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Fulltext Nutritional status of Malaysian primary school children aged 8-10 years: findings from the 2008 national IDD survey

Ahmad Ali Zainuddin, Rusidah Selamat, Azli Baharudin, Suhaila Abdul Ghaffar, Norsyamline Che Abdul Rahim, Tahir Aris

Malays J Nutr, 2013;19(2):149-161.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Child malnutrition continues to be a major public health problem in developing countries. This study aims to determine the current nutritional status of Malaysian school children using the anthropometric indicators of weight for age (WAZ), height for age (HAZ), and body mass index for age (BAZ). Methods: A nationwide school-based survey was undertaken in all Malaysian
states and territories, which included 18,078 children aged 8-10 years attending 445 primary schools. The software WHO AnthroPlus was used to calculate zscores for the nutritional status (WAZ, HAZ and BAZ) of the target population relative to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2007 reference. Results: The national prevalence of underweight among school children was 13.6% and in
rural areas, this rate was nearly double that of urban areas. The national prevalence rate for stunting was 10.9%, double among rural school children compared to their urban counterparts. As for thinness, the national prevalence was 6.5%. Using the WAZ indicator, we found that the national prevalence of overweight children was 7.6%. Additionally, we found that urban areas showed a higher
prevalence of overweight children (8.8%) than rural areas (5.9%). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that Malaysian school children face the burden of malnutrition, suffering from both undernourishment and overweight. Malaysia must make a concerted effort to overcome the problems of malnutrition among children.
Fulltext Physical characteristics and nutrients status off Pulau Besar, Malacca and Tanjung Tuan, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia: a preliminary study

Zuraini Zainol, Azizi Ali, Mohd Safuan Che Din, Mohd Fadzil Akhir, Zainudin Bachok, Ahmad Ali

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2019;27(3):1429-1440.
MyJurnal

Degradation of coastal water quality is one of the major concern in the Malacca Strait since this area is one of the most important fishing ground in Malaysia. Despite being great in the fishery industry, Malacca and Negeri Sembilan somehow recorded the lowest marine fishes landing, which raises a question about dynamics of this area. It is therefore, a preliminary study of the physical properties and nutrient concentrations carried out from 27 March to 4 April 2016 at the coastal water off the southern west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, specifically at Pulau Besar, Malacca and Tanjung Tuan, Negeri Sembilan. Data for temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen (DO) was acquired by using Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth (CTD) probe. Meanwhile, nutrient concentrations determination in this study was done by using a Westco Smartchem 200 Discrete Analyser, according to the procedure adopted from United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). In general, results of this study indicated the coastal stations were characterised with cooler, less saline, and high DO waters than stations away from coast. Large sea surface heating and weak winds were determined as the causative factors affecting dynamics of water column at the study area. At nearshore area, temperature, salinity, and DO variability were modulated by degree of freshwater intrusion. High nutrient concentrations at the stations closer to the coast was believed to be associated with river outflow, which acted as the main source of nutrients supply in this area. Comparison to previous study had shown that nutrient concentrations in this research were low, which could contribute to an insight on declining marine fish catches in these two states. With regard to Malaysian Marine Water Quality Criteria and Standard (MWQCS), mean nutrient concentrations at the study area were in Class 1, which are suitable for marine parks and marine protected areas conservation. Regardless of limited scope, the outcome of this study is believed to be a good baseline reference for future studies seeking to understand coastal dynamics.
Fulltext Prevalence and associated factors of potentially inappropriate medications among Iranian older adults

Saboor M, Kamrani AA, Momtaz YA, Sahaf R

Med Glas (Zenica), 2019 Feb 01;16(1):121-127.
PMID: 30680986 DOI: 10.17392/989-19

