Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 177 in total

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  1. Current trends in morbidity and mortality of children in Malaysia
    Lin, Hai Peng, Mohd Sham Kasim
    Malaysian Journal of Child Health, 1997;9(2):104-132.
    MyJurnal
    Malaysia is a rapidly developing country with a very young population, about 36% of which are below the age of 15 years. The standard of child health has improved greatly. However, there are great changes in the morbidity and mortality patterns of childhood diseases relating mainly to an improved standard of living; availability of safe water supply and adequate sanitary latrines; a higher literacy rate; rapid industrialisation and urban migration. The infant mortality rate has droppedfrom 50.1 per 1,000 livebirths in 1986 to 10.4 in 1995, and similar trends apply also to neonatal, perinatal and toddler mortality rates. Nevertheless, current major child health problems are those relating to events in the perinatal period and to infections. Despite improvements in the standard of neonatal care with the use ofhigh technology, the commonest cause of certified deaths still occur in the neonatal period. A rapid and inexpensive screening test for G6PD deficiency, a disease present in 2-3% of the population, is now widely available and, together with the use of phototherapy is largely responsible for the declining incidence of kernicterus in the country. Infections remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality although their patterns have changed. The very high (>95%) WHO-EPI-vaccines coverage rate is linked to the great reduction in the incidence of diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis and measles. Childhood tuberculosis is less common now, with about 250 - 300 reported cases per year and TB meningitis is rare with about 30-40 reported cases/year. The hepatitis B carrier rate is high (5%) and the introduction of routine newborn hepatitis B vaccination in 1989 is expected to have a positive impact as is the immunisation of young girls against rubella introduced in 1985 in reducing the incidence of congenital rubella syndrome. The incidence of malaria has declined but remains prevalent in the interiors of PeninsularMalaysia and in Sabah and Sarawak. Filariasis is largely under control. Unfortunately, despite great efforts at mosquito control, dengue virus infection remains a major problem with thousands of cases reported every year. Children are most susceptible to dengue haemorrhagic fever with many dying from the shock syndrome. The incidence of acute gastroenteritis has also dropped with most cases being due to a viral aetiology. Acute respiratory infections, mostly viral in origin, account for most attendances at paediatric outpatient services. Although staphylococcal and streptococcal impetigo and pneumonia are common, the incidence of streptococcal related diseases like rheumatic fever and acute glomendonephritis is rapidly declining. The nutritional status of children has improved in tandem with the rise in the standard of living, but subclinical malnutrition is prevalent, particularly among urban squatters and the rural poor. There is a disturbing decline in breastfeeding among urban working mothers. Poor weaning practices and food habits are responsible for the common occurrence of nutritional anaemia (5%) among infants and young children. Greater prosperity, rapid industrialisation and urbanisation have resulted in changes in the childhood disease pattern where non-communicable diseases assume greater importance as the problems of malnutrition and infection are gradually overcome. Road traffic accidents are a major killer and home accidents, largely preventable, are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Childhood cancer, with about 550 new cases a year, is an important cause of death beyond infancy. Major congenital malformations, with a 1% prevalence rate, cause much ill-health. Thalassaemia is a particularly common genetic disease with fl thalassaemia gene frequency of about 5%. The prevalence of asthma is increasing, with a rate of 13.9% in the Kiang Valley but the prevalence of asthma-related symptoms is much higher. Physical, sexual child abuse and neglect, abandoned babies, substance abuse are but signs of stress of modern city living and peoples inability to cope with it. Although the general standard of child health has greatly improved, there are several states where it is still not satisfactory. In Sabah where there is a large illegal immigrant population, the infant mortality and infection rates are relatively high. In Kelantan and Trengganu, it is common for parents to refuse permission for a lumbar puncture required to treat meningitis. Other still deeply entrenched, culturally-related adverse health practices include : a fatalistic attitude to illness; a preference for traditional practitioners of medicine resulting in late treatment; and 'doctor-hopping' with unrealistic expectations of 'instant cure'. Childhood illnesses that are uncommon in Malaysia include: cystic fibrosis, coeliac disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Encopresis, enuresis and epiglottitis due to Haemophilus Influen:ae.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition
  2. Fulltext Cognitive health of older persons in longitudinal ageing cohort studies
    Ng TP
    Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:1351-1355.
