Displaying publications 681 - 700 of 1239 in total

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  1. Midlife crisis perceptions, experiences, help-seeking, and needs among multi-ethnic malaysian women
    Wong LP, Awang H, Jani R
    Women Health, 2012;52(8):804-19.
    PMID: 23127220 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2012.729557
    In the present study, researchers explored attitudes toward midlife crises, experience with midlife crises, help-seeking, and needs among multi-ethnic Malaysian women. A total of 14 focus group discussions were conducted with 89 Malaysian women of different ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Women expressed concern over physical aging and decline in their physical functional health. Having a midlife crisis was frequently reported. Issues that were frequently reported to trigger a midlife crisis, such as empty nest syndrome, impact of aging on sexual and reproductive function, extended parenthood, caring for aging or ill parents, and career challenges were noted by the study participants (listed here in order of most to least frequently reporting of these themes across the group discussions). Overall, these issues were associated with attitudes about aging. A comparatively less open attitude toward sexual attitudes and help-seeking for sexual problems were found among the Malay and Indian women. This may imply that intervention to increase positive attitudes concerning both sexuality and help-seeking intentions should be culturally specific. The use of religious coping for comfort and consolation was frequently reported; therefore, those providing midlife crisis prevention and intervention programs should consider involving faith-based interventions in the Malaysian setting.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups/psychology
  2. Obesity inequality in Malaysia: decomposing differences by gender and ethnicity using quantile regression
    Dunn RA, Tan AK, Nayga RM
    Ethn Health, 2012;17(5):493-511.
    PMID: 22360320 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2012.661407
    OBJECTIVE: Obesity prevalence is unequally distributed across gender and ethnic group in Malaysia. In this paper, we examine the role of socioeconomic inequality in explaining these disparities.
    DESIGN: The body mass index (BMI) distributions of Malays and Chinese, the two largest ethnic groups in Malaysia, are estimated through the use of quantile regression. The differences in the BMI distributions are then decomposed into two parts: attributable to differences in socioeconomic endowments and attributable to differences in responses to endowments.
    RESULTS: For both males and females, the BMI distribution of Malays is shifted toward the right of the distribution of Chinese, i.e., Malays exhibit higher obesity rates. In the lower 75% of the distribution, differences in socioeconomic endowments explain none of this difference. At the 90th percentile, differences in socioeconomic endowments account for no more than 30% of the difference in BMI between ethnic groups.
    CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the higher levels of income and education that accrue with economic development will likely not eliminate obesity inequality. This leads us to conclude that reduction of obesity inequality, as well the overall level of obesity, requires increased efforts to alter the lifestyle behaviors of Malaysians.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups/statistics & numerical data*
  3. Fulltext Ethnic differences in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome: results from a multi-ethnic population-based survey in Malaysia
    Rampal S, Mahadeva S, Guallar E, Bulgiba A, Mohamed R, Rahmat R, et al.
    PLoS One, 2012;7(9):e46365.
    PMID: 23029497 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046365
    The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing disproportionately among the different ethnicities in Asia compared to the rest of the world. This study aims to determine the differences in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome across ethnicities in Malaysia, a multi-ethnic country.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups*
  4. Polymorphism of ITPA 94C>A and risk of adverse effects among patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated with 6-mercaptopurine
    Wan Rosalina WR, Teh LK, Mohamad N, Nasir A, Yusoff R, Baba AA, et al.
    J Clin Pharm Ther, 2012 Apr;37(2):237-41.
    PMID: 21545474 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2011.01272.x
    Genetic polymorphisms of thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) and inosine triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase (ITPA 94C>A) contribute to variable responses, including fatal adverse effects, among subjects treated with 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP). Our objectives were to investigate the distribution of specific TPMT and ITPA genotypes in healthy subjects and patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) from the three main ethnic groups (Malays, Chinese and Indians) in Malaysia and the association of the polymorphisms with adverse effects of 6-MP.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups/genetics
  5. Tooth size and dental arch dimensions: a stereophotogrammetric study in Southeast Asian Malays
    Al-Khatib AR, Rajion ZA, Masudi SM, Hassan R, Anderson PJ, Townsend GC
    Orthod Craniofac Res, 2011 Nov;14(4):243-53.
