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Associations between ethnicity, body composition, and bone mineral density in a Southeast Asian population

Yang PL, Lu Y, Khoo CM, Leow MK, Khoo EY, Teo A, et al.

J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2013 Nov;98(11):4516-23.
PMID: 24037892 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-2454

Chinese men in Singapore have a higher incidence of hip fractures than Malay and Indian men. We investigated whether there were corresponding ethnic differences in peak bone mineral density (BMD) in young men and whether differences in body composition influenced peak BMD.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
The influence of Malay cultural beliefs on breast cancer screening and genetic testing: A focus group study

Shaw T, Ishak D, Lie D, Menon S, Courtney E, Li ST, et al.

Psychooncology, 2018 12;27(12):2855-2861.
PMID: 30264524 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4902

OBJECTIVE: Malays comprise an Asian cultural group reported to have low breast cancer screening uptake rates and poor cancer outcomes. Little is known about Malay cultural factors influencing beliefs and practice of cancer screening and genetic testing. Our study aims to explore health beliefs of Malay women around breast cancer screening and genetic testing.
METHODS: We conducted focus groups among healthy English-speaking Malay women in Singapore, aged 40 to 69 years, using a structured guide developed through literature review, expertise input and participant refinement. Thematic analysis was conducted to extract dominant themes representing key motivators and barriers to screening and genetic testing. We used grounded theory to interpret results and derive a framework of understanding, with implications for improving uptake of services.
RESULTS: Five focus groups (four to six participants per group) comprising 27 women were conducted to theme saturation. Major themes were (a) spiritual and religious beliefs act as barriers towards uptake of screening and genetic testing; (b) preference for traditional medicine competes with Western medicine recommendations; (c) family and community influence health-related decisions, complexed by differences in intergenerational beliefs creating contrasting attitudes towards screening and prevention.
CONCLUSIONS: Decisions to participate in breast cancer screening and genetic testing are influenced by cultural, traditional, spiritual/religious, and intergenerational beliefs. Strategies to increase uptake should include acknowledgement and integration of these beliefs into counseling and education and collaboration with key influential Malay stakeholders and leaders.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data
Fulltext Molecular characteristic of alpha thalassaemia among patients diagnosed in UKM Medical Centre

Azma RZ, Ainoon O, Hafiza A, Azlin I, Noor Farisah AR, Nor Hidayati S, et al.

Malays J Pathol, 2014 Apr;36(1):27-32.
PMID: 24763232 MyJurnal

Alpha (Α) thalassaemia is the most common inherited disorder in Malaysia. The clinical severity is dependant on the number of Α genes involved. Full blood count (FBC) and haemoglobin (Hb) analysis using either gel electrophoresis, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or capillary zone electrophoresis (CE) are unable to detect definitively alpha thalassaemia carriers. Definitive diagnosis of Α-thalassaemias requires molecular analysis and methods of detecting both common deletional and non-deletional molecular abnormailities are easily performed in any laboratory involved in molecular diagnostics. We carried out a retrospective analysis of 1623 cases referred to our laboratory in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) for the diagnosis of Α-thalassaemia during the period October 2001 to December 2012. We examined the frequency of different types of alpha gene abnormalities and their haematologic features. Molecular diagnosis was made using a combination of multiplex polymerase reaction (PCR) and real time PCR to detect deletional and non-deletional alpha genes relevant to southeast Asian population. Genetic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of Α-thalassaemias in 736 cases. Majority of the cases were Chinese (53.1%) followed by Malays (44.2%), and Indians (2.7%). The most common gene abnormality was ΑΑ/--(SEA) (64.0%) followed by ΑΑ/-Α(3.7) (19.8%), -Α(3.7) /--(SEA) (6.9%), ΑΑ/ΑΑCS (3.0%), --(SEA)/--(SEA) (1.2%), -Α(3.7)/-Α(3.7) (1.1%), ΑΑ/-Α(4.2) (0.7%), -Α(4.2)/--(SEA (0.7%), -Α(3.7)/-Α(4.2) (0.5%), ΑΑ(CS)/-- SEA) (0.4%), ΑΑ(CS)/ΑΑ(Cd59) (0.4%), ΑΑ(CS)/ΑΑ(CS) (0.4%), -Α(3.7)/ΑΑ(Cd59) (0.3%), ΑΑ/ΑΑ(Cd59) (0.1%), ΑΑ(Cd59)/ ΑΑ(IVS I-1) (0.1%), -Α(3.7)/ΑΑ(CS) (0.1%) and --(SEA) /ΑΑ(Cd59) (0.1%). This data indicates that the molecular abnormalities of Α-thalassaemia in the Malaysian population is heterogenous. Although Α-gene deletion is the most common cause, non-deletional Α-gene abnormalities are not uncommon and at least 3 different mutations exist. Establishment of rapid and easy molecular techniques is important for definitive diagnosis of alpha thalassaemia, an important prerequisite for genetic counselling to prevent its deleterious complications.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Fulltext Tolerability and pharmacokinetics of non-fixed and fixed combinations of artesunate and amodiaquine in Malaysian healthy normal volunteers