    Dementia poses a major global burden of care to society and health systems in ageing populations. The majority (over 60%) of persons with dementia in the world are found in Asia and developing countries with rapid rates of population ageing. Improving and maintaining the cognitive health of older persons is vital to national strategies for dementia prevention. Increasing numbers of population-based ageing cohort studies in the past decade have provided a better understanding of the factors that contribute to cognitive function and decline in old age. The roles of major demographic, psychosocial, lifestyle, behavioral and cardiovascular risk factors contributing to cognitive health were discussed using examples from the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Studies. They include socio-demographic factors, particularly education and marital status, leisure time activity such as physical activity, social engagement and mental activities, psychological factors such as depression, cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors: obesity, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia, and the metabolic syndrome, under-nutrition, low albumin, low hemoglobin, nutritional factors such as blood folate, B12 and homocysteine, omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids, tea drinking and curcumin-rich turmeric in curry meals. These factors are found to be associated variously with cognitive functions (memory and learning, language, visuospatial, attention and information processing speed), rates of cognitive impairment and cognitive decline, or increased risk of developing MCI and progression to dementia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition
  3. The nutritional situation in metropolitan Kuala Lumpur, with focus on squatters
    Khor GL
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1992;23 Suppl 3:17-30.
    PMID: 1342754
    Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia with an estimated population of 1.55 million. Approximately 12% of the population live in squatter settlements occupying about 7% of the city total area. The squatter settlements generally are provided with basic amenities such as piped water, toilet facilities and electricity. Health indicators for the overall population of Kuala Lumpur are better off than for the rest of the country; however, intra-city differentials prevail along ethnic and socio-economic lines. Malays and Indians have higher rates for stillbirths, and neonatal, infant and toddler mortality than the Chinese. The wide disparity in the socio-economic status between the advantaged and the poor groups in the city is reflected in the dietary practices and nutritional status of young children from these communities. The percentage of preschool children from urban poor households with inadequate intakes of calories and nutrients is two to three times higher than those from the advantaged group. Compared to rural infants, a lower percentage of urban infants are breastfed. A lower percentage of Malays from the urban advantaged group breastfed, compared with the urban poor group. The reversed trend is found for the Chinese community. Growth attainment of young children from the urban poor is worse than the urban advantaged, though better than the rural poor. Health and nutritional practices implications related to both undernutrition and overnutrition are discussed, to illustrate the twin challenges of malnutrition in the city.
    Matched MeSH terms: Protein-Energy Malnutrition/epidemiology
  4. Fulltext Nutritional status of women and children in Malaysian rural populations
    Ali O, Isa ZM
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 1995 Sep;4(3):319-24.
    PMID: 24394359
    This study was conducted to investigate the nutritional status of the rural population in Malaysia, especially women and children. A total of 262 women aged 18 and over and 183 children aged 2-6 years were selected using multistage cluster sampling from four locations in rural areas. It was found that the prevalence of malnutrition among children 2-6 years old ranged between 25.5% in the Malays Felda settlement scheme to 80% in the Orang Asli settlement. Malnutrition was associated with worm infestations, bottle feeding and early weaning. More than 30% of Orang Asli women were malnourished compared to less than 15% of Malay Felda settlement women. On the other hand, Malay women in the land settlement scheme had a higher risk of developing overweight and diabetes. Goitre was found among 11.5% of children; however, no cretinism was found. Breast feeding was still a common practice among rural mothers, but inadequate health education tended to reduce the duration of breast feeding and increased early weaning. Upgrading women's status in the rural areas will ultimately improve the nutritional and health status of the children and community as a whole.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition
  5. Fulltext Prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among under-five Orang Asli children in a selected Orang Asli settlement in Kuantan, Pahang
    Karimah Hanim Abd. Aziz, Hafizah Pasi, Jamalludin Ab. Rahman, Razman Mohd. Rus, Hashima R. Nasreen, Farhan Rusl, et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(104):84-84.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Undernutrition among under-five children is a very common issue in Malaysia, especially among the Orang Asli population. Therefore, identifying the prevalence and factors associated with undernutrition will assist in tackling the issue of undernutrition and reducing the morbidity and mortality rate associated with it. Methods: A total of 47 conveniently selected Orang Asli children aged 6 to 59 months from Kampung Paya Bungor, Gambang, Kuantan, Pahang participated in this cross-sectional study. A face-to-face interview was carried out by using the validated Questionnaire for the Study of Malnutrition in Rural Malaysia 2009. The weight and height of the children were measured and plotted on the growth chart. All the data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 24.0. