MyMedR

Displaying publications 121 - 140 of 274 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

The Pattern of Injuries Among Motorcyclists in Fatal Road Traffic Accidents: An Autopsy-Based Study

Mohd Saman SA, Jothee S, Nor FM, Shafie MS

Am J Forensic Med Pathol, 2021 Jun 01;42(2):141-146.
PMID: 33346978 DOI: 10.1097/PAF.0000000000000639

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, there has been a significant increase in mortality among motorcyclists, which warrants a need to analyze the epidemiology and pattern of injuries among road users in Malaysia. Hence, prioritizing road safety in the government policy by implementing targeted actions is justified to reduce injury and fatality.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases of road accident deaths in motorcyclists received by UKM Medical Centre were studied over a period of 10 years, that is, between 2010 and 2019. This study was based on forensic autopsy records database and forensic autopsy.
RESULTS: The most affected age group by road fatalities were young men. The most common injuries were intracranial hemorrhage (74%), thoracic hemorrhage (73%), and lung laceration (85.7%). About 39 (31%) fatally injured riders were positive for illicit drug and/or alcohol.
CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that men in the third decade of life are the major victims of motorcycle fatalities. Hence, urgent measures are necessary to establish road safety policy to reduce such fatalities.

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution
Subclinical memory dysfunction in Malaysian systemic lupus erythematosus patients: Association with clinical characteristics and disease activity – A pilot study

Mohd Said MS, Bin Shudim SS, Mohamad K, Shaharir SS, Kong NCT, Ali RA

Egyptian Rheumatologist, 2016;38:189-194.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejr.2015.12.001

Aim of the work This work aimed to determine the frequency of subclinical memory dysfunction in a group of Malaysian systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and to study its relation to clinical characteristics, laboratory investigations and disease activity. Patients and methods Fifteen SLE patients attending the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) and not known to have neuropsychiatric lupus were recruited. These patients were assessed using the Wechsler Memory Scale. Disease activity was assessed using the SLE disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K). Results The median age of the patients was 28 years (25–37 years) and they were 14 females and one male. Their median disease duration was 9.3 years (4.8–10 years). Their median SLEDAI-2K was 4 (0–6). Memory dysfunction was identified in 7/15 (46.7%) SLE patients and was significantly associated with lower serum thyroxine levels (median 12.27; 11.8–13.3 μg/dl) (p = 0.027) compared to those without memory impairment (15.48; 14.39–16.56 μg/dl). Auditory memory impairment was associated with the education level as the auditory memory index was significantly lower in patients with secondary education (n = 7, median 88; 86.5–91.5) compared to those who received tertiary education (n = 8, median 103; 97.5–119.5) (p = 0.025) while visual memory was influenced by disease duration (p = 0.016). There was no association between overall memory dysfunction and disease duration, number of relapses, clinical manifestations and SLEDAI-2K scores. Conclusion There is a high frequency of subclinical memory dysfunction among SLE patients. A remarkable association is present with lower thyroxine. Auditory memory impairment is related to the level of education and visual memory to disease duration. © 2015 The Authors

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution
The clandestine multiple graves in Malaysia: The first mass identification operation of human skeletal remains

Mohd Noor MS, Khoo LS, Zamaliana Alias WZ, Hasmi AH, Ibrahim MA, Mahmood MS

Forensic Sci Int, 2017 Sep;278:410.e1-410.e9.
PMID: 28698062 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.05.014