Navaratnam V, Ramanathan S, Wahab MS, Siew Hua G, Mansor SM, Kiechel JR, et al.

Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 2009 Aug;65(8):809-21.
PMID: 19404632 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-009-0656-1

There is limited pharmacokinetic data available for the combination artesunate + amodiaquine, which is used widely to treat uncomplicated malaria. This study examines the bioavailability and tolerability of a fixed (200 mg artesunate + 540 mg amodiaquine) and loose (200 mg + 612 mg) combination with a 2x2 cross-over design in 24 healthy volunteers.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data
Fulltext Sex among Asian men and women: the Global Better Sex Survey in Asia

Tan HM, Marumo K, Yang DY, Hwang TI, Ong ML

Int J Urol, 2009 May;16(5):507-14; discussion 514-5.
PMID: 19467120 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2042.2009.02283.x

OBJECTIVES:
To explore by a pooled subanalysis of the Global Better Sex Survey sexual aspirations and unmet needs of men and women from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand.

METHODS:
To qualify, respondents must have had sexual intercourse at least once in the past 12 months. Women must have had heterosexual intercourse. Data were weighted by population size between countries.

RESULTS:
Of 3538 Asian respondents (1776 men and 1762 women), 52% were aged <40 years, 40% were aged 40-59 years, and 8% were aged >or=60 years. The majority were married or in a relationship. Men and women reported having sexual intercourse 5.1 and 4.0 times monthly, respectively. Attraction to partner, foreplay, intercourse, and achieving orgasm were important to most men and women. Two thirds were less than very satisfied with their sex life, and 36% of men were interested in improving sex. For a good sexual experience, the man's ability to get and maintain an erection and erection hardness were important to the majority of Asian men and women. Few respondents reported using a prescription erectile dysfunction medication, but many showed interest in using these medications to improve their sex lives. A comparison between individual countries suggests that attitudes about sex differ from country to country, and between men and women in each country.

CONCLUSIONS:
Sex is very important to Asian men and women, but many of them are not fully satisfied with their sex lives and want to improve them.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Sex differences on the Multitalent Perception Inventory among Malaysian students

Palaniappan AK

Percept Mot Skills, 2007 Dec;105(3 Pt 2):1052-4.
PMID: 18380099

Malaysian high school students, 142 boys and 154 girls (M age= 13.3 yr., SD = 0.3) were compared on a talent measure, the Khatena-Morse Multitalent Perception Inventory. Boys obtained significantly higher means on the overall score of Versatility and the talent areas of Artistry, Creative Imagination, Initiative, and Leadership. Further replications involving other age groups and nationalities are recommended.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Eating patterns and prevalence of obesity. Lessons learned from the Malaysian Food Barometer

Fournier T, Tibère L, Laporte C, Mognard E, Ismail MN, Sharif SP, et al.

