MyMedR

Fulltext Prevalence of hypertension among Chinese elderly and its relationship to behavioural and nutritional factors

Teo GS, Idris MN

Med J Malaysia, 1996 Mar;51(1):33-40.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of hypertension in the Chinese elderly and to examine its relationship with various behavioural and nutritional risk factors. This study involved 243 Chinese aged 55 years and older in 2 randomly selected Chinese Villages in Seberang Prai Tengah, Penang. The study included an interview, anthropometric assessment and blood pressure measurement. The prevalence of hypertension was 48.1% and out of this, 65 (55.6%) were on anti-hypertensive treatment. There was a significant rise in the prevalence with age. Hypertension was found to be inversely related to per capita income and physical activity (p < 0.05). Hypertension was significantly more common in smokers than non-smokers. Alcohol intake in the elderly was low and not related to hypertension. Obesity was significantly associated with hypertension only among the elderly aged 55-64 years. The dietary intake of sodium, potassium and calcium did not differ significantly between the hypertensive and normotensive elderly.

Matched MeSH terms: China/epidemiology

Prevalence of dementia among elderly Chinese and Malay residents of Singapore

Kua EH, Ko SM

Int Psychogeriatr, 1995;7(3):439-46.

PMID: 8821351

This is a comparative study of the prevalence of dementia among elderly Chinese and Malay persons living in the community in Singapore. The subjects, aged 65 years and over, were all living in public housing estates. Two hundred elderly Chinese and 149 elderly Malay persons were interviewed. They were first screened for any cognitive deficit with the Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire (ECAQ). All those who scored 5 or fewer points on the ECAQ were then assessed with the Geriatric Mental State schedule. The results showed an overall dementia prevalence of 4.0% among the Malay elderly and 2.5% among the Chinese elderly. The rate of dementia of the Alzheimer's type was 1.8% for Chinese women and 1.5% for Malay women; for multi-infarct dementia the rate for Malay women was 4.4% and for Chinese women 0.9%. For Chinese and Malay men, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and multi-infarct dementia was quite similar (1.1% and 1.2%).

Matched MeSH terms: China/ethnology

Lung function reference values in Singaporean children aged 6-18 years

Connett GJ, Quak SH, Wong ML, Teo J, Lee BW

Thorax, 1994 Sep;49(9):901-5.

PMID: 7940431

A study was undertaken to produce reference values of lung function in Chinese children and a means of calculating adjusted standard deviation scores of lung function for Malay and Indian ethnic groups.

Matched MeSH terms: China/ethnology

Fulltext Treating childhood asthma in Singapore: when West meets East

Connett GJ, Lee BW

BMJ, 1994 May 14;308(6939):1282-4.

PMID: 8205023

Though Western medicines and ideas about asthma have become popular in many Asian nations, local beliefs about treatment prevail. The multiracial society of Singapore shows a variety of beliefs about causes of asthma attacks (for example, the balance of yin and yang) and types of treatment--herbal remedies, inhaled versus eaten medicines, the influence of Ramadan. Many of the cultural practices mentioned are probably preserved among south east Asian minorities residing in the United Kingdom. Eastern treatments typically take a holistic approach to asthma and do not ignore the psychosomatic component of the disorder.

Matched MeSH terms: China/ethnology

Fulltext Rheumatic heart disease in Malaysia

Jamal F, Mohd Salleh H, Tan SP

World Health Forum, 1994;15(1):56-7.

PMID: 8141979

Matched MeSH terms: China/ethnology

Lipid profiles in healthy fertile Singaporean women

Loke DF, Viegas OA, Ratnam SS

Gynecol. Obstet. Invest., 1993;36(2):108-13.

