Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 42 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Baharudin Shaharuddin A, Abdul Aziz NS, Ahmad MH, Manjit Singh JS, Chan YY, Palaniveloo L, et al.
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2020 Dec;20 Suppl 2:68-72.
    PMID: 33370864 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13962
    AIM: The rise in the prevalence of abdominal obesity (AO), in particular, has become a major concern as it contributes to diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease and certain types of cancer. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and associated factors of AO among older adults aged ≥60 years in Malaysia.

    METHODS: This was a nationwide cross-sectional study using two-stage stratified random sampling. In total, 3977 older adults aged ≥60 years were involved in this study. Socio-demography characteristics were obtained using self-administered questionnaire. AO was measured using waist circumference and classified according to the cut-off values of ≥90 cm for men and ≥80 cm for women based on the WHO recommendation. Descriptive and multiple logistic regression analysis using a complex sample design were performed for data analysis.

    RESULTS: Our findings showed that 2371 (67.3%) older adults had AO. Older adults who were from urban areas (69.7%), of women (78.4%), married (66.7%), with tertiary education (73.6%) and unemployed (70.9%) had the highest prevalence of AO. Those from urban areas (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.29), women (aOR = 3.12), unemployed (aOR = 1.14), diagnosed with hypertension (aOR = 1.56) and diabetes mellitus (aOR = 2.08) were also significantly associated with a higher risk of AO.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study identified several risk factors that are associated with AO among older adults in Malaysia. Such information is important and needed to improve the healthcare system systematically, enable nutrition screening and appropriate intervention to combat the growing AO in Malaysia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 68-72.

  2. Sooryanarayana R, Wong NI, Ahmad NA, Razak MAA, Yusoff MFM, Chan YY, et al.
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2020 Dec;20 Suppl 2:7-15.
    PMID: 33370855 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14094
    AIM: This article describes the methodology of the 2018 Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey, and provides an overview of the sociodemographic details of the respondents and key findings on the health of older adults.

    METHODS: The survey included 3977 community-dwelling respondents, aged ≥60 years across Malaysia. Two-stage stratified random sampling with selection of enumeration blocks from both urban and rural areas ensured the findings were representative of the Malaysian older population.

    RESULTS: Complex sampling analyses ensured that findings on various geriatric syndromes, non-communicable diseases, nutritional status, functional status, social well-being and quality of life are representative of the Malaysian older population. Among the limitations are that the composition of older persons varied slightly from the general older population.

    CONCLUSIONS: This article presents the methodology of the survey, and a baseline of the major health issues for older persons in Malaysia to provide clear guidance to researchers, program managers and policymakers to fully utilize the data from the Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey toward achieving healthy aging. The findings might stimulate more research on the health problems faced by older people to provide inputs for policymaking and program implementation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 7-15.

  3. Ahmad NA, Abd Razak MA, Kassim MS, Sahril N, Ahmad FH, Harith AA, et al.
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2020 Dec;20 Suppl 2:21-25.
    PMID: 33370850 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14012
    AIM: This study aimed to assess the relationship between functional limitations and depression among community-dwelling older adults in Malaysia.

    METHODS: Data from a nation-wide community-based cross-sectional study were analyzed. This study was conducted using a two-stage stratified random sampling design. In total, 3772 older adults aged ≥60 years responded to the survey. Depression was identified using a validated Malay version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (M-GDS-14), with those scored ≥6 categorized as having depression. Functional limitations were assessed using both Barthel's Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). The relationship was determined by multivariate logistic regression, adjusted for other variables.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of depression was 11.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.4, 13.4). Multiple logistic regression analysis found that older adults with limitations in ADL were 2.6 times more likely of having depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.58, 95% CI 2.01, 3.32), while those with limitations in IADL the risk of having depression was almost doubled (aOR 1.68, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.14). Other significant factors were incontinence (aOR 3.33, 95% CI: 2.33, 4.74), chronic medical illness (aOR 1.44, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.81), current smoker (aOR 4.19, 95% CI: 1.69, 10.39), poor social support (aOR 4.30, 95% CI: 2.98, 6.20), do not have partner, ethnic minorities and low individual monthly income.

    CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with functional limitation in both basic ADL and complex IADL are independently at higher risk of having depression. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 21-25.

