Deepashini A/P Harithasan - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Deepashini A/P Harithasan

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 2021

INTRODUCTION The Joint Committee of Infant Hearing (JCIH) recommended hearing screening by one mo... more INTRODUCTION The Joint Committee of Infant Hearing (JCIH) recommended hearing screening by one month of age, diagnosis of hearing loss by three months of age, and intervention initiated by six months of age. In Malaysia however, the age of diagnosis of hearing loss in children is relatively late. This study aimed to identify the challenges faced by parents in seeking a diagnosis of hearing loss for their children. METHOD The study utilized a semi-structured interview with open-ended questions to obtain information about parents' experiences during the diagnosis period and their challenges when going through that process. In this study, a total of 16 parents of children who were diagnosed with moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss and received intervention within three years at the time of the study participated. Ten of the children were cochlear implant users, and six were hearing aid users. RESULTS Thematic analysis was used to analyse themes generated from the data according to the study objective. Four main themes and 17 subthemes were identified from this study. The four main themes were 1) Parents' emotion; 2) Parental knowledge; 3) Others; 4) Profesional services. Challenges that parents faced often include emotional behaviours such as feeling guilty and devastated during the diagnosis, lack of information-sharing from healthcare givers, lack of knowledge on childhood hearing loss among parents, support from families, seek for a second opinion, worry about others' acceptance, longer time for diagnosis to confirm, late referral to other related profesionals and no priority for the appointment. CONCLUSION Emotion is identified as the biggest challenge faced by parents in the process of diagnosis for their children with hearing loss. Hence, management of parental emotion needs to be emphasized by health profesionals as it influences the acceptance of parents towards their child's diagnosis.

(1) Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global public health emergency... more (1) Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global public health emergency that has caused worldwide concern. Vast resources have been allocated to control the pandemic and treat patients. However, little attention has been paid to the adverse impact on mental health or effective mitigation strategies to improve mental health. (2) Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the adverse impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Chinese college students' mental health, understand the underlying mechanisms, and explore feasible mitigation strategies. (3) Methods: During the peak time of the COVID-19 outbreak in China, we conducted longitudinal surveys of sixty-six college students. Structured questionnaires collected information on demographics, physical activity, negative emotions, sleep quality, and aggressiveness level. A mixed-effect model was used to evaluate associations between variables, and the mediating effect of sleep quality was further explored. A generalized additive model was used to determine the dose-response relationships between the COVID-19 death count, physical activity, and negative emotions. (4) Results: The COVID-19 death count showed a direct negative impact on general sleep quality (β = 1.37, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.55, 2.19) and reduced aggressiveness (β = −6.57, 95% CI: −12.78, −0.36). In contrast, the COVID-19 death count imposed not a direct but an indirect impact on general negative emotions (indirect effect (IE) = 0.81, p = 0.012), stress (IE = 0.40, p < 0.001), and anxiety (IE = 0.27, p = 0.004) with sleep quality as a mediator. Moreover, physical activity directly alleviated general negative emotions (β = −0.12, 95% CI: −0.22, −0.01), and the maximal mitigation effect occurred when weekly physical activity was about 2500 METs. (5) Conclusions: (a) The severity of the COVID-19 outbreak has an indirect effect on negative emotions by affecting sleep quality. (b) A possible mitigation strategy for improving mental health includes taking suitable amounts of daily physical activity and sleeping well. (c) The COVID-19 outbreak has reduced people's aggressiveness, probably by making people realize the fragility and preciousness of life.

International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, Dec 5, 2019

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sensory impairment... more ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sensory impairment (hearing loss only, vision loss only, and dual sensory impairment [DSI]) and depression, loneliness, quality of life, and cognitive performance in older adults.MethodsA total of 229 community‐dwelling older adults aged 60 years or older participated in this study. Variables were measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15), Revised University of California at Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (R‐UCLA), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE).ResultsThere was an independent association between DSI and quality of life (P < .05) and between DSI and hearing loss alone and cognitive function (P < .05) in older adults. In addition, higher education was associated with better quality of life and cognitive function.ConclusionsDSI is a significant factor affecting the quality of life and cognitive function in older adults. Sociodemographic factors such as education play an important role in improving quality of life and cognitive function. Thus, increasing the awareness of this disability is important to ensure that older adults receive the necessary support services and rehabilitation to improve their level of independence.

