Displaying publications 141 - 160 of 523 in total

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  1. Fulltext Assessment of heat stress contributing factors in the indoor environment among vulnerable populations in Klang Valley using principal component analysis (PCA)
    Muhamad SN, How V, Lim FL, Md Akim A, Karuppiah K, Mohd Shabri NSA
    Sci Rep, 2024 Jul 15;14(1):16265.
    PMID: 39009671 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67110-w
    Rising global temperatures can lead to heat waves, which in turn can pose health risks to the community. However, a notable gap remains in highlighting the primary contributing factors that amplify heat-health risk among vulnerable populations. This study aims to evaluate the precedence of heat stress contributing factors in urban and rural vulnerable populations living in hot and humid tropical regions. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 108 respondents from urban and rural areas in Klang Valley, Malaysia, using a face-to-face interview and a validated questionnaire. Data was analyzed using the principal component analysis, categorizing factors into exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity indicators. In urban areas, five principal components (PCs) explained 64.3% of variability, with primary factors being sensitivity (health morbidity, medicine intake, increased age), adaptive capacity (outdoor occupation type, lack of ceiling, longer residency duration), and exposure (lower ceiling height, increased building age). In rural, five PCs explained 71.5% of variability, with primary factors being exposure (lack of ceiling, high thermal conductivity roof material, increased building age, shorter residency duration), sensitivity (health morbidity, medicine intake, increased age), and adaptive capacity (female, non-smoking, higher BMI). The order of heat-health vulnerability indicators was sensitivity > adaptive capacity > exposure for urban areas, and exposure > sensitivity > adaptive capacity for rural areas. This study demonstrated a different pattern of leading contributors to heat stress between urban and rural vulnerable populations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population*
  2. Unveiling soil-transmitted helminth infections and associated risk factors in rural primary schoolchildren in Malaysia
    Mohd Johari SN, Tan PY, Loganathan R, Lim YAL, Teng KT, Lee SC, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Sep 01;41(3):345-355.
    PMID: 39548789 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.3.015
    Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are known as one of the neglected parasitic diseases, leading to significant health issues and associated complications. This study aims to assess the current prevalence of STH infections and the associated risk factors among rural primary schoolchildren in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 638 schoolchildren (7-11 years old) from 10 rural primary schools in five regions of Malaysia. The overall prevalence of STH infections among schoolchildren was 54.5%, with T. trichiura being the predominant STH species (50.9%), followed by A. lumbricoides (19.6%) and hookworms (7.4%). The highest prevalence of STH infections was recorded in the schools in Perak (96.6%), followed by Pahang (85.4%), Johor (42.1%) and Sabah (6.2%). At the same time, none of the schoolchildren in Sarawak were infected with STHs. The findings also highlighted that the older age group (10-11 years old) exhibited a higher prevalence of STH infection and T. trichiura compared to those aged 7-9 years old (P = 0.01) among the schools with a high prevalence of STH infections (>= 70%). Several variables, such as being female (1.9 [1.2, 3.0]) (Adjusted odd ratio [95% confidence interval]), low household income (30.9 [7.0, 136.5]), using untreated water supply (1.9 [1.1, 3.2]), indiscriminate defaecation (1.9 [1.1, 3.1]), indiscriminate garbage disposal (2.8 [1.3, 6.0]), eating with hands (5.9 [3.4, 10.4]) and experiencing pallor signs (2.3 [1.1, 5.0]), emerged as significant predictors of STH infections in this study population. The present study underscores that in specific rural community areas of Malaysia, STH infections continue to pose health concerns among primary schoolchildren. Hence, to ensure the sustained effectiveness of the measures taken to control STH infections, a collaborative and ongoing effort between various stakeholders is imperative to provide targeted support to rural communities, especially those in areas lacking essential amenities and healthcare services.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population*
  3. Urban Versus Rural Differences in Meeting 24-h Movement Behaviour Guidelines Among 3-4-Year-Olds: An Analysis of SUNRISE Pilot Study Data From 10 Low- and Middle-Income Countries
    Nusurupia JJ, Germana LH, Wickramasinghe P, Tang HK, Munambah N, Hossain MS, et al.
    Child Care Health Dev, 2024 Nov;50(6):e70008.
