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Fulltext Spinocerebellar ataxias in Asia: Prevalence, phenotypes and management

van Prooije T, Ibrahim NM, Azmin S, van de Warrenburg B

Parkinsonism Relat Disord, 2021 11;92:112-118.
PMID: 34711523 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2021.10.023

This paper reviews and summarizes three main aspects of spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) in the Asian population. First, epidemiological studies were comprehensively reviewed. Overall, the most common subtypes include SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, and SCA6, but there are large differences in the relative prevalence of these and other SCA subtypes between Asian countries. Some subtypes such as SCA12 and SCA31 are rather specific to certain Asian populations. Second, we summarized distinctive phenotypic manifestations of SCA patients of Asian origin, for example a frequent co-occurrence of parkinsonism in some SCA subtypes. Lastly, we have conducted an exploratory survey study to map SCA-specific expertise, resources, and management in various Asian countries. This showed large differences in accessibility, genetic testing facilities, and treatment options between lower and higher income Asian countries. Currently, many Asian SCA patients remain without a final genetic diagnosis. Lack of prevalence data on SCA, lack of patient registries, and insufficient access to genetic testing facilities hamper a wider understanding of these diseases in several (particularly lower income) Asian countries.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Fulltext Psychometric properties and population norms of the positive mental health instrument in a representative multi-ethnic Asian population

Vaingankar JA, Subramaniam M, Tan LWL, Abdin E, Lim WY, Wee HL, et al.

BMC Med Res Methodol, 2018 03 15;18(1):29.
PMID: 29544448 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-018-0487-9

BACKGROUND: Measures of mental well-being and positive mental health (PMH) have been largely developed and used in Western populations, however, data on representative Asian communities are lacking. Using data from a population sample, this study sought to establish psychometric properties and norms of the PMH Instrument (PMH-I), a measure of positive mental health developed in Singapore.
METHODS: We conducted a nationally representative survey among 1925 adults aged 18-79 years of Chinese, Malay, Indian or other ethnicity. Participants reported socio-demographic characteristics and completed the PMH-I along with measures of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychological distress. Construct validity of the PMH-I was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis and concurrent validity was tested through correlation with other psychological measures. Normative PMH values and differences in population subgroups were estimated.
RESULTS: The six-factor-higher-order structure of the PMH-I comprising six subscales of general coping, emotional support, spirituality, interpersonal skills, personal growth and autonomy and global affect was confirmed. Concurrent validity was shown through significant positive correlation of the total PMH score and its subscales with HRQoL and an inverse correlation with psychological distress. Weighted age, gender and ethnicity-specific norms were derived for the Singapore population. Total PMH was significantly higher in participants aged over 40 years as compared with 18-29 year olds and in non-Chinese ethnic groups as compared with Chinese. These differences were observed for all PMH-I subscales, with the exception of emotional support and interpersonal skills score differences by age. In contrast, gender, marital status, and education level were significantly associated with some of the subscales, but not with total PMH.
CONCLUSIONS: These results support the psychometric properties of the PMH-I in a multi-ethnic Asian population sample. The generalizable population-based norms support the application of the PMH-I for measuring mental health and assessing its determinants within the Singapore general population.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Obesity is a determinant of arterial stiffness independent of traditional risk factors in Asians with young-onset type 2 diabetes

Liu JJ, Sum CF, Tavintharan S, Yeoh LY, Ng XW, Moh AM, et al.

Atherosclerosis, 2014 Oct;236(2):286-91.
PMID: 25112799 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2014.07.017

OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among the young population has become a serious concern globally, presumably due to the rising trend of obesity. Compared to other forms of diabetes, young-onset T2DM experiences more cardiovascular events and other vascular complications although the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Increased arterial stiffness is a hallmark of vasculopathy. We aim to study the clinical and metabolic determinants of arterial stiffness in a cohort of multi-ethnic Asians with young-onset T2DM.
METHODS: 179 subjects with T2DM onset age below 30 years old were selected in this cross sectional study. Arterial stiffness was assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV).
RESULTS: PWV was correlated with age, duration of diabetes, systolic blood pressure, alanine aminotransferase, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and eGFR in bivariate correlation analysis. However, PWV was only significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, urinary ACR and eGFR after adjustment for age. Overweight individuals with young-onset T2DM had significantly higher PWV levels compared to their lean counterparts (7.3 ± 2.4 m/s vs 6.4 ± 2.3 m/s, p = 0.072 and p < 0.0001 without and with adjustment for age, respectively). Multivariable regression models revealed that age, BMI, eGFR and usage of insulin were independently associated with PWV. These 4 variables explained 35.5% variance in PWV levels.
CONCLUSION: Age, BMI, renal function and insulin usage are the main determinants of PWV levels in Asians with young-onset T2DM. Notably, obesity is a modifiable determinant of arterial stiffness independent of high blood pressure, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia in this population.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Ethnic differences in bone mineral density among midlife women in a multi-ethnic Southeast Asian cohort

Thu WPP, Logan SJS, Cauley JA, Kramer MS, Yong EL

Arch Osteoporos, 2019 07 19;14(1):80.
PMID: 31324992 DOI: 10.1007/s11657-019-0631-0

Chinese Singaporean middle-aged women have significantly lower femoral neck bone mineral density and higher lumbar spine bone mineral density than Malays and Indians, after adjustment for age, body mass index, and height.
PURPOSE: Information regarding mediators of differences in bone mineral density (BMD) among Asian ethnicities are limited. Since the majority of hip fractures are predicted to be from Asia, differences in BMD in Asian ethnicities require further exploration. We compared BMD among the Chinese, Malay, or Indian ethnicities in Singapore, aiming to identify potential mediators for the observed differences.
METHODS: BMD of 1201 women aged 45-69 years was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We examined the associations between ethnicity and BMD at both sites, before and after adjusting for potential mediators measured using standardized questionnaires and validated performance tests.
RESULTS: Chinese women had significantly lower femoral neck BMD than Malay and Indian women. Of the more than 20 variables examined, age, body mass index, and height accounted for almost all the observed ethnic differences in femoral neck BMD between Chinese and Malays. However, Indian women still retained 0.047 g/cm2 (95% CI, 0.024, 0.071) higher femoral neck BMD after adjustment, suggesting that additional factors may contribute to the increased BMD in Indians. Although no crude ethnic differences in lumbar spine BMD were observed, adjusted regression model unmasked ethnic differences, wherein Chinese women had 0.061(95% CI, - 0.095, 0.026) and 0.065 (95% CI, - 0.091, 0.038) g/cm2 higher lumbar spine BMD compared to Malay and Indian women, respectively.
CONCLUSION: BMD in middle-aged Asian women differ by ethnicity and site. Particular attention should be paid to underweight women of Chinese ethnic origin, who may be at highest risk of osteoporosis at the femoral neck and hence hip fractures.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Fulltext Ethnic disparities in metabolic syndrome in Malaysia: an analysis by risk factors

Tan AKG, Dunn RA, Yen ST

Metab Syndr Relat Disord, 2011 Dec;9(6):441-51.
PMID: 21815810 DOI: 10.1089/met.2011.0031

BACKGROUND: This study investigates ethnic disparities in metabolic syndrome in Malaysia.
METHODS: Data were obtained from the Malaysia Non-Communicable Disease Surveillance-1 (2005/2006). Logistic regressions of metabolic syndrome health risks on sociodemographic and health-lifestyle factors were conducted using a multiracial (Malay, Chinese, and Indian and other ethnic groups) sample of 2,366 individuals.
RESULTS: Among both males and females, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome amongst Indians was larger compared to both Malays and Chinese because Indians are more likely to exhibit central obesity, elevated fasting blood glucose, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. We also found that Indians tend to engage in less physical activity and consume fewer fruits and vegetables than Malays and Chinese. Although education and family history of chronic disease are associated with metabolic syndrome status, differences in socioeconomic attributes do not explain ethnic disparities in metabolic syndrome incidence. The difference in metabolic syndrome prevalence between Chinese and Malays was not statistically significant. Whereas both groups exhibited similar obesity rates, ethnic Chinese were less likely to suffer from high fasting blood glucose.
CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome disproportionately affects Indians in Malaysia. Additionally, fasting blood glucose rates differ dramatically amongst ethnic groups. Attempts to decrease health disparities among ethnic groups in Malaysia will require greater attention to improving the metabolic health of Malays, especially Indians, by encouraging healthful lifestyle changes.
Study name: Malaysia Non-Communicable Disease Surveillance-1 (MyNCDS-1) survey

