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Bariatric Surgery as a Long-Term Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome

Hanipah ZN, Schauer PR

Annu Rev Med, 2020 01 27;71:1-15.
PMID: 31986081 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-053117-123246

Metabolic surgery is increasingly becoming recognized as a more effective treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity as compared to lifestyle modification and medical management alone. Both observational studies and clinical trials have shown metabolic surgery to result in sustained weight loss (20-30%), T2D remission rates ranging from 23% to 60%, and improvement in cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. Metabolic surgery is cost-effective and relatively safe, with perioperative risks and mortality comparable to low-risk procedures such as cholecystectomy, hysterectomy, and appendectomy. International diabetes and medical organizations have endorsed metabolic surgery as a standard treatment for T2D with obesity.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext The development of nutrition pictograph design on food labeling using Delphi Technique

Aida Md Saad, Siti Zuraida Maaruf

ESTEEM Academic Journal, 2020;16(1):15-26.
MyJurnal

Recently consumers are facing the issue of health problems such as Non - Communicable Disease (NCD) occurring in the society due to unhealthy lifestyle and behaviours. Consumers have claimed that they have knowledge about nutrition information but with low awareness level to read the
nutrition information and difficulties to interpret the nutrition information on the food label. The nutrition contained in the food has been presented in numerical data and unattractive design. Plus, the rush when shopping will make the consumers neglect to read the food label. This research attempted to focus on the development of a suitable and usable nutrition pictograph design as a tool to educate the consumers in choosing a healthier selection of packed food. The researchers used the Delphi Technique as a medium in choosing the appropriate nutrition pictograph design, which should be incorporated into the selected food label. Findings from this study revealed positive feedback and reached a consensus, and all expert panels have agreed on the development of the nutrition pictogram design. Therefore, the implication of this study is targeted towards the consumers, Ministry of Health and food manufacturers. It can also contribute to the growth of the Visual Communication field. This nutrition pictograph design is intended to educate and inculcate the consumers and enhance health awareness in selecting the healthier choice of food.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Familial hypercholesterolaemia: an updated overall management

Noor Alicezah Mohd Kasim, Chua Yung An, Hapizah Nawawi

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2020;5(2):19-38.
MyJurnal

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), the commonest and serious but potentially treatable
form of inherited dyslipidaemias, is characterised by severely elevated plasma low-density
lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) level, which subsequently leads to premature coronary artery
disease (pCAD). Effectiveness of FH early detection and treatment is supported by the
outcome of several international cohort studies. Optimal FH management relies on
prescription of statins either alone or together with other lipid-lowering therapies (LLT).
Intensive lifestyle intervention is required in parallel with LLT, which should be commenced at
diagnosis in adults and childhood. Treatment with high intensity statin should be started as
soon as possible. Combination with ezetimibe and/or bile acid sequestrants is indicated if
target LDL-C is not achieved. For FH patients in the very-high risk category, if their LDL-C
targets are not achieved, despite being on maximally tolerated statin dose and ezetimibe,
proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type1 inhibitor (PCSK9i) is recommended. In statin
intolerance, ezetimibe alone, or in combination with PCSK9i may be considered. Clinical
evaluation of response to treatment and safety are recommended to be done about 4-6 weeks
following initiation of treatment. Homozygous FH (HoFH) patients should be treated with
maximally tolerated intensive LLT and, when available, with lipoprotein apheresis. This review
highlights the overall management, and optimal treatment combinations in FH in adults and
children, newer LLT including PCSK9i, microsomal transfer protein inhibitor, allele-specific
oligonucleotide to ApoB100 and PCSK9 mRNA. Family cascade screening and/or screening
of high-risk individuals, is the most cost-effective way of identifying FH cases and initiating
early and adequate LLT.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Urban health and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Malaysia