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the background characteristics of the respondents and univariate analyses were used to identify suitable factors to be included in multivariate analysis. Binary logistic regression was done to determine independent factors associated with undernutrition. Results: The overall prevalence of undernutrition was 55.3%. The prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was 34.0%, 34.0% and 14.9% respectively. This research also revealed that gender (p=0.042) and family size (p=0.024) was shown to have a statistically significant association with undernutrition. However, there were no significant associations between undernutrition with other factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of undernutrition among under-five Orang Asli children was a concern. It was found that the factors associated with undernutrition were female children and children from small families. Prompt interventions aimed at the Orang Asli community should be done to overcome these problems.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition
  6. Fulltext Prediction and explanation on adolescent aggression: a study protocol
    Fatimah Ahmad Fauzi, Nor Afiah Mohd Zulkefli, Anisah Baharom
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(1):106-114.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Adolescent aggression is an important public health concern with escalating prevalence of juvenile cases and violence among these age groups including robbery, homicide, and gang fights. The objectives of this study protocol are to determine the biopsychosocial predictors and explore the contextual factors of adolescent ag- gression among secondary school students in Hulu Langat. Methods: Explanatory mixed method study design will be used, consist of quantitative cross-sectional study followed by basic qualitative study. Proportionate population sampling among Form 4 secondary school students from selected public secondary schools in Hulu Langat will be executed. Questionnaires will be distributed to 481 students on aggression as the dependent variable, and several independent variables: demographic (ethnicity, family income), biological (sex, head injury, nutritional deficiency, breakfast skipping), psychological (attitude and normative beliefs, personality trait, emotional intelligence), and so- cial factors (family environment, single parent status, domestic violence, peer deviant affiliation, alcohol, smoking, substance abuse). Subsequently, participants with moderate to high aggression scores will be further explored on the contextual factors of adolescent aggression by in-depth interview. Multiple linear regression will be executed using SPSS to determine significant predictors whereas thematic analysis will be applied for qualitative data analysis on the context of adolescent aggression. Both findings will be further integrated and discussed to give comprehensive description on the phenomena. Conclusion: Better knowledge and understanding on adolescent aggression may generate new framework to drive more effective preventive strategies and unravel adolescent aggressive related Pub- lic Health problems.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition
  7. Fulltext Sociodemographic determinants of good hygience practices among the indigenous primary caregivers of under three children in Malaysia
    Liyanatul Najwa Zakaria, Halimatus Sakdiah Minhat
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(1):215-220.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Poor hygiene practice is an important factor that lead to morbidity and mortality among young chil- dren which are common among the indigenous population due to the lack of access to health services and their unique beliefs and practices. This study aimed to identify the socio-demographic determinants of hygiene practices among the indigenous (known as Orang Asli in Malaysia) primary caregivers of children under the age of three in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 166 primary caregivers of Orang Asli children of below three years old in Kuala Langat District. Data was collected using a validated and pre-tested questionnaire via face-to-face interviews with individual respondents. The questionnaire consisted of two main sections: sociodemo- graphics and hygiene practice. Results: A majority of the Orang Asli primary caregivers had good hygiene practices (78.9%). The number of children under five years old living at home was significantly associated with hygiene prac- tice and it was the only significant determinant or predictor of good hygiene practice among the Orang Asli primary caregivers. Conclusion: The number of children under five years old living at home is an important factor to ensure good hygiene practices among the primary caregivers of Orang Asli children. This factor need to be taken into con- sideration in monitoring children health status by the health staff by emphasizing the importance of hygiene practice in the prevention of infectious diseases and malnutrition among Orang Asli children.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition
  8. Fulltext Malnutrition among the Elderly in Malaysia and Its Associated Factors: Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2018
    Ahmad MH, Salleh R, Siew Man C, Pardi M, Che Abdul Rahim N, Shahril N, et al.
    J Nutr Metab, 2021;2021:6639935.
    PMID: 33953978 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6639935
    Background: Malaysia is predicted to become an ageing population by 2035. Malnutrition among the elderly is one of growing concern. This study aims to identify the prevalence of malnutrition and its associated factors among the elderly in Malaysia.

