Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 86 in total

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  1. Poh BK, Rojroongwasinkul N, Nguyen BK, Sandjaja, Ruzita AT, Yamborisut U, et al.
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2016;25(3):538-48.
    PMID: 27440689 DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.092015.02
    The South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS) were conducted in 2010/2011 in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam in country representative samples totalling 16,744 children aged 0.5 to 12 years. Information on socio-demographic and behavioural variables was collected using questionnaires and anthropometric variables were measured. In a sub-sample of 2016 children, serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) was determined. Data were analysed using SPSS complex sample with weight factors to report population representative data. Children were categorized as deficient (<25 nmol/L), insufficient (<50 nmol/L), inadequate (<75 nmol/L) or desirable (>=75 nmol/L). In Malaysia and Thailand, urban children had lower 25(OH)D than rural children. In all countries, except Vietnam, boys had higher 25(OH)D levels and older children had lower 25(OH)D. Regional differences after correcting for age, sex and area of residence were seen in all countries. In Thailand and Malaysia, 25(OH)D status was associated with religion. The percentage of children with adequate 25(OH)D (>=75 nmol/L) ranged from as low as 5% (Indonesia) to 20% (Vietnam). Vitamin D insufficiency (<50 nmol/L) was noted in 40 to 50% of children in all countries. Logistic regression showed that girls, urban area, region within the country and religion significantly increased the odds for being vitamin D insufficient. The high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in the (sub) tropical SEANUTS countries suggests a need for tailored approach to successfully combat this problem. Promoting active outdoor livestyle with safe sunlight exposure along with food-based strategies to improve vitamin D intake can be feasible options.
  2. Tah PC, Lee ZY, Poh BK, Abdul Majid H, Hakumat-Rai VR, Mat Nor MB, et al.
    Crit Care Med, 2020 05;48(5):e380-e390.
    PMID: 32168031 DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000004282
    OBJECTIVES: Several predictive equations have been developed for estimation of resting energy expenditure, but no study has been done to compare predictive equations against indirect calorimetry among critically ill patients at different phases of critical illness. This study aimed to determine the degree of agreement and accuracy of predictive equations among ICU patients during acute phase (≤ 5 d), late phase (6-10 d), and chronic phase (≥ 11 d).

    DESIGN: This was a single-center prospective observational study that compared resting energy expenditure estimated by 15 commonly used predictive equations against resting energy expenditure measured by indirect calorimetry at different phases. Degree of agreement between resting energy expenditure calculated by predictive equations and resting energy expenditure measured by indirect calorimetry was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analyses. Resting energy expenditure values calculated from predictive equations differing by ± 10% from resting energy expenditure measured by indirect calorimetry was used to assess accuracy. A score ranking method was developed to determine the best predictive equations.

    SETTING: General Intensive Care Unit, University of Malaya Medical Centre.

    PATIENTS: Mechanically ventilated critically ill patients.

    INTERVENTIONS: None.

    MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Indirect calorimetry was measured thrice during acute, late, and chronic phases among 305, 180, and 91 ICU patients, respectively. There were significant differences (F= 3.447; p = 0.034) in mean resting energy expenditure measured by indirect calorimetry among the three phases. Pairwise comparison showed mean resting energy expenditure measured by indirect calorimetry in late phase (1,878 ± 517 kcal) was significantly higher than during acute phase (1,765 ± 456 kcal) (p = 0.037). The predictive equations with the best agreement and accuracy for acute phase was Swinamer (1990), for late phase was Brandi (1999) and Swinamer (1990), and for chronic phase was Swinamer (1990). None of the resting energy expenditure calculated from predictive equations showed very good agreement or accuracy.

    CONCLUSIONS: Predictive equations tend to either over- or underestimate resting energy expenditure at different phases. Predictive equations with "dynamic" variables and respiratory data had better agreement with resting energy expenditure measured by indirect calorimetry compared with predictive equations developed for healthy adults or predictive equations based on "static" variables. Although none of the resting energy expenditure calculated from predictive equations had very good agreement, Swinamer (1990) appears to provide relatively good agreement across three phases and could be used to predict resting energy expenditure when indirect calorimetry is not available.