  4. Mohamad Fuad MA, Yacob H, Mohamed N, Wong NI
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2020 Dec;20 Suppl 2:57-62.
    PMID: 33370853 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13969
    AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among older persons in Malaysia and its associations with sociodemographic and self-perception towards general health as well as oral health.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional survey among community dwelling older persons utilizing stratified cluster sampling was conducted in 2018. Well-trained interviewers conducted a face-to-face interview with older persons aged ≥60 years to collect information on participants' sociodemographic characteristics, self-perception on general as well as oral health using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Multivariate analysis of the data collected was performed using SPSS version 23.

    RESULTS: Overall, the GOHAI mean ± SD score for older persons in Malaysia was 51.83 ± 7.98, which was an average of fair mean (P 

  5. Foong HF, Hamid TA, Ibrahim R, Haron SA, Shahar S
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2017 Nov;17(11):1914-1920.
    PMID: 28188667 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.12993
    AIM: Metabolic syndrome and chronic conditions are significant predictors of cognition; however, few studies have examined how they work together in predicting cognition in old age. Therefore, the present study examines whether a chronic condition mediates the association between metabolic syndrome and cognition. In addition, it discusses the moderating role of sex in the relationships between metabolic syndrome, chronic conditions and cognition.

    METHODS: Secondary analysis was carried out of data from the Malaysian national survey that involved 2322 community residents aged 60 years or older in Peninsular Malaysia. Cognition was measured by the digit symbol substitution test. Metabolic syndrome was assessed by five biomarkers: triglyceride, fasting blood sugar, systolic blood pressure, cholesterol ratio and body mass index. Chronic conditions were assessed by self-reported medical history. The structural equation modeling technique was used to analyze the mediation and moderation tests.

    RESULTS: The number of chronic conditions partially mediated the association between metabolic syndrome and cognition. Men and women did not differ in the relationship between metabolic syndrome and cognition; however, the number of chronic conditions was found to be negatively associated with cognition in older women, but not in men.

    CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome might increase the likelihood of older adults to suffer from more chronic conditions; these responses might reduce their cognition. To prevent cognitive decline in old age, specific intervention to minimize the number of chronic conditions by reducing their vascular risk factors is warranted, especially among older women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1914-1920.

  6. Sazlina SG, Mastura I, Ahmad Z, Cheong AT, Adam BM, Jamaiyah H, et al.
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2014 Jan;14(1):130-7.
    PMID: 23581598 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.12070
    The aims of the present study were to assess the control of glycemia and other cardiovascular disease risk factors, and the association between age and these controls among older adults with type 2 diabetes in Malaysia.
  7. He S, Lai SL
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2023 Nov;23(11):817-829.
    PMID: 37822092 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14688
    AIM: Functional disability is a widespread challenge faced by the older population in China, where those with functional disabilities demand greater healthcare and geriatric services. This study performs a longitudinal analysis examining the effects of physiological conditions, intra-, and extra-individual factors, and life-course socioeconomic status risk factors on the disability levels and change rates of functional disability trajectories in old age.

    METHODS: Data for this study came from the four waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey. A latent growth model was used to analyze the functional disability of 5044 older adults aged 60 and over in 2011 who survived to 2018.

    RESULTS: Pathologies are closely associated with functional disability trajectories, and higher numbers of comorbidities relate to more disabilities. Risk factors and intra- and extra-individual factors affect functional disability trajectories and work through independent and shared mechanisms. The effects of risk factors can be traced to childhood conditions, and higher childhood and adulthood socioeconomic status is related to fewer functional disabilities.

    CONCLUSION: Functional disability trajectories are dynamic processes related to pathologies, intra-, and extra-individual factors, and life-course risk factors, and thus prevention and control measures should focus on both childhood and adulthood. Promoting working in later life and improving childhood socioeconomic status deserve prompt attention. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 817-829.

  8. Singh DKA, Shahar S, Vanoh D, Kamaruzzaman SB, Tan MP
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2019 Aug;19(8):798-803.
    PMID: 31237103 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13717
    AIM: The identification of risk factors associated with comorbidities and physical fitness might provide pathways for planning therapeutic targets for future falls prevention. Results from large datasets that examined falls risk factors in Asia have been limited. The aim of the present study was to identify the risk factors for falls by pooling data consisting of medical history, physical performance and self-rated health from two large Malaysian epidemiological studies.

    METHODS: Matching variables from the Towards Useful Aging and Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research datasets related to falls, physical performance and determinants of falls were identified and pooled for analysis. The Timed Up and Go test and dominant handgrip strength tests were used as physical performance measures. Falls were self-reported, and functional status was assessed using activities of daily living.