PMID: 8225044

Serum lipid profiles were studied in 167 healthy fertile Singaporean women, aged between 18 and 40 and comprising 114 Chinese, 28 Malays and 25 Indians. Parity or ethnic differences did not affect lipid concentrations. Except for triglycerides which showed a decreasing trend, there was no significant variation in lipid concentrations with age. However, all lipid concentrations except HDL cholesterol (which decreased) appeared to increase with body mass index. Compared with other populations, these Singaporean women appeared to have higher mean concentrations of total cholesterol and lower mean concentrations of HDL cholesterol. The possibility that these differences could have contributed to the increasing incidence of coronary heart disease in Singapore is discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: China/ethnology

Fulltext Morbidity and mortality of infants of diabetic mothers born at the Maternity Hospital, Kuala Lumpur

Boo NY

Med J Malaysia, 1992 Mar;47(1):56-9.

PMID: 1387451

A prospective study was carried out in the Maternity Hospital, Kuala Lumpur in 1989 to determine the morbidity and mortality of infants of diabetic mothers. Out of 24,856 neonates born during the study period, 54 neonates (2.2 per 1000 livebirths) were born to mothers who were diagnosed to have diabetes mellitus before the current pregnancy or who had impaired glucose tolerance test during the current pregnancy. Almost a third (29.6 percent) of these infants of diabetic mothers had birthweight of 4000 grams and above, and 37.0 percent of the 54 babies were large-for-gestational age. Hypoglycemia occurred in 9/54 (16.7 percent) of the neonates, respiratory distress syndrome in 5/54 (9.3 percent), shoulder dystocia in 7/54 (13.0 percent), and congenital abnormalities in 4/54 (7.4 percent). Three (5.6 percent) neonates died during the neonatal period. The results of this study suggest a need to intensify control of maternal diabetes mellitus during pregnancy in order to reduce the rates of morbidity and mortality of their infants.

Matched MeSH terms: China/ethnology

A*02 in southern Thai Muslims and central Thais

Chiewsilp P, Mongkolsuk T, Sujirachato K

J Med Assoc Thai, 1997 Sep;80 Suppl 1:S25-9.

PMID: 9347642

The HLA-A*02 subtyping in Thais was conducted and included in the 12th International Histocompatibility Workshop (12WS). A total of 81 randomized individuals previously serologically or DNA typed as A2 were studied for A2 subtypings. The subjects consisted of 32 Southern Thai-Muslims (STM) and 49 Central Thais (CT). The 12WS HLA-A*02 subtyping DNA typing kit was employed. The most common A*02 subtypes in STM were A*0203,*0201 and *0207 while they were A*0203, *0207 and *0201 in CT. A*0202, *0204, *0208, *0209, *0212, *0213, *0214, *0215, *0216 and *0217 were not found in both STM and CT. The 12WS data indicated that A*0201 was also the most frequent allele of A*2 among North-East Asians. A2 subtype study in 32 STM revealed that 2 in 8 of A*0201 showed the absence of bands at 813 bp and 705 bp with primer mix number 03A and 517A and weak reaction band with primer mix number 33A. In addition, 3 subjects with A*0201 variations have one nucleotide difference in exon 2 by sequence base typing (by MGJ. Tilanus) which will be reported separately.

Matched MeSH terms: China/ethnology

Asthma, allergy, and atopy in three south-east Asian populations

Leung R, Ho P

Thorax, 1994 Dec;49(12):1205-10.

PMID: 7878553

Whilst many recent reports have suggested a rise in the prevalence of asthma and allergic disease in Western countries, little is known about the epidemiology of these common conditions in south-east Asia. This study compared the prevalence of asthma and allergic disease amongst secondary school students in three south-east Asian populations--Hong Kong, Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, and San Bu in China--and investigated the associations with atopy and family history.

Matched MeSH terms: China/epidemiology

Fulltext The role of prophylactic antibiotics in caesarean section--a randomised trial

Ng NK, Sivalingam N

Med J Malaysia, 1992 Dec;47(4):273-9.

