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Fulltext Exclusive breastfeeding: knowledge, attitude, practice, and its determinants among Malay mothers in Ampang, Selangor

Basma Johari, Nor Azwani Mohd Shukri

International Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 2018;2(1):117-128.
MyJurnal

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for up to six months is internationally recommended due to its benefits for both maternal and infant health. However, the rate of EBF in Malaysia is still below the desirable levels. This study examined the prevalence of EBF and assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP), and determinants of breastfeeding among Malay mothers in Ampang, Selangor. Ninety-two Malay subjects who breastfed healthy children aged six to 36 months, were included in this study. Data were collected by dual-language, self-administered questionnaire (which included Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale, IIFAS), to determine KAP of mothers towards breastfeeding. Socio-demographic, psychosocial, and environmental factors related with EBF were also assessed. Linear logistic regression model was used to identify factors that may determine breastfeeding for six months (exclusively) and beyond. A total of 28% of the subjects practised EBF up to six months, 39% less than six months, and 33% continued BF beyond six months. The mean IIFAS total score was 66.1 ± 8.11, which ranged between Neutral and Positive towards Breastfeeding Practice attitudes. Higher IIFAS score is related to intended and actual exclusive
breastfeeding. Several variables were significantly related to breastfeeding for six months (exclusively) and beyond. This included maternal age of 30 years or more (OR:3.26, 95% CI:1.27–8.38); higher socioeconomic status (OR:8.50, 95% CI:1.76–41.06); higher educational level (OR:5.21, 95% CI:1.66–16.34); multi-parity (OR:3.15, 95% CI:1.17–8.47); nonworking status (OR:3.81, 95% CI:1.02–14.3); support from spouse (OR:2.39, 95% CI:1.01–5.65); availability of private rooms for breastfeeding at workplace (OR:4.30, 95% CI:1.77–10.63); and child birth place (OR:2.54, 95% CI:1.08–5.98). The right maternal knowledge and attitude play crucial roles in the success of breastfeeding. Hence, more health promotion is needed. Supports from spouse,
workplace, and hospital staff after delivery, are also essential to improve EBF statistics in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
Genetic Diversity of Pediculus humanus capitis (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) in Peninsular Malaysia and Molecular Detection of Its Potential Associated Pathogens

Mokhtar AS, Ling Lau Y, Wilson JJ, Abdul-Aziz NM

J Med Entomol, 2020 05 04;57(3):915-926.
PMID: 31828310 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz234

Pediculosis capitis caused by Pediculus humanus capitis (De Geer) is endemic all over the world, and children are mostly affected, particularly those living in overcrowded institutions. Several studies have shown that P. h. capitis carried human pathogenic bacteria, suggesting the potential role of head lice in the transmission of pathogens to humans. In this study, we determined the genetic diversity of head lice collected from welfare homes sheltering underprivileged children by using DNA barcoding and demonstrated the presence of Acinetobacter spp., Serratia marcescens, and Staphylococcus aureus in head lice, which have never been investigated before in Malaysia. Cox1 DNA barcoding identified the head lice, P. h. capitis collected from welfare homes across two geographical areas of Peninsular Malaysia as belonging to clades A, B, and D. Acinetobacter bacteria: Acinetobacter guillouiae, Acinetobacter junii, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Acinetobacter nosocomialis were detected in head lice belonging to clades A and also D. In addition, DNA from S. marcescens and S. aureus were also detected in both clades A and D. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the genetic diversity of head lice in Malaysia through DNA barcoding, as well as the first to provide molecular evidence on the type of bacteria occurring in head lice in Malaysia. It is anticipated that the DNA barcoding technique used in this study will be able to provide rapid and accurate identification of arthropods, in particular, medically important ectoparasites.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
Fulltext Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer: Indian enigma

Misra V, Pandey R, Misra SP, Dwivedi M

World J Gastroenterol, 2014 Feb 14;20(6):1503-9.
PMID: 24587625 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i6.1503

