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  1. Fulltext Interleukin-6 via sputum induction as biomarker of inflammation for indoor particulate matter among primary school children in Klang Valley, Malaysia
    Nazariah SS, Juliana J, Abdah MA
    Glob J Health Sci, 2013 Jul;5(4):93-105.
    PMID: 23777726 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v5n4p93
    In the last few years, air within homes have been indicates by various and emerging body as more serious polluted than those outdoor. Prevalence of respiratory inflammation among school children aged 8 and 10 years old attending national primary schools in urban and rural area were conducted in Klang Valley. Two population studies drawn from the questionnaires were used to investigate the association between indoor particulate matter (PM2.5 & PM10) in a home environment and respiratory implication through the understanding of biological responses. Approximately 430 healthy school children of Standard 2 and Standard 5 were selected. Indication of respiratory symptoms using adaptation questionnaire from American Thoracic Society (1978). Sputum sample collection taken for biological analysis. IL-6 then was analyse by using ELISA techniques. Indoor PM2.5 and PM10 were measured using Dust Trak Aerosol Monitor. The mean concentration of PM2.5 (45.38 µg/m3) and PM10 (80.07 µg/m3) in urban home environment is significantly higher compared to those in rural residential area (p=0.001). Similar trend also shows by the prevalence of respiratory symptom. Association were found with PM2.5 and PM10 with the level of IL-6 among school children. A greater exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 are associated with higher expression of IL-6 level suggesting that the concentration of indoor particulate in urban density area significantly influence the health of children.
    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data
  2. Factors associated with cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson disease: an urban study
    Rosdinom R, Fazli A, Ruzyanei NJ, Azlin B, Srijit D
    Clin Ter, 2011;162(1):23-9.
    PMID: 21448542
    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer disease. Besides motor presentations, cognitive impairment is among the other likely complications as the illness progresses. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment in PD and the factors associated with the cognitive impairment.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted on all PD patients at different stages of their illness, in two major tertiary hospitals in Malaysia with their caregivers, over a three month period in 2002. Patients' cognitive functions were tested using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Important sociodemographic data and relevant clinical information of the patients as well as caregivers' information on income, duration of care-giving, relationship with the patient, and other relevant variables were gathered. Patients' level of functioning was assessed using the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) index. Staging of illness was done based on the Hoehn and Yahr Scale.
    RESULTS: Out of 115 eligible patients, 35% were in the 60-69 age group with 57% in stage 2 of illness, A total of 29% of patients experienced various degrees of cognitive impairment , with almost half (47%) in the stage 3 and 4 exhibiting MMSE scores <24. Factors which were significantly associated with impaired cognitions were race, educational level and stage of illness.
    CONCLUSION: Cognitive impairment was fairly common in PD and the severity of impairment in cognition and physical functioning increased with the advancement of the illness.
    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data
  3. Cervical cancer screening in Malaysia: Are targeted interventions necessary?
    Dunn RA, Tan AKG
    Soc Sci Med, 2010 Sep;71(6):1089-93.
    PMID: 20685019 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.06.016
    This study examines the determinants of Papanicolaou Smear Test (PST) screening for cervical cancer among women in Malaysia. Attention is focused on the reasons different population subgroups give for non-screening. We find that Indian women are the least likely to have had a PST and also the least likely to know the reasons why one is screened. Malay women are less likely than Chinese women to have received a PST and are more likely to report embarrassment as the reason for not being tested. Urban women are less likely than rural women to have been tested and more likely to state lack of time as the reason. These results suggest targeted interventions may be necessary to increase screening rates in Malaysia.
    Study name: Malaysia Non-Communicable Disease Surveillance-1 (MyNCDS-1) survey
    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data
  4. Prevalence rates and risk factors for hepatitis C among drug users not in treatment in Malaysia
    Vicknasingam B, Narayanan S, Navaratnam V
    Drug Alcohol Rev, 2009 Jul;28(4):447-54.