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data
Fulltext Breast cancer risk factors, survival and recurrence, and tumor molecular subtype: analysis of 3012 women from an indigenous Asian population

Abubakar M, Sung H, Bcr D, Guida J, Tang TS, Pfeiffer RM, et al.

Breast Cancer Res, 2018 09 18;20(1):114.
PMID: 30227867 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-018-1033-8

BACKGROUND: Limited evidence, mostly from studies in Western populations, suggests that the prognostic effects of lifestyle-related risk factors may be molecular subtype-dependent. Here, we examined whether pre-diagnostic lifestyle-related risk factors for breast cancer are associated with clinical outcomes by molecular subtype among patients from an understudied Asian population.
METHODS: In this population-based case series, we evaluated breast cancer risk factors in relation to 10-year all-cause mortality (ACM) and 5-year recurrence by molecular subtype among 3012 women with invasive breast cancer in Sarawak, Malaysia. A total of 579 deaths and 314 recurrence events occurred during a median follow-up period of ~ 24 months. Subtypes (luminal A-like, luminal B-like, HER2-enriched, triple-negative) were defined using immunohistochemical markers for hormone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in conjunction with histologic grade. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between risk factors and ACM/recurrence were estimated in subtype-specific Cox regression models.
RESULTS: We observed heterogeneity in the relationships between parity/breastfeeding, age at first full-term pregnancy (FFP), family history, body mass index (BMI), and tumor subtype (p value 30 vs data in Western populations. Further prospective studies will be needed to clarify the role of lifestyle modification, especially changes in BMI, in improving clinical outcomes for women with luminal A-like breast cancer.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Fulltext The Acceptability and Preference of Vaginal Self-sampling for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Testing among a Multi-ethnic Asian Female Population

Khoo SP, Lim WT, Rajasuriar R, Nasir NH, Gravitt P, Woo YL

Cancer Prev Res (Phila), 2021 01;14(1):105-112.
PMID: 32917643 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-20-0280

Vaginal self-sampling for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing can potentially increase cervical screening coverage. This study aimed to investigate the acceptability of vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing and factors that might influence a woman's preference for this as a cervical screening method. This was a cross-sectional study that recruited 725 women from the urban and suburban areas of Selangor, Malaysia. All study participants were instructed to self-collect vaginal sample using a dry flocked swab before responding to a detailed questionnaire documenting their experience and preference for self-sampling. Most of the study participants (>80%) perceived vaginal self-sampling as easy, convenient, not embarrassing, comfortable, and were confident in performing the test. This suggests high acceptability toward vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing. Of the 725 women, 83% preferred self-sampling HPV testing over healthcare personnel sampling HPV testing and Pap test. Women with higher household income and full-time employment status were more likely to prefer self-sampling. Those who had not undergone Pap test also expressed preference for self-sampling HPV testing. Convenience and women's confidence in performing a vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing were the independent key factors that influenced the preference for self-sampling method. Vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing is highly acceptable among Malaysian women. It is the preferred choice as a primary cervical screening method and serves as an alternative to healthcare-acquired sample for Pap test. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: Organized cervical cancer screening remains unachievable in many countries. Self-sampling HPV testing is an evidence-based method that can remove barriers to cervical screening. This is particularly important for developing countries in order to achieve the WHO global strategy to accelerate cervical cancer elimination.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data
Clinical features and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease across the Asia Pacific region-the GO ASIA initiative