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram negative microaerophilic bacterium which resides in the mucous linings of the stomach. It has been implicated in the causation of various gastric disorders including gastric cancer. The geographical distribution and etiology of gastric cancer differ widely in different geographical regions and H. pylori, despite being labeled as a grade I carcinogen, has not been found to be associated with gastric cancer in many areas. Studies in Asian countries such as Thailand, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabian countries, Israel and Malaysia, have reported a high frequency of H. pylori infection co-existing with a low incidence of gastric cancer. In India, a difference in the prevalence of H. pylori infection and gastric cancer has been noted even in different regions of the country leading to a puzzle when attempting to find the causes of these variations. This puzzle of H. pylori distribution and gastric cancer epidemiology is known as the Indian enigma. In this review we have attempted to explain the Indian enigma using evidence from various Indian studies and from around the globe. This review covers aspects of epidemiology, the various biological strains present in different parts of the country and within individuals, the status of different H. pylori-related diseases and the molecular pathogenesis of the bacterium.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
Fulltext Epidemiology of functional dyspepsia: a global perspective

Mahadeva S, Goh KL

World J Gastroenterol, 2006 May 07;12(17):2661-6.
PMID: 16718749 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i17.2661

Dyspepsia refers to group of upper gastrointestinal symptoms that occur commonly in adults. Dyspepsia is known to result from organic causes, but the majority of patients suffer from non-ulcer or functional dyspepsia. Epidemiological data from population-based studies of various geographical locations have been reviewed, as they provide more realistic information. Population-based studies on true functional dyspepsia (FD) are few, due to the logistic difficulties of excluding structural disease in large numbers of people. Globally, the prevalence of uninvestigated dyspepsia (UD) varies between 7%-45%, depending on definition used and geographical location, whilst the prevalence of FD has been noted to vary between 11%-29.2%. Risk factors for FD have been shown to include females and underlying psychological disturbances, whilst environmental/ lifestyle habits such as poor socio-economic status, smoking, increased caffeine intake and ingestion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs appear to be more relevant to UD. It is clear that dyspepsia and FD in particular are common conditions globally, affecting most populations, regardless of location.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
Fulltext HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY STATUS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH CHILD FEEDING PRACTICE AND CHILDREN’S WEIGHT STATUS AMONG LOW INCOME MOTHERS IN TERENGGANU

CHEAH PEI SHYUAN, HAYATI MOHD YUSOF, ASMA ALI, NOOR SALIHAH ZAKARIA

UMT Journal of Undergraduate Research, 2020;2(2):101-110.
MyJurnal

Food insecurity is normally associated with lower socioeconomic status and improper feeding practices which may consequently affect growth and development of young children. This study aims to assess household food security status and its association with child feeding practices and children’s weight status among low income mothers in Terengganu. A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling was conducted at four public maternal and child health clinics (MCH) located in Terengganu. A total of 107 of low-income mothers between ages of 18 to 45 years with net household income less than RM 3000 who has at least one child aged two years and above were recruited. The instruments used were Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) and weight-for-age child growth chart for children’ weight status at aged one year. Descriptive statistic and non-parametric tests were employed (SPSS 20). Majority of the households were food secure (85.0%). Yet, it is also important to note that about 15% of the household had experienced some degree of food insecurity. There was no significant correlation between household food security and all child feeding practice domains. Most of the mothers had children with normal weight (mean Z-score =-0.72+0.99). There was statistically significant association between household food security status and weight of children at one year of age (p=0.01). In conclusion, majority of the households experienced food secure. Household food security were associated with children’s weight status at early age but not correlated with parent’s child feeding practice.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
Fulltext Factors associated with stunting among Orang Asli preschool children in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Wan, Ying Gan, Siti Fatihah Murtaza, Norhasmah Sulaiman, Zalilah Mohd Shariff

Malays J Nutr, 2018;24(2):215-226.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Childhood stunting is recognised as one of the most significant
barriers to human development. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the
factors associated with stunting among Orang Asli (OA) preschool children in Negeri
Sembilan, Malaysia.

Methods: A total of 264 children (50.9% boys and 49.1%
girls) aged 2-6 years (M=4.04, SD=1.21 years) including their mothers from 14 OA
villages in Negeri Sembilan participated in this study. Mothers were interviewed to
obtain information regarding socioeconomic status, sanitation facility and personal
hygiene. The height of the children and their mothers were measured. Venous
blood samples were drawn from the children to estimate haemoglobin level, and
stool samples were collected to screen for intestinal parasitic infections.