    PMID: 22008304 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-6343.2011.01529.x
    To investigate tooth size and dental arch dimensions in Malays using a stereophotogrammetric system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups*
  6. Fulltext Genetic risk factors of systemic lupus erythematosus in the Malaysian population: a minireview
    Chai HC, Phipps ME, Chua KH
    Clin. Dev. Immunol., 2012;2012:963730.
    PMID: 21941582 DOI: 10.1155/2012/963730
    SLE is an autoimmune disease that is not uncommon in Malaysia. In contrast to Malays and Indians, the Chinese seem to be most affected. SLE is characterized by deficiency of body's immune response that leads to production of autoantibodies and failure of immune complex clearance. This minireview attempts to summarize the association of several candidate genes with risk for SLE in the Malaysian population and discuss the genetic heterogeneity that exists locally in Asians and in comparison with SLE in Caucasians. Several groups of researchers have been actively investigating genes that are associated with SLE susceptibility in the Malaysian population by screening possible reported candidate genes across the SLE patients and healthy controls. These candidate genes include MHC genes and genes encoding complement components, TNF, FcγR, T-cell receptors, and interleukins. However, most of the polymorphisms investigated in these genes did not show significant associations with susceptibility to SLE in the Malaysian scenario, except for those occurring in MHC genes and genes coding for TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-1RN, and IL-6.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups/genetics
  7. Issues surrounding HPV vaccine delivery in a multi-ethnic country in Asia: the physician's perspective
    Wong LP
    J Community Health, 2011 Feb;36(1):14-22.
    PMID: 20431926 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-010-9275-0
    The study was conducted to investigate issues surrounding human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine delivery in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural society. A qualitative in-depth interview study was conducted with a sample of 20 physicians. Physicians described the success of HPV vaccines recommendation as very poor. Many expressed reluctance to offer the vaccine to preadolescents. The most notable barrier to vaccination was the vaccine's high cost. Parents of eligible vaccinees were concerned about the efficacy and side effects of the new vaccine, while adult women have low risk perception for HPV infection. Promoters and inhibitors of HPV vaccination in our multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural community were identified. This study suggests the need to strengthen the infrastructure necessary for HPV vaccine delivery and to specifically target poor underserved women.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups*
  8. Factors influencing the uptake of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine in a multiethnic Asian population
    Wong LP, Sam IC
    Vaccine, 2010 Jun 17;28(28):4499-505.
    PMID: 20451639 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.04.043
    The study aimed to determine factors influencing the uptake of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine in a multiethnic Asian population. Population-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted between October and December 2009. Approximately 70% of overall participants indicated willingness to be vaccinated against the 2009 H1N1 influenza. Participants who indicated positive intention to vaccinate against 2009 H1N1 influenza were more likely to have favorable attitudes toward the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. A halal (acceptable to Muslims) vaccine was the main factor that determined Malay participants' decision to accept vaccination, whereas safety of the vaccine was the main factor that influenced vaccination decision for Chinese and Indian participants. The study highlights the challenges in promoting the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. Ethnic-sensitive efforts are needed to maximize acceptance of H1N1 vaccines in countries with diverse ethnic communities and religious practices.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups*
  9. Survival and prognostic factors of motor neuron disease in a multi-ethnic Asian population
    Goh KJ, Tian S, Shahrizaila N, Ng CW, Tan CT
    Amyotroph Lateral Scler, 2011 Mar;12(2):124-9.
