KSPM
Search
- Page Path
- HOME > Search
Original Article
- Spatio-temporal Distribution and Relative Risk of Dengue Fever in Peninsular Malaysia
- Mohamad Afiq Amsyar Hamedin, Kamarul Imran Musa, Mohd Rahim Sulong
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2026;59(4):364-372. Published online May 17, 2026
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.26.035
- 854 View
- 80 Download
-
Abstract
Summary
PDF
Supplementary Material - Objectives
Dengue fever remains a major public health concern in Malaysia, with marked spatial heterogeneity and evolving temporal dynamics. Although the incidence of dengue has increased substantially in recent years, district-level risk patterns and their changes over time remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to assess the spatio-temporal distribution of dengue risk in Peninsular Malaysia.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of dengue surveillance data was conducted using district-level monthly case counts from 2022 to 2024. Dengue risk was modeled with Bayesian spatio-temporal models incorporating spatial effects, temporal effects, and space–time interaction terms. Spatial variation was modeled using the Besag–York–Mollié 2 specification, while temporal trends were modeled using a first-order random walk. Competing models were compared using the deviance information criterion (DIC) and Watanabe–Akaike information criterion (WAIC). Relative risk (RR) and exceedance probability maps were generated from the best-fitting model.
Results
Dengue incidence increased markedly after 2022, with incidence rates nearly doubling in 2023 and remaining high in 2024. Incidence maps showed pronounced spatial heterogeneity, with persistent high-incidence districts concentrated in urban and peri-urban regions. Spatio-temporal models incorporating space–time interaction substantially outperformed the additive model, with lower DIC and WAIC values. The best-fitting model identified the highest RRs in districts within Selangor, while several districts in Penang, and Johor had high posterior probabilities of elevated risk [P(RR>1)>0.8].
Conclusions
This study demonstrates substantial spatial heterogeneity and evolving temporal dynamics in dengue risk across Peninsular Malaysia. Bayesian spatio-temporal disease mapping provides robust, localized, time-specific estimates of dengue risk and may support targeted surveillance and intervention in endemic settings. -
SummaryKey Message
This study mapped district-level dengue risk across Peninsular Malaysia from 2022 to 2024 using Bayesian spatio-temporal models. Dengue incidence nearly doubled in 2023 and remained high in 2024, with the greatest relative risks concentrated in districts within Selangor and additional districts in Penang and Johor showing high probabilities of elevated risk. These findings demonstrate how relative risk and exceedance probability mapping can support more targeted dengue surveillance, vector control, and resource allocation.Case Report- Lead Intoxication Related to Coriander Consumption: A Case Report From the United States
- Kelly Johnson-Arbor, Gloria Dike, Sammy Taha
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2025;58(6):647-651. Published online July 8, 2025
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.25.273
- 3,747 View
- 171 Download
- 1 Crossref
-
Abstract
Summary
PDF
- Spices are associated with health risks, including heavy metal exposure. We present a case of lead intoxication likely related to spice consumption, specifically coriander powder. A 61-year-old woman was diagnosed with lead intoxication during a medical evaluation for symptomatic anemia. The patient had regularly consumed imported Malaysian spices prior to symptom onset. An initial public health assessment revealed only modest concentrations of lead in spices found in her home, raising concerns about additional sources of exposure. Several months later, a relative of the patient was also diagnosed with lead intoxication. Investigation revealed markedly elevated lead concentrations in coriander powder consumed by the relative, suggesting potential economic adulteration. The index patient reported also consuming coriander purchased from a Malaysian street market prior to her lead toxicity diagnosis. Spices are susceptible to heavy metal contamination from inadvertent environmental uptake or intentional economic adulteration. Medical professionals should remain vigilant for lead-contaminated spices and collaborate with public health officials to identify sources and patterns of lead exposure.
