Displaying publications 141 - 160 of 230 in total

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  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Ozbey G, Hanafiah A
    Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol, 2017 Jan-Jun;7(1):34-39.
    PMID: 29201769 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1208
    H. pylori infection is a global public health problem associated with some gastrointestinal diseases in children, especially in developing countries, since prevalence of H. pylori is low in the developed world. Both noninvasive (stool antigen test, urea breath test, and blood test) and invasive (histology, rapid urease test, and microbiological culture) tests have been utilized to detect H. pylori infection. However, a single test is not reliable enough and does not provide accurate enough data to determine H. pylori infection among children. Risk factors of H. pylori infection in children were related to ethnicities, household properties, geographic location, living conditions, water sources, type of housing, presence/absence of sewage systems, and garbage collection within the living environment. These risk factors were usually associated with the socioeconomic status of the family. This review article aims to determine the gaps in the knowledge of the epidemiology, risk factors, and diagnostic tests of H. pylori infection among children. How to cite this article: Ozbey G, Hanafiah A. Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Risk Factors of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):34-39.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  4. Harapan H, Rajamoorthy Y, Anwar S, Bustamam A, Radiansyah A, Angraini P, et al.
    BMC Infect Dis, 2018 02 27;18(1):96.
    PMID: 29486714 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3006-z
    BACKGROUND: The Indonesian region of Aceh was the area most severely affected by the earthquake and tsunami of 26 December 2004. Department of Health data reveal an upward trend of dengue cases in Aceh since the events of the tsunami. Despite the increasing incidence of dengue in the region, there is limited understanding of dengue among the general population of Aceh. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding dengue among the people of Aceh, Indonesia in order to design intervention strategies for an effective dengue prevention program.

    METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Aceh between November 2014 and March 2015 with a total of 609 participants living in seven regencies and two municipalities. Information on the socio-demographic characteristics of participants and their KAP regarding dengue was collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The KAP status (good vs. poor) of participants with different socio-demographic characteristics was compared using Chi Square-test, ANOVA or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of each KAP domain.

    RESULTS: We found that 45% of participants had good knowledge regarding dengue and only 32% had good attitudes and good dengue preventive practices. There was a significant positive correlation between knowledge and attitudes, knowledge and practice, and attitudes and practice. In addition, people who had good knowledge were 2.7 times more likely to have good attitudes, and people who had good attitudes were 2.2 times more likely to have good practices regarding dengue. The level of education, occupation, marital status, monthly income, socioeconomic status (SES) and living in the city were associated with the knowledge level. Occupation, SES, and having experienced dengue fever were associated with attitudes. Education, occupation, SES and type of residence were associated with preventive practices.

    CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that dengue prevention programs are required to increase KAP levels regarding dengue in the communities of Aceh.

    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  5. Suthahar A, Gurpreet K, Ambigga D, Maniam T, Dhachayani S, Fuad I, et al.
    Singapore Med J, 2009 Jul;50(7):720-3.
    PMID: 19644630
    The aim of this paper was to determine the sociodemographic and cancer characteristics of patients with cancer at a tertiary care centre.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  6. Ariff F, Suthahar A, Ramli M
    Singapore Med J, 2011 Jan;52(1):29-34.
    PMID: 21298238
    INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between hypertensive patients and their coping style and associated lifestyle factors.
    METHODS: A total of 502 participants attending nine outpatient clinics completed the validated Bahasa Malaysia version of the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations and sociodemographic questionnaires. The height, weight, pulse rate and blood pressure of all the participants were measured using standardised methods.
    RESULTS: A total of 264 (52.6 percent) participants were hypertensive, while 238 (47.4 percent) were not. Participants with a high task-oriented score showed a significantly lower risk of hypertension compared to those with a low score (odds ratio [OR] 0.546; 95 percent confidence interval [CI] 0.371-0.804). Those with a high emotion-oriented coping score were associated with an increased risk of hypertension (OR 1.691; 95 percent CI 1.107-2.582). Hypertension was also significantly associated with a higher mean body mass index, positive family history of hypertension, history of diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolaemia. In multiple logistic regression analysis with hypertension status as the dependent variable, a high emotion-oriented coping score, a low task-oriented coping score, age, body mass index, positive family history of hypertension and history of diabetes mellitus remain significant factors in the final model.
    CONCLUSION: These results indicated a significant relationship between hypertension and coping styles and lifestyle factors. They underscored the importance of further study as well as the development and implementation of intervention measures to improve coping skills among hypertensive patients, which may be incorporated into the management of hypertension.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  7. Yadav H
    Singapore Med J, 1983 Jun;24(3):145-9.
    PMID: 6635677
    The birth weight distribution, mean birth weight and incidence of LBW amongst the various ethnic groups in Malaysia is described briefly. The data collected and analysed is hospital data where all deliveries in 1980 were analysed. The mean birth weight showed that the Chinese had the highest Mean Birth Weight amongst the three ethnic groups and the Indians had the lowest mean birth weights. The overall incidence of LBW was 11.8% and the Malay and Indian babies constituted the high
    incidence of LBW whereas the Chinese had a low incidence of LBW babies in the study. Amongst the various ethnic groups the Indians had a higher incidence of LBW compared to the Chinese and Malays.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  8. Nordin RB, Soni T, Kaur A, Loh KP, Miranda S
    Singapore Med J, 2019 Jan;60(1):40-47.
    PMID: 29774359 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2018049
    INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a serious global burden that affects men as well as their partners. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of ED among male outpatient clinic attendees in Johor, Malaysia.

    METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of Malaysian men aged ≥ 18 years attending two major outpatient clinics in Johor Bahru and Segamat in Johor, Malaysia, between 1 January 2016 and 31 March 2016. Subjects were chosen via simple random sampling and 400 patients were recruited. The study instrument was a survey form that consisted of three sections: sociodemographic and comorbid profile, validated English and Malay versions of the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function, and the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale.

    RESULTS: The overall prevalence of self-reported ED was 81.5%. The prevalence of ED according to severity was as follows: mild (17.0%), mild to moderate (23.8%), moderate (11.3%) and severe (29.5%). Multivariate analysis showed that ED was associated with increasing age (odds ratio [OR] 4.023, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.633-9.913), Indian as compared to Malay ethnicity (OR 3.252, 95% CI 1.280-8.262), secondary as compared to tertiary education (OR 2.171, 95% CI 1.203-3.919), single as compared to married status (OR 6.119, 95% CI 2.542-14.734) and stress (OR 4.259, 95% CI 1.793-10.114).

    CONCLUSION: ED has significant prevalence and severity among adult male outpatient clinic attendees in Johor. Increasing age, Indian ethnicity, lower educational level, singlehood and stress were significant predictors of ED.

    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  9. Zyoud S, Shalabi J, Imran K, Ayaseh L, Radwany N, Salameh R, et al.
    BMC Public Health, 2019 May 16;19(1):586.
    PMID: 31096949 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6955-2
    BACKGROUND: Food serves as a vehicle for many pathogenic and toxigenic agents that cause food-borne diseases. Knowledge, attitude, and practices are key factors in reducing the incidence of food-borne diseases in food service areas. The main objective of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practices related to food poisoning among parents of children in Nablus, Palestine.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in primary healthcare centers in Nablus district from May to July 2015. Data were collected using structured questionnaire interviews with parents to collect information on food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices, alongside sociodemographic characteristics.