The first ever mass identification operation of skeletal remains conducted for the clandestine graves in Malaysia consisted of 165 individuals unearthed from 28 human trafficking transit camps located in Wang Kelian, along the Thai-Malaysia border. A DVI response was triggered in which expert teams comprising of pathologists, anthropologists, odontologists, radiologists and DNA experts were gathered at the identified operation centre. The Department of Forensic Medicine, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Alor Star, Kedah, located approximately 75km away from Wang Kelian, was temporarily converted into a victim identification centre (VIC) as it is the nearest available forensic facility to the mass grave site. The mortuary operation was conducted over a period of 3 months from June to September 2015, and was divided into two phases; phase 1 involving the postmortem examination of the remains of 116 suspected individuals and for phase 2 the remains of 49 suspected individuals. The fact that the graves were of unknown individuals afforded the mass identification operation a sufficient duration of 2 weeks as preparatory phase enabling procedurals and daily victim identification workflow to be established, and the setting up of a temporary body storage for the designated mortuary. The temporary body storage has proven to be a significant factor in enabling the successful conclusion of the VIC operation to the final phase of temporary controlled burials. Recognition from two international observers, Mr. Andréas Patiño Umaña, from the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) and Prof. Noel Woodford from Victoria Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) had proven the mortuary operation was in compliance to the international quality and standards. The overall victim identification and mortuary operation identified a number of significant challenges, in particular the management of commingled human remains as well as the compilation of postmortem data in the absence of antemortem data for future reconciliation. CF Index in this DVI operation is 9%, indicating the primary identifications in this operation were effective. Limitations and further improvements of the mass identification operation will be discussed. This paper details the planning, preparations and management of the mass identification operation on the exhumed human remains which was also a forensic humanitarian service for the dead with dignity and respect.

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution
Characteristics of HIV-infected tuberculosis patients in Kota Bharu Hospital, Kelantan from 1998 to 2001

Mohammad Z, Naing NN

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2004 Mar;35(1):140-3.
PMID: 15272757

To characterize the demographic profiles, clinical features, radiological patterns and outcomes of treatment of HIV-infected TB patients, a descriptive study was carried out on 149 HIV-infected TB cases diagnosed from 1998 through 2001 at Kota Bharu Hospital, Kelantan, Malaysia. The majority of the patients were males (94.6%), single (45.0%), ethnic Malay (94.0%) with a mean age of 34 years (standard deviation 7.8, range 18-76). The most common HIV transmission category was through injecting drug use (73.8%) and being the inmates or former inhabitants of drug rehabilitation centers and prisons were the commonest high-risk groups. One hundred and seventeen patients were diagnosed as having pulmonary TB, while about 20% were extra-pulmonary in type with 9 cases of milliary TB. The majority (45%) presented with cough symptoms while only 51% had a positive sputum smear. Fifty-five percent were found to have pulmonary lesions on chest x-ray, such as localized, milliary or diffuse pulmonary infiltrates, or opacities. Eight (5.4%) had pleural lesions while another 8 cases had hilar or mediastinal lymph node lesions. Overall, fifty-eight (38.9%) patients had died by the completion of data collection. The median weeks or survival from the time of starting TB treatment was 13.5 (range 1-56) and the majority of them (74%) died without completing the 6-month regime of treatment.

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution
Bone-related complications of transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia among children and adolescents

Mirhosseini NZ, Shahar S, Ghayour-Mobarhan M, Banihashem A, Kamaruddin NA, Hatef MR, et al.

J. Bone Miner. Metab., 2013 Jul;31(4):468-76.
PMID: 23475127 DOI: 10.1007/s00774-013-0433-1

Thalassemia and the blood transfusion complications associated with it predispose children to poor bone health. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bone-related abnormalities and identify the bone health predictors within this population. One hundred and forty transfusion-dependent beta thalassemic subjects 8-18 years old in Mashhad, Iran, participated in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measures, dietary intake, bone-related biomarkers and bone densitometry, were assessed. The incidence of underweight and short stature was 33.6 and 41.4 %, respectively, which were indicators of malnutrition among thalassemic subjects in this study. Low bone density was detected in the lumbar spine and femoral region in 82 and 52 % of subjects, respectively. Hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia were seen in 22 and 18.2 %, whilst vitamin D deficiency was present in more than 85 % of thalassemic children and adolescents. The relationships between weight, height and other anthropometric indices, serum calcium and bone markers, intake of macronutrients, zinc and vitamin E with bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in the lumbar spine and femoral area were positively related, indicating that better nutritional status were associated with higher BMD and BMC values. Puberty, gender and serum osteocalcin were negative predictors for BMD and BMC values, whereas age, weight and height were the positive predictors. High incidence of low bone density and deficit in other aspects of bone health among thalassemia patients makes routine bone health assessment necessary for this vulnerable group. Considering influencing factors, dietary counseling and preventive supplementation therapy for this high risk group of children and adolescents may be necessary, although this should be assessed by intervention studies.

