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Fulltext Do elderly women in Malaysia go for mammogram screening?

Rahmah, M.A., Aniza, I., Che Engku Nor Bahiyah, C.E.M.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2013;13(2):20-26.
MyJurnal

Despite the debates of the benefits of continuing mammography screening among elderly women, studies in Malaysia have shown that the prevalence of breast examination declines after age 45 years and for mammogram per se, the prevalence of examination increases until age of 64. This study aims to determine the prevalence of mammogram screening among elderly women in Hulu Langat, Selangor and its relationship with factors such as demographic factors, family history of breast cancer, perceived health status, perceived general psychological factor and lifestyle factors. Data used were from a cross sectional study of health status among community in Hulu Langat area by the Department of Community Health, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia carried out from the year 1998 till 2002. However this paper focused on the database involving elderly women age 60 and above. The sample population was 652. The mean (standard deviation) age was 67.17 (5.995). Only 8.3% of the elderly women claimed to ever had mammogram screening done. Hence, the prevalence of mammogram screening is still low among elderly women in Hulu Langat. Having family history of breast cancer (p < 0.001) and perceived positive psychological status (p=0.003) had shown significant associations with mammogram screening among them. It is therefore important for researcher to further look into the reasons behind this and qualitative exploration is highly recommended.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Determinants of the demand for using preventive medical care among adults in penang, malaysia

Cheah YK

Malays J Med Sci, 2013 Jan;20(1):46-55.
PMID: 23613658 MyJurnal

In light of the fact that chronic diseases were becoming more prevalent recently, the primary objective of the study was to examine the socio-demographic, health, and lifestyle determinants of the use of preventive medical care in Penang, Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext A community health screening conducted at Sungai Pinang township, state of Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Chai Fung Kiew, Chee Ping Chong

Malaysian Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, 2013;11(1):59-68.
MyJurnal

Non-communicable diseases are raising much concern in Malaysia due to changing lifestyles which is parallel to the economic development. Intervention program like community health screening (CHS) allows early detection, prevention and reduction of chronic diseases and its risk factors. This study aimed to assess the obesity level, risk factors for chronic diseases and blood cholesterol level among the Malaysian public. A health screening program was conducted on April 2012 at Sungai Pinang township, in the state of Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. A convenient sample of the general public was recruited. Screening tests consisted of measurements of blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, visceral fat accumulation (VFA) and blood cholesterol. Chi-square analysis was used to determine the difference between prevalence of obesity among subjects with different age groups and gender. Out of 76 recruited subjects, 23.7% had systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or greater and 7.9% had diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or greater. Approximately 51% of the subjects were obese (BMI ≥ 27.5 kg/m2). Body fat percentage was high in 63.6% and 63.0% of male and female subjects, respectively. High VFA (≥15) was found in 19.8% of subjects. There were three newly discovered hypercholesterolemia cases (total cholesterol ≥ 5.2 mmol/L). Counselling was given during the health screening program to help the public to take necessary measures to reduce risk factors while preventing complication resulting from these chronic diseases. In conclusion, prevalence of obesity found to be high in the present screened population.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Diabetes Care in Malaysia: Problems, New Models, and Solutions

Hussein Z, Taher SW, Gilcharan Singh HK, Chee Siew Swee W

Ann Glob Health, 2016 4 25;81(6):851-62.
PMID: 27108152 DOI: 10.1016/j.aogh.2015.12.016

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a major public health concern in Malaysia, and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has escalated to 20.8% in adults above the age of 30, affecting 2.8 million individuals. The burden of managing diabetes falls on primary and tertiary health care providers operating in various settings.
OBJECTIVES: This review focuses on the current status of diabetes in Malaysia, including epidemiology, complications, lifestyle, and pharmacologic treatments, as well as the use of technologies in its management and the adoption of the World Health Organization chronic care model in primary care clinics.
METHODS: A narrative review based on local available health care data, publications, and observations from clinic experience.
FINDINGS: The prevalence of diabetes varies among the major ethnic groups in Malaysia, with Asian Indians having the highest prevalence of T2D, followed by Malays and Chinese. The increase prevalence of overweight and obesity has accompanied the rise in T2D. Multidisciplinary care is available in tertiary and primary care settings with integration of pharmacotherapy, diet, and lifestyle changes. Poor dietary adherence, high consumption of carbohydrates, and sedentary lifestyle are prevalent in patients with T2D. The latest medication options are available with increasing use of intensive insulin regimens, insulin pumps, and continuous glucose monitoring systems for managing glycemic control. A stepwise approach is proposed to expand the chronic care model into an Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions framework to facilitate implementation and realize better outcomes in primary care settings.
CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive strategy and approach has been established by the Malaysian government to improve prevention, treatment, and control of diabetes as an urgent response to this growing chronic disease.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Impact of COVID-19 on mental health and quality of life: Is there any effect? A cross-sectional study of the MENA region

Al Dhaheri AS, Bataineh MF, Mohamad MN, Ajab A, Al Marzouqi A, Jarrar AH, et al.

