Introduction: Risk factors for Parkinson’s disease (PD) fall into three broad categories, namely environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Identifying environmental factors that increase the risk of PD would allow these exposure to be reduced and the disease prevented while facilitating experimental investigation of mechanisms and intervention options. Thus, the aim of this review is to summarise the current evidence on the role of environmental factors in the development of PD. Methods: All original articles published between 2018 and 2022 and written in English were searched from three databases, i.e., PubMed, Scopus Web of Science (WoS), using combination of primary keyword (PD and its MeSH and synonyms), and two secondary keywords; (“environment*”) and risk (factor*). Result: After a thorough screening process, nineteen articles were included in this scoping review. The environmental risk factors examined in the included studies fell into five categories: a) pesticide exposure, b) heavy metals and organic solvent exposure, c) drug abuse and d) air pollution and e) source of water. Conclusions: In summary, PD is a complex neurological disorder for which there are several environmental risk factors involved. Identifying and reducing exposure to these environmental factors could have a significant impact on the future occurrence of the disease.
Introduction: Over the past two years, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and tuberculosis (TB) have killed over 5.7 million people globally. TB and COVID-19 continue to be significant public health problems worldwide. A growing body of research supports a link between socio-environmental factors and the transmission of COVID-19 and TB disease. Methods: This review article discussed the socio-environmental factors influencing the transmission, prevention, and control of COVID-19 and Tuberculosis disease. Result: In this review, we highlight similarities and differences between these two infectious diseases and explore the roles of socio-environmental factors (air pollution exposure and climate change) and socioeconomic factors in disease transmission. A comprehensive, integrated TB-COVID-19 management for prevention and disease control, which includes administrative, engineering, environmental control, effective personal protective equipment, and community-based public health activities were discussed. Conclusion: Understanding the similarities and differences between these two infectious diseases and the role of socio-environmental factors in disease transmission helps in planning and strengthening an integrated system for disease prevention and control strategies.
Introduction: COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2. Methods: A cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 among diploma students. A total of 120 students were recruited from students of the diploma program at the Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani, Northeastern Thailand. An online survey was obtained in June 2021. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the independent t-test to understand the relationship between variables. Results: The results found that most participants were female (87.5%), and the mean age was 22 years. The participants (59.17%) studied the Diploma of Sciences program in Emergency Medical Operation. The majority of them (49.71%) were in the first year. 93.33% of them were not underlying diseases (49.71%). The majority of respondents (57.5%) had a strong knowledge of COVID-19 (mean=17, S.D.=1.83). The majority of individuals (66.7%) had a positive attitude (mean=3.24, SD=1.35), and 80 % had good COVID-19 preventive behavior (mean=3.54, S.D.=1.35). When comparison of variables between knowledge, attitude, and practice for the prevention of COVID-19. The relationship between COVID-19 preventative behavior and variables such as gender, study program, and attitude toward the virus was statistically significant at p<.05. Conclusion Even though our results indicate that the students had a positive attitude and practice regarding COVID-19. The knowledge, attitude, and practice about COVID-19 in participants' education remain to be continually improved.
Introduction: Malaysia’s economic development leads to increased demand for immigrant workers. This article addresses the challenges of immigrant health equity. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze the existing literature and identify key findings. Results: Immigrants face health inequalities due to complex immigration policies, and cultural and social differences that result in poor health outcomes among immigrants. Discussion: Comprehensive strategies need to be addressed relating to immigration policy and social and cultural differences in order to ensure access for all immigrants Conclusion: Efforts should be made to provide equitable healthcare access to ensure that all immigrants receive optimum health equality in Malaysia.
Introduction: Haze imposes a substantial health burden especially in Southeast Asia where occurrences are frequent. Reduction in air quality levels has resulted in an increase in healthcare utilization, especially to the front door of healthcare, the emergency department (ED). Data on ED utilization during haze period is lacking. Methods: This is a retrospective study aimed to determine the association between haze and ED utilization of haze-related acute respiratory illnesses between April 2013 to September 2013. The study period was divided into haze/ non-haze period. Clinical data was collected from the registration book and patients’ case notes. Environmental data was obtained from Institute of Environment and Development Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Results: Total number of patients presented to ED during the study was 32,661. Fifteen percent (n= 5177) presented with acute respiratory symptoms. Total Emergency Department visits during haze period reduced due to emergency declaration, hence reducing non-emergency visits. However, there was a significant increase in hospital admission (p=0.0015) and infective respiratory illnesses (p=0.001) during haze which correlates with increase air pollutant. Patients with chronic respiratory illnesses were more affected by haze (p = 0.001). PM10 and ozone were the main pollutant during the haze period. Conclusion: Increasing pollutant levels from the haze significantly increases ED hospital admission. Evidence from this study can influence policymakers to prepare and allocate resources to hospitals in response to haze-related illnesses.