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution
Noise-induced hearing loss and associated factors among vector control workers in a Malaysian state

Masilamani R, Rasib A, Darus A, Ting AS

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2014 Nov;26(6):642-50.
PMID: 22548779 DOI: 10.1177/1010539512444776

This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among vector control workers in the state of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted on 181 vector control workers who were working in district health offices in a state in Malaysia. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and audiometry. Prevalence of NIHL was 26% among this group of workers. NIHL was significantly associated with the age-group of 40 years and older, length of service of 10 or more years, current occupational noise exposure, listening to loud music, history of firearms use, and history of mumps/measles infection. Following logistic regression, age of more than 40 years and noise exposure in current occupation were associated with NIHL with an odds ratio of 3.45 (95% confidence interval = 1.68-7.07) and 6.87 (95% confidence interval = 1.54-30.69), respectively, among this group of vector control workers.

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution
Suicide and undetermined violent deaths in Malaysia, 1966-1990: evidence for the misclassification of suicide statistics

Maniam T

Asia Pac J Public Health, 1995;8(3):181-5.
PMID: 10050186

Suicide statistics are generally recognised to be unreliable. This study of the reported rates of suicide in West Malaysia between 1966-1990 shows that the mean crude suicide rate between 1966-1974 was 6.1 per 100,000, but had dropped drastically between 1975-1990 to a mean of 1.6 per 100,000. Three lines of evidence are presented to show that this reduction in the suicide rate is due to a systematic misclassification of medically certified suicides as deaths due to undetermined violent deaths (which refers to violent deaths not known to be accidentally or deliberately inflicted). Firstly, the large drop in reported suicide rates corresponds closely to an increase in the rate of deaths due to undetermined violent deaths. There is a highly positive negative correlation between the two rates (coefficient of correlation, r = -0.9). Secondly, the misclassification appears to be mainly a problem with the medically certified deaths which follow the ICD classification. The mean ratio of uncertified to certified suicides before 1975 was 0.8, but from 1975 onwards the mean was 3.1. This is in contrast to the corresponding ratio for deaths due to all accidents which has remained fairly constant throughout these years. Thirdly, the race and sex differences for the rates of undetermined violent deaths are identical to those of suicide. Taking the misclassification into account the corrected suicide rate for West Malaysia is estimated to be between 8-13 per 100,000 since 1982.

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution
Fulltext Psychiatric morbidity in an urban general practice

Maniam T

Med J Malaysia, 1994 Sep;49(3):242-6.
PMID: 7845273

Two hundred and six patients attending an urban general practice were surveyed using a self-rating questionnaire, the 30-item version of the General Health Questionnaire. At a cut-off score of 6/7, 34.5% of the respondents were found to be high-scorers which gives a corrected estimate of psychiatric morbidity of 29.9% in this clinic. Among those who presented with general complaints, such as aches and pains for which no organic cause was found, a significant proportion (70%) were high-scorers. There were no significant differences in the sex and age distribution of the high-scorers. However the mean score of Malays was significantly higher than that of Chinese.

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution
The Aging of a Young Nation: Population Aging in Singapore

Malhotra R, Bautista MAC, Müller AM, Aw S, Koh GCH, Theng YL, et al.

Gerontologist, 2019 05 17;59(3):401-410.
PMID: 30517628 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gny160

The juxtaposition of a young city-state showing relative maturity as a rapidly aging society suffuses the population aging narrative in Singapore and places the "little red dot" on the spotlight of international aging. We first describe population aging in Singapore, including the characteristic events that shaped this demographic transition. We then detail the health care and socioeconomic ramifications of the rapid and significant shift to an aging society, followed by an overview of the main aging research areas in Singapore, including selected population-based data sets and the main thrust of leading aging research centers/institutes. After presenting established aging policies and programs, we also discuss current and emerging policy issues surrounding population aging in Singapore. We aim to contribute to the international aging literature by describing Singapore's position and extensive experience in managing the challenges and maximizing the potential of an aging population. We hope that similar graying populations in the region will find the material as a rich source of information and learning opportunities. Ultimately, we aspire to encourage transformative collaborations-locally, regionally, and internationally-and provide valuable insights for policy and practice.