    Methods: Data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2018 was analysed. This survey applied a multistage stratified cluster sampling design to ensure national representativeness. Malnutrition was identified using a validated Mini Nutrition Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF). Variables on sociodemographic, health status, and dietary practices were also obtained. The complex sampling analysis was used to determine the prevalence and associated factors of at-risk or malnutrition among the elderly.

    Result: A total of 3,977 elderly completed the MNA-SF. The prevalence of malnutrition and at-risk of malnutrition was 7.3% and 23.5%, respectively. Complex sample multiple logistic regression found that the elderly who lived in a rural area, with no formal or primary level of education, had depression, Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL) dependency, and low quality of life (QoL), were underweight, and had food insecurity and inadequate plain water intake were at a significant risk of malnutrition (malnutrition and at-risk), while Chinese, Bumiputra Sarawak, and BMI more than 25 kgm-2 were found to be protective.

    Conclusions: Currently, three out of ten elderly in Malaysia were at-risk or malnutrition. The elderly in a rural area, low education level, depression, IADL dependency, low QoL, underweight, food insecurity, and inadequate plain water intake were at risk of malnutrition in Malaysia. The multiagency approach is needed to tackle the issue of malnutrition among the elderly by considering all predictors identified from this study.

    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition
  9. Fulltext Household Income, Food Insecurity and Nutritional Status of Migrant Workers in Klang Valley, Malaysia
    Mei CF, Faller EM, Chuan LX, Gabriel JS
    Ann Glob Health, 2020 08 03;86(1):90.
    PMID: 32832384 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.2859
    Background and Purpose: Food insecurity exists whenever accessibility to nutritious food is limited. It affects a person's health with regards to nutritional status, indicated by malnourishment or overnutrition. This study aims to study the relationship between household income, household food insecurity, and weight status of migrant workers in Klang Valley, Selangor.

    Method: A cross-sectional study involving a convenience sampling of 125 documented migrant workers from five selected countries was conducted. A researcher-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic questions, three-day 24-hour dietary recall (3DR), and nine-item Household Food Insecurity Access Scale was used. Anthropometric measurements, including body weight, height, and waist circumference, were taken.

    Findings: About 57.6% of the households studied were food insecure (24.8% mildly, 29.6% moderately, and 3.2% severely). Burmese were found to have the highest rate of household food insecurity (96%). The majority of the migrant workers were of normal weight (68.0%). No significant relationship was found between monthly household income and household food security status (p = 0.475), as well as between household food security status and weight status (p = 0.535).

    Conclusion: Results imply that food security status affects certain nutrient intake among migrant workers. There were no significant associations between variables. Interventions focusing on nutritional education on food choices and implementation on health policy are recommended. Further studies should consider the accessibility, nutritional-related diseases, and dietary aspects of migrant workers, which are risk factors for food insecurity.

    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition
  10. Habitual Dietary Patterns of Patients on Hemodialysis Indicate Nutritional Risk
    Sualeheen A, Khor BH, Balasubramanian GV, Sahathevan S, Ali MSM, Narayanan SS, et al.
    J Ren Nutr, 2020 07;30(4):322-332.
    PMID: 31767516 DOI: 10.1053/j.jrn.2019.09.010
    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to (i) determine habitual dietary patterns of Malaysian patients on hemodialysis (HD) and (ii) examine their association with nutritional status.

    METHODS: An à posteriori approach examined 3-day dietary recalls of 382 multiethnic Malaysian patients on HD, leading to short-listing of 31 food groups. Dietary patterns were derived through principal component analysis. Sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics together with nutritional parameters were examined for associations with specific dietary patterns.