    RESULTS: Four-hundred and twelve parents were interviewed, 92.7% were mothers. The median knowledge score was 12.0 with an interquartile range (IQR) of 11.0-14.0. The median attitude score was 11.0 with IQR of 10.0-13.0, while the median practice score was 18.0 with IQR of 16.0-19.0. Significant modest positive correlations were found between respondents' knowledge and attitude scores regarding food poisoning (r = 0.24, p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  10. Shahar S, Lau H, Puteh SEW, Amara S, Razak NA
    BMC Public Health, 2019 Jun 13;19(Suppl 4):552.
    PMID: 31196021 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6852-8
    The current issue of BMC Public Health presents work by the Consortium of Low Income Population Research (CB40R), highlighting a comprehensive aspect of health, i.e., physical health, mental health, health behaviour and health financing; and also nutrition involving all stages of lifespan of the socioeconomic deprived group in Malaysia.Consortium of B40 Research (CB40R) reposited and harmonised shared, non-identifiable data from epidemiological studies involving low income population (B40) in Malaysia. CB40R also performed joint or mega-analyses using combined, harmonised data sets that yield collated results with enhanced statistical power, more variabilities (study population, geographical regions, ethnicities and sociocultural groups) to better understand the needs, characteristics and issues of B40 groups in Malaysia. It also aimed to develope a system/framework of minimum/standard variables to be collected in research involving B40 in future. For this special issues, members of the consortium have been invited to contribute an original article involving analysis of the health aspects, access to health and nutritional issues of the B40 samples.All the papers in this special issue have successfully highlighted the health and nutritional issues (i.e., non-communicable disease (NCD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), knowledge towards sexually transmitted disease (STD), low birth weight, Motoric Cognitive Risk (MCR) syndrome, urinary incontinence), mental health, oral health and inequalities among the low-income group in Malaysia, including the rural population and also the urban poor. The low-income population in Malaysia is also at risk of both under- and over nutrition, of which specific cost effective strategies are indeed needed to improve their quality of life.The low income population in Malaysia is facing various health challenges, particularly related to NCD and poor mental health, nutritional and physical function. There is a need for a sustainable intervention model to tackle the issues. It is also important to highlight that reducing SES disparities in health will require policy initiatives addressing the components of socioeconomic status (income, education, and occupation) as well as the pathways by which these affect health.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  11. Kenny MG
    Cult Med Psychiatry, 1978 Sep;2(3):209-31.
    PMID: 710172
    This paper examines the symbolic properties and cultural relevance of latah, a behavioral state noted in Malay and Indonesia since the 19th Century. Most interpretations of latah have been psychological, latah being perceived as a 'mental disorder.' In the following, it is concluded that latah is intimately related to other aspects of Malayo-Indonesian culture and that it is a well-known cultural pattern and not a mental disorder as such, though it may occur among persons, largely women, in a socially and psychologically marginal situation. Latah is a symbolic representation of marginality, and it is as appropriate to certain mythological and religious figures to the socially marginal.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  12. Haaga JG
    Am J Public Health, 1986 Mar;76(3):245-51.
    PMID: 3946711
    Data from the Malaysian Family Life Survey show an increase in the percentage of infants breastfed, at least initially, from 75 per cent in 1970-74 to 79 per cent in 1975-77. Contrary to what would be expected if Malaysia were following the trends observed in the United States and Western Europe, the increase has occurred among poor and uneducated women as well as among the more fortunate. The increase was especially marked for infants born in hospitals and private clinics, which had very low rates of breastfeeding in the early 1970s. The change may be due partly to a shift in the practices and recommendations of health professionals. Trends in infant feeding practices in Malaysia during the whole period 1950-77 are reviewed. Reasons for thinking the increase in the mid-1970s an artifact of the survey are presented and provisionally rejected. The implications of these findings for child health policy in Malaysia and for theories of infant feeding trends in developing countries are discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  13. Al-Dubai SA, Ganasegeran K, Perianayagam W, Rampal KG
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2013;2013:137620.
    PMID: 24367238 DOI: 10.1155/2013/137620
    This study was the first to explore factors associated with emotional burnout (EB) among medical residents in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a universal sample of 205 medical residents in a Malaysian general hospital. The self-administered questionnaire used consisted of questions on sociodemographics and work characteristics, sources of job stress, professional fulfillment, engagement, and EB. EB was measured using the emotional exhaustion subscale, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Mean (±SD) age of the respondents was 26.5 (±1.6). The most common source of job stress was "fear of making mistakes." Most of the participants were dissatisfied with the increase of residentship period from one year to two years. A high level of EB was reported by 36.6% of the respondents. In multivariate analysis, the most important correlates of EB were sources of job stress, professional fulfillment, and engagement. A high prevalence of EB was found among medical residents. Sociodemographic characteristics, performance pressure, and satisfaction with policies were significantly associated with EB. Although this study was limited by its cross-sectional design, its findings posit a sufficient foundation to relevant authorities to construct, amend, and amalgamate existing and future policies. Nothing will sustain you more potently than the power to recognize in your humdrum routine, as perhaps it may be thought, the true poetry of life-the poetry of the common place, of the common man, of the plain, toil-worn woman, with their loves and their joys, their sorrows and their grief.SirWilliam Osler, Aphorisms from the Student Life (Aequanimitas, 1952).
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  14. Wafa SW, Hamzaid H, Talib RA, Reilly JJ
    J Trop Pediatr, 2014 Apr;60(2):161-3.
    PMID: 24213306 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmt093
    The present study examined objectively measured physical activity in Malaysian children and compared the differences in physical levels between obese and healthy weight children. Eighty-six obese children were matched for age and sex with 86 healthy weight children with median age 9.5 years. Habitual physical activity and sedentary behaviour were measured over 5 days using Actigraph accelerometers. Time spent sedentary was significantly higher in the obese group (90% vs. 86% of daytime; p = 0.001). Moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity was significantly higher in the healthy weight group (1.2 vs. 0.7% of daytime, p < 0.001). In both healthy weight and obese children, physical activity levels were exceptionally low, although moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity was significantly lower in the obese group than the healthy weight group. Efforts to prevent and treat obesity in Malaysian children will need a substantial focus on the promotion of reductions in sedentary behaviour and increases in physical activity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  15. Alsaad MA, Shamsuddin K, Fadzil F
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2012;13(3):879-83.
    PMID: 22631665
    Cervical cancer is caused by HPV infection and can be prevented by early vaccination.

    OBJECTIVE: To assess Syrian women's level of knowledge and determinants of good knowledge of cervical cancer, HPV infection and its vaccines.

    METHODS: A cross sectional survey was undertaken among mothers with daughters in sixth grade classes enrolled in primary schools in Aleppo city, Syria. Samples were selected through cluster sampling and data collected using a self-administered questionnaire.