Results:
Approximately one third of the children (35.6%) and 7.8% of the mothers were
stunted. One in five of the children were anaemic (21.6%), while one- third had
intestinal parasitic infections (35.0%). Low birth weight (AOR=2.526, 95% CI: 1.310-
4.872; p=0.006), anaemia (AOR=2.742, 95% CI: 1.265-5.945; p=0.011), presence
of intestinal parasitic infections (AOR=2.235, 95% CI: 1.310-3.813, p=0.003), not
wearing shoes (AOR=2.602, 95% CI: 1.453-4.660; p=0.001), absence of piped water
at home (AOR=2.395, 95% CI: 1.047-5.476; p=0.039), dirty nails (AOR=1.956, 95%
CI: 1.163-3.289, p=0.011), and stunted mothers (AOR=3.443, 95% CI: 1.334-8.890;
p=0.011) were identified as significant factors for childhood stunting.

Conclusion:
It is suggested that the factors identified associated with childhood stunting be
included in future intervention programmes that address stunting among OA
children.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
Factors influencing medication label viewing in Malaysia

Cheah YK, Chong YW

Glob Health Promot, 2018 Mar;25(1):63-72.
PMID: 27406823 DOI: 10.1177/1757975916649135

The misuse of medicine is a serious public health issue worldwide. An important factor that contributes to the misuse of medicine is the lack of medication label viewing by consumers. The objective of the present study is to examine the socio-economic, demographic and lifestyle factors associated with medication label viewing among Malaysian adults. The empirical analysis is based on a nationally representative data set of 30,992 respondents. An ordered probit model is used to examine different types of medication label viewers. The results of this study suggest that socio-economic (i.e. age, income level, education level, location of residence), demographic (i.e. gender, ethnicity, marital status) and lifestyle factors (i.e. physical activity, smoking) have significant effects on medication label viewing. It is found that age, low-income and low-education level reduce the likelihood of viewing medication label. Based on these findings, several policy implications are suggested. The present study provides policy makers with baseline information regarding which cohorts of individuals to focus on in efforts to increase the frequency of medication label viewing.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
Fulltext The prevalence and risk factors of malnutrition among primary one school children in Tumpat and Bachok, Kelantan

Che Asiah, T., Zulkifli, A., Mohd Hashim, M.H., Halim, S.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2004;4(1):66-71.
MyJurnal

A cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and some associated factors among primary one schoolchildren, aged 7 years from rural areas of Tumpat and Bachok in Kelantan was carried out. A total of 922 chiMren from 18 primary schools were examined. The parents completed self-administered questionnaires eliciting demographic and socio-economic information. The weight and height of each child was taken. The nutritional status was assessed by the z-scores of weight-for-age (WAZ) , height- or-age (HAZ) and weight-for-height (WHZ). The prevalence of underweight was 25 .2% , stunting was 21 .1% and wasting was 6 .2%. Less than 1 .0% ofthe children were overweight. Risk factors of underweight were lueinga male (OR=l .4),
having an unemployed father (OR=2 .6) and a monthly family income of RM 251 -500 (OR=2 .0) . Being a male (OR=1 .6) was the only risk factor for stunning and working mother (OR=2 .0) was the only risk factor of wasting. In conclusion, there is still a high prevalence of undemutrition among primary one schoolchildren in rural areas of Tumpat and Bachok. This may be due to the poor socioeconomic status of the rural community and the lack of emphasis ofthe supplementary feeding program on the late preschool children. A comprehensive nutrition support program is essential, especially targeting the preschool children in these rural communities

Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
Fulltext Nutritional status and early childhood caries among preschool children in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, Malaysia

Hasan Ruhaya, Nasruddin Jaafar, Marhazlinda Jamaluddin, Abdul Rashid Ismail, Noorliza Mastura Ismail, Tambi Chek Badariah, et al.

Archives of Orofacial Sciences, 2012;7(2):1-7.
MyJurnal

This is a cross-sectional study in a representative sample of preschool children from 12 preschools (TADIKA KEMAS) Pasir Mas, Kelantan, Malaysia. Data on socioeconomic status and sources of water supply at home were collected through interview with mothers. Children’s anthropometric data (height and weight) and body-mass-index-for-age (BMI-for-age) was calculated. Oral examinations of ECC status was based on the dmft index (WHO, 1997). The results showed mean
carious teeth were very high (dmft 11.1±4.8) and almost every preschool child was affected with ECC (prevalence 98.1%). The majority were in “high caries” category (i.e. dmft >7) and about 51.4% of preschoolers was underweight and only a few was overweight/obese. Preschool children with high caries mostly were underweight and normal of BMI. The BMI-for-age, household income and household expenditure for food were significant correlation with ECC experience (p

Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
Fulltext Hiv infection among fishermen in Terengganu

