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Fulltext Age-related reference intervals for free and total prostate-specific antigen in a Singaporean population

Saw S, Aw TC

Pathology, 2000 Nov;32(4):245-9.
PMID: 11186419

Cancer of the prostate is the sixth most frequently found cancer in Singapore. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the most clinically useful tumour marker available today for the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer. To enhance the value of PSA as a screening test we developed age-specific intervals for our ethnic population. The measurement of free PSA was included in the study to calculate the free:total ratio which enhances the differential diagnosis of prostate cancer from benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis. The total PSA upper limits of 10-year intervals, beginning at 30-years-old, were 1.4, 1.7, 2.3, 4.0, 6.3 and 6.6 microg/l. Free PSA cut-off limits were 0.4, 0.5, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 1.6 microg/l. The free:total ratio of PSA was not age dependent. Abbott AxSym standardised their calibration material for both free and total PSA assays with the Stanford 90:10 reference material. This laboratory has implemented these age-specific reference intervals and are currently following up their pick-up rate in the detection of prostate cancer.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
Serum lipoprotein(A) profiles in a Singaporean population

Wong MS, Chew WL, Aw TC

Pathology, 1999 Aug;31(3):225-9.
PMID: 10503268

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is formed when apolipoprotein(a) is linked to low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol via a single disulfide bond. It is an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction and raised concentrations are associated with an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease. Singapore has a multi-racial population of 77% Chinese, 14% Malays and 7% Indians. Studies have shown that the Indians have significantly higher standardised mortality ratios (SMR) compared to the Chinese and the Malays. We measured serum Lp(a) concentrations in 803 healthy individuals recruited from the Multiphasic Health Screening Programme, using the Macra Lp(a) sandwich enzyme immunoassay kit (Strategics Diagnostics, Delaware, USA). Lp(a) concentrations were skewed in all three groups. Our population mean was 9.0 mg/dl, with 50th, 75th and 95th percentile values of 10.2, 19.8 and 43.1 mg/dl, respectively, which are lower than values reported from Caucasian populations (15.0, 29.0 and 60.0 mg/dl, respectively). Males had lower Lp(a) concentrations than females (P < 0.05). The Indian group had significantly higher concentrations (median 12.3 mg/dl) compared to their Chinese (median 9.6 mg/dl) and Malay (median 8.4 mg/dl) counterparts (P < 0.05). This could partly account for the higher SMR seen in the Indian population in Singapore. As serum Lp(a) concentrations are method- and population-dependent, we recommend that laboratories determine their own reference ranges by their method to avoid misclassification of the coronary heart disease (CHD) risk of patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
Fulltext A medication-estimated health status measure for predicting primary care visits: the Long-Term Therapeutic Groups Index

Dhabali AA, Awang R

Health Policy Plan, 2010 Mar;25(2):162-9.
PMID: 19923207 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czp051

BACKGROUND: Managed care is one of the means advocated for health care reforms. The Malaysian government has proposed managed care for its citizens. In the Malaysian private health care sector, managed care is practised on a small scale with crude risk adjustment. The main determinant of an individual's health service utilization is their health status (HS). HS is used as a risk adjuster for capitation payment. Prescribed medications represent a useful source for HS estimation. We aimed to develop and validate a medication-based HS estimate and to incorporate it in the Andersen model of health service utilization. This is a preparatory step in studying the feasibility of developing a model for risk assessment in the Malaysian context.
METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from an academic year from computerized databases in University Sains Malaysia (USM) about users of USM primary care services. A user is a USM health scheme beneficiary who made at least one visit in the academic year to USM-assigned primary care providers. Socio-demographic variables, enrolment period, medications prescribed and number of visits were also collected. Chronic illness medications and some non-chronic illness medications were used to calculate the Long-Term Therapeutic Groups Index (LTTGI) which is an estimate of the HS of users. Using a random 50% of users, weighted least square methods were used to develop a model that predicts a user's number of visits. The other 50% were used for validation.
RESULTS: Socio-demographic variables explained 15% of variability in number of primary care visits among users. Adding the LTTGI improved the explanatory power of the model to 36% (P < 0.001). A similar contribution of the LTTGI was noted in the validation.
CONCLUSIONS: The Long-Term Therapeutic Groups Index was successfully developed. Variability in number of primary care visits can be predicted by LTTGI-based models.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
Fulltext Factors affecting nutritional status of children below 24 months in Pekan district, Pahang, Malaysia

