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Fulltext Childhood Cryptosporidium infection among aboriginal communities in Peninsular Malaysia

Al-Mekhlafi HM, Mahdy MA, 'Azlin MY, Fatmah MS, Norhayati M

Ann Trop Med Parasitol, 2011 Mar;105(2):135-43.
PMID: 21396250 DOI: 10.1179/136485911X12899838683368

Cryptosporidium is a coccidian parasite that is prevalent worldwide, some species of which cause morbidity in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. The prevalence and predictors of Cryptosporidium infection, and its effect on nutritional status, have recently been explored among 276 children (141 boys and 135 girls, aged 2-15 years) in aboriginal (Orang Asli) villages in the Malaysian state of Selangor. Faecal smears were examined by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique while socio-economic data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measurements. Cryptosporidium infection, which was detected in 7.2% of the aboriginal children, was found to be significantly associated with low birthweight (≤2.5 kg), being part of a large household (with more than seven members) and prolonged breast feeding (>2 years). The output of a binary logistic regression confirmed that large household size was a significant predictor of Cryptosporidium infection (giving an odds ratio of 2.15, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.25-5.02). Cryptosporidium infection is clearly a public-health problem among the aboriginal children of Selangor, with person-to-person the most likely mode of transmission.

Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena/physiology
Obesity in preschool children: an intervention programme in primary health care in Singapore

Ray R, Lim LH, Ling SL

Ann Acad Med Singap, 1994 May;23(3):335-41.
PMID: 7944246

The Programme on Prevention and Management of Obesity in Preschool Children, aged three to six years, was implemented in 17 Primary Health Clinics in November 1991. The study sample comprised 1128 preschool children who qualified to enter the obesity register, using the defined criteria for obesity of 2 standard deviations above the normal weight for height and age. This group was divided into three categories, namely, mildly overweight (120% to below 140%), moderately overweight (140% to below 160%), and severely overweight (above 160%). The severely overweight category was referred to dietitians for follow-up management, while the other two categories were managed by the clinic staff through pre-planned nurse-conducted counselling sessions. In this paper, we analysed the first 1128 preschool children aged three to six years on the Programme with respect to their demographic characteristics; medical conditions; family history of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and ischaemic heart disease; number of siblings and parents' educational and occupational status. The Malay children showed significantly more severe grades of obesity compared to the Chinese and Indian children. A family history of obesity and hypertension among the three groups were significant (P < 0.001). After one year of follow-up with the intervention programme, the following were found: 40.4% (456) of the children improved in their obesity status and 20.2% (228) reached normal status. The severe, moderate and mild categories reduced from 6.3% to 5.9%, 29.3% to 23.2% and 64.4% to 50.7% respectively and was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Diarrhoeal diseases in rural Malaysia: risk factors in young children

Lye MS

Ann Acad Med Singap, 1984 Apr;13(2):156-62.
PMID: 6497315

A survey was conducted in six selected rural villages to obtain baseline data on socioeconomic status, nutrition, environmental sanitation and behavioural aspects in relation to diarrhoeal diseases, using a standard questionnaire. Subsequent to this, children 0-4 years of age were followed weekly for six months for diarrhoeal disease. Eleven variables representing socioeconomic status, nutritional status, housing condition, environmental sanitation, mother's knowledge and beliefs were investigated using stepwise logistic regression to determine significant predictors of diarrhoeal disease. Children who were below two years of age, living in conditions of poor sanitation and poor quality water supply, whose houses were prone to flooding and who had mothers whose sanitary habits were not influenced by their religious beliefs, were at significantly greater risk of diarrhoeal disease.

Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Child feeding practices, food habits, anthropometric indicators and cognitive performance among preschoolers in Peninsular Malaysia

Mohd Nasir MT, Norimah AK, Hazizi AS, Nurliyana AR, Loh SH, Suraya I

Appetite, 2012 Apr;58(2):525-30.
PMID: 22265752 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2012.01.007