Normaz Wana Ismail, Sudha Sivadas

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(2):3-9.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Urbanisation is a key determinant of population health. Malaysia’s exemplary economic growth in the early 1990s and the consequent development and urbanisation led to significant changes in health, lifestyle and quality of life. Rising expectations, changing demographics and nutrition and disease transitions were challenges synonymous to an increasingly urban Malaysia. As the Government targets optimal population health, this paper aims to explore one of the many challenges of urbanisation, namely the prevalence of non-communicable diseases or NCDs. For the purpose of this paper, NCD is proxied by Diabetes Mellitus. Methods: This study is based the 2015 National Health and Morbidity Survey, which is a cross-sectional population-based survey, involving 30,000 re- spondents. Given the binomial nature of the survey variables, the multinomial Probit model was employed using the STATA statistical software. Results: Generally, age, gender and race are significant in determining health outcomes. Socioeconomically, all three variables of income, education and employment are significant. For lifestyle factors, findings show that only the weight and physically active status have a role in determining health outcomes. Finally, the urban variable is also positive and significant. Conclusion: Findings show that the prevalence of Diabetes Melli- tus, is rising along with urbanisation and that there is a health penalty for the urban population and also for those who do not embrace healthy lifestyles. Additionally, other factors are equally important as urban health determinants, encompassing both the demographic and socioeconomic factors.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Lifestyle and reproductive health: the aetiology of ovarian cancer in Pakistan

Alvi Q, Baloch GM, Chinna K, Dabbagh A

F1000Res, 2020;9:901.
PMID: 32802322 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.24866.1

Ovarian cancer is a fatal gynaecological cancer and eighth most common cancer in women globally. Lifestyle, reproductive and sociodemographic factors are among the influential parameters that may significantly affect the risk of ovarian cancer and its mortality rate. However, the epidemiological investigations have shown that the risk of ovarian cancers associated with these factors is different in varied geographical distributions. Lifestyle and reproductive factors have not been investigated thoroughly across a wide cultural diversity. The objective of this study is to investigate the association of these factors with ovarian cancer in Pakistan. This investigation will focus on the lifestyle effects of fat intake, intake of tea, habitual exercise, use of talc, personal hygiene, habit of holding urine for long time, obesity on ovarian cancer among Pakistani women. Reproductive variables will include age at menarche, natural menopausal age, parity, nulliparity (miscarriages, abortion, stillbirths), infertility, fertility treatment, tubal ligation, oral contraceptive use, and family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Sociodemographic variables will include effect of age, income, education, and geographical location. A case-control study will be conducted in the major cancer hospitals of Pakistan and the patients will also be interviewed. The controls will be recruited outside the hospital. For controls the same age limit and residency requirements will be applied. The information gained from this research will be an important contribution to develop programs for health promotion, with a focus on ovarian cancer prevention and women's health. The findings could be used for health policies and planning to prevent ovarian cancer. The research will pave the way for a public policy and interventions to reduce the burden of ovarian cancer in Pakistan.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext A Survey on Daily Activity Inclination and Health Complaints among Urban Youth in Malaysia

Chen AH, Rosli SA, Hovis JK

J Environ Public Health, 2020;2020:9793425.
PMID: 33376494 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9793425

Environmental influence is one of the attributing factors for health status. Chronic interaction with electronic display technology and lack of outdoor activities might lead to health issues. Given the concerns about the digital impact on lifestyle and health challenges, we aimed to investigate the daily activity inclination and health complaints among the Malaysian youth. A self-administered questionnaire covering lifestyle and health challenges was completed by 220 youths aged between 16 and 25. There were a total of 22 questions. Seven questions inspected the patterns of indoor and outdoor activities. Fifteen questions focused on the visual and musculoskeletal symptoms linked to both mental and physical health. The total time spent indoors (15.0 ± 5.4 hours/day) was significantly higher than that spent outdoors (2.5 ± 2.6 hours/day) (t = 39.01, p < 0.05). Total time engrossed in sedentary activities (13.0 ± 4.5 hours/day) was significantly higher than that in nonsedentary activities (4.5 ± 3.8 hours/day) comprised of indoor sports and any outdoor engagements (t = 27.10, p < 0.05). The total time spent on electronic related activities (9.5 ± 3.7 hours/day) was were higher than time spent on printed materials (3.4 ± 1.6 hours/day) (t = 26.01, p < 0.05). The association of sedentary activities was positive in relation to tired eyes (χ2 = 17.58, p < 0.05), sensitivity to bright light (χ2 = 12.10, p < 0.05), and neck pain (χ2 = 17.27, p < 0.05) but negative in relation to lower back pain (χ2 = 8.81, p < 0.05). Our youth spent more time in building and engaged in sedentary activities, predominantly electronic usage. The health-related symptoms, both visual and musculoskeletal symptoms, displayed a positive association with a sedentary lifestyle and a negative association with in-building time.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext COVID-19 Pandemic - a review and assessing higher education institution undergraduate student’s mental health

