Displaying publications 81 - 97 of 97 in total

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  1. Fulltext Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in malnutrition: preliminary results
    Osman A, Khalid BA, Tan TT, Wan Nazaimoon WM, Wu LL, Ng ML
    Singapore Med J, 1993 Jun;34(3):225-8.
    PMID: 8266178
    This is a report of a cross sectional study involving 3 groups of children, moderately malnourished (BMI < 15), mildly malnourished (BMI 15-18) and well nourished (BMI > 18) to determine the differences in hormonal and biochemical parameters between the groups. The children were of age range from 7-17 years old. The children were from the same area with exposure to the same food, drinking water and environment. There were significant differences in the nutritional indices between the three groups. No differences were observed in levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and T3:T4 ratio. Significant difference however was found in the TSH levels using highly sensitive IRMA TSH assays. Moderately malnourished children had higher TSH levels (p < 0.05) compared to mildly malnourished and well-nourished children. No difference was found between the mildly malnourished and well-nourished groups. There were no significant differences in serum cortisols done at similar times, fasting growth hormone and calcium. Serum alanine transminase (ALT) however was higher in moderately malnourished than in well-nourished children. Thus using highly sensitive IRMA TSH assays, we were able to detect differences in TSH levels even though T3, T4 and T3:T4 ratio, cortisol, growth hormone and calcium were normal, implying in moderately malnourished children, a higher TSH drive to maintain euthyroid state.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nutrition Disorders/blood*
  2. Current prevalence and predictors of protein-energy malnutrition among schoolchildren in rural Peninsular Malaysia
    Al-Mekhlafi MS, Surin J, Atiya AS, Ariffin WA, Mahdy AK, Abdullah HC
    Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 2008 Sep;39(5):922-31.
    PMID: 19058591
    A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the current prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) among Orang Asli schoolchildren and to investigate the potential predictors of malnutrition. A total of 241 (120 males and 121 females) Orang Asli schoolchildren age 7-12 years living in remote areas of Pos Betau, Pahang participated voluntarily in this study. Anthropometric and socioeconomic data were collected and the children were screened for intestinal parasitic infections. The overall prevalences of mild and significant underweight conditions were 52.3% and 37.3%, respectively, and the prevalences of mild stunting and wasting were 43.6% and 43.1%, respectively, while the prevalences of significant stunting and wasting were 43.6% and 5.6%, respectively. There was a significant association between gender (male) and malnutrition (p = 0.029). The results also showed a higher prevalence of stunting among children age < or = 10 years than in older children (p = 0.001). Other independent variables, including socioeconomic status and intestinal parasitic infections, had no significant associations with malnutrition indices. PEM is prevalent among schoolchildren in rural Malaysia and therefore of public health concern since PEM diminishes immune function and impairs cognitive function and educational performance. School-based programs of prevention through health education and interventions should be considered as an essential part of measures to improve the quality of life of schoolchildren in rural Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutrition Disorders/epidemiology*
  3. Triple burden of malnutrition among Malaysian children aged 6 months to 12 years: Current findings from SEANUTS II Malaysia
    Poh BK, Wong JE, Lee ST, Chia JSM, Yeo GS, Sharif R, et al.
    Public Health Nutr, 2023 Nov 07.
    PMID: 37932916 DOI: 10.1017/S1368980023002239
    OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to report South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS) II Malaysia data on nutritional status, dietary intake, and nutritional biomarkers of children aged 6 months to 12 years.

    DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey conducted in 2019-2020.

    SETTING: Multistage cluster sampling conducted in Central, Northern, Southern, and East Coast regions of Peninsular Malaysia.

    PARTICIPANTS: 2989 children aged 0.5-12.9 years.

    RESULTS: Prevalences of stunting, thinness, overweight, and obesity among children aged 0.5-12.9 years were 8.9%, 6.7%, 9.2%, and 8.8%, respectively. Among children below 5 years old, 11.4% were underweight, 13.8% had stunting, and 6.2% wasting. Data on nutritional biomarkers showed a small proportion of children aged 4-12 years had iron (2.9%) and vitamin A deficiencies (3.1%). Prevalence of anaemia was distinctly different between children below 4 years old (40.3%) and those aged 4 years and above (3.0%). One-fourth of children (25.1%) had vitamin D insufficiency, which was twice as prevalent in girls (35.2% vs. boys: 15.6%). The majority of children did not meet the recommended dietary intake for calcium (79.4%) and vitamin D (94.8%).