  3. Parikh P, Semba R, Manary M, Swaminathan S, Udomkesmalee E, Bos R, et al.
    Matern Child Nutr, 2022 Jan;18(1):e13264.
    PMID: 34467645 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13264
    Growth faltering under 5 years of age is unacceptably high worldwide, and even more children, while not stunted, fail to reach their growth potential. The time between conception and 2 years of age is critical for development. The period from 6 to 23 months, when complementary foods are introduced, coincides with a time when growth faltering and delayed neurocognitive developments are most common. Fortunately, this is also the period when diet exercises its greatest influence. Growing up in an adverse environment, with a deficient diet, as typically seen in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), hampers growth and development of children and prevents them from realising their full developmental and economic future potential. Sufficient nutrient availability and utilisation are paramount to a child's growth and development trajectory, especially in the period after breastfeeding. This review highlights the importance of essential amino acids (EAAs) in early life for linear growth and, likely, neurocognitive development. The paper further discusses signalling through mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) as one of the main amino acid (AA)-sensing hubs and the master regulator of both growth and neurocognitive development. Children in LMICs, despite consuming sufficient total protein, do not meet their EAA requirements due to poor diet diversity and low-quality dietary protein. AA deficiencies in early life can cause reductions in linear growth and cognition. Ensuring AA adequacy in diets, particularly through inclusion of nutrient-dense animal source foods from 6 to 23 months, is strongly encouraged in LMICs in order to compensate for less than optimal growth during complementary feeding.
  4. Poh BK, Ang YN, Yeo GS, Lee YZ, Lee ST, Chia JSM, et al.
    Dialogues Health, 2022 Dec;1:100006.
    PMID: 38515871 DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2022.100006
    BACKGROUND: With the high prevalence of hypertension, it is important to determine its predictors early. The aim of this study was to determine the association between blood pressure with anthropometric indices and birth weight among a population of Malay adolescents in Kuala Lumpur.

    DESIGN AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 254 primary and secondary school adolescents aged 10 to 16 years. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were determined through standardized protocols, while participants' birth weight was obtained from birth certificate. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and a body shape index (ABSI) were calculated.

    RESULTS: Boys had significantly higher weight, height, WC, WHtR and systolic blood pressure (SBP) than girls (p  +1SD had higher odds of being prehypertensive or hypertensive (aOR 8.97; 95% CI 3.16, 25.48), followed by participants with WC ≥ 90th percentile (aOR 6.31; 95% CI 2.48, 16.01) and participants with WHtR > 0.5 (aOR 5.10; 95% CI 2.05, 12.69). Multiple linear regression showed BMI was positively associated with both SBP and DBP. No significant association was found between birth weight and BP.

    CONCLUSION: BMI had the best predictive ability for SBP and DBP. These findings strongly emphasize the importance of primary prevention of hypertension in adolescents, especially among those with high BMI.