Appetite, 2016 12 01;107:362-371.
PMID: 27521166 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2016.08.009

The Malaysian society is experiencing and coping with a fast modernization process, which is characterized by a rapid urbanization and rural exodus, an important reduction of the size of households, and the emergence of a new middle class. The Malaysian Food Barometer launched in 2013 has provided better understanding how these macro issues have affected the lifestyles and especially the food habits of the Malaysians. The country has indeed undergone a transition period from under-nutrition to over-nutrition in a few decades, with the prevalence of overweight and obesity having markedly and rapidly increased. A quantitative survey (n = 2000), elaborated from a qualitative preliminary phase, was carried out with the aim of analyzing the transformation of food habits at the national level. The present article focuses on the BMI issue in Malaysia, and investigates its relationships with the socio-demographic variables of the population, as well as their eating patterns. The mean BMI is 23.64 kg/m2, with 9.5% of the sample being obese, and 22% overweight. Strong statistical associations have been identified between BMI and independent variables such as size of the living area, ethnicity, level of education, gender, and age. Contrary to general believe, overweight and obesity were neither associated with the number of food intakes taken per day (including snacks) nor with the frequency of eating out. Nonetheless, obesity is over-represented in people who have dissonant eating behaviors, i.e. who declare having fewer food intakes a day (food norms) than they do actually (food practices). This process testifies that the Malaysians are experiencing a "food transition", which is linked with socio-economic development.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Fulltext Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Brunei Darussalam: low incidence among the Chinese and an evaluation of antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus antigens as biomarkers

Yeo CH, Hsien YC, Abdullah MS, Telesinghe PU, Ramasamy R

Singapore Med J, 2009 Apr;50(4):371-7.
PMID: 19421680

Little or no information is available on the prevalence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) among different ethnic groups in Brunei, or how useful plasma IgA antibodies are against viral capsid antigen (VCA) and early antigen (EA) in the diagnosis of NPC, even though they are routinely measured in patients suspected to have NPC.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Fulltext Coming of age, becoming obese: a cross-sectional analysis of obesity among adolescents and young adults in Malaysia

Pell C, Allotey P, Evans N, Hardon A, Imelda JD, Soyiri I, et al.

BMC Public Health, 2016 10 13;16(1):1082.
PMID: 27737680

BACKGROUND: Malaysians have become increasingly obese over recent years. The transition from adolescence to early adulthood is recognized as critical for the development of eating and activity habits. However, little obesity-related research focuses on this life stage. Drawing on data from a health and demographic surveillance site in Malaysia, this article describes obesity and overweight amongst adolescents and young adults in a multi-ethnic population.

METHODS: Data were collected at the South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO) in Segamat District, Johor. In this dynamic cohort of approximately 40,000 people, 5,475 were aged 16-35 in 2013-2014. The population consists of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indigenous (Orang Asli) families in proportions that reflect the national ethnic diversity. Data were collected through health profiles (Body Mass Index [BMI] measurements in homes) and self-report questionnaires.

RESULTS: Age and ethnicity were associated with overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9Kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30Kg/m2). The prevalence of overweight was 12.8 % at ages 16-20 and 28.4 % at ages 31-35; obesity was 7.9 % and 20.9 % at the same age groups. The main ethnic groups also showed varied patterns of obesity and overweight at the different age groups with Chinese at lowest and Orang Asli at highest risk. Level of education, employment status, physical activity and frequency of eating out were poorly predictive of overweight and obesity.

CONCLUSION: The pattern of overweight and obesity in the 16-35 age group further highlights this as a significant period for changes in health-related behaviours. Further longitudinal research is however needed to confirm the observed pattern and investigate causal factors.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
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: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data
Use of Alternative Medications for Menopause-Related Symptoms in Three Major Ethnic Groups of Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Ohn Mar S, Malhi F, Syed Rahim SH, Chua CT, Sidhu SS, Sandheep S

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Nov;27(8 Suppl):19S-25S.
PMID: 25972428 DOI: 10.1177/1010539515586457

This cross-sectional study investigated the use of alternative medications to alleviate menopause-related symptoms among Malay, Chinese, and Indian women of Ipoh city. The prevalence, types, effectiveness, and associated factors were determined. The prevalence of alternative medication use was 41.4%. Evening primrose oil (EPO) was the most popular medication used (18.1%), followed by soy-based products (12.3%), green tea (6.8%), and gingko (5.8%). The medication was reported to be highly effective by 58.3% of soya bean diet users and 41.1% of EPO users. Significant variables associated with the use were Chinese or Indian ethnicity (P < .001), age between 50 and 54 years (P < .01), lower self-health rating (P < .05), education level of diploma or professional degree (P < .05), employment as professionals or entrepreneurs (P < .05), and the use of hormone replacement therapy (P < .05). Regression analysis showed that Chinese and Indians had significantly higher odds for the use than Malays (Chinese: odds ratio [OR] = 4.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.392-7.837; Indians: OR = 3.248, 95% CI = 1.586-6.654).