    CONCLUSIONS: Data from SEANUTS II Malaysia confirmed that triple burden of malnutrition co-exists among children in Peninsular Malaysia, with higher prevalence of overnutrition than undernutrition. Anaemia is highly prevalent among children below 4 years old, while vitamin D insufficiency is more prevalent among girls. Low intakes of dietary calcium and vitamin D are also of concern. These findings provide policymakers with useful and evidence-based data to formulate strategies that address the nutritional issues of Malaysian children.

    Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutrition Disorders/epidemiology
  4. Effects of iodine deficiency on insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 levels and height attainment in malnourished children
    Wan Nazaimoon WM, Osman A, Wu LL, Khalid BA
    Clin Endocrinol (Oxf), 1996 Jul;45(1):79-83.
    PMID: 8796142
    OBJECTIVE: The expression and synthesis of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 have been shown to be regulated by hormones and nutrition. We study the effects of malnutrition and iodine deficiency on these growth factors and the height attainment of a group of children.

    DESIGN: We measured serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels in a group of Malaysian aborigine children from three jungle settlements; Sinderut and Pos Lanai are known for iodine deficiency and endemic goitre, and Gombak is an iodine replete area with better socioeconomic status.

    PATIENTS: A total of 246 children were studied, 188 in the age group 4-10 years and 88 in the age group 11-15 years.

    MEASUREMENTS: All children were assessed anthropometrically and height standard deviation score (SDS) were calculated using the CDC Anthropometric Software package. Malnutrition was confirmed clinically and according to the WHO definition of malnutrition. IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were determined by radioimmunoassay, and T4 and TSH by immunoradiometric assay.

    RESULTS: Based on the height SDS, Sinderut and Pos Lanai children were significantly more malnourished and stunted than the Gombak children P = 0.0001). T4 levels were significantly lower (P = 0.0001) amongst the 4-10-years old Sinderut (81 +/- 2 nmol/l) than in Pos Lanai (101 +/- 3 nmol/l) or Gombak (123 +/- 3 nmol/l) children. Similar findings were also seen in the older children; mean T4 levels of those from Sinderut and Pos Lanai (83 +/- 3 and 88 +/- 4 nmol/l respectively), were low (P = 0.0001) compared to Gombak (118 +/- 3 nmol/l). Conversely, TSH levels in both age groups of Sinderut children were significantly elevated (P = 0.0001) (3.5 +/- 0.2 and 3.9 +/- 0.3 mU/l respectively) compared to age-matched groups from Pos Lanal (2.1 +/- 0.1 and 2.2 +/- 0.2 mU/l respectively) and Gombak (1.5 +/- 0.1 and 1.5 +/- 0.2 mU/l respectively). IGF-I and IGFBP-3 correlated significantly with the height SDS of the children, In both the 4-10 (r = 0.400, P = 0.0001 and r = 0.365, P = 0.0001 respectively) and 11-15 years age groups (r = 0.324, P = 0.002 and r = 0.533, P = 0.0001 respectively). Correlation between IGFBP-3 and T4 levels was more significant in the younger children (r = 0.412, P = 0.0001). Association between IGF-I and T4 levels was significant only in the 4-10 years age group (r = 0.237, P = 0.001).

    CONCLUSIONS: Varying duration and degree of exposure to malnutrition and iodine deficiency resulted in different mean levels of T4, TSH, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 in the three areas. The strong positive associations between IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels and height SDS suggest that these biochemical measurements are indeed useful indicators of growth and nutritional status in children. The significant correlations between T4 and IGFBP-3 and IGF-1 suggests the importance of thyroid hormones in regulating the synthesis of these growth factors. The age-related increase of these growth factors even amongst malnourished, iodine deficient children implies that age-matched reference ranges are essential for proper evaluation of laboratory results.

