Understanding the factors influencing physical activity (PA) in the Asia-Pacific region is critical, given the high prevalence of inactivity in this area. The photovoice technique explores the types of PA and factors influencing PA among adolescents in Kuching, Sarawak. A total of 160 photographs were collected from participants (adolescents, n = 22, mean age = 14.27 ± 0.7 years, and parents, n = 8, mean age = 48 ± 6.8 years). Data analysis used constant comparison methods of a grounded theory. The Analysis Grid for Environments Linked to Obesity was used to categorize PA factors. Study findings were centered on the concept of safety, facilities, parental restriction, friends, cultural traits, media, community cohesiveness, and weather. The central theme was "feeling unsafe" when being outdoors. To promote PA behavior, provision of PA facilities needs to be supported by other programs that build on peer support, crime prevention, and traffic safety, together with other educational campaigns.
This study explores the rural environmental factors that influence adolescents' participation in physical activities (PA). Thirty-six indigenous adolescents, aged 13 to 17 years from rural communities of East Malaysia were involved in the photovoice procedures: photo-taking, selecting, contextualizing, and codifying themes. Despite being endowed with natural resources such as river, forest, hills, and so on, the adolescents and the community did not capitalize on these rich resources to promote and engage in PA. Poor maintenance of natural resources, the lack of pedestrian infrastructures and road safety, the lack of PA facilities, and negative perception of ancestors' agricultural activities were among factors that constrained adolescents' PA. Although basic amenities such as play spaces and pedestrian infrastructures are necessary to increase adolescents' PA, any intervention should make the most of the natural resources, which are cheaper, environment friendly, and sustainable.
Obesity is a global health concern and has a great impact on countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for obesity, but physical activity levels are declining in much of this region. Increasing physical activity is a priority in many countries. Considerable research has been conducted on physical activity related to obesity in Western countries, but populations in the Asia-Pacific region differ in physical, psychological, social, and cultural ways that warrant local and regional research. The authors reviewed research conducted in the Asia-Pacific region that examined either the impact of physical activity interventions on obesity-related outcomes or the effect of behavior-change interventions on physical activity participation. The number of studies found was limited, and their samples and methods varied too much to draw conclusions. The authors recommend further research in the Asia-Pacific region using systematic protocols to permit sound conclusions to be drawn and promote informed action at local levels.
Lifestyle modification is effective in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours to prevent cardiovascular disease. This study was a quasi-experimental trial with a follow up of two years. The intervention group (n = 102) received intensive individual and group counselling on diet and physical activity. The comparison group (n = 84) was given minimal education through mail and group counselling. Following the intervention, both groups reduced their total fat intake through a replacement in carbohydrate intake. The saturated fat and cholesterol intake was also reduced with a larger magnitude in the intervention group. Fruits and vegetables consumption was increased within the intervention group. The intervention group showed a statistically significant reduction in their mean total cholesterol levels with an intervention effect of -0.38 (95% C.I. = -0.63, -0.14) mmol/l. This study has achieved moderate improvement in dietary intakes as well as the total cholesterol of the participants.
Mitragynine is the major alkaloid found in the leaves of M. speciosa Korth (Rubiaceae), a plant that is native to Southeast Asia. This compound has been used, either traditionally or recreationally, due to its psychostimulant and opioid-like effects. Recently, mitragynine has been shown to exert conditioned place preference (CPP), indicating the rewarding and motivational properties of M. speciosa. Here, the involvement of GABAB receptors in mediating mitragynine reward is studied using a CPP paradigm in rats. First, we examined the effects of GABAB receptor agonist baclofen (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg) on the acquisition of mitragynine (10 mg/kg)-induced CPP. Second, the involvement of GABAB receptors in the expression of mitragynine-induced CPP was tested. We found that the acquisition of mitragynine-induced CPP could be blocked by higher doses (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) of baclofen. Baclofen at a high dose inhibited locomotor activity and caused a CPP. Furthermore, we found that baclofen (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) also blocked the expression of mitragynine-induced CPP. These findings suggest that both, the acquisition and expression of mitragynine's reinforcing properties is controlled by the GABAB receptor.