Mohd Amiruddin Mohd Kassim, Pang, Nicholas Tze Ping, Sandi James

Borneo Epidemiology Journal, 2020;1(2):0-0.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The current COVID-19 pandemic has sequelae reverberating around Malaysia, particularly in university students, as Malaysian university students are isolated in their university campuses in semi-quarantine status. This article seeks to review the existing literature on the specialized issue of university student-related psychological sequelae of COVID-19, and seeks to offer some recommendations through the process.
Methods: Existing literature demonstrates that COVID-19 has affected university students psychosocially, with the rate of anxiety and depression markedly increased. There have been significant alterations of lifestyle related to education, in accordance with the new normal, resulting in isolation and feelings of disengagement with education. Moreover, with the current uncertainties regarding their studies and possible financial depression postpandemic, the future is deeply worrying and will adversely affect their mental health.
Results: Quantitatively, recent findings indicate 33.3% of the undergraduates in a higher education institution are noted to be in stress. Therefore, multiple interventions have been implemented; a customized ultra-brief psychological module, an online tele psychiatry hotline (COVID Cares) and tele-counselling, which have received universally positive feedback.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the review demonstrates that undergraduates’ psychological health is an aspect that needs urgent attention as it is not merely limited to the fear of COVID-19, but also related to the social aspects of the pandemic. Multiple interventions have been seen to be efficacious in reducing the psychological sequelae

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Assessment of clinical, risk factors profile and clinical pharmacist care services on management and prevention of coronary artery disease complications among diabetic patients in a tertiary care hospital practice

Abbavannagari Bharath Kumar, Marakanam Srinivasan Umashankar, Sandeep Podda

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(3):21-28.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease and noted to be incidence is intensifying globally and contem- plated as epidemic. The study is aimed to assess the coronary artery disease risk profile associated diabetes mellitus patient and to identify the clinical pharmacist care services in the management and to control the risk burden in the clinical practice. Method: A prospective observational study was conducted among the consecutive patients of coronary artery disease associated diabetic patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital over 6 months period. A sam- ple of 150 patients was recruited in the study. Data analysis was done with graph pad prism software 5.01. Results: The present study revealed that coronary artery disease in diabetes was more prevalent in age group between 41-50 years. About 54.66% patients with hyperlipidemia were at risk to develop the coronary artery disease complication. Glycated hemoglobin test was detected in 40% of the patient showing abnormal levels and around 43.33% of patient had an abnormal fasting blood sugar level. The study showed only 32% of patients was prescribed Insulin & oral hy- poglycemic agents and 13 % were treated with statins. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the causative factors should be controlled and treated with an early need for amalgamation of clinical pharmacist care services with the health care team on life style modification counseling could ultimately improve the patient health outcomes and also lowers progression of coronary artery disease risk complications among diabetic patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Loneliness among elderly in community residence at Pontian District, Johore

Rohani Mamat, Hussein S Z, Shamsudin K

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(105):44-0.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Loneliness is a major social problem among the elderly that has gone through almost all countries in the world. Even though loneliness is seen as the health-threatening but, the loneliness assessment is still marginal- ized in routine medical check-up for every senior citizen. Methods: This is a sequential explanatory mixed-method study with a cross-sectional community survey was conducted among 380 community residence elderly followed by in-depth interview among eight respondents. This study aims to measure the loneliness and to explore loneliness experienced by older adults. Data were collected using the short form of Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S) and data were analysed using SPSS (version 23.0) for windows. In the qualitative study, eight re- spondents were interviewed face-to-face and data were analysed using thematic analysis Braun and Clarke (2006). Results: The results revealed that 37.2% of respondents had loneliness. Bivariate analyses showed the age, level of education and marital status were significantly associated with loneliness. The results of multiple logistic regression discovered gender (OR=1.75,95%CI:1.04-2.93; p=0.03) and marital status (OR=2.24,95%CI: 1.33-3.77;p= 0.002) were a significant predictor of loneliness. In a qualitative study, the result showed two main themes were recorded as causes of loneliness among the elderly are ‘changing the lifestyles’ and ‘ineffective communications. The sub-themes included ‘loss of someone who significant’, ‘limited physical mobility’, ‘all alone’ and ‘no support’. Conclusion: The issue of loneliness needs critically to be addressed even though Malaysia has not reached the ‘aging population’, but the loneliness prevalence experienced by the older adult has similarities with other countries that have attained that status.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Nutritional composition and cost differences between gluten- free and gluten-containing food products in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Siti Nur Aishah Mohd Fauad, Satvinder Kaur, Siti Raihanah Shafie

