Monday, September 22, 2008

Majlis Penyampaian Sumbangan Di JKSP, PPUKM



Antara pesakit yang menerima bantuan sempena Ramadhan tahun ini.

Pada 22hb September 2008, saya telah menghadiri Majlis Penyampaian Sumbangan berupa barangan keperluan dapur seperti beras, gula, tepung dan sebagainya kepada pesakit miskin yang mendapat bantuan daripada Jabatan Kerja Sosial Perubatan, PPUKM. Barangan am ini telah disumbangkan oleh Pengerusi Pusat Jagaan Insan Istemewa, Kajang iaitu En. Kumar. Seramai lebih kurang 30 pesakit telah menerima sumbangan ini. Sumbangan ini telah disampaikan oleh En. Kumar dengan disaksikan Pn. Suraiyah Harun, Ketua Jabatan Kerja Sosial Perubatan, PPUKM. Sekarang saya tengah posting di JKSP, PPUKM khusus di jabatan Psikiatrik bermula 22 September hingga 26 Oktober 2008 selama 5 minggu.

Seminar Penyalahgunaan Dadah



Pn. Suraiyah Harun menyampaikan cenderhati kepada En. Abd Halim selepas beliau menyampaikan ceramah.


Sempena Kuliah Ekesekutif Ke 2 2008, satu seminar bertajuk Penyalahgunaan Dadah: Faktor-faktor Penglibatan, Rawatan dan Pemulihan telah diadakan pada 18 September 2008 di Bilik Kuliah 2, PPUKM. Dua orang penceramah telah dijemput khas untuk membentangkan kertas kerja dalam seminar ini iaitu E. Abd. halim Mohd Hussin, Ketua Program Diploma Siswazah Dalam Penyalahgunaan Dadah, Fakulti Kepimpinan Dan Pengurusan (Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia) dan Tn. Haji Abdul Ghani bin Abdul Rahman, Ketua Penolong Pengarah, Bahagian Pencegahan (Semula), Agensi Anti Dadah Kebangsaan (AADK), Ibu Pejabat Kuala Lumpur.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Program Sarjana Kerja Sosial Perubatan (Master In Medical Social Work)



SARJANA KERJA SOSIAL PERUBATAN

LATARBELAKANG

Perkhidmatan kebajikan telah diperkenalkan di hospital-hospital kerajaan di Malaysia sejak tahun 1952 iaitu beberapa tahun selepas Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat ditubuhkan. Pada peringkat awal, perkhidmatan yang diberikan lebih berupa bantuan kewangan kepada pesakit yang memerlukan. Sehingga tahun 1991 hanya terdapat 4 orang pegawai Kebajikan Perubatan/Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan di hospital-hospital kerajaan. Mereka ditempatkan di Hospital Besar Kualau Lumpur, Hospital Pulau Pinang, Hospital Ipoh dan Hospital Johor Bharu.

Dengan pertambahan masalah-masalah sosial di negara kebelakangan ini, sumbangan dan peranan Pegawai Kebajikan Perubatan / Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan menjadi semakin mencabar. Atas kesedaran betapa pentingnya perkhidmatan atau pendekatan rawatan sosial yang dijalankan oleh Pegawai Kebajikan Perubatan / Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan bidang jawatan ini di Kementerian Malaysia maka telah ditambah kepada 44 orang. Apabila jawatan di klinik kesihatan juga di perlukan di masa hadapan, maka permintaan latihan akan bertambah lagi.

Syarat lantikan bagi jawatan Pegawai Kebajikan Perubatan / Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan ialah Ijazah Sarjan aMUda Kepujian Sains Sosial dengan pengkhususan di mana-mana bidang seperti Sains Politik,Pembanggunan Sosial dan Pentadbiran, Pembangunan Manusia, psikologi / Kaunseling dan Sosiologi.

Dengan kelulusan tersebut di atas seseorang Pegawai Kebajikan Perubatan / Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan belum lagi mempunyai kemahiran dalam bidang perkhidmatan sosial perubatan ( medical social work ) dan pengalaman hanya diperolehi setelah beberapa lama berkhidmat di bidang ini tanpa pendedahan / pembelajaran yang berstruktur. Pembelajaran yang berstruktur bagi bidang perkhidmatan sosial perubatan ialah sangat perlu bagi Pegawai Kebajikan Perubatan / Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan kerana pesakit-pesakit yang mempunyai pelbagai gejala / masalah sosial di hospital akan dirujuk kepada pegawai ini unutk tindakan wajar.

Memandangkan peranan Pegawai Kebajikan Perubatan / Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan adalah seiring dan sama penting dengan kakitangan perubatan lain dalam penjagaan / perawatan pesakit di hospital-hospital maka Pegawai Kebajikan Perubatan / Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan perlu diberi latihan atau kurss setaraf dengan kepesatan kemajuan dan kemodenan bidang perubatan. Kursus Pegawai Kebajikan Perubatan / Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan akan membolehkan pegawai kebajikan perubatan berfungsi di tahap optima serta dilengkapi dengan pengetahuan dan kepakaran yang khusus di bidang ini.

Apabila pegawai kebajikan perubatan di Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia dilengkapi dengan pengetahuan dan kemahiran di dalam bidang perkhidmatan kebajikan perubatan ia boleh membawa kepada perkembangan perkhidmatan kebajikan perubatan dan akan meningkatkan aspek sosial perubatan dalam skop penjagaan kesihatan rakyat. Di samping itu ia juga boleh memelihara kepentingan imej professional kebajikan perubatan.

TUJUAN PROGRAM.

Membuka peluang kepada graduan dari pelbagai bidang pengajian untuk melanjutkan pelajaran dalam bidang perkhidmatan kerja sosial ke peringkat Ijazah Kerja Sosial Perubatan.
Menambahkan bidang graduan dalam bidang perkhidmatan Kerja Sosial Perubatan bagi menangani masalah sosial yang meningkat di kalangan pesakit di hospital atau di persekitaran luar dan klinik.
Memenuhi keperluan profesional Kerja Sosial Perubatan yang berkualiti, sesuai dengan keperluan negara Malaysia yang sedang menuju ke arah status negara maju.
Mengeluarkan professional Kerja Sosial Perubatan yang kompeten dalam kesihatan masyarakat serta dapat membawa masyarakat dan negara ke arah yang lebih berwawasan. Mengeluarkan Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan yang bertauliah di peringkat Sarjana.