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Corneal thickness and volume in subclinical and clinical keratoconus

Ahmadi Hosseini SM, Mohidin N, Abolbashari F, Mohd-Ali B, Santhirathelagan CT

Int Ophthalmol, 2013 Apr;33(2):139-45.
PMID: 23138667 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-012-9654-x

To evaluate corneal thickness and volume in subclinical and clinical keratoconus in Asian population with the aim of discriminating between normal and ectatic cornea. Eyes were placed into one of the following three groups: normal, subclinical, and mild-moderate keratoconus. Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging (Oculus Inc., Wetzlar, Germany) was performed for each participant to record thinnest corneal thickness, central corneal thickness, corneal volume (CV), peripheral corneal thickness (PCT) and percentage thickness increase (PTI) at 2, 4, 6, and 8 mm. The data were exported to SPSS for statistical analysis. Subjects comprised 52 normal, 15 subclinical keratoconus, and 32 mild-moderate clinical keratoconus eyes. Our results indicated that corneal thickness (CT) distribution, PTI, and CV in normal eyes were significantly different compared with subclinical and clinical keratoconus (P < .05). Overall, subclinical group exhibited lower CT distribution and volume, and higher PTI in comparison with normal eyes. However, they showed higher CT distribution and volume, and lower PTI compared with keratoconus group. In addition, there was a smaller change in PCT and PTI from the thinnest point of the cornea to the periphery. The results of the present study indicate that CT parameters and CV were significantly different in normal versus subclinical group and in normal versus keratoconus group. These findings could help clinicians to better discriminate between normal and ectatic cornea.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Use of electroconvulsive therapy for Asian patients with schizophrenia (2001-2009): Trends and correlates

Xiang YT, Ungvari GS, Correll CU, Chiu HF, Lai KY, Wang CY, et al.

Psychiatry Clin Neurosci, 2015 Aug;69(8):489-96.
PMID: 25708964 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12283

Little is known about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) use in Asian inpatients with schizophrenia. This study examined trends of ECT use for schizophrenia patients in Asia between 2001 and 2009 and its independent demographic and clinical correlates.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Subclinical coronary artery disease in Asian rheumatoid arthritis patients who were in remission: a pilot study

Ma NH, Teh CL, Rapaee A, Lau KB, Fong AY, Hi S, et al.

Int J Rheum Dis, 2010 Aug;13(3):223-9.
PMID: 20704618 DOI: 10.1111/j.1756-185X.2010.01533.x

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who have active disease with longer disease duration have been reported to have increased risk of cardiovascular events compared to the normal population.
OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of our study is to ascertain the prevalence of significant asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) in Asian RA patients who are in remission using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). The secondary aims of our study are the usage of pulse wave velocity and the biomarkers N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-senstivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) to detect subclinical atherosclerosis in RA patients.
METHODS: We performed a comparative cross-sectional study of 47 RA patients who were in remission with a control group of non-RA patients with a history of atypical chest pain in Sarawak General Hospital from November 2008 to February 2009. All patients underwent 64-slice MDCT, assessment of arterial stiffness using the SphygmoCor test and blood analysis for NT-proBNP and hsCRP.
RESULTS: There were 94 patients in our study with a mean age of 50 +/- 8.8 years. The RA and control patients in each group were matched in terms of traditional CV risk factors. Our RA patients had a median disease duration of 3 years (IQR 5.5). MDCT showed evidence of CAD in nine (19.1%) RA patients and three (6.4%) control patients (P = 0.06). There was no significant association between pulse wave velocity (PWV) and presence of CAD in our RA group. There was no significant correlation between PWV with levels of proBNP or hsCRP in our RA patients.
CONCLUSIONS: In our current pilot study with the limitation of small sample size, RA was not associated with an increased risk of CAD in our RA patients who were in remission. Larger studies of CAD in Asian RA patients are needed to confirm our current finding.
Study site: Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Subjective depressive symptoms associated with pain in patients with major depressive disorder: Findings from the study on the aspect of Asian depression

Oon-Arom A, Likhitsathian S, Maneeton B, Sulaiman AH, Shih-Yen EC, Udomratn P, et al.

