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  1. Foo LC
    Trop Geogr Med, 1990 Jan;42(1):8-12.
    PMID: 2124397
    Anthropometric and parasitological data from cross-sectional studies of two groups of primary school children (Group I of Indian origin, 325 boys and 259 girls, age = 7 years; Group II of Malay origin, 284 boys and 335 girls, age = 7-9 years) from two different ecological settings in Peninsular Malaysia were examined for epidemiological evidence of an association between hookworm infection and protein-energy malnutrition. In both ecological groups, significant weight, height and haemoglobin deficits were observed in children with hookworm infection after adjustment for covariables including Ascaris and Trichuris infection intensities and other child and family characteristics. The deficits were related to the intensity of infection based on egg counts. These findings suggest that hookworm may be an important determinant of chronic protein-energy malnutrition, as well as anaemia, in areas where diets are generally inadequate in protein, energy, and iron. Well-controlled intervention studies are needed to confirm these observations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Protein-Energy Malnutrition/epidemiology
  2. Al-Mekhlafi MS, Azlin M, Nor Aini U, Shaik A, Sa'iah A, Fatmah MS, et al.
    Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2005 Sep;99(9):686-91.
    PMID: 15992838
    A cross-sectional study to examine the association of giardiasis with protein-energy malnutrition, vitamin A deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia was conducted among Orang Asli children in Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 281 children aged 2-15 years were studied. The data were collected using structured questionnaires, anthropometric measurements and laboratory analysis of blood and faecal samples. The results showed that 24.9% of the children were infected with Giardia duodenalis, while 56.5, 61.3 and 15.1% had significant underweight, stunting and wasting, respectively. Giardiasis was statistically identified as a strong predictor of significant wasting in this study population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Protein-Energy Malnutrition/epidemiology*
  3. Al-Mekhlafi MS, Surin J, Atiya AS, Ariffin WA, Mahdy AK, Abdullah HC
    PMID: 19058591
    A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the current prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) among Orang Asli schoolchildren and to investigate the potential predictors of malnutrition. A total of 241 (120 males and 121 females) Orang Asli schoolchildren age 7-12 years living in remote areas of Pos Betau, Pahang participated voluntarily in this study. Anthropometric and socioeconomic data were collected and the children were screened for intestinal parasitic infections. The overall prevalences of mild and significant underweight conditions were 52.3% and 37.3%, respectively, and the prevalences of mild stunting and wasting were 43.6% and 43.1%, respectively, while the prevalences of significant stunting and wasting were 43.6% and 5.6%, respectively. There was a significant association between gender (male) and malnutrition (p = 0.029). The results also showed a higher prevalence of stunting among children age < or = 10 years than in older children (p = 0.001). Other independent variables, including socioeconomic status and intestinal parasitic infections, had no significant associations with malnutrition indices. PEM is prevalent among schoolchildren in rural Malaysia and therefore of public health concern since PEM diminishes immune function and impairs cognitive function and educational performance. School-based programs of prevention through health education and interventions should be considered as an essential part of measures to improve the quality of life of schoolchildren in rural Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Protein-Energy Malnutrition/epidemiology*
  4. Khor GL
    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
  5. Loh KW, Vriens MR, Gerritsen A, Borel Rinkes IH, van Hillegersberg R, Schippers C, et al.
    Neth J Med, 2012 Oct;70(8):365-9.
    PMID: 23065984
    Disease-related malnutrition is highly prevalent in hospital patients and varies from 25-40%. Early nutritional screening of patients at admission helps to improve recognition of malnourished patients to allow early interventions and enhance clinical outcomes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition/epidemiology
  6. Chong YH
    Med J Malaysia, 1982 Jun;37(2):134-40.
    PMID: 6813659
    Health, including nuirition is not independent but is closely associated with the social and economic environment. Malnutrition itself can cause death, but more commonly, it can cause considerable ill-health, physical retardation, impaired mental performance, loss in productivity and a decline in the quality of life. The effects of malnutrition as obstacles to socio-economic development are now well recognised. In a rapidly developing country like Malaysia, the nutritional and nutritionally-related problems present themselves with contrasting features. While population indicators such as toddler mortality, incidence of low birthweight and food balance sheet studies suggest an improving nutritional situation, methods of direct assessment have shown that chronic protein-energy malnutrition and anaemia are sWI common amongst pre-school children in both the rural and urban disadvantaged sectors. Moderate anaemia also affects a significant proportion of older children and women of childbearing age. Intestinal parasites, another indicator of under development at the local level, are ubiquitous in the rural setting and urban slums owing to unsatisfactory waste disposal. In striking contrast, diseases associated with dietary excesses and increasing affluence have now emerged as the major killers. This changing pattern of mortality and morbidity along the lines encountered by the industrialised societies is now dramatised by the fact that road accidents are now claiming a large number of victims. It is clear that while continued efforts should be given to the improvement of the nutritional health of both rural and urban poverty communities, little time should be wasted in considering the adoption of public health measures aimed at stemming the rising number of deaths associated with our increasing affluence, particularly those diseases that are nutritionally linked, such as coronary heart disease, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, not forgetting the increasing road toll afflicted by the motor vehicle.