Matched MeSH terms: Motor Activity/drug effects; Motor Activity/physiology
The present study established a novel mouse model of a runway drug self-administration in our laboratory. The operant runway apparatus consisted of three long runways arranged in a zig-zag manner. The methodology consisted of six distinct phases: habituation, preconditioning, conditioning, post-conditioning, extinction and reinstatement. The effects of saline were compared with escalating doses of either ethanol (0.5-4.0 g/kg, i.p), heroin (5-40 mg/kg, i.p), or nicotine (0.1-0.5mg/kg, i.p) administered in the goal box during the conditioning phase (day 1 to day 5). A significant decrease in the time of trained (conditioned) mice to reach the goal box confirmed the subjects' motivation to seek those drugs on day 6 (expression). The mice were then subjected to non-rewarded extinction trials for 5 days over which run times were significantly increased. After 5 days of abstinence, a priming dose of ethanol or heroin (1/5th of maximum dose used in conditioning) significantly reinstated the drug-seeking behavior. These results suggest that the modified runway model can serve as a powerful behavioral tool for the study of the behavioral and neurobiological bases of drug self-administration and, as such, is appropriate simple but powerful tool for investigating the drug-seeking behavior of laboratory mice.
Studies of the siamang (Hylobates syndactylus continentis) and the lar gibbon (Hylobates lar lar) where they co-occur in mainland Asia have demonstrated interspecific dietary segregation based on body size and have suggested that observed levels of frugivory represent metabolically based maxima for these species. I studied sympatric groups of siamang (H. s. syndactylus) and lar gibbons (H. l. vestitus) at Ketambe in northern Sumatra (Indonesia) in order to assess the magnitude of within- and between-species variation in diets. The insular subspecies are considerably more frugivorous (60-70% of feeding time) than mainland conspecifics (35-50%). This is primarily because Sumatran hylobatids spend about twice as much time (approx. 45% of feeding) eating fig fruits (Ficus spp., Moraceae). A higher density of figs at Ketambe (compared to Kuala Lompat) may account for this behavioral difference. Enhanced frugivory has been achieved at the expense of folivory, which is much reduced in Sumatra--especially in H. lar (4% of diet)- and is limited almost entirely to immature foliage. The expected decline in protein intake resulting from diminished folivory in Sumatra may be counterbalanced by observed increases in insectivory, which is especially pronounced in lar gibbons. Interspecific dietary segregation emerges most clearly in how individuals of each species supplement their similarly fig-dominated diets. Siamang rely more on immature foliage--primarily from lianas, which generate young leaves more reliably and abundantly than trees do. Conversely, lar gibbons exploit the pulpy fruit of trees and lianas more heavily than siamang do. This general pattern occurs where the two species coexist in Malaysia, thereby suggesting a substantive interspecific difference that is somewhat greater in the insular populations.
Introduction: This study was conducted on 215 working women from four private corporate companies in a suburb in Malaysia to determine the factors related to their physical activity levels. Methods: Data were collected using a questionnaire which included socio-demographic characteristics, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), perceived barriers and benefits to physical activity, self-efficacy to physical activity and an 8-item questionnaire on current
behavioral stage of physical activity. Results: The majority of the respondents were Malay (81.9%) with 10.2% being Chinese and 7.9% Indian. Most of the respondents were executives (64.2%), while the rest were non-executives (24.7%) and managers (11.2%). The mean weight, height, BMI and waist circumference were 59.4±13.1 kg, 1.6±0.6 m, 23.7±4.8 kg/m² and 77.0±12.1cm respectively. In this sample, 24.7% and 7.9% were overweight and obese respectively, while 34%
were at risk of abdominal obesity. A total of 28.8% of the respondents had low physical activity level, while 48.8% and 22.3% were in the moderate and high physical activity categories respectively. An association was found between monthly income (χ2=110.17; p
This study was carried out to determine the nutritional status of 16 elite netball players of the Commonwealth Games 1998, during centralised training at Bukit Jalil. The mean age of the subjects was 21.1 ± 3.1 year. The physical characteristics were assessed through antropometric measurements. The dietary intake was estimated as a mean of 3-days weighed food record while the physical activity pattern was determined by time and motion study which was carried out simultaneously. A biochemical analysis test was carried out to evaluate the haemoglobin status of the athletes. The results indicated that the mean body weight and height were 62.5 ± 7.9 kg and 1.69 ± 0.06 meter, respectively. The percentage average body fat of the subjects was 23.7 ± 2.8. Mean energy intake was recorded as 2726 ± 507 kcal/day while energy expenditure was 3225 ± 409 kcal/d with a negative energy balance of 499 kcal. The contribution of calories from carbohydrate, protein and fat were 59%, 16% and 26%, respectively. Intake of most micronutrients was sufficient and met the Malaysian RDA. The percentage average of the daily physical activity pattern revealed that 74% was spent for light activities, 12% for moderate while 14% for heavy activities. 94% of the athletes took supplements which vitamin C was the most popular (64%).