    PMID: 19594801 DOI: 10.1111/j.1465-3362.2009.00087.x
    The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among heroin dependants in treatment was estimated at 89.9%; however, virtually no information exists on the prevalence or risk behaviour among the larger population of drug users not in treatment. This study assessed the prevalence of HCV and associated risk factors among this group with a view to designing more effective intervention programs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data
  5. Prevalence of sexual problems and its association with social, psychological and physical factors among men in a Malaysian population: a cross-sectional study
    Quek KF, Sallam AA, Ng CH, Chua CB
    J Sex Med, 2008 Jan;5(1):70-6.
    PMID: 17362280 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00423.x
    INTRODUCTION: Sexual problems are common in the general population. Studies have shown that most of these sexual problems are related to their social lives, medical illnesses, and psychological status. Among the sexual problems in men, premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most frequent, yet it is the least well-understood of the sexual dysfunctions of men.
    AIM: To determine the prevalence of sexual problem particularly PE and erectile dysfunction (ED) among people living in urban areas and to investigate the characteristics associated with these sexual problems in a Malaysian population.
    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The PE which is defined as an intravaginal ejaculation latency time less than 2 minutes was assessed in the ED and non-ED group.
    METHODS: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale is used as a measure of the psychological status [30]. The ED status was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire.
    RESULTS: The prevalence of self-reported sexual problems for ED and PE were 41.6% and 22.3%, respectively. In those subjects with ED, 33.5% reported to have PE. Of the total of 430 subjects, anxiety was present in 8.1%, while depression was 5.3%. The prevalence of PE accounted for 25% anxiety and 14.6% for depression respectively in the population. EDs were associated with diabetes and hypertension (OR [95% CI]: 5.33 [2.33, 10.16], 3.40 [1.76, 6.57], P < 0.05), respectively, while factors associated with PE were anxiety and depression (OR [95% CI]: 1.29 [0.68, 2.45], 1.39 [0.69, 2.78]), respectively.
    CONCLUSION: Prevalence of ED is associated with medical symptoms such as diabetes and hypertension and a rise in the prevalence of age while psychological distress such as anxiety and depression also contribute to a higher PE rate.
    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data*
  6. 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: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data*
  7. Risk of concentrations of major air pollutants on the prevalence of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in urbanized area of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Tajudin MABA, Khan MF, Mahiyuddin WRW, Hod R, Latif MT, Hamid AH, et al.
    Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2019 Apr 30;171:290-300.
    PMID: 30612017 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.12.057
    Rapid urbanisation in Malaysian cities poses risks to the health of residents. This study aims to estimate the relative risk (RR) of major air pollutants on cardiovascular and respiratory hospitalisations in Kuala Lumpur. Daily hospitalisations due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases from 2010 to 2014 were obtained from the Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM). The trace gases, PM10 and weather variables were obtained from the Department of Environment (DOE) Malaysia in consistent with the hospitalisation data. The RR was estimated using a Generalised Additive Model (GAM) based on Poisson regression. A "lag" concept was used where the analysis was segregated into risks of immediate exposure (lag 0) until exposure after 5 days (lag 5). The results showed that the gases could pose significant risks towards cardiovascular and respiratory hospitalisations. However, the RR value of PM10 was not significant in this study. Immediate effects on cardiovascular hospitalisations were observed for NO2 and O3 but no immediate effect was found on respiratory hospitalisations. Delayed effects on cardiovascular and respiratory hospitalisations were found with SO2 and NO2. The highest RR value was observed at lag 4 for respiratory admissions with SO2 (RR = 1.123, 95% CI = 1.045-1.207), followed by NO2 at lag 5 for cardiovascular admissions (RR = 1.025, 95% CI = 1.005-1.046). For the multi-pollutant model, NO2 at lag 5 showed the highest risks towards cardiovascular hospitalisations after controlling for O3 8 h mean lag 1 (RR = 1.026, 95% CI = 1.006-1.047), while SO2 at lag 4 showed highest risks towards respiratory hospitalisations after controlling for NO2 lag 3 (RR = 1.132, 95% CI = 1.053-1.216). This study indicated that exposure to trace gases in Kuala Lumpur could lead to both immediate and delayed effects on cardiovascular and respiratory hospitalisations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data*
  8. Cardiovascular risk factors in pre-pubertal Malays: effects of diabetic parentage
    Choo KE, Lau KB, Davis WA, Chew PH, Jenkins AJ, Davis TM
    Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2007 Apr;76(1):119-25.