  5. Koo HC, Poh BK, Lee ST, Chong KH, Bragt MC, Abd Talib R, et al.
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2016 07;28(5 Suppl):8S-20S.
    PMID: 27073200 DOI: 10.1177/1010539516641504
    A large body of epidemiological data has demonstrated that diet quality follows a sociodemographic gradient. Little is known, however, about food group intake patterns among Malaysian children. This study aimed to assess consumption pattern of 7 food groups, including cereals/grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, fish, meat/poultry, and milk/dairy products, among children 7 to 12 years of age. A total of 1773 children who participated in SEANUTS Malaysia and who completed the Food Frequency Questionnaire were included in this study. A greater proportion of children aged 10 to 12 years have an inadequate intake of cereals/grains, meat/poultry, legumes, and milk/dairy products compared with children 7 to 9 years old. With the exception of meat/poultry, food consumption of Malaysian children did not meet Malaysian Dietary Guidelines recommendations for the other 6 food groups, irrespective of sociodemographic backgrounds. Efforts are needed to promote healthy and balanced dietary habits, particularly for foods that fall short of recommended intake level.
  6. Noradilah MJ, Ang YN, Kamaruddin NA, Deurenberg P, Ismail MN, Poh BK
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2016 Jul;28(5 Suppl):74S-84S.
    PMID: 27073201 DOI: 10.1177/1010539516641505
    This study aims to validate skinfold (SKF) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) against dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in determining body fat percentage (BF%) of Malay children aged 7 to 11 years. A total of 160 children had their BF% assessed using SKF and BIA, with DXA as the criterion method. Four SKF equations (SKFBray, SKFJohnston, SKFSlaughter, and SKFGoran) and 4 BIA equations (BIAManufacturer, BIAHoutkooper, BIARush, and BIAKushner) were used to estimate BF%. Mean age, weight, and height were 9.4 ± 1.1years, 30.5 ± 9.9 kg, and 131.3 ± 8.4 cm. All equations significantly underestimated BF% (P < .05). BIA equations had reasonable agreement with DXA and were independent of BF% with BIAManufacturer being the best equation. Although BIA underestimates BF% as compared with DXA, BIA was more suitable to measure BF% in a population that is similar to this study sample than SKF, suggesting a need to develop new SKF equations that are population specific.
  7. Lee ST, Wong JE, Chan GKL, Poh BK
    PMID: 33925298 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094611
    A daily balance of physical activities, sedentary behaviors and sleep are important for maintaining the health of young children. The aim of this study is to explore the association between 24-h movement behavior of Malaysian children aged 4 to 6 years with weight status. A total of 230 preschoolers were recruited from 22 kindergartens in Kuala Lumpur. Physical activity was assessed by Actical accelerometer while screen time and sleep duration were proxy-reported by parents. Children spent on average 5.5 ± 1.3 h on total physical activity (including 1.0 ± 0.4 h of moderate- vigorous physical activity), 3.0 ± 1.6 h on screen activities and 9.5 ± 1.3 h sleeping daily. The proportion of children who complied with physical activity and sleep guidelines were 48.7% and 55.2%, respectively. About 25.2% of children met screen time recommendation. Only 6.5% of children met all three age-specific physical activity, screen time and sleep guidelines. Children who met any two guidelines were less likely to be overweight or obesity compared to those who did not meet any of the guidelines (OR: 0.276; 95% CI: 0.080-0.950). In conclusion, Malaysian preschoolers have low compliance to movement behavior guidelines, especially in meeting screen time recommendations. Compliance to movement behavior guidelines was associated with lower odds of overweight and obesity.
  8. Joan C, Koh D, Wong JE, Khouw I, Poh BK, SEANUTS II Malaysia Study Group
    Am J Hum Biol, 2024 Mar 28.
    PMID: 38548924 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24076
    BACKGROUND: Adhering to 24-h movement guidelines (24-hMG) have health benefits for young children; yet research on Malaysian preschoolers' movement behaviors is limited. This study investigates the association between adherence to 24-hMG and sociodemographic factors of Malaysian preschoolers.

    METHODS: Data from 939 preschoolers aged 3-6 years (mean age = 4.83 ± 0.04 years, 53.7% boys) from the Second South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS II) Malaysia study was analyzed. Socio-demography, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and sleep were parent-reported via questionnaire. Associations between adherence of 24-hMG and sociodemographic factors were analyzed using complex samples logistic regression.

    RESULTS: Only 12.1% of preschoolers adhered to the overall 24-hMG, and 67.1%, 54.7%, and 42.7% of preschoolers adhered to physical activity, sleep, and sedentary behavior guidelines, respectively; while 6.8% did not meet any guidelines. Compared to 3-4-year olds, preschoolers aged 5-6 years had higher odds of adhering to physical activity guidelines, sedentary behavior guidelines, and overall 24-hMG, but lower odds of adhering to sleep guidelines. Chinese and Indian preschoolers were more likely to adhere to sedentary behavior guidelines than Malay preschoolers; however, Chinese preschoolers had lower odds of adhering to physical activity guidelines. Paternal tertiary education was associated with a higher likelihood of adherence to sleep guidelines.

    CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that adherence to 24-hMG among Malaysian preschoolers is associated with age, ethnicity, and paternal education level. This underscores the importance of targeted interventions and health awareness program to promote healthy movement behaviors, particularly among children under 5, ethnic minorities, and educationally disadvantaged families.