Masroor N, Ab Rahman J, Han TM, Khattak MAK, Aye A

Malays J Nutr, 2014;20(2):197-207.
MyJurnal

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of children below 24 months in the district of Pekan, Pahang, and identify the contributing factors. Methods: Using a cross-sectional methodology, a total of 910 children was selected by random sampling from four public health clinics. Anthropometric measurements were taken and weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-for- height were calculated in Z scores. Immediate caregivers of children were interviewed by using a pretested validated questionnaire to assess their socio- economic, demographic, educational and occupational status. Results: Of the 910 children who participated in the study, the majority were Malay (70.1%), while the remaining comprised indigenous or Orang-Asli (OA) children. Prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweight were 28.7 %, 15.6 % and 19.0% respectively. There were more underweight males than females. Wasting was most common among children aged below 6 months. Stunting was more prevalent in children between 12 to 24 months. Obesity was seen in 7.3% of the sample. Maternal education, employment and socio-economic status had a significant influence on wasting and underweight. Children were vulnerable to stunting as age advanced, whereas prevalence of wasting tended to decrease. Conclusion: Malnutrition exists in significant proportions among children below 24 months in the Pekan district. This study identified low birth weight along with age, race, gender, large family size and socio-economic status as important risk factors of malnutrition.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
Fulltext Factor IX mutations in haemophilia B patients in Malaysia: a preliminary study

Balraj P, Ahmad M, Khoo AS, Ayob Y

Malays J Pathol, 2012 Jun;34(1):67-9.
PMID: 22870602 MyJurnal

Haemophilia B is caused by coagulation defects in the factor IX gene located in Xq27.1 on the X chromosome. Identification of mutations contributing to defective factor IX may be advantageous for precise carrier and prenatal diagnosis. We studied 16 patients from 11 families, consisting of 8 patients of the Malay ethnic group, of which 6 were siblings. Factor IX mutations have not been previously reported in the Malay ethnic group. The functional region of the factor IX gene was sequenced and mutations were identified in either the exon or intronic regions in 15 of the patients. One novel mutation, 6660_6664delTTCTT was identified in siblings with moderate form of haemophilia B. Mutations identified in our patients when linked with disease severity were similar to findings in other populations. In summary, this preliminary data will be used to build a Malaysian mutation database which would facilitate genetic counseling.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
Fulltext A pilot school health survey to study the incidence of common disorders in primary school children and the role of teachers in the school health service

Ayyamani UD

Med J Malaysia, 1986 Mar;41(1):4-11.
PMID: 3796347

Selected students were subjected to a general health appraisal including vision and hearing tests by teachers, nurses and finally a medical officer. The findings of all three examiners were then compared taking the results of the medical officer as the indicator of accuracy. The findings of the survey indicated that the problems of school children were similar to those reported by other workers and by MCH Division of the Ministry of Health namely dental caries, head lice, malnutrition, skin infections and visual disability. Other problems like skeletal deformity and abnormalities of heart, lung, speech and behaviour were extremely uncommon and formed only 1.5% of the total. Teachers and nurses performed extremely well in relation to the doctor with 93% and 95.8% concurrence respectively in detecting these abnormalities. Teachers were also requested to give a feedback on their view of and role in the SHS as well as problems faced in following the school health card. The majority perceived the SHS as a joint effort between the Ministry of Health and Education and agreed that they had a role to play in the SHS. Many teachers also indicated a willingness to carry out the various tasks in the SHS. The main problem in filling the school health card seemed to be in getting relevant details from parents though over 50% of teachers complained that there were too many details to fill. The role of teachers in the SHS is discussed in the light of the findings of the study and recommendations are made.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
Patient Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs): Survey of Public Awareness and Predictors of Confidence to Report

Hariraj V, Aziz Z

Ther Innov Regul Sci, 2018 11;52(6):757-763.
PMID: 29714567 DOI: 10.1177/2168479017745025