-
SummaryKey Message
Although spices are valued for their culinary aspects and potential health benefits, they are also susceptible to contamination with heavy metals through intentional or unintentional processes. Spices are especially vulnerable to intentional economic adulteration, due to their often-high costs and processing requirements. This manuscript describes the case of a patient who developed significant lead toxicity after chronic consumption of powdered coriander that was potentially impacted by economic adulteration.Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
- Closing the Gap: Strengthening Standards for Lead in Spices and Dietary Supplements to Protect Maternal and Infant Health
Serena Olsen, Amir Alakaam
Green Health.2026; 2(3): 22. CrossRef
Original ArticlesTOP- Knowledge of Sarcopenia and Associated Factors Among the Malaysian General Public: A Cross-sectional Study
- Soon Lean Keng, Noor Hazlisa Che Seman, K.Mangaikresh Krishnan, Chook Jack Bee, Joyce Leong Whye Sook, Siti Fairuz Ismail, Ooi Pei Boon, Peh Suat Cheng
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2023;56(2):164-171. Published online March 5, 2023
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.399
- 12,593 View
- 377 Download
- 13 Web of Science
- 12 Crossref
-
Abstract
PDF
- Objectives
Sarcopenia has emerged as a significant aging-related disease that affects many facets of societal-level and patient-level public health. This study analysed knowledge of sarcopenia and associated socio-demographic factors among the general public of Malaysia in order to effectively improve its prevention and countermeasures.
Methods
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Selangor, Malaysia, using Google Forms among 202 Malaysian adults from January 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge scores. The continuous variables were evaluated using the independent t-test, Mann–Whitney test, and one-way analysis of variance test. The Spearman correlation coefficient was employed to determine the correlation between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge score levels.
Results
The final analysis included 202 participants. The mean±standard deviation age was 49.03±12.65. Only 6.9% of participants had good knowledge of sarcopenia and were aware of sarcopenia’s characteristics, consequences, and treatments. Post-hoc comparisons using the Dunnett T3 test showed statistical significance in mean knowledge score and age group (p=0.011) and education level (p≤0.001). The Mann–Whitney test revealed that gender (p=0.026) and current smoking status (p=0.023) significantly influenced knowledge scores.
Conclusions
The general public’s knowledge of sarcopenia was found to be poor to moderate and associated with age and education status. Therefore, education and interventions by policymakers and healthcare professionals to improve public knowledge of sarcopenia in Malaysia are needed. -
Summary
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by- Development and validation of the Health Belief Scale for Sarcopenia Prevention and Management (HBSPM): a pilot study among older adults in Guangdong, China
Jiamin Fang, Hao Liang, Jintao Zhong, Zhixia Jiang, Shilong Lu, Zhuyun Liu, Rui Chen, Ruotong Liao, Tao Zou, Qingyuan Su, Lin Wei
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes.2026;[Epub] CrossRef - Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices About Sarcopenia in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross‐Sectional Survey
Xiaodi Sun, Wen Liu, Song Han, Min Wang, Zengqiang Liu, Weidong Jiang, Aiqiong Qin, Saheed Sabiu
Journal of Diabetes Research.2026;[Epub] CrossRef - Perceptions of sarcopenia in patients, health and care professionals, and the public: a scoping review of studies from different countries
Emma Grace Lewis, Christopher Hurst, Linda Errington, Avan A. Sayer
