METHODOLOGY: The linear growth of 101 children with CP and of their healthy controls matched for age, sex and ethnicity was measured using upper-arm length (UAL). Nutritional parameters of weight, triceps skin-fold thickness and mid-arm circumference were also measured. Total caloric intake was assessed using a 24-h recall of a 3-day food intake and calculated as a percentage of the Recommended Daily Allowance. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine nutritional, medical and sociodemographic factors associated with poor growth (using z-scores of UAL) in children with CP.
RESULTS: Compared with the controls, children with CP had significantly lower mean UAL measurements (difference between means -1.1, 95% confidence interval -1.65 to - 0.59), weight (difference between means -6.0, 95% CI -7.66 to -4.34), mid-arm circumference (difference between means -1.3, 95% CI -2.06 to -0.56) and triceps skin-fold thickness (difference between means -2.5, 95% CI -3.5 to -1.43). Factors associated with low z-scores of UAL were a lower percentage of median weight (P < 0.001), tube feeding (P < 0.001) and increasing age (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: A large proportion of Malaysian children with CP have poor nutritional status and linear growth. Nutritional assessment and management at an early age might help this group of children achieve adequate growth.
METHODS: Two schools in Kuala Lumpur with similar socio-demographic characteristics were assigned as intervention (IG) and control (CG), respectively. Inclusion criteria were healthy Malaysian overweight/obese children aged 9 to 11 years who had no serious co-morbidity. Children who reported consuming whole grain foods in their 3-day diet-recall during recruitment were excluded. A total of 63 children (31 IG; 32 CG) completed the intervention. KAP questionnaire was self-administered at baseline [T0] and post intervention (at 3rd [T1] and 9th month [T2]). The baseline differences between the IG and CG across socio-demographics and scores of KAP toward whole grains were determined using chi-square and t-test, respectively. ANCOVA was performed to determine the effect of the GReat-Child Trial™ on KAP towards whole grains at post-intervention and follow-up. Baseline variables were considered as covariates.
RESULTS: The IG attained significantly higher scores in knowledge (mean difference = 4.23; 95% CI: 3.82, 4.64; p
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 219 primary school children (105 boys; 114 girls) aged 7 years old-10 years old in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2016-2017. Children from three main ethnicities, namely Malay, Chinese and Indian, were recruited. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured; body composition was assessed by deuterium dilution technique. CAPA and level of PA were obtained through self-administered questionnaires and reported as CAPA and PA scores.
RESULTS: Median CAPA and PA scores were 3.40 (Q1 = 3.00, Q3 = 3.80) and 2.31 (Q1 = 1.95, Q3 = 2.74), respectively. Significant gender differences were found in CAPA and PA scores, with boys being more attracted to PA (3.16 [Q1 = 2.90, Q3 = 3.44]; P = 0.001) and more physically active compared with girls (2.47 [Q1 = 2.07, Q3 = 3.07]; P = 0.001). CAPA and PA scores correlated positively in both sexes. Boys scored higher than girls in 'liking of games and sports' (ρ = 0.301, P = 0.002) and 'liking of vigorous PA' (ρ = 0.227, P = 0.02) CAPA subscales, which also correlated positively with PA scores. Girls' PA scores correlated with 'peer acceptance in games and sports' (ρ = 0.329, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Boys are more physically active and have higher attraction to PA compared with girls. Differences in PA scores between the sexes were related to gender differences in CAPA scores. Thus, attention should be given to gender differences in CAPA related psychosocial factors when planning interventions to promote PA among children.