    PMID: 21039118 DOI: 10.3109/17482968.2010.527986
    Our objective was to determine the survival and prognostic factors of motor neuron disease (MND) in a multi-ethnic cohort of Malaysian patients. All patients seen at a university medical centre between January 2000 and December 2009 had their case records reviewed for demographic, clinical and follow-up data. Mortality data, if unavailable from records, were obtained by telephone interview of relatives or from the national mortality registry. Of the 73 patients, 64.4% were Chinese, 19.2% Malays and 16.4% Indians. Male: female ratio was 1.43: 1. Mean age at onset was 51.5 + 11.3 years. Onset was spinal in 75.3% and bulbar in 24.7% of the patients; 94.5% were ALS and 5.5% were progressive muscular atrophy (PMA). Overall median survival was 44.9 + 5.8 months. Ethnic Indians had shorter interval from symptom onset to diagnosis and shorter median survival compared to non-Indians. On Cox proportional hazards analysis, poor prognostic factors were bulbar onset, shorter interval from symptom onset to diagnosis and worse functional score at presentation. In conclusion, age of onset and median survival duration are similar to previous reports in Asians. Clinical features and prognostic factors are similar to other populations. In our cohort, ethnic Indians had more rapid disease course accounting for their shorter survival.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups*
  10. Translational aspects of genetic factors in the prediction of drug response variability: a case study of warfarin pharmacogenomics in a multi-ethnic cohort from Asia
    Chan SL, Suo C, Lee SC, Goh BC, Chia KS, Teo YY
    Pharmacogenomics J, 2012 Aug;12(4):312-8.
    PMID: 21383771 DOI: 10.1038/tpj.2011.7
    Genetic markers displaying highly significant statistical associations with complex phenotypes may not necessarily possess sufficient clinical validity to be useful. Understanding the contribution of these markers beyond readily available clinical biomarkers is particularly important in pharmacogenetics. We demonstrate the utility of genetic testing using the example of warfarin in a multi-ethnic setting comprising of three Asian populations that are broadly representative of the genetic diversity for half of the population in the world, especially as distinct interethnic differences in warfarin dose requirements have been previously established. We confirmed the roles of three well-established loci (CYP2C9, VKORC1 and CYP4F2) in explaining warfarin dosage variation in the three Asian populations. In addition, we assessed the relationship between ethnicity and the genotypes of these loci, observing strong correlations at VKORC1 and CYP4F2. Subsequently, we established the additional utility of these genetic factors in predicting warfarin dose beyond ethnicity and clinical biomarkers through performing a series of systematic cross-validation analyses of the relative predictive accuracies of various fixed-dose regimen, clinical and genetic models. Through a pharmacogenetics model for warfarin, we show the importance of genetic testing beyond readily available clinical biomarkers in predicting dose requirements, confirming the role of genetic profiling in personalized medicine.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups/genetics
  11. Ethnically diverse female university students' knowledge and attitudes toward human papillomavirus (HPV), HPV vaccination and cervical cancer
    Wong LP, Sam IC
    Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 2010 Jan;148(1):90-5.
    PMID: 19910102 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2009.10.002
    OBJECTIVE:
    Cervical HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease among college-age women. This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes towards HPV infection, HPV vaccination and cervical cancer among female university students, to provide insight into development of HPV educational information.

    STUDY DESIGN:
    A cross-sectional survey using a convenience sample. A total of 1083 ethnically diverse female students attending a public university were approached and 650 were interviewed.

    RESULTS:
    Knowledge regarding HPV, HPV vaccination, cervical screening and cervical cancer risk factors was remarkably poor. Across the sample, the mean total knowledge score (14-item) was only 3.25 (S.D. +/-2.41; 95% CI 3.07-3.44). Only 10.3% had heard of the newly released HPV vaccine. Approximately 48% of participants indicated an intention to receive an HPV vaccine. Intention to receive an HPV vaccine was significantly associated with knowledge of HPV and genital warts (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.25-1.88), and knowledge of cervical screening and cervical cancer risk factors (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.11-1.33). Of those who refused HPV vaccination, 50.9% doubted the safety and efficacy of the new vaccine, and 41.5% perceived themselves as not at risk of HPV infection.

    CONCLUSION:
    The findings suggest that providing education about the etiology of cervical cancer and the HPV link is an essential component to enhance HPV vaccine uptake.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups*
  12. Beliefs about schizophrenia and its treatment in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
    Swami V, Furnham A, Kannan K, Sinniah D
    Int J Soc Psychiatry, 2008 Mar;54(2):164-79.