European Geriatric Medicine.2025; 16(1): 99. CrossRef - Knowledge, awareness, behaviours, beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions of older Australians regarding muscle health and sarcopenia: A national survey
Robin M. Daly, David Scott, Nicole Kiss, Michael Tieland, Brenton Baguley, Jackson J. Fyfe
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.2025; 135: 105835. CrossRef - Assessment of the Knowledge and Use of Ultrasound in Diagnosing Sarcopenia among Healthcare Workers in Southeast Nigeria
Salome N. Ezeofor, Amaka O. Nnamani, Damaris U. Akpagbula, Nneamaka J. Ojukwu, Onyinye A. Umeh, Nneze C. Njeze, Charles O. Iwudibia, Ngozi R. Dim, Emeka K. Mgbe, Ngozi R. Njeze
International Journal of Medicine and Health Development.2025; 30(3): 289. CrossRef - The relationship between Sarcopenia knowledge and risk in community-dwelling older adults
Huei-Ling Chiu, Chiou-Fen Lin, Shu-Chen Lai, Hsiao-Wen Lai, Ming-Chin Lin, Shu-Chun Lee
Geriatric Nursing.2025; 65: 103464. CrossRef - The knowledge level and influencing factors of sarcopenia among Chinese community-dwelling older adults
Wanyue Guo, Tianya Wang, Huohuo Dai, Yuqi Wang, Zihan Zhou, Ye Wang, Xianbo Pei, Qing Zhang, Simone Agostini
PLOS One.2025; 20(10): e0333557. CrossRef - Development and psychometric evaluation of the sarcopenia prevention behavior adherence scale for older adults – a mixed methods study
Wenjuan Zhang, Yuhong Wu, Yibao Zhang, Ziyu Sun, Jiaqi Wang, Xiaoya Hou
BMC Geriatrics.2025;[Epub] CrossRef - Path analysis of the awareness status and influencing factors of sarcopenia in older adults in the community: based on structural equation modeling
Dahui Wang, Huaying Zeng, Peiwen Wu, Yuchen Zhou, Hongkun Chen, Falin Zhao, Shucong Liu
Frontiers in Public Health.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Geriatric syndrome awareness and its determinants in China: a cross-sectional study
Difei Wu, Xiyan Yu, Fangzhou Li, Wei Qiao, Xujiao Chen
BMC Geriatrics.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding Sarcopenia in maintenance hemodialysis patients in Northeastern China
Tianyang Lv, Yanan Dong, Hongrui Zhang, Yanbo Li
Scientific Reports.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Development and validation of the sarcopenia disease risk perception scale for older adults
Wenjuan Zhang, Ziyu Sun, Jiaqi Wang, Yuhong Wu
BMC Geriatrics.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
- Trends and Spatial Pattern Analysis of Dengue Cases in Northeast Malaysia
- Afiqah Syamimi Masrani, Nik Rosmawati Nik Husain, Kamarul Imran Musa, Ahmad Syaarani Yasin
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2022;55(1):80-87. Published online January 6, 2022
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.21.461
- 11,640 View
- 291 Download
- 13 Web of Science
- 15 Crossref
-
Abstract
PDF
- Objectives
Dengue remains hyperendemic in Malaysia despite extensive vector control activities. With dynamic changes in land use, urbanisation and population movement, periodic updates on dengue transmission patterns are crucial to ensure the implementation of effective control strategies. We sought to assess shifts in the trends and spatial patterns of dengue in Kelantan, a north-eastern state of Malaysia (5°15’N 102°0’E).
Methods
This study incorporated data from the national dengue monitoring system (eDengue system). Confirmed dengue cases registered in Kelantan with disease onset between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018 were included in the study. Yearly changes in dengue incidence were mapped by using ArcGIS. Hotspot analysis was performed using Getis-Ord Gi to track changes in the trends of dengue spatial clustering.
Results
A total of 10 645 dengue cases were recorded in Kelantan between 2016 and 2018, with an average of 10 dengue cases reported daily (standard deviation, 11.02). Areas with persistently high dengue incidence were seen mainly in the coastal region for the 3-year period. However, the hotspots shifted over time with a gradual dispersion of hotspots to their adjacent districts.