    Matched MeSH terms: Nutrition Disorders/blood*
  5. Socioeconomic profile and nutritional status of children in rubber smallholdings
    Marjan ZM, Kandiah M, Lin KG, Siong TE
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2002;11(2):133-41.
    PMID: 12074180
    This paper will present the socioeconomic profile and nutritional status of children aged 1-6 years in the rubber smallholdings of Peninsula Malaysia. A total of 323 households were involved in this study. The sociodemographic data were obtained through interviews with heads of households using a set of questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements were taken from 506 children aged 1-6 years from these households. The weight and height of the children were compared with the reference values of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and the nutritional status was classified based on the recommendations of WHO. The average age of the fathers was 39.9+/-8.6 years and 34.4+/-7.0 years for the mothers. The mean household size was 6.67+/-2.27. The majority (49.7%) of the heads of households received 4-6 years of formal education and 7.9% received no formal education. Based on the monthly per capita income, 24.0% were found to be in the hardcore poor category, 38.3% fall into the poor category and 37.7% in the above poverty income group. The prevalence of stunting and underweight among children between the ages of 1-6 years were highest among children from the hardcore poor, followed by the poor category and above the poverty line income group. Wasting was present in all income groups, with a prevalence of 4.2% found among the hardcore poor, 9.4% among the poor group and 8.4% in the above poverty income group. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation showed significant relationships between household total income and height-for-age (r = 0.131, P = 0.05) and weight-for-age (r = 0.127, P = 0.05). There were also significant correlations between monthly per capita income with height-for-age (r = 0.16, P < 0.01) and weight-for-age (r = 0.13, P < 0.05). The acreage of land utilised was correlated with height-for-age (r = 0.11, P < 0.05), weight-for-age (r = 0.17, P < 0.05) and weight-for-height (r = 0.16, P < 0.05). However, stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that the predictor of height-for-age was monthly per capita income (R2 = 0.03, P < 0.01) and acreage of land utilised was a predictor for weight-for-age (R2 = 0.03, P < 0.01) and weight-for-height (R2 = 0.01, P < 0.01). Because income and acreage of land utilised have been shown to be associated with nutritional status, it is recommended that intervention programs that focus on generation of income and diversification of land utilisation should be undertaken. A multidiscipline approach involving the family, community and government agencies should be applied to any type of intervention program.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nutrition Disorders/epidemiology*
  6. Iron deficiency in the tropics
    Fleming AF
    Clin Haematol, 1982 Jun;11(2):365-88.
    PMID: 7042157
    Matched MeSH terms: Nutrition Disorders/blood; Nutrition Disorders/diet therapy
  7. Fulltext Global, regional, and national age-sex specific mortality for 264 causes of death, 1980-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016
    GBD 2016 Causes of Death Collaborators
    Lancet, 2017 Sep 16;390(10100):1151-1210.
    PMID: 28919116 DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32152-9
    BACKGROUND: Monitoring levels and trends in premature mortality is crucial to understanding how societies can address prominent sources of early death. The Global Burden of Disease 2016 Study (GBD 2016) provides a comprehensive assessment of cause-specific mortality for 264 causes in 195 locations from 1980 to 2016. This assessment includes evaluation of the expected epidemiological transition with changes in development and where local patterns deviate from these trends.
    METHODS: We estimated cause-specific deaths and years of life lost (YLLs) by age, sex, geography, and year. YLLs were calculated from the sum of each death multiplied by the standard life expectancy at each age. We used the GBD cause of death database composed of: vital registration (VR) data corrected for under-registration and garbage coding; national and subnational verbal autopsy (VA) studies corrected for garbage coding; and other sources including surveys and surveillance systems for specific causes such as maternal mortality. To facilitate assessment of quality, we reported on the fraction of deaths assigned to GBD Level 1 or Level 2 causes that cannot be underlying causes of death (major garbage codes) by location and year. Based on completeness, garbage coding, cause list detail, and time periods covered, we provided an overall data quality rating for each location with scores ranging from 0 stars (worst) to 5 stars (best). We used robust statistical methods including the Cause of Death Ensemble model (CODEm) to generate estimates for each location, year, age, and sex. We assessed observed and expected levels and trends of cause-specific deaths in relation to the Socio-demographic Index (SDI), a summary indicator derived from measures of average income per capita, educational attainment, and total fertility, with locations grouped into quintiles by SDI. Relative to GBD 2015, we expanded the GBD cause hierarchy by 18 causes of death for GBD 2016.