PMID: 1303479

A prospective randomised controlled study was conducted over a 6 month period on the value of administering prophylactic antibiotics in patients undergoing emergency caesarean section at the Ipoh General Hospital. A total of 222 patients were randomised to receive 24 hours of ampicillin (500 mg per dose), cefoperazone (1 gm per dose) or no antibiotics. In all parameters of patient morbidity, the group receiving cefoperazone showed significantly better results as compared to the group not receiving antibiotics. The ampicillin group also had favourable results but generally not achieving statistical significance. Prophylactic antibiotics appear to be beneficial and consideration should be given to make it a routine in all emergency caesarean sections.

Matched MeSH terms: China/ethnology

Assessment of skin types, skin colours and cutaneous responses to ultraviolet radiation in an Asian population

Wee LK, Chong TK, Quee DK

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed, 1997 Oct-Dec;13(5-6):169-72.

PMID: 9542751

Ninety normal individuals were included in this study on skin types, skin colours and cutaneous responses to ultraviolet radiation. Skin types were recorded using Fitzpatrick's classification, skin colours were measured using the Minolta Chromameter CR-300, and cutaneous responses to UV radiation were measured in terms of minimal erythema dose (MED) to UVA, UVB and the immediate pigment darkening dose to UVA (IPDDA). Skin colour measurements were taken from the right cheek to represent facultative skin colours, and from the buttock to represent constitutive skin colours. The colours measured were expressed by the L x a x b colour space. Skin types and some colour parameters (L and b from covered parts of body) correlated fairly well with the minimal erythema doses (MED) to UVA and UVB. Skin colour measurements are more objective than skin type assessment and could be better markers of photosensitivity. However, there is still considerable overlap in MEDs for persons with different skin colours, and further studies of these parameters are warranted. Our MEDs are higher than other reports on similar skin types and skin colours. This could be due to differences in methodology, genetic make-up or acclimatization from chronic sun exposure. This illustrates the importance of local controls for each institution dealing with photosensitive disorders.

Matched MeSH terms: China/ethnology

Breastfeeding at 6 weeks and predictive factors

Chye JK, Zain Z, Lim WL, Lim CT

J Trop Pediatr, 1997 10;43(5):287-92.

PMID: 9364127 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/43.5.287

Despite the numerous changes made in accordance with the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative at the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, the low rates of breastfeeding have persisted. This study aims to examine the current trend in infant feeding, and the influences of some perinatal and sociodemographic factors on breastfeeding. Five-hundred mothers with singleton pregnancies and healthy infants were interviewed at 6 weeks post-partum. Only 124 (25 per cent) mothers were practising exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), and 132 (26 per cent) mothers were using exclusive infant formula feeding (EIF). On logistic regression analyses, mothers who followed EBF were more likely to have had antenatal plans to breastfeed (Odds ratio 2.44, 95 per cent confidence interval 1.75-3.45), not in paid employment post-natally (OR 1.76, 95 per cent CI 1.31-2.36), of older age group (> 27 years) (OR 1.48, 95 per cent CI 1.13-1.93), had female infants (OR 1.38, 95 per cent CI 1.05-1.80) and of Indian ethnicity (compared to Chinese) (OR 3.87, 95 per cent CI 2.16-6.89). Breastfeeding difficulties were associated with decreased odds of EBF (OR 0.21, 95 per cent CI 0.13-0.34). Parental education, fathers' ages and incomes, primigravida status, Caesarean section, present of episiotomy, late first breastfeed, phototherapy, and length of hospital stay were not significant predictors of failure of EBF. In comparison, predictive factors for increased use of EIF were mothers who have had breastfeeding difficulties, < or = 9 years of schooling, and of Chinese descent. In conclusions, the overall rate of EBF by 6 weeks of age in infants born in this urban hospital had remained poor. The adverse factors for EBF identified in this study warrant further in-depth studies to determine effective ways of improving EBF rates.

Matched MeSH terms: China/ethnology

Incidence of postnatal depression in Malaysian women

Kit LK, Janet G, Jegasothy R

J Obstet Gynaecol Res, 1997 Feb;23(1):85-9.

PMID: 9094824

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of postnatal depression of Malaysias women at 6 week postpartum and a survey of their sociocultural practices.