Perspect Psychiatr Care, 2020 Jan;56(1):188-193.
PMID: 31148197 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12403

PURPOSE: To examine subjective depressive symptoms associated with physical pain symptoms (PPSs) in Asian patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).
DESIGN AND METHODS: Four PPSs, including headache, chest pain, low back pain, and muscle pain, and subjective depressive symptoms were assessed using the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised.
FINDINGS: Out of 528 participants, 390 (73.9%) had at least one PPS. After adjusting for sex, depression severity, disability, fatigue, physical health status, and mental health status, PPSs were found to be associated with crying easily, blaming oneself, feeling lonely, feeling blue, and worrying too much.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Almost three-quarters of Asian patients with MDD experience PPSs. PPSs are associated with some subjective feelings of depression.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data
An age-adjusted seroprevalence study of Toxoplasma antibody in a Malaysian ophthalmology unit

Singh S, Khang TF, Andiappan H, Nissapatorn V, Subrayan V

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2012 May;106(5):322-6.
PMID: 22480791 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2012.01.009

Toxoplasma gondii is a public health risk in developing countries, especially those located in the tropics. Widespread infection may inflict a substantial burden on state resources, as patients can develop severe neurological defects and ocular diseases that result in lifelong loss of economic independence. We tested sera for IgG antibody from 493 eye patients in Malaysia. Overall age-adjusted seroprevalence was estimated to be 25% (95% CI: [21%, 29%]). We found approximately equal age-adjusted seroprevalence in Chinese (31%; 95% CI: [25%, 38%]) and Malays (29%; 95% CI: [21%, 36%]), followed by Indians (19%; 95% CI: [13%, 25%]). A logistic regression of the odds for T. gondii seroprevalence against age, gender, ethnicity and the occurrence of six types of ocular diseases showed that only age and ethnicity were significant predictors. The odds for T. gondii seroprevalence were 2.7 (95% CI for OR: [1.9, 4.0]) times higher for a patient twice as old as the other, with ethnicity held constant. In Malays, we estimated the odds for T. gondii seroprevalence to be 2.9 (95% CI for OR: [1.8, 4.5]) times higher compared to non-Malays, with age held constant. Previous studies of T. gondii seroprevalence in Malaysia did not explicitly adjust for age, rendering comparisons difficult. Our study highlights the need to adopt a more rigorous epidemiological approach in monitoring T. gondii seroprevalence in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data
Variation in the prevalence, awareness, and control of diabetes in a multiethnic population: a nationwide population study in Malaysia

Rampal S, Rampal L, Rahmat R, Zain AM, Yap YG, Mohamed M, et al.

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2010 Apr;22(2):194-202.
PMID: 19443875 DOI: 10.1177/1010539509334816

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between different ethnic groups and the prevalence, awareness, and control of diabetes in Malaysia. A population-based cross-sectional study using multistage sampling was conducted in Malaysia. Diabetes is defined as having a fasting blood glucose > or =7 mmol/L or a self-reported diabetic on treatment. Among the 7683 respondents aged > or =30 years, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 15.2% (95% CI = 14.1, 16.4). Multivariate analysis showed that compared with Malays, Chinese had lower odds (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.71; 95% CI = 0.56, 0.91) and Indians had higher odds of having diabetes (aOR 1.54; 95% CI = 1.20, 1.98). The odds of diabetes increased with age, family history of diabetes, body mass index, and lower education levels. Among those with diabetes mellitus, 45.0% were aware and 42.7% were under treatment. Among treated diabetics, 25.1% had their fasting blood sugar under control. There is a significant association between prevalence of diabetes and different ethnic groups.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Ethnicity modifies the association between diabetes mellitus and ischaemic heart disease in Chinese, Malays and Asian Indians living in Singapore

Yeo KK, Tai BC, Heng D, Lee JM, Ma S, Hughes K, et al.

Diabetologia, 2006 Dec;49(12):2866-73.
PMID: 17021918 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-006-0469-z

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of the study was to determine whether the risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) associated with diabetes mellitus differs between ethnic groups.

