Page 57 - Malaysian Journal of Health Promotion, Vol 4 (Supplementary 1) 2022

Malaysian Journal of Health Promotion, Vol 4 (Supplementary 1) 2022
14 MOH-AMM Scientific Meeting 2022 in conjunction with 23 NIH Scientific Conference Abstract Book
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their ability to access healthcare service delivery in terms of appointment postponement,
communication breakdown, and understaffing, whereas others agreed that healthcare
facilities' services were satisfactory and improved compared to pre–lockdown. In terms of
perception of risk and self-management, there was a mixed response to the risk of COVID-19
to diabetes patients and respondents' ability to self-manage during lockdown.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The government's strategies have been shown to be well-
received by patients. Even after the pandemic has passed, it may be worthwhile to sustain
and enhance these strategies. However, there are a few drawbacks that must be addressed
in order to improve patient experience at our health care facilities.

ID 30 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY ISSUES AMONG PHARMACY STAFF IN PUBLIC
HEALTH CARE FACILITIES IN KEDAH: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

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Norazila Abdul Ghani , Mohamed Kashfi Mohd Nasir , Shankar Jothi , Adibah Hairuddin , Aina Nazira Yaakop ,
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Chew Beng Hoong , Zuliza Atifah Zulkifli
1 Pharmacy Unit, Hospital Jitra, Kedah
2 Pendang Health Clinic, Kedah
3 Padang Terap Health Clinic, Kedah
4 Kubang Pasu Health Clinic, Kedah
5 Pharmacy Department, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Kedah

INTRODUCTION: Occupational hazard is defined as the “potential risk to the health of a
person emerging from an unhealthy environment” which is a significant public health issue.
It can also be referred to as any activity, materials, processes or situation that is likely to cause
an accident or disease at the workplace. This study aimed to explore occupational health and
safety issues among pharmacy staff in public health care facilities in Kedah.
METHODS: A qualitative approach was adopted to allow flexibility exploration of the
respondents’ experience and perception. A semi-structured interview guide was developed
after extensive literature review. All pharmacy staffs of a primary healthcare clinic, secondary
and tertiary hospital were targeted. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and onsite observation
were used for data collection. FGDs were facilitated using a semi-structured interview guide,
audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. All transcripts were thematically analyzed using a
content-analysis approach.
RESULTS: Twenty eight pharmacists participated in FGDs. Data analysis resulted in four major
themes: environment (poisonous animals, work-related violence, and bio-hazardous
materials); physical hazards(counter,waiting & working area, inadequate ventilation, slippery
floors, electrical hazards, workplace equipment, visual discomfort, and noise); system
management (excess workload, lack of training program & numerous shift duties); and health
conditions(sharp-related injuries, work-related stress, ergonomic hazards and biological
hazards). Suggestions were made to propose improvement strategies for pharmacy staff to
comply and work in a safe environment; establish proper workflow and standard of procedure
as precautions, conduct training programs to enhance knowledge and awareness, improve
existing infrastructure and develop medium to address current situations.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This study provides important insights into critical shortcomings
in occupational health and safety issues among pharmacy staff, underlying the need for
improvement strategies for pharmacy staff to comply and work in a safe environment.

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