Introduction: This cluster randomised controlled study design aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing nutrition education intervention (NEI) that targeted at incremental reduction of body weight and increased physical activity level among university students. Methods: Body weight and physical activity level were assessed before and after intervention. A total of 417 university students from four public universities in Terengganu participated in the study. They were randomly selected and assigned into two arms, that is, intervention group (IG) or control group (CG) according to their cluster. The IG received 10 weeks intervention focused on NEI promotion using three modes which were conventional lecture, three brochures as take-home messages and text messages for intervention reinforcement while CG did not receive any intervention. Analysis of covariance (ANCOV A) and adjusted effect size were used to determine differences in body weight and physical activity levels between groups and time. Results: No significant changes in body weight were observed among both groups. The average weight and body mass index (BMI) were slightly reduced in IG compared to CG after the 10-week intervention (p>0.05). Nevertheless, physical activity level improved significantly among IG participants compared to CG with increased metabolic equivalent (MET) min/week spent for walking, moderate and vigorous activities and significantly decreased sitting time. The largest adjusted effect size was shown in total physical activity (0.75). Conclusion: The multimodal NEI had a positive influence on physical activity outcomes among university students. NEI should be continuously implemented in this particular population group.
Introduction: Consumers are advised to read the nutrition labeling when purchasing packaged food. To what extent consumers read nutrition labeling and understand what they read is not well established among Malaysian older persons. Methods: Data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey III (NHMS III) undertaken in 2006 was analysed to determine the use and understanding of nutrition labeling and its associated factors among free living elderly men and women aged ~60 years. Descriptive analysis and binary Logistic Regression were used to analyse the data. Results: A total of 4,898 respondents provided self-reported information on their use and understanding of nutrition labeling when they bought or received food. Use of nutrition labeling was higher among elderly men [61.9% (95% CI: 59.6-64.1)] than for women [36.6% (95% CI: 34.5-38.8)]. Nutrition labeling use was significantly associated with age, formal education, higher household income levels and marital status among both elderly men and women. Understanding of nutrition labeling among elderly men and women was 91.8% (95% CI: 90.1-93.2) and 89.7% (95% CI: 87.4-91.7) respectively and was significantly associated with formal education for both elderly men and women. Conclusion: Overall, the reading of nutrition labeling among Malaysian elderly is moderate. Elderly men and women with formal education were more likely to understand nutrition labeling. The importance of reading nutrition labels should be inculcated in consumers including older persons so that they choose foods that are nutritious and safe.
Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2006)
Critical time windows exert profound influences on foetal physiological and metabolic profiles, which predispose an individual to later diseases via a 'programming' effect. Obesity has been suggested to be 'programmed' during early life. Foetuses and infants who experience adverse growth are subjected to a higher risk of obesity. However, the key factors that link adverse foetal growth and obesity risk remain obscure. To date, there is considerable evidence showing that the overall balance between free radical damage and the anti.oxidative process being challenged occurs throughout gestation. With the view that pregnancy is a pro-inflammatory state confronted with enhanced oxidative stress, which possesses similar characteristics to obesity (a chronic inflammatory state with increased oxidative stress), oxidative stress is thus biologically plausibly be proposed as the underlying mechanism between this causal-disease relationship. Oxidative stress could act as a programming cue for the development of obesity by inducing complex functional and metabolic deregulations as well as inducing the alteration of the adipogenesis process. Thereby, oxidative stress promotes adipose tissue deposition from early life onwards. The enhancement of fat accumulation further exaggerates oxidative derangement and perpetuates the cycle of adiposity. This review focuses on the oxidative stress pathways in prenatal and early postnatal stages, from the aspects of various endogenous and exogenous oxidative insults. Because oxidative stress is a modifiable pathway, this modifiability suggests a potential therapeutic target to fight the obesity epidemic by understanding the causal factors of oxidant induction.
Introduction: This study aimed to (i) determine rapid weight loss (RWL) practices among Malaysian elite combat sports athletes and (ii) examine the relationship between the characteristics of athletes, self-reported history of weight loss, perceived influence on weight loss and RWL practices.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Malaysian National Sports Institute among elite combat sports athletes (n=40) recruited via a convenience sampling method. The athletes completed a self-administered validated Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire. Each response was provided a score and the total RWL score corresponded to the aggressiveness of weight management methods. Partial correlations were used to assess the relationships between total RWL score and independent variables.