METHODS: A hundred and fifty-four women who were 6 weeks postpartum attending the postnatal clinic between May and July 1995 at Maternal and Child Health Clinic, Seremban, Malaysia. Maternal socio-demography, depression by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), postnatal care and practices e.g. pantang larang (prohibited behaviour and practices), diet and partnering were evaluated.

RESULTS: Postnatal depression was 3.9%. Indians had the highest rate at 8.5% as compared to Malays (3.0%) and none in Chinese (p < 0.05). There were no demographic differences in the study groups. Average score of EPDS was 4.05 which ranged from 0 to 20. During the confinement 85.7% of women took special diet; 64.3% followed pantang larang and 78.8% had someone to look after them. The incidence of postnatal depression is low in Malaysia at 3.9%. Majority of Malaysian women still observed the traditional postnatal beliefs and practices.

Matched MeSH terms: China/ethnology

Fulltext Lethargy in a patient with cirrhosis

Chuah SY, Wong NW, Goh KL

Postgrad Med J, 1997 Mar;73(857):177-9.

PMID: 9135840 DOI: 10.1136/pgmj.73.857.177

Matched MeSH terms: China/ethnology

Fulltext Drinking habits of Malaysians in general practice

Maniam T

Med J Malaysia, 1994 Dec;49(4):369-74.

PMID: 7674973

Five hundred and sixty-two consecutive attenders at an urban general practice were studied using the Consumption Index which has been successfully used in a general hospital sample. Seventy per cent of Chinese, 11% of Malays and 42% of Indians have used or are currently using alcohol-a vast majority of them were social drinkers. Among those who ever drank, 6% of Chinese and 22% of Malays drank more than 14 units per week. The hypotheses that more Indians used alcohol and used it more heavily were not supported in this urban sample. Possible explanations for these findings and the limitations of this study are discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: China/ethnology

Fulltext A comparative study of branch retinal vein occlusion and central vein occlusion amongst Malaysian patients

Teoh SL, Amarjeet K

Med J Malaysia, 1993 Dec;48(4):410-5.

PMID: 8183164

A retrospective study of 95 patients with retinal vein occlusion was carried out to determine the clinical presentation and pattern of distribution in the local Malaysian population. There was no significant difference found in its distribution with regards to sex. In comparing branch retinal vein occlusion with central retinal vein occlusion, no significant differences were found in its racial distribution. Branch retinal vein occlusion occurred more commonly among the older patients whereas the converse is true for central retinal vein occlusion. Reduced vision represents the commonest mode of presentation. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia and haematological disorders are important associated systemic conditions.

Matched MeSH terms: China/ethnology

Fulltext A survey of breast feeding practices in infants seen in general practice

Chia SF

Med J Malaysia, 1992 Jun;47(2):134-8.

PMID: 1494334

This is a study of infant feeding practices of 126 mothers. Seventy-seven mothers or 61.1% practised breast feeding. The typical breast feeding mother was more likely to be a Malay, with lower family income and residing in the rural area. The educational status of the mother was not an important factor in influencing her to breast feed. Health education on breast feeding should be intensified in schools to reinforce the implementation of the Malaysian Code of Ethics for Infant Formula Products.

Matched MeSH terms: China/ethnology

Breast cancer in Singapore: trends in incidence 1968-1992

Seow A, Duffy SW, McGee MA, Lee J, Lee HP

Int J Epidemiol, 1996 Feb;25(1):40-5.

PMID: 8666502

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer among women in Singapore, a country which has experienced significant changes in lifestyle over the past three decades. The increase in incidence of the disease is a matter of some concern.

METHODS: Data from the population-based Singapore Cancer Registry for 1968-1992 were used to determine time trends, inter-ethnic differences and the contributions of age, period and cohort effects to the incidence of the disease.

