Page 70 - Malaysian Journal of Health Promotion, Vol 4 (Supplementary 1) 2022

Malaysian Journal of Health Promotion, Vol 4 (Supplementary 1) 2022
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14 MOH-AMM Scientific Meeting 2022 in conjunction with 23 NIH Scientific Conference Abstract Book
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METHODS: Data were obtained from the Mental Health Status of Malaysian Healthcare
Workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a cross-sectional study design conducted from
July to September 2021 using a single data collection point via computer-assisted self-
interview (CASI). Anxiety was measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 with scores
of symptoms of 8 or higher classified as anxiety. Demographical data and stressors
contributing to anxiety were evaluated, such as workload, safety, under-skill, fear of infection,
discrimination from society, work-family interference, and lack of appreciation. Descriptive
and multiple logistic regression were performed using IBM SPSS version 25.
RESULTS: The prevalence of anxiety was 20.5% out of the 1,446 HCWs who participated in
the research, with the highest prevalence among the pharmacy personnel (36.2%). Multiple
logistic regression analyses showed that HCWs who are married (aOR=1.81,95%CI:1.18,2.78)
and in the mobilization team (aOR=0.64,95%CI:0.43,0.95) were at risk for developing anxiety.
Furthermore, increased workload (aOR=1.55,95%CI:1.17, 2.05), fear of personal safety
(aOR=0.72,95%CI:0.58,0.89), fear of infecting family members (aOR=1.51,95%CI:1.08,2.11)
and lack of family bonding (aOR=1.32,95%CI:1.05, 1.67) were significant stressors associated
with anxiety.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Anxiety was high among HCWs, particularly among pharmacists.
The present study's outcome shows that prompt psychological intervention and early
screening for susceptible groups are critical. Reducing workloads and boosting access to
occupational health services may alleviate the pandemic's present mental health issues.

ID 51 USING THE AUDIT TO ASSESS ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION PATTERNS AMONG CURRENT
DRINKERS

Tania Gayle Robert, Hamizatul Akmal Abd Hamid, Halizah Mat Rifin, Thamil Arasu Saminathan, Mohd Ruhaizie
Riyadzi, Kishwen Kana Yoga Ratnam, Wan Kim Sui, Hasimah Ismail, Muhammad Fadhli Mohd Yusoff
Institute for Public Health, National Institutes of Health

INTRODUCTION: The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is a structured and
validated self-administered questionnaire developed by the World Health Organisation
(WHO). It is a 10-item tool which assesses alcohol consumption, drinking behaviours and
alcohol related problems.
METHODS: Data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019 and the AUDIT
was used to assess alcohol consumption patterns. The AUDIT is categorised into three
domains; hazardous alcohol use); dependence symptoms and harmful alcohol use. Item 1
(Frequency of drinking); Item 2 (Typical quantity); Item 3 (Frequency of heavy drinking); Item
4 (Impaired control over drinking); Item 5 (Increased salience of drinking); Item 6 (Morning
drinking); Item 7 (Guilt after drinking); Item 8 (Blackouts); Item 9 (Alcohol-related injuries);
Item 10 (Others concerned about drinking). Current drinkers are those who consumed any
alcoholic beverage in the past 12 months.
RESULTS: There were 818 current drinkers aged 15 and above who answered the AUDIT.
Current drinkers consumed alcohol mostly once a month (59.0%). On a typical day, they
mostly consumed one or two drinks (71.1%). Most respondents had six or more drinks less
than once a month (27.6%). Overall, 48.8% of current drinkers did binge drink (6 or more
drinks at one sitting). Items 4, 5, 8 and 10 were significantly associated with gender (p<0.05),
with item 10 having the highest prevalence (28.8%).

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