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(106):178-183.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The demand for commercial gluten-free food products are increasing due to rising prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases. The market growth is forecasted to increase in numbers. However, to date nutritional com- parison of gluten-free and gluten-containing food products is not done extensively in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the nutritional composition and cost per 100 g between gluten-free and gluten-containing food products in selected grocery stores in Kuala Lumpur. Methods: A total of 106 food products comprising of gluten-free food products (n=41) and gluten-containing food products (n=65) were determined and compared for its nutritional composition and cost per 100 g. The products were obtained from 4 main grocery stores in Kuala Lumpur that supply gluten-free food products. The differences in nutritional composition and cost between both products were analysed by using independent samples t-test. Results: The results showed no difference in energy content between both prod- ucts. Across the food products, 15 % of gluten-free food products showed higher carbohydrate content compared to its counterparts. Protein content in gluten-free products was 63 % lower than gluten-containing products. Among all gluten-free food products included in this study, only lasagne sheet has lower content of dietary fibre compared to its counterparts. The cost for majority of gluten-free food products was significantly higher, which was two- to four- fold higher compared to gluten-containing products. Conclusion: This study indicated that gluten-free food products showed no nutritional advantage especially in its macronutrients, hence, avoidance of gluten for healthy population may not be beneficial and rather costly.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Association between dietary patterns and cardiometabolic risks in Malaysian Punjabi adults

Yik Fah Chee, Satvinder Kaur, Roseline Wai Kuan Yap

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(106):106-115.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Globally, the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is high in Punjabi population. This could due to the increased cardiometabolic risks associated with diets high in dietary fats and refined grains. However, studies on the relationship between dietary pattern and cardiometabolic risks involving Malaysian Punjabis popu- lation are scarce. Hence, this study aims to determine the associations between dietary patterns and cardiometa- bolic risks in Malaysian Punjabi adults. Methods: Socio-demographic, lifestyle and dietary intake information was collected using self-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements: weight and height for body mass index (BMI) calculation, waist circumference (WC); systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP); and biomark- ers: blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), low-density-lipopro- tein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 and B100 were obtained. Major dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis. Association between dietary patterns and cardiometabolic risk factors were performed using ANCOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: A total of 164 (35.4% males and 64.6% females) Punjabis were included in this study. Four dietary patterns were extracted, namely ‘fruits and vegetables diet’ (FVD), ‘whole grains, condiments and beverages diet’ (WCBD), ‘protein diet’ (PD) and ‘rice, noodles, cereals and meat diet’ (RNCMD). Significant associations were obtained for FVD with BMI (p=0.012), WC (p=0.011), SBP (p=0.020) and DBP (p=0.009); WCBD with TC (p=0.010), LDL-C (p=0.015) and apolipoprotein B100 (p=0.038). Conclusion: Dietary pattern comprised of fruits, vegetables and beverages containing antioxidant-rich spices, ginger, and black tea may lower cardiometabolic risks in Malaysian Punjabis, particularly in obesity, high blood pressure and hyperlipidaemia.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Perceptions of Muslim Travellers Toward Halal Lifestyle in South Korea

Siti Syaza Nabilah, Binti Fauzihana, Norazirah, Ayob

Trends in Undergraduate Research, 2020;3(1):9-16.
MyJurnal

This study aims to investigate the perception of Muslim travellers toward Halal lifestyle in South Korea. This study is significant due to a huge growth of Muslim tourists in South Korea over recent years. Statistics has shown an influx of Muslim tourists from Malaysia travelling to South Korea from year-to-year. Interviews were conducted to gain in-depth and comprehensive insights of Malaysian Muslims’ percipience on the Halal culture in South Korea. The questions were designed in the interview covers three issues, which include the pre-travel behaviour, extensity of information search, and travel decision. According to the interviews, most of the travellers spent their time conducting research, explicitly on Halal dietary matters before heading to South Korea. They also stated that it was quite hard finding places that serve Halal food. Therefore, we concluded that the Halal principle adoption in Korea influences the travel decision by most Muslim travellers.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Relationship of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and diet habits with metabolic syndrome (MetS) among three ethnic groups of the Malaysian population