    Matched MeSH terms: Protein-Energy Malnutrition/epidemiology
  7. Chen ST
    Med J Malaysia, 1977 Jun;31(4):266-9.
    PMID: 412037
    Matched MeSH terms: Protein-Energy Malnutrition/epidemiology*
  8. Kandiah N, Boo LJ
    Med J Malaysia, 1977 Jun;31(4):270-6.
    PMID: 412038
    Matched MeSH terms: Protein-Energy Malnutrition/epidemiology
  9. Sandjaja, Poh BK, Rojroonwasinkul N, Le Nyugen BK, Budiman B, Ng LO, et al.
    Br J Nutr, 2013 Sep;110 Suppl 3:S57-64.
    PMID: 24016767 DOI: 10.1017/S0007114513002079
    Nutrition is an important factor in mental development and, as a consequence, in cognitive performance. Malnutrition is reflected in children's weight, height and BMI curves. The present cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between anthropometric indices and cognitive performance in 6746 school-aged children (aged 6-12 years) of four Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia; Malaysia; Thailand; Vietnam. Cognitive performance (non-verbal intelligence quotient (IQ)) was measured using Raven's Progressive Matrices test or Test of Non-Verbal Intelligence, third edition (TONI-3). Height-for-age z-scores (HAZ), weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) and BMI-for-age z-scores (BAZ) were used as anthropometric nutritional status indices. Data were weighted using age, sex and urban/rural weight factors to resemble the total primary school-aged population per country. Overall, 21% of the children in the four countries were underweight and 19% were stunted. Children with low WAZ were 3·5 times more likely to have a non-verbal IQ < 89 (OR 3·53 and 95% CI 3·52, 3·54). The chance of having a non-verbal IQ < 89 was also doubled with low BAZ and HAZ. In contrast, except for severe obesity, the relationship between high BAZ and IQ was less clear and differed per country. The odds of having non-verbal IQ levels < 89 also increased with severe obesity. In conclusion, undernourishment and non-verbal IQ are significantly associated in 6-12-year-old children. Effective strategies to improve nutrition in preschoolers and school-aged children can have a pronounced effect on cognition and, in the longer term, help in positively contributing to individual and national development.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition/epidemiology
  10. Poh BK, Ng BK, Siti Haslinda MD, Nik Shanita S, Wong JE, Budin SB, et al.
    Br J Nutr, 2013 Sep;110 Suppl 3:S21-35.
    PMID: 24016764 DOI: 10.1017/S0007114513002092
    The dual burden of malnutrition reportedly coexists in Malaysia; however, existing data are scarce and do not adequately represent the nutritional status of Malaysian children. The Nutrition Survey of Malaysian Children was carried out with the aim of assessing the nutritional status in a sample of nationally representative population of children aged 6 months to 12 years. A total of 3542 children were recruited using a stratified random sampling method. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference, and waist and hip circumferences. Blood biochemical assessment involved analyses of Hb, serum ferritin, and vitamins A and D. Dietary intake was assessed using semi-quantitative FFQ, and nutrient intakes were compared with the Malaysian Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI). The prevalence of overweight (9·8%) and obesity (11·8%) was higher than that of thinness (5·4%) and stunting (8·4%). Only a small proportion of children had low levels of Hb (6·6%), serum ferritin (4·4%) and vitamin A (4·4%), but almost half the children (47·5%) had vitamin D insufficiency. Dietary intake of the children was not compatible with the recommendations, where more than one-third did not achieve the Malaysian RNI for energy, Ca and vitamin D. The present study revealed that overnutrition was more prevalent than undernutrition. The presence of high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and the inadequate intake of Ca and vitamin D are of concern. Hence, strategies for improving the nutritional status of Malaysian children need to consider both sides of malnutrition and also put emphasis on approaches for the prevention of overweight and obesity as well as vitamin D insufficiency.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition/epidemiology
  11. Cheah WL, Wan Muda WAM, Zamh ZH
    Rural Remote Health, 2010;10(1):1248.
    PMID: 20184392
    Many studies had shown that poor growth in children is associated with malnutrition. The underlying factors are diverse, multisectoral and interrelated, ranging from biological to social, cultural and economically related. Because the highest levels of under-nutrition worldwide are found in South Asia, it is essential that policymakers in the region understand the underlying determinants, in order to design effective public health intervention programs. This is especially so if public resources are limited. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine causal relationships among the biological, behavioural and environmental factors related to malnutrition in children aged 5 years and under.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition/epidemiology*
  12. El Kishawi RR, Soo KL, Abed YA, Wan Muda WA
    PLoS One, 2016;11(3):e0151494.
    PMID: 26990551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151494
    BACKGROUND: In many developing countries nutritional, and epidemiological transitions are emerging into continuing undernutrition and escalating overnutrition, giving rise to the double burden of the malnutrition phenomenon.

    OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the prevalence of the dual form of malnutrition (overweight mother/underweight child) in the same household and its associated factors in the Gaza Strip.

    METHODS: A total of 357 mother-child pairs from the same households were surveyed from three different geographical locations in the Gaza Strip, namely, El Remal urban area, Jabalia refugee camp, and Al Qarara rural area. The height and weight of mothers aged 18-50 years were measured, and their body mass index (BMI) was computed. The mothers were categorized according to the criterion of the World Health Organization (WHO) for BMI as overweight if they have a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Anthropometric indices were measured for children aged two to five years to classify the underweight children Z-score

    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition/epidemiology*
  13. Muslim A, Lim YA, Mohd Sofian S, Shaari SA, Mohd Zain Z
    PLoS One, 2021;16(1):e0245377.
    PMID: 33439889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245377
    This study compared the current nutritional status, hemoglobin levels and their associations with soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections between two categories of Negritos (indigenous): (i) Inland Jungle Villages (IJV) (ii) and Resettlement Plan Scheme (RPS) near town peripheries, decades after redevelopment and demarginalization. A total of 416 Negritos (IJV: 149; RPS: 267) was included for nutritional profiling based on anthropometric analysis. However, only 196 (IJV: 64; RPS: 132) individuals consented to blood taking for the hemoglobin (Hb) measurements. Subsequently, the association of undernutrition and anemia with STH infections were determined based on univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The overall prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight amongst children and adolescents (n = 343) were 45.8%, 42.3% and 59.1%, respectively. In adults (n = 73), the prevalence of underweight was low (6.8%) but overweight and obese was prominent (26.0%). For anemia (n = 196), an overall prevalence rate of 68.4% were observed with 80% and 70.4% of children aged 2-6 y/o and aged 7-12 y/o, respectively being anemic. Comparatively, the prevalence of underweight (WAZ) was significantly higher in the RPS versus the IJV (P = 0.03) In the IJV, children aged ≤ 6 y/o and having STH poly-parasitism were associated with underweight (P = 0.01) and moderate-severe T. trichiura infection was associated with anemia. Whilst in the RPS, underweight was highly associated with only T. trichiura infection (P = 0.04). Wasting was significantly associated with young children aged ≤10 in both IJV (P = 0.004) and RPS (P = 0.02). Despite efforts in improving provision of facilities and amenities among the indigenous, this study highlighted a high magnitude of nutritional issues among the Negritos especially those in the RPS and their likely association with STH infections and decades of demarginalization. Joint nutritional intervention strategies with mass anti-helminthic treatment are imperative and urgently needed to reduce the undernutrition problems especially among indigenous children.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition/epidemiology
  14. Rajoo Y, Ambu S, Lim YA, Rajoo K, Tey SC, Lu CW, et al.
    PLoS One, 2017;12(1):e0170174.
    PMID: 28095446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170174
    Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have been recognized as one of the most significant causes of illness among disadvantaged communities. Many studies have been conducted on the prevalence of IPIs in Malaysia. However, these studies mostly focused on the indigenous groups in Peninsular Malaysia. The present study was conducted to provide the current baseline data on prevalence of IPIs, anaemia, malnutrition and associated risk factors among the indigenous communities in Sarawak, situation at northwest Borneo island of Malaysia. A cross sectional study was conducted among the longhouses communities. Stool samples were obtained and examined for the presence of IPIs using microscopy technique. Haemoglobin measurement was done using a portable haemoglobin analyzer. Malnutrition (i.e., stunting, underweight and wasting) was assessed using the WHO Anthro software. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software. A total of 341participants took part in this study. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 57.5%. Multivariate analysis indicated that the absence of toilets (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.1-2.7; p = 0.002) and close contact with animals (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.3-2.9; p = 0.027) as significant predictors for IPIs. The incidence of anaemia was 36.4%. The incidence of underweight, wasting and stunting were 22.2%, 5.6% and 35.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that low level of parental education attainment (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.2-3.0; p = 0.006) was identified as significant predictor for anaemia. The incidence of wasting was significantly associated with mild anaemia (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 0.9-1.7; p = 0.024). Low household income was identified as significant predictor for stunting (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 9.8-22.2; p = 0.001) and underweight (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 5.6-18.7; p = 0.037), respectively. Essentially, the present study highlighted that intestinal parasitic infections, anaemia and malnutrition are still prevalent among rural indigenous community in Sarawak. Improvement of socioeconomic status, periodic mass deworming, iron supplementation and health education program should be included in the control and prevention of public health strategies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition/epidemiology*
  15. Sha'ari N, Manaf ZA, Ahmad M, Rahman FN
    Pediatr Int, 2017 Apr;59(4):408-415.
    PMID: 27805287 DOI: 10.1111/ped.13196
    BACKGROUND: Children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be at risk of nutrient deficiency due to the inability to sit through meals. This comparative cross-sectional study was therefore carried out to determine the nutritional status and feeding problems of ADHD children aged 4-12 years.

    METHODS: Sociodemographic data, anthropometric measurements and 3 day dietary intake record were collected from 54 ADHD children and 54 typical development (TD) children. The Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale was used to assess feeding problems.

    RESULTS: Mean subject age was 8.6 ± 2.1 years. On anthropometric assessment, 11.1% of the ADHD children had wasting, while 1.9% had severe wasting. In contrast, none of the TD children had wasting. Approximately 5.6% of the ADHD children had stunting, as compared with 3.7% of the TD children, while none of the TD children had severe stunting compared with 3.7% of the ADHD children. More than half of the ADHD children had mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) below the 5th percentile, indicating undernutrition, compared with only 35.2% of TD children. More than one-third of the ADHD children had feeding problems compared with 9.3% of TD children. There was a significant negative relationship between the ADHD children's feeding problems and bodyweight (r = -0338, P = 0.012), body mass index (r = -0322, P = 0.017) and MUAC (r = -0384, P = 0.004).

    CONCLUSION: Almost half of the ADHD children had suboptimal nutrition compared with 11.1% of the TD children. It is imperative to screen ADHD children for nutritional status and feeding problems to prevent negative health impacts later on.

    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition/epidemiology
  16. Lee WS, Ahmad Z
    Pediatr Neonatol, 2017 10;58(5):415-420.
    PMID: 28330630 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2016.08.010
    BACKGROUND: Undernourished children who require hospital care have a longer duration of hospitalization and respond poorly to modern medical therapy. The objective of the present study was to ascertain the nutritional status of children admitted to a pediatric tertiary center in Malaysia and the risk factors leading to undernutrition upon admission.

