Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 51 in total

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  1. Yong Kang Cheah, Mohd Azahadi, Noor Safiza Mohamad Nor, Siew Nooi Phang, Noor Hazilah Abd Manaf
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: This study examined how waist circumference (WC) varied across sociodemographic characteristics of Malaysian adults using a nationally representative data. Methods: Data from the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey 2014 (n = 2696) was used. In the sample, 46.55% were males and 53.45% were females. The outcome variable was WC. Waist circumference was categorised into four ordinal outcomes: very low, low, high and very high. The ex- planatory variables were age, monthly individual income, education, gender, marital status, ethnicity, employment status and household location. Ordered probit models were utilised. Results: The majority of males had a low WC (54.66%), and only a small proportion had a very high WC (0.96%). Similarly, a high proportion of females had a low WC (55.59%), and only 1.94% had a very high WC. Younger males were more likely to have a high WC than their older counterparts. Males who had monthly income of RM2000-2999 or RM3000-3999 were more likely to have a high WC compared with those who had monthly income of RM999. Chinese and Indian males were more likely to have a high WC than Bumiputera males. For females, those who were married, widowed/divorced and Bu- miputera were likely to have a high WC. Conclusion: WC was associated with various sociodemographic profiles of males and females. In particular, there were positive associations between the likelihoods of having a high WC and younger age group, higher income, Chinese, Indian, and being married. Our findings provided policy makers with better information on formulating intervention measures.
  2. Nurhidayah, M., Suzana, S., Zahara, A.M., Mahadir, A., Mohd Azahadi, O., Mohamad Hasnan, A., et al.
    Malays J Nutr, 2016;22(2):233-243.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) play an important role in developing cognitive function in children, especially Docosahexanoic Acid (DHA). However, there is no suitable dietary assessment tool to assess DHA intake among Malaysian children. Thus, this study assessed the validity of an interviewer-administered semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) for estimating DHA intake among Malay school children in the Sepang District.

    Methods: Thirty 12-year-old Malay children (13 boys and 17 girls) were recruited through purposive sampling. Their DHA intake for one month duration was assessed using a 30-food item FFQ and validated against a 3-day food record.

    Results: The majority of the subjects (70%) had normal body mass index, 6.7% were overweight, 16.7% obese, whilst the rest were in the thin category. The reliability of FFQ was found to be good with a Cronbach’s α coefficient value of 0.815. Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test indicated no significant difference in mean intake between the two assessment methods. Significant and strong correlation between FFQ and the 3-day food record was found for total omega-3 PUFAs (r=0.812)and DHA (r=0.839) using both methods. BlandAltman analysis exhibited no apparent systematic bias between the two methods for DHA and total omega-3 PUFAs intake, whilst a quartile analysis assigned 73.3% of the subjects into the same quartile.

    Conclusion: The FFQ was found to be valid in estimating DHA intake among Malay school children, and it is recommended that its validity be tested on other ethnic population groups.
  3. Fatin Hanani Mazri, Suzana Shahar, Nik Ritza Kosai, Mohd Azahadi Omar, Nilsiswati Ramilis, Rajan, Reynu
    Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(4):423-433.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: A retrospective study was conducted with the aim of determining
    the factors that affect weight loss among post-bariatric surgery patients. Methods:
    A successful weight loss outcome in this study was defined as achieving at
    least 50% excess weight loss (EWL). Eligible participants were those who had
    undergone bariatric surgery at least two years prior to the study. Adherence to
    lifestyle recommendations post-bariatric surgery, binge eating, depression, and
    social support were assessed. Results: A total of 51 post-bariatric surgery patients
    were recruited with a mean post-operative period of 3.2±0.7 years. The mean preoperative weight of 116.6±28.8 kg and body mass index (BMI) 45.2±8.8 kg/m2 were
    significantly reduced to 86.6±21.0 kg and 33.6±6.7 kg/m2, respectively, during
    follow-up (p
  4. Suzana Shahar, NurZetty Sofia Zainuddin, Hasnah Haron, Nik Shanita Safii, Mohd Azahadi Omar
    Malays J Nutr, 2018;24(2):163-174.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Sugar is widely consumed and excessive intake has been associated
    with increased risk of weight gain, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases,
    leading to metabolic syndrome (MetSyn). However, the association between sugar
    intake and MetSyn has seldom been studied among multi-ethnic Malaysian older
    adults.

    Methods: A total of 1,057 respondents aged ≥60 years were recruited through
    multistage random sampling from selected states. Anthropometric parameters, blood
    pressure, blood test for sugar and lipid profile were determined. Dietary intake was
    derived using a 7-day dietary history questionnaire (DHQ) and a semi-quantitative
    food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for added sugar intake.