    PMID: 16979774 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2006.08.006
    Diabetes prevalence is increasing rapidly in Asian populations but the influence of a family history of diabetes on cardiovascular risk is unknown. To assess this relationship, 120 urban-dwelling Malays were recruited to a cross-sectional case-control study. Sixty were pre-pubertal children, 30 of diabetic parentage (Group 1) and 30 with no diabetes family history (Group 2). Group 1 and 2 subjects were the offspring of adults with (Group 3) or without (Group 4) type 2 diabetes. Subjects were assessed for clinical and biochemical variables defining cardiovascular risk. Principal component analysis assessed clustering of variables in the children. Group 1 subjects had a higher mean waist:hip ratio, diastolic blood pressure and HbA(1c) than those in Group 2, and a lower HDL:total cholesterol ratio (P<0.03). Although there were no correlations between Group 1 and 3 subjects for cardiovascular risk variables, significant associations were found in Groups 2 and 4, especially HbA(1c) and insulin sensitivity (P< or =0.004). Of five separate clusters of variables (factors) identified amongst the children, the strongest comprised diabetic parentage, HbA(1c), insulin sensitivity and blood pressure. Features of the metabolic syndrome are becoming evident in the young non-obese children of diabetic Malays, suggesting that lifestyle factors merit particular attention in this group.
    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data
  9. Fulltext Risk factors for antenatal hypovitaminosis D in an urban district in Malaysia
    Bukhary NBI, Isa ZM, Shamsuddin K, Lin KG, Mahdy ZA, Hassan H, et al.
    BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 2016 07 13;16(1):156.
    PMID: 27411716 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-016-0939-3
    BACKGROUND: Pregnant women form one of the high risk groups facing hypovitaminosis D. Low level of vitamin D will affect directly or indirectly both mother and fetus. Screening vitamin D in the first trimester of pregnancy is important to determine the necessary preventive action. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and its risk factors among pregnant women in the first trimester.

    METHODS: A cross sectional study was carried out among first trimester pregnant women during their first antenatal visit. Samples were taken from different ethnicities in an urban district in Malaysia. A total of 396 respondents (99 % response rate) aged 18-40 years completed self-administered and guided questionnaire (characteristics and risk factors), validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire for vitamin D in Malaysia (FFQ vitamin D/My), anthropometric measures (weight and height), blood test for serum 25(OH)D, skin measurement using Mexameter (MX 18) and Fitzpatrick Skin Type Chart Measurement (FSTCM). Data were analyzed to determine the association between risk factors and hypovitaminosis D.

    RESULTS: The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (serum 25(OH)D 

    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data*
  10. Fulltext Prevalence and determinants of cardiovascular disease risk factors among the residents of urban community housing projects in Malaysia
    Amiri M, Majid HA, Hairi F, Thangiah N, Bulgiba A, Su TT
    BMC Public Health, 2014;14 Suppl 3:S3.
    PMID: 25436515 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-S3-S3
    Objectives: The objectives are to assess the prevalence and determinants of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among the residents of Community Housing Projects in metropolitan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
    Method: By using simple random sampling, we selected and surveyed 833 households which comprised of 3,722 individuals. Out of the 2,360 adults, 50.5% participated in blood sampling and anthropometric measurement sessions. Uni and bivariate data analysis and multivariate binary logistic regression were applied to identify demographic and socioeconomic determinants of the existence of having at least one CVD risk factor.