    FINDINGS: The quality of available data varied by location. Data quality in 25 countries rated in the highest category (5 stars), while 48, 30, 21, and 44 countries were rated at each of the succeeding data quality levels. Vital registration or verbal autopsy data were not available in 27 countries, resulting in the assignment of a zero value for data quality. Deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represented 72·3% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 71·2-73·2) of deaths in 2016 with 19·3% (18·5-20·4) of deaths in that year occurring from communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional (CMNN) diseases and a further 8·43% (8·00-8·67) from injuries. Although age-standardised rates of death from NCDs decreased globally between 2006 and 2016, total numbers of these deaths increased; both numbers and age-standardised rates of death from CMNN causes decreased in the decade 2006-16-age-standardised rates of deaths from injuries decreased but total numbers varied little. In 2016, the three leading global causes of death in children under-5 were lower respiratory infections, neonatal preterm birth complications, and neonatal encephalopathy due to birth asphyxia and trauma, combined resulting in 1·80 million deaths (95% UI 1·59 million to 1·89 million). Between 1990 and 2016, a profound shift toward deaths at older ages occurred with a 178% (95% UI 176-181) increase in deaths in ages 90-94 years and a 210% (208-212) increase in deaths older than age 95 years. The ten leading causes by rates of age-standardised YLL significantly decreased from 2006 to 2016 (median annualised rate of change was a decrease of 2·89%); the median annualised rate of change for all other causes was lower (a decrease of 1·59%) during the same interval. Globally, the five leading causes of total YLLs in 2016 were cardiovascular diseases; diarrhoea, lower respiratory infections, and other common infectious diseases; neoplasms; neonatal disorders; and HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. At a finer level of disaggregation within cause groupings, the ten leading causes of total YLLs in 2016 were ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, lower respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases, road injuries, malaria, neonatal preterm birth complications, HIV/AIDS, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and neonatal encephalopathy due to birth asphyxia and trauma. Ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of total YLLs in 113 countries for men and 97 countries for women. Comparisons of observed levels of YLLs by countries, relative to the level of YLLs expected on the basis of SDI alone, highlighted distinct regional patterns including the greater than expected level of YLLs from malaria and from HIV/AIDS across sub-Saharan Africa; diabetes mellitus, especially in Oceania; interpersonal violence, notably within Latin America and the Caribbean; and cardiomyopathy and myocarditis, particularly in eastern and central Europe. The level of YLLs from ischaemic heart disease was less than expected in 117 of 195 locations. Other leading causes of YLLs for which YLLs were notably lower than expected included neonatal preterm birth complications in many locations in both south Asia and southeast Asia, and cerebrovascular disease in western Europe.
    INTERPRETATION: The past 37 years have featured declining rates of communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases across all quintiles of SDI, with faster than expected gains for many locations relative to their SDI. A global shift towards deaths at older ages suggests success in reducing many causes of early death. YLLs have increased globally for causes such as diabetes mellitus or some neoplasms, and in some locations for causes such as drug use disorders, and conflict and terrorism. Increasing levels of YLLs might reflect outcomes from conditions that required high levels of care but for which effective treatments remain elusive, potentially increasing costs to health systems.
    FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
    Malaysian collaborators: School of Medicine, Xiamen University Malaysia Campus, Sepang, Malaysia (Y J Kim PhD); School of Medical Sciences, University of Science Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia (K I Musa MD); Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (R Sahathevan PhD); Department of Community Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (C T Sreeramareddy MD)
    Matched MeSH terms: Nutrition Disorders/mortality
  8. Fulltext Politics of disease control in Africa and the critical role of global health diplomacy: A systematic review
    Chattu VK, Knight WA, Adisesh A, Yaya S, Reddy KS, Di Ruggiero E, et al.
    Health Promot Perspect, 2021;11(1):20-31.
    PMID: 33758752 DOI: 10.34172/hpp.2021.04
    Background: Africa is facing the triple burden of communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and nutritional disorders. Multilateral institutions, bilateral arrangements, and philanthropies have historically privileged economic development over health concerns. That focus has resulted in weak health systems and inadequate preparedness when there are outbreaks of diseases. This review aims to understand the politics of disease control in Africa and global health diplomacy's (GHD's) critical role. Methods: A literature review was done in Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Google scholar search engines. Keywords included MeSH and common terms related to the topics: "Politics," "disease control," "epidemics/ endemics," and "global health diplomacy" in the "African" context. The resources also included reports of