    Results: Prevalence of
    MetSyn was 39.9%, 30.9% and 42.2% using the harmonised definition, International
    Diabetes Federation (IDF) and National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult
    Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) definitions respectively. Mean total sugar intake
    was 40.5±32.0 g (8 tsp) and added sugar intake was 33.0±31.0 g (6 tsp). Excessive
    added sugar consumption at 100th percentile increased risks of high total cholesterol
    by two-fold (p
  5. Bahanordin, J., Md Anuar, Abd.S., Roslan Johari, M.G., Teng, S.C., Mohd Azahadi, O., Siti Zubaidah, A.
    Journal of Health Management, 2012;10(1):30-36.
    MyJurnal
    Purpose – Evidences have shown that participation in a cardiac rehabilitation programme improves outcomes and quality of life for cardiac patients. Hospital Serdang has conducted this programme since 2007 and it is the first to be run by the Rehabilitation Medicine Department. The purpose of this survey is to find out whether the programme is suitable, informative and useful from the patient’s perspective as well as to determine whether the 6 weeks duration is sufficient.

    Design/ methodology/approach - A patient feedback survey using a self-administered questionnaire on the programme was conducted from January 2008 to December 2010 in Hospital Serdang.

    Findings - A total of 323 patients were invited to join the programme but only 182 completed the programme and took part in this survey. 30% of the patients thought that the six weeks programme was not enough for them. 100% of the respondents agreed that the programme was beneficial, well suited to their problems and were willing to promote the programme to their friends. Therefore, it is recommended that this programme be extended to the community level.

    Conclusion - In conclusion, this programme is beneficial, suitable, informative and adequate from the patient’s point of view. Extension of this programme into the community as a continuation of the hospital-based programme is likely to improve the outcome further.
  6. Viswanathan S, Schee JP, Omar MA, Hiew FL
    Ther Apher Dial, 2021 Aug;25(4):513-532.
    PMID: 33029928 DOI: 10.1111/1744-9987.13595
    Evidence on the benefits of intermittent therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) as maintenance therapy in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is limited. This study explores the possible effectiveness of sequential intermittent therapeutic plasma exchange (SITPE), a novel TPE protocol in the management of adult NMOSD patients. Through retrospective review of medical records in Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Malaysia, NMOSD patients who underwent SITPE, namely, an induction phase of monthly cycle of TPE (1 cycle = five exchange sessions) for three cycles with or without a subsequent maintenance phase of three-monthly cycle of TPE for three cycles, were included in this controlled historical cohort study. We explored their serial improvements in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), limb power, visual acuity, and annualized relapse rate following SITPE initiation. Statistical significance was set at P 
  7. Cheah YK, Kee CC, Lim KH, Omar MA
    Pediatr Neonatol, 2021 11;62(6):628-637.
    PMID: 34353744 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2021.05.025
    BACKGROUND: Mental health disorders are highly correlated with risk behaviors. The objective of the present study is to examine the relationship between risk behaviors and mental health among school-going students with a focus on ethnic minorities.

    METHODS: The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2017 (n = 8230) was used for analyses. It was a nationwide survey conducted in Malaysia. The dependent variables were measured by three risk behaviors (cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and use of illicit drugs). Probit regressions were utilized to examine the effect of mental health on the probability of smoking, drinking and using illicit drugs. Demographic and lifestyle factors were used as the control variables. Truancy was identified as a mediating variable.

    RESULTS: Anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation affected cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and use of illicit drugs through mediation of truancy. After controlling for demographic and lifestyle factors, students with anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation were more likely to smoke, drink and use illicit drugs compared with their peers without any mental health disorders. Furthermore, the likelihood of consuming cigarettes, alcohol and illicit drugs was found to be higher among students who played truant than those who did not.

    CONCLUSION: Mental health plays an important role in determining participation in risk behaviors among ethnic minority students in Malaysia. Public health administrators and schools have to be aware that students who suffer from mental health disorders are likely to indulge in risk behaviors.

  8. Ibrahim A, Singh DKA, Shahar S, Omar MA
    J Multidiscip Healthc, 2017;10:409-416.
    PMID: 29138571 DOI: 10.2147/JMDH.S142520
    Background: Early detection of falls risk among older adults using simple tools may assist in fall prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to identify the best parameters associated with previous falls, either the timed up and go (TUG) test combined with sociodemographic factors and a self-rated multifactorial questionnaire (SRMQ) on falls risk or the TUG on its own. Falls risk was determined based on parameters associated with previous falls.

    Design: This was a retrospective cohort study.

    Setting: The study was conducted in a community setting.