    RESULTS: Data of 3935 participants, mean age 68.9 ± 6.8 years, 2127 (54.0%) women and 1807 (46.0%) men were extracted for analyses. In an adjusted model, independent risk factors for falls from this cohort studies were diabetes (OR 1.258), arthritis (OR 1.366), urinary incontinence (OR 1.346), poor self-rated health (OR 1.293), higher body mass index (OR 1.029) and lower handgrip strength (OR 1.234).

    CONCLUSIONS: Although the risk factors that emerged from our analyses were similar to available studies among older adults, the Timed Up and Go test did not appear as one of the risk factors in the present study that included middle-aged adults. Our findings will require confirmation in a prospective study. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 798-803.

  9. Yusof Y, Mukari SZS, Dzulkifli MA, Chellapan K, Ahmad K, Ishak I, et al.
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2019 Aug;19(8):768-773.
    PMID: 31237107 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13710
    AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of a newly developed auditory-cognitive training system on speech recognition, central auditory processing and cognition among older adults with normal cognition (NC) and with neurocognitive impairment (NCI).

    METHODS: A double-blind quasi-experiment was carried out on NC (n = 43) and NCI (n = 33) groups. Participants in each group were randomly assigned into treatment and control programs groups. The treatment group underwent auditory-cognitive training, whereas the control group was assigned to watch documentary videos, three times per week, for 8 consecutive weeks. Study outcomes that included Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Malay Hearing in Noise Test, Dichotic Digit Test, Gaps in Noise Test and Pitch Pattern Sequence Test were measured at 4-week intervals at baseline, and weeks 4, 8 and 12.

    RESULTS: Mixed design anova showed significant training effects in total Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Dichotic Digit Test in both groups, NC (P 

  10. Sooryanarayana R, Ganapathy SS, Wong NI, Rosman A, Choo WY, Hairi NN
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2020 Dec;20 Suppl 2:85-91.
    PMID: 33370859 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13989
    AIM: Elder abuse is a significant public health problem. This study aims to estimate its prevalence and associated factors, using representative national Malaysian data.

    METHODS: A nationwide population-based survey involving 3977 community-dwelling older persons aged ≥60 years was conducted via face-to-face interview, of whom 3466 older persons were eligible for screening using a locally validated tool. Elder abuse was defined as any one occurrence of neglect, financial, psychological, physical or sexual abuse perpetrated by someone in a position of trust that was experienced in the past 12 months.

    RESULTS: About 9.0% of older persons in Malaysia have experienced elder abuse in the past 12 months, with neglect being the commonest type experienced (7.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.54, 10.07). There is no significant difference by age group and geographical location. Males (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.7; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.60), poorer social support (aOR 5.0; 95% CI: 2.25, 11.22), dependency in activities of daily living (aOR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.23, 3.44) and a previous history of abuse (aOR 10.1; 95% CI: 4.50, 22.86) show higher odds of experiencing elder abuse. Almost 5% of abused older persons reported experiencing multiple types of abuse. Reporting is low at 19.3% with none reporting to healthcare personnel.

    CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of elder abuse in this study is lower than global estimates, but similar to local studies. Preventive measures and programs are crucial to overcoming elder abuse and need to be carried out at multiple levels - the individual, community, healthcare and other stakeholders. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 85-91.

  11. Tan FHP, Hadri NAB, Najimudin N, Watanabe N, Azzam G
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2021 Dec;21(12):1125-1130.
    PMID: 34699118 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14296
    AIM: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most pervasive neurodegenerative disorder in societies globally. Till now, the mechanism behind this disease is still equivocal. Amyloid-beta42 protein (Aβ42), the most toxic and aggressive Aβ species, is the main focus of this study. The naturally occurring ethyl caffeate (EC) is associated with various medicinal properties. Here, EC was tested for its protective properties against Aβ42's toxic effects.

    METHODS: As treatment of Aβ42 has been shown to cause neuronal cell death, EC was first screened with Aβ42-incubated PC12 neuronal cells. Next, the compound was tested on the Drosophila melanogaster AD model using the rough eye phenotype assay, lifespan assay and negative geotaxis assay.

    RESULTS: EC ameliorated PC12 cells from cell death linked to Aβ42 exposure. Using Drosophila expressing human Aβ42, feeding of EC was able to partially rescue the rough eye phenotype, lengthen the lifespan of AD Drosophila and enhanced the mobility of middle-aged AD Drosophila.

