IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia (IMJM)
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Hormone Consumption among Mak Nyahs in Kuantan Town: A Preliminary Survey
Get PDFIntroduction: Mak nyahs (male-to-female transgenders) often consume feminizing hormones to achieve and maintain the female physical appearance. They do it without professional prescription/advise, and often take excessive doses. This renders them at risk of developing complications of hormone consumption. This paper provides some quantitative data on hormone consumption among mak nyahs in Kuantan, Pahang, in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from July to August in 2015 among 35 mak nyahs. Convenience sampling was used. Participants who gave consent answered an interview-guided questionnaire which documents socio-demographic profile, hormone usage, and morbidities as a result of hormone consumption. Data was analysed using SPSS, Version 16.0. (version 16). Results: Majority of the subjects were Malays (91.4%) and Muslims (97.1%), their median (IQR) age being 31 (±17) years, more than half (57.1%) were between 20 to 40 years old. Most (80.0%) of them are sex workers. Oral hormone was most commonly used (88.6%), while more than half (67.7%) of them added hormone injections. Almost all subjects purchased hormones over the counter from local pharmacies (94.2%). However, many received information on hormone from non-professional sources. Possible adverse effects of hormones reported among subjects were hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and venous thrombo-embolism. Conclusion: Hormone consumption was very common among the subjects in this study, and may be associated with certain medical problems. Medical personnel must pay more attention in educating the mak nyahs on adverse effects of hormones consumption. Mak nyahs should also be screened for complications every time they seek medical attention
Proteomic Profiles of Young Adults with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Get PDFIntroduction: The incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in young adults is increasing. However, a molecular study focusing on the pathophysiological changes in young AMI remains limited. This study aims to examine the proteomic profile of young adults with AMI compared to control subjects. We also hope to identify disease-specific protein biomarkers that contribute to the development of AMI in the young. Materials and Methods: Pooled plasma protein from 10 AMI patients aged 18 to 45 years and 10 age, gender and race-matched volunteers were separated using two dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). The protein spots were analysed using the PD Quest analysis software. The protein spots that were found to have been expressed differently between the two groups were identified by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry. Results: There were three differently expressed protein spots, namely Apolipoprotein AI (Apo AI), Apolipoprotein AIV (Apo AIV) and Haptoglobin. The expressions of these proteins were found to be increased in young patients with AMI compared to control subjects (p< 0.05). Conclusion:The up-regulation of Apo AI, Apo AIV and Haptoglobin in AMI patients could be in response to the inflammatory process associated with the recent cardiac event. The current study seems to reveal a significant function of these proteins during the acute phase response. Thus, Apo AI, Apo AIV and Haptoglobin are potential new biomarkers for young AMI
Tooth Loss And Mobility In Aggressive Periodontitis Patients: A Retrospective Study
Get PDFIntroduction: Tooth loss has much negative implication in aesthetics and oral function of an individual. Aggressive periodontitis has been known to result in rapid tissue and bone destruction and if left untreated eventually tooth loss. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the prevalence of tooth loss and tooth mobility in a group of aggressive periodontitis patients. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective data of aggressive periodontitis patients attending IIUM Dental Clinic that has been diagnosed in year 2014 up to June 2017. The data was extracted from patients’ case records systematically using data extraction forms representing all specific objectives. IBM SPSS-24 was used for data analysis. Results: The prevalence of aggressive periodontitis patients attending IIUM dental clinic within 4 years was 4.2%. Out of this 45.5% presented with tooth loss. Most of them had being diagnosed as generalized aggressive periodontitis and showed to have high mean plaque and bleeding score compared to aggressive periodontitis with no tooth loss. However it was statistically insignificant difference (p<0.05). The tooth loss group also presented with more remaining teeth with mobility. Conclusion: Tooth loss was prevalence in aggressive periodontitis patients. Moreover, remaining teeth were also affected by some degree of mobility, which may affect the normal oral cavity functions and aesthetic. Further study with bigger sample size should be conducted to analyze the impact of the high tooth loss to the patients’ oral and general well-being