World Health Organization, United Nations and resolutions of the World Health Assembly (WHA). Results: African countries continue to struggle in their attempts to build health systems for disease control that are robust enough to tackle the frequent epidemics that plague the continent. The politics of disease control requires the crafting of cooperative partnerships to accommodate the divergent interests of multiple actors. Recent outbreaks of COVID-19 and Ebola had a significant impact on African economies. It is extremely important to prioritize health in the African development agendas. The African Union (AU) should leverage the momentum of the rise of GHD to (i) navigate the politics of global health governance in an interconnected world(ii) develop robust preparedness and disease response strategies to tackle emerging and reemerging disease epidemics in the region (iii) address the linkages between health and broader human security issues driven by climate change-induced food, water, and other insecurities (iv) mobilize resources and capacities to train health officials in the craft of diplomacy. Conclusion: The AU, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and African Centres for Disease Control should harmonize their plans and strategies and align them towards a common goal that integrates health in African development agendas. The AU must innovatively harness the practice and tools of GHD towards developing the necessary partnerships with relevant actors in the global health arena to achieve the health targets of the Sustainable Development Goals.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nutrition Disorders
  9. Fulltext Nutritional Assessment of Pre-School Children in Rural Villages of the Family Dynamics, Lifestyles and Nutrition Study (1997-2001) II. Prevalence of Undernutrition and Relationship to Household Socio-Economic Indicators
    Chee H, Khor G, Arshad F, Wan Muda W, Mohdtaib M, Safii N, et al.
    Malays J Nutr, 2002 Mar;8(1):33-53.
    PMID: 22692438
    This paper describes the nutritional status of pre-school children and analyzes its relationship to various household socio-economic indicators. Padi, rubber and fishing villages from the Functional Groups Study (1992-1996) were selected for having a high prevalence of child undernutrition, and all children between the ages of 12 and 72 months were measured for their weights and heights in April-May 1998. The NCHS reference values were used to calculate z-scores, which were categorised according to WHO (1983) recommendations. Children between minus 2SD and minus 1SD of reference median were classified as mildly malnourished. Prevalence of underweight was higher (30.5%) than stunting (22.3%), while wasting was only 9.7%. Padi villages had the highest prevalence of undernutrition, followed by fishing, and then rubber villages. Mean household incomes were found to be significantly lower for children with worse nutritional status, and undernutrition was higher in households below the poverty line income. The odds ratios for having stunted children were significantly higher for households whose heads were agricultural own-account workers (OR 3.66, 95% CI = 1.37-9.79), agricultural waged workers (OR 2.75, 95% CI = 1.06-7.10), and non-agricultural manual workers (OR 2.49, 95% CI = 1.04-6.00) compared to non-manual workers. Various household socio-economic indicators showed significantly higher odds ratios for underweight, stunting and wasting. After adjusting for confounding effects by logistic regression analysis, however, only mother's education was found to be a significant predictor for stunting, while poverty level and access to piped water supply were significant predictors for both underweight and stunting. Households without livestock were significant predictors for wasting. Thus, this study identified specific socio-economic factors that should be prioritized for policy and research towards the amelioration of childhood malnutrition in rural areas.
    Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutrition Disorders
  10. Fulltext Nutritional assessment of pre-school children in rural villages of the family dynamics, lifestyles and nutrition study (1997-2001) I. Socio-economic status of households
    Chee HL, Khor G, Arshad F, Wanmuda W, Shabdin A, Abusamah A, et al.
    Malays J Nutr, 2002 Mar;8(1):13-31.
    PMID: 22692437
    This paper presents the socio-economic profile of households in the Family Dynamics Study (FDS) (1997-2001) and makes comparisons with the earlier Functional Groups Study (FGS) (1992-1996). For the current study, FGS villages with a high prevalence of child malnutrition were purposively selected. In each village selected, all households were included, and interviews with a structured questionnaire were conducted in April-May 1998. Incomes were generally low and incidence of poverty was high; 49.6% of the households were under the poverty line income, of which 37.2% were poor and 12.4% were hard core poor. Overall, only 23.2% of heads of households were in agricultural occupations, others being primarily waged workers and petty traders. Livestock rearing was widespread (57.8%), and most households (90.4%) owned at least one motorised vehicle, the most common being the motorcycle. The majority of households had refrigerators (73.6%), washing machines (58.8%), and televisions (91.1%); but telephones (42.2%), mobile phones (6.1%) and computers (2.3%) were less common. Although 99.7% of households had electricity supply and 95.1% had either a flush or pour flush latrine, only 57.4% had piped water supply. In comparison to the FGS, poverty in the current study is lower (49.6% of FDS households are poor compared to 55.2% of FGS households), the proportion of household heads in agricultural occupations is also lower (26.9% compared to 55.3%), while all other socioeconomic indicators were better, except for piped water supply, which remains inadequate for households in the current study.
    Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutrition Disorders
  11. Fulltext Nutritional status of Malaysian primary school children aged 8-10 years: findings from the 2008 national IDD survey
    Ahmad Ali Zainuddin, Rusidah Selamat, Azli Baharudin, Suhaila Abdul Ghaffar, Norsyamline Che Abdul Rahim, Tahir Aris
    Malays J Nutr, 2013;19(2):149-161.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Child malnutrition continues to be a major public health problem in developing countries. This study aims to determine the current nutritional status of Malaysian school children using the anthropometric indicators of weight for age (WAZ), height for age (HAZ), and body mass index for age (BAZ). Methods: A nationwide school-based survey was undertaken in all Malaysian
    states and territories, which included 18,078 children aged 8-10 years attending 445 primary schools. The software WHO AnthroPlus was used to calculate zscores for the nutritional status (WAZ, HAZ and BAZ) of the target population relative to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2007 reference. Results: The national prevalence of underweight among school children was 13.6% and in
    rural areas, this rate was nearly double that of urban areas. The national prevalence rate for stunting was 10.9%, double among rural school children compared to their urban counterparts. As for thinness, the national prevalence was 6.5%. Using the WAZ indicator, we found that the national prevalence of overweight children was 7.6%. Additionally, we found that urban areas showed a higher
    prevalence of overweight children (8.8%) than rural areas (5.9%). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that Malaysian school children face the burden of malnutrition, suffering from both undernourishment and overweight. Malaysia must make a concerted effort to overcome the problems of malnutrition among children.
    Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutrition Disorders
  12. Fulltext Factors influencing malnutrition among young children in a rural community of Sarawak
    Eunice, M.J., Cheah, W.L., Lee, P.Y.
    Malays J Nutr, 2014;20(2):145-164.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and factors influencing malnutrition among children aged five years and below in Serian District of Sarawak, a district where the majority of people are indigenous. Methods: Using a cross-sectional method, a total of 177 children were randomly selected and assessed, and their mothers or caregivers were interviewed. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire; anthropometric measurements were also taken. Data were analysed using SPSS version 17.0. Results: The prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting in children aged five years and below was 20.9%, 11.9% and 10.2% respectively. The results suggest that the significant factors contributing to underweight are birth weight, frequency of child visit to the clinic, and individual insecurity. Only age, when complementary diet was introduced, was found to be significantly associated with stunting. For wasting, individual insecurity, duration of family planning and met recommended protein intake per day were found to be significant factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of malnutrition in children 5 years and below in Serian District of Sarawak is high compared to state figures. The major contributing factors were found to be manifested at the individual and family level. There is a need for appropriate public health promotion and socio- economic improvement interventions towards improving the nutritional status and health of children in Serian District.
    Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutrition Disorders
  13. Fulltext Clinical nutrition in East Asia and the Pacific
    Darnton-Hill I, Cavalli-Sforza LT, Volmanen PV
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 1992 Mar;1(1):27-36.
    PMID: 24323002
    Identifying the nutrition problems of Asia and the Pacific is made difficult by the enormous geographic, socioeconomic and cultural diversity that exists in these areas. With increasing longevity and reduced infant mortality, the more chronic diseases are becoming increasingly important. For almost 90% of the countries that keep such data in the Western Pacific Region of WHO, at least three of the five leading causes of death are noncommunicable diseases. Nevertheless undernutrition is still the most important nutritional problem in the Region. Even though there have been some encouraging declines in the proportion of malnourished under 5-year-olds, increasing populations have meant the actual numbers have not declined. Vitamin A deficiency, iodine deficiency disorders and iron deficiency anaemia remain major public health problems in many countries. There is evidence that vitamin A deficiency is appearing in countries in which it has not previously been a problem. New challenges are occurring, such as childhood obesity, the susceptibility of undernourished populations to the human immunodeficiency virus and the increase in noncommunicable diseases. The three arms of clinical nutrition: therapeutic, research and public health will need to work closely to meet the considerable and continuing threat posed by the nutrition-related diseases.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nutrition Disorders
