This study aimed to explore the socio-demographic characteristics, mental health status, and perceived causes of pandemic fatigue with COVID-19 pandemic fatigue among the general population of Malaysia. The data was collected online during the transition from the COVID-19 pandemic phase to the endemic phase in Malaysia from 1 to 30 April 2022. Sociodemographic data, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), perceived causes of pandemic fatigue, and the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) were included in the survey. The chi-square test and a simple logistic regression analysis were used to identify predictors of pandemic fatigue. The completed survey (N = 775) included individuals aged 18 years or above [mean 31.98 (SD = 12.16)] from all states in Malaysia. Pandemic fatigue prevalence was 54.2%. Severe to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were detected in 11.2%, 14.9%, and 9.1% of the participants, respectively. Younger age, non-Malay ethnicity, living alone, and higher income categories were significantly higher in the fatigued group. Higher DASS-21 scores on all domains were associated with higher FAS scores. Meanwhile, high scores for perceived tiredness from complying with the COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), perceived risk of infection from COVID-19, perceived hardship due to the pandemic, perceived public complacency during the pandemic, and perceived changes due to the pandemic were associated with a higher FAS score. This study provides valuable information for policymakers and mental health professionals worldwide on pandemic fatigue and its associated factors, including mental health status in Malaysia.

During the pandemic, the lives of B40 single mothers were severely affected, especially in terms of social, economic, and psychological factors. The reduction of income caused by the crisis has forced single mothers and their children to live frugally and without luxury. They also had to perform more than one job at a time during the pandemic to meet their children’s needs. A qualitative study has been conducted to explore the perceptions of quality of life during the pandemic among B40 single mothers. Respondents were selected based on demographic characteristics established before the study. A focus group discussion has been conducted on ten (10) B40 single mothers in Balik Pulau, Penang. Single mothers were selected based on purposive sampling. They had to meet the inclusive criteria required to participate in the study, specifically: aged between 20 and 60 years old, belonged to the B40 income category, had children under 18 years old living together, and became single mothers due to divorce or death of husbands. The focused group discussion explored issues related to qualities of life during the pandemic. B40 single mothers expressed their concern about access to health facilities, security in residence, children’s education, and economic stability. These areas of life quality have been significantly affected especially during Movement Control Order (MCO). In short, the quality of life of these single mothers has been significantly affected by the pandemic. Their vulnerability towards stress, anxiety, and depression have worsened due to financial issues. Besides the need for emotional and social support, this study found that these single mothers entail financial support.

The utilization of X-chromosome short tandem repeats (X-STRs) for human identification particularly in resolving complex kinship cases has been advocated. Since, forensic statistical parameters vary among different populations, and because the X-STRs population data representing the diverse population of Peninsular Malaysia remain unavailable, the specific attempt reported here for the Malays (n = 224) and Chinese (n = 201) populations appears forensically relevant to support the evidential value of the 12 X-STRs markers for human identification in Malaysia. Results derived from the Qiagen Investigator® Argus X-12 kit revealed that DXS10135 as the most polymorphic locus with high genetic diversity, polymorphic information content, heterozygosity as well as power of exclusion. Based on allele frequencies, the combined power of discrimination as well as the mean exclusion chance (MEC_Krüger, MEC_Kishida, MEC_Desmarais and MEC_DesmaraisDuo) values for the Malays and Chinese were individually ≥0.999995532964908. As for the combined power of discrimination as well as the mean exclusion chance (MEC_Krüger, MEC_Kishida, MEC_Desmarais and MEC_DesmaraisDuo) calculated based on haplotype frequencies, the values were ≥0.9999986410567 for the Malays and Chinese populations. In addition, results from the genetic distance, neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree and principal component analysis revealed close biogeographical distributions of the studied populations with other South East Asian populations. Hence, the utilization of the X-STRs data for identifying individuals among the Malays and Chinese populations in Peninsular Malaysia for forensic application appears as highly supported.

Leptospirosis is an endemic disease worldwide and its incidence is increasing with outbreaks and mortality. It is caused by Leptospires interrogans which are very thin, spiral-shaped, tightly coiled, gram-negative aerobic, spirochetes. It can cause several infection to human including organs such as the kidneys, liver, lungs, heart and the central nervous system. The organism can give rise to several ocular manifestations and when it affect the eyes, it causes Leptospirosisneuroretinitis. The present case illustrated a case of 9 year-old boy succumbed with leptospirosis infection presenting as neuroretinitis. The unique of the case is that the boy had noobvious systemic manifestation of leptospirosis which caused a challenge to a physician to arrive at the diagnosis. Other important differentials hadbe entertained namely toxoplasmosis and ocular tuberculosis. Further management had been discussed until the boy was discharged and being followed up as an outpatient. This is followed by the discussion on leptospirosis neuroretinitis. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 22 No. 01 January’23 Page : 225-228

Gender dysphoria describes the feeling of distress and discomfort experienced when the assigned gender does not match the person’s gender identity. In its severe form, it leads to anxiety, depression and even suicidal ideation or attempts. Unfortunately, this does not end as some transgenders faced significant pressure by cultural, religious, employment, financial and social during the transformation period, hence would de-transition back to their natal gender identity. Gender detransition is a process through which a person discontinues some or all aspects of gender affirmation. During the de-transition, ambivalence, confusion, doubts about their ability to carry out the gender role and responsibilities are common. Gender dysphoria and gender de-transition requires professional help, but the stigma and discrimination hinders them from seeking help from health care providers (HCP). Although these gender-related identity problems are preferentially diagnosed by a specialised psychologist or psychiatrist, primary care physicians often play an important role in this aspect. This case illustrates the health and help-seeking behaviour of a transwoman who had experienced gender dysphoria in the early adolescence year. Long after that, he faced a difficult life, making him de-transition to his original gender. He eventually presented with trivial symptoms in primary care hoping to solve the crisis.