    PMID: 39564734 DOI: 10.1111/cch.70008
    BACKGROUND: Insufficient physical activity, excessive screen time and short sleep duration among young children are global public health concerns; however, data on prevalence of meeting World Health Organisation 24-h movement behaviour guidelines for 3-4-year-old children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are limited, and it is unknown whether urbanisation is related to young children's movement behaviours. The present study examined differences in prevalence of meeting 24-h movement behaviour guidelines among 3-4-year-old children living in urban versus rural settings in LMICs.

    METHODS: The SUNRISE Study recruited 429, 3-4-year-old child/parent dyads from 10 LMICs. Children wore activPAL accelerometers continuously for at least 48 h to assess their physical activity and sleep duration. Screen time and time spent restrained were assessed via parent questionnaire. Differences in prevalence of meeting guidelines between urban- and rural-dwelling children were examined using chi-square tests.

    RESULTS: Physical activity guidelines were met by 17% of children (14% urban vs. 18% rural), sleep guidelines by 57% (61% urban vs. 54% rural), screen time guidelines by 50% (50% urban vs. 50% rural), restrained guidelines by 84% (81% urban vs. 86% rural) and all guidelines combined by 4% (4% urban vs.4% rural). We found no significant differences in meeting the guidelines between urban and rural areas.

    CONCLUSIONS: Only a small proportion of children in both rural and urban settings met the WHO 24-h movement guidelines. Strategies to improve movement behaviours in LMICs should consider including both rural and urban settings.

    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population*
  4. Fulltext Level of colorectal cancer awareness: a cross sectional exploratory study among multi-ethnic rural population in Malaysia
    Su TT, Goh JY, Tan J, Muhaimah AR, Pigeneswaren Y, Khairun NS, et al.
    BMC Cancer, 2013;13:376.
    PMID: 23924238 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-13-376
    BACKGROUND: This paper presents the level of colorectal cancer awareness among multi-ethnic rural population in Malaysia.
    METHODS: A rural-based cross sectional survey was carried out in Perak state in Peninsular Malaysia in March 2011. The survey recruited a population-representative sample using multistage sampling. Altogether 2379 participants were included in this study. Validated bowel/colorectal cancer awareness measure questionnaire was used to assess the level of colorectal cancer awareness among study population. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done to identify socio-demographic variance of knowledge score on warning signs and risk factors of colorectal cancer.
    RESULTS: Among respondents, 38% and 32% had zero knowledge score for warning signs and risk factors respectively. Mean knowledge score for warning signs and risk factors were 2.89 (SD 2.96) and 3.49 (SD 3.17) respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between the knowledge score of warning signs and level of confidence in detecting a warning sign. Socio-demographic characteristics and having cancer in family and friends play important role in level of awareness.
    CONCLUSIONS: Level of awareness on colorectal cancer warning signs and risk factors in the rural population of Malaysia is very low. Therefore, it warrants an extensive health education campaign on colorectal cancer awareness as it is one of the commonest cancer in Malaysia. Health education campaign is urgently needed because respondents would seek medical attention sooner if they are aware of this problem.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population
  5. Ectoparasite infestation patterns of domestic dogs in suburban and rural areas in Borneo
    Wells K, Beaucournu JC, Durden LA, Petney TN, Lakim MB, O'Hara RB
    Parasitol Res, 2012 Aug;111(2):909-19.