Malaysian journal of paediatrics and child health, Jun 16, 2022

Objective: The support from mothers towards children with hearing loss is important for an early ... more Objective: The support from mothers towards children with hearing loss is important for an early identification, diagnosis and intervention. Attempts at exploring the existing knowledge and attitude among mothers are crucial, which may lead to a greater benefit for the children and overall satisfaction for the child and the family. Thus, the present study was attempted to explore the knowledge and attitude of mothers towards children with hearing loss through the use of a valid and reliable questionnaire developed for this purpose in Malay-language. Methods: Questionnaire was developed based on past literature on knowledge, attitude and focus group discussions (FGD) which involved a representative from primary health care providers, ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon and audiologists. Translations follow a forwardbackward procedure, independently carried out by two native-speakers of the target language. Translated questionnaires have undergone a pilot testing which involved 30 Malaysian mothers who visited the health clinics. The internal consistency of the two main domains (knowledge and attitude) was computed by the Cronbach's Alpha coefficient to assess the reliability of the newly developed questionnaire. Results: The range of Cronbach's Alpha showed a considerable consistency for both the knowledge and attitude with Cronbach's Alpha of 0.77 and 0.78, respectively. Conclusion: The questionnaire regarding the knowledge and attitude of mothers towards children with hearing loss is a reliable and valid instrument. This research introduced the Malay-language version of the knowledge and attitude questionnaire as the first formal validated questionnaire and confirmed a high reliability and validity for the evaluation of mother's knowledge and attitude towards children with hearing loss.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Sep 1, 2017

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a back belt on vertical load transfer in term... more The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a back belt on vertical load transfer in terms of carrying using a single dominant hand, lumbopelvic muscle strength, and perceived difficulty in performing an active straight lower limb raise (ASLR) test among adults with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). A total of 20 adults with NSLBP and 20 matched individuals without low back pain (LBP) participated in this study. Vertical load transfer was measured via a Matscan pressure assessment system for both standing and walking scenarios while carrying incremental loads. Lumbopelvic muscle strength during prone hip extension (PHE) test was assessed using a handheld dynamometer. Perceived difficulty in performing the ASLR test was measured with a 6-point Likert scale. A three-way ANOVA was conducted to examine the effects of vertical load transfer. Lumbopelvic muscle strength and perceived difficulty were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA. The results demonstrated an increase in vertical load transfer, increased lumbopelvic muscle strength, and decreased perceived difficulty in performing ASLR test with use of a back belt. The findings suggest that the use of a back belt in adults with NSLBP may improve vertical load transfer during load-carrying tasks, maximize lumbopelvic muscle strength, and decrease perceived difficulty in performing a task. This is relevant to industry, as use of a back belt is an option for industrial workers with NSLBP during manual load carrying to optimize vertical load transfer and personal comfort.

Теорія та методика фізичного виховання, Nov 30, 2022

Background. Individual involvement in sports activity is rising and thus increases the risk of kn... more Background. Individual involvement in sports activity is rising and thus increases the risk of knee injury. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture is the most common knee injury requiring ACL reconstruction (ACLR). However, limited evidence is available to date on ACLR characteristics in Malaysia for comparison with Western countries. This study aims to describe the epidemiological characteristic of ACLR surgery and the trend of pre-operative physiotherapy (pre-habilitation). Materials and methods. ACLR cases recorded in a tertiary hospital database between January 2015 and December 2020 were extracted and reviewed. This retrospective study was approved by the hospital's Research Ethics Committee (UKMPPI/111/8/JEP-2020-500). All ACLR cases involving sports injuries were included with the exclusion of nonsports related injuries. Yearly ACLR cases were retrieved using an Injury Information form containing variables namely age, gender, type of ACL tear, accompanying meniscus injury, duration from injury to surgery and prehabilitation details. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the sample data. Results. A total of 131 ACLR cases were reported between 2015 and2020 (Male, n = 122; Female, n = 25). The number of ACLR cases fluctuated during the observed years, with a maximum of 30 cases reported in a year and 98% of the cases were represented by the youth age group (15-47 years old). The average age at time of surgery was 27.1 (± 7.79). On an average, 80% of athletes stated no history of previous knee injury. The most common type of ACL injury was a complete tear (88%), followed by partial tear (9%), and re-rupture (3%). A meniscus injury was noted in 61% of cases. The time from injury to surgery was 15 weeks. The study found low percentage of the ACLR patients who received pre-habilitation prior to surgery (<20%). Conclusions. ACLR cases are showing a fluctuating trend every year. Despite the majority of the ACL cases being a complete tear, the participants waited more than four months to undergo ACLR, with only a quarter of them had pre-habilitation prior to surgery. The reasons for these situations require investigation. Future research inclusive of a larger database is also desirable to develop a better insight into ACL injury pattern.