RESULTS: Our results revealed an average annual increase of 3.6% over the 25-year period for all women, form 20.2 per 100,000 women in the period 1968-1972 to 38.8 per 100,000 in 1988-1992. There was a statistically significant difference between the three major ethnic groups, the rate of increase being highest in Malays (4.4%) and lowest in Indians (1.4%). The overall increase was attributable to a strong cohort effect that remained significant when adjusted for time period for Chinese women and for all ethnic groups combined. The risk was observed to increase in successive birth cohorts from the 1890s to 1960s.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that breast cancer incidence rates are likely to continue to increase more sharply in the future as women born after the mid-20th century reach the high-risk age groups. They also suggest the pattern by which important aetiological factors for the disease in our population have exerted their effects, and provide support for the role of demographic and lifestyle changes as possible risk factors.

Matched MeSH terms: China/ethnology

Fulltext Prevalence of asthma and risk factors among Chinese, Malay, and Indian adults in Singapore

Ng TP, Hui KP, Tan WC

Thorax, 1994 Apr;49(4):347-51.

PMID: 8202905

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and morbidity of asthma vary greatly among different ethnic communities and geographical locations, but the roles of environmental and genetic factors are not fully understood. The differences in prevalence of adult asthma among Chinese, Malay, and Indian ethnic groups in Singapore were examined, and the extent to which these could be explained by personal and environmental factors were investigated.
METHODS: A stratified disproportionate random sample (n = 2868) of Chinese (n = 1018), Malays (n = 967), and Indians (n = 883) of both sexes was drawn from households in five public housing estates, and an interviewer administered questionnaire was used to determine cumulative and current prevalence of "physician diagnosed asthma" (symptoms with a physician diagnosis of asthma).
RESULTS: Lifetime cumulative prevalence (standardised to the general population) of "physician diagnosed asthma" was 4.7% in men and 4.3% in women; 12 month period prevalences were 2.4% and 2.0%, respectively. Cumulative prevalence of asthma was significantly higher in Indians (6.6%) and Malays (6.0%) than in Chinese (3.0%); period prevalences of asthma were 4.5% in Indians, 3.3% in Malays, and 0.9% in Chinese. Ownership of cats or dogs was more frequent in Malays (15.4%) and Indians (11.2%) than in Chinese (8.8%). Rugs and carpets were also more frequently used by Malays (52.2%) and Indians (40.7%) than by Chinese (8.9%). Current smoking prevalences were higher in Malays (27.3%) than in Indians (19.4%) and Chinese (23.0%). Malays and Indians did not have higher rates of atopy (11.1% and 15.2%, respectively) than Chinese (15.4%). Adjustment for these factors in multivariate analyses reduced the greater odds of asthma in Malays and Indians, but not to a significant extent.
CONCLUSIONS: There are ethnic differences in the prevalence of asthma in Singapore which are not entirely explained by differences in smoking, atopy, or other risk factors. Other unmeasured environmental factors or genetic influences are likely to account for residual differences in the prevalence of asthma.

Matched MeSH terms: China/ethnology

BamH1 polymorphism in the Chinese, Malays, and Indians in Singapore and its application in the prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassemia

Tan JA, Tay SH, Kham KY, Wong HB

Jpn. J. Hum. Genet., 1993 Sep;38(3):315-8.

PMID: 7903173 DOI: 10.1007/BF01874141

The distribution of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) at the BamH1 site of the beta-globin gene was investigated in the Chinese, Indian, and Malay race in Singapore. The sample comprised of 183 normal individuals and 35 beta-thalassemia carriers in which 13 were couples with at least one beta-major child. The results from this study indicate that BamH1 polymorphism will be informative in 22% of pregnancies at risk for beta-thalassemia major in Chinese, 19% in Malays and 7% in Indians. In prenatal diagnosis using BamH1 polymorphism for one beta-major affected family, the fetus was diagnosed to be normal or beta-carrier. The validity of BamH1 polymorphism in the exclusion of beta-thalassemia major was subsequently confirmed at birth by globin chain biosynthesis.

Matched MeSH terms: China/ethnology

Displaying publications 861 - 880 of 2311 in total