Page 28 - NIH Bulletin Vol. 17 July 2021 #WeMustWin

Bulletin National Institutes of Health, Malaysia Vol 17 • 2021

physical distancing. Data collectors used PPE, while all
participants had to wear face masks. Masks were given to
all respondents upon entering the data collection centre.
▶ Face-to-face interviews at the data collection centre
were shortened to a maximum of 10 minutes per session.
▶ The layout at the data collection centre was arranged to
minimize crowding and only one way flow from entering
to exiting.

▶ For the first time in NHMS, we had conducted
subsequent interview sessions via Computer Assisted
The country is moving towards Viral Hepatitis Elimination Telephone Interview (CATI).
by 2030 and the NHMS found that 1.4% (estimated 331,639 ▶ For the first time, NHMS 2020 had conducted a
Malaysian residents) did not know that they have Hepatitis population-based seroprevalence study by collecting
B. While the burden of Hepatitis C in Malaysia is at 0.2% blood via venipuncture procedure.
which was not as high as previously reported by a modelling
study. ▶ We used innovative methods to ensure quality of
biospecimen at the field by centrifuging the blood
Knowledge and behavior on disease prevention are essential samples on-site using a portable centrifuge.
to ensure continuous prevention of infectious diseases in
the community. NHMS 2020 found that 22.6% Malaysian ▶ NHMS 2020 was also part of the WHO UNITY study for the
residents aged 13 years old and above had adequate Seroprevalence of COVID-19 that provides information
knowledge on HIV. It was measured using a standardized on the SARS-CoV-2 antibody status of the general
UNGASS indicator which was widely used worldwide population in Malaysia.
to assess community’s knowledge on HIV prevention
practices. Although Dengue is still a major public health ▶ As a precaution, all respondents whose blood was drawn
threat in Malaysia, the study found only 36.7% Malaysians did were tested for Wondfo SARS-CoV-2 antibody using
search & destroy for at least ‘once a week’ in their home and rapid test kits and results were obtained in 15 minutes.
surroundings. Positive respondents were further referred to the nearest
government health clinic for further medical evaluation
and testing by the Family Medicine Specialist.
CHANGES AND ADAPTATION OF THE NEW
NORMAL IN NHMS 2020 IMPACT

Aforementioned, the NHMS survey activities were modified The NHMS 2020 provides evidence-base for policy makers,
in 2020 in compliance to government recommendations health managers and numerous stakeholders (such as
to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the survey as Disease Control Division, Veterinary services Department
well as to prevent COVID-19 transmission during field data and Housing and Local Councils). The data is also used by
collection. Several modifications and SOPs adopted during clinicians, researchers and community pharmacists for the
the survey activities include: following:

▶ COVID-19 screening for all field staff including trainers, ▶ Burden of diseases for COVID-19 dan Hepatitis B dan
field supervisors and data collectors. Mandatory health C: To improve and revise current health policies and
declaration and testing for reverse-transcriptase management related to controlling communicable
polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or antigen rapid test diseases.
kit (RTK) at baseline and post survey. ▶ Information pertaining to Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) indicators.
▶ All data collectors were tested for current infectious ▶ Current status towards elimination of certain diseases
status for COVID-19 using antigen RTK every fortnightly.
such as Viral Hepatitis and Malaria
▶ Strictly no data collection at household, data collectors ▶ Evidence-based on the status of knowledge, behavior
visited household only for scouting. Data collection was and stigma related to disease prevention.
conducted on an appointment basis at the centralized
community centre. Refer to IKU website (www.iku.gov.my/nhms) for further
details about the NHMS 2020 technical report volume I and
▶ All data collectors and participants had to adhere to II.
strict SOPs during data collection. At the data collection
centre, all participants and data collectors had to practice

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