    PMID: 22526293 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2917-7
    Domestic dogs, Canis lupus, have been one of the longest companions of humans and have introduced their own menagerie of parasites and pathogens into this relationship. Here, we investigate the parasitic load of 212 domestic dogs with fleas (Siphonaptera) chewing lice (Phthiraptera), and ticks (Acarina) along a gradient from rural areas with near-natural forest cover to suburban areas in Northern Borneo (Sabah, Malaysia). We used a spatially-explicit hierarchical Bayesian model that allowed us to impute missing data and to consider spatial structure in modelling dog infestation probability and parasite density. We collected a total of 1,968 fleas of two species, Ctenocephalides orientis and Ctenocephalides felis felis, from 195 dogs (prevalence, 92 %). Flea density was higher on dogs residing in houses made of bamboo or corrugated metal (increase of 40 % from the average) compared to timber or stone/compound houses. Host-dependent and landscape-level environmental variables and spatial structure only had a weak explanatory power. We found adults of the invasive chewing louse Heterodoxus spiniger on 42 dogs (20 %). The effect of housing conditions was opposite to those for fleas; lice were only found on dogs residing in stone or timber houses. We found ticks of the species Rhipicephalus sanguineus as well as Haemaphysalis bispinosa gp., Haemaphysalis cornigera, Haemaphysalis koenigsbergi, and Haemaphysalis semermis on 36 dogs (17 %). The most common tick species was R. sanguineus, recorded from 23 dogs. Tick infestations were highest on dogs using both plantation and forest areas (282 % increase in overall tick density of dogs using all habitat types). The infestation probability of dogs with lice and ticks decreased with elevation, most infestations occurred below 800 m above sea level. However, the density of lice and ticks revealed no spatial structure; infestation probability of dogs with these two groups revealed considerable autocorrelation. Our study shows that environmental conditions on the house level appeared to be more influential on flea and lice density whereas tick density was also influenced by habitat use. Infestation of dogs with Haemaphysalis ticks identified an important link between dogs and forest wildlife for potential pathogen transmission.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population
  6. Nutritional assessment of rural villages and estates in peninsular Malaysia: Total blood cholesterol values in children, adolescents and adults
    Wai TN, Lin KG, Siong TE, Hashim N
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2000 Jun;9(2):115-21.
    PMID: 24394397
    The present study is unique in the Malaysian context on two counts; first, it employs for the first time a functional group approach (groups based on occupational or economic activity) in the assessment of community nutritional status. Second, the study provides on a nationwide-sampling basis, information on total blood cholesterol (TC) levels in rural children (7.0-12.9 years; n = 1921) and adolescents (13.0-17.9 years; n = 753) which were hitherto unavailable. Total blood cholesterol measurements were performed on 7184 subjects ranging from 7 to 75-years-old (males = 3151; females = 4033) from households in 69 rural villages and seven estates in peninsular Malaysia, which were based on selected multistage random sampling according to the household's involvement in the following economic activities: rice farming, rubber smallholding, coconut smallholding, fishing and employment in estates. In all functional groups, TC values increased with age and there was a distinct gender effect, namely females had higher TC values than males throughout the age spectrum analyzed. Mean TC levels for children and adolescents were in the range 3.85-4.37 mmol/L, rising markedly during adulthood to an overall mean of 4.91 ± 1.13 mmol/L for men and 5.17 ± 1.11 mmol/L for women. In adults (>= 18.0 years), there was marked disparity in mean TC values among the functional groups; males and females from rice households had the lowest mean TC values (4.58 and 4.99 mmol/L, respectively). Individuals at 'high risk' (TC > 6.20 mmol/L) averaged 16.0% in women and 11.6% in men, with women from the fishing, rubber and coconut households particularly affected (17.1-21.1%). When compared to earlier rural TC data reported for closely similar rural communities in the peninsula, the present findings suggest a 'hypercholesterolemic shift' approximating 0.39 mmol/L (15 mg/dL) in the adult population; however, this was not apparent in the children and adolescents from these rural communities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population
  7. Measurement of nutritional status using conventional anthropometry and D2O in Sarawak, Malaysia
    Wells JC, Strickland SS
    Eur J Clin Nutr, 1996 Oct;50(10):668-71.
    PMID: 8909933
    To evaluate the effect of different methods (plateau or back extrapolation) of calculating total body water (TBW) from deuterium dilution in an environment characterised by high water turnover. The back extrapolation model is assumed to be more accurate when water turnover is high.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population
  8. The nutritional value of indigenous fruits and vegetables in Sarawak
    Hoe VB, Siong KH
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 1999 Mar;8(1):24-31.
    PMID: 24393732
    The proximate composition including mineral and vitamin contents of 16 fruits and 46 vegetables (leaves, fruits, palm hearts and shoots) of indigenous origin in Sarawak are provided. Fruits like dabai (Canarium odontophyllum), kembayau (Dacryodes rostrata f. cuspidata), durian nyekak (Durio kutejensis) and durian kuning (Durio graveolens) are very nutritious with high values for energy, protein and potassium. Among the vegetables, the protein content of letup (Passiflora foetida), kepayang (Pangium edule) and tubu (Pycnarrhena tumetacta) is high, ranging from 6 to 7%. The range of nutrients among foods of indigenous origin are generally comparable with those of many cultivated species except for vitamin C, which is lower. Teh Kampung (Leucosyke capitellata) leaves are particularly high in magnesium (626 mg/100 g). Some of the indigenous vegetables contain antinutritional factors. Kepayang has very high levels of hydrogen cyanide (1834 µg/g on dry basis) but this poison can be completely evaporated by boiling. Indigenous fruits and vegetables which are pesticide residue free are important food sources for rural populations. Nutritious indigenous fruits and vegetables have the potential to be promoted for wider use, domestication and commercialization.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population
  9. Fulltext Evaluation of the safety of domestic food preparation in Malaysia
    Desmarchelier PM, Apiwathnasorn C, Vilainerun D, Watson C, Johari MR, Ahmad Z, et al.