Aim Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in older people are associated with the increased use of health care services. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of PIMs among the elderly being referred to pharmacies in Tehran using the Beers criteria of 2012, and identify factors related to PIMs. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on elderly patients (60 years and above) referred to pharmacies in Tehran, in 2017. The Beers' criteria 2012 were used to evaluate PIMs. The logistic regression analysis was used to find sociodemographic predictors of PIMs. Results The mean age of 1591 patients was 70.51 years. The overall prevalence of PIMs was 26.0%. The most frequent PIMs, in order of frequency, included diclofenac (13.5%), alprazolam (9.3%), and chlordiazepoxide (9.1%) and clonazepam (8.4%). The pain medications were found to be most common PIMs (37.6%). Polypharmacy (OR=3.64, CI 95%: .81-4.70; p<0.001), number of chronic disease (OR=2.371, CI 95%:1.71-3.28; p<0.001) insomnia (OR=1.45, CI 95%: 1.13-1.87; p<0.01) and type of specialists were found as PIMs risk factors. Internal medicine specialists prescribed PIMs significantly fewer times than other specialists(OR=0.59, CI 95%: 0.40-0.88; p<0.01, and the orthopedic specialists prescribed PIMs significantly more times than other physicians (OR=3.23, CI 95%: 5.76-1.81; p<0.001). Conclusion High prevalence of PIMs among Iranian elderly patients implies a need for the development and operationalization of scientific guidelines for the use of medicines. It is also necessary to hold training courses for physicians to be educated in such cases.
Fulltext Prescription pattern among Iranian community dwelling older adults

Saboor M, Momtaz YA, Kamrani AA, Sahaf R

Med Glas (Zenica), 2019 Feb 01;16(1):115-120.
PMID: 30680985 DOI: 10.17392/986-19

Aim To assess prescription pattern among Iranian communitydwelling older adults. Methods This cross-sectional study employed a cluster random sampling to obtain a sample of 1591 patients aged 60 years and over referred to pharmacies in Tehran, 2017. Data were collected using a questionnaire: socio-demographic characteristics, type of pharmacy visited, the municipal district, the university covering the pharmacy, the number and names of prescribed drugs, drug category, type of insurances and physician's socio-demographic profile (age, gender, type of specialization, and work experience). Results The mean age of the patients was 70.51±7.84. A total of 5838 drugs were prescribed, giving an average of 3.73±2.24 drugs per patient (ranging of 1-15). Polypharmacy was noticed in 32.4% patients. Cardiovascular drugs accounted for 20.8% of the prescriptions, antidiabetics 8.8%, nutritional agents and vitamins 7.6%, and analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs and antipyretics accounted for 7.5%. Conclusion Developing educational programs on geriatric pharmacology general practitioners and more supervision among community-dwelling older adults might have effects on prescription pattern. There is a need for prescriber training and retraining with emphasis on the geriatric population.
Fulltext Changes in energy and nutrient intakes among Malaysian adults: findings from the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS) 2003 and 2014

Ahmad Ali Zainuddin, Norazmir Md. Nor, Safiah Md Yusof, Adriana Irawati Nur Ibrahim, Tahir Aris, Foo, Leng Huat

Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(3):273-285.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Monitoring changes in energy and nutrient intakes of the population
over the course of time is essential to help healthcare providers develop effective
dietary policies. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the nutrient
intake and Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) achievements by using the data
obtained from the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Surveys (MANS) that were carried out
in 2003 and 2014. Mis-reporting of energy intake was taken into account. Methods:
Dietary data were obtained from MANS 2003 and MANS 2014, which involved a
combined total of 4,044 randomly selected respondents, aged 18-59 years, using
a single 24-hour diet recall. Energy and nutrients calculations were based on the
Malaysian Food Composition database using the Nutritionist Pro software. The
results were compared against the RNI for Malaysia to assess dietary adequacy.
Results: The proportions of calories derived from macronutrients were within the
recommendations for a healthy diet. The consumption of protein, fat, calcium, iron
and vitamin A was significantly higher in 2014 than in 2003. The consumption
of protein, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A was found to exceed the RNIs in 2014.
However, carbohydrate and sodium intakes had significantly decreased. Despite the
decrease, sodium intake still exceeded RNI recommendations. Conclusion: Signs
of changing energy and nutrient intakes were found, including increases in protein
and fat intakes since 2003, and decreased carbohydrates. This could be an alarming
indicator of the tendency to eat energy dense food among the population.
Fulltext Under-reporting of energy and nutrient intake is a persistent issue in the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Surveys

Ahmad Ali Zainuddin, Norazmir Md. Nor, Safiah Md Yusof, Adriana Irawati Nur Ibrahim, Tahir Aris, Foo, Leng Huat

Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(3):261-271.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Under-reporting of energy intake is a common cause of bias
in nutritional studies. This study was aimed at examining the extent of underreporting of energy intake and its related characteristics among respondents in
the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS) 2003 and MANS 2014. Methods:
The present study analysed energy intakes of 9,624 adults aged 18-59 years from
the MANS in year 2014 (2,890 respondents) and 2003 (6,734 respondents) using
a single 24-hour diet recall. Basal metabolic rates (BMR) were calculated from the
age- and gender-specific equations of Schofield. Under-reporting was defined as an
energy intake:BMR ratio of
Fulltext Iodine deficiency disorder and goitre among school children in Sarawak - a nationwide study

Lim, Kuang Kuay, Chan, Ying Ying, Ahmad Ali Zainuddin, Teh, Chien Huey, Hasimah Ismail, Lim, Kuang Hock, et al.

Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(1):419-424.
MyJurnal

Introduction Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), is one of the most important micronutrient
deficiencies which has multiple adverse effects on growth and development.
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IDD among school
children and to elucidate the distribution of iodized salt at household level in
Sarawak, East Malaysia.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among school children aged 8 to 10
years in 2008. A multi-stage probability proportionate to population size
(PPS) cluster sampling method was used to obtain a representative state
sample of 1200 school children. Spot urine samples were collected for the
determination of urinary iodine concentration while the iodine content in salt
was determined using field rapid test kits. The thyroid status was determined
by palpation.

Results Response rate was 92.0% (n=1104/1200). The prevalence of goitre among
school children in Sarawak was 2.9% (5.2% in urban, 0.7% in rural). The
median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) among the school children was
102.1 μg/L (IQR, 62.3-146.5 μg/L). Urban children had significantly higher
median UIC of 109.3 μg/L (IQR, 72.4-159.0 μg/L) than their rural
counterparts [91.9 μg/L (IQR, 55.7-140.2 μg/L)]. The salt samples tested by
rapid test kit (RTK) showed only 46.0% of household salt contained iodine.

Conclusions The present study revealed that the population in Sarawak were of borderline
iodine sufficient with mild IDD seen in rural areas. Hence, the state IDD
control programmes need to encourage and advocate the consumption of
iodized salt in order to eliminate IDD-related health problems in Sarawak.
Fulltext Inadequate iodine intake among school children in Terengganu-findings from the national iodine deficiency disorder survey 2008

Lim, Kuang Kuay, Chan, Ying Ying, Ahmad Ali Zainuddin, Teh, Chien Huey, Rusidah Selamat, Kee, Chee Cheong, et al.

Int J Public Health Res, 2013;3(1):198-203.
MyJurnal

Iodine deficiency is still prevalent worldwide and it is the main cause of goiter, thyroid dysfunction and mental retardation. The aim of the study was to determine the iodine status and goiter prevalence among the school children in Terengganu. The representative sample consists of 1163 primary school children aged 8-10 years old randomly selected from urban and rural schools in Terengganu using stratified systematic random sampling technique. Urinary iodine levels in spot urine were determined by in house modified micro-method while goiter assessment was carried out by palpation of thyroid gland. The status of iodine deficiency was determined by the median urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) and total goiter prevalence (TGP) in accordance with the WHO criteria. The result showed the median [inter-quartile range (IQR)] urinary iodine concentrations was 78.7µg/L (50.1µg/L -120.0µg/L) indicating the iodine intake was slightly lower than recommended range of 100 µg/L. The rural school children had a significantly lower Iodine levels (median UIC=72.4µg/L, IQR=46.7µg/L -113.0µg/L) than the urban school children (median UIC=87.7µg/L, IQR=54.5 µg/L - 127.5µg/L). The total goiter prevalence (TGP) was 5.7%. The prevalence of goiter was significantly higher in rural (TGP=6.9%) compared to urban areas (TGP=3.6%). The study revealed that school children in Terengganu showed mild iodine deficiency and the condition is more pronounced in children from rural areas. The findings emphasize the importance of intervention implementation, universal salt iodization to ensure sufficient intake of iodine among the Terengganu school children.
Fulltext Effects of γ-rays on electrical conductivity of polyvinyl alcohol-polypyrrole composite polymer films

Mohd Hamzah Harun, Elias Saion, Noorhana Yahya, Anuar Kassim, Hussain, Muhammad Yousuf, Iskandar Shahrim Mustafa, et al.

Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2007;2007(1):1-12.
MyJurnal

The composite polymer films of polyvinyl alcohol/polypyrrole/chloral hydrate (PVA-PPy-CH) had been prepared. Effects of γ-rays on the electrical conductivity of the composite polymer films had been investigated by using Inductance Capacitance Resistance meter (LCR) meter at a frequency ranging from 20 Hz to 1 MHz. With the incorporation of chloral hydrate in the polymer sample, the conductivity increased indicates that it is capable to be used as dopant for polymerizing conjugated polymer. The electrical conductivity obtained increased as the dose increased, which is in the order of 10-5 Scm-1 indicates that γ-rays is capable to enhance the electrical conductivity of the composite polymer films. The parameter of s is in the range of 0.31 d s d 0.49 and obeyed simple power law dispersion ωs. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs reveal the formation of polypyrrole globules in polyvinyl alcohol matrix which increased as the irradiation dose was increased.
Fulltext Effects of j-rays on electrical conductivity of polyvinyl alcohol-polypyrrole composite polymer films

Mohd Hamzah Harun, Elias Saion, Noorhana Yahya, Anuar Kassim, Ekramul Mahmud, Muhammad Yousuf Hussain, et al.

Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2007;2005(1):1-11.
MyJurnal

The composite polymer films of polyvinyl alcohol/polypyrrole/chloral hydrate (PVA-PPy-CH) had been prepared. Effects of J-rays on the electrical conductivity of the composite polymer films had
been investigated by using Inductance Capacitance Resistance meter (LCR) meter at a frequency
ranging from 20 Hz to 1 MHz. With the incorporation of chloral hydrate in the polymer sample, the conductivity increased indicates that it is capable to be used as dopant for polymerizing conjugated polymer. The electrical conductivity obtained increased as the dose increased, which is in the order of 10-5Scm-1 indicates that J-rays is capable to enhance the electrical conductivity of the composite polymer films. The parameter of s is in the range of 0.31 d s d 0.49 and obeyed simple power law dispersion Zs. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs reveal the formation of polypyrrole globules in polyvinyl alcohol matrix which increased as the irradiation dose was increased.
Fulltext Reliability, technical error of measurement and validity of height measurement using portable stadiometer

Azli Baharudin, Mohamad Hasnan Ahmad, Balkish Mahadir Naidu, Nurul Rufaidah Hamzah, Nor Azian Mohd Zaki, Ahmad Ali Zainuddin, et al.

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2017;25(3):675-686.
MyJurnal

This study sought to examine the reliability and validity of height measurements using a portable
stadiometer as compared to a mechanical scale. Samples from 142 adults aged 22 to 57 were taken during data collection in November 2014. There was a high degree of reliability for the inter-examiner, intraexaminer and inter-instrument aspects with regards to mean difference, the inter correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman Plot. For the inter-examiner aspect, the height measurement taken by the first examiner was 0.01 cm higher than that by the second examiner with an ICC of 0.999. For the intraexaminer aspect, the difference was 0.1 cm; this was higher in the first measurement compared to the second. The ICC was also 0.999. For the inter-instrument aspect, measurement taken by stadiometer was 0.61 cm higher than the measurement taken by mechanical scale and the ICC was 0.997. The Bland-Altman plot showed a distribution of differences between measurements in the inter-examiner, intraexaminer and inter-instrument aspects that were close to zero within the narrow range of ±1.96SD. The technical error of measurement (TEM), coefficient of reliability (R) and coefficient of variation (CV) for the inter-examiner, intra-examiner and inter-instrument aspects were within the acceptable limits. This study suggests that the portable stadiometer is reliable and valid for use in community surveys.
Fulltext Iodine deficiency status and iodised salt consumption in Malaysia: findings from a national iodine deficiency disorders survey

Selamat R, Mohamud WN, Zainuddin AA, Rahim NS, Ghaffar SA, Aris T

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2010;19(4):578-85.
PMID: 21147721

A nationwide cross-sectional school-based survey was undertaken among children aged 8-10 years old to determine the current iodine deficiency status in the country. Determination of urinary iodine (UI) and palpation of the thyroid gland were carried out among 18,012 and 18,078 children respectively while iodine test of the salt samples was done using Rapid Test Kits and the iodometric method. The results showed that based on WHO/ ICCIDD/UNICEF criteria, the national median UI was 109 μg/L [25th, 75th percentile (67, 166)] showing borderline adequacy. The overall national prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) with UI<100 μg/L was 48.2% (95% CI: 46.0, 50.4), higher among children residing in rural areas than in urban areas. The highest prevalence of UI<100 μg/L was noted among the aborigines [(81.4% (95% CI: 75.1, 86.4)]. The national total goitre rate (grade 1 and grade 2 goitre) was 2.1%. Of 17,888 salt samples brought by the school children, 28.2% (95% CI: 26.4, 30.2) were found to have iodine content. However, the overall proportion of the households in Malaysia using adequately iodised salt as recommended by Malaysian Food Act 1983 of 20-30 ppm was only 6.8% (95% CI: 5.1, 9.0). In conclusion, although a goitre endemic was not present in Malaysia, almost half of the states in Peninsular Malaysia still have large proportion of UI level <100 μg/L and warrant immediate action. The findings of this survey suggest that there is a need for review on the current approach of the national IDD prevention and control programme.
Prevalence of Obesity and Its Associated Factors Among Malaysian Adults: Finding From the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019