    RESULTS: Four dietary patterns emerged, namely, "Home Food," "Eating Out (EO)-Rice," "EO-Sugar sweetened beverages," and "EO-Noodle." Younger patients, male gender, Malay, and patients with working status were more likely to follow "EO-Rice" and "EO-Sugar sweetened beverages" patterns, while Chinese patients were more likely to consume "EO-Noodle" pattern (all P values 

    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition
  11. Fulltext Dietary Intake Research in Asian Children: Significance and Challenges
    Henry CJ
    J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo), 2015;61 Suppl:S189-91.
    PMID: 26598852 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.61.S189
    Food intake studies have a long history. However, until a few decades ago, there was limited quantitative data on feeding patterns and food intake in infants and children living in South Asia. The recent SEANUT study and MING study have provided several new insights into the dietary patterns of children living in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The complexity and variety of Asian diets makes the collation of dietary information a challenge. The double burden of under-nutrition and over-nutrition is prevalent in many Asian countries. Compared to obesity, stunting is widespread in South East Asia. Our future challenge is to develop food intake assessment techniques which can be refined and made available as a common dietary assessment tool across this region. Successful nutritional intervention can only be achieved if we know what Asian children eat. Dietary intake research will be a key factor in realizing our goal to eradicate malnutrition in this region.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition
  12. Factors contributing to food insecurity among older persons in Malaysia: Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2018
    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.

    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition
  13. Fulltext Associations of sociodemographic factors and body image with body weight status among Yemeni adolescents in Selangor and Putrajaya, Malaysia
    Abdulwali Ali Mareh, Zuriati Ibrahim, Faisal Ali, Ahmed Al-Shahethi, Hazizi Abu Saad
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(106):63-68.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Despite the high prevalence of malnutrition in Yemen, little is known on malnourished Yemeni adoles- cents in Malaysia. This study aimed to assess the body weight status among Yemeni adolescents in Malaysia and its association with sociodemographic factors and body image. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 364 Yemeni adolescents aged between 12 to 18 years were recruited from four schools in Selangor and Putrajaya, Malaysia. So- ciodemographic factors and body image data were collected through face to face interview. Height and body weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 23.6%, with 5.2% of thinness. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that a family income greater than RM5,001 (OR = 3.77, p = 0.004), body shape dissatisfaction (OR = 3.54, p = 0.001) and perception of overweight/obesity (OR
    = 5.75, p = 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of being overweight and obese. Whereas a positive per- ception of underweight (OR = 0.23, p = 0.009) was found to be a significant protective factor against overweight and obesity. Conclusion: Overweight and obesity are prevalent among Yemeni adolescents in Malaysia. These findings highlight the need for regular weight status assessments amongst adolescents. Additionally, an obesity intervention program that incorporates body image perception may improve the children’s body weight status.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition
  14. Fulltext Dietary nutrient intake and meal-related situations among elderly outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from respiratory clinics, Malaysia
    Nor-Farahain Yahya, Noraida Omar, Ummi-Nadira Daut, Siti-Nur’Asyura Adznam, Barakatun-Nisak Mohd Yusof
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(106):170-177.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients usually have dietary problems leading to malnutrition issues. Therefore, this study aimed to determine macro and micronutrient intakes and meal-related sit- uations among outpatients COPD elderly and its adequacy according to their requirements. Methods: 140 patients were included in this cross-sectional study at Respiratory Clinics of Hospital Serdang and Institut Perubatan Respira- tori. Socio-demographic and health status data were collected by interviewing patients and reviewing their medical records. A three-day diet history (two-day on weekdays, one day on weekend) was analysed using Nutritionist Pro and compared against their requirements. Meal-related situation was assessed using three open-ended questions that related to food shopping, cooking and eating and analysed using content analysis. Results: Patients were 70±7 years old, 97% male, 59% Malay, 48% had primary education, 75% married, 72% ex-smokers and 54% presented with comorbidities. Majority of them had no episode of exacerbation for the past one year and in moderate stage of the COPD severity. Mean energy intake was 916±221 kcal/day with 98% of them have under-reported their intake. Almost all patients had inadequate macro and micronutrient intake; energy (97%), protein (97%), carbohydrate (86%), fat (99%), vitamin A (95%), C (86%), D (99%) and E (99%). The meal-related situation reported patients had difficulties with food shopping and preparation and problems during mealtime. Conclusion: COPD elderly reported inadequate intake of macro and micronutrients and had problems during mealtime. This indicates the need for Ma- laysian nutrition guidelines specific to COPD patients and nutrition intervention in the primary setting.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition
  15. Fulltext Impact of dietitian delivered intensive nutrition intervention on dietary intake and weight outcome among gynecology cancer outpatient prior to surgery
    Aini Masitah Mohammad, Zalina Abu Zaid, Ho Chiou Yi, Zuriati Ibrahim, Zulfitri ‘Azuan Mat Daud, Nor Baizura Md. Yusop, et al.
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(106):122-130.
    MyJurnal