SYARAT-SYARAT KEMASUKAN

Calon yang ingin memohon mengikuti Program Siswazah ini mestilah mempunyai kelayakan seperti berikut :
Ijazah Sarjana Muda dalam bidang sains atau sains sosial / pengajian islam dengan pengkhususan dalam mana-mana bidang seperti sains politik, Pembangunan dan Pentadbiran Ekonomi, Pembangunan Sosial, Pembangunan Manusia, Psikologi / Kaunseling dan Sosiologi dari Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia dan dari institusi pengajian tinggi yang diiktiraf senat.

PERMOHONAN

Permohonan hendaklah dibuat melalui borang-borang yang telah ditetapkan dan disampaikan kepada Dekan Pusat Pengajian Siswazah, UKM.

Permohonan hendaklah disertakan dengan dokumen-dokumen akademik. Setiap permohonan hendaklah terlebih dahulu dirujuk kepada Jawatankuasa Siswazah Fakulti Perubatan. Keputusannya hendaklah disampaikan kepada Dekan Pusat Pengajian Siswazah untuk tindakan selanjutnya.

Pelajar yang telah diterima masuk tetapi belum mendaftar boleh memilih untuk menangguhkan rancangan pengajiannya selama tidak kurang daripada satu semester dengan membuat permohonan secara bertulis kepada Dekan Pusat Pengajian Siswazah.


STRUKTUR KURUKULUM

Jenis Pengajian

Kursus

Semua pelatih dikehendaki lulus keempat-empat semester untuk layak dikurniakan Ijazah Sarjana Kerja Sosial Perubatan. Semester 1 dan 2 adalah dalam bentuk kursus sepenuh masa eksekutif di Fakulti Perubatan UKM. Pelatih hendaklah lulus semua kursus yang terdiri sekurang-kurangnya dari 24 kredit.

Posting Hospital

Semester 1,2,3 dan 4 adalah untuk penempatan di hospital-hospital untuk mengikuti pengalaman terancang. Mereka belajar melalui pengalaman dan dengan melakukannya sendiri. Tiap-tiap pelatih dikehendaki bekerja sambil belajar di hospital-hospital. Pengajaran akan dilaksanakan oleh pensyarah-pensyarah dari HUKM, Pegawai Sosial Perubatan dan Pakar-pakar Klinikal dari hospital berkenaan dalam bentuk pembentangan kes, tugasan, bengkel berkala dan juga pendidikan jarak jauh. Mengikuti amali di hospital dan lulus dalam semua tugasan salah satu pra-syarat untuk pelajar-pelajar mendapat ijazah sarjana.

Penempatan Elektif ( FK 7484 )

Di semester 4 pelatih-pelatih akan melalui program elektif di mana mereka boleh memilih melakukan penempatan di jabatan – jabatan klinikal atau institusi yang mempunyai kerja sosial seperti rumah orang tua, institusi kanak-kanak cacat, pusat-pusat rehabilitasi, di wad neurologi, wad spastik dan sebagainya. Penempatan ini perlu dibincangkan tentang kesesuaian dan keperluan pelatih serta dipersetujui oleh penyelia akademik pelatih. Penilaian akan dilakukan bersama oleh penyelia akademik pelatih dan Ketua Jabatan /Unit/bahagian yang ditempatkan. Penilaian adalah dalam bentuk berterusan dan penulisan satu laporan akhir. Program elektif ini adalah sebagai satu prasyarat dan wajib lulus sebelum pelatih dianugerahkan ijazah sarjana.

Projek Penyelidikan (FK 7496)

Pelatih juga dikehendaki melakukan satu projek kajian dan menulis satu laporan yang bermula dari semester 1 hingga semester 4 dari segi perancangan proposal, perlaksanaan, penulisan dan penilaian di akhir semester 4. Projek ini bernilai 6 kredit.


KERJA KURSUS

Pendaftaran Wajib

Pendaftaran wajib bermaksud pendaftaran kursus-kursus yang dperlukan untuk mendapat ijazah. Pendaftaran wajib adalah terdiri daripada kursus wajib yang ditetapkan.

Kursus-kursus teras/wajib adalah :-
FK 7312 Metodologi Penyelidikan untuk Kerja Sosial Perubatan.

FK 7322 Pembangunan Komputer & Statistik dalam Kerja Sosial Perubatan
FK 7332 Asas Sains Perubatan & Kesihatan Masyarakat dalam Kerja Sosial Perubatan
FK 7342 Teori Psikologi
FK 7352 Pembangunan Keluarga dan Kesihatan dalam Kerja Sosial Perubatan
FK 7382 Prinsip, Piawaian dan Etika Kerja Sosial
FK 7392 Pengurusan Kerja Sosial Perubatan
FK 7412 Sosiologi dan Antropologi
Perubatan dalam Kerja Sosial Perubatan
FK 7422 Pengurusan Perubahan
Tingkahlaku
FK 7442 Pengurusan komunikasi Perubatan
dan Kesihatan

Posting Hospital:-
FK 7372 Posting Hospital di Semester 1
FK 7452 Posting Hospital di Semester 11
FK 7462 Posting Hospital di Semester 111
FK 7472 Posting Hospital di Semester 1v

Projek :-
FK 7496 Projek

Penempatan Elektif:-
FK 7484 Penempatan Elektif


OBJEKTIF PEMBELAJARAN

Objektif pembelajaran secara amnya ialah bertujuan agar mereka dapat:
1. Memberikan perkhidmatan kebajikan dan sosial yang cekap, jujur dan berkesan dalam rawatan dan pemulihan yang komprehensif kepada pesakit-pesakit.

2. Membantu memulihkan semula pesakit khususnya di bidang psikososial agar mereka
dapat kembali menjadi anggota masyarakat yang produktif dan berdikari sesuai dengan batas keupayaan yang diakibatkan oleh penyakitnya.