  14. Fulltext Fructans in the first 1000 days of life and beyond, and for pregnancy
    Firmansyah A, Chongviriyaphan N, Dillon DH, Khan NC, Morita T, Tontisirin K, et al.
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2016 Dec;25(4):652-675.
    PMID: 27702710 DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.092016.02
    Inulin-based prebiotics are non-digestible polysaccharides that influence the composition of the gut microbiota in infants and children, notably eliciting a bifidogenic effect with high short chain fatty acid levels. Inulin, a generic term that comprises β-(2,1)-linked linear fructans, is typically isolated from the chicory plant root, and derivatives such as oligofructose and long chain inulin appear to have different physiological properties. The first 1000 days of a child's life are increasingly recognized as a critical timeframe for health also into adulthood, whereby nutrition plays a key role. There is an ever increasing association between nutrition and gut microbiota composition and development, with life health status of an individual. This review summarizes the latest knowledge in the infant gut microbiota from preterms to healthy newborns, as well as in malnourished children in developing countries. The impact of inulin or mixtures thereof on infants, toddlers and young children with respect to intestinal function and immunity in general, is reviewed. Possible benefits of prebiotics to support the gut microbiome of malnourished infants and children, especially those with infections in the developing world, are considered, as well as for the pregnant mothers health. Importantly, novel insights in metabolic programming are covered, which are being increasing recognized for remarkable impact on long term offspring health, and eventual potential beneficial role of prebiotic inulins. Overall increasing findings prompt the potential for gut microbiota-based therapy to support health or prevent the development of certain diseases from conception to adulthood where inulin prebiotics may play a role.
    Matched MeSH terms: Infant Nutrition Disorders
  15. The nutritional situation in metropolitan Kuala Lumpur, with focus on squatters
    Khor GL
    Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 1992;23 Suppl 3:17-30.
    PMID: 1342754
    Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia with an estimated population of 1.55 million. Approximately 12% of the population live in squatter settlements occupying about 7% of the city total area. The squatter settlements generally are provided with basic amenities such as piped water, toilet facilities and electricity. Health indicators for the overall population of Kuala Lumpur are better off than for the rest of the country; however, intra-city differentials prevail along ethnic and socio-economic lines. Malays and Indians have higher rates for stillbirths, and neonatal, infant and toddler mortality than the Chinese. The wide disparity in the socio-economic status between the advantaged and the poor groups in the city is reflected in the dietary practices and nutritional status of young children from these communities. The percentage of preschool children from urban poor households with inadequate intakes of calories and nutrients is two to three times higher than those from the advantaged group. Compared to rural infants, a lower percentage of urban infants are breastfed. A lower percentage of Malays from the urban advantaged group breastfed, compared with the urban poor group. The reversed trend is found for the Chinese community. Growth attainment of young children from the urban poor is worse than the urban advantaged, though better than the rural poor. Health and nutritional practices implications related to both undernutrition and overnutrition are discussed, to illustrate the twin challenges of malnutrition in the city.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nutrition Disorders/epidemiology*
  16. Fulltext Risk factors of malnutrition among preschool children in Terengganu, Malaysia: a case control study
    Wong HJ, Moy FM, Nair S
    BMC Public Health, 2014;14:785.
    PMID: 25086853 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-785
    Childhood malnutrition is a multi-dimensional problem. An increase in household income is not sufficient to reduce childhood malnutrition if children are deprived of food security, education, access to water, sanitation and health services. The aim of this study is to identify the characteristics of malnourished children below five years of age and to ascertain the risk factors of childhood malnutrition in a state in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Child Nutrition Disorders
  17. Management of primary liver cell carcinoma
    Balasegaram M
    Am J Surg, 1975 Jul;130(1):33-7.
    PMID: 50750
    A review of 352 patients with primary liver cell carcinoma treated by the author is presented. The poor rate of resectability (7 per cent) has necessitated various forms of treatment over the years. These are described in detail. Based on this experience, the current form of treatment for nonresectable carcinoma is summarized. Although it is too early to assess this form of treatment, initial results appear to be promising. A second report in the near future is planned.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nutrition Disorders
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