A.A. Hassali

Hypertension in Pakistan: time to take some serious action

Hypertension is counted as the major cause and most important factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases worldwide.1 However, even in the presence of efficacious antihypertensive agents and intensive research data, large numbers of patients in actual clinical practice still suffer with uncontrolled hypertension. Studies indicate that control rates vary according to various countries and geographic regions.2,3 Even though, the rate of awareness towards hypertension is quite prominent from 62% in Australia to 72% in US, the control rates are quite discouraging as with to 24% and 35% respectively. In the South Asian region, the scenario is more threatening as China reported only 8% control rates and India with 6% in management of hypertension.4 At present, it is estimated that about 1 billion people worldwide have hypertension (>140/90 mmHg), and this number is expected to increase to 1.56 billion by 2025.5 A similar scenario is seen in Pakistan. The National Health Survey of Pakistan estimated that hypertension affects 18% of adults and …

An assessment of adherence to asthma medication guidelines: findingsfrom a tertiary care center in the state of Penang, Malaysia.

BACKGROUND/AIM Multiple asthma guidelines have been developed to reduce asthma mortality, morbidity, and cost associated with asthma worldwide. In Malaysia, within this context, it is relatively unknown to what extent doctors adhere to the asthma guidelines. This study aimed to assess guideline adherence and calculate the cost of adhered and nonadhered prescriptions by medical doctors in a public tertiary health care facility. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out at Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. One hundred and eighty patients, a total of 30 patients per doctor, were enrolled to assess guideline adherence. The patients were followed for a second visit to assess their lung function. The costs of adhered and nonadhered prescriptions were calculated. RESULTS One hundred and forty-three patients (79%) received guideline (Global Initiative for Asthma 2011)-adhering pharmacotherapy. In the majority of patients (n = 133, 73.9%) asthma control was classified as partially controlled. There was no significant association observed between patient asthma control and patient demographics; however, there was a significant difference (P < 0.001) between lung function values from the first and second visits. The cost of adhered prescription was higher (70.1 Malaysian ringgit) than that of nonadhered prescription (13.74 Malaysian ringgit). CONCLUSION Fair levels of guideline adherence were observed. Emphasis should be placed on identifying appropriate cost-effective medication regimens based on patient asthma control and constant feedback from patients.

Malaysian medical students' perceptions of a film to promote psychiatry as a career.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate perceptions of a Royal College of Psychiatrists promotional film among Malaysian medical students. Methods: Year 3 (n=108) and Year 5 (n=108) students completed separate standard measures of attitudes to psychiatry: the ATP 30 and Balon scales, respectively. A questionnaire was also administered recording students’ socio-demographic information, career preferences, perceptions of the film’s effectiveness and its influence on career choice. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of responses were performed. Results: The overall response rate was 95.5%. Mean career preference ranking for psychiatry was higher for Year 5 than for Year 3 (p=0.025). For most Year 3 (64.8%) and Year 5 (58.3%) respondents the film conveyed a positive image of psychiatry. Fewer perceived it as influencing career choice: 31.4% for Year 3 and 27.2% for Year 5. Higher scores on both attitudinal scales correlated positively with increasing likelihood of students rating the film positively (Year 3: p=0.000; Year 5: p=0.003). Thematic content analysis suggested possible socio-cultural influences on students’ perceptions. Conclusions: Despite conveying a positive image of psychiatry, promotional films may have limited impact in changing students’ attitudes towards psychiatry and in increasing interest in psychiatry as a career.

Use of Medicinal Flora Enlisted IN Quran And Ahadith by Malaysian Oncology Patients

Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Bertam Campus, Kepala Batas, 13200, Penang, Malaysia; Discipline of Social & Administrative Pharmacy, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia; Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, 13200, Penang, Malaysia; Department of Medicine, Allianze University College of Medical Sciences, 13200, Penang, Malaysia; Faculty of Pharmacy,Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300, Bandar Puncak Alam; E-mail: maryam089@ppinang.uitm.edu.my