Objektif pembelajaran secara khususnya ialah seterusnya mereka mampu berperanan seperti berikut :-

1) Berperanan sebagai Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan

Menyiasat, menilai dan mengendalikan kes atau pesakit dengan masalah-masalah dan keperluan-keperluan yang timbul, di peringkat individu, keluarga kelompok sosial dan dalam masyarakat.
Memberi perkhidmatan bantuan moral dan material secara terus, secara rujukan dan secara networking.
Melakukan kaunseling terhadap individu, kelompok dan keluarga yang berada dalam masyarakat.
Lawatan ke rumah atau ke intitusi dan memberi laporan kes yang lengkap
Memahami dimensi mikro (individu + keluarga ) juga makro ( masyarakat, kebangsaan da global ) berkaitan dengan teori dan amalan kerja social

2) Sebagai pegawai pengantaraan “ Liasion Officer”

Berperanan sebagai pegawai pengantara bagi pihak hospital dengan agensi-agensi lain di luar hospital seperti:
Agensi-agensi kerajaan contohnya: Jabatan Keajikan Masyarakat, sekolah, pejabat agama, biro Bantuan Guaman, Jabata Penjara, Unit Rawatan Dadah, kementerian dalam Negeri dan lain-lain.
Badan-badan sukarela seperti day care centre, half way house ( bagi kes-kes dadah dan alcohol ), Malaysian care, WAO dan lain-lain

3) Sebagai Pegawai Penerangan
· Bagi menjelaskan latarbelakang sosial pesakit dan memberi maklumat tentang
sosioekonomi pesakit kepada pasukan perubatan.
· Menerangkan implikasi keadaan pesakit kepada keluarga dan mereka yang
Mempunyai hubungkait dengannya.
· Memberikan kefahaman yang jelas tentang “compliance” atau keperluan
Mengambil ubat-ubat dan perawaan-perawatan lain sebagaimana yang
diperlukan oleh pesakit.

4) Sebagai Penceramah

  • Memberikan ceramah dan malumat-maklumat yang diperlukan tentang peranan
    Pegawai Kebajikan Hospital kepada Jururawat pelatih dan para kakitangan
    perubatan

Menyelia penuntut-penuntut kursus sains sosial dari universiti-universiti tempatan (seperti Universiti Sains Malaysia ) yang menjalani latihan amali di hospital-hospital.

STRUKTUR KURSUS

Semester / Fasa 1

Kursus

Teori 6 kursus ( 12 kredit ):-
1). FK 7312 Metodologi Penyelidikan untuk Kerja Sosial Perubatan
- JKM*

2). FK 7322 Penggunaan Komputer dan Statistik dalam Kerja social Perubatan
- JKP*

3). FK 7332 Asas Sains Perubatan dan Kesihatan Masyarakat dalam Kerja Sosial
Perubatan-
- JKM*

4). FK 7342 Teori Psikologi
- JP*

5). FK 7352 Pembangunan Keluarga dan Kesihatan dalam Kerja Sosial Perubatan - - JKM*

6). FK 7362 Perundangan Sosial berkaitan Kerja Sosial Perubatan
- JKS*


Amali Hospital

7). FK 7372 Posting Hospital di Semester 1


Semester / Fasa 2

Teori 6 kursus ( 12 kredit )
1). FK 7382 Prinsip, Piawaian dan Etika Kerja Sosial
- JAS*

2). FK 7392 Pengurusan Kerja Sosial
- JAS*

3). FK 7412 Sosiologi dan Antropologi Perubatan dalam Kerja Sosial Perubatan
- JAS*

4). FK 7422 Teknik Kaunseling dan Konsultasi Mental
- JP*

5). FK 7432 Pengurusan Perubahan Tingkahlaku
- JP*

6). FK 7442 Pengurusan Komunikasi Perubatan dan Kesihatan
- JK*


Amali Hospital

FK 7452 – Posting Hospital di Semester II

* JKM - Jabatan Kesihatan Masyarakat, UKM
* JP - Jabatan Psikologi, UKM
* JAS - Jabatan Antropologi & Sosiologi, UKM
* JK - Jabatan komunikasi, UKM


Semester 1 hingga 4
FK 7372 Posting Hospital di Semester I ( Tahun 1 )
FK 7452 Posting Hospital di Semester II ( Tahun 1 )
FK 7462 Posting Hospital di Semester III ( Tahun 2 )
FK 7472 Posting Hospital di Semester IV ( Tahun 2 )

Pelatih-pelatih akan ditempatkan di hospital-hospital yang telah ditetapkan terlebih dahulu. Pada semester/fasa 1 dan 2 pelatih-pelatih akan didedahkan kepada kerja-kerja rutin yang biasa dilakukan oleh seorang Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan hospital. Satu buku log akan disediakan untuk memberi panduan dari segi aktiviti-aktiviti yang perlu dilakukan pada setiap latihan. Pelatih-pelatih akan diselia oleh Pagawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan atau/ dan pakar klinikal hospital yang ada di hospital yang diiktiraf oleh UKM untuk tempat latihan.

Pada semester/fasa 3 dan 4 pelatih-pelatih akan ditempatkan di jabatan-jabatan berikut selama 6 bulan ( 2 kali pusingan ) :
· Perubatan - 8 minggu
· Pediatrik - 4 minggu
· Obgyn - 4 minggu
· Surgeri dan Orthopedik - 4 minggu
· Psikiatri dan Perkhidmatan Kesihatan Masyarakat - 4 minggu

Mereka akan disediakan satu buku log khusus tentang tugas mereka semasa berada di jabatan-jabatan tersebut. Pakar klinikal dan Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan di hospital di mana tempat latihan diadakan, akan menjadi penyelia mereka dari segi mempastikan bahawa objektif dan tugasan-tugasan mereka berjalan dengan lancar dan berjaya.

Untuk tiap-tiap posting jabatan, tugasan merangkumi kerja-kerja klinikal, lawatan ke rumah, pembentangan kes yang ada masalah sosial dan seterusnya melakukan rawatan komprehensif. Seterusnya para pelajar perlu melakukan pembentangan kes dan rawatan di Jabatan Kesihatan Masyarakat, Fakulti Perubatan HUKM ( 2 bulan sekali ) di mana perlu ada sekurang-kurangnya satu pensyarah daripada bidang klinikal seperti Jabatan Kesihatan Masyarakat dan juga bidang-bidang lain jika diperlukan yang terlibat untuk mempastikan pendedahan kepada aspek-aspek klinikal yang relevan.