Conclusions
A notable shift in the spatial patterns of dengue was observed. We were able to glimpse the shift of dengue from an urban to peri-urban disease with the possible effect of a state-wide population movement that affects dengue transmission. -
Summary
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by- Uncovering dengue hotspots and climatic drivers in an urban district of Malaysia: A five-year geospatial analysis
Maizatul Akma Masood, Rahmat Dapari, Mohammad Abdullah, Nazri Che Dom
Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health.2026; 37: 102221. CrossRef - Spatiotemporal evolution of dengue hotspots in Kuantan, Malaysia: A decade-long geospatial analysis for adaptive vector control
Zulkifli Abdul Hadi, Agus Naba, Ahmad Mohiddin Mohd Ngesom, Nazri Che Dom
Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health.2026; 37: 102273. CrossRef - Time-series decomposition and modeling of dengue cases in Malaysia, 2022–2024: a nationwide observational study
Mohamad Afiq Amsyar Hamedin, Kamarul Imran Musa, Mohd Rahim Sulong
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives.2026; 17(1): 50. CrossRef - Causal and spatiotemporal deep learning for dengue forecasting and extreme outbreak risk under climate variability: a framework from Vietnam
Dang Anh Tuan
International Journal of Biometeorology.2026;[Epub] CrossRef - Oil palm's lignin mediated silver nanoparticles decorated laser-scribed graphene electrode for biosensing dengue virus DNA
Phaik Ching Ang, Mohamad Nasir Mohamad Ibrahim, Veeradasan Perumal, Rohana Adnan, Subash C.B. Gopinath, Daruliza Kernain Mohd Azman, Mugashini Vasudevan, Sathaniswarman Remesh, Pandian Bothi Raja
Microchemical Journal.2026; 225: 117951. CrossRef - Environmental health factors and dengue risk mapping using spatial-AHP: A case study in Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand
Jitjira Chaiyarit, Prat Intarasaksit
Spatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology.2026; 57: 100808. CrossRef - Spatio-temporal Distribution and Relative Risk of Dengue Fever in Peninsular Malaysia
Mohamad Afiq Amsyar Hamedin, Kamarul Imran Musa, Mohd Rahim Sulong
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2026; 59(4): 364. CrossRef - Spatiotemporal dynamics of dengue hotspots in an urbanizing landscape: A five-year analysis in Selangor, Malaysia
Nur Athen Mohd Hardy Abdullah, Nazri Che Dom, Siti Aekbal Salleh, Hasber Salim, Nopadol Precha, Rahmat Dapari
Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health.2025; 32: 101966. CrossRef - Spatial autocorrelation with environmental factors related to tuberculosis prevalence in Nepal, 2020–2023
Roshan Kumar Mahato, Kyaw Min Htike, Alex Bagas Koro, Rajesh Kumar Yadav, Vijay Sharma, Alok Kafle, Suvash Chandra Ojha
Infectious Diseases of Poverty.2025;[Epub] CrossRef - Spatial patterns and clustering of dengue incidence in Mexico: Analysis of Moran’s index across 2,471 municipalities from 2022 to 2024
Oliver Mendoza-Cano, Rogelio Danis-Lozano, Xóchitl Trujillo, Miguel Huerta, Mónica Ríos-Silva, Agustin Lugo-Radillo, Jaime Alberto Bricio-Barrios, Verónica Benites-Godínez, Herguin Benjamin Cuevas-Arellano, Juan Manuel Uribe-Ramos, Ramón Solano-Barajas, Y
PLOS One.2025; 20(5): e0324754. CrossRef - Comparative stability analysis of mixed clustering algorithms for Malaysian dengue epidemiology using topological descriptors
Ooi Cheng Jie, Nur Fariha Syaqina Zulkepli, R.U. Gobithaasan, Mohd Shareduwan Mohd Kasihmuddin, Nurul Syafiah Abd Naeeim, Mohd Salmi Md Noorani, Kamarul Imran Musa
Acta Tropica.2025; 270: 107769. CrossRef - Digital Health Interventions in Dengue Surveillance to Detect and Predict Outbreak: A Scoping Review
Marko Ferdian Salim, Tri Baskoro Tunggul Satoto, Danardono ., D. Daniel
The Open Public Health Journal.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Shifts in communicable disease trends since the COVID-19 pandemic: a descriptive analysis using Singapore data
Anne Hui Yi Goei, Lay Hoon Goh, See Ming Lim
Singapore Medical Journal.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Solid waste management and Aedes aegypti infestation interconnections: A regression tree application
Fernanda Klafke, Virgínia Grace Barros, Elisa Henning
Waste Management & Research: The Journal for a Sustainable Circular Economy.2023; 41(11): 1684. CrossRef - Entomo-Virological Aedes aegypti Surveillance Applied for Prediction of Dengue Transmission: A Spatio-Temporal Modeling Study
André de Souza Leandro, Mario J. C. Ayala, Renata Defante Lopes, Caroline Amaral Martins, Rafael Maciel-de-Freitas, Daniel A. M. Villela
Pathogens.2022; 12(1): 4. CrossRef
- The Effects of a 7000-Step Goal and Weekly Group Walking Program for Overweight and Obese Elderly People in Sarawak, Malaysia: A Quasi-experimental Study
- Mohd Fakhree Saad, Whye Lian Cheah, Helmy Hazmi
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2021;54(3):199-207. Published online April 29, 2021
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.20.584
- 12,854 View
- 188 Download
- 7 Web of Science
- 8 Crossref
-
Abstract
PDF
- Objectives
Physical inactivity is the fourth leading global risk factor for mortality, followed by obesity. The combination of these risk factors is associated with non-communicable diseases, impaired physical function, and declining mental function. The World Health Organization recommends physical activity to reduce the mortality rate. Thus, this study examined the effects on anthropometric measurements of a 12-week walking program for elderly people in Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia with a 7000-step goal and weekly group walking activities.