PLoS One, 2021;16(3):e0249107.
PMID: 33765015 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249107

The COVID-19 pandemic is a major health crisis that has changed the life of millions globally. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the pandemic on mental health and quality of life among the general population in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. A total of 6142 adults from eighteen countries within the MENA region completed an online questionnaire between May and June 2020. Psychological impact was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the social and family support impact was assessed with questions from the Perceived Support Scale (PSS). The IES-R mean score was 29.3 (SD = 14.8), corresponding to mild stressful impact with 30.9% reporting severe psychological impact. Most participants (45%-62%) felt horrified, apprehensive, or helpless due to COVID-19. Furthermore, over 40% reported increased stress from work and financial matters. Higher IES-R scores were found among females, participants aged 26-35 years, those with lower educational level, and participants residing in the North Africa region (p<0.005). About 42% reported receiving increased support from family members, 40.5% were paying more attention to their mental health, and over 40% reported spending more time resting since the pandemic started. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with mild psychological impact while it also encouraged some positive impact on family support and mental health awareness among adults in the MENA region. Clinical interventions targeted towards vulnerable groups such as females and younger adults are needed.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Psychosocial factors and the health of the elderly Malaysian

Chen PC

Ann Acad Med Singap, 1987 Jan;16(1):110-4.
PMID: 3592576

Consequent to rapidly declining mortality and birth rates, developing countries, including Malaysia, can expect a rapid increase in the population aged 60 years and above. The health of the elderly is intimately tied up with both biophysical as well as psychosocial factors which include status loss, loneliness, fear of illness and death, poverty, harmful life-styles and deterioration of the quality of life. The effects of these psychosocial factors can manifest as sleep difficulties, worry and anxiety, depression, loss of interest, and a feeling of tiredness. In extreme cases, there may be auditory or visual hallucinations or paranoia. In the present paper, which is based upon a WHO sponsored study of 1001 elderly Malaysians, it is noted that 36% of the elderly have sleep difficulties, 47% "feel tired", 31% have a "loss of interest" and 22% are "worried tense". However 71% of the elderly are able to correctly perform at least 12 of 15 cognitive tests. 20% of elderly men smoke 15 or more cigarettes a day while 44% smoke at least one cigarette a day. 40% of elderly men indicate that their families complain about the amount of alcohol they drink. Undoubtedly primary health care programmes need to be re-oriented to the problems and needs of the elderly in countries such as Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Life-styles and health-related behaviour

Chen PCY

Med J Malaysia, 1985 Jun;40(2):60-1.
PMID: 3834288
Matched MeSH terms: Life Style*
Fulltext Self-reliance in health among village women

Wong ML, Chen PCY

World Health Forum, 1991;12(1):43-8.
PMID: 1859597
Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Developing primary health care for a nomad tribe: the Penans of the Baram

Chen PCY

Asia Pac J Public Health, 1987;1(1):34-7.
PMID: 3452377 DOI: 10.1177/101053958700100109

Unlike much of Peninsular Malaysia, the Baram District of Sarawak remains sparsely populated and underserved, one of the most underserved peoples being the nomadic and semi-nomadic Penans of the Baram. Until quite recently these Penans lived as small nomadic bands of hunter-gatherers. More recently, they have begun to settle in longhouses. However, lacking the necessary skills to live a settled mode of life, these Penans suffer a great deal of hunger, malnutrition, disease and death. Primary health care with its emphasis on the seven essential elements, including food production and nutrition, environmental sanitation, good maternal and child health, knowledge of disease and how it can be prevented as well as the treatment and control of locally endemic diseases, is of critical value in the survival of the semi-nomadic Penans. The specially designed primary health care programme for the Penans of the Baram is outlined briefly in this paper.
Keyword: Baram, Penans, Primary Health Care, Sarawak, Village Health Promoter.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style*
Prevalence of vitamin-mineral supplements use and associated factors among young Malaysians