Results: The prevalence of RWL among the athletes was high (92.5%). Training with rubber or plastic suits (62.2%) and meal-skipping (27.0%) were the most common RWL techniques practised by the respondents. Aggressive weight-cutting as depicted by a higher total RWL score that correlated with most weight ever lost, duration taken to lose weight, influence of training colleagues and coaches, BMI, current weight and post-competition weight regain (all p
Introduction: Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) is becoming increasingly popular among cancer patients worldwide. While health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in relation to cancer outcomes has attracted global attention, there are few studies on CHM use and HRQoL among cancer patients in Malaysia. This study attempted to determine the association between use of CHM, including the types, reasons, and beliefs, and HRQoL among Malaysian cancer patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 cancer patients (60 male and 60 female) recruited from government oncology clinics in Johor state. A purposive non-probability sampling was applied to recruit respondents.
Results: Use of CHM was reported by about half of the patients (49.2%). Common types of CHM used included Chinese herbal extracts (27.5%), Sabah snake grass (12.2%), and ginger (11.5%). The median score for overall belief in CHM significantly differed between
CHM users (71.7%) and non-users (65.0%) (p<0.001). The HRQoL was generally reported as ‘good’ with high scores for overall functioning scales and low scores for symptom scales. However, no significant difference in HRQoL between CHM users and non-users was noted. ‘Social Functioning’ scores between both groups showed a significant difference (p < 0.001) with respect to sex, with females scoring higher than males. No significant association was noted between CHM use and socio-demographic characteristics except for sex.
Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of self-prescription of CHM among the cancer patients studied. Nonetheless use of CHM did not show any significant difference in terms of quality of life among CHM users.
Study site: Oncology clinics, Hospital Sultan Ismail (Johor Bahru) and Hospital Sultanah Nora Ismail (Batu Pahat), Johor, Malaysia
Introduction: Appropriate oral health knowledge is essential to enable parents to be responsible for the oral health care of their children especially those with special needs. This study aimed to determine the oral health knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of parents and cariogenic food intake of their non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate children (NSCLP) compared to non-cleft children.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected parents with children aged 1 to 6 years at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia and Kota Bharu Dental Clinic. A face-to-face interview using a validated questionnaire on oral health KAP and cariogenic food intake of their children was done. Data were analysed by using IBM SPSS version 22.0.
Results: Sixty-four Malay parents with NSCLP (n=33) and non-cleft (n=31) children were recruited. The mean (SD) percentage score of oral health knowledge of parents in both groups (NSCLP and non-cleft) was fair, 59.5%(11.85) and 62.0%(15.00), P=0.4722; oral health attitude was good, 78.0% (9.30) and 80.2% (15.40), P=0.504; but oral health practice was poor 33.8% (5.94) and 36.1 (8.44), P=0.220. The cariogenic food frequency score was significantly higher in noncleft children; 40.2(10.32) compared to NSCLP children, 34.8(9.46), P=0.032.
Conclusions: Parents of both groups had fair knowledge and good attitude but poor oral health practice. Cariogenic foods were consumed more by the non-cleft children. Oral health awareness among the parents needs to be strengthened towards good oral health attitude and practice and non-cariogenic food choices for the betterment of oral health status of their children.
Introduction: Osteoporosis is a major health problem worldwide. In Asia, few studies have measured knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of osteoporosis. This study aimed to determine the KAP of osteoporosis, including the main factors influencing attitude towards osteoporosis, and the relationship between osteoporosis knowledge, attitude, and practices among adults in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study via a self-administrated KAP questionnaire was carried out among 232 respondents aged 21 to 50 years in Kuala Lumpur. Random sampling was applied to select five districts in Kuala Lumpur, while convenient sampling was used for recruitment of apparently healthy subjects from community and institutional settings. The data were analysed using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-Square, Spearman Correlation and multiple logistic regression tests.
Results: The findings indicate a moderate level of knowledge and attitude towards osteoporosis prevention with median scores of 51.6% and 68.6%, respectively. Osteoporosis knowledge varied significantly with gender, educational level and household income (p<0.05). Furthermore, attitude was significantly different in relation to educational level and household income. Based on the multiple logistic regression test, relatives and friends appeared to be the most significant factor influencing attitude (R=0.319, p<0.0001). Poor dietary and lifestyles practices were indicated, and a significant relationship was found between practice of weight-bearing activities and educational level (p<0.05). A significant correlation was found (ρ=0.348, p<0.0001) between knowledge and attitude, while no relationship was noted between knowledge and practice of weight-bearing activities or attitude and practice of weight-bearing activities.