Di samping itu, mereka juga perlu melibatkan diri dengan program/ projek yang bersifat complementary terhadap perkhidmatan untuk pesakit, keluarga atau komuniti tempatan ( sekurangnya/ minimum satu ). Contohnya program Sahabat di HUKM, kumpulan Sokongan Pesakit Eksema, Kumpulan Sokongan Pesakit Kanser dan lain-lain. Penglibatan ini perlu dibentangkan kepada ahli-ahli fakulti pengajar untuk dilakukan bimbingan dan diberikan input relevan.


Semester / Fasa 4 ( 4 kredit )
FK 7484 Penempatan Elektif

Sebahagian daripada semester/fasa 4 iaitu pada 3 bulan pertama, pelatih akan ditempatkan kepada penempatan elektif. Pelatih dengan bimbingan penyelia akademik akan melakukan amali klinikal yang lebih terperinci yang difikirkan perlu oleh pelatih-pelatih mengikut minat dan pengkhususan mereka. Contohnya ada pelatih-pelatih yang ingin melanjutkan kepakaran sosial perubatan sama ada dalam bidang kajisaraf,mental dan sebagainya. Ataupun jika pelatih berminat untuk mengkaji organisasi di institusi klinikal yang berorientasikan kumpulan sasaran khusus seperti kanak-kanak cacat, warga tua atau remaja, maka penempatan elektif akan dilakukan di perkhidmatan tersebut. Penyeliaan akan dilakukan oleh pembimbing akademik dengan dibantu oleh ketua-ketua atau pengarah institusi atau jabatan berkenaan. Di akhir penempatan elektif tersebut, pelatih-pelatih dikehendaki menyiapkan sati laporan ringkas.


Semester / Fasa 4 ( 6 kredit )
FK 7496 Projek Penyelidikan

Tiap-tiap pelatih diwajibkan melakukan satu projek yang berkaitan dengan kerja sosial perubatan. Pelatih dikehendaki melakukan proposal, implementasi dan seterusnya menganalisis data yang dipungut dan menulis satu laporan projek. Jumlah nilai kredit untuk projek ialah 6 kredit. Laporan projek adalah mengikut gaya penulisan UKM. Penyelia akademik pelatih akan membimbing dalam penyediaan proposal, perlaksanaan, analisis data dan penulisan.

Dalam semester/fasa 1 pelatih dikehendaki menyiapkan proposal projek dan seterusnya mengimplementasikan projek itu dalam semester /fasa 2. Sementara dalam semester/fasa 3 dan 4 tumpuan adalah pada penganalisaan data dan menulis laporan projek. Penilaian laporan projek akan dilakukan pada akhir pengajiaan ( hujung semester 4 ) dalam bentuk pembentangan dan lisan. Penulisan laporan adalah tidak lebih dari 10,000 perkataan.


BEBAN TUGAS

1). Posting hospital sebagai pendedahan/ latihan kerja sebagai Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan di hospital yang ditempatkan sepanjang tahun pengajian (semeser/fasa ,2,3,4) dari mula mendaftar.
2). Kerja kursus semester/fasa 1 dan 2 serta lulus dalam semua kursus.
3). Posting hospital khusus semester/fasa 3 dan 4 dan penempatan elektif fasa 4
4). Sekurang-kurangnya 12 tugasan klinikal daripada 6 posting klinikal ( semester 3
dan 4 )
5). Lulus dalam kerja-kerja seperti disenaraikan dalam buku log untuk tiap-tiap
posting sebagaimana yang disahkan oleh penyelia lapangan dari hospital tempat l
latihan ( Semester/Fasa 1 hingga 4 )
6). Lawatan-lawatan ke agensi-agensi yang berkaitan denagn kerja sosial dan
pemulihan seperti SHELTER, Rumah Orang Tua, LPPKN, lain-lain (
semester/fasa 1,2,3 )
7). Satu laporan penempatan elektif ( semester/fasa 4 )
8). Satu laporan projek, disertasi ( Semester/Fasa 1 hingga 4 )
9.) Penglibatan diri dalam projek di hospital diikuti dengan pembentangan dan laporan.
10).Pembentangan kes
11).Kritikan jurnal di semester 3 dan 4

PENILAIAN

1. Untuk kursus-kursus 24 kredit yang diberikan pada semester 1 dan 2, penilaian
adalah dalam bentuk penilaian berterusan dan peperiksaan akhir. Markah dan gred
adalah menurut jadual berikut:



Gred Peratus Status
A 80 ke atas Cemerlang
A- 70-79 Sangat baik
B 60-69 Baik
C 50-59 Lulus
D Bawah 50 Gagal
E 0 Tidak ambil peperiksaan


2. Untuk Posting Hospital dalam Semester 1 hingga 4.

Penilaian dalam bentuk penilaian berterusan, tugasan dan buku log dan penilaian professional oleh penyelia hospital. Keputusan penilaian adalah berasakan lulus/gagal. Peratus kelulusan ialah 50%.
Pelajar yang gagal mana-mana mata pelajaran diberikan status lulus bersyarat. Pelajar perlu mengulangi kursus yang gagal itu pada semester berikut dan wajib lulus.


3. Semester 4

Penempatan elektif dengan penilaian berterusan dan laporan penempatan elektif.
- Lulus / gagal ( 4 kredit )

4. Peperiksaan projek

Peperiksaan projek terdiri daripada dua komponen iaitu peperiksaan dan laporan projek dan peperiksaan lisan projek. Pecahan markahnya adalah:

a) Laporan penulisan 60%
b) Viva 40%


PENGURNIAAN IJAZAH



Pemberian markah dan gred adalah menurut pemarkahan kerja kursus.

Ijazah sarjana boleh dianugerahkan kepada pelatih yang telah :

1. memenuhi semua kehendak Akta Pengajian Siswazah
2. memenuhi semua kehendak Jadual kepada Akta Pengajian Siswazah ini.
3. diperakui supaya diberi ijazah berkenaan oleh Lembaga Pemeriksa siswazah dan
diluluskan oleh senat.
4. menjelaskan segala bayaran yang telah ditetapkan.