A Good Night’s Sleep: A Narrative Review from Islamic Perspectives in Relation to Modern Sciences
Get PDFAs a biological universal, it is easy to overlook the degree to which culture and religion shape how people sleep, and how quality sleep is conceptualized. In the Western world, sleep hygiene tips are important for an individual to get “a good night’s sleep”. Meanwhile, sleep is also important from an Islamic perspective, which, the Quran and Hadith discuss on its types, importance and quality practices. In modern sciences, sleep deprivation is regarded as a significant health issue, however from an Islamic point of view, long sleep hours alone do not determine the efficiency of sleep, but rather it depends on various other factors and follows the sleeping etiquettes of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This narrative review was conducted to highlight sleep from Islamic perspectives in relation to modern sciences. Selected articles discussing sleep from Islamic perspectives and modern sciences were reviewed and summarized. These articles were retrieved from searches of computerized databases and search engines using keywords “Sleep from Islamic perspective”, “Sleep in modern science”, “Sleep hygiene”, “Western world and sleep”, “Sleep deprivation” and “Quality sleep”. A number of six studies were selected (n=6). Analyses found that a productive Muslim sleep routine is divided into three parts; one-third, respectively, for Allah, ourselves and sleep. Sleep hygiene was emphasized and discussed from the Islamic perspectives and the relation with modern sciences: performing ablution and supplicate before sleep, could prepare the body for a deep sleep; dusting the bed before sleep, would get rid of insects that lead to scabies; turning-off lights before sleep to maintain dark environment, could prevent disruption to normal circadian rhythms; early bedtime and early wake-up time, would ensure adequate sleep thus lower the risk of getting chronic diseases; washing the hands after waking -up would get rid of germs accumulated during sleep; and, lying down on the right side is to prevent snoring and to avoid the heart under pressure of the right lung (if lying on the left side). People should not abandon sleep as an important requirement. What has been described in the Quran and Hadith are corresponded with sleep hygiene as identified by modern sleep scientists. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also stressed the importance of sleep for good health, and in the Quran, sleep is described as a blessing from Allah and stressed the importance of the alteration of night and day
A Practical Journey in Implementing a Shari’ah Compliant Hospital: An Nur Specialist Hospital’s Experience
Get PDFResearch on Islamic products and services has been receiving great attention over the past years. This has attributed to the increasing awareness among Muslims to consume Halal products or served with Shari’ah compliant services. In responding to this development, An Nur Specialist Hospital has initiated to be the first private Shari’ah Compliant Hospital (SCH), through the award of the MS 1900:2014 in April 2015. MS1900:2014 provides guidelines for an organization to be accredited as a Shari’ah compliant organization. The Ministry of Health, Malaysia has introduced ‘ībādah friendly hospital’ in 2010. However, there is lack of research on the characteristics and implementation of SCH in the healthcare industry. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to understand the implementation of SCH at An Nur Specialist Hospital. A qualitative case study is utilised to investigate the issues and implementation of SCH. The case study uses in-depth, open-ended interview with the hospital senior management. The interview was recorded, transcribed, and evaluated based on thematic analysis to understand the practice. The study found major outcomes in implementing SCH, such as the important role of the Shari’ah Advisory Council in ensuring all the Standard Operating Procedures are in line with Shari’ah principles, continuous staff development programs in providing the Shari’ah understanding and latest fatwā on Fiqh Medic. The other outcome is the positive response from patients who have been frequently visiting the hospital due to the status of An Nur as a SCH
Grief & Personal Growth: Reflection from Quran, Hadith and Modern Medicine
Get PDFGrief has been defined as the reaction towards loss with typical symptoms including sadness, anger, guilt, yearning, regret, loneliness, numbness and positive feelings related to individual’s personal experience. Grief has been postulated to occur when a safe and secure bond has been threatened. This loss can be an opportunity for personal growth. It is growth that emerges from difficult life events. It may occur during or after the process of grieving. We reviewed three cases related to grief and personal growth. Three cases were described where grief and personal growth were observed. Each case occurred in different situations. These different situations were; an adult child and caregiver of patient with dementia, a widow who loss her husband from drowning, and a cancer survivor who experienced psychological and spiritual growth from the loss and adverse life event. As a comparison three stories taken from the Quran and Hadith were analyzed to reflect on the three case discussions. The Quran and Hadith have mentioned stories of personal growth emerging from difficulties. The completeness of Islamic creed has never neglected the spiritual component in treating medical, physical and psychological illnesses. Islamic spirituality facilitates and enhances personal growth in the aftermath of any physical and psychological tribulations. It is important to merge the spiritual aspects of grief from Islamic perspective, as to aid those suffering from grief to attain personal and spiritual growth