  9. Christinal Teh Pey Wen, Nurul Adibah Nizam, Abdul Rahman Jamal, Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah, Chong, Pei Nee, Poh, Bee Koon
    MyJurnal
    Childhood obesity is a global epidemic, which leads to the increasing number of studies on genetic locations associated with obesity-related traits. Polymorphisms of insulin (INS) gene have been shown to be associated with obesity-related phenotypes in Europeans; while insulin receptor (INSR) gene has been associated with energy regulation. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the association between the INS (rs689) and INSR (rs3745551) gene polymorphisms with childhood obesity risk in a Malay childhood population. Normal weight (538) and overweight or obese (557) children aged 6-12 years old were genotyped using semi-automated Sequenom iPLEX® Gold. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from measured body weight and height. The rs689 (T/T: 0.006, A/T: 0.159 and A/A: 0.835) and rs3745551 (G/G: 0.054, A/G: 0.378 and A/A: 0.568) genotype distributions were consistent with Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. The T-minor allele frequency for rs689 was 8.6% and G-minor allele frequency for rs3745551 was 24.3%. Minor allele of INS gene polymorphisms significantly increased risk of obesity among Malay children (sex- and age-adjusted
    OR=1.580; 95%CI: 1.134-2.201). However, INSR gene polymorphisms were not significantly associated with childhood obesity. In conclusion, the polymorphisms of INS gene, rather than INSR gene, were associated with childhood obesity in the Malay population.
  10. Tay CW, Chin YS, Lee ST, Khouw I, Poh BK, SEANUTS Malaysia Study Group
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2016 07;28(5 Suppl):47S-58S.
    PMID: 27252248 DOI: 10.1177/1010539516651475
    Problematic eating behaviors during childhood may lead to positive energy balance and obesity. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association of eating behaviors with nutritional status and body composition in Malaysian children aged 7 to 12 years. A total of 1782 primary schoolchildren were randomly recruited from 6 regions in Malaysia. The multidimensional Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) was reported by parents to determine the 8 different dimensions of eating styles among children. Body mass index (BMI), BMI-for-age Z-score, waist circumference, and body fat percentage were assessed. Linear regression analyses revealed that both food responsiveness and desire to drink subscales were positively associated with a child's body adiposity, whereas satiety responsiveness, slowness in eating, and emotional undereating subscales were negatively associated with adiposity (all P < .05). A multidimensional eating style approach based on the CEBQ is needed to promote healthy eating behaviors in order to prevent excessive weight gain and obesity problems among Malaysian children.
  11. Norhayati Mohd Zain, Kanaga, Kumari Chelliah, Vengkatha, Priya Seriramulu, Shantini Arasaratnam, Poh, Bee Koon
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2017;15(22):137-144.
    MyJurnal
    Daily food intake of women may affect their bone health by altering their bone mineral density (BMD) as the lack of certain
    nutrients may affect bone integrity whilst, BMD also can be a predictor of breast cancer. To date, many studies have been
    conducted to discuss on association of BMD and mammographic breast density (MBD) and how both are related to breast
    cancer risks but no consideration has been made on dietary intake. Therefore, this study was designed to determine
    the association of dietary intake with BMD and other breast cancer risk factors. A cross-sectional study on 76 pre- and
    postmenopausal women above 40 years underwent mammogram screening and Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)
    was conducted in Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) for the duration of 1 year. Purposive sampling method was used to choose
    the respondents. Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent cancer treatment were excluded from this
    study. DEXA unit (Hologic Discovery W, Hologic, Inc) were used to measure BMD at the femoral neck and lumbar spine in