    PMID: 18488409
    Lay beliefs about schizophrenia have been extensively studied in cross-cultural settings, but research on ethnic differences are currently lacking.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups/psychology*
  13. The prevalence of enamel opacities in permanent teeth of 11-12 year-old school children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Yusoff N, Jaafar N, Razak IA, Chew YY, Ismail N, Bulgiba AM
    Community Dent Health, 2008 Mar;25(1):55-8.
    PMID: 18435236
    To determine the prevalence, distribution, severity and treatment need of enamel opacities among 11-12 year-old school children in a fluoridated urban community.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups/statistics & numerical data
  14. Pattern of maxillofacial injuries in motorcyclists in Malaysia
    Ramli R, Abdul Rahman R, Abdul Rahman N, Abdul Karim F, Krsna Rajandram R, Mohamad MS, et al.
    J Craniofac Surg, 2008 Mar;19(2):316-21.
    PMID: 18362705 DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0b013e318163f94d
    Motorcycle casualties represent significant number in road traffic accidents in Malaysia, and among all the injuries, facial injuries pose many significant problems physiologically, functionally, and aesthetically. The aim of this study was to analyze the pattern of maxillofacial as well as other injuries in motorcyclists who were seen at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.Patients' records from January 2004 to December 2005 were reviewed. Data related to demographics, vehicle/object involved in collision, involvement as a rider or pillion, whether a helmet was worn or not, location of injuries on the face/facial bones, and other associated injuries were collected.A total of 113 cases of motorcycle accidents were recorded; 106 males and 7 females were involved. Mean age was 25.8 years. Among all the races, Malay had the highest involvement (72.3%), followed by Chinese (14.3%), Indians (8.9%), and others (5.4%). The types of collision were either a single-vehicle collision (i.e., skidded) or with another vehicle/s or object (e.g., tree, stone, or lamppost). The injuries were mainly seen on the lower face (46.9%) followed by midface (25.7%) and a combination of the midface and lower face (15%) and others (12.4%). The most frequent other associated injuries recorded were orthopedic and head injuries.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups/statistics & numerical data
  15. Ethnic difference in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in inter-East Asian populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on fasting serum insulin
    Takeuchi M, Okamoto K, Takagi T, Ishii H
    Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2008 Sep;81(3):370-6.
    PMID: 18649967 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2008.05.013
    To investigate ethnic difference by focusing on fasting serum insulin (FSI) in inter-East Asian patients with type 2 diabetes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups*
  16. Fulltext Diagnostic delay among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Sarawak, Malaysia: a cross-sectional study
    Chang CT, Esterman A
    Rural Remote Health, 2007 Apr-Jun;7(2):667.
    PMID: 17511524
    Delayed diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) can lead to an increased period of infectivity in the community, a delay in treatment and a severe form of the disease. The objective of this study was to determine the length of delay, and factors linking the delay from the onset of symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) until the commencement of treatment in Sarawak, Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups/statistics & numerical data
  17. Religious commitment, attitudes toward suicide, and suicidal behaviors among college students of different ethnic and religious groups in Malaysia
    Foo XY, Alwi MN, Ismail SI, Ibrahim N, Osman ZJ
    J Relig Health, 2014 Jun;53(3):731-46.
    PMID: 23196328 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-012-9667-9
    The variation in suicide patterns across ethnic groups with different religious background is a puzzling social phenomenon. This study sought to examine the impact of religious commitment and attitudes toward suicide on suicidal behaviors of college students across major ethnic and religious groups in a multicultural society of Malaysia. A total of 139 college students completed Religious Commitment Inventory-10, Attitudes Toward Suicide Scale, and Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire-Revised. Findings showed significant discrepancies in attitudes toward suicide, but not suicidal behaviors across ethnic and religious groups. Suicide acceptance significantly affected suicidal behaviors as well. Although religious commitment is not associated with suicidal behaviors, its deviation is reflected in students' acceptance of suicide. Additionally, college students' suicide risk, lifetime, and recent suicide ideation, as well as their likelihood of future suicide attempt can be associated with their acceptance of suicide. The influence of attitudes toward suicide and religion, therefore, should be taken into consideration while implementing suicide prevention programs as it helps shape the norms about suicide among youths.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups/psychology*
  18. Association of ethnicity and acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery in a South East Asian population
    Chew ST, Mar WM, Ti LK
    Br J Anaesth, 2013 Mar;110(3):397-401.