BACKGROUND: Many countries incorporate direct patient reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) into their pharmacovigilance systems as patients provide a different insight into drug safety compared to health care professionals. This study aimed to examine public awareness about ADR reporting in Malaysia and patients' confidence in reporting ADRs.
METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design and convenient sampling, data were collected in public areas within Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, via face-to-face interview with a structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the significant predictors of patients' confidence in ADR reporting.
RESULTS: Out of 860 consented respondents achieving a response rate of 73.5%, only 69 (8%) were aware of the Malaysian ADR monitoring system. The majority (60%) of the respondents indicated they had the confidence to report ADRs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that ease in completing the ADR reporting form was the strongest variable predictive of confidence to report ADRs (odds ratio [OR], 18.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.55-32.25). Increased confidence in ADR reporting was also associated with education level. Respondents with a higher education level were more likely to be confident to report ADRs compared to those with primary or no formal education (OR, 2.49; 95% CI, 0.77-8.1).
CONCLUSIONS: Lack of awareness of the ADR monitoring system is still prevalent among Malaysian patients. The ease of completing the ADR form and education level are predictive of patient confidence to report ADRs. These factors should be considered in designing public promotional activities to encourage patient contributions to pharmacovigilance.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
Fulltext Maternal level of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A as a predictor of pregnancy failure in threatened abortion

Hanita O, Roslina O, Azlin MI

Malays J Pathol, 2012 Dec;34(2):145-51.
PMID: 23424777 MyJurnal

Threatened miscarriage is a common complication of pregnancy. Despite initial viability confirmation by ultrasound scan, some of these patients had further spontaneous abortion. A highly sensitive and specific biomarker would be useful to determine the outcome of pregnancy and to prevent emotional impact to these women. A prospective 14-month cohort study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre to determine whether low serum levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) measured in early pregnancy can predict the outcome of threatened abortion. 42 pregnant women between 6 to 22 weeks of gestation with threatened abortion and 40 controls were enrolled. Serum samples were collected at presentation and PAPP-A was assayed by electrochemiluminescent immunoassay technique. Pregnancies were followed-up until 22 weeks of gestations and the outcome documented. Nine patients (11%) developed spontaneous abortion and 73 patients (89%) had successful pregnancy. The median PAPP-A level was significantly lower in patients with spontaneous abortion compared to those who had successful pregnancies in the threatened abortion group: 0.78 MoM (0.41-1.00 MoM) vs 1.00 MoM (1.00-2.0 MoM) respectively (p < 0.05). The best sensitivity of 44% and specificity of 93% were obtained at the cut of value of 0.66 MoM (95% CI, 0.561-0.773). In conclusion, low PAPP-A value in threatened abortion women is associated with pregnancy failure, although the use of PAPP-A as a one-time single marker has limited value.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
Fulltext Retrospective study of predictors for foot ulceration among diabetic patients attending Kuala Langat Health Centre from 1999 to 2008

Faridah K, Azmi MT

Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2009;15(2):43-59.
MyJurnal

Background : Foot ulcers and its complications are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes. The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the ulcer-free survival in diabetic foot and its relevant predictors in a cohort of diabetic patients in the primary health care setting.
Methods : Data of newly diagnosed diabetics (n=1121) who received treatment in five health centers in the district of Kuala Langat, Selangor between 1st January 1999 until the 30th June 2008 were studied. Information was gathered by reviewing patient’s medical records. All patients were followed until 31st December 2008. The duration of ulcer-free survival was measured from the date of being diagnosed as diabetic until the development of the ulcer.
Results : The total incidence of diabetic foot ulcer was 9.9% (n=111), with an average annual incidence of 1%. The total incidence of amputation was 1.2%. Mean age of being diagnosed having diabetic was 52+10.7 year old and mean age of being diagnosed having diabetic foot ulcer was 54.68+10.16 year old. The mean for overall ulcer-free survival was 99 months (95%CI:96-102). Male gender (LR=6.56; p=0.01), smokers (LR=3.94; p=0.04), low body mass index (LR=4.45; p=0.03), impaired renal function (LR=5.17; p=0.02) and long duration between follow-up (LR=25.10; p

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
Fulltext Do pregnant women in Penang smoke? A cross sectional study among antenatal mothers attending Penang government health clinic in the year 2002

