Evaluation of types of poisoning exposure calls managed by the Malaysia National Poison Centre (2006–2015): A retrospective review

ObjectiveAccidental or intentional poisoning is a public health concern requiring intervention. The current study designs to evaluate the types of poisoning exposure calls received by the Malaysia National Poison Centre (NPC) over a 10-year period.Settings and data sourcesThe poisoning enquiries database (2006–2015) from the Malaysia NPC was used for the analysis.ParticipantsThe NPC records all telephone calls that it manages using a validated and standardised form. Demographics and types of the poisoning exposure calls were extracted and descriptive analysis was applied.Primary and secondary outcomesThe primary outcome of this study is to evaluate NPC data for trends in the poisoning exposure calls based on the types and modes of poisoning over a 10-year period. The secondary outcome is to evaluate the characteristics of human exposure cases based on the calls received by the NPC.ResultsThere was a notable increase in the number of poisoning exposure calls noticed during the 10-year period but dropped significantly in 2012. The highest number of poisoning exposure calls came from Selangor (21.0%), Perak (18.0%) and Negeri Sembilan (9.8%). More than half of the exposure was intentional (53.8%) involving more women (50.3%) as compared with men (41.9%), and in the 20–29 years age group category (33.5%). Exposure mostly occurred at home (96%) through the ingestion route (94.1%). Pharmaceutical products (40.5%), pesticides (31.7%) and household products (20.1%) were the common agents implicated for intentional exposure.ConclusionsThere is an increasing trend in enquiries on poisoning exposure calls made to the NPC. Most of the intentional poisoning exposures occurred among younger women and involved pharmaceuticals, pesticides or household products. Poisoning safety education and other interventions are needed to curb poisoning incidents.

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Retrospective evaluation of unintentional poisoning involving psychiatric drugs in Malaysia: A study based on calls managed by national poison centre, 2016-2017

International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽

10.26452/ijrps.v10ispl1.1685 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (SPL1) ◽

Author(s):

Nur Azzalia Kamaruzaman ◽

Adilah Mohamed Ariff ◽

Noor Afiza Md Rani ◽

Mohd Fadhli Razali ◽

Mazlin Mohideen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychiatric Patients ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Information Service ◽

Pharmaceutical Products ◽

World Health ◽

Case Report Form ◽

Equal Distribution ◽

Poison Centre ◽

National Poison ◽

Psychiatric Drugs

Data from the National Poison Centre (NPC) showed that the highest number of poisoning incidents in Malaysia were caused by pharmaceutical products, whereby psychiatric drugs contributed to the most number of cases. While intentional poisoning receives more attention, unintentional poisoning is often overlooked. Therefore, the study designs to evaluate the unintentional poisoning of psychiatric drugs in Malaysia. Telephone enquiries regarding psychiatric drug poisoning were made by healthcare providers to the NPC. Information received was entered into a retrievable database by Drugs and Poison Information Service in the form of a standardized Poison Case Report Form as adapted from the World Health Organization. A retrospective analysis was performed, and data on unintentional poisoning were extracted and evaluated. A total of 619 poisoning cases of psychiatric drugs were reported, whereby 28% (n=133) were caused unintentionally. Demographic analysis showed Perak to record the highest number of cases at 16.5% (n=22), followed by Johor (13.5%, n=18) and Sabah (12.8%, n=17). Unintentional psychiatric poisoning showed almost equal distribution between genders, and Malays reported the highest number at 47.4% (n=63). More than half of the cases (58.6%) occurred among toddlers between 1-4 years old, followed by 17.3% cases among children and adolescents between 5-14 years old. Most of the incidents (99.2%) happened at home, and 88% were due to accidental ingestions. Unintentional poisoning in the household of psychiatric patients has been underestimated, and toddlers and children have been majorly implicated. Therefore, proper education and awareness must be established to ensure human safety.