    PMID: 23171723 DOI: 10.1093/bja/aes415
    BACKGROUND: Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and serious complication after cardiac surgery. Clinical factors alone have failed to accurately predict the incidence of AKI after cardiac surgery. Ethnicity has been shown to be a predictor of AKI in the Western population. We tested the hypothesis that ethnicity is an independent predictor of AKI in patients undergoing cardiac surgery in a South East Asian population.

    METHODS: A total of 1756 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery were prospectively recruited. Among them, data of 1639 patients met the criteria for analysis. There were 1182 Chinese, 195 Indian, and 262 Malay patients. The main outcome was postoperative AKI, defined as a 25% or greater increase in preoperative to a maximum postoperative serum creatinine level within 3 days after surgery.

    RESULTS: Five hundred and seventy-nine patients (35.3%) developed AKI after cardiac surgery. Ethnicity was shown to be an independent predictor of AKI after cardiac surgery with Indians and Malays having a higher risk of developing AKI when compared with Chinese patients (odds ratio: Indian vs Chinese 1.44, Malay vs Chinese 1.51).

    CONCLUSIONS: Indians and Malays have a higher risk of developing AKI after cardiac surgery than Chinese in a South East Asian population. Ethnicity was shown to be an independent predictor of AKI after cardiac surgery.

    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups*
  19. Bone mineral density and hip axis length in Singapore's multiracial population
    Goh JC, Low SL, Das De S, DasDe S
    J Clin Densitom, 2004;7(4):406-12.
    PMID: 15618601
    Ethnic differences in bone density and hip geometry are known to exist, even within the same population. A recent study in Singapore showed that there were significant racial differences in hip fracture rates, with Chinese having the highest incidence of hip fractures. The aim of this study was to compare the bone mineral density (BMD) and hip axis length in Chinese, Malay, and Indian women. A total of 1575 women aged 20-59 yr were recruited, of which 77.6% (1222) were Chinese, 7.7% (122) Malays, and 14.7% (231) Indians. There was no significant difference in peak BMD of both lumbar spine and femoral neck among the three ethnic groups. However, in the older age group (50-59 yr), both Chinese and Malay women had significantly lower femoral neck BMD compared to Indian women. There was no significant loss in BMD of the lumbar spine between the second and fifth decades in all the three races. Between the second and fifth decade, Chinese and Malay women had significant bone loss in the femoral neck of 6.6% and 8.2%, respectively, whereas Indian women did not show any significant bone loss. Chinese women had significantly longer hip axis length compared to either Malay or Indian women (9.87 +/- 0.52 cm vs 9.67 +/- 0.49 cm; p < 0.005; and 9.69 +/- 0.55 cm, p < 0.05, respectively). The initial findings suggest racial differences in bone density and hip geometry exist in the local community. Future research should include prospective, longitudinal studies to determine the age-related bone loss in these three racial groups. It is also important to investigate the differences of spine and hip fracture rates and their relationship with bone density and hip axis length.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups*
  20. Cytogenetic abnormalities in de novo acute myeloid leukemia in adults: relation to morphology, age, sex and ethnicity - a single center study from Singapore
    Enjeti AK, Tien SL, Sivaswaren CR
    Hematol. J., 2004;5(5):419-25.
    PMID: 15448668
    Cytogenetic analysis performed at diagnosis is considered to be the most valuable prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Large systematic studies of cytogenetic abnormalities in AML patients from Southeast Asia are not available. The karyotypic patterns in AML patients from a single center in Singapore were studied and compared with reports from other regions of the world to identify possible geographic heterogeneity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Ethnic Groups/genetics
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