Al-Naggar RA, Chen R

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(4):1023-9.
PMID: 21790245

The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and associated factors of vitamin-mineral supplements use among Management and Science University students. The cross-sectional study protocol was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee and questionnaires were distributed randomly using simple random sampling to students from all faculties and consent was obtained. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 13. Total number of the participants in this study is 105. More than half of them were female, older than 20 years of age and Malay (58.1%, 61.9 and 61.9% respectively). The prevalence of vitamin-mineral supplement use was 43%, the main reasons being 'to maintain good health' 80%, followed by 'to ensure adequate nutrition' (10.5%). There was a significant positive association with monthly household income and BMI (P=0.039; P=0.048), with significant dependence on race and knowledge about vitamin-mineral supplements (P=0.002). There was a significant difference between medical and health sciences as compared to non-medical and health science faculties (p =0.05). The conclusion is that although the prevalence of vitamin-mineral supplement use among university students is relatively high, many of them do not have accurate information about supplements. Therefore, there is a need to provide them with education and access to scientific and unbiased information.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Pneumonia and diarrhoeas: killers of toddlers in developing countries

Chen ST

Trop Geogr Med, 1975 Mar;27(1):103-8.
PMID: 806152

Pneumonia and diarrhoeas are an important cause of toddler mortality and morbidity in developing countries. Of the 147 children admitted to the University Hospital at Kuala Lumpur in 1971 for pneumonia and diarrhoeas 50 (34%) were found to be suffering from protein-calorie malnutrition of varying degrees of severity. The malnourished children tended to come from poorer homes, and to have a larger number of siblings born in rapid succession when compared with normal weight children. Anemia was more common among the malnourished children. The interaction of infection and malnutrition and the social implications of these diseases are important. It is vital that hospitals in developing countries promote health in addition to their traditional curative role.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Lifestyles and Sexual Behaviour Among School-Going Adolescents: A Mediational Role of Mental Health

Cheah YK, Zainuddin NH, Kee CC, Lim KH, Omar MA, Cheong YL

Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry, 2023 Oct;28(4):1341-1357.
PMID: 36428238 DOI: 10.1177/13591045221142497

Sexual behaviour and mental health among adolescents are major public health issues. This study examines how lifestyles affect sexual behaviour among school-going adolescents in Malaysia, and the potential mediational role of mental health. It is the first to our knowledge to explore the mediating effect of mental health on sexual behaviour with a focus on a fast-growing developing country. Data were obtained from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2017 (n = 27,497). Structural equation modelling was utilized to examine depression and anxiety as mediators of the relationships between sexual behaviour and smoking, alcohol drinking and illicit drug use, controlling for sociodemographic factors. Results showed that adolescents who smoked, consumed alcohol, used illicit drugs, and had depression and anxiety were more likely to engage in sexual behaviour than others. Depression and anxiety partially mediated the relationships between sexual behaviour and smoking, and illicit drug use. The association between alcohol drinking and sexual behaviour was fully mediated by depression and anxiety. In conclusion, lifestyles may affect sexual behaviour through mediation of mental health. Therefore, policymakers should take mental health factors into consideration when designing adolescent sexual behaviour preventative interventions.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Demographic, lifestyle, social, and psychological factors associated with worry-related sleep problems among school-going adolescents in Timor-Leste

Cheah YK, Kee CC, Lim KK, Cheong YL

J Child Adolesc Psychiatr Nurs, 2024 May;37(2):e12468.
PMID: 38654575 DOI: 10.1111/jcap.12468

OBJECTIVE: Adolescent sleep problems are a worldwide public health issue. The present study examines factors associated with worry-related sleep problems among school-going adolescents. The country of interest is Timor-Leste, a low-income country, where studies pertaining to adolescent sleep problems are lacking.
DESIGN AND MEASURES: Data were analysed from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey Timor-Leste (n = 3455). An ordered probit model was used to assess the effects of demographic, lifestyle, social, and psychological factors on different levels of worry-related sleep problems (i.e., no, mild and severe sleep problems).
RESULTS: School-going adolescents were more likely to face mild or severe worry-related sleep problems if they were older, passive smokers, alcohol drinkers and moderately active. School-going adolescents who sometimes or always went hungry were more likely to experience worry-related sleep problems than those who did not. Involvement in physical fights, being bullied, and loneliness were positively associated with the probability of having modest or severe worry-related sleep problems.
CONCLUSION: Age, exposure to second-hand smoke, alcohol consumption, physical activity, going hungry, physical fights, being bullied and loneliness are the important determining factors of adolescent worry-related sleep problems. Policymakers should pay special attention to these factors when formulating intervention measures.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style*
Fulltext Obesity levels, knowledge and practice of healthy lifestyle among UPSI students