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Exploring the Relationship between Attitudes, Risk Perceptions, Fatalistic Beliefs and Pedestrian Behaviors in China

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18073378 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (7) ◽

pp. 3378

Author(s):

Mingyu Liu ◽

Jianping Wu ◽

Adnan Yousaf ◽

Linyang Wang ◽

Kezhen Hu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Road Safety ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

Influential Factor ◽

Health Concern ◽

Gender Attitudes ◽

Safety Education ◽

Safety Intervention ◽

Training Activities ◽

The Relationship ◽

Additional Variance

Road safety has become a worldwide public health concern. Although many factors contribute to collisions, pedestrian behaviors can strongly influence road safety outcomes. This paper presents results of a survey investigating the effects of age, gender, attitudes towards road safety, fatalistic beliefs and risk perceptions on self-reported pedestrian behaviors in a Chinese example. The study was carried out on 543 participants (229 men and 314 women) from 20 provinces across China. Pedestrian behaviors were assessed by four factors: errors, violations, aggressions, and lapses. Younger people reported performing riskier pedestrian behaviors compared to older people. Gender was not an influential factor. Of the factors explored, attitudes towards road safety explained the most amount of variance in self-reported behaviors. Significant additional variance in risky pedestrian behaviors was explained by the addition of fatalistic beliefs. The differences among the effects, and the implications for road safety intervention design, are discussed. In particular, traffic managers can provide road safety education and related training activities to influence pedestrian behaviors positively.

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Using personalised avatars as an adjunct to a weight loss management programme: a randomised controlled feasibility study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.36275 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Maria Horne ◽

Maryan Hardy ◽

Trevor Murrells ◽

Hassan Ugail ◽

Andrew Hill

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Weight Loss ◽

Feasibility Study ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Routine Care ◽

Health Concern ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Motivation To Change ◽

Randomised Controlled

BACKGROUND Obesity is a global public health concern. Interventions rely predominantly on managing dietary intake and/or increasing physical activity but sustained adherence to behavioural regimens is often poor. As with all interventions, the lack of sustained motivation, self-efficacy and poor adherence to behavioural regimens are recognized barriers to successful weight loss. Avatar-based interventions have been found to achieve better patient outcomes in the management of chronic conditions by promoting more active engagement and the virtual representations of ‘self’ have been shown to impact real-world behaviour, acting as a catalyst for sustained weight loss behaviour. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate whether a personalised avatar, offered as an adjunct to an established weight loss programme, could increase participant motivation and sustain engagement, optimise service delivery, and improve participant health outcomes. METHODS A feasibility randomised design was used to determine the case for future development and evaluation of avatar-based technology in a randomised controlled trial. Participants were recruited from GP referrals to a 12-week NHS weight improvement programme. The main outcome measure was weight loss. Secondary outcome measures were quality-of-life and self-efficacy. Quantitative data were subjected to descriptive statistical tests and exploratory comparison between intervention and control arms. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through interviews analysed using the framework approach. HRA ethical approval was granted. RESULTS 10 males (7 intervention; 3 routine care) and 33 females (23 intervention; 10 routine care) were recruited. Initial mean weight of participants was greater in the intervention than routine care arm (126.3 kg vs 122.9 kg); pattern of weight loss was similar across both arms of the study in period T0-T1 but accelerated in period T1-T2 for intervention participants, suggesting that access to the self-resembling avatar may promote greater engagement with weight loss initiatives in the short to medium term. Mean change in weight of participants from T0 to T2 was 4.5kg (95% CI: 2.7-6.3) in routine care arm and 5.3kg (95% CI: 3.9-6.8) in the intervention arm. Quality-of-life and self-efficacy measures demonstrated greater improvement in the intervention arm at both T1 (105.5 routine care; 99.7 intervention arm) and T2 (100.1 routine care; 81.2 intervention arm). 13 participants (11 Female, 2 Male) and two healthcare professionals were interviewed about their experience of using the avatar programme. CONCLUSIONS Overall, participants found using the personalised avatar acceptable and feedback reiterated that seeing a future ‘self’ helped reinforce motivation to change behaviour. This feasibility study demonstrated that avatar-based technology may successfully promote engagement and motivation in weight loss programmes, enabling participants to achieve greater weight loss gains and build self-confidence and belief. CLINICALTRIAL 17953876

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Examining the Dietary Diversity of Children in Niger

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13092961 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 2961

Author(s):

Nafissatou Cisse Egbuonye ◽

Ariun Ishdorj ◽

E.L.J. McKyer ◽

Rahma Mkuu

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Age Groups ◽

Wealth Index ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Concern ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Child Factors