Mohd Yusoff Hasim, Rokiah Mohd, Rafidah Md Noor, Azizah Abd. Manan, Abd. Jamil Ahmad, Munsyi Abdullah, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2003;3(1):36-41.
MyJurnal

Health impact related to smoking is a critical public health predicament especially in pregnancy. However there is not much data available to describe the magnitude of the problem. Hence this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of smoking and its socioeconomic factors among antenatal mother and their opinion related to tobacco control measures. A cross sectional study was carried out involving newly registered antenatal mothers attending all government health clinics in Penang. Prevalence of ever smoking among antenatal mother is 1.4%, of which 42.4% is still smoking at first antenatal visit. It was found that single mothers are more likely to smoke (OR, 14.23: C12.52-53.27). It was also noted that spouse smoking (OR, 5,14: CI 1.95-17.09), primigravida (OR, 2.7: C1 1.3-5.62), age group less than 30 years old (OR, 2.41; CI 1.03-6.09) and living in urban area (OR, 2.33; CI 1.01 — 6.47) have a higher risk to indulge in smoking behaviour. Muslim OR 0.29; C1 0.14 - 0.60) and Malay (OR 0.22; CI 0.10 - 0.47) pregnant mothers are noted to be less likely to smoke as compared to non Muslim and non Malay. More than 85% of them agreed with the tobacco control measures regardless of their smoking status. Most of respondents agreed the influential people in community L;11T · such as medical personnel, teachers and parents should not smoke.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
Fulltext A case-control study on factors affecting the incidence of dengue fever in Johor Bahru

Norli, R., Azmi, M.T.

Malaysian Journal of Community Health, 2008;14(2):56-67.
MyJurnal

Introduction : Johor Bahru has one of the highest rates of dengue disease in this country in spite of the implementation of COMBI (Communication for Behavioural Impact) in 2001.
Methods : To identify factors contributing to this problem, a case control study was conducted, focusing on risk factors such as the weather (rainfall and temperature), environment and sociodemography. Cases were selected from confirmed dengue cases from January to June, 2006. Controls were selected from patients who had no past history of having dengue illness from Health Clinics in Johore Bahru. Both case group and control group were matched by age and sex. All risk factors were analysed using SPSS version 11.5.
Results : Results from time-series analysis indicated that the cases of dengue illness were related to changes in the minimum temperature (r =-0.149; p

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
Seven-year review of prostate carcinomas diagnosed by TRUS biopsy in a single Malaysian institution

Hong GE, Kong CH, Singam P, Cheok LB, Zainuddin ZM, Azrif M

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2010;11(5):1351-3.
PMID: 21198291

INTRODUCTION: Analysis of epidemiological as well as survival differences among the multiethnic population of Malaysia with prostate cancer is important.
METHODS: Patients confirmed by transrectal-ultrasonographic-guided-biopsy performed from 2002 to 2008 were enrolled and analysed according to ethnicity, age, PSA level, Gleason score, stage of disease and survival.
RESULTS: Among 83 patients, there were 38 Malay, 40 Chinese, 3 Indians and 2 others. Median age at diagnosis was 69.9 (range: 59-93), 43 patients (51.8%) being diagnosed before the age of 70. The median PSA level upon diagnosis was 574 ng/ml (range: 1-8632) and the median Gleason score was 7 (range: 2-10). Over half were already in Stage 4 when diagnosed. The most common site of metastasis was the bone. As a result the commonest prescribed treatment was hormonal manipulation. Five patients underwent radical prostatectomy and a further thirteen patients had radical radiotherapy (stage I: 1 patient, stage II: 7 patients and stage III: 5 patients). Ten patients defaulted follow-up. The median disease-specific survival was 21.9 months (range: 1-53).
CONCLUSIONS: Prostatic carcinoma is a disease of the elderly and it is frequently diagnosed late in Malaysia. Greater efforts should be made to educate Malaysians regarding prostate cancer.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
Fulltext The man with sweaty palms and soles

Jamani NA, Puteri Shanaz JK, Azwanis AH

Malays Fam Physician, 2018;13(1):52-54.
PMID: 29796213 MyJurnal

A 21-year-old male college student presented with excessive severe bilateral sweating of his palms and
soles for the past 3 years, which has progressively worsened. His symptoms occur throughout the day
but worsened during exams or whenever he felt anxious. The condition has caused him difficulty in
holding objects and writing assignments, and has resulted in public embarrassment on several occasions.
He has to wipe his hands with a handkerchief each time they sweat. He also needs to change his socks
frequently. No other area of his body is similarly affected. He denied any associated symptoms, such as
pungent body odour, changes in weight, fever, heat intolerance, or changes in bowel habits. He has no
known medical illness and is not on any medication. (Copied from article).