    grams per centimetre squared (g/cm2
    ) and they were classified into normal and abnormal group based on the T-scores.
    The subjects were asked about their daily dietary pattern for a duration of three days using Diet History Questionnaire
    (DHQ). The mean of selected characteristics were compared between groups. Additionally, binary logistic regression was
    used to determine the association between diet intake with BMD and other risk factors of breast cancer. The total number
    of pre- and postmenopausal women who consented to participate in this study are equal. The mean age was 47.1 years
    and 54.9 years for premenopausal and postmenopausal women respectively. The results indicate only menopausal age of
    the women was statistically significant (p < 0.05). A number of 17% premenopausal and 9% of postmenopausal women
    showed to have family history of breast cancer, however, it was not statistically significant (p = 0.12). There was no
    significant difference in daily energy intake of food in both groups (p = 0.22). None of the nutrients in daily food intake
    showed to be statistically significant. Menstrual status showed an association with BMD with p < 0.05 and the remaining
    risk factors did not show any association. Logistic regression revealed that only menstrual status had correlation with
    BMD in both groups. This study provided the dietary pattern and the effects on bone health. The association of other risk
    factors of breast cancer with BMD were also analysed and most of it showed a negative association.
  12. Siti Asilah Yusof, Roslee Rajikan, Zahara Abdul Manaf, Poh, Bee Koon
    Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2017;15(22):163-172.
    MyJurnal
    Inclination towards nutrition beliefs by parents and caregivers plays an important role in the dietary intake of children
    with leukemia. However, local studies examining on the nutrition practices and dietary beliefs among caregivers of
    leukemia patients are very limited. This study aims to assess nutrition beliefs among caregivers of children with leukemia
    and healthcare professionals at the Pediatric Institute of Kuala Lumpur Hospital (IPHKL), Malaysia. This qualitative
    study was conducted to assess the beliefs and practices towards certain foods among caregivers of pediatric leukemia
    patients. Thirty subjects comprising a group of 10 health care professionals and 20 caregivers were interviewed using
    semi-structured interview method. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using ATLAS.ti. version 7.5.6 qualitative
    analysis software and subsequently several themes.were obtained. Five themes emerged from this analysis that are
    (1) beliefs about foods that can cure cancer, (2) beliefs related to consumption of meat and dairy products, (3) beliefs
    towards foods containing pesticides, (4) beliefs that certain food causes itchiness, and (5) source of nutrition information
    and nutrition knowledge of caregivers. This study proves that beliefs in various myths related to nutrition and dietary
    practices exist among caregivers and health professionals group. Information from these findings can provide perspective
    on the beliefs towards dietary practices among caregivers of children with leukemia and healthcare professionals. This
    is important for the healthcare professions, especially when planning the strategies for caregivers’ nutrition education
    in order to improve the nutritional status of childhood leukemia patients.
  13. Sandjaja S, Poh BK, Rojroongwasinkul N, Le Nguyen Bao K, Soekatri M, Wong JE, et al.
    Public Health Nutr, 2018 Nov;21(16):2972-2981.
    PMID: 29852879 DOI: 10.1017/S1368980018001349
    OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to (i) calculate body-weight- and BMI-for-age percentile values for children aged 0·5-12 years participating in the South-East Asian Nutrition Survey (SEANUTS); (ii) investigate whether the pooled (i.e. including all countries) SEANUTS weight- and BMI-for-age percentile values can be used for all SEANUTS countries instead of country-specific ones; and (iii) examine whether the pooled SEANUTS percentile values differ from the WHO growth references.