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution*
Ethnic differences in acute myocardial infarction in Singapore

Mak KH, Chia KS, Kark JD, Chua T, Tan C, Foong BH, et al.

Eur Heart J, 2003 Jan;24(2):151-60.
PMID: 12573272

AIMS: We compare the myocardial infarction (MI) event and mortality rates among Chinese, Malay and Indian residents of Singapore.
METHODS: Residents, aged 20 to 64 years, with an MI event were identified from hospital discharge listings, postmortem reports, and the Registry of Births and Deaths. All pathology laboratories flagged patients with elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels. Modified MONICA (multinational monitoring of trends and determinants in cardiovascular disease) criteria were used for determining MI events.
RESULTS: From 1991 to 1999, 12 481 MI events were identified. Chinese patients were older and less likely to have typical symptoms or previous MI. Malays had the highest peak CPK level. Among all three ethnic groups, MI event and age-adjusted case-fatality rates declined. Compared with Chinese, MI event rates were >2-fold and >3-fold higher, and age-standardized coronary mortality rates were 2.4 and 3.0 higher times for Malays and Indians, respectively. Malays have the highest 3.1-year case-fatality, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.26 (95% confidence interval, 1.14 to 1.38) compared with Chinese.
CONCLUSION: We found strong ethnic differences in MI event, case-fatality and coronary mortality rates among the three ethnic groups in Singapore. While Indians have the greatest MI event rates, Malays have the highest case-fatality.

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution
Fulltext Ethnic variations in female vulnerability after an acute coronary event

Mak KH, Kark JD, Chia KS, Sim LL, Foong BH, Ding ZP, et al.

Heart, 2004 Jun;90(6):621-6.
PMID: 15145860

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ethnic variation of short and long term female vulnerability after an acute coronary event in a population of Chinese, Indians, and Malays.
DESIGN: Population based registry.
PATIENTS: Residents of Singapore between the ages of 20-64 years with coronary events. Case identification and classification procedures were modified from the MONICA (monitoring trends and determinants in cardiovascular disease) project.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Adjusted 28 day case fatality and long term mortality.
RESULTS: From 1991 to 1999, there were 16 320 acute coronary events, including 3497 women. Age adjusted 28 day case fatality was greater in women (51.5% v 38.6%, p < 0.001), with a larger sex difference evident among younger Malay patients. This inequality between the sexes was observed in both the pre-hospitalisation and post-admission periods. Among hospitalised patients, women were older, were less likely to have suffered from a previous Q wave or anterior wall myocardial infarction, and had lower peak creatine kinase concentrations. Case fatality was higher among women, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.64 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43 to 1.88) and 1.50 (95% CI 1.37 to 1.64) for 28 day and mean four year follow up periods. There were significant interactions of sex and age with ethnic group (p = 0.017). The adjusted hazards for mortality among Chinese, Indian, and Malay women versus men were 1.30, 1.71, and 1.96, respectively. The excess mortality among women diminished with age.
CONCLUSION: In this multiethnic population, both pre-hospitalisation and post-admission case fatality rates were substantially higher among women. The sex discrepancy in long term mortality was greatest among Malays and in the younger age groups.

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution
Glycaemic control and associated factors among patients with diabetes at public health clinics in Johor, Malaysia

Mahmood MI, Daud F, Ismail A

Public Health, 2016 Jun;135:56-65.
PMID: 26976488 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2015.07.043

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of glycaemic control and factors associated with poor glycaemic control [glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥6.5%] among patients with type 2 diabetes treated in public health clinics in Johor, Malaysia.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.

METHODS: A review of all patients aged over 18 years and with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes for >1 year. The National Diabetic Registry was used as the database for attendees at public health clinics in Johor Bahru between January and December 2013. A required sample of 660 was calculated, and a random sampling method was applied to acquire patient information across the 13 public health clinics in Johor Bahru. All relevant information (e.g. HbA1c, type of treatment and other parameters for glycaemic control) were abstracted from the registry.