    Participants: The participants were 1,086 community-dwelling older adults, with mean age of 69.6±5.6 years. Participants were categorized into fallers and nonfallers based on their history of falls in the past 12 months.

    Method: Participants' sociodemographic data was taken, and SRMQ consisting of five falls-related questions was administered. Participants performed the TUG test twice, and the mean was taken as the result.

    Results: A total of 161 participants were categorized as fallers (14.8%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the model (χ(2)(6)=61.0, p<0.001, Nagelkerke R(2)=0.10) consisting of the TUG test, sociodemographic factors (gender, cataract/glaucoma and joint pain), as well as the SRMQ items "previous falls history" (Q1) and "worried of falls" (Q5), was more robust in terms of falls risk association compared to that with TUG on its own (χ(2)(1)=10.3, p<0.001, Nagelkerke R(2)=0.02).

    Conclusion: Combination of sociodemographic factors and SRMQ with TUG is more favorable as an initial falls risk screening tool among community-dwelling older adults. Subsequently, further comprehensive falls risk assessment may be performed in clinical settings to identify the specific impairments for effective management.

  9. Rashidah Ambak, Balkish Mahadir Naidu, Mohd Azahadi Omar, Nor Azian Mohd Zaki, Syafinaz Mohd Sallehuddin, Tahir Aris
    Int J Public Health Res, 2014;4(2):449-456.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction Food labeling regulation has been implemented to enable consumers, including those with chronic diseases to make healthy informed choices before purchasing pre-packaged foods. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of obese adults in Malaysia who practice reading food labels. It explored types of labels read and understanding of the information.
    Methods Findings presented in this study were captured from the secondary analysis of National Health and Morbidity Survey’s (NHMS, 2006) food label study which focused only on obese adults (BMI > 30 kg/m2) aged 18 and above. This nation-wide cross sectional study was conducted from April to August 2006 using an interview-based questionnaire. Complex data analysis was done using Stata version 12.0.
    Results There were 4565 obese respondents with the mean age of 33 ± 9.7 (18-60 years old). About 54.7% completed high-school and 9.9% were higher degree
    holders. Prevalence of obese adults who claimed to read label was 80.5% (95%CI: 79.3, 81.6). Findings showed significant results in reading and understanding labels among all age group categories, Malay, Indian and other Bumiputras, all education categories and married respondents. Expiry date was the highest percentage being read (74.5%), followed by fat content (15.3%), vitamin (11.8%) and carbohydrate (10.9%).
    Conclusions The obese population in Malaysia claimed to read and understand the food label but did not focus on specific macronutrients related to their health
    condition. Findings can be used to implement effective education programmes targeting the relevant groups to instill an awareness to read, understand and use the label information as one of the means in combating obesity.
    Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2006)
  10. Teh, C.Y., Yeo, P.S., Chan, Y.Y., Lim, K.K., Kee, C.C., Azli, B., et al.
    Malays J Nutr, 2014;20(2):221-235.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Hypercholesterolemia is an important modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease. Lifestyle changes in diet and physical activity can improve cholesterol levels. This study aimed to compare the fruits and vegetables (FV) intake and physical activity (PA) between hypercholesterolemic adults and non- hypercholesterolemic adults in Malaysia, and to investigate factors associated with meeting the recommended levels of FV intake and PA in a hyper- cholesterolemic population. Methods: This study was based on 17,988 participants (response rate 98.7%) aged 18 years and above who responded to the hypercholesterolemia questionnaire in the 2011 Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), a cross-sectional study with two-stage stratified sampling design. Data were obtained by trained enumerators via face-to-face interviews and were analysed by descriptive analysis, chi-square test, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Out of the total population assessed, 39.0% had hypercholesterolemia. The prevalence of consuming five or more servings of FV per day is low (7.8%) while 36.0% were physically inactive among the hypercholesterolemic adults. No significant differences were observed in FV intake and PA between hypercholesterolemic and non-hypercholesterolemic populations. Gender, age and educational levels were associated with FV intake and PA among hypercholesterolemic adults. Hypercholesterolemic adults who were underweight or obese were less likely to consume FV, while those who were former smokers and those who had diabetes and heart disease were less likely to be physically active. Conclusion: These findings are relevant for future health promotion strategies, suggesting that more intensive interventions are needed to increase FV intake and PA level in hypercholesterolemic population and in the general population.
    Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2011)
  11. Nazirah Alias, Mohd Azahadi Omar, Shubash Shander Ganapathy, Mohamad Fuad Mohamad Anuar, Chandrika Jeevananthan, Fazila Haryati Ahmad, et al.
    Int J Public Health Res, 2019;9(2):1108-1116.
    MyJurnal
    Substantial advances on the life expectancy have been achieved in Malaysia over the past few decades. It is essential that elderly lead a healthier old age which leans towards successful aging. Thus, this study describes the major causes of premature mortality among the elderly population in Malaysia, 2014.
  12. Nor Azian Mohd Zaki, Norhafizah Sahril, Mohd Azahadi Omar, Muhammad Hasnan Ahmad, Azli Baharudin, Noor Safiza Mohd Nor
    Int J Public Health Res, 2016;6(1):670-676.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction Physical activity assessment in children is the first step in assessing the
    relationship between activity and health, as well as the determinants of
    childhood physical activity and changes in activity level.Physical Activity
    Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) is self- administered
    questionnaire to assess physical activity among older children. The objective
    of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of Physical Activity
    Questionnaire for Older Children in Malay language PAQ-C (M).

