Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 230 in total

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  1. Swami V, Frederick DA, Aavik T, Alcalay L, Allik J, Anderson D, et al.
    Pers Soc Psychol Bull, 2010 Mar;36(3):309-25.
    PMID: 20179313 DOI: 10.1177/0146167209359702
    This study reports results from the first International Body Project (IBP-I), which surveyed 7,434 individuals in 10 major world regions about body weight ideals and body dissatisfaction. Participants completed the female Contour Drawing Figure Rating Scale (CDFRS) and self-reported their exposure to Western and local media. Results indicated there were significant cross-regional differences in the ideal female figure and body dissatisfaction, but effect sizes were small across high-socioeconomic-status (SES) sites. Within cultures, heavier bodies were preferred in low-SES sites compared to high-SES sites in Malaysia and South Africa (ds = 1.94-2.49) but not in Austria. Participant age, body mass index (BMI), and Western media exposure predicted body weight ideals. BMI and Western media exposure predicted body dissatisfaction among women. Our results show that body dissatisfaction and desire for thinness is commonplace in high-SES settings across world regions, highlighting the need for international attention to this problem.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  2. Mak J, Abramsky T, Sijapati B, Kiss L, Zimmerman C
    BMJ Open, 2017 Aug 11;7(8):e015835.
    PMID: 28801409 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-015835
    OBJECTIVES: Growing numbers of people are migrating outside their country for work, and many experience precarious conditions, which have been linked to poor physical and mental health. While international dialogue on human trafficking, forced labour and slavery increases, prevalence data of such experiences remain limited.

    METHODS: Men from Dolakha, Nepal, who had ever migrated outside of Nepal for work were interviewed on their experiences, from predeparture to return (n=194). Forced labour was assessed among those who returned within the past 10 years (n=140) using the International Labour Organization's forced labour dimensions: (1) unfree recruitment; (2) work and life under duress; and (3) impossibility to leave employer. Forced labour is positive if any one of the dimensions is positive.

    RESULTS: Participants had worked in India (34%), Malaysia (34%) and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (29%), working in factories (29%), as labourers/porters (15%) or in skilled employment (12%). Among more recent returnees (n=140), 44% experienced unfree recruitment, 71% work and life under duress and 14% impossibility to leave employer. Overall, 73% experienced forced labour during their most recent labour migration.Forced labour was more prevalent among those who had taken loans for their migration (PR 1.23) and slightly less prevalent among those who had migrated more than once (PR 0.87); however the proportion of those who experienced forced labour was still high (67%). Age, destination and duration of stay were associated with only certain dimensions of forced labour.

    CONCLUSION: Forced labour experiences were common during recruitment and at destination. Migrant workers need better advice on assessing agencies and brokers, and on accessing services at destinations. As labour migration from Nepal is not likely to reduce in the near future, interventions and policies at both source and destinations need to better address the challenges migrants face so they can achieve safer outcomes.

    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  3. AlBackr H, Alhabib KF, Sulaiman K, Jamee A, Sobhy M, Benkhedda S, et al.
    Curr Vasc Pharmacol, 2023;21(4):257-267.
    PMID: 37231723 DOI: 10.2174/1570161121666230525111259
    INTRODUCTION: PEACE MENA (Program for the Evaluation and Management of Cardiac Events in the Middle East and North Africa) is a prospective registry in Arab countries for in-patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or acute heart failure (AHF). Here, we report the baseline characteristics and outcomes of in-patients with AHF who were enrolled during the first 14 months of the recruitment phase.

    METHODS: A prospective, multi-centre, multi-country study including patients hospitalized with AHF was conducted. Clinical characteristics, echocardiogram, BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide), socioeconomic status, management, 1-month, and 1-year outcomes are reported.

    RESULTS: Between April 2019 and June 2020, a total of 1258 adults with AHF from 16 Arab countries were recruited. Their mean age was 63.3 (±15) years, 56.8% were men, 65% had monthly income ≤US$ 500, and 56% had limited education. Furthermore, 55% had diabetes mellitus, 67% had hypertension; 55% had HFrEF (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction), and 19% had HFpEF (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction). At 1 year, 3.6% had a heart failure-related device (0-22%) and 7.3% used an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (0-43%). Mortality was 4.4% per 1 month and 11.77% per 1-year post-discharge. Compared with higher-income patients, lower-income patients had a higher 1-year total heart failure hospitalization rate (45.6 vs 29.9%, p=0.001), and the 1-year mortality difference was not statistically significant (13.2 vs 8.8%, p=0.059).