Conclusion: Knowledge played a significant role in affecting attitudes towards osteoporosis. However, understanding of osteoporosis is still at a moderate level. Friends and family were the most influential factor.
Key words: Adults, attitude, knowledge, osteoporosis, practices
Introduction: The consumption of ready-to-eat cereals (RTECs) has been associated with lower anthropometric status as well as a lower risk of childhood obesity. This relationship has not been investigated among school children in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the association between consumption of RTECs and anthropometric status among primary school children in Kuala Lumpur. Method: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 208 school children aged 10 and 11 years were recruited from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Information on socio-demographics, RTECs consumption and anthropometric measurements (height, weight and waist circumference) were obtained. Results: The overall median body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were 17.95(IqR 6.45) kg/m2 and 57.35 (IqR 13.00) cm, respectively. The majority of the children (73%) consumed RTECs. The prevalence of obesity was 23.1%, with more boys (31%) than girls (17.4%) being obese. Meanwhile, 16.8% of the children were overweight. BMI (U=3335.50, z=-2.278, p=0.023) and WC (U=3273.50, z=-2.440, p=0.015) of those who consumed RTECs were significantly lower than those who did not consume RTECs. Meanwhile, children who did not consume RTECs were significantly more likely to develop abdominal adiposity than those who consumed RTECS, X2(2, N=208) =7.61, p=0.022. Conclusion: Children who consumed RTECs have significantly lower BMI and WC, as well as a lower chance of developing abdominal adiposity. Consumption of RTECs indicates an overall healthy lifestyle with an excellent nutritional profile to promote healthy body weight in children and decreased risk of childhood obesity.
Introduction: Heavy metals and other contaminants in food have been a concern to food industries, consumers and governing authorities. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of heavy metals and other elements in edible bird nests (EBNs). Methods: Raw and processed (commercial) EBNs were used in the study. Raw EBNs were collected directly from five house farms in Peninsular Malaysia - Kuala Sanglang (Kedah), Pantai Remis (Perak), Kluang Gohor), Kota Bharu (Kelantan) and Kajang (Selangor). Processed EBNs were pmchased from five Chinese traditional medicinal shops located in Peninsular Malaysia. The levels of 32 elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and findings of the study were compared to the maximum regulatory limits set by the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) for EBNs. Results: Of the seven elements with maximum regulatory limits (As, Cd, Pb, Hg, Sn, Cu, Fe), one raw EBN was detected with mercury level of 70.180 ppb which was above the SIRIM permissible limit of 50 ppb. All the EBNs had iron levels above the SIRIM permissible limit of 30 ppb. The levels of the other 25 elements with no maximum regulatory limits (Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Se, Zn, Ag, Ba, Be, Bi, B, Li, Ni, Sb, Sr, Ti, U, V, Al, Zr) were also determined. Conclusion: The data obtained for the 25 elements with no permissible limits can serve as baseline data for further studies to establish their maximum regulatory limits.
Introduction: Cosmos caudatus (Ulam Raja) is rich in phytochemicals and can be utilised in diet diversification strategies to improve the health of individuals. lbis study was designed to incorporate dry and aqueous extracts of C. caudatus for the preparation of herbal noodles. Methods: For this purpose, different proportions of dry extract (2, 4 and 6% dry extract) and aqueous extract (5, 10 and 15% aqueous extract) of C. caudatus were used. The physicochemical properties of noodles evaluated were pH, cooking time, cooking loss, texture and colour. Total polyphenol contents (TPq and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay were carried out to assess the antioxidant potential. Lastly, sensory appraisal of functional noodles was carried out to assess consumer acceptance and marketability. Results: The results on physicochemical properties indicated that the pH value of noodles varied from 8.66 to 10.47. In terms of textural analysis and colour properties, firmness and greenness (a*) were higher in dry extract noodles. TPC varied between 115to149 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE/lOOg) whilst the highest DPPH free radical inhibition was exhibited in herbal noodles prepared using 4% dry extract (92.8%). In contrast, in terms of sensory appraisal, herbal noodles prepared with aqueous extract were more acceptable than dry extract noodles. Conclusion: C. caudatus can be utilised to prepare herbal noodles thus enhancing the dietary intake of phytochemicals especially antioxidants. Such functional foods can improve the health of consumers and offer the potential of protection against various ailments.