Malnutrition is a major public health concern in Niger. The stunting rate in children in Niger is over 50%, one of the highest in the world. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine children’s dietary diversity (CDD) and the maternal factors that impact CDD. A total of 1265 mother–child pairs were analyzed. Descriptive analysis was conducted to present maternal and child characteristics. To compare the mean scores of CDD in relation to the region, an independent sample t-test was conducted. A one-way ANOVA test was conducted to evaluate the CDD score by different age groups. A linear regression model was estimated to identify household, maternal and child factors that affect the CDD score. Our results indicate that most of the participants of our survey resided in rural areas and the majority (80.7%) of the mothers had no education. Factors such as region, children’s age, woman’s empowerment, vitamin A intake and wealth index were significant predictors of CDD (p < 0.05). The children residing in rural areas were more likely to have lower CDD scores (p < 0.05) than the children in urban areas, therefore becoming more susceptible to malnutrition.

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Paraquat poisoning calls to the Malaysia National Poison Centre following its ban and subsequent restriction of the herbicide from 2004 to 2015

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine ◽

10.1016/j.jflm.2018.03.007 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 56 ◽

pp. 16-20 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Yin-Hui Leong ◽

Adilah Mohamed Ariff ◽

Halilol Rahman Mohamed Khan ◽

Noor Afiza Abdul Rani ◽

Mohamed Isa Abdul Majid

Keyword(s):

Poison Centre ◽

National Poison ◽

Paraquat Poisoning

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Use of complementary medicine products: a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of 2019 Australian adults

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024198 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. e024198 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Joanna E Harnett ◽

Erica McIntyre ◽

Amie Steel ◽

Hope Foley ◽

David Sibbritt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Complementary Medicine ◽

Adult Population ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

Pharmaceutical Products ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Product Use ◽

Hospital Doctors ◽

Nationally Representative

ObjectivesTo provide a contemporary description of complementary medicine (CM) product use in Australia.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingOnline.ParticipantsA nationally representative sample (n=2019) of the Australian adult population.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary outcomes measures included the use and type of CM products used, and source of recommendation. Secondary measures included disclosure of CM product use to health practitioners, concomitant use of pharmaceuticals and predictors of use.ResultsPrevalence of CM product use was 50.3%, with the most frequently used being vitamin and mineral supplements (VMSs; 47.8%) and homoeopathic medicines the least used (6.8%). A majority of respondents using CM products were also using pharmaceutical products, and small but significant associations were found between the use of CM products and pharmaceuticals (p<0.05). Small statistically significant associations were found between use of vitamin products and disclosure of use to general practitioners (GPs; Cramer’s V=0.13, p=0.004) and hospital doctors (Cramer’s V=0.11, p=0.04), and between use of herbal medicines and disclosure to both GPs (Cramer’s V=0.11, p=0.02) and hospital doctors (Cramer’s V=0.12, p=0.03). Women, those with higher education and those with no private health insurance were more likely to use CM products (p<0.05), while those without chronic conditions were less likely to use CM products (p<0.05) (χ2(29)=174.70, p<0.001).ConclusionsThe number of Australians using CM products has remained relatively stable and substantial for nearly two decades. The majority of CM use relates to VMSs. Given the number of Australians using both CM products and pharmaceutical medicines, it is important to evaluate the potential clinical implications of such practices to ensure safe, effective and coordinated health policy and patient care.

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#9 Prevalence and characteristics of pregnancy and lactation related calls to the National Poison Centre in Belgium: a retrospective analysis of calls from 2012 to 2017

Reproductive Toxicology ◽

10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.05.020 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 88 ◽

pp. 136

Author(s):

Michael Ceulemans ◽

Marijke Fortuin ◽

Kristel Van Calsteren ◽

Karel Allegaert ◽

Veerle Foulon

Keyword(s):

Retrospective Analysis ◽

Poison Centre ◽

National Poison ◽

Pregnancy And Lactation

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Epidemiology and risk factors of pesticide poisoning in Malaysia: a retrospective analysis by the National Poison Centre (NPC) from 2006 to 2015

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036048 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. e036048

Author(s):