Chan WK, Treeprasertsuk S, Imajo K, Nakajima A, Seki Y, Kasama K, et al.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2018 Mar;47(6):816-825.
PMID: 29333610 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14506

BACKGROUND: The Gut and Obesity Asia (GO ASIA) workgroup was formed to study the relationships between obesity and gastrointestinal diseases in the Asia Pacific region.
AIM: To study factors associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and advanced fibrosis, and medical treatment of biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients.
METHODS: Retrospective study of biopsy-proven NAFLD patients from centres in the GO ASIA Workgroup. Independent factors associated with NASH and with advanced fibrosis on binary logistic regression analyses in a training cohort were used for the development of their corresponding risk score, which were validated in a validation cohort.
RESULTS: We included 1008 patients from nine centres across eight countries (NASH 62.9%, advanced fibrosis 17.2%). Independent predictors of NASH were body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 , diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, alanine aminotransferase ≥88 U/L and aspartate aminotransferase ≥38 U/L, constituting the Asia Pacific NASH risk score. A high score has a positive predictive value of 80%-83% for NASH. Independent predictors of advanced fibrosis were age ≥55 years, diabetes mellitus and platelet count <150 × 109 /L, constituting the Asia-Pacific NAFLD advanced fibrosis risk score. A low score has a negative predictive value of 95%-96% for advanced fibrosis. Only 1.7% of patients were referred for structured lifestyle program, 4.2% were on vitamin E, and 2.4% were on pioglitazone.
CONCLUSIONS: More severe liver disease can be suspected or ruled out based on factors identified in this study. Utilisation of structured lifestyle program, vitamin E and pioglitazone was limited despite this being a cohort of biopsy-proven NAFLD patients with majority of patients having NASH.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data
Prevalence and risk factors for peripheral artery disease in an Asian population with diabetes mellitus

Tavintharan S, Ning Cheung, Su Chi Lim, Tay W, Shankar A, Shyong Tai E, et al.

Diab Vasc Dis Res, 2009 Apr;6(2):80-6.
PMID: 20368197 DOI: 10.1177/1479164109336043

We describe the prevalence and risk factors for PAD in Asian Malays with diabetes. A population-based study of 3,280 (78.7% response) Malay persons aged 40-80 years in Singapore was conducted. ABI was measured in all participants with a history of diabetes (N=634). PAD was defined to be present if ABI Asian Malay population with diabetes, we found a high prevalence of PAD.The major risk factors for PAD among persons with diabetes are similar to studies in Caucasian populations, suggesting that strategies aimed at controlling the modifiable factors may reduce the prevalence of PAD in Asian populations.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Fulltext Prevalence of ultrasound diagnosed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease among rural indigenous community of Sarawak and its association with biochemical and anthropometric measures

Cheah WL, Lee PY, Chang CT, Mohamed HJ, Wong SL

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2013 Mar;44(2):309-17.
PMID: 23691641

Although the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome has been previously firmly established, the prevalence of NAFLD and its risk factors in rural communities remains incompletely defined. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD amongst a rural community in Sarawak. An indigenous village was randomly selected where all adults aged 21 years and above underwent an abdominal ultrasound, biochemical tests and an anthropometric assessment. Respondents with a score > or =8 on an alcohol-use disorders-identification test (AUDIT) indicating harmful or hazardous drinking were excluded. Seventy-seven respondents (46.8% male, mean age 48.4 SD 16.64), met inclusion criteria. The prevalence of ultrasound diagnosed NAFLD was 44.2% (n=34), among them 52.9% had moderate NAFLD. There were no significant age or gender differences between respondents with and without NAFLD, although those with NAFLD were older. Respondents with NAFLD had a significantly higher BMI t,han those without NAFLD (p<0.001). Both male and female respondents with NAFLD had a significantly higher waist circumference than those without NAFLD (p<0.001). Prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia were significantly higher among those with NAFLD. However, there were no significant differences in terms of percentage of unhealthy body fat and muscle, and serum HDL levels. Risk factors independently associated with NAFLD included male gender (odd ratio 0.06; 95% CI 0.008-0.523) and waist circumference (odd ratio 1.2; 95% CI 1.036-1.421). There was a high prevalence of NAFLD and the presence of more severe stages of disease in this indigenous population. Life-style related diseases, such as fatty liver disease, can occur in rural as well as urban populations.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Ultrasound screening of the abdominal aorta in Malaysians