    METHODS: In this cross-sectional, hospital-based study, anthropometric measurements [weight, length/height, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), triceps skinfold thickness were performed in 285 children aged from 3 months to 15 years who were admitted to University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur in November 2013. Acute (wasting) and chronic (stunting) undernutrition were defined as weight-for-height (WFH) and height-for-age (HFA) < -2 standard deviation (S.D.), respectively. Underweight was defined as weight-for-age < -2 S.D. For children aged between 1 and 5 years of age, World Health Organization definition for acute undernutrition (HFA 

    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition/epidemiology*
  17. Punchai S, Hanipah ZN, Meister KM, Schauer PR, Brethauer SA, Aminian A
    Obes Surg, 2017 Aug;27(8):2079-2082.
    PMID: 28213665 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-017-2607-8
    INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, clinical presentation, and outcomes of neurologic disorders secondary to vitamin B deficiencies following bariatric surgery.

    METHODS: Patients at a single academic institution who underwent bariatric surgery and developed neurologic complications secondary to low levels of vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12 between the years 2004 and 2015 were studied.

    RESULTS: In total, 47 (0.7%) bariatric surgical patients (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass n = 36, sleeve gastrectomy n = 9, and duodenal switch n = 2) developed neurologic manifestations secondary to vitamin B deficiencies. Eleven (23%) patients developed postoperative anatomical complications contributed to poor oral intake. Median duration to onset of neurologic manifestation following surgery was 12 months (IQR, 5-32). Vitamin deficiencies reported in the cohort included B1 (n = 30), B2 (n = 1), B6 (n = 12), and B12 (n = 12) deficiency. The most common manifestations were paresthesia (n = 31), muscle weakness (n = 15), abnormal gait (n = 11), and polyneuropathy (n = 7). Four patients were diagnosed with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) which was developed after gastric bypass (n = 3) and sleeve gastrectomy (n = 1). Seven patients required readmission for management of severe vitamin B deficiencies. Overall, resolution of neurologic symptoms with nutritional interventions and pharmacotherapy was noted in 40 patients (85%). The WKS was not reversible, and all four patients had residual mild ataxia and nystagmus at the last follow-up time.

    CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional neurologic disorders secondary to vitamin B deficiency are relatively uncommon after bariatric surgery. While neurologic disorders are reversible in most patients (85%) with vitamin replacements, persistent residual neurologic symptoms are common in patients with WKS.

    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition/epidemiology
  18. Tai ML, Goh KL, Mohd-Taib SH, Rampal S, Mahadeva S
    Nutr J, 2010;9:27.
    PMID: 20576106 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-9-27
    There is limited data on the nutritional status of Asian patients with various aetiologies of cirrhosis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and to compare nutritional differences between various aetiologies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition/epidemiology*
  19. Norazman CW, Adznam SN, Jamaluddin R
    Nutrients, 2020 Jun 08;12(6).
    PMID: 32521618 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061713
    Studies have been carried out on the association between frailty and malnutrition, but the similarities and divergence of the relationship remain debatable. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of malnutrition risk and frailty as well as the overlapping constructs. The associations that emerged were assessed independently of other risk factors. A total of 301 community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 66.91 ± 5.59 years old were randomly recruited. Fried Criteria and Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) were used to assess frailty status and malnutrition, respectively. Other related nutritional assessments were assessed (body mass index (BMI), circumference measures, body fat % and skeletal muscle mass). The prevalence of frailty was 14.6% and prefrail was 59.7%; 29.6% were at risk of malnutrition, and 3.3% were malnourished. Malnutrition risk was significantly associated with a higher number of chronic diseases, BMI, circumference of mid-upper arm (MUAC), and calf, (CC)and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and frailty, whereas frailty was significantly associated with higher number of chronic diseases, SMM and malnutrition. Frailty syndrome can be predicted with increasing age, body fat, lower skeletal muscle and malnutrition. Those who were frail were found to be five times more likely to be at risk of malnutrition. Results suggested that frailty and malnutrition shared considerable overlap, which emphasised the interrelated but discrete concepts. Therefore, the assessment of malnutrition is imperative and could be used as a practical implication in assessing frailty syndrome.
    Matched MeSH terms: Malnutrition/epidemiology
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