    Bull World Health Organ, 1994;72(6):877-84.
    PMID: 7867133
    Food-handling practices were studied in 119 and 158 households, respectively, in an urban and a rural community in Peninsular Malaysia. Hazard analyses, including microbiological analysis of foods, were carried out in two households in each community and in a house that prepared food for distribution in the urban area. Kitchen hygiene was generally acceptable, although rated "poor" in some instances in the rural area. Food prepared for lunch was usually sufficient for dinner also, the leftover items being stored at ambient temperature until required. In the house that prepared food for distribution, breakfast was prepared during the evening, stored at ambient temperature overnight, and reheated before sale the next morning. There was a local preference for cooking food at temperatures close to boiling point; this reduced the numbers of vegetative cells but not those of spores. In some stored foods the populations of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and mesophilic aerobic bacteria increased, the last-mentioned reaching spoilage levels. Reheating reduced the populations of proliferating bacteria in most foods to acceptable levels but would not have destroyed heat-resistant enterotoxins. Because of their importance in combating acute bacterial foodborne disease, the control of the temperature and time factors during the cooking and storage of food should receive special attention in education on health and food safety.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population
  10. Observations of human behavior influencing the use of insecticide-impregnated bednets to control malaria in Sabah, Malaysia
    Leake DW, Hii JL
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 1994;7(2):92-7.
    PMID: 7946656
    Observational and survey methodologies were used to probe human behavioral factors influencing the use of insecticide-impregnated bednets to control malaria in rural Sabah, Malaysia. One aim was to investigate why a field trial of such nets in an interior area yielded disappointing results. A second aim was to gather baseline data prior to a field trial proposed for a coastal area. Interior villagers reported a significantly higher net usage rate than that observed directly, suggesting that subject self-reports need to be validated in some way. The poor results of the interior field trial appeared related to reluctance to regularly use nets, which were not in wide use previously. Prospects for reducing malaria transmission through bednets appeared better for the coastal area since nearly half of observed villagers were sleeping in them. However, significantly more coastal than interior villagers were observed watching television at night, an activity that may increase malaria risk by keeping villagers awake and out of bednets.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population
  11. Women's labour force participation and socioeconomic development: the case of Peninsular Malaysia, 1957-1970
    Hirschman C, Aghajanian A
    J Southeast Asian Stud, 1980 Mar;11(1):30-49.
    PMID: 12336488
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population
  12. Fulltext A family planning study in Kuala Pilah, Peninsular Malaysia
    Thambypillai V
    Med J Malaysia, 1982 Dec;37(4):326-35.
    PMID: 7167084
    Realising that family planning is not making a sufficient impact on the rural people as it is on the urban people, it was decided that it would be interesting to study the knowledge and attitude of a rural community towards family planning, The study sample consisted of 200 Malay married women - 100 acceptors and 100 non-acceptors from the Kuala Pilah District, The study commenced on 4 December 1978 and ended on 22 December 1978. A healthy climate of knowledge and attitude exists among rural Malay women. Only 2 percent nonacceptors had not heard of any method of family planning, and 99 percent acceptors, and 85 percent non-acceptors discussed family planning with their husbands. There was also enough evidence to show that birth rate does decrease as literacy rate increases. On the other hand, however, only 19 percent respondents approved of family planning practice before the first child. Also there is a dearth of information on family planning in the rural areas and not much was being done in utilising the two popular forms of mass-media - the radio and the television as a means of disseminating information on family planning. The study concludes with a recommendation that there is a need for sustained effort at improving knowledge and disseminating information, and nursing and nurturing the right attitudes towards family planning, It suggests that community leaders, women's clubs and private organisations be mobilised to participate more
    fully in promoting family planning,
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population
  13. Fertility preferences among Malaysian women: an analysis of responses to the new population policy
    Khor GL
    J Biosoc Sci, 1990 Oct;22(4):465-76.