PEMBERITAHUAN PELATIH

Seseorang pelatih yang mengikuti Program Pengajian Siswazah boleh diberhentikan
dengan persetujuan senat pada bila – bila masa jika kemajuan pelatih tidak memuaskan.



UMUM

1. Senat berhak mengambil sesuatu tindakan yang wajar jika seseorang pelatih itu
didapati memberi maklumat yang tidak benar berkenaan pencalonannya.
2. Senat boleh membenarkan sebarang pengecualian yang difikirkan sesuai daripada
kehendak-kehendak jadual ini.
3. Setiap permohonan dan rayuan yann berkaitan dengan Akta dan jadual ini daripada
pelatih yang berdaftar hendaklah dikemukakan kepada Dekan Pusat Pengajian
Siswazah melalui penyelia atau penasihat akademik pelatih. Dekan PPS akan
merujuk permohonan atau rayuan tersebut kepada Jawatankuasa Pengajian Siswazah
Fakulti Perubatan untuk mendapatkan pandangan atau perakuan yang akan
disampaikan kepada Dekan PPS melalui Dekan Fakulti Perubatan. Jika perlu, Dekan
PPS akan merujukkan keputusan tersebut kepada senat untuk mendapatkan kelulusan
atau pengesahan sebelum di maklum kepada pelatih.

PERANAN PAKAR KLINIKAL

Pakar- pakar Klinikal seperti Pakar Pediatrik, Psikiatrik, Perubatan dan lain akan terlibat dengan latihan kepada calon Pegawai Kerja Sosial semasa calon Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan ditempatkan di jabatan masing-masing. Objektif pembelajaran ialah agar pelajar Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan didedahkan kepada kes-kes yang biasa diwad dan di klinik dan mendapat asas tentang kaedah diagnosa & rawatan pesakit klinikal sebagai satu asas pada rawatan sosial dan sebagainya. Selain itu, memastikan juga agar mereka faham kaitan antara aspek sosial pesakit dengan aspek klinikal dan rawatannya.

Mereka akan memberikan tunjuk ajar calon-calon Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan bersama-sama dengan pelajar-pelajar klinikal lain yang juga sedang menjalani latihan dari segi pendedahan kepada kes-kes klinikal yang biasa terdapat di wad atau di pesakit luar. Contohnya calon-calon Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan dikehendaki mengikuti sekurang-kurangnya satu “Ward round” dalam seminggu yang dijalankan di wad secara rutin. Dianggarkan pengajaran/penyeliaan pakar klinikal terhadap calon Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan ialah satu jam semiggu (contact time).

Selain darpada itu, mereka juga dikehendaki menghadiri kelas-kelas pembentangan sesi klinikal yang diadakan secara berkala seperti CPC (Clinical Case Conference) bersama-sama dengan Pegawai Kebajikan Hospital berkenaan. Diharapkan pakar-pakar klinikal adalah terlibat dengan penilaian tugasan calon SKSP seperti yang terdapat dalam buku log mereka.


PENYELIAAN CALON PEGAWAI KERJA SOSIAL PERUBATAN ( PKSP)

· Setiap calon PKSP akan diberi 1 penyelia akademik dan 2 orang penyelia di hospital. Penyelia akademik terdiri daripada penyelia utama dan penyelia bersama dari Jabatan Kesihatan Masyarakat, Jabatan Antropologi dan Sosiologi, Jabatan Psikologi dan Jabatan Komunikasi bergantung kepada kecenderungan tajuk-tajuk tesis yang dipilih oleh calon. Penyelia di hospital pula terdiri daripada seorang pakar klinikal dan seorang pegawai kebajikan hospital di hospital yang ditempatkan.
Penyelia akademik akan mengawasi dari segi pembelajaran akademik pada semester 1 & 2 serta penyeliaan projek dari semester 1- semester 4. Manakala penyelia klinikal pula akan mengawasi dari segi pembelajaran amali klinikal semasa di semester 1 & 2 dan pembelajaran amali klinikal khusus pada semester 3.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Lawatan Sambil Belajar Ke Pusat Sokongan Mangsa Dan Keterangan Saksi PDRM

Pelajar-pelajar Sarjana Kerja Sosial Perubatan Tahun 2 dan Tahun 1 bersama-sama pelajar-pelajar Kerja Sosial daripada Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia telah mengadakan lawatan sambil belajar ke Pusat Sokongan Mangsa Dan Rakaman Keterangan Saksi Kanak-kanak PDRM di Jakan Sultan Salehudin, Kuala Lumpur pada 17.9.2008 jam 9.00 pagi - 11.00 pagi. Seramai lebih kurang 70 pelajar telah menyertai lawatan ini.











Pusat ini adalah untuk mengendalikan kes-kes rogol, cabul kehormatan, Liwat, penderaan kanak-kanak dan kes keganasan rumahtangga yang yang dalam penyiasatan termasuk kanak-kanak yang menjadi saksi berlakunya kes-kes jenayah seperti pembunuhan . Taklimat telah disampaikan oleh DSP Norisah.





Pelajar-pelajar Sarjana Kerja Sosial Perubatan Tahun 2 yang menyertai lawatan ini ialah Harolhanam, Fadhli, Munawarah. Manakala pelajar tahun 1 yang ikut serta ialah Nurfarhana dan Syazana. Maisarah dan Nurul senior SKSP juga turut sama hadir dalam lawatan ini. Norjana Saim, Pensyarah Program Kerja Sosial UKM pula mengetuai rombongan pelajar-pelajar dari UKM Bangi. Terima kasih di atas kesudian PDRM menerima kunjungan dari kami.


Monday, September 15, 2008

Kuliah Pada 16.9.2008


Saya dan Fadli selepas pembentangan


Kuliah hari ini ialah peresentation tugasan kes di Jabatan Perubatan, Hospital. Saya membentangkan kes pesakit epilepsi di HUKM, Fadli pun bentang kes pesakit epilepsi di PPUM manakala Munawarah bentang kes pesakit Acute Myloid Leukemia. Dr. Badila Idayu sebagai penganalisa pembentangan kami. Puhh... lega dah habis present (11.00 am).