Improving Health Care Delivery through Islamization of Medical practice
Get PDFAdvances in modern science and technology have not only reduced mortality from communicable diseases but increased physical comfort, life expectancy and quality of life. However its advances have generated changes in the moral values and basic philosophies of mankind, a bi-product being loss of faith in religion as a partner in healing. This has resulted in changes in lifestyle, moral degradation, laxity in sexual behaviours, and disrupting social values. New diseases caused by negative lifestyles such as sexual promiscuity, alcoholism, illicit drug use and smoking, take the greatest toll in terms of deaths and disability among young people. As a consequence, relevant international organizations have supported more novel approaches to health promotion.Good health is the basic requirement of every human being and one of the greatest blessings of ALLAH (SWT) on mankind. The Islamic way of life is a system of divine principles sent by Allah swt through revelation on Prophet Muhammad (saw) which covers physical, intellectual and spiritual needs of human life. It has many constructive ideas to offer in the field of health care and medical practice. It contains many teachings that urge nurturing of one’s health and rejecting any behaviour, which are contradictory to health. Therefore by adopting an “Islamic way of life” we can promote behavioural change. Since Islam encourages adoption of modern technology and science in support of a greater good, we must understand it and adopt all that is good in it and propagate it in the spirit of Tawhid (Unity of God), for the benefit of all humanity. This paper seeks to analyse how medical professionals can promote healthy behaviour to specific target groups and public in general through teachings of Islam
Mental Health and Early Adolsecent: A Prevalence Study
Get PDFIntroduction: Prevalence of mental health problems among children and adolescent is increasing in trend as reported in the National Health Morbidity Survey (NHMS). Male, younger age group and from low socioeconomic status were at higher risk to develop this problem. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of mental health problems and their associated factors among young adolescent in Kuantan, Pahang. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 211 standard 4 and 5 (aged 10-11) students in July 2017. A validated Malay version Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ) which consisted of five problem subdomains (emotional, conduct, hyperactivity, peer and prosocial) was filled by parents. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of mental health problems among young adolescents was 16.3%. The commonest mental health problems were peer (45.8%), conduct (27.2%) and prosocial (18.7%). Higher household income (OR: 2.66, CI: 1.186-5.995), higher household number (OR: 0.593, Cl: 0.416-0.845) and no family history of mental illness (OR: 24.53, CI: 1.506-399.65) were associated with mental health problems. Conclusion: We found that the prevalence of mental health problems was higher than that was reported by NHMS in 2015. Adolescents from higher household income family and no family history of mental problems were more likely to develop emotional problems. However, higher household number was found to be a protective factor against mental health problems
A review on anticipatory grief and lessons learnt from the history of Abu Bakr r.a.
Get PDFGrief is defined as ‘the internal experience of a person to the loss of something loved and valued’. It is a normal and expected reaction to loss. While anticipatory grief is defined as ‘an emotional response that is experienced before a true loss’, a concept focusing on that a person might experience grief when the loss of a close loved one was anticipated, but had not yet occurred. The history of Abu Bakr r.a. was reviewed especially from the period of a few months before and recently after the death of the prophet s.a.w. It was noted that he appeared strong while others were down grieving upon the news of the prophet s.a.w.’s death. It was also noted that Abu Bakr r.a. has been grieving when he anticipated that the prophet was going to die. Literatures on anticipatory grief were reviewed. Evidence are conflicting on the role of anticipatory grief. Factors that lead to these differences will be reviewed. The protective factors in Abu Bakr r.a. that helped maintain his composure after the death of prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and later led him to be pledged as the first caliph of the Muslim nation will be discussed