Teoh MK, Ramasamy D, Wong KP

Aust N Z J Surg, 1992 Nov;62(11):862-5.
PMID: 20169704

Ultrasound examination of the abdominal aorta was performed on 100 patients with cardiovascular disease and a control group of 100 subjects. The objectives were to define the normal aortic size of Malaysians, to screen for aneurysms and to compare the aorta size of the different population groups. In the study group the mean anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the non-aneurysmal aortas at the level of the renal arteries was 1.82 cm (range 0.9-2.6 cm) in men and 1.83 cm (range 1.5-2.3 cm) in women. This compares with 1.61 cm (range 1.1-2.2 cm) in men and 1.50 cm (range 0.8-2.4 cm) in women in the control group. The dimensions of the infrarenal aorta show a similar relationship between the two groups. These AP diameters were significantly smaller than the published figures from studies done on Western populations and are consistent with the smaller stature of Malaysians. Five aneurysms and one ectasia were found (mean size 5 cm, range 3.5-6.0 cm), all in men aged 50-75 years in the study group, and none in the control group. All the aneurysms were easily palpable in these patients who were thinner than the average Caucasian. Given the lower incidence of aortic aneurysms in Malaysians there is no role for routine ultrasound screening of the population. High risk groups can be adequately screened by clinical examination alone.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
A comparison of smoking behaviour characteristics between Caucasian smokers in the United Kingdom and Malay smokers in Malaysia

Robson N, Bond A, Wolff K

Prev Med, 2013;57 Suppl:S8-10.
PMID: 23624111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2013.04.010

OBJECTIVES: There is evidence that smoking behaviour differs by ethnicity. This study aims to compare smoking behaviour characteristics between Caucasian and Malay smokers.
METHODS: A cross sectional survey, involving 175 smokers attending smoking cessation clinics at the Institute of Psychiatry, London, United Kingdom and University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia between May 2005 and February 2007. Data on demographics, smoking history, nicotine dependence and smoking behaviour were collected.
RESULTS: All participants were males, mean age 30.7 ± 10.3 years. Caucasians initiated smoking significantly earlier (mean age 14.8 ± 2.8 years) (p = 0.001) and smoked regularly significantly earlier (mean age 17.3 ± 3.5) (p = 0.003) than Malays (mean starting age 16.9 ± 4.4 years and mean age regular use 19.5 ± 4.5 years), respectively. Caucasians smoked less for social integration than Malays (p = 0.03) but smoked more for regulation of negative affect than Malays (p = 0.008) and smoked more for hedonism than Malays (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Malays smoke as a means of socially integrating. This has important public health implications. Social reasons and the social environment play a role in smoking uptake, smoking maintenance and smoking cessation and this should be borne in mind for strategies planning to promote smoking cessation.
KEYWORDS: Behaviour; Caucasian; Character; Cigarette; Malay; Nicotine; Smoking

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data
Fulltext Rome III survey of irritable bowel syndrome among ethnic Malays

Lee YY, Waid A, Tan HJ, Chua AS, Whitehead WE

World J Gastroenterol, 2012 Nov 28;18(44):6475-80; discussion p. 6479.
PMID: 23197894 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i44.6475

To survey irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) using Rome III criteria among Malays from the north-eastern region of Peninsular Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Mammographic screening practices among Chinese-Australian women

Kwok C, Fethney J, White K

J Nurs Scholarsh, 2012 Mar;44(1):11-8.
PMID: 22151348 DOI: 10.1111/j.1547-5069.2011.01429.x