Introduction: The home environment plays an influential role in affecting dietary and physical activity practices of children. This study aimed to determine the association between the home environment, dietary practice and physical activity among primary school children in Selangor. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in five primary schools selected using multistage stratified sampling. A total of 293 children (32.8% males and 67.2% females) (mean age of 11.0±0.9 years) and their parents (10.7% fathers and 89.3% mothers) completed the study. Dietary practice of the children was assessed using a two-day dietary recall. Energy expenditure and physical activity of the children were assessed using a two-day physical activity recall. Parents of the children completed the Home Environment Survey (HES). Results: The mean energy intake of the children was 1765±416 kcal/day with 75.0% not achieving the Malaysian Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) for energy. Almost all children (96.5%) were physically inactive, with a mean energy expenditure of 1269±342 kcal/day. High availability of fruit/vegetable at home was associated with high vegetable intake (r=0.128, p
Introduction: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is on the rise in Malaysia. Physical inactivity is common among T2DM patients and is an important aspect that warrants action as it may lead to poor glycemic control. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of physical inactivity and its associated factors among T2DM patients.
Methods: The sample consisted of 121 T2DM patients aged 18 to 65 years who attended the UKMMC primary clinic for routine follow up. A questionnaire consisting of three sections was used to collect the data: (i) socio-economic and diabetes-related factors; (ii) physical inactivity using shortened International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); and (iii) five domains leading to physical inactivity.
Results: The mean age of the sample was found to be 56.2 ± 8.5 years; 55% were physically inactive; 76% had low education; 55.4% had low income; 76% had poor glycemic control; and mean duration of illness was 7.8 ± 6.9 years. Factors significantly associated with physical inactivity were presence of health complications (x2 = 5.89; p=0.015) and factor domains of 'respondent's current physical health' (t=5.88, p<0.001), 'availability of facility' (t=3.45, p<0.001), 'availability of time' (t=3.57, p<0.001) and 'respondent's perception of possibility of sustaining pain and injury during physical activity' (t=3.64, p<0.001). Using multiple logistic regression, only factors of 'physical health factor' (Adjusted OR: 1.58, confidence interval 95% (CI 95%): 1.31-1.92, p<0.001) and 'time' (adjusted OR: 1.27, CI 95%: 1.12-1.45, p<0.001) were found to be associated with higher odds for physical inactivity.
Conclusion: The results indicate that facility availability, time management and better management of health complications could increase physical activity among T2DM patients.
Key words: Physical inactivity, type 2 diabetes
Study site: Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangssan Malaysia (PPUKM) primary care clinic, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Literature data on association between physical activity (PA) and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in non-clinical
adults population are still limited. Thereby, the objective of this study was to evaluate the association between PA and
HRQoL among the non-academic staff serving the Faculty of Health Sciences (FSK), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM),
Kuala Lumpur (KL). In this cross sectional study, 105 non-academic staffs aged between 18 to 60 years were recruited.
Self-administered questionnaires (Malay version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and World Health
Organisation Quality of Life-Brief Version) were administered among the participants. Mann Whitney test and Spearman’s
rho correlation were employed for the statistical analysis using SPSS version 22.0 Majority of participants (72.4%)
demonstrated high PA scores of ≥ 3000 MET-minutes/week. PA scores between genders was not statistically significant
(p = 0.137). However, total PA score of support staffs (median = 9039.0, IQR = 15811.00) was significantly higher compared
to staffs in management and professional group (median = 4329.0, IQR = 4189.00). The mean(SD) self-perceived HRQoL
score was 3.4 (0.76). There were no significant correlation between PA and all domains of HRQoL such as physical health,
psychological, social relationship and environmental domains (Correlation coefficient, ρ = -0.108, 0.003, -0.023, 0.026
respectively) with p = 0.273, 0.978, 0.818, 0.794 respectively. Majority of non-academic staffs of FSK, UKM engaged in
high physical activity. The PA levels of support staffs were significantly higher than management and professional staffs.
However, there was no statistically significant correlation observed between PA and domains of HRQoL.
