Category Archives: b_original_articles

Edre M.A.^1,2,  Hayati K.S.*², Salmiah M.S.², Sharifah Nor khadijah S.I.³

¹Trainee Lecturer, Department of Community Medicine, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

²Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

³Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a preventable zoonosis of public health importance. Due to seasonal floods and paucity of studies regarding leptospirosis preventive practices in community setting in this country, a study was conducted to determine spatial distribution of knowledge, attitude and practice on leptospirosis preventive practices using stratum risk identification methods among residents in a flood prone area in Kuantan via Geographical Information System (GIS). A cross-sectional study was conducted in Perkampungan Sungai Isap, Kuantan, Pahang, which obtained 568 respondents by stratified proportionate random sampling technique. Data were collected using a validated guided questionnaire. Geographical coordinates were obtained using Garmin gpsmap 62s. Multivariate logistic regression was done using SPSS version 22.0 and spatial mapping using ArcGIS version 9. The response rate was 83.4%. Flood-risk strata were divided into high risk (less than 500 metres), medium risk (500 to 1000 metres) and low risk (more than 1000 metres). Linear measurements were made using ArcMap. Overall, majority (68%) of the respondents had good knowledge. However, only 38% of the respondents had satisfactory attitude and 18% had satisfactory practice. Spatial mapping showed that the lower the stratum risk towards flooding, the poorer the preventive practices. Multivariate logistic regression showed the predictors of satisfactory leptospirosis preventive practices were high-risk stratum (aOR=4.28, 95% CI [1.92, 9.57], P<0.001), good knowledge (aOR=1.73, 95% CI [1.04, 2.90], P<0.05) and age group 30 to 39 (aOR=0.30, 95% CI [0.11, 0.83], P<0.05).  In conclusion, GIS is a valuable tool for leptospirosis surveillance by facilitating disease prevention programmes to targeted risk areas.

 Keywords: Leptospirosis, Preventive Practices, Stratum Risk Identification, GIS.

Onwusereaka Cynthia Oluchi, Juliana Jalaludin*

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

Mold includes airborne particles of biological origin. Exposure to mold in damp buildings has been associated with the risk of experiencing health problem. Children may be exposed to mold spores through the respiratory tract, when they inhale or through skin contact. This study is a comparative cross-sectional study which was carried out in Malay preschools. A total of 270 respondents and 12 preschools from both locations (Puchong and Hulu Langat) were involved in this study. This study aimed at identifying different types of fungi present in selected preschools in Selangor. Indoor isolation of fungi was done using an instrument known as PBI Duos SAS Super 360™bioaerosol sampler and Sabouraud dextrous agar (SDA) was used for the cultivation and identification of mold in selected preschools. Mold colonies were represented as colony forming units (CFU m³). Further identification of fungi was done based on their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Total of 12 preschools and 36 houses were selected to participate in this study. Mold isolated from preschools in study and comparative area include; Candida albican, Aspergillus niger, Microsporium canis and Penicillium notatum. Analysis has shown a significant difference between mold level which were isolated in industrial and suburban preschools (p<0.05) for preschools and homes sampled. In conclusion, this study found that indoor exposure to mold were higher among preschools in the urban area than those in suburban area. Water damaged materials provide a good environment for the growth and multiplication of mold.

 Keywords: Mold, Indoor Air Quality, Preschools.

Nadiah Syafiqah Abdullah*^1,2, Latifah Munirah Kamarudin¹, Ammar Zakaria¹, Ali Yeon Md Shakaff ¹

¹ Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sensor Technology (CEASTech), Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia

² School of Environmental Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia

Abstract

Malaysia frequently experienced haze since the 1990s. However, very dense haze episodes rarely happened, especially in the state of Perlis, which located in the northern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. In this study, sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations were measured during haze days and non-haze days in October 2015 at two locations, namely; Ulu Pauh (rural area) and Jejawi (semi-rural area) using portable monitors and GSE sensors. Daytime SO₂ and NO₂ levels were found higher during haze days (Ulu Pauh: 0.25 ppm and 0.07 ppm; Jejawi: 0.31 ppm and 0.08 ppm) compared non-haze days (Ulu Pauh: 0.11 ppm and 0.05 ppm; Jejawi: 0.13 ppm and 0.06 ppm). Different locations displayed distinguishable concentrations of SO₂ and NO₂ during the dense haze episode in Perlis. 