    CONCLUSION: Overall, the results of this study showed that EC might possess therapeutic properties for AD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 1125-1130.

  12. Abdul Rahman N, Ramli R, Abdul Rahman R, Hussaini HM, Abdul Hamid AL
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2010 Jan;10(1):64-9.
    PMID: 20102384 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2009.00561.x
    Road traffic accidents are the main cause of trauma in Malaysia. It has been shown that there was an increase in admissions for trauma patients older than 60 years in the last decade. The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of maxillofacial injuries in the geriatric patients referred to Seremban Hospital, Malaysia.
  13. Romli MH, Tan MP, Mackenzie L, Lovarini M, Kamaruzzaman SB, Clemson L
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2018 Mar;18(3):387-395.
    PMID: 29139186 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13189
    AIM: Previous studies have investigated home hazards as a risk factor for falls without considering factors associated with the presence of home hazards. The present study aimed to determine patterns of home hazards among urban community-dwelling older Malaysians, and to identify factors contributing to home hazards.

    METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the initial wave of the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research study were used. Basic demographics were obtained from the Global Questionnaire. Basic and instrumental activities of daily living were measured using the Katz and Lawton-Brody scales, and home hazards were identified using the Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool. Participants were also asked if they had fallen in the previous 12 months.

    RESULTS: Data were analyzed from 1489 participants. Hazards were frequently identified (>30%) in the toilet and bathroom areas (no grab rail, no non-slip mat, distant toilet), slippery floors, no bedside light access and inappropriate footwear. Lower educational attainment, traditional housing, Chinese ethnicity, greater number of home occupants, lower monthly expenditure, poor vision and younger age were the factors independently associated with home hazards.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that home hazards are a product of the interaction of the individual's function within their home environment. Hazards are also influenced by local sociocultural and environmental factors. The relationship between home hazards and falls appears complex and deserves further evaluation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 387-395.

  14. Salleh R, Man CS, Ahmad MH, Palaniveloo L, Zulkafly N, Ab Halim SA, et al.
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2020 Dec;20 Suppl 2:73-78.
    PMID: 33370860 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14006
    AIM: Older persons are vulnerable to food insecurity. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of food insecurity and associated factors among older persons in Malaysia.

    METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with two-stage stratified random sampling. In total, 3977 older persons participated in this study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a mobile device to obtain information about socio-demographic background, food insecurity, non-communicable diseases, social support and living arrangements. Descriptive and multiple complex sample logistic regression analyses were performed for data analysis.

    RESULTS: The overall prevalence of food insecurity among older persons was 10.4%. Older persons from rural areas with no or only primary and secondary education, income less than RM 2000 (USD 477.57), at risk of malnutrition and not receiving very high social support were more likely to be food-insecure.

    CONCLUSION: Approximately, one-tenth of Malaysian older adults were classified as food-insecure; particularly those living in rural areas from lower socio-economic status, not receiving very high social support and malnourished were more likely to be at risk. A specific nutrition program, such as meals on wheels and food vouchers, should be targeted toward older persons who are at risk to improve their malnutrition status. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 73-78.

  15. Ooi TC, Singh DKA, Shahar S, Rajab NF, Sharif R
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2021 Nov;21(11):1026-1032.
    PMID: 34590402 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14284
    AIM: The present study aims to determine the association of trace elements and oxidative and DNA damage biomarkers with fall incidence among community-dwelling older adults.

    METHODS: This study is part of the Long-term Research Grant Scheme - Towards Useful Ageing cohort study in Malaysia. Of a total of 174 participants with complete trace elements and oxidative and DNA damage data during baseline, only 147 (84.5%) were successfully followed up after 18 months. Participants who experienced any fall events in the previous 18 months during the follow-up were categorized as fallers.

    RESULTS: Thirty participants (20.4%) reported at least one fall in the previous 18 months. The mean concentrations of aluminium, lead and zinc were significantly higher (P 

  16. Mahmud NA, Shahein NA, Yoep N, Mahmud MAF, Maw Pin T, Paiwai F, et al.
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2020 Dec;20 Suppl 2:26-32.
    PMID: 33370856 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14029
    AIM: Studies on the influence of social support on activity limitation among older persons remain limited. A better understanding of this relationship will help with resource planning and policy making aimed to reduce burden of care. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of social support on limitation in daily living among older persons in Malaysia.

