Page 27 - NIH Bulletin Vol. 17 July 2021 #WeMustWin

#WEMUSTWIN

SUCCESS STORIES

OF NHMS 2020

Institute for Public Health (IKU) has
conducted the National Health and
Morbidity Survey (NHMS) since 1986.
NHMS is a cross-sectional population-
based survey that collects health
related information among the
general population in Malaysia. In
2020, for the first time, NHMS was
focusing primarily on the scope
of communicable diseases. Topics
included COVID-19 virus infections,
Hepatitis B & C, HIV knowledge &
stigma, Tuberculosis, Antibiotic Use
& Antimicrobial Resistance, Malaria,
Dengue and dog-mediated Human
Rabies.

There were 113 enumeration blocks
(EBs) selected for the survey covering
all of Malaysia. A total of 5,957
respondents aged 1 years old and above
(response rate: 87.37%) participated in
the survey from 2,260 living quarters
(LQs). The survey was carried out fill-up the Cognitive, Affective and The study reported about 0.6% of the
from August to October 2020. Amid Behavior (CAB) survey booklet by population (an estimated 191,279)
COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the themselves and the booklet was given were infected with COVID-19 after
NHMS had modified its data collection by the research assistants during the second wave of the pandemic in
methods where conventional data scouting activities prior to the actual Malaysia. Out of those who developed
collection at household survey was survey. SARS-CoV-2 antibody, 4 in 5 developed
prohibited. To minimize duration of neutralizing antibodies.
direct contact with respondents, data Phase II data collection was done
collection for NHMS 2020 involved two via Computer-assisted Telephone
phases. Data collection for the first Interview (CATI) for interview-typed
phase was conducted on-site at the questionnaires. Respondents from
selected EBs. Face-to-face interview, the first phase were contacted and
administration of sensitive self- interviewed by trained research
administered questionnaires (SAQs) assistants at the CATI operation room
and blood taking were conducted at the Institute for Public Health. To
on appointment basis at the data improve participation rate, the CATI
collector centre. All blood samples operated 7 days a week from 8 a.m to
were sent to the Institute for Medical 10 p.m on a shift basis.
Research (IMR) for COVID-19 antibody
testing, while testing for Hepatitis B &
C were done at the accredited private
medical lab. All respondents were
notified of their blood test results.
Respondents with positive results were
counselled and referred to the nearest
government health clinics for further
medical evaluation and management.
Postal survey was also done during
phase 1 where respondents had to

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