    Introduction: This is open label randomised control trial, aimed to identify whether an early (commenced at the time of diagnosis) and intensive nutrition intervention (INI) (individualised dietary counselling, oral nutritional sup- plements [ONS], telephone, and home visit) can improve weight and dietary intake of gynaecological cancer (GC) patients preoperatively. Methods: Selected GC patients planned for surgery were randomly grouped into control group (CG) (n = 35) and intervention group (IG) (n = 34). Malnutrition screening tool (MST) was used as a screening tool, while Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) was used as a nutrition assessment tool. IG received an intensive individualised dietary counselling with the supply of ONS at baseline (Day 1). This continued with telephone and home visit follow-up by research dietitian (Day 3 and Day 6). Meanwhile, CG only received general nutritional counselling without supply of ONS. Final assessment was conducted on Day 14. The primary outcomes included weight changes measured using TANITA and dietary intake assessment using 24-hour diet recall. Results: Mean duration of INI was 14 days. At the end of the treatment period, there was a significant weight change between groups (p < 0.001), with 0.14% weight gain in IG and 1.3% weight reduction in CG. Mean energy and protein intake of IG were higher compared to CG by +329 kcal/day and +12.2 g/day, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that INI that incorporated individualised dietary counselling, ONS, telephone counselling, and home visit can increase energy and protein intake of GC patients, resulting in weight gain.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition
  16. Fulltext Neurodevelopmental effects of childhood malnutrition: A neuroimaging perspective
    Galler JR, Bringas-Vega ML, Tang Q, Rabinowitz AG, Musa KI, Chai WJ, et al.
    Neuroimage, 2021 05 01;231:117828.
    PMID: 33549754 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.117828
    Approximately one in five children worldwide suffers from childhood malnutrition and its complications, including increased susceptibility to inflammation and infectious diseases. Due to improved early interventions, most of these children now survive early malnutrition, even in low-resource settings (LRS). However, many continue to exhibit neurodevelopmental deficits, including low IQ, poor school performance, and behavioral problems over their lifetimes. Most studies have relied on neuropsychological tests, school performance, and mental health and behavioral measures. Few studies, in contrast, have assessed brain structure and function, and to date, these have mainly relied on low-cost techniques, including electroencephalography (EEG) and evoked potentials (ERP). The use of more advanced methods of neuroimaging, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), has been limited by cost factors and lack of availability of these technologies in developing countries, where malnutrition is nearly ubiquitous. This report summarizes the current state of knowledge and evidence gaps regarding childhood malnutrition and the study of its impact on neurodevelopment. It may help to inform the development of new strategies to improve the identification, classification, and treatment of neurodevelopmental disabilities in underserved populations at the highest risk for childhood malnutrition.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition
  17. Fulltext Nutritional Assessment of Pre-School Children in Rural Villages of the Family Dynamics, Lifestyles and Nutrition Study (1997-2001) II. Prevalence of Undernutrition and Relationship to Household Socio-Economic Indicators
    Chee H, Khor G, Arshad F, Wan Muda W, Mohdtaib M, Safii N, et al.
    Malays J Nutr, 2002 Mar;8(1):33-53.
    PMID: 22692438
    This paper describes the nutritional status of pre-school children and analyzes its relationship to various household socio-economic indicators. Padi, rubber and fishing villages from the Functional Groups Study (1992-1996) were selected for having a high prevalence of child undernutrition, and all children between the ages of 12 and 72 months were measured for their weights and heights in April-May 1998. The NCHS reference values were used to calculate z-scores, which were categorised according to WHO (1983) recommendations. Children between minus 2SD and minus 1SD of reference median were classified as mildly malnourished. Prevalence of underweight was higher (30.5%) than stunting (22.3%), while wasting was only 9.7%. Padi villages had the highest prevalence of undernutrition, followed by fishing, and then rubber villages. Mean household incomes were found to be significantly lower for children with worse nutritional status, and undernutrition was higher in households below the poverty line income. The odds ratios for having stunted children were significantly higher for households whose heads were agricultural own-account workers (OR 3.66, 95% CI = 1.37-9.79), agricultural waged workers (OR 2.75, 95% CI = 1.06-7.10), and non-agricultural manual workers (OR 2.49, 95% CI = 1.04-6.00) compared to non-manual workers. Various household socio-economic indicators showed significantly higher odds ratios for underweight, stunting and wasting. After adjusting for confounding effects by logistic regression analysis, however, only mother's education was found to be a significant predictor for stunting, while poverty level and access to piped water supply were significant predictors for both underweight and stunting. Households without livestock were significant predictors for wasting. Thus, this study identified specific socio-economic factors that should be prioritized for policy and research towards the amelioration of childhood malnutrition in rural areas.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition
  18. Fulltext Nutritional status of children aged one to six years in Sg. Koyan FELDA in Pahang. [Taraf pemakanan kanak-kanak berumur satu hingga enam tahun di FELDA Sg. Koyan, Pahang.]
    Soon SD, Khor GL
    Malays J Nutr, 1995;1(2):115-28.
    MyJurnal
    The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status of children in FELDA Sungai Koyan, Pahang. Anthropometric measurements were taken from 105 children comprising of 62 boys and 43 girls aged 12 to 72 months. Food intake records from 84 of these children aged 4-6.9 years were obtained. Socio-economic factors which may influence nutritional status were also studied. The anthropometric assessment showed that 14.3% (n=15) of the children were underweight, 10.5% (n=11) stunted and 2.9% (n=3) wasted when compared with the NCHS Reference. It was also found that 28.6% (n=30) of the children had low mid arm circumference for age according to the Frisancho reference, indicating a low protein calorie reserve. The result of the dietary study showed that the intake of calories, calcium, niacin and thiamine were below the recommended daily allowances (RDA) for Malaysia. However, the intake of protein, iron, vitamin A, riboflavin and vitamin C were above the RDA levels. Foods most frequently taken were rice, fish, milk and meat. Vegetables and fruits were also often consumed by the children. Based on the Pearson correlation test, a significant relationship was shown between the nutritional status of the children (weight for age and height for age) with the mother’s educational level, and the number of children in the family. There was also a significant relationship between mother’s nutrition knowledge and the nutritional status of the children (weight for age). Inadequate calorie intake is one of the important factors involved in the causation of protein energy malnutrition. This problem is influenced by socio-economic factor such as low educational level and nutrition knowledge of mothers and large family size. Parents should be encouraged to participate in activities that enhance nutrition knowledge and promote good nutritional practices. FELDA is encouraged to organize more such activities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Protein-Energy Malnutrition
  19. 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: Malnutrition
  20. Fulltext Factors affecting nutritional status of children below 24 months in Pekan district, Pahang, Malaysia
    Masroor N, Ab Rahman J, Han TM, Khattak MAK, Aye A
    Malays J Nutr, 2014;20(2):197-207.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of children below 24 months in the district of Pekan, Pahang, and identify the contributing factors. Methods: Using a cross-sectional methodology, a total of 910 children was selected by random sampling from four public health clinics. Anthropometric measurements were taken and weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-for- height were calculated in Z scores. Immediate caregivers of children were interviewed by using a pretested validated questionnaire to assess their socio- economic, demographic, educational and occupational status. Results: Of the 910 children who participated in the study, the majority were Malay (70.1%), while the remaining comprised indigenous or Orang-Asli (OA) children. Prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweight were 28.7 %, 15.6 % and 19.0% respectively. There were more underweight males than females. Wasting was most common among children aged below 6 months. Stunting was more prevalent in children between 12 to 24 months. Obesity was seen in 7.3% of the sample. Maternal education, employment and socio-economic status had a significant influence on wasting and underweight. Children were vulnerable to stunting as age advanced, whereas prevalence of wasting tended to decrease. Conclusion: Malnutrition exists in significant proportions among children below 24 months in the Pekan district. This study identified low birth weight along with age, race, gender, large family size and socio-economic status as important risk factors of malnutrition.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition
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