Iqbal SP, Ramadas A, Fatt QK, Shin HL, Onn WY, Kadir KA

PLoS One, 2020;15(3):e0224054.
PMID: 32191727 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224054

OBJECTIVES: Literature shows a high prevalence of MetS among Malaysians, varying across the major ethnicities. Since sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and diet habits of such communities have been reported to be diverse, the objective of this study was to investigate the association of various sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and diet habits with MetS overall, as well as with the three major ethnic communities in Malaysia, specifically.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 481 Malaysians of ages 18 years and above living in the state of Johor, Malaysia. Information on demographics, lifestyle and diet habits were collected using a structured questionnaire. Harmonized criteria were used to assess the status of MetS. Multiple logistic regression was employed to determine any associations between sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and dietary behaviours with MetS.
RESULTS: MetS was found among 32.2% of the respondents and was more prevalent among the Indians (51.9%), followed by the Malays (36.7%) and the Chinese (20.2%). Overall, increasing age (AOR = 2.44[95%CI = 1.27-4.70] at 40-49 years vs. AOR = 4.14[95%CI = 1.97-8.69] at 60 years and above) and Indian ethnicity (AOR = 1.95[95%CI = 1.12-3.38)] increased the odds of MetS, while higher education (AOR = 0.44[95%CI = 0.20-0.94] decreased the odds of MetS in this population. Quick finishing of meals (AOR = 2.17[95%CI = 1.02-4.60]) and low physical activity (AOR = 4.76[95%CI = 1.49-15.26]) were associated with increased odds of MetS among the Malays and the Chinese, respectively.
CONCLUSION: The population of Johor depicts a diverse lifestyle and diet behaviour, and some of these factors are associated with MetS in certain ethnic groups. In the light of such differences, ethnic specific measures would be needed to reduce the prevalence of MetS among those in this population.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style/ethnology*
Fulltext Strengthening Primary Health-Care Services to Help Prevent and Control Long-Term (Chronic) Non-Communicable Diseases in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Haque M, Islam T, Rahman NAA, McKimm J, Abdullah A, Dhingra S

Risk Manag Healthc Policy, 2020;13:409-426.
PMID: 32547272 DOI: 10.2147/RMHP.S239074

The prevalence of long-term (chronic) non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing globally due to an ageing global population, urbanization, changes in lifestyles, and inequitable access to healthcare. Although previously more common in high- and upper-middle-income countries, lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) are more affected, with NCDs in LMICs currently accounting for 85-90% of premature deaths among 30-69 years old. NCDs have both high morbidity and mortality and high treatment costs, not only for the diseases themselves but also for their complications. Primary health care (PHC) services are a vital component in the prevention and control of long-term NCDs, particularly in LMICs, where the health infrastructure and hospital services may be under strain. Drawing from published studies, this review analyses how PHC services can be utilized and strengthened to help prevent and control long-term NCDs in LMICs. The review finds that a PHC service approach, which deals with health in a comprehensive way, including the promotion, prevention, and control of diseases, can be useful in both high and low resource settings. Further, a PHC based approach also provides opportunities for communities to better access appropriate healthcare, which ensures more significant equity, efficiency, effectiveness, safety, and timeliness, empowers service users, and helps healthcare providers to achieve better health outcomes at lower costs.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Prevalence and factors associated with prediabetes and diabetes in fishing communities in Penang, Malaysia: A cross-sectional study

Rahim FF, Abdulrahman SA, Kader Maideen SF, Rashid A

PLoS One, 2020;15(2):e0228570.
PMID: 32040497 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228570

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, characterized by hyperglycemic state of the body. A silent killer, which can take the lives of victims if undiagnosed at the earliest stage. Prediabetes has become an important health concern across countries due to its huge potential for the development of diabetes and other complications. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes and its associated factors among rural fishing communities in Penang, Malaysia.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among fishing communities in Southwest District of Penang, Malaysia from August to November 2017. Blood sample (finger prick test) and physical examination were performed on sample of 168 participants consented in this study. Pre-validated Malay versions of International Physical Activity 7 (IPAQ-7) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) questionnaires were used to assess the level of physical activity and stress levels of the participants. Multinomial logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with prediabetes and diabetes.

RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes were 19.6% (95% CI: 14.3, 26.4) and 10.12% (95% CI: 6.4, 15.7) respectively. The median physical activity (interquartile range) in MET-minutes per week for those with diabetes (1071.0 (2120.0)) and prediabetes (1314.0 (1710.0)) was generally lower as compared to non-diabetes. Majority reported moderate stress (57.3%) from PSS system. Abdominal obesity, family history of diabetes and being hypertensive were significant factors associated with diabetes; while older age, bigger waist circumference and self-perceived poor routine diet were factors associated with prediabetes.

CONCLUSIONS: The screening for prediabetes in this population gives the opportunity to implement lifestyle interventions at the earliest possible, which could prevent the development of diabetes. The identification of diabetic individuals provides an opportunity to conduct health promotion and education to ensure good metabolic control and hence reduce the risks of complications.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Physical activity levels of Malaysian vegetarians and its associated factors: a cross-sectional study

Yuan Kei Ching, Mahenderan Appukutty, Wan Ying Gan, Yoke Mun Chan, Yit Siew Chin

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(106):99-105.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Literatures suggest that insufficient physical activity as one of the contributors to non-communicable chronic diseases; nevertheless, data on the physical activity level is sparsely reported among individuals practising a vegetarian diet in Malaysia. The current study aims to determine the prevalence of insufficient physical activity and its association with socio-demographic factors, lifestyle factors and body weight status among 273 individuals prac- tising a vegetarian diet in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Methods: A set of self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all vegetarians and their data on physical activity was determined using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Results: The average years of practising vegetarianism was 14.2±9.6 years, and most of the vegetarians were practised ovo-vegetarian diet (44.0%). A majority of them were Chinese (54.9%) and female (64.8%), with an aver- age age of 47.5 ± 13.1 years. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 27.5% and 8.1%, respectively. Accord- ing to GPAQ, about two in five vegetarians (46.2%) were having insufficient physical activity. Being females, older age, Chinese, married individuals, and those with high total household income level were found to be significantly associated with low physical activity level among Malaysian vegetarians (p

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Association with Lifestyle, Diets, Socioeconomic and Sociodemographic in Asian Region

Okekpa SI, S M N Mydin RB, Mangantig E, Azmi NSA, Zahari SNS, Kaur G, et al.

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2019 Nov 01;20(11):3505-3514.
PMID: 31759378 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2019.20.11.3505

OBJECTIVE: Risk factors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) have been linked with diets, life style and viral
infections. NPC is more rampant in Asian populations than non-Asian countries. Our study aims to assess the validity
of the suggestions provided by multiple case control studies demonstrating that salted fish consumption, smoking and
alcohol consumption are associated with the risk of NPC in Asia.
METHODS: Search for related literature on salted fish,
smoking and alcohol consumption were performed via Science Direct, PubMed databases and Google Scholar. Articles
included in this study were from 2009 to 2017, with specific focus on salted fish, smoking and alcohol consumption
as risk factors of NPC. This study excluded all articles published prior to 2009 and articles involving other cancers.
Data were extracted independently by two different researchers and harmonized. Meta-analysis was conducted on the
obtained data, by using R package Meta to create funnel and forest plots.
RESULTS: The meta-analysis revealed that
salted fish, smoking and alcohol consumption were significantly associated to NPC risk with random effect model score
showing OR of 1.41 at 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.13-1.75 (P<0.01), OR of 1.89 at 95 % CI of 1.49 - 2.38, and
OR: 1.42 at 95 % CI of 1.23 - 1.65 respectively. Our results also revealed significant association of salted meat, salted
vegetables, house type, wood dust exposure associated with NPC risk with p values less than 0.05.
CONCLUSION: This
study proposes that salted fish intake, smoking and alcohol consumption might be linked to NPC risk in Asians. Further
studies are necessary to ascertain the molecular mechanisms and clarify if the associated path that could function as
therapeutic target.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Fulltext A review of pharmacist-led interventions on diabetes outcomes: an observational analysis to explore diabetes care opportunities for pharmacists

Iqbal MZ, Khan AH, Iqbal MS, Syed Sulaiman SA

J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 2019 10 18;11(4):299-309.
PMID: 31619911 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_138_19