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Fadhli


Rakan sekuliah

Munawarah


Kawan sekuliah


Munawarah adalah seorang pelajar sarjana kerja sosial perubatan tahun 2.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

ELDERLY ABUSE

INTRODUCTION


The World Health Organization reported that it is generally agreed that abuse of older people is either an act of commission or of omission or neglect, and it may either be intentional or unintentional (Krug et al., 2002).

It results in unnecessary suffering, injury, the loss of violation of human rights, and a decreased quality of life for the older person. Like any other form of domestic violence, abuse of the elderly initially remained as a private matter hidden from public view. It was initially seen as a social welfare issue and later on a problem of ageing, but now has developed into a public health and criminal justice concern.


DEFINITIONS ELDER ABUSE

The definition of elder abused was developed by Action on Elder Abuse in United Kingdom and then adopted by the International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse. It states that: “Elder abuse is a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person” (Krug et al., 2002).

Bonnie Brandl, 2007, define elder abuse as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse; financial exploitation; neglect; or abandonment of an adult age 60 or older, who lives either in the community or a long-term care facility, perpetrated by a person in an ongoing “relationship of trust” with the victim. Self-neglect, sexual assault, theft, or financial exploitation that is committed against a long-term care facility resident by anyone, including staff, another resident, a visitor, or a stranger who enters the facility unlawfully.



FORM OF ELDER ABUSE

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is defined as the use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment. Physical abuse may include, but limited to, such acts of violence as striking (with or without an object), hitting, beating, pushing, shoving, shaking, slapping, kicking, pinching and burning. In addition, inappropriate use of drugs and physical restraints, force-feeding, and physical punishment of any kind also are examples of physical abuse. (NCEA, n.d.)

Sign and Symptoms of Physical Abuse Include;

*Bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerations, and rope marks
*Bone fractures, broken bones, and skull fractures *Open wounds, cut, punctures, untreated injuries in various stages of healing
*Sprains, dislocations, and internal injuries/bleeding
*Broken eyeglasses/frames, physical signs of being subjected to punishment, and sign of being restrained.
*Laboratory findings of medication overdose or under-use of prescribed drugs *An elder’s report of being hit, slapped, kicked, or mistreated
*An elder’s sudden change in behavior
*The caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors to see an elder alone
*Changes in speaking, breathing, or swallowing that may be the results of strangulation


Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is define as non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an elderly person. Sexual contact with any person incapable of giving consent is also considered sexual abuse. It includes, but is not limited to, unwanted touching, and all types of sexual assault or battery, such as rape, sodomy, coerced nudity, and sexual explicit photographing.

Signs and Symptoms of Sexual Abuse Include;

*Bruises around the breasts or genital area
*Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections
*Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
*Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
*An elder’s report of being sexually assaulted or raped


Psychological or Emotional Abuse

Emotional or psychological abuse is defined as the infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts. Emotional or psychological abuse includes, but is not limited to, verbal assaults, insults, threats, intimidation, humiliation, and harassment. In addition, treating an older person like an infant; isolating an elderly person from his or her family, friends or regular activities; giving an older person the “silent treatment”; and enforcing social isolation.

Sign and Symptoms of Emotional/Psychological Abuse Include;

*Being emotionally upset or agitated
*Being extremely withdrawn and non communicative or non responsive
*Unusual behavior usually attributed to dementia (e.g., sucking, biting, rocking)
*An elder’s report of being verbally or emotionally mistreated

Financial or Material Exploitation

Financial or material exploitation is defined as the illegal or improper use of an elder’s funds, property, or assets. Examples include, but are not limited to, cashing an elderly person’s checks without authorization or permission; forging an older person’s signature; misusing or stealing an older person’s money or possessions; coercing or deceiving an older person into signing any document (e.g., contracts or will); and the improper use of conservator ship, guardianships, or power of attorney.

Sign and Symptoms of Financial or Material Exploitation Include;

*Sudden changes in bank account or banking practice, including an unexplained withdrawal of large sums of money by a person accompanying the elder.
*Inclusion of additional names on an elder’s banks signatures card
*Unauthorized withdrawal of funds using the elder’s ATM card.
*Abrupt changes in a will or other financial document
*Unexplained disappearance of funds or valuable possessions
*Substandard care being provided or bills unpaid despite the availability of adequate financial resources
*Discovery of an elder’s signature being forged for financial transactions or for titles of his/her possessions
*Sudden appearance of previously uninvolved relatives claiming their rights to an elder’s affairs and possessions
*Mail redirected to a new location
*New relationship in elder’s life
*Unexplained sudden transfer of assets to a family member or someone outside the family
*Provision of unnecessary services
*An elder’s report of financial exploitation

Neglect

Neglect is defined as the refusal or failure to fulfill any part of a person’s obligations or duties to an elder. Neglect may also include failure of a person who has fiduciary responsibilities to provide care for an elder (e.g., pay for necessary home care services), or the failure on the part of an in-home service provide necessary care. Neglect means the refusal or failure to provide an elderly person with such life necessities as food, water clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, medicine, comfort, personal safety, and other essentials included in an implied or agreed-upon responsibility to an elder.

Sign and Symptoms of Neglect Include;

*Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores, and poor personal hygiene
*Unattended or untreated health problems
*Hazardous or unsafe living conditions or arrangements (e.g., improper wiring, no heat, or no running water)
*Unsanitary and unclean living conditions (e.g., dirt, fleas or lice on the person, soiled bedding, fecal/urine smell, inadequate clothing)
*An elder’s report of being mistreated.


Self-Neglect

Self-neglect is defined as an adult’s inability, due to physical or mental impairment or diminished capacity, to perform essential self-care tasks including: (a) obtaining essential food, clothing, shelter, and medical care; (b) obtaining goods and services necessary to maintain physical health, mental health, emotional well-being, and general safety; and (c ) managing one’s own financial affairs. Choice of life style or living arrangements is not, in itself, evidence of self-neglect.

Sign and Symptoms of Self-Neglect Include;

*Chronic disease, cognitive impairment, mental illness, physical impairment and/or substance abuse that is often untreated
*Malnourished and/or dehydrated
*Isolated, lives alone, paranoid, often refuses access to home
*Victim appears dirty, not dressed appropriately foe the weather
*Exterior of home poorly maintained, littered with discarded items and weeds
*Stacks of unpaid bills, utilities have been shut off
*Interior of home is filled with trash, garbage, feces, urine
*Multiple animals, often in poor health or dead
*Insect or vermin infestation
*Rooting food


Abandonment

Abandonment is defined as the desertion of an older person by an individual who has assumed responsibility for providing care for an elder, or by a person with physical custody of an elder.