    Results: As a Result, while obesity (54.8%), hypercholesterolemia (51.5%), and hypertension (39.3%) were the most common CVD risk factors among the low-income respondents, smoking (16.3%), diabetes mellitus (7.8%) and alcohol consumption (1.4%) were the least prevalent. Finally, the results from the multivariate binary logistic model illustrated that compared to the Malays, the Indians were 41% less likely to have at least one of the CVD risk factors (OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.37 - 0.93).
    Conclusion: In Conclusion, the low-income individuals were at higher risk of developing CVDs. Prospective policies addressing preventive actions and increased awareness focusing on low-income communities are highly recommended and to consider age, gender, ethnic backgrounds, and occupation classes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data*
  11. The prevalence of physical activity and its associated factors among Malaysian adults: findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011
    Teh CH, Lim KK, Chan YY, Lim KH, Azahadi O, Hamizatul Akmar AH, et al.
    Public Health, 2014 May;128(5):416-23.
    PMID: 24726414 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2013.10.008
    OBJECTIVES: Despite the health-enhancing benefits of physical activity, a large segment of the Malaysian population does not engage in regular physical activity at the recommended level. This study aimed to determine physical activity patterns and the associated sociodemographic correlates of physical activity.
    STUDY DESIGN: Data on physical activity were obtained from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2011, a nationally representative, population-based cross-sectional study. A two-stage stratified sampling method was used to select a representative sample of Malaysian adults aged 16 years and above.
    METHODS: A total of 19,145 adults aged 16 years and above were recruited, and face-to-face interviews were conducted using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), short version. The correlates for physical activity were identified using multivariate analysis.
    RESULTS: In this study, 64.3% (95%CI: 63.1-65.5) of Malaysian adults aged 16 and above were physically active, but overall physical activity levels decreased with advancing age. Men, rural residents, 'other' ethnic groups, and married women were more likely to demonstrate higher levels of physical activity.
    CONCLUSION: Approximately 65% of Malaysian adults were physically active. However, it is recommended that health promotions for active lifestyles should be targeted to the least active segments, which constitute more than a quarter of the Malaysian population.
    KEYWORDS: Correlates; IPAQ; Malaysian adults; Physical activity; Sociodemographic
    Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2011)
    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data
  12. Fulltext A Malay version of the Child Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (Child-OIDP) index: assessing validity and reliability
    Yusof ZY, Jaafar N
    Health Qual Life Outcomes, 2012;10:63.
    PMID: 22682472 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7525-10-63
    The study aimed to develop and test a Malay version of the Child-OIDP index, evaluate its psychometric properties and report on the prevalence of oral impacts on eight daily performances in a sample of 11-12 year old Malaysian schoolchildren.
    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data
  13. Self-medication practices among adult population attending community pharmacies in Malaysia: an exploratory study
    Hassali MA, Shafie AA, Al-Qazaz H, Tambyappa J, Palaian S, Hariraj V
    Int J Clin Pharm, 2011 Oct;33(5):794-9.
    PMID: 21811832 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-011-9539-5
    OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of self-medication among adults in an urban setting and to identify any factors contributing to self-medication in relation to consumer characteristics.

    SETTING: The study was carried out in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a self administered questionnaire including adults above 21 years old as an exit survey was conducted in Kuala Lumpur.

    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of medications taken in a day by participants, source of medication for the treatment of minor illnesses among participants, common illnesses chosen for self-medication by participants, and the sources of information of participants.

    RESULTS: Of 314 participants, 62.7% had taken at least one medication in the past week without prescription and 62.7% believed that over the counter medicines were just as effective as those prescribed by doctors. 69.4% would seek a healthcare professional's advice before purchasing any medication and 86.9% would consult a pharmacist prior to buying medication from the pharmacy. Only 86% checked the expiry dates on medications and 54.5% reported keeping leftover medication.

    CONCLUSIONS: Self-medication practice is prevalent in Kuala Lumpur but some practice might be harmful. Education on appropriate use of self-medication need to be emphasized in order to ensure quality use of medicines.