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
Fulltext Diagnostic value of anti-modified citrullinated vimentin in rheumatoid arthritis

Maraina CH, Nurdayana AK, Rusni D, Azwany Y

Int J Rheum Dis, 2010 Oct;13(4):335-9.
PMID: 21199468 DOI: 10.1111/j.1756-185X.2010.01552.x

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid factors (RF) are currently used in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Several other autoantibodies found in RA are directed to epitopes in citrullinated proteins such as anti-cyclic citrullinated and recently anti-modified citrullinated vimentin (MCV).
OBJECTIVE: In this study we determined the sensitivity and specificity of anti-MCV in comparison with anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies and RF in RA patients and in a control group using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria as the gold standard.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted from January to December 2008 on 100 patients with RA and 153 patients with arthritis or arthralgia but not fulfilling ACR criteria for RA. Serum from each subject was tested for anti-MCV, anti-CCP antibodies and immunoglobulin G (IgG) RF by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sensitivity and specificity of the tests were evaluated using the ACR criteria as the gold standard.
RESULTS: The sensitivity of RF was 85% with 74.5% specificity. For anti-CCP antibodies the sensitivity was 71% and the specificity was 94.8%. The sensitivity of anti-MCV antibodies was 80% with 59.5% specificity. The area under the curve for RF was 0.759, for anti-CCP antibodies was 0.866 and for anti-MCV antibodies was 0.681, while for at least one positive test it was 0.691.
CONCLUSION: Anti-CCP antibodies have higher diagnostic specificity and positive predictive value than RF and anti-MCV antibodies. RF has the highest sensitivity when compared to anti-CCP and anti-MCV antibodies. Thus anti-MCV antibody is not a better marker when compared to RF or anti-MCV antibody in the diagnosis of RA patients.

Study site: family medicine clinic, rheumatology clinic and immunology laboratory of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
Prevalence of dental fluorosis in children in Singapore

Lo GL, Bagramian RA

Community Dent Oral Epidemiol, 1996 Feb;24(1):25-7.
PMID: 8833510

Prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis was assessed in 1739 Singaporean children aged 9, 12 and 16 yr in three different ethnic groups. All subjects had resided since birth in Singapore, which has a tropical climate. The water supply was fluoridated in 1957 at a level of 0.7 ppm. In this sample, mouth prevalence was 82.6%, tooth prevalence was 66.9%, the community fluorosis index was at 1.96; 9.2% of children had severe fluorosis and 26.2% had moderate fluorosis. There were no significant gender or racial differences. Prevalences were higher than those reported in most other studies. Due to differences in indices used and methodology, comparisons could not be made directly with other studies.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
Association of cytokine gene polymorphisms with oral lichen planus in Malayalam-speaking ethnicity from South India (Kerala)

Chauhan I, Beena VT, Srinivas L, Sathyan S, Banerjee M

J Interferon Cytokine Res, 2013 Aug;33(8):420-7.
PMID: 23651237 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2012.0115

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic mucocutaneous condition that affects the oral mucous membrane as well as skin. It is a chronic cell-mediated autoimmune condition where the T-cell-mediated immune response plays an important part in the pathogenesis by causing damage to basal keratinocytes in oral mucosa. Cytokine gene polymorphisms have an unquestionable role in the orchestration of the immune response, leading to different functional scenarios, which in turn influence the outcome of the disease establishment and evolution. The purpose of this study was to understand the role of these cytokine gene polymorphisms in the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 genes with OLP in 101 individuals of Malayalam-speaking ethnicity from South India (Kerala). We further investigated the role of these polymorphisms in patients suffering from OLP with other comorbid factors. Genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The results demonstrate that the A allele in the TNF-α -308 polymorphism could play an important role in the susceptibility to OLP. IL-1β +3954 in OLP was associated with other comorbid factors in both allelic and genotypic combinations. However, when patients suffering from OLP were stratified to understand the involvement of other comorbid factors, we observed that the T and C alleles were independent risk factors for chronic periodontitits and diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, IL-6 -597 did not show any disease association with OLP in the study population. This study indicates that proinflammatory cytokines are an important factor in understanding the disease burden of OLP and their comorbid factors.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
Factor structure and psychometric properties of a Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) translation of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2)