Introduction: This study aimed to determine the nutrient content of cornflakes and muesli, ready-to-eat cereal products available in the Malaysian market. Cornflakes and muesli were chosen due to their popularity as a breakfast meal especially in urban areas. Methods: A total of six brands each for cornflakes and muesli were purchased from supermarkets in the Klang Valley using stratified random sampling. All samples were analysed using AOAC official methods of analysis. The validity of the test data was monitored with the application of internal quality controls in line with the requirements of ISO 17025. Results: Proximate analysis revealed significantly higher mean levels of carbohydrate (86.94 ± 0.59 mg/lOOg), minerals such as iron (8.48±1.72 mg/lOOg) and sodium (674.83±102.99 g/lOOg), B3 as niacinamide (25.87 ± 6.14 g/lOOg) and sucrose (5.10 ± 0.90 mg/lOOg) in cornflakes than in muesli. However, muesli contained significantly more mean moisture (10.23 ± 0.72 mg/lOOg), protein (10.07 ± 0.79 mg/lOOg), total dietary fibre (12.49 ± 1.44 mg/lOOg), magnesium (113.22 ± 7.93 mg/lOOg), zinc (1.65 ± 0.16 mg/lOOg), copper (0.25 ± 0.02 mg/lOOg), total sugar (18.75 ± 2.05 mg/lOOg), glucose (7.70±1.77 mg/lOOg) and fructose (8.68±1.76 mg/lOOg) than cornflakes. Most of the fatty acids analysed were not detected or of low value in both the cereal products. Conclusion: The nutrient analysis of cornflakes and muesli suggests that both ready-to-eat cereals are nutritionally good choice as breakfast for consumers as it provides carbohydrate, minerals, fibre and vitamins. The data provides additional information to the Malaysian Food Composition Database.
Introduction: Hygrocybe conica (HC), a wild mushroom commonly consumed by the indigenous people (Orang Asli) in Peninsular Malaysia, was assessed for its antioxidant content. Methods: The HC mushroom was extracted using distilled water and the crude extract partitioned using different solvents and open column chromatography to evaluate its potential antioxidant properties. The mushroom extract was partitioned using liquid-liquid extraction into the hexane (Fl), chloroform (F2), butanol (F3) and formic acid (F4) fractions. Based on solvent polarity, the water extract of the mushroom was fractionated into non-polar (FI), semi-polar (Fii), and polar fractions (Fiii) using open column chromato graphy. Antioxidant capacities were determined using DPPH, ABTS, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays while Folin-Ciocalteu reagent assay was used to determine total phenolic content (TPC). Results: The HC extract had the highest TPC and DPPH scavenging capacity compared to its extract fractions. TE values (ABTS assay) of F2 and F4 were not significantly higher than the HC extract. Among the extract fractions of different polarities, Fiii had the highest antioxidant capacities (DPPH and FRAP) compared to FI and Fii while FRAP values of these fractions were not significantly lower than the FRAP value of HC extract. The HC extract had significantly lower antioxidant capacity than antioxidant standards (ascorbic acid and BHA). Tannie acid as the main bioactive component in HC mushroom was detected using HPLC method. The presence of phenolics in HC extract was also confirmed using TLC. Conclusion: Due to the presence of potent phenolic components, the mycelia of HC could be consumed for potential antioxidative benefits.
Introduction: High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an emerging risk marker for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In Malaysia, CVD has become a major health problem and the risk factors of CVD have also increased among the middle- aged. Thus, this study aimed to determine factors that influence the level of hs- CRPamongMalaysianadultsaged30-55years-old. Methods:One-hundredand twenty-two (n=122) adults working at an institution were selected systematically in this cross-sectional study. Body weight, height, hip and waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hs-CRP level, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein were measured. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, and total cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein ratio were calculated. Results: The sample consisted of 40.2% male and 59.8% female subjects with a mean age± SD of 41.93 ± 8.26 years. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed significant positive correlations between log hs-CRP level (mean± SD= 0.22 ± 0.50 mg/L; 95% CI= 0.13 - 0.31) and age, waist circumference, hip circumference, BMI, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and total cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein ratio. However, multivariate analysis showed only BMI (R = 0.489, R2 = 0.239, adjusted R2 = 0.232, F = 37.626, p< 0.001) was a predictor of hs-CRP, the risk marker of CVD. Hs-CRP level was greater in overweight (25 - 29.9 kg/m2), and obese(> 30 kg/ m2) subjects (ANOVA p< 0.05) compared to normal weight subjects. Conclusion: BMI is a modifiable risk factor with the change being important for reducing CVD events among adults.