    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data*
  14. Knowledge of and attitudes toward the HPV vaccine among multi-ethnic women from urban/university and rural areas
    Wong LP
    Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 2011 Feb;112(2):146-7.
    PMID: 21130440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2010.09.006
    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data
  15. Erectile dysfunction and comorbidities in aging men: an urban cross-sectional study in Malaysia
    Khoo EM, Tan HM, Low WY
    J Sex Med, 2008 Dec;5(12):2925-34.
    PMID: 18761590 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.00988.x
    INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED), lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), cardiovascular disease (CVD), depression, and androgen deficiency are common conditions affecting aging men over 50 years. However, data were limited in developing countries.
    AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of ED, LUTS, chronic diseases, depression, androgen deficiency symptoms, and lifestyle of aging men in Malaysia, and to examine their associations with sociodemographic factors.
    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ED, LUTS, chronic diseases, depression, positive Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire
    METHODS: A randomized survey of 351 men using structured questionnaires consisting of self-reported medical conditions, International Index for Erectile Function-5, International Prostate Symptom Score, Geriatric Depression Scale-15, and St Louis University questionnaire for ADAM. Blood samples were taken for glucose, lipid, prostate specific antigen (PSA), and hormones.
    RESULTS: Mean age was 58+/-7 years. Prevalence of ED was 70.1% (mild ED 32.8%, mild to moderate ED 17.7%, moderate ED 5.1%, and severe ED 14.5%). There were 29% of men with moderate and severe LUTS; 11.1% had severe depression; 25.4% scored positive on ADAM questionnaire; 30.2% self-reported hypertension, 21.4% self-reported diabetes mellitus; 10.8% self-reported coronary artery disease; 19.1% were smokers; and 34% consumed alcohol. There were 78.6% of men that are overweight and obese; 28.8% had a fasting blood sugar (FBS) >or=6.1 mmol/L, 70.1% had total cholesterol >5.2 mmol/L, 19.1% had total testosterone >or=11.0 nmoL/L, 14.0% had calculated free testosterone <0.0225 nmoL/dL; 4% had PSA >4 microg/L; 9.4% had insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) level below age specific range, 5.1% had abnormal sex hormone binding globulin (<15 nmoL/L and >70 nmol/L). ED was found to be significantly associated with LUTS, depression (P<0.001 respectively). Similarly, LUTS was significantly associated with depression and ADAM questionnaire status (P<0.001 respectively); and ADAM questionnaire status was also significantly associated with depression (P<0.001).
    CONCLUSION: ED, LUTS, depression, and androgen deficiency symptoms are common in urban aging men. As these conditions are possibly interrelated, strategies for early disease prevention and detection are warranted when one disease presents.
    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data*
  16. Fulltext A national study on the prevalence of obesity among 16,127 Malaysians
    Rampal L, Rampal S, Khor GL, Zain AM, Ooyub SB, Rahmat RB, et al.
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2007;16(3):561-6.
    PMID: 17704038
    A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in all states of Malaysia with the aim to determine the prevalence of obesity among Malaysians aged fifteen years and above and factors associated. A stratified two-stage cluster sampling design with proportional allocation was used. Trained interviewers using a standardized protocol obtained the weight and height measurements and other relevant information. Subjects with a body mass index >= 30 kg/m2 were labelled as obese. The results show that the overall national prevalence of obesity among Malaysians aged 15 years old and above was 11.7% (95% CI = 11.1 - 12.4%). The prevalence of obesity was significantly higher in females (13.8%) as compared to 9.6% in males (p< 0.0001). Prevalence of obesity was highest amongst the Malays (13.6%) and Indians (13.5%) followed by the indigenous group of "Sarawak Bumiputra" (10.8%) and the Chinese (8.5%). The indigenous group of "Sabah Bumiputra" had the lowest prevalence of 7.3%. These differences are statistically significant (p< 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis results show that there was a significant association between obesity and age, gender, ethnicity urban/rural status and smoking status. The prevalence of obesity amongst those aged >= 18 years old has markedly increased by 280% since the last National Health and Morbidity Survey in 1996.