A strict and adherence treatment is required by the patient with diabetes mellitus and it demands a proper self-medication by the patient. Pharmacists are involved in providing self-management support to the patients. This review evaluates the interventions of pharmacist for patients to improve self-management with diabetes mellitus and also to improve the clinical outcomes of diabetes mellitus. A comprehensive literature search was performed by using different keywords "pharmacist-led intervention," "diabetes," "effect of pharmacist on outcome of diabetes," and "self-management of diabetes" with the help of various electronic databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from the beginning of the database through September 2018. The primary outcome was glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), whereas the secondary outcomes were blood glucose level, blood pressure (BP) measure, body mass index, lipids, adherence to medication, and quality of life. Twenty-five studies comprising 2997 diabetic patients were included in the analysis. Pharmacist-led intervention was involved in all included studies in the form of education on diabetes and its complications, medication adherence, lifestyle, and education about self-management skills. Pharmacist-led interventions are able to reduce HbA1c levels with a mean of 0.75%. Most studies do not expose the material and methods used in pharmacist-led intervention. The variation in the reduction of HbA1c, fasting blood sugar, BP, and lipid profile was due to the lack of this standardization. The included studies indicated that pharmacist-led interventions in diabetes mellitus can significantly improve the outcomes of diabetes mellitus and its complication later on. Hence, these long-term improvements in outcomes added more value of pharmacists in health-care system of the world.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Measurement of range of motions of L3-L4 healthy spine through offsetting reflective markers and in silico analysis of meshed model

Kosalishkwaran G, Parasuraman S, Singh DKJ, Natarajan E, Elamvazuthi I, George J

Med Biol Eng Comput, 2019 Oct;57(10):2305-2318.
PMID: 31444622 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-019-02026-6

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common condition in elderly population that can be painful and can significantly affect individual's quality of life. Diagnosis of DDD allows prompt corrective actions but it is challenging due to the absence of any symptoms at early stages. In studying disc degeneration, measurement of the range of motion (RoM) and loads acting on the spine are crucial factors. However, direct measurement of RoM involves increased instrumentation and risk. In this paper, an innovative method is proposed for calculating RoM, emphasizing repeatability and reliability by considering the posterior thickness of the spine. This is achieved by offsetting the position of markers in relation to the actual vertebral loci. Three geometrically identical finite element models of L3-L4 are developed from a CT scan with different types of elements, and thereafter, mesh element-related metrics are provided for the assessment of the quality of models. The model with the best mesh quality is used for further analysis, where RoM are within ranges as reported in literature and in vivo experiment results. Various kinds of stresses acting on individual components including facet joints are analysed for normal and abnormal loading conditions. The results showed that the stresses in abnormal load conditions for all components including cortical (76.67 MPa), cancellous (69.18 MPa), annulus (6.30 MPa) and nucleus (0.343 MPa) are significantly greater as compared to normal loads (49.96 MPa, 44.2 MPa, 4.28 MPa and 0.23 MPa respectively). However, stress levels for both conditions are within safe limits (167-215 MPa for cortical, 46 MPa for the annulus and 3 MPa for facets). The results obtained could be used as a baseline motion and stresses of healthy subjects based on their respective lifestyles, which could benefit clinicians to suggest corrective actions for those affected by DDD.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style
Violent crime datasets: Incidence and patterns in Malaysia from 2006 to 2017

Hakim HM, Khan HO, Hamzah HH, Othman MF, Nelson BR, Chambers GK, et al.

Data Brief, 2019 Oct;26:104449.
PMID: 31667222 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.104449

This article provides violent crime data in Malaysia from 2006 to 2017. The violent crimes include murder, rape, gang robbery, robbery and voluntarily causing hurt cases. A total of 330,395 violent crime cases were reported in this 12 year period and the data were tabulated state by state for all thirteen states of Malaysia, including two states in Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) and one federal territory (Kuala Lumpur). In general, violent crimes show a decreasing trend from 2006 to 2017 in Malaysia. However, armed gang robbery and armed robbery show a fluctuating pattern from 2008 to 2011. A similar pattern was also recorded for unarmed gang robbery from 2008 to 2010. The violent crime data deposited here are available for further analysis, e.g., for identifying risk factors such as demography, lifestyle, socio-economic status, government policies etc. which may be associated with violent crime incidence and pattern across the country.

Matched MeSH terms: Life Style

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