PREVALENCE OF RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE AMONG SCHOOL-GOING CHILDREN IN NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN REGIONS OF SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

Rudy Ngau, Ajeng and Md Mizanur, Rahman and Asri, Said and Mohamed Ameenudeen, Sultan and Greta Miranda Goh, Kim Choo and Muhammad Siddiq, Daud and Mohd Faiz, Gahamat (2023) PREVALENCE OF RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE AMONG SCHOOL-GOING CHILDREN IN NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN REGIONS OF SARAWAK, MALAYSIA. Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 23 (1). pp. 103-109. ISSN 2590-3829

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Abstract

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is a preventable chronic heart disease caused by rheumatic fever. RHD can result in complications and can even conclude in unexpected death at a young age. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of RHD among the school-going age group in the Northern and Southern regions of Sarawak. This research was conducted as a cross-sectional study in Samarahan and Kuching of the Southern Region and Miri of the Northern Region of Sarawak. The study population comprised school-going children within the divisions. The data on sociodemographic characteristics were collected through a questionnaire. At the same time, echocardiographic parameters were collected through a portable echocardiographic device. Cardiologists confirmed the abnormal cardiac findings. The overall prevalence of RHD was 14 per 1000 persons or 1.4%. Borderline RHD prevalence was 9 per 1000 persons or 0.9%, while the Definite RHD prevalence was 5 per 1000 persons or 0.5 %. With the prevalence obtained, more attention should be given to preventing this silent disease.

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