Elumalai G, Hashim A, Sankaravel M, Chia RR

Jurnal Sains Sukan & Pendidikan Jasmani, 2015;4(1):65-70.
MyJurnal

This study is aimed to evaluate the obesity level and promote a healthy lifestyle among students at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Perak. Fifteen male and fifteen female undergraduate students aged between 19 years to 24 years from each faculty of university Pendidikan Sultan Idris are randomly selected as samples (n=270). The Body Mass Index (BMI) and modified questionnaires by Burton (1999) are used as instruments for this study. Analysis showed that 15.9% of the respondents are overweight, 23.7% are in pre-obese level, 27.8% are in obese level one and 3.7% respondents are in obese level two. T-test analysis of independent samples was used to determine the level of knowledge and a healthy lifestyle among male and female students. The results showed that there is no significant difference between male and female students in the levels of healthy lifestyle practices with p = 0.089 (p> 0.05); the level of a healthy lifestyle practices among males (M = 71.57, SD = 8:42) have almost the same mean with females (M = 70.05, SD = 6:00). Furthermore, the findings indicate that the scores on the levels of knowledge on healthy lifestyle for male students is (M = 79.09, SD = 7:38), while the mean score for female students is (M = 76.95, SD = 8:59) with p = 0.028 (p <0.05). On comparing the means of the scores on the levels of knowledge on healthy lifestyle, the male students scored higher than the female students. It turns out there is a difference between male and female students in terms of the level of knowledge on healthy lifestyle. The study found that the respondents have a good knowledge on healthy lifestyle, but lack practice in daily life. This is an unpleasant indication because Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students are facing the risk of cardiovascular-related diseases caused by obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.
Study site: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Perak, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Healthcare in Asia: a perspective from primary care at the gateway to a continent

Jiwa M, Othman S, Hanafi NS, Ng CJ, Khoo EM, Chia YC

Qual Prim Care, 2012;20(5):317-20.
PMID: 23113999

Malaysia has achieved reasonable health outcomes even though the country spends a modest amount of Gross Domestic Product on healthcare. However, the country is now experiencing a rising incidence of both infectious diseases and chronic lifestyle conditions that reflect growing wealth in a vibrant and successful economy. With an eye on an ageing population, reform of the health sector is a government priority. As in other many parts of the world, general practitioners are the first healthcare professional consulted by patients. The Malaysian health system is served by public and private care providers. The integration of the two sectors is a key target for reform. However, the future health of the nation will depend on leadership in the primary care sector. This leadership will need to be informed by research to integrate care providers, empower patients, bridge cultural gaps and ensure equitable access to scarce health resources.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Prehypertension: What is the current status?

Chia YC

Malays Fam Physician, 2008;3(2):72-6.
PMID: 25606120 MyJurnal

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is a continuum across blood pressure. The term prehypertension was introduced because it is now recognized that blood pressure readings between what is deemed optimal and hypertension is associated with increased CVD risk. The prevalence of prehypertension is high and the progression to hypertension is also high. Prehypertension is also commonly associated with other CVD risk factors namely dyslipidaemia, dysgylcaemia and overweight/ obesity. Eighty-five percent of prehypertensives have one other or more CVD risk factor compared to normotensives. A recent study has shown a reduction in the development of hypertension from prehypertension with the use of an angiotensin receptor blocker. Unfortunately to date, the impact of treatment of prehypertension on CVD outcome is still unknown except in those with high CVD risk like diabetes or established CVD. However this does not mean nothing can be done for those with prehypertension. The aim of managing prehypertension is to lower the BP, prevent progression to hypertension and to prevent BP related CVD deaths. Lifestyle changes can reduce BP and this by itself can lower CVD risk. Until more evidence about other modalities of treatment become available this is a sensible and cost-effective way to manage prehypertension.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Obesity and unhealthy lifestyle associated with poor executive function among Malaysian adolescents

Tee JYH, Gan WY, Tan KA, Chin YS

PLoS One, 2018;13(4):e0195934.
PMID: 29664932 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195934