    DESIGN: Body weight and length/height were measured. The LMS method was used for calculating smoothened body-weight- and BMI-for-age percentile values. The standardized site effect (SSE) values were used for identifying large differences (i.e. $\left| {{\rm SSE}} \right|$ >0·5) between the pooled SEANUTS sample and the remaining pooled SEANUTS samples after excluding one single country each time, as well as with WHO growth references.

    SETTING: Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

    SUBJECTS: Data from 14 202 eligible children.

    RESULTS: The SSE derived from the comparisons of the percentile values between the pooled and the remaining pooled SEANUTS samples were indicative of small/acceptable (i.e. $\left| {{\rm SSE}} \right|$ ≤0·5) differences. In contrast, the comparisons of the pooled SEANUTS sample with WHO revealed large differences in certain percentiles.

    CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study support the use of percentile values derived from the pooled SEANUTS sample for evaluating the weight status of children in each SEANUTS country. Nevertheless, large differences were observed in certain percentiles values when SEANUTS and WHO reference values were compared.

  14. Chen YS, Wong JE, Ayob AF, Othman NE, Poh BK
    Nutrients, 2017 Jan 13;9(1).
    PMID: 28098770 DOI: 10.3390/nu9010062
    Mobile applications may improve dietary reporting among young adults due to their high accessibility and embedded camera function. This pilot study aimed to (i) evaluate users' acceptability and compliance in reporting dietary intake using a newly developed food diary mobile application (food app); and (ii) identify issues and recommendations for improving dietary assessment using this food app via quantitative and qualitative protocols. Twenty-eight university students each used a food app for seven consecutive days and attended one of five focus group interviews. A 42% decrement in reporting compliance was observed throughout the seven-day recording period. An average of 5.9 recording days were reported and 4.8 occasions of meal data were uploaded each day. Based on questionnaires, high levels of agreement were reported in terms of perceived usefulness (69.3%), perceived ease of use (77.1%), attitude (73.6%), perceived enjoyment (62.6%), and smartphone experience (91.1%), but such agreement was not reported for intention to use (38.1%) and social influence (33.4%). Four major themes emerged from the focus group interviews, namely, (i) features; (ii) potential use; (iii) utility issues of the food app; and (iv) suggestions for improvements. While the food app was well-accepted by most of the young adults, the current prototype would benefit from incorporation of a barcode scanning function, customizable reminders, in-app tutorial, an entertainment component, and enhancement in overall appearance.
  15. Rasid, Ajlaa A., Tang, Swee Fong, Izandis Mohamad Sayed, Mohd Shazuan Irwan Mohd Shuhaimi, Norazlina Mohd Noh, Sameeha Mohd Jamil, et al.
    Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(4):405-411.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: The refeeding programme in government hospitals is aimed at
    improving the nutritional status of malnourished children with weight-for-height
    z-score (WHZ) below -2.0, using special therapeutic food. However, there is a lack of
    data on the nutritional status of indigenous (Orang Asli) children when they return
    to the community after hospital discharge. Case presentation: A 3-year-old Temiar
    boy residing in a tribal village in Hulu Perak was visited to determine his nutritional
    status following discharge from a refeeding programme in a government hospital.
    He was admitted to the hospital with a weight of 10.0 kg, height of 85.5 cm and
    WHZ of -2.09. The boy was later discharged weighing 11.0 kg, and with height
    unchanged at 85.5 cm and WHZ of -0.87. During our visit to the child’s home
    three months after discharge, his weight was 9.5 kg, height 86.0 cm, and WHZ
    –2.91. Discussion: The management of the case in the hospital was based on
    the Malnourished Orang Asli Protocols of the hospital. Household food insecurity,
    feeding and care practices, unhealthy household environment and the lack of
    communication between hospital and community health services were all identified
    as risk factors for malnutrition. Conclusion: The recurrence of malnutrition in this
    child, after successful improvement during hospital stay, highlights the importance
    of identifying factors that may affect nutritional status after hospital discharge. This
    knowledge will be beneficial in planning specific interventions, especially for Orang
    Asli children, living in remote villages.
  16. Wu SK, Wong JE, Poh BK
    Malays J Med Sci, 2023 Dec;30(6):108-119.
    PMID: 38239253 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.6.11
    BACKGROUND: Understanding of psychosocial factors of physical activity (PA) in children is crucial in encouraging sustained PA, which in turn is associated with important health outcomes. This study aimed to examine how children's attraction to physical activity (CAPA) is associated with PA.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 219 primary school children (105 boys; 114 girls) aged 7 years old-10 years old in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2016-2017. Children from three main ethnicities, namely Malay, Chinese and Indian, were recruited. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured; body composition was assessed by deuterium dilution technique. CAPA and level of PA were obtained through self-administered questionnaires and reported as CAPA and PA scores.

    RESULTS: Median CAPA and PA scores were 3.40 (Q1 = 3.00, Q3 = 3.80) and 2.31 (Q1 = 1.95, Q3 = 2.74), respectively. Significant gender differences were found in CAPA and PA scores, with boys being more attracted to PA (3.16 [Q1 = 2.90, Q3 = 3.44]; P = 0.001) and more physically active compared with girls (2.47 [Q1 = 2.07, Q3 = 3.07]; P = 0.001). CAPA and PA scores correlated positively in both sexes. Boys scored higher than girls in 'liking of games and sports' (ρ = 0.301, P = 0.002) and 'liking of vigorous PA' (ρ = 0.227, P = 0.02) CAPA subscales, which also correlated positively with PA scores. Girls' PA scores correlated with 'peer acceptance in games and sports' (ρ = 0.329, P < 0.001).

    CONCLUSION: Boys are more physically active and have higher attraction to PA compared with girls. Differences in PA scores between the sexes were related to gender differences in CAPA scores. Thus, attention should be given to gender differences in CAPA related psychosocial factors when planning interventions to promote PA among children.