RESULTS: Sixty-eight percent of 706 patients had HbA1c >6.5%, and mean HbA1c was 7.8%. Younger patients (72.3%) had poorer glycaemic control than older patients (63.0%), and most patients with poor glycaemic control were obese (79.2%). Approximately 31.7% of patients did not achieve the target blood pressure <130/80 mmHg, and 58.5% did not achieve the target lipid profile. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age (<60 years), sex (male), duration of diabetes (>5 years), body mass index (obese), type of treatment (diet therapy vs combination therapy) and abnormal lipid profile were significantly associated with increased odds of HbA1C >6.5%.

CONCLUSIONS: More than half (68%) of the patients with diabetes had HbA1c >6.5%. This highlights the importance of providing organized care to manage patients with diabetes in the primary care setting, such as weight reduction programmes, proper prescribing treatment, and age- and gender-specific groups to ensure good glycaemic control.

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution
Fulltext How can gastro-intestinal tuberculosis diagnosis be improved? A prospective cohort study

Lowbridge C, Fadhil SAM, Krishnan GD, Schimann E, Karuppan RM, Sriram N, et al.

BMC Infect Dis, 2020 Mar 30;20(1):255.
PMID: 32228479 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-04983-y

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal tuberculosis (TB) is diagnostically challenging; therefore, many cases are treated presumptively. We aimed to describe features and outcomes of gastrointestinal TB, determine whether a clinical algorithm could distinguish TB from non-TB diagnoses, and calculate accuracy of diagnostic tests.
METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of hospitalized patients in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, with suspected gastrointestinal TB. We recorded clinical and laboratory characteristics and outcomes. Tissue samples were submitted for histology, microscopy, culture and GeneXpert MTB/RIF®. Patients were followed for up to 2 years.
RESULTS: Among 88 patients with suspected gastrointestinal TB, 69 were included in analyses; 52 (75%) had a final diagnosis of gastrointestinal TB; 17 had a non-TB diagnosis. People with TB were younger (42.7 versus 61.5 years, p = 0.01) and more likely to have weight loss (91% versus 64%, p = 0.03). An algorithm using age 26 g/L, platelets > 340 × 109/L and immunocompromise had good specificity (96.2%) in predicting TB, but very poor sensitivity (16.0%). GeneXpert® performed very well on gastrointestinal biopsies (sensitivity 95.7% versus 35.0% for culture against a gold standard composite case definition of confirmed TB). Most patients (79%) successfully completed treatment and no treatment failure occurred, however adverse events (21%) and mortality (13%) among TB cases were high. We found no evidence that 6 months of treatment was inferior to longer courses.
CONCLUSIONS: The prospective design provides important insights for clinicians managing gastrointestinal TB. We recommend wider implementation of high-performing diagnostic tests such as GeneXpert® on extra-pulmonary samples.

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution
Prevalence and risk factors of ocular trauma in an urban south-east Asian population: the Singapore Malay Eye Study

Loon SC, Tay WT, Saw SM, Wang JJ, Wong TY

Clin Exp Ophthalmol, 2009 May;37(4):362-7.
PMID: 19594562 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2009.02035.x

To describe the prevalence and risk factors of ocular trauma in an urban Asian population.

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution
The pattern of amyloidosis in Malaysia

Looi LM

Malays J Pathol, 1994 Jun;16(1):11-3.
PMID: 16329569

Congo red screening of routine biopsies at the University Hospital Kuala Lumpur revealed the following categories of amyloidosis: systemic AL (5.9%); systemic AA (3.2%); isolated atrial (14%); primary localized cutaneous (7.5%); other primary localized deposits (3.2%); localized intratumour (58%); and dystrophic (8.6%). Unlike in the West, AA amyloidosis in this population was usually secondary to leprosy or tuberculosis. Liver involvement in AL amyloidosis was shown to exhibit a sinusoidal pattern and differed from the vascular pattern of AA amyloidosis. Within the category of AA amyloidosis, there were two patterns of renal involvement--glomerular and vascular, with the glomerular pattern carrying a more ominous clinical picture. Notable among the localized amyloidoses were isolated atrial amyloidosis complicating chronic rheumatic heart disease, intratumour amyloidosis within nasopharyngeal carcinomas and dystrophic amyloidosis which occurred in fibrotic tissues.