Fauziah, M.N., Anita, S., Shaari, N., Ahamad, J., Senan, Pratap, Muhammad Amir, K.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2002;2(1):21-25.
MyJurnal

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of HI V iryfection, risk factors and to measure the knowledge on AIDS among fishermen in Terengganu. In this survey fishermen registered with the Malaysian Fishery Development Board in Terengganu were studied. There were 600 eligible fishermen based on a list provided by the Malaysian Fishery Development Board (MFDB). Study sites were at 6 loading centres where health personnel awaited returning fishermen between 4. 00pm —7. 00 pm during a period of one month, A total of 542 registeredfshermen were studied and this corresponded to a response rate of 90.3 %. The majority of the fishermen were Malays (98.6%}, Nine fishermen were tested positive to HIV antibody and this corresponds to a
g prevalence of I. 7%. Prevalence of HIV is higher among those with a positive history of drug use, single marital status and also among the unskilled workers who represented the socio-economically poorer group of fishermen. Almost 89% of respondents have heard about HIV/AIDS and among these, 93% received information through TV and radio. The mean knowledge score was significantly higher among fishermen admitting to drug taking, sex with prostitutes, and those who have had at least a secondary school education. The Prevalence of HIV infection among fishermen is higher than in the general population. Risk characterisation of HI V injection was statistically signyicant onlv among fishermen who gave positive history of drug used. Findings also suggest that poorer fishermen based on multiple indicators to socioeconomic status had a higher risk of being HIV positive as well as being less knowledgeable about AIDS, Health promotion strategies should focus on the use of TV and radio as an interactive medium to reach out to risk groups among fishermen as its popularity has been determined by this study.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
Fulltext Trichuriasis among orang asli children at Pos Lenjang, Pahang, Malaysia

Hartini Yusof, Mohamed Kamel Abd. Ghani

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2012;10(1):49-52.
MyJurnal

A cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2006 to determine the prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection among Orang Asli (Aborigine) children at Pos Lenjang, Pahang. A total of 71 faecal samples were collected from the children (40 girls and 31 boys) aged between 1-12 years. The samples were examined for the presence of Trichuris trichiura ova using direct smear and formalin-ether concentration techniques. The result revealed that the overall prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection was 43.7%. The infection was higher in males (51.6%) compared to females (37.5%), though not statistically significant (p > 0.05). According to age group, the school-aged children had higher prevalence of infection (56.8%) than preschool children (29.4%) (p < 0.05). Low socioeconomic status, large family size, poor environmental sanitation and poor personal hygiene are possible contributing factors that increase the prevalence of infection among the Orang Asli children at Pos Lenjang. In 31 samples positive for Trichuris trichiura, a detection rate of 100% was obtained using formalin-ether concentration, compared to 25.8% with direct smear technique. Thus, it is recommended that both techniques be performed in routine faecal examination for a more accurate diagnosis.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
Referrals to a psychiatric clinic in West Malaysia

Teoh JI, Kinzie JD, Tan ES

Int J Soc Psychiatry, 1973;18(4):301-7.
PMID: 4720845
Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
Cross-cultural psychotherapy: the Malaysian experience. An open system model

Kinzie JD

Am J Psychother, 1972 Apr;26(2):220-31.
PMID: 5024276
Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
The demand for abortion in an urban Malaysian population

Ooi OS

Med J Malaya, 1971 Mar;25(3):175-81.
PMID: 4253243
Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
Taboo and Malay tradition

Teoh JI

Aust N Z J Psychiatry, 1976 Mar;10(1A):105-10.
PMID: 1065321

According to Malinowski there are no peoples, however primitive, without religion and magic; nor are there any societies lacking either in the scientific attitude or in science (Blumberg 1963). Magic and taboo are resorted to when through the normal use of science, or rational techniques, man is unable to control unpredictable events important to him. Where there is difficulty in predicting the outcome of behaviour, where the results of action are not consonant with effort, where there are great limitions on man's knowledge of vital issues, magical techniques are employed--in short, where circumstances of life are uncertain, uncontrolled and unknown. Magic and animism are systems of thought which give not only the explanation of a single phenomenon, but make it possible to comprehend the totality of the world from one point, as a continuity. Of the three systems of thought--animistic, religious and scientific--animism is perhaps the most consistent and the most exhaustive, the one which explains the world in its entirety.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
Fulltext Association between quality of sleep and chronic periodontitis: A case-control study in Malaysian population

Singh VP, Gan JY, Liew WL, Kyaw Soe HH, Nettem S, Nettemu SK

Dent Res J (Isfahan), 2019 2 13;16(1):29-35.
PMID: 30745916

Background: Periodontitis is a public health concern since it is a major factor in tooth loss worldwide and has association with many systemic diseases. Sleep is a complex and essentially biological process and a critical factor for maintaining mental and physical health. Since inflammation is characteristic of both chronic periodontitis and sleep deprivation, few studies in recent years present the contradictory results regarding this potential association. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between quality of sleep and chronic periodontitis.