To report mammographic screening practice among Chinese-Australian women, and to examine the relationship between demographic characteristics, acculturation factors (English proficiency and length of stay in Australia), cultural beliefs, and having a mammogram as recommended.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data
A nationwide epidemiological study on the prevalence of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder with important multi-ethnic differences in Malaysia

Viswanathan S, Wah LM

Mult Scler, 2019 10;25(11):1452-1461.
PMID: 30113245 DOI: 10.1177/1352458518792430

OBJECTIVES: This study looked at observed crude prevalence/incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in Malaysia and identified any inter-ethnic differences for MS/NMOSD.
METHODS: This was a nationwide tertiary hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study using the capture-recapture method. It looked at the estimated crude prevalence of confirmed MS and NMOSD and annual incidence on 29 December 2017. Recapture of data was done between February and March 2018 on 1 March 2018. Public and referring private institutions were accessed.
RESULTS: The survey identified 767 MS and 545 NMOSD subjects, with crude prevalence rates of 2.73 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.53; 2.92 per 100,000 population) and 1.94 per 100,000 (95% CI: 1.77; 2.10 per 100,000 population) with observed crude annual incidence of 0.55 (95% CI: 0.43; 0.58) for MS and 0.39 per 100,000 (95% CI: 0.35; 0.47) for NMOSD. The MS:NMOSD ratios were 1.4:1.0. The capture-recapture method revealed 913 MS (95% CI: 910; 915.9) and 580 (95% CI: 578.8; 581.2) NMOSD with prevalence per 100,000 of 3.26 (95% CI: 3.05; 3.47) and 2.07 (95% CI: 1.90; 2.24), respectively. In the MS group, 59.4% were Malay, 16.6% Chinese, 20.5% Indian, and 3.5% were from indigenous groups. In the NMOSD group, 47.3% were Malay, 46.9% Chinese, 3.5% Indian, and 2.3% were from other indigenous groups. The ratio of NMOSD to MS among the Chinese was 2:1, but the ratio of MS to NMOSD among the Malays was 1.8:1, and that in Indians was 8.3:1.
CONCLUSION: There is a modest increase in the prevalence of MS and NMOSD in Malaysia with inter-ethnic differences for MS/NMOSD.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data
Ethnic differences in Singapore's dementia prevalence: the stroke, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and dementia in Singapore study

Sahadevan S, Saw SM, Gao W, Tan LC, Chin JJ, Hong CY, et al.

J Am Geriatr Soc, 2008 Nov;56(11):2061-8.
PMID: 19016940 DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2008.01992.x

To study the prevalence of dementia in Singapore among Chinese, Malays, and Indians.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Parent ratings of ADHD symptoms: differential symptom functioning across Malaysian Malay and Chinese children

Gomez R, Vance A

J Abnorm Child Psychol, 2008 Aug;36(6):955-67.
PMID: 18317918 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-008-9226-8

This study examined differential symptom functioning (DSF) in ADHD symptoms across Malay and Chinese children in Malaysia. Malay (N=571) and Chinese (N=254) parents completed the Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale, which lists the DSM-IV ADHD symptoms. DSF was examined using the multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) structural equation modeling procedure. Although DSF was found for a single inattention (IA) symptom and three hyperactivity-impulsivity (HI) symptoms, all these differences had low effect sizes. Controlling for these DSF, Chinese children had higher IA and HI latent factor scores. However the effect sizes were small. Together, these findings suggest adequate support for invariance of the ADHD symptoms across these ethno-cultural groups. The implications of the findings for cross-cultural invariance of the ADHD symptoms are discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Fulltext Effect of smoking on treatment outcome among tuberculosis patients in Malaysia; a multicenter study

Khan AH, Sulaiman SAS, Hassali MA, Khan KU, Ming LC, Mateen O, et al.