Introduction: Otanges in children's food habits are largely attributed to changes in the family and social environment. 1bis cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the association of socio-demographic factors with food habits among preschool children in Peninsular Malaysia. Methods: A total of 1,933 preschool children aged 4-6 years old participated in the study. Parents or guardians were interviewed on the socio-demographic characteristics and food habits of their children. Height and weight of the preschoolers were measured; BMI-for-age, weight-for-age and height-for-age were determined. Results: The mean monthly household income was RM3,610 with 59.6% of parents having attained secondary education. The prevalence of possible risk of overweight, being overweight and obesity were 3.9%, 7.9% and 8.1%, respectively while the prevalence of underweight and stunting was 8.0% and 8.4%. A majority of the preschoolers consumed breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, with the proportion of children skipping their main meals at about 15.0%. Parents' education level and household income were significantly associated with intakes of fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products, as well as fast food. However, there was no significant association between children's body weight status and frequency of main meals intake, fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products, and fast food intake. Conclusion: The preschoolers demonstrated moderately healthy food habits; nevertheless even at this young age, they were inclined towards fried foods, snacking and fast foods intake. Parents and guardians should play a more significant role in educating and promoting good nutrition and food habits among preschoolers.
Introduction: High sodium consumption over an extended period of time has been associated with hypertension, stroke, cardiovascular disease, renal damage, and other adverse health effects. This study aimed to determine urinary sodium excretion and consequently estimate dietary sodium consumption among normotensive health staff in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to acquire data on sodium excretion among normotensive Ministry of Health staff aged 20 - 56 years (mean age 35.08, SD 9.78) in 14 states and a research institute. Respondents were recruited using quota sampling. Data collection was conducted from December 2011 to February 2012. A single urine sample was collected over 24 hours for sodium concentrations and calculated as 95.0% of total daily sodium intake. Results: Among the 471 enrolled respondents, 445 (94.0%) provided complete information on socio-demography and urine samples. Mean urine sodium excretion was 142.0 mmol/day (SD 71.7), which is equivalent to 3429 mg sodium/day or 8.7 gm of salt intake (1.75 teaspoon, which exceeds the Malaysian recommendation of 2000 mg sodium/day by 1.7 times. About 79.0% (n=353) of respondents (88.0% male and 73.0% female) had daily sodium consumption that was above the recommendation. Excretion was significantly higher among males at 161.7 mmol/day (SD 78.1) (3726 mg sodium/day) than females, 125.3 mmolfday (SD 61.1) (2875 mg/day). There was a positive, low correlation between BMl and sodium intake (r=0.216, p
Introduction: Studies have found that breastfeeding problems are associated with negative breastfeeding outcomes. Unfortunately, assessing breastfeeding problems can be quite difficult. The objective of the paper is to share the process of tool development for the assessment of breastfeeding problem in an Indonesian setting. Methods: The development of the tool was a two-stage process, consisting of understanding the range and pattern of breastfeeding problems (through literature review, discussions with lactation experts, and in-depth interviews with nursing mothers) and the production of the tool (through discussions with graphic designers and communication practitioners, pre-testing the tools, and finalising a workable, viable tool). The process led the authors to use flash cards for assessing the breastfeeding problems. Each card consisted of information about age, a code number, an image and a description of the breastfeeding problem. Each set of the flash cards represented an age period of 0-1, 1-3, and 3-6 months. The final flash cards were used in a cross-sectional study of 205 mothers of infants aged 6-12 months in Maros District, South Sulawesi. Results: The flash cards captured patterns of breastfeeding problems experienced by mothers within the first month, such as sore nipple, no milk production, fatigue, breast engorgement, and sleepy baby, or those problems that persisted throughout the six-month period such as infants' refusal to breastfeed and mothers feeling fatigued. The decreasing or increasing magnitude of a problem over time was also reflected in the flash cards. Conclusion: Identification of the dynamic patterns and magnitude of breastfeeding problems was successfully captured with the use of flash cards.
Introduction: Malnutrition among cancer patients is associated with a higher risk of
gastrointestinal toxicity which develops during treatment and may affect quality of life (QOL).
Thus, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine the nutritional status and QOL of 30
oncology patients (mean age 50.0+10.7 years) prior to pelvic radiotherapy at Hospital Sultan
Ismail, Johor Bahru.
Methods: Patients were assessed for anthropometry measurements,
24-h diet recall and nutritional status using Scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global
Assessment (PG-SGA) questionnaire while the European Organization for Research and
Treatment of Cancer Care Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) was used to
assess QOL two weeks prior to the initiation of pelvic radiotherapy.