    RESULTS: Less than a third of the mothers had heard of HPV infection and vaccines against cervical cancer and levels of knowledge were generally low. Good knowledge was associated with high education level, higher family monthly income, having few--less than four children, positive history of cervical cancer screening, and working or having relatives working in the medical field. The main source of information was television and few reported health care providers as a source of knowledge on HPV infection and vaccine.

    CONCLUSION: Since knowledge of HPV infection and its connection with cervical cancer and its vaccine are low, more efforts must be made to educate Syrians prior to introduction of any HPV vaccination programme. Public health efforts must focus on educating mothers, the public as well as health care providers.

    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  16. Al-Naggar RA, Chen R
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(4):1023-9.
    PMID: 21790245
    The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and associated factors of vitamin-mineral supplements use among Management and Science University students. The cross-sectional study protocol was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee and questionnaires were distributed randomly using simple random sampling to students from all faculties and consent was obtained. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 13. Total number of the participants in this study is 105. More than half of them were female, older than 20 years of age and Malay (58.1%, 61.9 and 61.9% respectively). The prevalence of vitamin-mineral supplement use was 43%, the main reasons being 'to maintain good health' 80%, followed by 'to ensure adequate nutrition' (10.5%). There was a significant positive association with monthly household income and BMI (P=0.039; P=0.048), with significant dependence on race and knowledge about vitamin-mineral supplements (P=0.002). There was a significant difference between medical and health sciences as compared to non-medical and health science faculties (p =0.05). The conclusion is that although the prevalence of vitamin-mineral supplement use among university students is relatively high, many of them do not have accurate information about supplements. Therefore, there is a need to provide them with education and access to scientific and unbiased information.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  17. Khor GL, Chee WS, Shariff ZM, Poh BK, Arumugam M, Rahman JA, et al.
    BMC Public Health, 2011;11:95.
    PMID: 21310082 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-95
    Deficiencies of micronutrients can affect the growth and development of children. There is increasing evidence of vitamin D deficiency world-wide resulting in nutritional rickets in children and osteoporosis in adulthood. Data on the micronutrient status of children in Malaysia is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the anthropometric and micronutrient status of primary school children in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  18. Phua KL
    Pac Health Dialog, 2009 Nov;15(2):117-27.
    PMID: 20443525
    Both the Maori of New Zealand and the Orang Asli of Malaysia are indigenous peoples who have been subjected to prejudice, discrimination and displacement in its various forms by other ethnic groups in their respective countries. However, owing to changes in the socio-political climate, they have been granted rights (including legal privileges) in more recent times. Data pertaining to the health and socio-economic status of the Maori and the Orang Asli are analysed to see if the granting of legal privileges has made any difference for the two communities. One conclusion is that legal privileges (and the granting of special status) do not appear to work well in terms of reducing health and socio-economic gaps.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  19. Kamil MA, Teng CL, Hassan SA
    Respirology, 2007 May;12(3):375-80.
    PMID: 17539841 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2007.01030.x
    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of snoring and breathing pauses during sleep, and to assess associated factors, including morbidity and the impact on daytime functioning, in an adult Malaysian population.
    METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of community-dwelling adults aged 30-70 years was conducted. Daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Physical examinations were limited to measurements of body habitus and blood pressure.
    RESULTS: The sample consisted of 1611 adults (52.9% male). The prevalence of habitual snoring, breathing pauses and excessive daytime sleepiness were 47.3%, 15.2% and 14.8%, respectively. Seven per cent of respondents (8.8% male, 5.1% female) were clinically suspected to have obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). The independent predictors of habitual snoring were older age, Chinese or Indian ethnicity (compared with Malays), smoking, obesity and use of sedatives. Clinically suspected OSAS and habitual snoring were significantly associated with difficulty in getting up in the morning, morning headache, driving and workplace accidents, hypertension, and ischaemic heart disease.
    CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of habitual snoring is high in the Malaysian population. Sleep-related breathing disorders in Malaysian adults are associated with significant morbidity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
  20. Kumar V, San KP, Idwan A, Shah N, Hajar S, Norkahfi M
    J Forensic Leg Med, 2007 Apr;14(3):151-4.
    PMID: 16914354
    The main aim of this study is to determine the causes and the epidemiological aspects of sudden natural deaths. Data were collected from 545 sudden natural autopsies in UMMC, Kuala Lumpur over a five-year period, from 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2004. There were 475 males and 70 females. The largest number of sudden natural deaths was in the age group of 41-50 years. 35.8%, 30.5% and 11.7% of the patients were Chinese, Indian and Malay, respectively. A majority of the patients were married (59.8%) and came from the semiskilled-unskilled group (30.6%). The monthly distribution was almost constant. Cardiovascular diseases were the most important cause contributing 64.9% in sudden natural deaths.
    Matched MeSH terms: Social Class
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