Children less than 6 years old are the most vulnerable group to get harm from Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) exposure, especially their respiratory system. To determine the prevalence of ETS exposure and its association with asthma like symptoms among children less than 6 years old. A cross sectional study was conducted in between January till April 2014 among parents with children less than 6 years old in Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 142 parents were selected by simple random sampling and data were collected using guided questionnaire on ETS exposure and asthma like symptoms (cough and wheeze) among their children. A total of 52.8% of children found to be exposed to ETS, and 43.7% were exposed from their father. ETS exposure significantly associated with cough without cold (adjusted OR=5.46, 95% CI 2.37, 12.61), dry cough at night (adjusted OR=3.74, 95%CI 1.41, 9.95) and cough upon physical activity (adjusted OR=3.08, 95% 1.07, 8.89) among these children. Children less than 6 years old are vulnerable to respiratory problem due to ETS exposure especially on cough symptoms. More strategies should be developing to reduce the exposure to ETS.
The evolution in lifestyle and dietary habits of the Malaysian people that have taken place over the last few decades can be largely attributed to both family and social environment. These factors are known to affect the nutritional status of the community, in both children and adults. Reduced physical activity and changes in their diet have been one of the contributing factors to the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity. However, in Malaysia, in which nutrition transition has been a norm, it is worrying when the trends of overweight and obesity have been rising steadily over the years especially among children. Although numerous strategies to control obesity in Malaysia have been taking place, many had shown little effect. Analysing strategies implemented at national level is thus crucial in order to ascertain reasons for the shortfalls of these strategies especially among children. Obesity most commonly begins as early as the ages of 5 and 6 years, or during adolescence. Obesity is indeed a major public health concern due to its huge negative impact on the society at large which is well supported by evidence-based literatures. Managing this issue is complex and holistic approach is thus crucial in reducing its incidence and prevalence.
Leisure participation in old age is often a continuation of their participation at younger age. This study aims to explore the association between current and former leisure participation of the elderly. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 268 persons aged 60 years and above, purposively selected from eight health clinics in Selangor. Current leisure participation was measured using a validated Leisure Participation Questionnaire (LPQ), specific for Malaysian elderly. The LPQ consists of 25 activities, categorized into recreational (physical), cognitive, social and productive activity. Frequency of participation in each activity was measured on a 6-point scale. Leisure participation at younger age only involved their general participation in leisure. The most common daily leisure activities were having conversations while relaxing (78.7%) and watching television (74.6%), while the least were from playing golf (0.01±0.12) and performing musical instruments (0.04±0.36). More than half (64.9%) reported being actively involved in any leisure
activity at younger age. Results: The study found there was a significant association between former and current leisure participation, especially for cognitive (t=-2.45, p=0.015), social (t=-2.68, p=0.008) and productive (t=-2.89, p=0.004) activities. However, only productive activity involvement was predicted by their leisure participation while younger (B=1.304, p=0.027). Conclusion: The findings suggest the importance of considering active intervention programmes at younger age to ensure better leisure participation of the elderly, especially in recreational physical activity.
Elderly are exposed to physical impairment. This has a strong impact on their daily activities including
frying, which is one of the most popular cuisine preparations. The stove height and work envelope
are two major ergonomic issues in performing cooking task. There has been little research focusing
on Malaysian elderly task performing in addressing these issues. The objectives of this study were to
identify the acceptable stove height and depth and to determine the working envelope among Malaysian
elderly using anthropometric data. A total of 55 Malaysian elderly (25 male and 30 female) aged between
60 to 85 years participated in this study. Five body measurements were taken from each subject using
an anthropometer. The measurements are stature height, shoulder height, arm span, arm reach forward
and waist height. Apart from these anthropometric measurements, their present stove height was also
measured. The acquisition of stove height dimensions was performed through a series of door to door
visit of the elderly homes in Kg. Sg. Merab. These variables were used to estimate the elderly working
envelope and determine the stove height, width and depth. Data were analysed using SPSS software. The
waist height dimension was to estimate the stove height, the arm reach forward for the depth and the arm
span for the length of the table-top where the stove was placed. Meanwhile the stature and shoulder height
were used for estimating the position of the overhead compartment or placement of cooking utensils.
