Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Health Care

Nurulhuda Mat Hassan ¹, Nizatul Nurain Mazubir ¹, Siti Norazlina Juhari ¹, Mohd Faeiz Pauzi ¹, Norwati Daud ¹

Affiliations
1 Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, 20400, Kuala Terenggan, Terengganu, MY

Abstract

Drinking alcohol is a potential addictive behavior causing significant morbidity and mortality that can be prevented in adolescents. Psychological and other significant factors related to adolescent drinking need to be identified to design a more population-specific screening and intervention to prevent alcohol use among adolescents. This study aims to find the prevalence of alcohol consumption and the psychological factors associated with it among school-going adolescents in Terengganu, Malaysia. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 732 school adolescents aged between 13 and 18 years from 12 secondary schools in Terengganu, Malaysia. Cluster sampling was applied to choose the schools and classes were selected by computerized simple random sampling. A validated questionnaire adapted from Global Health School Survey (GSHS) was used and psychological aspects were assessed using the validated Malay version of Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ). Data were analyzed using SPSS ver. 25, using multiple logistic regressions for dependent variable of alcohol drinking. Alcohol consumption was defined as any alcohol beverage intake of more than a few sips. Prevalence of alcohol consumption was 5.2% (95% CI: 3.7, 7.1). Peer problems score was significantly associated with ever drinking of alcohol (p = 0.046, OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.93); together with other significantly associated factors; namely younger age (p<0.001, OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.67), race (p = 0.002, OR: 47.92, CI= 19.42, 118.26), having single parents (p=0.021, OR:4.35, CI=1.25, 15.19)and being with drunk friends (p = 0.001, OR:1.52, CI=1.81, 1.96). The study findings emphasized the significance of peers-related factors with consumption of alcohol among adolescents; either having peer problems or being around drunk friends, other than younger age, race and having divorced or single parent. Screening and intervening via peer problems may be a way to prevent onset of alcohol addiction in adolescents and thus preventing the future morbidity and mortality associated with it.

Keywords

Alcohol, Adolescents, Peer Problems, SDQ

Full Text

   

Ong Yu Xuan ¹, Nurulhuda Mat Hassan ¹, Norwati Daud ¹, Nik Nor Ronaidi Nik Mahdi ¹, Mohd Salami Ibrahim ¹, Yuzana Mohd Yusop ¹

Affiliations
1 Faculty of Medicine, University Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu – 20400, MY

Abstract

Resilience among the medical interns is essential and is protective against the state of burnout. However, it is not thoroughly investigated among medical interns. Is there any behavioural and modifiable factors influencing resilience? The objective of this study is to determine the level of resilience among medical interns in Malaysia and its associated factors. This nationwide cross-sectional study recruited medical interns from 17 randomly selected Malaysian hospitals accredited for medical intern training. All medical interns who reported to the selected hospitals from January to April 2020 were invited to answer an online questionnaire. The questionnaire incorporated Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 (CD-RISC-10) for resilience, USMEQ-i to measure emotional quotient, Brief-Cope to assess coping styles, Preparedness for Hospital Practice Questionnaire (PHPQ test) to assess internship preparedness and questions related to sociodemographic, undergraduate training and interest to become a doctor. 524 from 870 medical interns (60.2%) responded. Mean resilience score was 28.6 (SD = 6.33). Significant factors associated with resilience include active involvement in sports (p = 0.002), high EQ (p<0.001), interest to become a doctor (p<0.001), coping using humour (p<0.001), less coping by venting (p<0.001) and no failures in any clinical posting (p = 0.012). The regression model was substantiated by adjusted R2 of 62.8%. Factors affecting resilience among medical interns include modifiable factors such as coping styles and involvement in sports. The findings could guide targeted intervention to promote during medical schools or internship preparation programmes to increase resilience among medical interns.

Keywords

Coping Styles, Emotional Intelligence, Medical Interns, Resilience.

Full Text