    Study name: National study on Cardio-Vascular Disease Risk Factors 2004
    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data
  17. Racial differences in Helicobacter pylori, serum pepsinogen and gastric cancer incidence in an urban Asian population
    Ang TL, Fock KM, Dhamodaran S, Teo EK, Tan J
    J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2005 Oct;20(10):1603-9.
    PMID: 16174081
    In Singapore, the highest incidence of gastric cancer occurs in the Chinese (C), with lower rates among Malay (M) and Indian (I) subjects. The purpose of the present paper was to examine whether racial differences in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and serum pepsinogen (PG) could account for this difference.
    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data*
  18. Fulltext Psychosocial factors and obesity in 17 high-, middle- and low-income countries: the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiologic study
    Rosengren A, Teo K, Rangarajan S, Kabali C, Khumalo I, Kutty VR, et al.
    Int J Obes (Lond), 2015 Aug;39(8):1217-23.
    PMID: 25869608 DOI: 10.1038/ijo.2015.48
    Psychosocial stress has been proposed to contribute to obesity, particularly abdominal, or central obesity, through chronic activation of the neuroendocrine systems. However, these putative relationships are complex and dependent on country and cultural context. We investigated the association between psychosocial factors and general and abdominal obesity in the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiologic study.
    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data
  19. Fulltext Prediction of cardiovascular disease risk among low-income urban dwellers in metropolitan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Su TT, Amiri M, Mohd Hairi F, Thangiah N, Bulgiba A, Majid HA
    Biomed Res Int, 2015;2015:516984.
    PMID: 25821810 DOI: 10.1155/2015/516984
    We aimed to predict the ten-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among low-income urban dwellers of metropolitan Malaysia. Participants were selected from a cross-sectional survey conducted in Kuala Lumpur. To assess the 10-year CVD risk, we employed the Framingham risk scoring (FRS) models. Significant determinants of the ten-year CVD risk were identified using General Linear Model (GLM). Altogether 882 adults (≥30 years old with no CVD history) were randomly selected. The classic FRS model (figures in parentheses are from the modified model) revealed that 20.5% (21.8%) and 38.46% (38.9%) of respondents were at high and moderate risk of CVD. The GLM models identified the importance of education, occupation, and marital status in predicting the future CVD risk. Our study indicated that one out of five low-income urban dwellers has high chance of having CVD within ten years. Health care expenditure, other illness related costs and loss of productivity due to CVD would worsen the current situation of low-income urban population. As such, the public health professionals and policy makers should establish substantial effort to formulate the public health policy and community-based intervention to minimize the upcoming possible high mortality and morbidity due to CVD among the low-income urban dwellers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data*
  20. Antibody prevalence of Orientia tsutsugamushi, Rickettsia typhi and TT118 spotted fever group rickettsiae among Malaysian blood donors and febrile patients in the urban areas
    Tay ST, Kamalanathan M, Rohani MY
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2003 Mar;34(1):165-70.
    PMID: 12971530
    The seroprevalence of Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT), Rickettsia typhi (RT) and TT118 spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) among blood donors and febrile Malaysian patients in the urban areas was determined. Of the 240 blood donors, 5.4%, 9.2% and 1.7% had either present or previous exposure to OT, RT and SFG rickettsiae, respectively. Patients admitted to an urban hospital had high seroprevalences of OT (43.5%) and RT (22.9%), as compared to SFGR (11.6%). Antibody levels suggestive of recent infections of scrub typhus, murine typhus and tick typhus were detected in 16.8%, 12.7% and 8.2% of patients respectively. No significant difference was noted in the distribution of rickettsial antibodies among urban patients from 2 geographical locations. However, the serologic patterns of rickettsial infection in the urban areas were different form those of rural areas.
    Matched MeSH terms: Urban Population/statistics & numerical data
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