This study aimed to determine the relationship between child feeding practices, food habits, and anthropometric indicators with cognitive performance of preschoolers aged 4-6 years in Peninsular Malaysia (n=1933). Parents were interviewed on socio-demographic background, nutrition knowledge, child feeding practices and food habits. Height and weight of the preschoolers were measured; BMI-for-age, weight-for-age and height-for-age were determined. Cognitive performance was assessed using Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices. The mean monthly household income was RM3610 and 59.6% of parents attained secondary education. Thirty-three percent of parents had good knowledge on nutrition, 39% satisfactory and 28% poor. For child feeding practices, perceived responsibility had the highest mean score (M=3.99, SD=0.72), while perceived child weight had the lowest (M=2.94, SD=0.38). The prevalence of possible risk of overweight, being overweight, and obesity were 3.9%, 7.9% and 8.1%, respectively, whereas the prevalence of underweight and stunting were 8.0% and 8.4%, respectively. Breakfast was the second most frequently skipped meal (16.8%) after dinner (18.1%). The mean cognitive score was 103.5 (SD=14.4). Height-for-age and consumption of dinner were found to contribute significantly towards cognitive performance after controlling for socio-demographic background and parent's nutrition knowledge.

Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Seminar on young child nutrition: improving nutrition and health status of young children in indonesia

Isabelle M, Chan P

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2011;20(1):141-7.
PMID: 21393122

The Seminar on Young Child Nutrition: Improving Nutrition and Health Status of Young Children in Indonesia held in Jakarta on November 2009 reviewed the current nutritional and health status of young children in Indonesia and identified key nutrient deficiencies affecting their optimal growth. The continuation of child growth from fetal stage is of paramount importance; and maternal and child health should be a central consideration in policy and strategy development. Clinical management of nutrient deficiency and malnutrition, as well as strategies and education to improve feeding practices of young Indonesian children were discussed in the seminar. Relevant experiences, approaches and strategies from France, New Zealand and Malaysia were also shared and followed with discussion on how regulatory systems can support the development of health policy for young children. This report highlights important information presented at the seminar.

Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
Fulltext Association of energy intake and physical activity with overweight among Indonesian children 6-12 years of age

Harahap H, Sandjaja S, Soekatri M, Khouw I, Deurenberg P

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2017 12 10;27(1):211-216.
PMID: 29222901 DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.032017.05

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Indonesia is currently facing double burden malnutrition in children. As overweight and obesity are due to a disturbed energy balance, this study aimed to assess the association of total energy intake and physical activity with the prevalence of overweight among Indonesian children.
METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: The data used for this analysis were from 1143 children, 6-12 years old, that participated in the South East Asian Nutrition Survey (SEANUTS). Physical activity (PA) was measured using pedometers for 2 consecutive days and was categorized low, moderate and high. Child nutritional status was categorized based on body mass index for age z-scores (BAZ) into normal weight (-2 SD ≤BAZ≤1 SD) or overweight (BAZ >1 SD). Energy intake was calculated from a one day 24 hour recall and compared to the Indonesian recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for energy.
RESULTS: Children with low PA had higher risk (ODDs 3.4, 95% CI: 2.0, 6.0) of being overweight compared to children who had high PA. Children with moderate PA and energy take >100% RDA had higher risk (ODDs 4.2, 95% CI 1.9, 9.3) of being overweight than children with high PA and energy intakes ≤100% RDA.
CONCLUSIONS: Low physical activity independently or moderate physical activity and high energy intake are risk factors for Indonesian children to get overweight. Program intervention such as increasing physical activity at school and home is needed to reduce overweight among children.

Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena/physiology*
Factors affecting nutritional status of Malaysian primary school children

Zaini MZ, Lim CT, Low WY, Harun F

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2005;17(2):71-80.
PMID: 16425649

This paper investigates the nutritional status of a randomly selected cohort of school children and the factors affecting it. This random survey was conducted in the state of Selangor, involving 1,405 primary students (aged 9-10 years from 54 national primary schools). Physical examination was carried out on all the students. Information on the students was also obtained from the parents. Blood samples were taken by using the finger pricking technique. Body mass index (BMI) was used as a measure of physical growth. The students were mainly from urban areas (82.9%). The mean age was 9.71 years and a higher proportion was females (51%). Malays constituted 83.6%, Indians 11.6% and Chinese 4.2% of the study population. The mean weight and height were 32.30 kg and 135.18 cm respectively. The mean BMI was 17.42 kg/m2, with 1.2% of the students underweight, 76.3% normal BMI, 16.3% overweight and 6.3% were obese. Nutritional status was significantly related to blood pressure, history of breast feeding, eating fast food, taking canned/bottled drinks, income and educational level of parents. Significant differences in nutritional status between sexes and locations (rural/urban) were also found. The prevalence of overweight and obese children was of concern. There is thus an urgent need for the School Health Program to periodically monitor the school children's eating habits and physical growth. Appropriate counselling on nutritional intake and physical activities should be given not only to schoolchildren but also to their teachers and parents or caregivers.

Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
Nutrition promotion: the role of monitoring physical growth

Zulkifli SN

Asia Pac J Public Health, 1992;6(4):210-6.
PMID: 1345448

Growth monitoring has been included as one of the basic strategies for child survival. In this paper, the rationale for this is reiterated both for individual as well as population nutritional surveillance. Methods for and approaches to growth monitoring are described. In addition, potential problems in implementing growth monitoring projects and interpreting the results are discussed. Despite its lack of sensitivity and specificity as a diagnostic tool, its advantages in terms of low cost, simplicity, reliability and social acceptability justify its use in nutritional surveillance, particularly in populations at risk of malnutrition.
Publication year: 1992-1993

Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
Fulltext Risk factors of malnutrition among preschool children in Terengganu, Malaysia: a case control study

Wong HJ, Moy FM, Nair S

BMC Public Health, 2014;14:785.
PMID: 25086853 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-785

Childhood malnutrition is a multi-dimensional problem. An increase in household income is not sufficient to reduce childhood malnutrition if children are deprived of food security, education, access to water, sanitation and health services. The aim of this study is to identify the characteristics of malnourished children below five years of age and to ascertain the risk factors of childhood malnutrition in a state in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Child nutrition. A survey in the Parit District of Perak Federation of Malaya

THOMSON FA

Bull Inst Med Res Kuala Lumpur, 1960;10:1-73.
PMID: 13776649
Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
Dietary Practices and Meal Patterns among Overweight and Obese School Children in Malaysia: Baseline Data from a School-Based Intervention Study

Selamat R, Raib J, Abdul Aziz NA, Zulkafly N, Ismail AN, W Mohamad WNA, et al.

Ecol Food Nutr, 2019 11 22;59(3):263-278.
PMID: 31755310 DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2019.1694922

This study aimed to determine dietary practices and meal patterns among Malaysian overweight and obese school children at baseline. This study was part of a school-based obesity intervention study, My Body is Fit and Fabulous at School (MyBFF@school). It involved 1045 primary and 1041 secondary overweight and obese school children from a randomly selected 23 out of 1196 primary and 15 out of 416 secondary government schools in central Peninsular Malaysia. The results showed a significantly higher of adequate intake (4-8 servings/day) of cereals and grains among primary (54.7%) than secondary school children (48.2%). About 28.2% of primary and 32.6% of secondary school children had consumed adequate fruit (2 servings/day), while a very low percentage of both primary (5.0%) and secondary (3.6%) school children consumed adequate vegetables (3 servings/day). As for the meal patterns, school children in both primary and secondary were not taking breakfast regularly (mean±SD for primary: 3.16 ± 2.61 days/week vs secondary: 2.97 ± 2.52 days/week). There was also a significantly higher mean frequency of primary school children brought plain water to school than the secondary school children. In conclusion, urgent actions to address improper dietary practices and meal patterns of overweight and obese school children in Malaysia are warranted.

Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
Regional study of nutritional status of urban primary schoolchildren. 3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tee ES, Khor SC, Ooi HE, Young SI, Zakiyah O, Zulkafli H

Food Nutr Bull, 2002 Mar;23(1):41-7.
PMID: 11975368

A total of 5,995 (7.8% of all 7- to 10-year-old primary schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur), randomly selected from 166 schools (97.6% of all schools), were measured for their weight and height. The analyses of all weight and height data, including the cutoffs used for defining stunting, underweight, and wasting and for thinness and overweight, were carried out as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The prevalances of stunting (height-for-age Z score < -2 SD), underweight (weight-for-age Z score < -2 SD) and wasting (weight-for-height Z score < -2 SD) among all the children studies were 6.7%, 7.1%, and 4.5%, respectively. Undernutrition among boys was more serious than among girls according to all three indicators. Because it was not possible to analyze the weight-for-height data for most of the children above 8.5 years of age, body mass index (BMI)-for-age was used to determine the prevalences of thinness and overweight for all the children. Based on the reference data, the prevalence of overweight (at or above the 95th percentile) was 9.7% and 7.1% for boys and girls, respectively, and 8.4% overall.

Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
Infant and young child nutrition promotion strategies--the Malaysian experience

Don R

Forum Nutr, 2003;56:234-6.
PMID: 15806878
Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
Fulltext Validity and Reliability of a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to Assess Dietary Intake of Preschool Children

Noor Hafizah Y, Ang LC, Yap F, Nurul Najwa W, Cheah WL, Ruzita AT, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2019 11 27;16(23).
PMID: 31783477 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234722

As there are few food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) to assess the dietary intake of preschool children, this study examined the validity and reliability of an FFQ for this purpose. A total of 210 preschoolers aged 4 to 6 years participated in the validation study, while a subsample of 66 participants joined the reliability study. The FFQ is modified from the ToyBox-study and South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS), and comprised 108 food items from 13 food groups. A three-day estimated dietary record (3DR) was used as reference and reliability was assessed through a second administration of the FFQ (FFQ2), four weeks after the first administration (FFQ1). For the validation study, Spearman's correlation coefficients showed moderate to high correlations (p < 0.001) between FFQ and 3DR. Cross-classification of quartile analysis showed moderate agreement between the two methods. As for reliability, Spearman's correlation coefficients showed moderate to high correlations (p < 0.001) between FFQ1 and FFQ2. Cronbach's alpha values (0.708 to 0.824) and intraclass correlation coefficients (0.710 to 0.826) showed good agreement between repeated FFQs. The results suggest that the FFQ has acceptable validity and good reliability. Hence, the FFQ can be used to assess preschool children's food intake.

Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena/physiology*
Fulltext A short term nutrition education programme improved nutrition knowledge and increased preference for fruits, vegetables and higher intensity physical activity among kindergarteners

Stephanie Lee Lay Hua, Bonnie Teh Shou Yi, Ramlah George

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):92-92.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Nutrition education is crucial to promote healthy eating behaviours and lifestyle that can prevent nutrition related non-communicable diseases. Young children are known to be amenable to nutrition education programmes and the school setting provides ideal opportunity for young children to learn. It is important to measure the impact of such programmes to determine its usefulness. Thus, the current study described the impact of a short-term nutrition education programme in kindergarteners. Methods: This pre and post-test design study involved 20 kindergarteners (aged 6 years) at Pusat Minda Lestari, Universiti Malaysia Sabah. The participants of the programme received a nutrition education module at school which comprised of nutrition lessons on key messages in the Ma-laysian Dietary Guidelines and related hands-on activities for 30min/day on 10 consecutive school days. Main outcomes were children’s nutrition knowledge and attitude, their preference for fruits and/or vegetables in a meal and types of physical activity most frequently done. These were all measured using established age-appropriate methods and tools. Results: After receiving the nutrition module; study participants’ mean score for overall nutrition knowledge significantly improved by 60%, self-reported attitude towards healthy foods were more positive and the majority of participants (85% combined) reported that they would prefer to include either vegetables, fruits or vege-tables & fruits in their meal rather than none at all (65% preferred no fruits and vegetables at baseline). The number of participants who said they preferred doing healthier types of physical activities rather than sedentary activities increased by 40% after the programme. Conclusion: This short-term nutrition programme appeared to increase kin-dergarteners’ interest in making healthy food choices and doing moderate to high intensity physical activities. Thus, the nutrition education module used in this programme may be useful in promoting healthy eating behaviours and physical activity in young children.

Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Fulltext Effects of unstable daily life on children's health in Baghdad City, Iraq: qualitative study

Hasanain Faisal Ghazi, Zaleha Md. Isa, Mohammed A. Abdal Qader, Tiba Nezar Hasan

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2014;14(1):82-89.
MyJurnal

The unstable living situation in Iraq in the last 10 years after 2003 war affected the daily life of most Iraqis, and especially the children. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of an unstable living environment on children’s health. A community-based qualitative study was done to collect data from 20 mothers of children (age 7 to 8years old) through in-depth interview (IDI). Data was recorded using tape recorders and was later transcribed and analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis techniques. The majority of mothers interviewed said the past nine years of unstable security in the capital had affected their daily life; some mothers also expressed concern about their child’s nutritional status, their eating habits during the school day, and the unhealthy food being sold at school canteens. As a conclusion, the unstable living situations in Baghdad city after the last war had affected the cognitive and nutritional development of children. More precautions should be taken by parents to ensure their children safety in the future.

Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Fulltext Use of red palm oil in local snacks can increase intake of provitamin A carotenoids in young aborigines children: a Malaysian experience

Ng TK, Low CX, Kong JP, Cho YL

Malays J Nutr, 2012 Dec;18(3):393-7.
PMID: 24568080 MyJurnal

Carotenoid-rich red palm oil (RPO)-based snacks have been provided to children in impoverished communities to improve their vitamin A status. The non-availabilty of information on the acceptability of RPO-based snacks by Malaysian aborigines (Orang Asli) children forms the basis of this study.

Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Fulltext Eating patterns of school children and adolescents in Kuala Lumpur

Moy FM, Gan CY, Mohd Kassim SZ

Malays J Nutr, 2006;12(1):1-10.
MyJurnal

Eating patterns such as eating frequency, skipping of breakfast, and frequency of meals eaten away from home might influence school-going children's nutritional status, which will then influence their health and academic performance. This article reports the findings of a survey on the eating patterns of the school children and adolescents in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 3620 school children studying in Primary 5, Secondary 2 and Secondary 4 were selected using multi-stage sampling. The students were surveyed using a pre-tested questionnaire while their weights and heights were measured in the field. It was found that 19.9% skipped at least one meal a day with the youngest group having the lowest prevalence. The most frequently missed meal is breakfast (12.6%) followed by lunch (6.7%) and dinner (4.4%). The school is an important provider of breakfast and lunch for the students. As the students' age increased, the prevalence of eating breakfast and lunch in school increased. The youngest age group had the highest prevalence of snacking and taking of nutritional supplements (p<0.05). Fast food and local hawker food were also consumed by about 60-70% of the students. Logistic regression analysis showed that skipping of breakfast is significantly associated with age, sex, BMI and taking of nutritional supplements. Promotion of healthy eating should be targeted at students in primary and secondary schools as they tend to depend on outside food.

Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Fulltext Assessment of food insecurity among low income households in kuala lumpur using the radimer/cornell food insecurity instrument - a validation study

Sharif ZM, Ang M

Malays J Nutr, 2001 Mar;7(1):15-32.
PMID: 22692426

Food insecurity exists whenever people are not able to access sufficient food at all times for an active and healthy life. This study used the Radimer/Cornell hunger and food insecurity instrument to assess food insecurity and to determine the risk factors and consequences of food insecurity among low-income households in Kuala Lumpur. One hundred and thirty-seven Malay pre-school children (4-6 years old) from Taman Sang Kancil were measured for their weights and heights. Questionnaires were used to collect food security and socioeconomic information on the households. The findings indicated that 34.3% of the households were food secure, while 65.7% experienced some kind of food insecurity, (27.7% households were food insecure, 10.9% individuals were food insecure and 27.0% fell into the child hunger category). The prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting were 44.5%, 36.5% and 30.7% respectively. The prevalence of high weight-for-height (overweight) was 13.1%. Based on multinomial logistic regression, larger household size (OR=1.418; p<0.01) and lower educational level of mothers (OR=0.749; p<0.01) and fathers (OR=0.802; p<0.05) were found to be significant risk factors for food insecurity. The study, however, did not find any significant difference in children's nutritional status according to household food security levels. It is recommended that for the Malaysian population, the Radimer/Cornell hunger and food insecurity instrument should be modified and further validated with various ethnic groups in a variety of settings. The validation should include the appropriateness of the statements to the target grounds and their different risk factors and outcomes of food insecurity.

Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Fulltext Effects of wealth on nutritional status of pre-school children in Bangladesh

Mostafa Kamal, S.M., Rosliza, A.M., Md Aynul, I.

Malays J Nutr, 2010;16(2):219-232.
MyJurnal

This paper explores the relationship between household wealth and nutritional status of pre-school children in Bangladesh using the nationally representative 2007 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey data. Chronic malnutrition was measured by z-score of height-for-age and the effect of household wealth on adverse childhood growth rate was assessed by multivariate logistic regression analyses. Overall, 43% of the children were stunted. The multivariate binary logistic regression analysis yielded significantly increased risk of stunting among the poorest (OR=2.26, 95% CI=1.77-2.89) as compared to the richest. The multivariate multinomial logistic regression produced elevated risk of moderate stunting (OR=1.98, 95% CI=1.50-2.61) and severe stunting (OR=2.88, 95% CI=2.00-4.14) of children in the poorest category compared to their richest counterparts. Children’s age, duration of breastfeeding, mother’s education, body mass index, mother’s working status and place of region were also identified as important determinants of children’s nutritional status. The findings suggest that apart from poverty reduction, maternal education, and strengthening of child and maternal health care services are important to improve health and nutritional status of the children.

Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena

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