Chong CT, Lai WK, Zainuddin AA, Pardi M, Mohd Sallehuddin S, Ganapathy SS

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2022 Nov;34(8):786-792.
PMID: 36196901 DOI: 10.1177/10105395221129113

In 2016, World Health Organization (WHO) estimated more than 650 million obese adults, resulting in a country's health burden. This study aims to determine the prevalence of obesity and its associated factors among Malaysian adults. A total of 5820 respondents, aged 18 to 59 years, from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019, were included for the data analysis. The prevalence of obesity was described and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the factors associated with obesity. The prevalence of obesity among Malaysian adults was 20.1%, based on the findings from this study. Multivariate analyses showed that women, being Malays, Indians, and other Bumiputeras, were significantly associated with a higher risk of obesity. Besides, those diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and hypertension were also significantly associated with greater risk of obesity. This information is crucial for policy makers in formulating effective strategies or targeted programs in preventing obesity among Malaysian adults.
A walk of corporate sustainability towards sustainable development: a bibliometric analysis of literature from 2005 to 2021

Jan AA, Lai FW, Siddique J, Zahid M, Ali SEA

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Mar;30(13):36521-36532.
PMID: 36547839 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24842-4

Recent years have seen a burgeoning interest in the involvement of corporate sustainability (CS) in sustainable development (SD), yet both concepts are fewer and newer in the academic field. This study aims to present a thorough bibliometric analysis that provides fresh new insights on the subject. Using VOSviewer software, this study analyzed and visualized 1214 documents for the period 2005-2021 in the Web of Science (WoS) database. The findings of the study indicate that the co-theme CS and SD are lasting but thriving research subjects. The findings also revealed that authors from the USA published the highest number of articles followed by the UK, Spain, Italy, and Germany. The co-authorship network showed strong links between these countries. Three main clusters are identified based on research titles frequently co-cited and have significant co-citation connections. In general, this study provides valuable insight into the current status and future trends for research on SDGs. The outcome of the study could be useful to policymakers, regulators, sustainability practitioners, and researchers in understanding the key research areas, influential authors, institutions, and countries actively involved in the field. Considering the involvement of corporate sustainability in sustainable development is a useful and informative endeavor for all community actors. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study that presents the holistic picture of CS and SD-related research to identify the knowledge map between the two subjects.
Fulltext Evaluation of the Time Course on the Effectiveness of WHO Standard Pyrethroid and Carbamate Impregnated Test Papers against Anopheles stephensi, the Main Malaria Vector in Iran

Dehghan A, Moosa-Kazemi SH, Sedaghat MM, Vatandoost H, Hanafi-Bojd AA

J Arthropod Borne Dis, 2023 Mar;17(1):72-82.
PMID: 37609566 DOI: 10.18502/jad.v17i1.13203

BACKGROUND: Anopheles stephensi is a major vector of malaria in some parts of the world. A standard method for determining resistance in adult mosquito populations is the bioassay test recommended by the world health organization (WHO). The papers used in this method have an expiry date. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of outdated susceptibility test papers for use in insecticide resistance monitoring programs.
METHODS: Beech and Bandar Abbas strains of An. stephensi were reared in the insectary. Permethrin 0.75%, Deltamethrin 0.05%, and Bendiocarb 0.1% impregnated test papers prepared by Universiti Sains Malaysia were used. Probit analysis was used to analyze the results and prepare time-mortality regression lines of LT50 and LT90.
RESULTS: There was a difference in the mortality of both tested strains of An. stephensi was exposed to all tested insecticides. Both expired and not expired Permethrin and Deltamethrin papers induced 100% mortality at the diagnostic time (60min), but their insecticidal properties were reduced gradually in serial times. The highest efficacy of test papers was in the first trimester after the expiry date and decreased over time.
CONCLUSION: At the diagnostic time of 60 minutes, the mortality rate of both dated and expired papers was 100% in the pyrethroid insecticides, even three years after expiry dates, if stored in the package provided by the producer, in a refrigerator. This value was reduced to less than 100% in the expired papers of Bendiocarb comparing the dated papers that induced 100% mortality.
Fulltext Do domestic innovations promote trade openness? Empirical evidence from emerging economies