Materials and Methods: A total of 200 individuals participated in this study. All participants underwent a comprehensive clinical periodontal examination. Case-control were identified using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology case definitions for periodontal disease. The quality of sleep was assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to test the influence of variables (quality of sleep, age, sex, ethnicity, education, and socioeconomic status), in the occurrence of periodontitis. Odds ratio (OR) and respective confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and reported. P =0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The prevalence of poor quality of sleep was 56.75% in cases (periodontitis group) and 43.24% in control group. There was positive association between quality of sleep and chronic periodontitis (OR = 3.04; 95% CI = 1.42-6.5; P = 0.004). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the age was significantly related to the periodontitis (OR = 1.11; 95% CI = 1.07-1.41; P < 0.001), other variables failed to reach the significant level.

Conclusion: Poor quality of sleep was significantly associated with chronic periodontitis. Only the age was significantly related to periodontitis among the other covariable measured.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
Fulltext Factors associated with different smoking statuses among Malaysian adolescent smokers: a cross-sectional study

Nur Atikah AH, Wee LH, Nur Zakiah MS, Chan CMH, Mohamed Haniki NM, Swinderjit JS, et al.

BMC Public Health, 2019 Jun 13;19(Suppl 4):579.
PMID: 31196055 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6857-3

BACKGROUND: This study focused on the associations between socioeconomic status (SES) and adolescent smoking among secondary school students (13 to 17 years) in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Our objective was to evaluate the relationships between adolescent demographics, socioeconomic status and smoking status.

METHODS: The survey data were based on baseline findings from a cross-sectional study (N = 422 adolescents). Chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status (household monthly income and daily allowance) and adolescent smoking status. Exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) reading and the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC) were used to evaluate adolescent smoking status. A Multivariate Multinomial Logistic Regression (MMLR) was employed to test selected demographic and socioeconomic predictors of smoking status.

RESULTS: Of the 422 adolescents (M age = 15.58, SD = 1.24), more than half of the participants initiated smoking between 13 to 17 years old (59.0%). A total of 308 (73.0%) were electronic cigarette users, with more than 50% comprising of single users. The mean CO reading was 2.14 ppm with 78.0% of adolescents scoring more than 0 on the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC). Males and participants aged 15 and 16 years were at increased risks of sole CC smoking. Meanwhile, males, those who are not hooked on smoking and with a non-smoker CO reading were at increased risks of sole EC smoking. Finally, Bumiputeras were at less risk of EC smoking.

CONCLUSIONS: Demographic variables such as age, gender and ethnicity predicted smoking status predicted smoking risk, but not socioeconomic factors. The findings allow policy makers to target specific high-risk demographic groups when designing smoking cessation programs for adolescents.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
Fulltext Understanding the Financial Needs Following Diagnosis of Breast Cancer in a Setting with Universal Health Coverage

Kong YC, Wong LP, Ng CW, Taib NA, Bhoo-Pathy NT, Yusof MM, et al.

Oncologist, 2020 06;25(6):497-504.
PMID: 31922332 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2019-0426