Keywords: Air quality, Haze, Sulfur dioxide, Nitrogen dioxide, Peninsular Malaysia

Hayati K.S.*¹, Sharifah Norkhadijah S.I.², Salmiah M.S.¹, Edre M.A.^1,3 and Khin T.D.¹

¹Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

²Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor

³Trainee Lecturer, Department of Community Medicine, Kulliyah of Medicine, International Islamic University, Kuantan, Pahang

Abstract

Background: Leptospirosis is one of the zoonotic diseases which pose major public health issues worldwide. The spread of leptospirosis depends on the climate conditions as well as environmental conditions.

Methods: The cases of leptospirosis were determined by using database obtained from Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Case cluster and hot spot analysis within Geographical Information System (GIS) were done using ArcGIS version 9.3. Level of significance was set at alpha= 0.05.

Results: Most of the cases were at the centre Pahang located along the flood hazard stream. Cluster analysis indicated that cases were mostly clustered near illegal and legal dumping sites. The outliers were Jerantut, Maran, Pekan, and Rompin in both maps (p<0.05). The hot spot analysis obtained an obvious trend in the legal dumping compared to the illegal dumping. The hot spot area was found in the middle of Pahang such as in Jerantut, Temerloh, Maran, Pekan, and Rompin.

Conclusions Increasing flood risk, poor sanitation and abundance of rats are conditions that trigger leptospirosis outbreaks. Interventions are therefore needed, targeting at environmental sources of transmission namely open legal and illegal dumping sites as well as flooding in flood hazard areas. A refined waste management system is needed to control the spread of the disease.

 Keywords: Illegal and legal dumping sites, flood hazard areas, hot spot analysis, cluster analysis

Ghani Albaali¹*, Ghafoor Al Saidi²

¹Department of Environment Technology and Management, Princess Sumaya University for Technology, Amman, Jordan

²King Talal Faculty of Business and Technology, Princess Sumaya University for Technology, Amman, Jordan

Abstract

This work addresses the issue of a significant number of work related accidents and injuries in Jordan. It does so by understanding the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) situation in the country through the presentation and examination of the available records and numbers for these accidents and injuries. It was found in this work that only a part of Jordan’s work accidents and injuries are being reported and recorded, while many of the country’s workers are not covered by such records. The study’s main findings showed that in the year 2010, the country suffered around 37 work injuries every day, and one worker died every 200 occurring work accidents. About half of the recorded work accidents took place in the industrial sector. The research helped in understanding how work safety conditions can be improved by presenting measures and advices.

 Keywords: Occupational safety and health, Management system, Safety risks

Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail *, Nur Azlin Kather Mahiddin, Sarva Mangala Praveena

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Malaysia.

Abstract

Background: Coagulation and flocculation has been widely adopted as one of the most effective methods to remove colloidal particles in water or wastewater.

Objectives: To explore the potential of dragon fruit peels as coagulants through removal level of turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS) and total suspended solids (TSS) from wastewater. 

Methodology: Dragon fruit purple pink fleshed (DFPP) and dragon fruit white fleshed (DFPW) were applied to the leachate at several dosages (10 to 90 mg/l) using standard jar test method and sedimentation times were recorded. Turbidity, TDS and TSS were measured using meter.

Results and Discussion: DFPW removed 67% of turbidity, 69% of TDS and 36% of TSS at optimum dosage of 90 mg/L.  DFPP removed 60% of turbidity and 23% of TSS at an optimum dosage of 50 mg/L and 65% TDS at optimum dosage of 90 mg/L.  The percentage of removal increased with the sedimentation time but not significant difference between DFPs.

Conclusion: DFPs is potential to be used as eco-friendly wastewater coagulant.