The understanding on the roles of obesity and lifestyle behaviors in predicting executive function of adolescents has been limited. Low executive function proficiency may have adverse effects on adolescents' school academic performance. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the relationship between BMI-for-age and multiple lifestyle behaviors (operationalized as meal consumption, physical activity, and sleep quality) with executive function (operationalized as inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) on a sample of Malaysian adolescents aged between 12 and 16 years (N = 513). Participants were recruited from two randomly selected schools in the state of Selangor in Malaysia. Using a self-administered questionnaire, parent participants provided information concerning their sociodemographic data, whereas adolescent participants provided information regarding their meal consumptions, physical activity, and sleep quality. The modified Harvard step test was used to assess adolescents' aerobic fitness, while Stroop color-word, digit span, and trail-making tests were used to assess adolescents' inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, respectively. Three separate hierarchical regression analyses were conducted for each outcome namely, inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. After adjusted for sociodemographic factors and BMI-for-age, differential predictors of inhibition and working memory were found. Habitual sleep efficiency significantly and positively predicted inhibition. Regular dinner intakes, physical activity levels, and sleep quality significantly and positively predicted working memory. Household income emerged as a consistent predictor for all executive function domains. In conclusion, an increased trend of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles among adolescents were found to be associated with poorer executive function. Regular dinner intakes, higher physical activity levels and better sleep quality predicted better executive function despite the inverse relationship between obesity and executive function. Future studies may explore how lifestyle modifications can optimize the development of executive function in adolescents as well as relieve the burden of obesity.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style*
Fulltext May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Malaysia

Chia YC, Devaraj NK, Chook JB, Chew MT, Ooi PB, Mohamed M, et al.

Eur Heart J Suppl, 2021 May;23(Suppl B):B98-B100.
PMID: 34054370 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/suab058

Despite hypertension remaining the leading cause of death worldwide, awareness of hypertension and its control rate is still suboptimal in Malaysia. This study aims to determine the proportion of both diagnosed and undiagnosed hypertension, awareness and its control rate during the yearly May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign that has been coordinated by the International Society of Hypertension. Participants aged ≥18 years were recruited at various screening sites namely universities, health facilities, shopping malls, and other sites. Participant's socio-demographic, environmental, and lifestyle data were captured using a questionnaire. Three blood pressure (BP) readings as well as anthropometric measurements were obtained from all participants. The mean of the second and third BP readings was used in analyses. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or taking antihypertensive medication. A total of 3062 participants were recruited. The proportion with hypertension in our study was 18.7% (n = 572). The proportion who were aware of their BP status was 63.2%. More than half (57.2%) of the hypertensives were on antihypertensive medication and 70.3% of those treated were controlled. In conclusion, in this BP screening campaign, one in five were hypertensive with almost two thirds aware of their hypertensive status. BP control among those who are taking medications was high at 70% but under 60% of hypertensives were on treatment. Hypertension screening programmes are important to promote awareness and control of hypertension as well as to reduce the devastating complications associated with this disorder.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
An international comparison of women's occupational health issues in the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Canada, Hong Kong and Singapore: the CIDA-SEAGEP study

Choi BC

Occup Med (Lond), 2005 Oct;55(7):515-22.
PMID: 16174662

An international comparison study of women's occupational health issues was carried out in 2000 for the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Canada, Hong Kong and Singapore. The study was funded by the Canadian International Development Agency's Southeast Asia Gender Equity Program.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Online health information seeking among people with diabetes mellitus and its association with self-management

Leelavathi M, Teh Rohaila J, Thenmolle A, Mohamad Salehuddin MS, Barathan M, Natasha PJ, et al.

Medicine & Health, 2018;13(2):72-82.
MyJurnal

Diabetes requires dedicated self-management to be able to achieve good control and outcome as this is a lifelong condition. The internet offers an amazing wealth of health information which may influence diabetes self-management. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of online health information seeking among people with diabetes and its associated factors. About 380 participants answered the online health information seeking questionnaire developed from literature search and expert panel review. Diabetes Self-Management was assessed using the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ). The prevalence of online health information seeking among people with diabetes was 38.4%. Common information sought included diabetes treatment (82.9%) lifestyle modification (77.4%) and diabetes prevention (67.3%). A large majority (93.1%) felt that the online information on diabetes was useful. Doctors and printed reading materials were the most common sources of information for diabetes (94.2% & 65.3%). Lower median age (59 years, IQR = 11), having a family member with diabetes, (COR = 1.188) tertiary education (COR = 6.037) and those who are employed (COR = 3.880) have higher odds of seeking online diabetes related health information. However, there was no significant association between online health information seeking and diabetes self-management. Prevalence of online health information seeking among people with diabetes was at an acceptable level. However, it was not associated with optimal diabetic self-management. Doctors and printed information remain as popular sources of information and hence should be maintained.
Study site: Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style

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