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution
Fulltext Plasma adiponectin concentrations are associated with dietary glycemic index in Malaysian patients with type 2 diabetes

Loh BI, Sathyasuryan DR, Mohamed HJ

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2013;22(2):241-8.
PMID: 23635368 DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.2013.22.2.04

Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone has been implicated in the control of blood glucose and chronic inflammation in type 2 diabetes. However, limited studies have evaluated dietary factors on plasma adiponectin levels, especially among type 2 diabetic patients in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of dietary glycemic index on plasma adiponectin concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 305 type 2 diabetic patients aged 19-75 years from the Penang General Hospital, Malaysia. Socio-demographic information was collected using a standard questionnaire while dietary details were determined by using a pre-validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometry measurement included weight, height, BMI and waist circumference. Plasma adiponectin concentrations were measured using a commercial ELISA kit. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. After multivariate adjustment, dietary glycemic index was inversely associated with plasma adiponectin concentrations (β =-0.272, 95% CI -0.262, - 0.094; p<0.001). It was found that in individuals who consumed 1 unit of foods containing high dietary glycemic index that plasma adiponectin level reduced by 0.3 μg/mL. Thirty two percent (31.9%) of the variation in adiponectin concentrations was explained by age, sex, race, smoking status, BMI, waist circumference, HDL-C, triglycerides, magnesium, fiber and dietary glycemic index according to the multiple linear regression model (R2=0.319). These results support the hypothesis that dietary glycemic index influences plasma adiponectin concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlled clinical trials are required to confirm our findings and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution
Fulltext Distribution of blood pressure in a national sample of Malaysian adults

Lim TO, Ding LM, Goh BL, Zaki M, Suleiman AB, Maimunah AH, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2000 Mar;55(1):90-107.
PMID: 11072495 MyJurnal

We describe the distribution of blood pressure (BP) by age, sex and ethnicity in Malaysian adults. A national sample of 21,391 individuals aged 30 or older had usable data. They were selected by stratified 2-stage cluster sampling. BP was measured using an automated oscillometric device, Visomat. Percentile tables and curves by age, sex and ethnicity are presented. The systolic and diastolic BP distribution was right skewed and showed the expected increase with age. This was markedly so in Malay and other indigenous women; as a result they had most severe hypertension.
Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-1996)

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution
Fulltext Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in the Malaysian adult population: results from the national health and morbidity survey 1996

Lim TO, Morad Z, Hypertension Study Group

Singapore Med J, 2004 Jan;45(1):20-7.
PMID: 14976578

We determined the prevalence of hypertension and the level of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among Malaysian adults in a population based cross-sectional survey. Twenty-one thousand and three hundred ninety-one adults aged 30 or older in all 13 states of Malaysia in 1996 were sampled using a stratified two-stage cluster sampling design. Thirty-three percent of adults had hypertension with a higher percentage among women. Among hypertensives, 33% were aware of their hypertension, 23% were currently on treatment and a mere 6% had controlled hypertension. There was practically no difference in mean BP between treated and untreated hypertensives. Concerted public health effort is urgently required to improve the detection, treatment and control of hypertension in Malaysia.
Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-1996)

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution
Bone health in urban midlife Malaysian women: risk factors and prevention

Lim PS, Ong FB, Adeeb N, Seri SS, Noor-Aini MY, Shamsuddin K, et al.