BMC Public Health, 2020 Jun 04;20(1):854.
PMID: 32498682 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08856-6

BACKGROUND: Smoking plays a key role in the development of tuberculosis (TB) infection and is also a predictor of poor TB treatment prognosis and outcomes. The current study was conducted to determine the prevalence of smoking and to assess the effects of smoking on treatment outcomes among TB patients.
METHODS: A multi-center retrospective study design was used to collect data from TB patients in four different states of Malaysia, namely Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, and Selangor. The study included medical records of TB patients admitted to the selected hospitals in the period from January 2006 to March 2009. Medical records with incomplete data were not included. Patient demographics and clinical data were collected using a validated data collection form.
RESULTS: Of all patients with TB (9337), the prevalence of smokers was 4313 (46.2%). Among smokers, 3584 (83.1%) were associated with pulmonary TB, while 729 (16.9%) were associated with extrapulmonary TB. Male gender (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.30-1.58), Chinese ethnicity (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.02-1.49), Sarawak indigenous ethnicity (OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.58-0.95), urban residents (OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.33-1.61), employed individuals (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.09-1.34), alcoholics (OR = 4.91, 95% CI 4.04-5.96), drug abusers (OR = 7.43, 95% CI 5.70-9.60) and presence of co-morbid condition (OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.16-1.40) all showed significant association with smoking habits. This study found that 3236 (75.0%) patients were successfully treated in the smokers' group, while 4004 (79.7%) patients were non-smokers. The proportion of deaths (6.6%, n = 283), defaulters (6.6%, n = 284) and treatment interruptions (4.7%, n = 204) was higher in the smokers' group.
CONCLUSIONS: Smoking has a strong influence on TB and is a major barrier towards treatment success (OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.69-0.84, p

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data
Fulltext A comparison of hydration effect on body fluid and temperature regulation between Malaysian and Japanese males exercising at mild dehydration in humid heat

Wakabayashi H, Wijayanto T, Lee JY, Hashiguchi N, Saat M, Tochihara Y

J Physiol Anthropol, 2014;33:5.
PMID: 24490869 DOI: 10.1186/1880-6805-33-5

This study investigated the effect of hydration differences on body fluid and temperature regulation between tropical and temperate indigenes exercising in the heat.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Fulltext Validity, feasibility and acceptability of time trade-off and standard gamble assessments in health valuation studies: a study in a multiethnic Asian population in Singapore

Wee HL, Li SC, Xie F, Zhang XH, Luo N, Feeny D, et al.

Value Health, 2008 Mar;11 Suppl 1:S3-10.
PMID: 18387064 DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4733.2008.00361.x

OBJECTIVES: To assess the validity, feasibility and acceptability of standard gamble (SG) and time trade-off (TTO) assessments in a multiethnic Asian population.
METHODS: Through in-depth interviews performed among Chinese, Malay, and Indian Singaporeans (education >or= 6 years), we assessed validity of SG/TTO methods for eliciting health preferences by hypothesizing that 1) SG/TTO scores for three hypothetical health states (HS) would exhibit ranked order (decreasing scores with worse HS); and 2) more subjects would rate the most severe HS as worse than dead. Subjects also evaluated feasibility and acceptability of SG/TTO using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) and open-ended questions. Ratings were compared using Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests or tests of proportions.
RESULTS: VALIDITY: In 62 subjects (90% response rate), as hypothesized, SG and TTO scores exhibited ranked order with increasing HS severity (SG: 0.85, 0.08, -19.00; TTO: 0.85, 0.00, -0.18). More subjects rated the most severe HS as worse than dead (SG: 8%, 39%, 59%; TTO: 8%, 45% and 62%).
FEASIBILITY: Subjects felt SG and TTO were easy to understand (median VAS scores: 8.0 vs. 8.0, P = 0.87) and to complete (8.0 vs. 8.0, P = 0.84). Acceptability: SG and TTO were well accepted, with TTO less so than SG (median [interquartile range] offensiveness: 2.0 [0, 4.0] vs. 2.0 [0, 3.0], P = 0.045). Overall, subjects did not have a clear preference for SG/TTO (50% vs. 45%, P = 0.70).
CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests the validity, feasibility and acceptability of SG and TTO for population-based HS valuation studies in a multiethnic Asian population.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data

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