    PMID: 2250038
    About 10% of 3887 ever-married women included in the 1984-85 Malaysian Population and Family Survey revealed that they were influenced by the new population policy to desire more children than they had originally wanted. These women were more likely to be rural Malays from the lower socioeconomic class. Ideal family size was more than four children. Children are desired for economic benefits and emotional support. The natality of the Malays has risen since 1980: their total fertility rate has increased while their contraceptive prevalence rate has dropped sharply. Coupled with a decline in the crude death rate, the present fertility preferences and behaviour of the Malays will render the target of the population policy more attainable than is reflected by the survey data.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population
  14. Fulltext Treatment of tetanus neonatorum in a rural setting
    Yong YF
    Med J Malaysia, 1983 Mar;38(1):74-6.
    PMID: 6688850
    Tetanus, especially tetanus neonatorum (T.N.) continues to be a significant medical and social problem in the developing countries. The case mortality rate remains very high even in the 'developed' countries, varying from 60-80 percent in various reports, and even higher in the case of tetanus neonatorum. Sanders et al had introduced the method of intrathecal injection of antitetanus serum (ATS) in 1976 and have achieved very encouraging results. As the conventional treatment of tetanus neonatorum had achieved very poor result, even in the very sophisticated centres, a case of tetanus neonatorum admitted to Cottage Hospital Semporna in Sabah had been treated with intrathecal ATS since June 1982. This paper reviews the results of this new approach to tetanus neonatorum treatment as compared to cases treated conventionally.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population
  15. The role of the community and medical auxiliaries in the prevention of diarrhoeal diseases of children in Sarawak, Malaysia
    Chen PC
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1982 Sep;13(3):441-5.
    PMID: 7163853
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population
  16. Endogamy in settlement populations of Semai Senoi: potential mate pool analysis and simulation
    Fix AG
    Soc Biol, 1981 1 1;28(1-2):62-74.
    PMID: 7348447
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population
  17. Attitudes on health care of villagers attending a rural clinic in Malaysia
    Heggenhougen HK
    Med J Malaysia, 1979 Dec;34(2):108-16.
    PMID: 548711
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population
  18. Some aspects of dentistry in Sabah
    Golding KM
    Aust Dent J, 1971 Dec;16(6):389-93.
    PMID: 5291233
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population
  19. A field study of Depo-Provera: its use as a contraceptive method by women in a rural town in West Malaysia from February 1968 to December 1969
    Hew Wai Sin, Peng JY, Dato Ariffin Marzuki
    Med J Malaysia, 1973 Jun;27(4):299-305.
    PMID: 4270790
    PIP: To determine the acceptability, practicability, and popularity of Depo-Provera as an additional contraceptive method to be offered by the National Family Planning Board NFPB of Malaysia, 550 patients of Sungai Besar, Malaysia, who accepted the Depo-Provera injection method from the start of the injection program, February 23, 1968, until the cutoff date of December 31, 1969, were studied. At the cutoff date, 318 (58%) were still receiving regular injections at 3-month intervals. The remaining 232 women discontinued use of the injection. Of those who discontinued use, 176 (32%) were interviewed, while the other 56 women were lost to follow-up, due mainly to migration. Assuming that 1 injection would protect a woman from getting pregnant for a 3-month period, the retention rates at the end of 12 and 24 months were 63% and 41%. These continuation rates were fairly high and were as good as those for the oral pill, which is the main contraceptive method provided since the beginning of the operational service program of the NFPB in May 1967. Except for a small number of Indian women with a high rate of discontinuation there was not much difference in continuing the method between the Malays (60%) and the Chinese (56%). The younger age group of women seemed to have a higher proportion of discontinuation. The findings showed that amenorrhea (35%)most bothered the women who discontinued the injection method. Irregular bleeding (20%) and other medical side effects (11%) were the other main complaints that caused women to discontinue using the injection as a contraceptive method. It was concluded that Depo-Provera (150 mg) injected once every 3 months appears to be simple, acceptable, popular, and effective as a contraceptive method among women in a rural town in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population
  20. Obstetric performance of the rural primigravidae 1965 to 1968, in Kuantan, Pahang
    Thambu JA
    Med J Malaya, 1972 Jun;26(4):278-84.
    PMID: 5069418
    Matched MeSH terms: Rural Population
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