    CONCLUSION: Most of the patients with AHF in Arab countries had a high burden of cardiac risk factors, low income, and low education status with great heterogeneity in key performance indicators of AHF management among Arab countries.

    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  4. Wan, Ying Gan, Siti Fatihah Murtaza, Norhasmah Sulaiman, Zalilah Mohd Shariff
    Malays J Nutr, 2018;24(2):215-226.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Childhood stunting is recognised as one of the most significant
    barriers to human development. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the
    factors associated with stunting among Orang Asli (OA) preschool children in Negeri
    Sembilan, Malaysia.

    Methods: A total of 264 children (50.9% boys and 49.1%
    girls) aged 2-6 years (M=4.04, SD=1.21 years) including their mothers from 14 OA
    villages in Negeri Sembilan participated in this study. Mothers were interviewed to
    obtain information regarding socioeconomic status, sanitation facility and personal
    hygiene. The height of the children and their mothers were measured. Venous
    blood samples were drawn from the children to estimate haemoglobin level, and
    stool samples were collected to screen for intestinal parasitic infections.

    Results:
    Approximately one third of the children (35.6%) and 7.8% of the mothers were
    stunted. One in five of the children were anaemic (21.6%), while one- third had
    intestinal parasitic infections (35.0%). Low birth weight (AOR=2.526, 95% CI: 1.310-
    4.872; p=0.006), anaemia (AOR=2.742, 95% CI: 1.265-5.945; p=0.011), presence
    of intestinal parasitic infections (AOR=2.235, 95% CI: 1.310-3.813, p=0.003), not
    wearing shoes (AOR=2.602, 95% CI: 1.453-4.660; p=0.001), absence of piped water
    at home (AOR=2.395, 95% CI: 1.047-5.476; p=0.039), dirty nails (AOR=1.956, 95%
    CI: 1.163-3.289, p=0.011), and stunted mothers (AOR=3.443, 95% CI: 1.334-8.890;
    p=0.011) were identified as significant factors for childhood stunting.

    Conclusion:
    It is suggested that the factors identified associated with childhood stunting be
    included in future intervention programmes that address stunting among OA
    children.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  5. Haniff J, Das A, Onn LT, Sun CW, Nordin NM, Rampal S, et al.
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2007;16(3):527-36.
    PMID: 17704035
    Anemia is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency during pregnancy. Except for a study conducted 10 years ago in Kelantan, Malaysia's available statistics are based on isolated small urban maternity hospital studies from the 1980s. There was therefore, a need for a large study at national level to estimate the magnitude of the problem in the country as well as to understand its epidemiology. This multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2005, to assess the prevalence of anemia. Multistage stratified random sampling technique was used and 59 Ministry of Health (MOH) primary health care clinics were selected. Our final dataset consisted of 1,072 antenatal mothers from 56 clinics. The overall prevalence of anemia in this population was 35 % (SE 0.02) if the cut off level is 11 g/dL and 11 % (SE 0.03) if the cut-off level is 10 g/dL. The majority was of the mild type. The prevalence was higher in the teenage group, Indians followed by Malays and Chinese being the least, grandmultiparas, the third trimester and from urban residence. After multiple linear regression analysis, only gestational age remained significant. These findings are useful for our Maternal Health program planners and implementers to target and evaluate interventions. Work is in progress for outcomes and cost-effectiveness studies to best tackle this problem. In conclusion, the prevalence of anemia is 35% and mostly of the mild type and more prevalent in the Indian and Malays.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  6. Rosengren A, Smyth A, Rangarajan S, Ramasundarahettige C, Bangdiwala SI, AlHabib KF, et al.
    Lancet Glob Health, 2019 06;7(6):e748-e760.
    PMID: 31028013 DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(19)30045-2
    BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic status is associated with differences in risk factors for cardiovascular disease incidence and outcomes, including mortality. However, it is unclear whether the associations between cardiovascular disease and common measures of socioeconomic status-wealth and education-differ among high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries, and, if so, why these differences exist. We explored the association between education and household wealth and cardiovascular disease and mortality to assess which marker is the stronger predictor of outcomes, and examined whether any differences in cardiovascular disease by socioeconomic status parallel differences in risk factor levels or differences in management.