Nur Azzalia Kamaruzaman ◽

Yin-Hui Leong ◽

Mohd Hafiidz Jaafar ◽

Halilol Rahman Mohamed Khan ◽

Noor Afiza Abdul Rani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Health Problem ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

World Health ◽

Case Report Form ◽

Pesticide Poisoning ◽

Poison Centre ◽

National Poison ◽

Epidemiological Characteristics

ObjectivePesticide poisoning is a global health problem, and its progressive deterioration is a major cause of concern. The objective of this study is to assess epidemiological characteristics and identify risk factors of pesticide poisoning in Malaysia.SettingPesticide poisoning database of Malaysia National Poison Centre (NPC) from 2006 to 2015.ParticipantsTelephone enquiries regarding pesticide poisoning were made by healthcare professionals. Information received by the NPC was entered into a retrievable database of standardised Poison Case Report Form, as adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO).OutcomesThe outcome of the study is to provide an overview of national epidemiological profile of pesticide poisoning. High-risk groups of people and their circumstances were also identified to ensure that appropriate measures are strategised.ResultsWithin the study period, a total of 11 087 pesticide poisoning cases were recorded. Sixty per cent of these cases were intentional in nature and most were found among male individuals (57%) of the Indian race (36.4%) aged between 20 and 29 years (25.5%), which occurred at home (90%) through the route of ingestion (94%). The highest number of poisoning was due to herbicides (44%) followed by agricultural insecticides (34%), rodenticides (9.9%), household insecticides (9.5%) and fungicides (0.5%). In addition, 93.6% of intentional pesticide poisoning cases were caused by suicide attempts. The results of this study show that there was an increasing trend in pesticide poisoning incidents over the 10-year duration. This indicates that pesticide poisoning is a prevalent public health problem in Malaysia, resulting in an average incidence rate of 3.8 per 100 000 population.ConclusionsDeliberate pesticide ingestion as a method of suicide has become a disturbing trend among Malaysians. Therefore, regulation of highly hazardous pesticides must be enforced to ensure controlled and limited access to these chemicals by the public.

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A randomized clinical trial of a theory-based fentanyl overdose education and fentanyl test strip distribution intervention to reduce rates of opioid overdose: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-020-04898-8 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Brendan P. Jacka ◽

Jacqueline E. Goldman ◽

Jesse L. Yedinak ◽

Edward Bernstein ◽

Scott E. Hadland ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Behavior Change ◽

Randomized Clinical Trial ◽

Study Protocol ◽

Test Strip ◽

Health Concern ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Opioid Overdose ◽

Test Strips

Abstract Background Opioid overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, particularly illicitly manufactured fentanyl, remain a substantial public health concern in North America. Responses to overdose events (e.g., administration of naloxone and rescue breathing) are effective at reducing mortality; however, more interventions are needed to prevent overdoses involving illicitly manufactured fentanyl. This study protocol aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a behavior change intervention that incorporates individual counseling, practical training in fentanyl test strip use, and distribution of fentanyl test strips for take-home use among people who use drugs. Methods Residents of Rhode Island aged 18–65 years who report recent substance use (including prescription pills obtained from the street; heroin, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine; or any drug by injection) (n = 500) will be recruited through advertisements and targeted street-based outreach into a two-arm randomized clinical trial with 12 months of post-randomization follow-up. Eligible participants will be randomized (1:1) to receive either the RAPIDS intervention (i.e., fentanyl-specific overdose education, behavior change motivational interviewing (MI) sessions focused on using fentanyl test strips to reduce overdose risk, fentanyl test strip training, and distribution of fentanyl test strips for personal use) or standard overdose education as control. Participants will attend MI booster sessions (intervention) or attention-matched control sessions at 1, 2, and 3 months post-randomization. All participants will be offered naloxone at enrolment. The primary outcome is a composite measure of self-reported overdose in the previous month at 6- and/or 12-month follow-up visit. Secondary outcome measures include administratively linked data regarding fatal (post-mortem investigation) and non-fatal (hospitalization or emergency medical service utilization) overdoses. Discussion If the RAPIDS intervention is found to be effective, its brief MI and fentanyl test strip training components could be easily incorporated into existing community-based overdose prevention programming to help reduce the rates of fentanyl-related opioid overdose. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04372238. Registered on 01 May 2020

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