BACKGROUND: A diagnosis of cancer negatively impacts the financial wellbeing of affected individuals as well as their households. We aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the financial needs following diagnosis of breast cancer in a middle-income setting with universal health coverage.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve focus group discussions (n = 64) were conducted with women with breast cancer from two public and three private hospitals. This study specifically focused on (a) health costs, (b) nonhealth costs, (c) employment and earnings, and (d) financial assistance. Thematic analysis was used.
RESULTS: Financial needs related to cancer treatment and health care varied according to the participant's socioeconomic background and type of medical insurance. Although having medical insurance alleviated cancer treatment-related financial difficulties, limited policy coverage for cancer care and suboptimal reimbursement policies were common complaints. Nonhealth expenditures were also cited as an important source of financial distress; patients from low-income households reported transport and parking costs as troublesome, with some struggling to afford basic necessities, whereas participants from higher-income households mentioned hired help, special food and/or supplements and appliances as expensive needs following cancer. Needy patients had a hard time navigating through the complex system to obtain financial support. Irrespective of socioeconomic status, reductions in household income due to loss of employment and/or earnings were a major source of economic hardship.
CONCLUSION: There are many unmet financial needs following a diagnosis of (breast) cancer even in settings with universal health coverage. Health care professionals may only be able to fulfill these unmet needs through multisectoral collaborations, catalyzed by strong political will.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: As unmet financial needs exist among patients with cancer across all socioeconomic groups, including for patients with medical insurance, financial navigation should be prioritized as an important component of cancer survivorship services, including in the low- and middle-income settings. Apart from assisting survivors to understand the costs of cancer care, navigate the complex system to obtain financial assistance, or file health insurance claims, any planned patient navigation program should also provide support to deal with employment-related challenges and navigate return to work. It is also echoed that costs for essential personal items (e.g., breast prostheses) should be covered by health insurance or subsidized by the government.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
Fulltext Nutrition and ecosystems in Sarawak: The role of the areca nut

Strickland SS, Duffield AE

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 1998 Dec;7(3/4):300-6.
PMID: 24393688

The effects of population pressure on agricultural sustainability in the delicate tropical and subtropical ecosystems have often been thought to explain high prevalence rates of malnutrition in rural South-East Asia. However, recent studies in rural Sarawak suggest that processes of modernisation have resulted in increased variations in energy nutritional status in adults. A contributory factor may be consumption of the areca nut (Malay pinang, of the palm Areca catechu). This is thought to influence energy balance through effects on appetite and resting metabolic rate. Body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) data for 325 Iban men and 438 non-pregnant Iban women, measured in 1990 and again in 1996, have been analysed in relation to areca use, smoking behaviour, socio-economic status, and reported morbidity. Body composition derived from skinfold thickness measurements for 313 men and 382 women was also analysed. The results suggest that use of areca nut is associated with significantly lower age-related increments in BMI and percentage body fat in women after allowing for age, smoking, reported morbidity, and confounding socio-economic factors. Therefore, the impact of recent economic and social development seen in rising prevalences of 'over-nutrition' may be modulated by use of the areca nut.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
Fulltext Nutrition and educational achievement of urban primary schoolchildren in Malaysia

Shariff ZM, Bond JT, Johnson NE

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2000 Dec;9(4):264-73.
PMID: 24394502

The relationship between nutrition, health and educational achievement of school-age population in less developed countries has been of interest to many researchers due to the frequent observation that many children did not complete primary school and those who completed, did not do as well as children in the developed countries. Nevertheless, nutritional and health status by itself is not the only variable affecting educational achievement, since biological, psychological, socioeconomic and cultural factors could directly or indirectly affect both nutrition, health status and educational achievement. The mechanism by which health and nutrition influence educational achievement is not well established, but poor health and malnutrition in early childhood may affect cognitive abilities, necessary for learning process and consequently educational achievement. A study was conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to investigate the relationship between nutritional status and educational achievement among primary schoolchildren from low income households (n = 399). A high percentage of them were mild-significantly underweight (52%), stunted (47%) and wasted (36%) and increasingly overweight (6%). In general, more boys than girls were found to experience some form of malnutrition. While weight-for-height did not differ significantly according to family, child and school factors, weight-for-age and height-for-age differed significantly by gender. Also, height-for-age was significantly related to household income. This indicates that stunting may be a consequence of prolonged socioeconomic deprivation. Educational achievement was measured based on test scores for Malay language (ML), English language (EL) and mathematics (MT). While a majority of the schoolchildren obtained optimum scores (>75) for ML and MT, the majority of them had insufficient scores (<50) for EL. Children's total score (TS) for the three subjects was significantly associated with household socioeconomic status, gender, birth order and heightfor- age. Even after controlling for household socioeconomic status, significant association between TS and height-for-age persisted. In this sample of schoolchildren, household income, gender, birth order and height-forage were significant predictors of TS. The finding that height-for-age is related to educational achievement agrees with other studies, which have reported that height-for-age, compared to weight-for-height or weight-forage is linked to educational achievement. Height-for-age reflects the accumulation of nutritional deprivation throughout the years, which may consequently affect the cognitive development of the children.

Matched MeSH terms: Social Class

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