Results: Mean Body
Mass Index (BMI) of patients was 23.3+3.3kg/m2
and 33% of patients experienced weight
loss prior to pelvic radiotherapy. The PG-SGA rating indicated that 63% of patients were at
Stage A (well-nourished) and 37% were in Stage B (moderate malnutrition). The PG-SGA
numerical score was a significant predictor of QOL, after adjusting for socio-demographic
factors (R2
=0.861, p
Introduction: Malnutrition is associated with poorer outcomes following treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC). This study evaluates the relationship between nutritional status using scored Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) with the validated European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ C30) which consists of five functional scales, three symptoms scales and one item of global health/quality of life (QOL).
Methods: A total of 42 CRC patients at oncology outpatient clinics from two hospitals in Malaysia participated in the study from March 2011 to March 2012. The participants were classified as either well-nourished (PG-SGA A) or malnourished (PG-SGA B and C).
Results: The majority of patients were Chinese, male, with a mean age of 57.1 ± 9.8 years and had been diagnosed with stage 2 CRC. Well-nourished patients had statistically significantly better QOL scores on symptom scales: fatigue (p<0.001), nausea and vomiting (p<0.05), and pain (p<0.001) compared to malnourished patients. PG-SGA was strongly correlated with the main domains of the QOL: global health status (r = -0.395, p<0.05), fatigue (r = 0.816, p<0.001), nausea and vomiting (r = 0.730, p<0.001) and pain (r= 0.629, p<0.001). The better the nutritional status (lower total mean score of PG-SGA), the higher the QOL (high mean score of global health status).
Conclusion: The scored PG-SGA is suitable for use as a nutrition assessment tool to identify malnutrition and it is associated
with QOL among this population.
Key words: Chemotherapy, colorectal cancer patient, malnutrition, nutritional status, PGSGA score, quality of life
Study site: Oncology clinics, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Hospital Selayang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Introduction: Physical activity has been shown to be beneficial for the prevention of
obesity and non-communicable diseases. Our contemporary way of life that is technology
dependent has significantly reduced physical activity. This study aimed to determine
accelerometer-measured physical activity (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA))
among adults in high and low walkability neighbourhoods in Penang and Kota Bharu,
Malaysia.
Methods: Participants (n=490) were sampled using multistage sampling method
from neighbourhoods with varied levels of walkability using Geographical Information
System (GIS). Physical activity was measured objectively using Actigraph GT3X+
accelerometers, worn by the participants on their waists for a period of 5 to 7 days.
Results:
The participants had a mean of 13.5 min/day of MVPA. Total MVPA was significantly
higher among participants in high walkability neighbourhoods (19.7 min/day vs. 9.1 min/
day). Results from t-test showed that the time spent on MVPA per day was significantly
lower among participants residing in low walkability neighbourhoods. The final model
of the MIXED model statistical tests showed that total MVPA was significantly associated
with BMI, but not with WC measurements, after adjusting for covariates.
Conclusion: Most
of the participants had very low MVPA and did not achieve the current physical activity
recommendations, implying that Malaysian adults residing in these two cities were not
physically active to achieve health benefits. Results are suggestive of the importance of the
walkability concept in neighbourhoods in encouraging physical activity and healthy body
weight among Malaysians.
Introduction: Often considered a legitimate strategy to enhance health and
performance, the consumption of nutritional supplements (NS) has become
a common practice which frequently results in unintentional doping among
athletes. Despite a probable association between NS and doping, there are limited
studies on this topic in developing countries such as Malaysia. Thus, this study
aimed to identify the prevalence of NS usage among national elite athletes and
assess their knowledge and attitude regarding its use and doping.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Malaysian National Sports
Institute among national elite athletes (n=50) recruited via convenience sampling.
The athletes completed a self-administered questionnaire documenting their
demographic characteristics, training information, NS consumption, knowledge
and attitude related to supplement-doping. The total knowledge and attitude
scores were compared according to demography, training information, and NS
consumption.
Results: The prevalence of NS use among the athletes was 72%.
NS usage was significantly associated with training duration (p=0.029), source of
nutrition information (p=0.047) and self-exploration on supplements (p=0.045).
Supplement-doping knowledge was significantly higher among athletes with
tertiary level education (p=0.027), NS users (p=0.044), those obtaining information
from nutritionists (p=0.048) and those who had attended nutrition workshops
(p