Sign and Symptoms of Abandonment Include;

*The desertion of an elder at a hospital, a nursing facilities, or other similar institution
*The desertion of an elder at a shopping center or other public location
*An elder’s own report of being abandoned

STATISTIC OF ELDER ABUSE

Global data

Global data Information on the magnitude of abuse in the elderly population is scanty. Since there has not been adequate awareness on the problem in most developing countries, the available information on the frequency of elderly abuse in domestic settings globally has relied on five surveys conducted in five developed countries (see Table 1).

It has been reported that the rate of abuse among older people is 4–6% if physical, psychological and financial abuse and neglect are all included (Krug et al., 2002). However, the studies were not comparable due to differences in methodologies and timeframes


Country Prevalence (%)
USA 3.2
Canada 4.0
Finland 5.4
Netherlands 5.6
United Kingdom 5.0

Source: WHO Kobe Centre, Japan 2006


In America, reported cases of elder abuse are increasing. From 1986 to 1996, there was a steady cases in reporting of domestic elder and vulnerable adult abuse nationwide, from 117000 report in 1986 to 293,000 reports in 1996. This figure represents an increase of 150.4% since 1986. In 1998, the National Elder Abuse Incidence Study (NEAIS) suggested that only the tip of the iceberg of elder abuse are being identified.

Two national studies of cases reported to Adult Protective Services (APS) in 2000 and 2004 found that during that period, there was a 19.7% increase the number of elder abuse report in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and three territories (Bonnie Brandl …[et al], 2007)

Prevalence

According to National Research Council Panel to Review Risk and Prevalence of Elder Abuse and Neglect, Washington, DC. 2003, the best available estimates is between 1 and 2 million Americans age 65 or older have been injured, exploited, or otherwise mistreated by someone on whom they depended for care or protection.

Incidence

In 2003, state Long Term Care Ombudsman programs nationally investigated 20,673 complaints of abuse, gross neglect, and exploitation on behalf of nursing home and board and care residents. Among seven types of abuse categories, physical abuse was the most common type reported.


Survey In Japan

One research in Japan was conducted to subjects were 60 years of age or older and were all residents of an agricultural village near a large urban center on the main island of Japan. Two different surveys designed for qualitative and quantitative analyses, were conducted. Survey I was a mail survey of 3600 ‘healthy people’, to get a clear picture of what the families were like in the village and peoples’ perceptions of elder caregiver. Survey II was a home visit survey of all the frail elderly in the community ( n = 78), to identify the prevalence of elder abuse and risk factors. Survey II found that 14 elders were being abused (emotional abuse 7, neglect 6, physical abuse 3, substance abuse 3) giving a prevalence rate of 17.9% ( Anme, Tokie, 2004).


National data

In Malaysia, information and data on elderly abuse is scarce. At present, no agency keeps proper records of the incidence of elder abuse in the country. The only available data comes from the Department of Social Welfare on the number of older people living in institutions. Figure 1 shows the number of people aged 60 and above admitted to institutions from 2000 to 2005.


Regarding gender distribution, it was reported that, of the cases admitted from 2000–2005, about two-thirds of them were males. However, there could be a possible bias in the data. The higher proportion of males admitted to the institutions could also be due to the fact that elderly males have more difficulty in caring for themselves compared to elderly females.


DYNAMICS OF ELDER ABUSE

Why Does Elder Abuse Occur?

A variety of hypothesis have been explored to explain elder abuse such as;
1) Caregiver stress/excessive demands
2) Victim characteristics
3) Perpetrator characteristics
4) Transgenerational issues
5) Social exchange theory
6) Power and control dynamic

Caregiver stress/excessive demands

Most caregiver are compassionate and provide good support and care; however, caregiver ca be hard work and, at times, stressful. The caregiver stress theory suggest that overwhelmed caregivers, burdened by the demands of providing care, may at times harm the older, frail person in their care.

Victim characteristics

Some researchers have look for victim characteristics or behaviors that may have led to abusive behavior. The tendency in the past was to consider elders as dependent, vulnerable, and in need of protection. Blaming the victim was very much a part of the original (but flawed) construction of elder abuse as a manifestation of caregiver stress. This characterization, buttressed by societal prejudice against the aged and aging, had the effect of making old people into “legitimate or deserving” victims. (Wolf, 2000).


Perpetrator characteristics

A few study have examined common traits among abusers of elders. Some found that a significant number of abusers suffer some form of impairment include substance abuse, mental illness and depression, and cognitive impairment. Research also indicated that abusers tended to be dependent on their victim for housing, transportation, financial dependency, and sometimes for care. Some research also suggest that abusers have problem with relationships, may be more isolated, and lack social supports. Brown (1989) suggests that abuser with personal problems may be more physically abusive.


Transgenerational issues

This theory postulates that adults who were abused as children may retaliate against their aging parents. These interactions are a pattern of learned behaviors that teach an abused child to become an abusive parent. Another aspect of this theory is that the abuse is committed for revenge in retaliation for actual or perceived childhood abuse by elderly relative.

Social Exchange Theory

According to Pillemer (1986), social exchange theory helps to explain child abuse, domestic violence, and elder abuse. The victim is dependent on the aggressor for care (rewards). The aggressor believes that the victim is not reciprocating with equal rewards. The abuser has control of the rewards, and there are no consequences for his abusive behavior (punishment). The abuser believes that the personal rewards he derives from the exchange are too little when compare to what he is giving the victim, and therefore, he is entitled to impose punishment on the victim.



Power and Control Dynamics

Some studies have found that family violence in later life often involves an abuser who uses a pattern of coercive acts to control, dominate, or punish the victim. When abusers believe they are entitled to “run the show”, they will use any means necessary to get their needs met. Abuser feel their actions are justified and they deserve unquestioned obedience from the victim (Schecter, 1987).


Why Does An Older Person Who Is Being Harmed Maintain A Relationship With The Abuser?