Osteoporos Int, 2005 Dec;16(12):2069-79.
PMID: 16234999 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-005-2003-4

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with osteoporosis in urban midlife Malaysian women and to assess the effectiveness of lifestyle intervention in bone loss prevention with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a positive control. A total of 514 disease-free, uterus-intact, non-HRT-using women aged 45 years and older were recruited into the study. After initial bone mineral density (BMD) assessments, they were randomized into three groups: GI (control), G2 (lifestyle intervention), and G3 (lifestyle intervention with HRT). The study group was composed of 67.5% Chinese, 27.8% Malay, and 4.2% Indians with a mean age of 51.07+/-5.28 years. Two-fifths were postmenopausal, and the prevalence of osteoporosis was 24.1%, seen predominantly at the hip. Postmenopausal women had significantly lower mean BMD and a higher incidence of osteoporosis compared with the premenopausal women, 42.1% vs. 11.1% (p<0.0005). A lower incidence of osteoporosis was found in women who took calcium supplementation regularly as opposed to those who do not, 18.7% vs. 29.3% (p=0.036). Age and a greater postmenopausal duration showed a significant negative association with BMD, whereas higher family income, weight, body mass index, and waist and hip circumference were positively correlated. After 18-20 months, the effect of intervention was assessed based on BMD values of 279 women at baseline and after intervention. Lifestyle intervention alone was effective in premenopausal women, preventing over 90% of spinal bone loss compared with the controls, who lost 11.6% (0.046 g/cm2) bone mass with similar losses of hip bone, 2.0% (0.026 g/cm2) vs. 1.5% (0.020 g/cm2). Premenopausal women on HRT also showed a substantial decrease in spine and hip BMD, 18.6% (0.081 g/cm2) and 9.0% (0.122 g/cm2), respectively. The lifestyle intervention program retarded postmenopausal bone loss by 21% and 37% compared with controls, who lost 9.6% (0.141 g/cm2) and 6.0% (0.138 g/cm2) bone mass at the spine and hip. In comparison, lifestyle intervention with HRT increased postmenopausal BMD by 12.7% (0.216 g/cm2) at the spine and 1.9% (0.042 g/cm2) at the hip. The changes in hip BMD were influenced by current age, ethnicity, and income, while intervention had the strongest effect on spine BMD changes. In conclusion, lifestyle intervention prevented spinal bone loss in premenopausal women and retarded postmenopausal spine and hip bone loss compared with controls. The benefits of physical activity on spine and hip BMD highlight its potential as a safe and cost-effective alternative to HRT, which is not advocated because of its potential adverse effects.

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution
Fulltext Exposure to tobacco secondhand smoke and its associated factors among non-smoking adults in smoking-restricted and non-restricted areas: findings from a nationwide study in Malaysia

Lim KH, Teh CH, Nik Mohamed MH, Pan S, Ling MY, Mohd Yusoff MF, et al.

BMJ Open, 2018 01 08;8(1):e017203.
PMID: 29317411 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017203

OBJECTIVES: Secondhand smoke (SHS) has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the aims of the paper are to assess SHS exposure among non-smoking adults in Malaysia attending various smoking-restricted and non-restricted public areas according to the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations (CTPR) as well as its relationship with various sociodemographic variables.
DESIGN: Data were extracted from a cross-sectional study, the Global Adults Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2011 which involved 3269 non-smokers in Malaysia. Data was obtained through face-to-face interviews using a validated pre-tested questionnaire. Factors associated with exposure to SHS were identified via multivariable analysis.
RESULTS: The study revealed that almost two-thirds of respondents were exposed to SHS in at least one public area in the past 1 month, with a significantly higher exposure among males (70.6%), those with higher educational attainment (81.4%) and higher income (quintile 1%-73.9%). Besides, the exposure to SHS was almost four times higher in non-restricted areas compared with restricted areas under the CTPR (81.9% vs 22.9). Multivariable analysis revealed that males and younger adults at non-restricted areas were more likely to be exposed to SHS while no significant associated factors of SHS exposure was observed in restricted areas.
CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed the prevalence of SHS exposure was higher among Malaysian adults. Although smoke-free laws offer protection to non-smokers from exposure to SHS, enforcement activities in restricted areas should be enhanced to ensure strict public abidance. In addition, legislation of restricted areas should also be extended to greatly reduce the SHS exposure among non-smokers in Malaysia.
Study name: Global Adults Tobacco Survey (GATS-2011)

Matched MeSH terms: Age Distribution

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links