Jurnal sains kesihatan Malaysia =, Jan 15, 2017

Plantar pressure, force and contact area information may provideinsights regarding stresses impar... more Plantar pressure, force and contact area information may provideinsights regarding stresses imparted to the foot when performing functional tasks. There is limited information regarding plantar pressure, force and contact area when carrying incremental loads (no load, 5 kg, 7.5 kg and 10 kg) using one hand between adults with and without low back pain (LBP). The aim of our study was to investigate the changes in the plantar pressure, force and contact area when carrying incremental loads (no load, 5 kg, 7.5 kg and 10 kg) using one hand between adults with and without low back pain (LBP). A total of 20 adults with non-specific LBP and 20 matched individuals without LBP were recruited according to the predefined recruitment criteria. Plantar pressure (PP), maximum force (MF) and contact area (CA were measured in standing position and during walking while carrying incremental loads (no load, 5 kg, 7.5 kg and 10 kg) using their right hand on a Matscan pressure assessment system. A two-way mixed analysis of variance (group× load) was conducted to analyse the data. No significant main effectof group was demonstrated on both the right and left foot during standing

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Nov 4, 2022

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Sep 1, 2019

Objectives: Maternal knowledge and attitude towards childhood hearing loss play an important role... more Objectives: Maternal knowledge and attitude towards childhood hearing loss play an important role in determining the success of early diagnosis and intervention of hearing loss programs in children. This study aimed to 1) assess the knowledge and attitude of childhood hearing loss among mothers, 2) compare knowledge and attitude of childhood hearing loss in urban and rural mothers, 3) investigate the relationship between knowledge and attitude on childhood hearing loss, and 4) identify socio-demographic factors that influence mothers' knowledge and attitude on childhood hearing loss. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 362 mothers and mothers-to-be (mean age: 31.9 ± 4.9 years, range: 20-48 years old) recruited from Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur and two health clinics in Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan and Beranang, Selangor representing the urban and rural areas respectively. All participants were interviewed in person using a newly developed and reliable questionnaire that tested their knowledge and attitude on childhood hearing loss.

Journal of research in health sciences, 2015

BACKGROUND Computer users are exposed to work related neck disorders due to repetitive movement a... more BACKGROUND Computer users are exposed to work related neck disorders due to repetitive movement and static posture for prolonged period. Viewing document and typing simultaneously are one of the contributing factors for neck disorders. METHODS This preliminary study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the document holder on the postural neck muscles activity among computer users. Nine healthy participants with pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited for the study. Neck muscles activity were analyzed using the surface electromyography (EMG) in five different document location such as flat right, flat left, flat center, stand right and stand left during a 5 min typing task. RESULTS The mean and standard deviation results showed a least amount of muscles activity using a document holder compared to without document holder. Nevertheless, the statistical analysis showed no significant differences between the using of a document holder. CONCLUSIONS The effects of ...