· Have a relationship of trust with their abuser
· Wants to maintain a relationship with the abuser
· Still love the family member abuser and may have valid reason for trying to preserve the relationship or protect the person.
· May have value the longevity of the relationship especially spouses or life partner who have been together for many years.
· Fear to being alone.
· The victim appreciate some qualities of the caregiver or sympathize with them.
· Financial realities impact
· Cultural norm such as negative stigma to a women who lives alone or who goes to nursing homes
· Fear deportation among immigrants
· Religious values e.g. some older people believe that their religious teachings mandate that they stay in their abusive marriage.
· Health problems or the victim – require ongoing care. Staying with an abuser may seem a more inviting option than asking stranger to provide care or moving to an institution.
· Health problem of the abuser
· Living in facilities an no other choice to care of the victim.


IDENTIFICATION AND REPORTING ELDER ABUSE

Who can identify elder abuse?

*Anyone with close and regular contact with an older person
*Physicians
*Public Health Officers
*Health care provider
*Family members Friends
*Dentists
*Beauticians
*Mental Health Professional
*Professional from the faith community or aging services
*Bank personnel
*Attorneys
*Neighbor
*Mail carriers and utilities personnel


Reporting/Referring Elder Abuse

· In life-threatening situations or other emergencies – call 999
· In no threatening situations – reports can be made directly to law enforcement
· Report can also be made to social service department.
· Contacting to One Stop Crisis Center (OSCC) in the local hospital


COLLABORATIVE APPROCHES TO ELDER ABUSE

A comprehensive intervention generally focuses on :-

1. Safety
2. Health
3. Functional status including capacity
4. Legal status
5. Financial situation, and
6. Social situations


Multidisciplinary Approach

Numerous systems and agencies investigate allegations of elder abuse and provide support and services for older victims. After an elder abuse, exploitation, or neglect report or referral is made, one or more agencies may work with an individual victim and/or perpetrator such as :-

· Law Enforcement
· Domestic Violence Advocate
· Geriatrician
· Adult Protective Services
· Prosecutor
· Social Worker
· Nurse
· Home Health Aide
· Nutritionist
· Mental Health Professionals
· Local and State Regulatory Agencies

IMPACT OF ELDER ABUSE

Health impact

The fact that older people are physically weaker and more vulnerable than younger adults means that the impact of abuse on them can be more serious. The complication of injury such as delayed healing and permanent damage are more likely to occur. Regarding psychological impact, the World Health Organization has reported that several studies in developed countries show that a higher proportion of victims of elder abuse suffer from depression and psychological distress (Krug et al., 2002).

Economic impact

At present, information on the economic impact of elder abuse is very hard to come
by. There has been no research reported on the assessment of financial losses resulting from elder abuse in Malaysia. Information on the causes of financial loss subsequent to the abuse of the elder people from other countries is also lacking.


CONCLUSION

Violence and abuse is preventable. Each of us, as individuals, family members, in the community, as a society, government or nongovernmental agencies, must be play our role, hand in hand to curb this problem. Understanding the magnitude of the problem, knowing and acting against its root causes will help to provide a healthier and safer society in this country and all over the world.


REFERENCES

Anme, Tokie, 2004, A study of elder abuse and risk factor in Japanese families: Focused on the Social Affiliation, Geriatrics and Gerontology International 2004; 4: S262–S263

Brandl, Bonnie … [et al.] 2007, Elder Abuse detection and intervention : a collaborative approach, Springer Publishing Company, New York

Brown, A. 1989. A survey on elder abuse at one Native American tribe. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 1 (2), 17-37

Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat Malaysia (2006). Profil Statistik Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat Malaysia 2005.

Krug EG, Dahlberg LL, Mercy JA, Swig AB and Lazano R (eds). 2002, World Report on Violence and Health,. World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva

McInnis-Dittrich, Kathleen, 2005, Social Work with elders : A Biopsychosocial Approach To Assessment And Intervention, Pearson Education, Inc., Boston

National Research Council Panel to Review Risk and Prevalence of Elder Abuse and Neglect. Washington, DC: Elder Mistreatment: Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation in an Aging America. 2003.

National Ombudsman Reporting System Data Tables. 2003. Washington, DC: U.S. Administration on Aging

Pillemer, K. 1986. Risk Factors In Elder Abuse: Results From A Case Control Study. In K. A. Pillemer & R.S. Wolf (Eds.), Elder Abuse: Conflic in the family (pp. 239-263), Dover, MA: Auburn House

Report National Report On Violence And Health Malaysia, World Health Organization Centre For Health Development Kobe, Japan, WHO Kobe Centre, 2006

Schechter, S, 1987, Guidelines for mental health practitioners in domestic violence cases, Denver: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Turner, Francis J., 1995, Differential diagnosis and social work, 4th ed., The Free Press, New York

Wolf, R.S. 2000, Introduction: The nature and scope of elder abuse. Generation, 24 (2), 6-12

Meeting the Medical Needs of Unwed Mothers

Posted on: Monday, 21 August 2006, 00:00 CDT

HOSPITALS have their fair share of unwed women who come to deliver their babies. Kuala Lumpur Hospital's Medical Social Work Department works with single mothers referred to it. Its main duty is to contact and inform the mother's family of her condition. Senior medical social officer Harolhanam Mohamed Wahid said the family was usually given counselling to deal with the shock and to accept the baby.

"Many agree to care for the babies. Only a handful decide to give them up for adoption." Among patients he sees daily are prostitutes, drug addicts and under-age girls who did not go for pre-natal check-ups. Their babies are usually underweight or are HIV-positive.

In 2004, the department conducted a survey on unwed mothers with 152 respondents. They found that the number of single mothers had steadily increased over the last five years. There were 325 single mothers in 2004. Seventy-seven per cent were Malays, followed by Indians (six per cent), Chinese (five per cent) and others (12 per cent). Harolhanam feels the huge disparity between races was due to non- Malays going to private hospitals.

The survey also revealed that 81 per cent were poorly educated. "These girls are usually unemployed or can only find jobs at factories . And this is where the problems start. "Usually, their boyfriends take them out and spend money on them and the women feel compelled to repay them in some way."

Source : 2006 New Straits Times