  17. Chin YS, Appukutty M, Kagawa M, Gan WY, Wong JE, Poh BK, et al.
    Nutrients, 2020 Jan 25;12(2).
    PMID: 31991785 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020318
    Disordered eating is prevalent among university students, especially females. Whilst literature suggests that factors associated with disordered eating may differ according to gender, such an association has not been studied in Malaysia. This cross-sectional study aims to compare factors associated with disordered eating between male and female university students. A total of 716 university students (male: 27.4%; female: 72.6%) were recruited in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Malaysia. All participants completed a set of self-administered questionnaires and their body weight and height were recorded. About one in five of the university students (20.3%) were found to have disordered eating. There were more female students (22.9%) disordered eating compared to males (13.3%, χ² = 8.16, p < 0.05). In male students (β = 0.228, p < 0.01), depressive symptoms were the only significant predictor for disordered eating. In females, the strongest predictor was depressive symptoms (β = 0.214, p < 0.001), followed by body size satisfaction (β = -0.145, p < 0.01) and body appreciation (β = -0.101, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that there are gender differences in the factors associated with disordered eating among Malaysian university students. Intervention programmes that address disordered eating should take into account these sex differences and its contributing factors.
  18. Lim SM, Goh YX, Wong JE, Kagawa M, Poh BK
    Percept Mot Skills, 2024 Apr;131(2):381-396.
    PMID: 38150555 DOI: 10.1177/00315125231225022
    The Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) is a research instrument, originally developed in English, to assess an individual's level of food neophobia. However, it has not yet been translated and validated for Malaysians. Therefore, we aimed to translate and validate a Malay-translated version of the FNS. Respondents were 200 young adults (mostly females, 73%; and students, 82.0%; M age = 22.3 years, SD = 2.3). We first translated the FNS into Malay using the forward-backward translation method, and a panel of nutrition and dietetics experts then reviewed it for item relevance, clarity, simplicity, and ambiguity. The translated FNS suggested good content validity with an item-level content validity index (I-CVI) > .8, a scale-level content validity index (S-CVI)/average = .8 and a S-CVI/universal agreement = .96. Principal component analysis revealed a two-factor model: (i) willingness and trust; and (ii) rejection and fear. Cronbach's alpha for the Malay-translated FNS was .808, demonstrating high internal consistency and reliability among young Malaysian adults. Future investigators can now use this Malay-translated FNS instrument to determine levels of food neophobia among Malaysians.
  19. Li B, He Z, Peters R, Allender S, Zou Y, Zhou W, et al.
    Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act, 2023 Sep 18;20(1):111.
    PMID: 37723534 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-023-01510-5
    BACKGROUND: Group Model Building (GMB) is a participatory system dynamics method increasingly used to address complex public health issues like obesity. GMB represents a set of well-defined steps to engage key stakeholders to identify shared drivers and solutions of a given problem. However, GMB has not yet been applied specifically to develop multi-duty interventions that address multiple inter-related issues such as malnutrition in all its forms (MIAIF). Moreover, a recent systematic review of empirical applications of a systems approach to developing obesity interventions found no published work from non-western, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In this paper we describe adaptations and innovations to a common GMB process to co-develop systemic MIAIF interventions with Chinese decision-makers.

    METHODS: We developed, piloted and implemented multiple cultural adaptations and two methodological innovations to the commonly used GMB process in Fang Cheng Gang city, China. We included formal, ceremonial and policy maker engagement events before and between GMB workshops, and incorporated culturally tailored arrangements during participant recruitment (officials of the same seniority level joined the same workshop) and workshop activities (e.g., use of individual scoring activities and hand boards). We made changes to the commonly used GMB activities which enabled mapping of shared drivers of multiple health issues (in our case MIAIF) in a single causal loop diagram. We developed and used a 'hybrid' GMB format combining online and in person facilitation to reduce travel and associated climate impact.

    RESULTS: Our innovative GMB process led to high engagement and support from decision-makers representing diverse governmental departments across the whole food systems. We co-identified and prioritised systemic drivers and intervention themes of MIAIF. The city government established an official Local Action Group for long-term, inter-departmental implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the co-developed interventions. The 'hybrid' GMB format enabled great interactions while reducing international travel and mitigating limitations of fully online GMB process.

    CONCLUSIONS: Cultural and methodological adaptations to the common GMB process for an Asian LMIC setting were successful. The 'hybrid' GMB format is feasible, cost-effective, and more environmentally friendly. These cultural adaptations could be considered for other Asian settings and beyond to address inter-related, complex issues such as MIAIF.

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