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice, 2017

PURPOSE: Carrying weight in one hand is a common functional activity. This study investigated the... more PURPOSE: Carrying weight in one hand is a common functional activity. This study investigated the effects of incremental loads carried in one hand unilaterally and its influence on the foot mechanics [plantar pressure, maximum force and contact area]. METHOD: Twenty healthy individuals were tested, in standing and walking, while carrying different weights (no load, 5 kg, 7.5 kg and 10 kg) using their right hand. ANCOVA was conducted separately for the right and left leg to address the effect of incremental loads on the foot mechanics within each leg with navicular drop index and Q angle as covariates. Paired t-test was conducted to address the effect of different loads on the foot mechanics between the legs. RESULTS: Results showed a significant increase in plantar pressure (pCONCLUSION: The fundamental changes in foot mechanics under the influence of different loads may be used to interpret the changes seen in the foot mechanics among different pathological condition.

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018

There is limited information regarding gender differences in spinal morphological attributes amon... more There is limited information regarding gender differences in spinal morphological attributes among healthy young adults although alterations have been reported to influence postural changes, mainly with forward-bending and extension postures. The aim of this preliminary study was to examine gender differences in spinal morphological attributes of lumbar extensor muscles that includes its muscle fibre angles, thickness, endurance and thoracolumbar curvature among young adults. Nineteen male and 26 female healthy young adults (aged 21-24 years) matched for age, body mass index and physical activity levels participated in this preliminary study. Fibre angles and thickness of lumbar extensor muscles were examined using ultrasonography. Lumbar extensor muscle endurance and thoracolumbar curvatures were assessed using Sorenson's test and a flexible ruler respectively. Paired t-test showed a significant mean difference (p < 0.01) between the right and left fibre angles. However, no significant mean difference (p = 0.50) was found between the right and left muscle thickness. Results of independent t-test showed a significant difference (p < 0.01) in muscle thickness between males and females. No significant differences were shown in right fibre angle (p = 0.12), left fibre angle (p = 0.89), muscle endurance (p = 0.46), thoracic curvature (p = 0.76) and lumbar curvature (p = 0.06) between genders. There were no gender differences in spinal morphological attributes except for lumbar extensor muscle thickness in young adults age between 21 to 24. This study data may be useful as an initial reference norm of spinal morphological attributes among young adults. Further studies may be required to examine the factors that may influence changes in spinal morphological attributes among healthy adults.

Polish Annals of Medicine, 2014

Introduction: In clinical practice and within the scope of research studies, foot pressure distri... more Introduction: In clinical practice and within the scope of research studies, foot pressure distribution as measured by plantar pressure analysis is widely used to diagnose foot pathologies. Although plantar pressure data have been recognized as an important element in the assessment of patients with various foot problems, an in-depth knowledge of the plantar pressure distribution of the foot is lacking in literatures. Aim: This article presents a review of literature on plantar pressure distribution and factors that may affect plantar pressure among patients with foot pathologies and healthy population. Material and methods: A literature search was conducted in Science Direct and PubMed databases for articles published from January 2000 to August 2012. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and other keywords for search were plantar pressure, age, body weight, gender, reliability, instrument and healthy subjects. Results and discussion: This paper reviews on the factors influencing plantar pressure distribution. Factors such as the gender, age, body weight, foot type and footwear proved to have a significant effect on plantar pressure distribution of the foot. The paper also reports on the plantar pressure distribution of the foot and the reliability of the measurement. Studies were excluded from this narrative review if they did not meet the above criteria. Conclusions: This review has added sufficient knowledge on plantar pressure distribution of the foot in clinical practice. Data obtained from a plantar pressure distribution can be used by the physical therapist in the evaluation and management of patients with a wide variety of foot and lower extremity disorders.

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

The spoken language development strongly depends on the normally functioning auditory system. For... more The spoken language development strongly depends on the normally functioning auditory system. For children with severe or profound hearing loss, cochlear implant has become the best solution in improving and promoting spoken language, quality of life, self-esteem and social well-being. Standardized self-report questionnaires are considered as the most widely used and low-cost approach to measure spoken language development among children. We aimed to provide an overview of the questionnaires available for assessing the spoken language development among children with cochlear implant. In addition, factors that may influence the development of good spoken language were also reviewed. A literature search from January 2010 to December 2020 making use of the Science Direct and PubMed databases was conducted. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and other key words for the search were (communication OR language) AND cochlear implant AND (children OR pediatric) AND (questionnaire OR survey). Re...