Khan MN, Jan AA, Asif M, Lai FW, Shad MK, Shadab S

Heliyon, 2023 Dec;9(12):e22848.
PMID: 38076083 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22848

PURPOSE: Innovation activities have gained much importance due to their pivotal role in achieving economic growth - directly by increasing productivity and - indirectly by increasing the degree of trade openness. This study aims to focus on the indirect channel, a rarely explored area of research, especially in the context of emerging economies.
METHODOLOGY: To achieve the aim of the study, four proxies of innovation (resident patent applications, nonresident patent applications, scientific and technical journal articles, and research and development expenditures) are used to establish a robust relationship between innovation activities and trade openness in BRICS economies. Panel data from 2000 to 2020 is obtained from World Development Indicators and Penn World Tables. Econometric techniques of panel data such as fixed effect and generalized least squares are employed to extract results from the specified models.
FINDINGS: The findings of the study revealed that three proxies of innovation (i.e., resident patent applications, nonresident patent applications, scientific and technical journal articles) have a significant positive role in improving trade openness in the BRICS economies. However, the fourth proxy of innovation i.e., research and development expenditures had a negative impact on the degree of trade openness. Besides, innovation activities such as inflation rate and foreign direct investment have also influenced the degree of trade openness positively and significantly. Conversely, GDP per capita had a negative relationship with trade openness. Moreover, domestic investments showed a positive influence on the degree of trade openness while employment had a negative and insignificant influence on the degree of trade openness. Finally, the causality analysis revealed a one-way relationship running from innovations to trade openness.
IMPLICATIONS: In view of the results obtained, the policymakers of the BRICS economies might focus on encouraging innovation activities to enhance the degree of trade openness. Increased trade openness will consequently contribute to economic growth enormously and thus the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDG-8). Policymakers are also suggested to encourage FDI inflows and further ensure a moderate inflation rate to improve the degree of trade openness and hence accelerate economic growth.
ORIGINALITY: This study focused on examining the nexus between innovation activities and trade openness in emerging economies, which is indeed an interesting but rarely explored area of research. The findings of the study might help the policymakers of the BRICS economies in formulating policies regarding trade openness and innovation activities.
Fulltext Analysis of Available Nutrition Recommendations to Combat COVID-19: A Scoping Review

Che Abdul Rahim N, Manjit Singh JS, Pardi M, Zainuddin AA, Salleh R

Malays J Med Sci, 2021 Jun;28(3):18-45.
PMID: 34285642 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.3.3

The current COVID-19 pandemic remains severe. There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting every aspect of our lives. Currently, the spread of inaccurate information or fake news on the internet to the public is causing the community to panic. Thus, this study aims to obtain available information on food and nutrition related to the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 from various sources. A scoping review framework was used to chart the evidence on nutritional recommendations to prevent COVID-19 based on the preferred method in reporting systematic review and meta-analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The articles were categorised into three main groups: i) general dietary recommendations; ii) supplementation with specific micronutrients and iii) their mixtures and supplementation with traditional herbs and miscellaneous foods. A total of 60 articles met the inclusion criteria and were used in the review. This scoping review demonstrates that there is no miracle cure, food or supplement that can cure or prevent COVID-19. Currently, there is no confirmed treatment or vaccine for the disease. Practicing healthy eating habits is the best nutritional recommendation during the pandemic. Hence, this review hopefully will provide evidence-based nutrition recommendations that are available for current COVID-19 treatment. We hope that the authorities can inform the public and media to stop the spread of nutrition pseudoscience in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fulltext Sodium intake among normotensive health staff assessed by 24-hour urinary excretion: a cross-sectional study

Rashidah, A., Yeo, P.S., Noor Ani, A., Muhammad Fadhli, M.Y., Tahir, A., Feisul Idzwan, M., et al.