    METHODS: In this large-scale prospective cohort study, we recruited adults aged between 35 years and 70 years from 367 urban and 302 rural communities in 20 countries. We collected data on families and households in two questionnaires, and data on cardiovascular risk factors in a third questionnaire, which was supplemented with physical examination. We assessed socioeconomic status using education and a household wealth index. Education was categorised as no or primary school education only, secondary school education, or higher education, defined as completion of trade school, college, or university. Household wealth, calculated at the household level and with household data, was defined by an index on the basis of ownership of assets and housing characteristics. Primary outcomes were major cardiovascular disease (a composite of cardiovascular deaths, strokes, myocardial infarction, and heart failure), cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. Information on specific events was obtained from participants or their family.

    FINDINGS: Recruitment to the study began on Jan 12, 2001, with most participants enrolled between Jan 6, 2005, and Dec 4, 2014. 160 299 (87·9%) of 182 375 participants with baseline data had available follow-up event data and were eligible for inclusion. After exclusion of 6130 (3·8%) participants without complete baseline or follow-up data, 154 169 individuals remained for analysis, from five low-income, 11 middle-income, and four high-income countries. Participants were followed-up for a mean of 7·5 years. Major cardiovascular events were more common among those with low levels of education in all types of country studied, but much more so in low-income countries. After adjustment for wealth and other factors, the HR (low level of education vs high level of education) was 1·23 (95% CI 0·96-1·58) for high-income countries, 1·59 (1·42-1·78) in middle-income countries, and 2·23 (1·79-2·77) in low-income countries (pinteraction<0·0001). We observed similar results for all-cause mortality, with HRs of 1·50 (1·14-1·98) for high-income countries, 1·80 (1·58-2·06) in middle-income countries, and 2·76 (2·29-3·31) in low-income countries (pinteraction<0·0001). By contrast, we found no or weak associations between wealth and these two outcomes. Differences in outcomes between educational groups were not explained by differences in risk factors, which decreased as the level of education increased in high-income countries, but increased as the level of education increased in low-income countries (pinteraction<0·0001). Medical care (eg, management of hypertension, diabetes, and secondary prevention) seemed to play an important part in adverse cardiovascular disease outcomes because such care is likely to be poorer in people with the lowest levels of education compared to those with higher levels of education in low-income countries; however, we observed less marked differences in care based on level of education in middle-income countries and no or minor differences in high-income countries.

    INTERPRETATION: Although people with a lower level of education in low-income and middle-income countries have higher incidence of and mortality from cardiovascular disease, they have better overall risk factor profiles. However, these individuals have markedly poorer health care. Policies to reduce health inequities globally must include strategies to overcome barriers to care, especially for those with lower levels of education.

    FUNDING: Full funding sources are listed at the end of the paper (see Acknowledgments).

    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  7. Palafox B, McKee M, Balabanova D, AlHabib KF, Avezum AJ, Bahonar A, et al.
    Int J Equity Health, 2016 12 08;15(1):199.
    PMID: 27931255
    BACKGROUND: Effective policies to control hypertension require an understanding of its distribution in the population and the barriers people face along the pathway from detection through to treatment and control. One key factor is household wealth, which may enable or limit a household's ability to access health care services and adequately control such a chronic condition. This study aims to describe the scale and patterns of wealth-related inequalities in the awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in 21 countries using baseline data from the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology study.

    METHODS: A cross-section of 163,397 adults aged 35 to 70 years were recruited from 661 urban and rural communities in selected low-, middle- and high-income countries (complete data for this analysis from 151,619 participants). Using blood pressure measurements, self-reported health and household data, concentration indices adjusted for age, sex and urban-rural location, we estimate the magnitude of wealth-related inequalities in the levels of hypertension awareness, treatment, and control in each of the 21 country samples.

    RESULTS: Overall, the magnitude of wealth-related inequalities in hypertension awareness, treatment, and control was observed to be higher in poorer than in richer countries. In poorer countries, levels of hypertension awareness and treatment tended to be higher among wealthier households; while a similar pro-rich distribution was observed for hypertension control in countries at all levels of economic development. In some countries, hypertension awareness was greater among the poor (Sweden, Argentina, Poland), as was treatment (Sweden, Poland) and control (Sweden).

    CONCLUSION: Inequality in hypertension management outcomes decreased as countries became richer, but the considerable variation in patterns of wealth-related inequality - even among countries at similar levels of economic development - underscores the importance of health systems in improving hypertension management for all. These findings show that some, but not all, countries, including those with limited resources, have been able to achieve more equitable management of hypertension; and strategies must be tailored to national contexts to achieve optimal impact at population level.