    METHODS: Data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2018, a nation-wide, cross-sectional survey using a two-stage stratified sampling design, were analyzed. A representative sample of individuals aged ≥60 years identified through national sampling frames throughout Malaysia was included. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using validated questionnaires on activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL). Social support was measured using the Duke Social Support Index.

    RESULTS: The overall prevalence of the presence of any limitations in ADL and IADL was 17.0% and 42.9% respectively. Overall prevalence of the older persons with low to fair social support was 30.8% and high to very high social support was 69.2%. Logistic regression analysis identified the following factors as being associated with limitations in ADL and IADL: being female, of older age, having a monthly income

  17. Md Fadzil NH, Shahar S, Singh DKA, Rajikan R, Vanoh D, Mohamad Ali N, et al.
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2024 Mar;24(3):251-262.
    PMID: 38329011 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14814
    The adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) by older adults with cognitive frailty and impairment is beneficial to support aging in place and promote healthy aging. However, data are scarce regarding the use of ICT by this demographic in comparison with other age groups. This bibliometric analysis was aimed at systematically mapping the literature on ICT-related research on older adults with cognitive frailty and cognitive impairment to provide insights into research trends, patterns and knowledge gaps. Data were extracted from the Web of Science database, which identified 324 publications between 1980 and 2023. Performance analysis and science mapping were carried out using Microsoft® Excel, VOSViewer and Harzing's Publish or Perish. The analysis showed an upsurge in the research output trend over time. Notable journals, authors, citations, nations and research areas have been documented. Four key clusters were identified, including: (i) caregiver concern, support and involvement; (ii) technology as a tool for cognitive training and cognitive rehabilitation; (iii) cognitive improvement; and (iv) the use of technology for prevention and self-management. The findings derived from this analysis provide an appropriate reference for future researchers to bridge the gap in ICT-related studies among this population, and distinguish the relevant articles that are required for further investigation. These include the need for further long-term research, the incorporation of ICT-based approaches to counter cognitive frailty and the importance of multidomain telehealth interventions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 251-262.
  18. Neoh CF, Long CM, Lim SM, Ramasamy K, Shahar S, Majeed ABA
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2017 Aug;17(8):1214-1220.
    PMID: 27489036 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.12849
    AIM: The present study assessed adherence, barriers, belief and awareness towards the use of medications among multi-ethnic community-dwelling older adults in Malaysia. Medication accessibility, expenditure and perceptions towards medicine labeling among older adults were also evaluated.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the central region of Malaysia from January to August 2015. The older adults enrolled in an ongoing prospective community-based geriatric cohort study and prescribed with medicines were interviewed using a 50-item validated questionnaire.

    RESULTS: Of the 79 older adults interviewed, 39.2% had ≥4 prescribed medications. Most obtained their medications free-of-charge from government hospitals (66, 83.5%). Nearly half (35, 44.3%) had trouble reading labels for medicines that they had received. Chinese older adults (P = 0.001) and those with lower monthly household income (P 

  19. Lau H, Shahar S, Hussin N, Kamarudin MZ, Hamid TA, Mukari SZ, et al.
    Geriatr Gerontol Int, 2019 Mar;19(3):233-239.
    PMID: 30618211 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13598
    AIM: The 36-month Long-Term Research Grant Scheme project: Towards Usual Aging - Neuroprotective Model for Healthy Longevity among Malaysian Elderly was designed to address multidimensional aspects including psychosocial, biophysical health, nutrition and dietary pattern, and auditory and visual function to highlight the magnitude of these associations in a single study.

    METHODS: A total of 2322 respondents aged ≥60 years were recruited at baseline using the multistage sampling method, followed up at 18 months and 36 months.

    RESULTS: Response rates at baseline, 18 months and 36 months were 87.8%, 77.3% and 67.1%, respectively. At baseline, the prevalence of successful aging, usual aging and mild cognitive impairment was 11%, 73% and 16%, respectively. The prevalence of single and multimorbidity at baseline were 25.9% and 50.3%, respectively. The incidence rates of mild cognitive impairment at 18 months and 36 months were 6.5 and 5.6 per 100 person-years. The incidence rates of multimorbidity at 18 months and 36 months were 23.7 and 21.5 per 100 person-years, respectively.

    CONCLUSIONS: The Long-Term Research Grant Scheme project: Towards Usual Aging study provides an opportunity to investigate the interactions between wide ranges of aspects of the older population in a nationally representative sample of the older population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 233-239.

Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links