Methods
A quasi-experimental study was conducted involving 109 elderly people with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25.0 kg/m2. BMI, body composition, and average daily steps were measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, and repeated-measures analysis of variance with the paired t-test for post-hoc analysis was conducted.
Results
In total, 48 participants in the intervention group and 61 participants in the control group completed the study. A significant interaction was found between time and group. The post-hoc analysis showed a significant difference between pre-intervention and post-intervention (within the intervention group). The post-intervention analysis revealed an increase in the mean number of daily steps by 3571.59, with decreases in body weight (-2.20 kg), BMI (-0.94 kg/m2), body fat percentage (-3.52%), visceral fat percentage (-1.29%) and waist circumference (-2.91 cm). Skeletal muscle percentage also showed a significant increase (1.67%).
Conclusions
A 12-week walking program combining a 7000-step goals with weekly group walking activities had a significant effect on the anthropometric measurements of previously inactive and overweight/obese elderly people. -
Summary
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by- The landscape of adult obesity in Malaysia: a mapping of evidence and contemporary narrative review
Quan-Hziung Lim, Jun-Kit Khoo, Ying-Guat Ooi, Anantharaju Ramachandaram, Jeyakantha Ratnasingam
The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific.2026; 74: 101963. CrossRef - Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in inflammatory bowel disease: prevalence, risk factors, pathophysiological pathways and clinical consequences
Elena Grueso Navarro, Alfredo J. Lucendo
Expert Review of Clinical Immunology.2025; 21(7): 875. CrossRef - The relationship between daily step count and all-cause mortality – umbrella review
Dominika Jurczak, Zuzanna Kafara, Karol Görner, Robert Makuch
Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences.2025;[Epub] CrossRef - Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Interventions in Malaysia: A Scoping Review
Sangeeta Singh, Arshad Begum, Shahrul Bahyah Kamaruzzaman, Fadzilah Hanum Mohd Mydin
Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health.2025; 37(6-7): 530. CrossRef - The Overweight Prediction Model in the Risk Factor-based Adolescents using a Web-based Online Application
Elsyie Yuniarti, Masrul ., Delmi Sulastri, Ikhwana Elfitri, Nur Indrawati Lipoeto, Rizanda Machmud, Afrizal ., Denas Symond
The Open Public Health Journal.2024;[Epub] CrossRef - Promoting Physical Activity in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes via an Anthropomorphic Conversational Agent: Development of an Evidence and Theory-Based Multi-Behavior Intervention
Nuno Pimenta, Isa Brito Félix, Diogo Monteiro, Marta Moreira Marques, Mara Pereira Guerreiro
Frontiers in Psychology.2022;[Epub] CrossRef - A Systematic Review of Physical Activity Intervention Programs in ASEAN Countries: Efficacy and Future Directions
Yi-Shin Lee, Michael Chia, John Komar
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 19(9): 5357. CrossRef - Socio-demographic Determinants of Low Physical Activity in Peruvian Adults: Results of a Population-based Survey Performed in 2017-2018
Akram Hernández-Vásquez, Rodrigo Vargas-Fernández
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2021; 54(6): 461. CrossRef
First
Prev