 Keywords: Wastewater, turbidity, TDS, TSS, Coagulation-flocculation, ragon fruit peel

Aisha A. Abuaisha², *Huda B.Z¹

¹Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 434000 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

²Masters of Science Candidate, Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 434000 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Abstract

Background: Dental caries is a serious public health problem worldwide. Prevalence of dental caries among school children has increased in both developed and developing countries since the last few decades.

Objective: To determine the association of dental caries with socio demographic factors among Libyan school children aged 8-12 years in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three Libyan primary schools in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Five hundred and seventy children aged 8-12 years participated. They were randomly selected using proportional stratified sampling method. Dental caries was assessed using the WHO (1987) criteria.

Results: Response rate was 92.5%. The prevalence of dental caries was (55.8%), females have higher dental caries than males. Dental caries was found highly prevalent among; children their aged ≤10 years (64.7%), children whose father and mother have a job (58.5% and 58.7%) respectively, children whose father and mother have elementary level of education (69.6% and 61.0%) respectively. Chi square test showed significant association of dental caries with age group and father’s education level. Logistic regression analysis identified young age (OR=11.78, 95% Cl: 2.305 -26.276) was significant predictor of dental caries among children.

Conclusions:  Younger children are at higher risk of having dental caries in this study. Health education should be emphasized among younger Libyan school children.

Keywords: Dental Caries, primary school children, oral hygiene habits.

Nor Hazwani, Mohd Nasir, *Haliza, Abdul Rahman

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine And Health Sciences,

Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Abstract

Haze is one of atmospheric pollution that has occurred in Malaysia. Most of the haze episodes occurred in conjunction with period of prolonged drought associated with El Nino phenomenon. Haze gives great negative impacts in terms of health, social and economy. The study aims to know the knowledge, attitude and practice on haze among first and final year of medical students in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). In this cross-sectional study, a total of 244 students were involved as respondents. Questionnaires were administered to determine socio-demographic, information knowledge, altitude and practice on haze among them by using ‘Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22.0. Result showed that the level of knowledge for first and final year of medical students was moderate which was 40(41.9%) and 59(39.1%) respectively. The level of attitude for both groups were also moderate, which was 54(57%) and 97(64.2%) respectively. For the practice level, both group showed bad practice during haze, which was 64(68.8%) and 107(70.9%). The findings also indicated that there were no significant difference of mean knowledge, attitude and practice on haze between these two groups (Z=0.555, p>0.05; t= -1.573. p>0.05; Z= -0.720, p>0.05). Malay and Chinese students were associated with knowledge level with odd ratio (OR) 5.22 and 2.98 respectively. In addition, there was an association between knowledge and practice (p=0.003, p<0.005). The attitude level was associated with practice level in which moderate attitude tend to have poor practice on haze (p=0.024, p<0.05). As overall, the medical students perceived moderate knowledge and attitude, but low in practice.

 Keywords: Knowledge; Attitude; Practice; Haze; Medical Students

Nik Norsyahariati Nik Daud*, Sandra Chinenyenwa Anijiofor

Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

Abstract

Slaughterhouses generate large volumes of highly polluted wastewater composed mainly of large amounts of  organic and inorganic pollutants as well as solids which pose a threat to the environment. Fresh undiluted wastewater was collected twice a day for a period of six weeks from a chicken slaughterhouse located in a suburb area to investigate the properties of slaughterhouse wastewater. The average results indicated very high pollutant levels of selected water quality parameters such as pH, COD, BOD, TSS, TDS, colour, turbidity, total coliform and NH₃-N which were 7.17, 4979 mg/L, 1360 mg/L, 515 mg/L, 545 mg/L, 14,163 PtCo, 697 NTU, 1.2 × 10⁸ CFU/100mL and 110 mg/L, respectively. These results were compared with the values stated by Malaysia Environmental Quality Regulation (2000) for effluent discharge. It can be concluded that most of the parameters are not suitable for direct discharge to the water streams without prior treatment. It is however recommended for most abattoir wastewater to be discharged separately from the community sewerage systems or treated separately as hazardous wastewater as a way of reducing some of the dangers imminent in the reuse of such wastewater and also clogging of sewerage pipes.

 Keywords: Abattoir, Discharge standards, Pollution, Wastewater, Water quality.