    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class*
  8. Phillips LH, Lawrie L, Schaefer A, Tan CY, Yong MH
    Front Psychol, 2021;12:631458.
    PMID: 33692728 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.631458
    Planning ability is important in everyday functioning, and a key measure to assess the preparation and execution of plans is the Tower of London (ToL) task. Previous studies indicate that older adults are often less accurate than the young on the ToL and that there may be cultural differences in performance on the task. However, potential interactions between age and culture have not previously been explored. In the current study we examined the effects of age on ToL performance in an Asian culture (Malaysia) and a Western culture (British) (n = 191). We also explored whether working memory, age, education, and socioeconomic status explained variance in ToL performance across these two cultures. Results indicated that age effects on ToL performance were greater in the Malaysian sample. Subsequent moderated mediation analysis revealed differences between the two cultures (British vs Malaysians), in that the age-related variance in ToL accuracy was accounted for by WM capacity at low and medium education levels only in the Malaysian sample. Demographic variables could not explain additional variance in ToL speed or accuracy. These results may reflect cultural differences in the familiarity and cognitive load of carrying out complex planning tasks.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  9. Nikbakht Nasrabadi A, Pahlevan Sharif S, Allen KA, Naghavi N, Sharif Nia H, Salisu WJ, et al.
    Eur J Cancer Prev, 2022 Mar 01;31(2):198-203.
    PMID: 33899748 DOI: 10.1097/CEJ.0000000000000683
    While much research has focused on the direct impact of socioeconomic status on cancer patients, what is not clear is the impact of socioeconomic status on social support and the burden of care for caregivers. In this study, a cross-sectional method, using a convenience sampling approach, was adopted to collect the data of 191 caregivers of cancer patients who were referred to the oncology clinic and cancer institute of hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The participants completed a questionnaire on basic demographics, the short version of the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers, and Zimet Multidimensional Perceived Social Support. A maximum likelihood exploratory factor analysis with oblique rotation to assess the factor structure of the constructs and the measurement model was conducted. The two-factor model consisting of 22 items explained 65.116% of the variance. There was a significant negative relationship between social support and burden (b = -0.771, P < 0.001) and also between economic status and burden (b = -0.308, P < 0.01). Moreover, there was a significant positive association between the interaction of social support and economic status and burden (b = 0.138, P < 0.05). More specifically, the negative relationship between social support and burden was statistically stronger for participants with weak economic status (b = -0.663, P < 0.001) than those with good economic status (b = -0.356, P < 0.01). Social support and an individual's economic status are essential determinants of caregiver burden. Further studies are recommended to better inform the precise support needed by caregivers to enhance their quality of life, and ultimately, that of the patients under their care.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  10. Yadav H
    Med J Malaysia, 2007 Oct;62(4):278-81.
    PMID: 18551928 MyJurnal
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  11. Yadav H
    Singapore Med J, 1983 Jun;24(3):145-9.
    PMID: 6635677
    The birth weight distribution, mean birth weight and incidence of LBW amongst the various ethnic groups in Malaysia is described briefly. The data collected and analysed is hospital data where all deliveries in 1980 were analysed. The mean birth weight showed that the Chinese had the highest Mean Birth Weight amongst the three ethnic groups and the Indians had the lowest mean birth weights. The overall incidence of LBW was 11.8% and the Malay and Indian babies constituted the high
    incidence of LBW whereas the Chinese had a low incidence of LBW babies in the study. Amongst the various ethnic groups the Indians had a higher incidence of LBW compared to the Chinese and Malays.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  12. Wan Mahmud WM, Shariff S, Yaacob MJ
    Malays J Med Sci, 2002 Jan;9(1):41-8.
    PMID: 22969317 MyJurnal
    The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and associated risk factors of postpartum depression among Malay women in Beris Kubor Besar, Bachok, Kelantan The study was conducted between February to August 1998. A two-stage population survey approach was employed. Firstly, all the women who delivered between the months of February and May 1998 in the catchment area were identified. In stage 1, the 30 items GHQ was used as the screening instrument at 6 to 8 weeks postpartum. All the potential cases (scoring above 6 on the questionnaire) were later interviewed using the CIS in stage 2 of the study. Diagnosis of postpartum depression was only made if the women fulfilled required criteria. Of the 174 women who were recruited, 17 of them fulfilled the criteria for postpartum depression yielding an incidence rate of 9.8 %. The condition was found to be significantly linked to low income or socioeconomic status, having marital problems (mainly financial in nature) and not breast - feeding.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  13. S.K. Norshafarina, M.S. Noor Ibrahim, S. Suzana, A. Mohamad Hasnan, M. Zahara, Y. Zaitun
    Sains Malaysiana, 2013;42:1345-1355.
    A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Sarcopenia and its association with health profiles and oxidative stress among multiethnic older adults in an urban area of Malaysia. Sarcopenia was assessed using Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and the associations between demography, socioeconomic status, lifestyle practices, health risk factors and blood profile were examined on 388 apparently healthy subjects aged 60 years and above. Prevalence of sarcopenia was 89.0% in men and 40.3% in women with the overall prevalence of 59.8%. It was found that prevalence of severe sarcopenia was 13.9% and sarcopenia obese was 23.5%. Binary logistic regression showed that there was no predictor found in men or women. However, a decline in muscle mass was observed in sarcopenic as compared with normal subjects. Sarcopenia is prevalent and there is a need to implement interventional strategies to prevent sarcopenia and its associated comorbidities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  14. Wong LP
    BMC Public Health, 2011;11:446.
    PMID: 21649937 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-446
    This study sought to understand the factors associated with street racing among the illegal motorcycle racers in Malaysia or known as the "Mat Rempit".
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class*
  15. Xenos P, Kabamalan M, Westley SB
    PMID: 12349008
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  16. Suzana S, Earland J, Suriah AR, Warnes AM
    J Nutr Health Aging, 2002;6(6):363-9.
    PMID: 12459886
    Older people especially those residing in rural areas are at a greater risk of malnutrition.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  17. Vohra U
    IIPS Newsl, 1993 Jul;34(3):4-6.
    PMID: 12287408
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  18. Virens, S.
    MyJurnal
    Preferred body sizes appear to decrease markedly with increasing exposure to contemporäry notions of slimness and economic modernity, and reduce even further in industrial settings as socio-economic status increases. Recently a study examining physical attractiveness preferences in Britain and Malaysia, shows that preference for slim ideals varies according to socio-economic status. Malaysians in
    Britain and Kuala Lumpur preferred slimmer female bodies than observers in semiurban Kota Kinabalu, who in turn preferred slimmer figures than rural observers in East Malaysia. This study has important implications for the study of body image and eating disorders in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  19. Natarajan P, Choudhury M, Seenivasan MK, Jeyapalan K, Natarajan S, Vaidhyanathan AK
    J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2019 May;11(Suppl 2):S402-S406.
    PMID: 31198377 DOI: 10.4103/JPBS.JPBS_48_19
    Aim: This study evaluated the relationship between missing posterior teeth and body mass index with regard to age and socioeconomic state in a sample of the suburban south Indian population.