The 5
th
percentile was chosen since it is appropriate to accommodate 90% of the studied population. The 5
th
percentile was also applied for the setting
of the working envelope so as to provide better
reaching tolerances. Meanwhile, standard was used
to compare the present state of the studied kitchen
setting. The results show that 56.4% of the elderly
waist height is lower than the standard table-top
height which is 36 inches (91.4cm) and 36.4% of the stove height was found higher than that of the standard. This could apparently cause fatigue and
discomfort to shoulders, the neck, the arm and the back of the user. Anthropometrics measurements can
be used for estimating the stove height, length and depth. These could also calculate a space taken for
certain physical activities, such as frying task envelope. Providing a good combination of stove height,
length, depth and ergonomic working envelope could hopefully improve the elderly cooking task and
increase their quality of life.
Rubella is an acute and contagious disease which is mainly characterized by fever, rash, and cervical lymphadenopathy. This contagious disease spreads easily through nasopharyngeal secretions, droplet or direct contact with patients. Meanwhile clinical features of scarlet fever include a sore throat, skin rash and strawberry tongue. A descriptive study was conducted to describe the epidemiological characteristic of diseases at a Training Camp in Mersing. Data obtained on demographic details, onset and time of fever and rash or contact with ill person 14 to 21 days prior to symptoms. Screening and interview conducted for all suspected cases of Rubella. 47.4% of the cases presented on 5th June 2012 followed by 15.8% on 11th June 2012 and 13.5% on 12th June 2012. Maculo papular rash was the predominant presenting symptom among students with acute infection in this outbreak (100%) followed by fever (36.8%). Measles specific IgM was not detected in the serum taken but rubella specific IgM was detected in 66.7% (6/19) of samples. 55% (11/20) were positive for ASOT. 4 trainees had Rubella and Scarlet Fever co-infection. It was found out that the outbreak occurred among 391 residents in the camp who shared common places for activities such as lecture, physical activity and meal. Rapid dissemination was due to overcrowded environment and close contact during common activities of the residents. Theoretically co-infection would be presented with severe clinical symptoms but not in this outbreak where all affected trainees only presented with mild fever and rashes.
Substantial studies reported musculoskeletal disorders among the working population in the developed country, however, a limited number of studies were conducted in Malaysia. The objective of this cross sectional study was to determine the physical activity risk factors for low back pain among automotive workers in Selangor. Modified Risk Factors Questionnaire (RFQ) was used to assess physical activity with the occurrence of low back pain. The significant physical activities associated with the 12 months point prevalence are lifting weight (
Non-Leisure Time Physical is the main component of physical activity in Malaysia. The aim of this study is to study the associated factors related to Non-Leisure Time Physical (occupational & travel) in Malaysia. This data is from the Third National Health and Morbidity Survey, consisting of 32,575 respondents. It was a cross-sectional study among Malaysian adult, aged 18 years and was conducted using proportional to the size stratified sampling method. Chi square test and logistic regression model were used to analyse the data. The result showed that non-leisure time physical activity (NLTPA) gives more contribution to total physical activity, as compared to leisure time physical activity with percentage of 64.3% and 35.7% respectively. There was a significant association between NLTPA with age (P < 0.001), gender (P < 0.001), ethnicity (P < 0.001), education (P < 0.001), occupation (P < 0.001), income (P < 0.001), marital status (P < 0.001), region (P < 0.001). The main component of physical activity in Malaysia is NLTPA. Promoting NLTPA may have potential to increase physical activity levels in Malaysia.
Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2006)
Patient education has been considered as an integral component of care for patient after myocardial infarction. Post myocardial infarction patients require information and knowledge related to their conditions to reduce anxiety and aid recovery. The objective of this study was to identify nurses’ perception on information needs of post MI patients of UKMMC. A cross sectional study using Cardiac Patient Learning Needs Inventory (CPLNI) adopted from Timmins and Kalizer (2002) was used. It comprises seven cate-gories: related to anatomy and physiology, psychological factor, life style factor, medi-cation information, dietary information, physical activity, and symptom management. This study was conducted in coronary care unit (CCU), coronary rehabilitation ward (CRW), medical ward 1 and medical ward 2 from January 2007 to March 2007. 56 res-pondents (96%) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited in this study. Results showed that CCU and CRW respondents ranked symptom management as their first ranking followed by medication, life style factor, anatomy and physiology, dietary in-formation, physical activity and psychological factor. However, respondents in Medical Ward 1 and 2 reported and ranked medication information as their top priorities fol-lowed by symptom management, psychological factors, dietary information, physical activity, anatomy and physiology and life style factor. There were significant differ-ences between ward nurses’ responses with their perception related to anatomy and physiology, psychology factor, life style factor, physical activity, and symptom man-agement with p value