaysia are related to self-medication requests for minor ailments and the supply of non-prescription medications. The objective of this study was to determine the practice of pharmaceutical care by community pharmacists within the Klang Valley, Malaysia in response to self-medication requests for a cough. Methods This study utilised a simulated client method. A research assistant, acting as a simulated client, visited community pharmacies in the Klang Valley, Malaysia to consult the pharmacists on the treatment of a cough experienced by his father. Upon leaving the pharmacy premise, the simulated client entered...

Frontiers in Pharmacology

Adverse drug reaction (ADR) is one of the leading public health concerns associated with high mor... more Adverse drug reaction (ADR) is one of the leading public health concerns associated with high mortality rate. Healthcare professionals, particularly pharmacists, have a significant role in monitoring and preventing ADRs. This study was conducted on Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS) pharmacists who worked at the hospitals, health clinics, and community pharmacies to determine if pharmacists’ experiences on ADRs are still the same 10 years later. In 2010, a postal survey and in 2020, an online survey were conducted among these pharmacists. A total of 472 pharmacists and 208 participated in 2010 and 2020, respectively. About 82% and 90% of hospital/health clinic pharmacists (HCPs) observed an ADR over the last 6 months in 2010 and 2020, while 60% and 100% community pharmacists in 2010 and 2020 observed an ADR, respectively. Perindopril was the top drug (HCPs: p = 0.657; CPs: p = 0.98), and rash was the top ADR reported by the pharmacists in both years (HCPs: p < 0.001; CPs: p =...

International Journal of Pharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals and Cosmetic Science

Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are key instruments in providing the most appropriate decisio... more Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are key instruments in providing the most appropriate decision in the treatment of any disease. CPG was developed to improve health care by increasing the incorporation of evidence-based treatments to reduce the use of unnecessary, ineffective or harmful interventions. This study assessed 5 Malaysian CPGs using Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation II (AGREE-II) instrument which could help the stakeholders to decide if further improvement or modification is needed. AGREE-II is an international instrument that aids in CPG development. It comprises of 23-items under 6 different domains. The κ statistics was used to look for agreement between 3 appraisers across these domains. The relevance of the Malaysian CPG to the care of older people in this study was also assessed using an instrument that have been developed by a previous study (Quality of Australian clinical guidelines and relevance to the care of older people with multiple comorbid ...

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention

without any distinction based on age, gender or method of treatment (Winningham, 2001). Cancer-re... more without any distinction based on age, gender or method of treatment (Winningham, 2001). Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a medical issue that influences cancer patients before and after treatment (Curt

Journal of Herbal Medicine

Frontiers in Physiology

Background: Male infertility is an emerging health issue in the world today. Surgical interventio... more Background: Male infertility is an emerging health issue in the world today. Surgical interventions for the treatment of male infertility are available but are quite expensive. Herbal interventions pose a popular alternative for the treatment of infertility. However, much has to be learned regarding their safety and efficacy.Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of herbal interventions in male infertility and also assess the possibility of these interventions as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the future.Method: From inception until 16 December 2021, all articles emphasizing the efficacy of herbal interventions in the treatment of male infertility are included in this review. Seven databases are searched. The literature obtained is screened and extracted. Semen parameters, hormonal concentration, and conception are the outcomes of interest.Results: A total of 19 articles were included in this review. Herbal interventions might improve semen ...

The Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale (PAID) was translated using forward and backward translations... more The Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale (PAID) was translated using forward and backward translations following a predefined set of guidelines. The sample consists of 46 Malay patients from a public hospital in Malaysia. The PAID scale was found to have high internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha value = 0.921). The patients suffered from mild diabetes distress having an average PAID score of 39.4. The findings gave support of convergent validity with a significant association (Pearson correlation = 0.081; p<0.05) between PAID score and HbA 1c values. The Malay version of PAID was found to be reliable and valid among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients.

Frontiers in Pharmacology

Although efforts have been taken to educate the public about medication from a very young age, th... more Although efforts have been taken to educate the public about medication from a very young age, there are very limited availability and accessibility of education material for children. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of read-along videos of pictorial storybooks on children’s knowledge about rational use of medicines. This study compared pre and post knowledge scores in a nonrandomized, one-group pre-test-post-test experimental design. Pre-recorded read-along storytelling videos were used as intervention covering two topics on rational use of medicine -medicine storage and antibiotic resistance. The questionnaire and intervention videos were distributed using Google Forms to children aged six and seven in Malaysia via online social media platforms. 521 children completed the study. The mean baseline knowledge score for medication storage was 4.89 (SD = 1.12) pre-test and 5.44 (SD = 0.78) post-test while for antibiotic resistance the mean was 3.616 (SD = 1.340) pre-test ...

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, 2022

The link between the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and vitamin D deficiency has perplex... more The link between the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and vitamin D deficiency has perplexed the medical society due to the controversy in the data available. Saudi Arabia (SA) is a sunny region; however, ample amount of data reported the increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency along with T2DM. Thus, this study aimed to compare vitamin D deficiency between healthy and T2DM patients in SA, alongside with the risk factors associated with that. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Medical Unit, Taibah University in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, SA, from November 2017 to May 2018. The involved participants were non-diabetics and T2DM men. Measuring vitamin D for T2DM and non-diabetics group was done by trained technicians. Data analysis was done via SPSS. Results: Sixty-four participants (T2DM group = 32; non-diabetics group = 32) were recruited, and the mean age of T2DM patients was 48.6 ± 10.4, while that of the non-diabetics was 42.4 ± 6.5. The mean of vitamin D level was found higher in the non-diabetic participants than in diabetic patients. There was statistically significant association between vitamin D deficiency and T2DM (P = 0.001). Besides, duration of diabetes was the only factor, found to be positively correlated with vitamin D deficiency in T2DM patients. Conclusion: Early screening for vitamin D serum-level is recommended for T2DM patients in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, early correction of vitamin D levels should be considered, and medical and scientific societies, along with other sectors such as the media, should highlight and increase the awareness of the importance of vitamin D and the seriousness of its deficiency.

Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives, 2021

Value in Health, 2017

were questioned/ Most of them 188 (80%) live in Moscow, 47 (20%)-in the Moscow region. The averag... more were questioned/ Most of them 188 (80%) live in Moscow, 47 (20%)-in the Moscow region. The average term of labor was 39 ± 2 weeks. 99 (42%) had first pregnancy, 82 (35%)-the second, 31 (13%)-the third, in 24 (20%)-4 or more pregnancies. 160 patients (68%) had no problems with movements, moderate difficulties were noted in the remaining 75 (32%) of the respondents. Also, the majority-193 (82%) didn't experience difficulties with self-service, 42 (18%) experienced moderate difficulties. Daily activity wasn't impaired in 153 (65%) patients, and 82 (35%) had some problems with the daily routine. 60 respondents (25.5%) didn't complain about pain and discomfort during pregnancy, more than half: 155 (66%) experienced moderate pain and discomfort. 20 (8%) of the women surveyed experienced severe pain and discomfort. Only 49 respondents (20%) didn't experience anxiety and depression, 136 (57%) noted a slight anxiety, in 30 women (13%) these feelings were strongly pronounced. The average score of QOL measured with the visual analogue scale (VAS) was 0.76 ± 0.15. Data of QOLwere higher in patients attened special group for physical exercices during pregnancy (p<0,05). ConClusions: in most cases there were no changes in physical activity of patients, psycho-emotional changes, such as anxiety and depression, pain and discomfort were noted. It can be improved by physical activity.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, 2021

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of anaemia on the quality of life... more Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of anaemia on the quality of life (QOL) among breast cancer patients. Methods A total of 120 anaemic (haemoglobin < 12 g/dL) breast cancer patients were identified through chart review. Patients were followed-up for three cycles of chemotherapy filled in a QOL questionnaire Functional Assessment Chronic Therapy –Anaemia at each follow-up session. Data such as haemoglobin Hb levels and chemotherapy regimens were also recorded on each follow-up. Data were analysed using SPSS. Key findings The Hb level and QOL mean scores of all follow-ups were 10.34 ± 0.73 g/dL and 96.37 ± 16.15 g/dL, respectively. QOL was adversely affected by anaemia severity, and the curves declined significantly from the first follow-up to the third follow-up (P < 0.001). Conclusion It is crucial to consider developing a guideline for the treatment of anaemia, which is not available currently, and improve the QOL for the wellbeing of cancer pati...

Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice, 2020

Pharmaceutical industry is one of the main contributors of public health. In a pharmaceutical ind... more Pharmaceutical industry is one of the main contributors of public health. In a pharmaceutical industry, Data integrity is one of the most important aspect that relates to drug quality, safety, efficacy and purity. Recently, many industries have been given warning letters due to the violation of data integrity and strict action had been taken by international and local regulatory authorities. Data integrity should be a part of pharmaceutical policy. It claims that product has been manufactured after meeting the predetermined specification and quality attributes and showed compliance of testing methods according to the guidelines given in official books. The FDA, USA considers integrity of data, from initial step where it is generated, and extending throughout its life cycle, to be a critical component which ensures that only high quality and safe drugs are manufactured. Hence, it is essential to record each and every detail of drug manufacturing and testing which should comply with cGMP practices. In future, the completeness, consistency, and accuracy of the data will decide the fate of the pharmaceutical companies.

Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 2015

Pharmacy Education

In response to the inability to conduct conventional face-to-face objective structured clinical e... more In response to the inability to conduct conventional face-to-face objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) due to the COVID-19 lockdown, this study explored options to design virtual OSCE (vOSCE) that meets the objectives and standards of effective competency-based assessment for a large cohort of pharmacy students. The vOSCE required advanced planning of the actual assessment and technical conduct. The development of a master plan consisting of the types of competencies to test, topics and number of cases, and assessment rubrics, guided the team members to develop an adequate OSCE assessment module. Technical aspects included recruitment of examiners, simulated patients (SP), technical support, and a platform for vOSCE. The main challenges were to ensure well-ordered vOSCE and a stable internet connection for examiners, SP, and students. Google Meet was utilised due to its functionality, familiarity, and low internet consumption to all parties involved. Feedback was obtaine...

Data uploaded are the SPSS output for chi-square tests and binary logistic regression for the pre... more Data uploaded are the SPSS output for chi-square tests and binary logistic regression for the predictors of CAM use among different group of CKD patients

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the association between anaemia severity a... more Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the association between anaemia severity and risk factors among breast cancer patients. Methods: A prospective study design was conducted in three different oncology centres in Malaysia where 120 anaemic breast cancer patients (haemoglobin < 12 g/dL) were identified through medical chart review. Patients were followed-up for three cycles of chemotherapy and data such as haemoglobin (Hb) levels and demographic or clinical data were also recorded on each follow-up. Data were analysed using SPSS. Results: The average mean of Hb level of all follow-ups was 10.34 ± 0.73 g/dL. A chi-square and multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significant strong association between anaemia severity and associated risk factors, i.e., demographic data (age, body mass index [BMI], and marital status), chemotherapy data (dose delay, number of regimens, and type of chemotherapy), and cancer stage. Conclusion: Factors that have a great imp...