METHODS: Registry linkage was used to identify IHD events in 5707 Chinese, Malay and Asian Indian participants from three cross-sectional studies conducted in Singapore between the years 1984 and 1995. The study provided a median of 10.2 years of follow-up with 240 IHD events experienced. We assessed the interaction between diabetes mellitus and ethnicity in relation to the risk of IHD events using Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS: Diabetes mellitus was more common in Asian Indians. Furthermore, diabetes mellitus was associated with a greater risk of IHD in Asian Indians. The hazard ratio when comparing diabetes mellitus with non-diabetes mellitus was 6.41 (95% CI 5.77-7.12) in Asian Indians and 3.07 (95% CI 1.86-5.06) in Chinese (p = 0.009 for interaction). Differences in the levels of established IHD risk factors among diabetics from the three ethnic groups did not appear to explain the differences in IHD risk.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Asian Indians are more susceptible to the development of diabetes mellitus than Chinese and Malays. When Asian Indians do develop diabetes mellitus, the risk of IHD is higher than for Chinese and Malays. Consequently, the prevention of diabetes mellitus amongst this ethnic group is particularly important for the prevention of IHD in Asia, especially given the size of the population at risk. Elucidation of the reasons for these ethnic differences may help us understand the pathogenesis of IHD in those with diabetes mellitus.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data
Preoperative patient characteristics and outcomes of total knee arthroplasty in a multiethnic Asian population stratified by ethnicity

Jiang L, Bin Abd Razak HR, Chong HC, Tan A

J Arthroplasty, 2014 Feb;29(2):304-7.
PMID: 23891052 DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2013.06.002

We aim to compare the patient profile and outcomes after TKA between the different racial groups in Singapore. Prospective data were collected from 364 patients who underwent TKA in Singapore General Hospital from January 2006 to May 2010. Patients were stratified according to ethnicity and we compared their preoperative demographic data, Short-Form 36 (SF-36), Oxford Knee (OKS) as well as Knee Society Scores (KSS). Malays were younger (62.0 ± 5.3) at time of surgery (p=0.05) and the body mass index of Chinese (27.9 ± 4.7) was lower than Malay (30.4 ± 5.0) and Indian (31.5 ± 4.5) patients (P<0.005). Malay (40.3 ± 11.0) and Indian (39.2 ± 9.3) patients had less favourable preoperative OKS than Chinese (35.9 ± 7.8) patients (P<0.05). All 3 ethnic groups achieved statistically significant improvements in outcome measures but did not differ significantly between the ethnicities.

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*
Ethnic variation of genetic (idiopathic) generalized epilepsy in Malaysia

Lim KS, Ng CC, Chan CK, Foo WS, Low JS, Tan CT

Seizure, 2017 Feb;45:24-27.
PMID: 27912112 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2016.11.011

PURPOSE: Ethnic variation in epilepsy classification was reported in the Epilepsy Phenome/Genome Project. This study aimed to determine the ethnic variation in the prevalence of genetic (idiopathic) generalized epilepsy (GGE) and GGE with family history in a multi-ethnic Asian population in Malaysia.

METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, 392 patients with a clinical diagnosis of GGE were recruited in the neurology outpatient clinic, University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), from January 2011 till April 2016.

RESULTS: In our epilepsy cohort (n=2100), 18.7% were diagnosed to have GGE. Of those, 28.6% >(N=112) had family history of epilepsy with a mean age of seizure onset of 16.5 years old, and 42.0% had myoclonic seizures (N=47). The lifetime prevalence of epilepsy among first-degree relative of those with GGE and positive family history was 15.0%. Analysis according to ethnicity showed that Malaysian Chinese had the lowest percentage of GGE among those with epilepsy (12.3%), as compared with Indian and Malay (25.3% and 21.3%, p<0.001). In addition, 32.1% of these Indian patients with GGE had positive family history, which is more than the Malay (26.4%) and Chinese (27.5%) ethnic groups. Consanguineous marriage was noted in 5 Indian families with positive family history (9.6%).

CONCLUSION: There was ethnic variation in the prevalence of GGE, whereby the Malaysian Chinese had the lowest percentage of GGE as compared with Indian and Malay. A substantial proportion of GGE had positive family history among the three ethnics groups.

Study site: neurology outpatient clinic, University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)

Matched MeSH terms: Asian Continental Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data*

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