Malays J Nutr, 2014;20(3):317-326.
MyJurnal

Introduction: High sodium consumption over an extended period of time has been associated with hypertension, stroke, cardiovascular disease, renal damage, and other adverse health effects. This study aimed to determine urinary sodium excretion and consequently estimate dietary sodium consumption among normotensive health staff in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to acquire data on sodium excretion among normotensive Ministry of Health staff aged 20 - 56 years (mean age 35.08, SD 9.78) in 14 states and a research institute. Respondents were recruited using quota sampling. Data collection was conducted from December 2011 to February 2012. A single urine sample was collected over 24 hours for sodium concentrations and calculated as 95.0% of total daily sodium intake. Results: Among the 471 enrolled respondents, 445 (94.0%) provided complete information on socio-demography and urine samples. Mean urine sodium excretion was 142.0 mmol/day (SD 71.7), which is equivalent to 3429 mg sodium/day or 8.7 gm of salt intake (1.75 teaspoon, which exceeds the Malaysian recommendation of 2000 mg sodium/day by 1.7 times. About 79.0% (n=353) of respondents (88.0% male and 73.0% female) had daily sodium consumption that was above the recommendation. Excretion was significantly higher among males at 161.7 mmol/day (SD 78.1) (3726 mg sodium/day) than females, 125.3 mmolfday (SD 61.1) (2875 mg/day). There was a positive, low correlation between BMl and sodium intake (r=0.216, p
Fulltext Prevalence and socio-demographic determinant of overweight and obesity among Malaysian adult

Ahmad Ali Zainuddin, Mala A. Manickam, Azli Baharudin, Rusidah Selamat, Kee, Chee Cheong, Noor Ani Ahmad, et al.

Int J Public Health Res, 2016;6(1):661-669.
MyJurnal

Introduction Overweight and obesity is a major public health problem in Malaysia. This study aims to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the Malaysian adult population and their association with socio-demographic characteristics (gender, ethnic, and age groups).
Methods A total of 17,257 adults aged 18 years and older (8,252 men, 9,005 women)
were assessed for BMI status, with a response rate of 97.8%, through a household survey from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), conducted in all states of Malaysia in 2011.
Results All socio-demographic factors were consistently associated with higher chance of being overweight (except gender and location) and obesity (except location and household income). The identified risk of overweight were
Indian (aOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.8), aged 50-59 years (aOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 2.0-3.9), widower (aOR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.3-2.0), subject with secondary education (aOR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0-1.4), Homemaker/unpaid worker (aOR:
1.3, 95% CI: 1.1-1.4), and with high household income group (aOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.2-1.6). The identified risk of obesity were women (aOR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2-1.6), Indian (aOR: 1.7, 95% CI: 0.9-3.2), aged 30-39 years (aOR: 3.6,
95% CI: 2.4-5.5), widower (aOR: 1.2, 95% CI: 0.9-1.6), subjects with primary education (aOR: 1.2, 95% CI: 0.9-1.6), Homemaker/unpaid worker (aOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1-1.6), and with middle household income group (aOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.2-1.6).
Conclusions Our data indicate a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the
population. Several sociodemographic characteristics are associated with both overweight and obesity. This study highlights the serious problem ofoverweight and obesity among Malaysia adults. Documentation of these problems may lead to research and policy agendas that will contribute both to our understanding and to the reduction of these problems.
Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2011)
Self-perception of body weight status and weight control practices among adolescents in Malaysia

Zainuddin AA, Manickam MA, Baharudin A, Omar A, Cheong SM, Ambak R, et al.

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2014 Sep;26(5 Suppl):18S-26S.
PMID: 25070695 DOI: 10.1177/1010539514542422

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents is rising rapidly in many countries, including Malaysia. This article aims to present the associations between body mass index-based body weight status, body weight perception, and weight control practices among adolescents in Malaysia. The Malaysia School Based Nutrition Survey 2012, which included a body weight perception questionnaire and anthropometric measurements, was conducted on a representative sample of 40 011 students from Standard 4 until Form 5, with a 90.5% response rate. Comparing actual and perceived body weight status, the findings show that 13.8% of adolescents underestimated their weight, 35.0% overestimated, and 51.2% correctly judged their own weight. Significantly more normal weight girls felt they were overweight, whereas significantly more overweight boys perceived themselves as underweight. The overall appropriateness of weight control practices to body weight was 72.6%. Adolescents attempting to lose or gain weight need to have better understanding toward desirable behavioral changes.

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