Swami V, Mohd Khatib NA, Toh E, Zahari HS, Todd J, Barron D

Body Image, 2019 Mar;28:66-75.
PMID: 30594001 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.12.006

The 10-item Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) is a widely-used measure of a facet of positive body image. Here, we examined the psychometric properties of a Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) translation of the BAS-2 in a community sample of Malaysian Malay and Chinese adults (N = 781). Participants completed the Malay BAS-2 alongside demographic items and measures of subjective happiness, life satisfaction, actual-ideal weight discrepancy (women only), drive for muscularity (men only), and internalisation of appearance ideals. Exploratory factor analyses with a Malay subsample indicated that BAS-2 scores reduced to a single dimension with all 10 items in women and men, although the factor structure was similar but not identical across sex. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the one-dimensional factor structure had adequate fit following modifications. BAS-2 scores were partially scalar invariant across sex (with no significant sex differences) and ethnicity (Malay participants had significantly higher body appreciation than Chinese participants), as well as had adequate internal consistency. Evidence of construct and incremental validity was also provided through associations with additional measures and the prediction of subjective happiness over-and-above other variables, respectively. The availability of the Malay BAS-2 should help advance research on the body appreciation construct in Malay-speaking populations.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
Dimensional structure, psychometric properties, and sex and ethnic invariance of a Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) translation of the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2)

Swami V, Todd J, Zahari HS, Mohd Khatib NA, Toh EKL, Barron D

Body Image, 2020 Mar;32:167-179.
PMID: 31981992 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.01.003

The Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2; Tylka & Kroon Van Diest, 2013) is a widely-used measure of facets of intuitive eating. We examined the psychometric properties of a Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) translation of the IES-2 in a sample of Malaysian Malay and Chinese adults (N = 921). Participants completed a Malay translation of the IES-2 along with demographic items and measures of psychological well-being, positive and negative body image, and internalisation of appearance ideals. Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) with Malay subsamples indicated that IES-2 scores reduced to 4 factors in women and 3 in men, both of which diverged from the parent model. Confirmatory factor analysis failed to confirm the parent 4-factor model, and indices for the EFA-derived models were acceptable but not ideal. Of the models tested, the EFA-derived 3-factor model had the best fit indices. Scores on this model had adequate internal consistency and were invariant across sex and ethnicity, but between-group differences in subscale scores were non-significant or negligible. Evidence of the construct validity of Malay IES-2 scores was mixed, particularly in men. These results lead us to question the degree to which intuitive eating as a construct is applicable to Malaysian populations specifically and non-Western populations generally.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
Disease, disorder, or deception? Latah as habit in a Malay extended family

Bartholomew RE

J. Nerv. Ment. Dis., 1994 Jun;182(6):331-8; discussion 339-41.
PMID: 8201305 DOI: 10.1097/00005053-199406000-00004

Thirty-seven cases of latah are examined within the author's Malay extended family (N = 115). Based on ethnographic data collected and a literature review, cases are readily divisible into two broad categories: habitual (N = 33) and performance (N = 4). The first form represents an infrequent, culturally conditioned habit that is occasionally used as a learned coping strategy in the form of a cathartic stress response to sudden startle with limited secondary benefits (i.e., exhibiting brief verbal obscenity with impunity). In this sense, it is identical to Western swearing. Performers are engaged in conscious, ritualized social gain through the purported exploitation of a neurophysiological potential. The latter process is essentially irrelevant, akin to sneezing or yawning. It is concluded that latah is a social construction of Western-trained universalist scientists. The concept of malingering and fraud in anthropology is critically discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology
The idiom of latah: reply to Dr. Simons

Bartholomew RE

J. Nerv. Ment. Dis., 1995 Mar;183(3):184-6.
PMID: 7891068
Matched MeSH terms: Malaysia/ethnology

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