    Materials and Methods: The 500 individuals of both males and females aged 40 years and older with missing posterior teeth and not rehabilitated with any prosthesis were gone through a clinical history, intraoral examination, and anthropometric measurement to get information regarding age, sex, socioeconomic status, missing posterior teeth, and body mass index (BMI). Subjects were divided into five groups according to BMI (underweight > 18.5 kg/m2, normal weight 18.5-23 kg/m2, overweight 23-25 kg/m2, obese without surgery 25-32.5 kg/m2, obese with surgery < 32.5 kg/m2). Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust data according to age, sex, number of missing posterior teeth, and socioeconomic status.

    Results: People with a higher number of tooth loss were more obese. Females with high tooth loss were found to be more obese than male. Low socioeconomic group obese female had significantly higher tooth loss than any other group. No significant relation between age and obesity was found with regard to tooth loss.

    Conclusion: The BMI and tooth loss are interrelated. Management of obesity and tooth loss can help to maintain the overall health status.

    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  20. United Nations. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific ESCAP. Secretariat
    Econ Bull Asia Pac, 1985 Dec;36(2):56-80.
    PMID: 12280574
    Fertility differentials between rural and urban populations are investigated using World Fertility Survey data for Bangladesh, Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. "The fertility measure used in this analysis is the number of children ever born to a woman. An attempt is made first to establish the differential in fertility levels between urban and rural areas after necessary control of the demographic factors..., and then the possible explanation of the differential is sought in terms of socio-economic variables such as education of the respondent, and occupation, work pattern, work status and place of work of the respondent as well as that of the husband." Data concerning the fertility differentials and the associated explanatory variables are presented in tables and charts. "The results tend to show that the countries of Asia are undergoing similar patterns of fertility transition as was experienced in the advanced countries. Perhaps one can graduate the countries in the transition scale as follows: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan and Malaysia are in the initial stage; Fiji, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka and Thailand are in the middle stage of transition."
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
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