    Methods The validation study was done among 73 students aged 10 to 17 years old.
    The PAQ-C was translated into Malay language using forward and backward
    translation. The evaluation of the psychometric properties included internal
    consistency, test-retest reliability and criterion validity. Reliability of PAQ-C
    (M) was determined using Cronbach alpha and intra-class correlation
    coefficient (ICC). The PAQ-C (M) was administered twice in one week
    interval to assess test-retest reliability. Criterion validity was assessed
    between PAQ-C (M) and 3 Day Physical Activity Recall (3DPAR).

    Results The internal consistency of PAQ-C (M) assessment calculated in this study
    was α = 0.75 and α = 0.77 for assessments one and two, respectively. The
    ICC between individual items of PAQ-C (M) was 0.59 to 0.91, indicating
    moderate to good correlation. The Spearmen correlation coefficient between
    PAQ-C (M) and 3DPARwas acceptable (r=0.60, p
  13. Hasimah Ismail, Mohd Azahadi Omar, Tahir Aris, Rashidah Ambak, Mohammad Fadhli Mohd Yusoff, Lim, Kuang Kuay, et al.
    Int J Public Health Res, 2016;6(1):677-684.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing worldwide
    and many of these affected individuals remain unidentified. Undiagnosed
    T2DM may impose substantial public health implications because these
    individuals remain untreated and at risk for complications. The objective of
    this study was to determine the national prevalence of undiagnosed T2DM
    and to identify the associated risk factors.

    Methods A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted involving 17,783
    respondents. Two-stage stratified sampling design was used to select a
    representative sample of the Malaysian adult population. Structured
    validated questionnaires with face to face interviews were used to obtain
    data. Respondents, who claimed that they were not having diabetes, were
    then asked to perform a fasting blood glucose finger-prick test by Accutrend
    GC machine.

    Results The prevalence of undiagnosed T2DM was 8.9% (n=1587). The highest
    percentage of undiagnosed T2DM was found among males (10.2%), 55-59
    years old (13.4%), highest education attainers of primary school (11.1%),
    Indians (10.3%), married (10.3%), working (8.9%) and living in the urban
    areas (9.2%). Multivariate analyses showed that factors associated with
    undiagnosed T2DM were gender, age group, ethnicity, marital status, obesity
    and hypertension.

    Conclusion This study found an increasing trend of undiagnosed T2DM in Malaysia
    compared to 2006. This finding is alarming as risk factors associated with
    undiagnosed diabetes were related to most of the socio-demographic factors
    studied. Therefore, early diabetic screening is crucial especially among adults
    aged 30 and above to prevent more serious complications of this disease.
  14. Nik Nur Izzati Nik Mohd Fakhruddin, Suzana Shahar, Roslee Rajikan, Mohd Azahadi Omar, Normah Che Din, Rosdinom Razali, et al.
    Malays J Nutr, 2019;25(1):47-57.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: This study aimed to identify dietary patterns (DPs) and their
    association with successful aging (SA). Methods: A comparative cross-sectional
    study was conducted among 579 elderly subjects recruited from four states in
    Malaysia through a multistage random sampling method. SA was defined as having
    no chronic illnesses, no functional limitation, normal global function, no depression,
    a good quality of life and good self-perceived health. Information on dietary intake was
    obtained using a diet history questionnaire. Cognitive functions were assessed using
    the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), depressive symptoms using Geriatric
    Depression Score-15 items (GDS-15) and a question regarding their perceived health
    and quality of life. Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily
    Living (IADL) questionnaires were used to determine functional status. DPs were
    obtained using the principal component analysis (PCA) approach. An ordinal logistic
    regression model was used to examine associations between DP scores and SA.
    Results: Five DPs were identified namely ‘sweet foods-beverages’, ‘meat-vegetablesrice and noodles’, ‘local snacks-fish and seafood-high salt foods’, ‘fruits-legumes’, and
    ‘tropical fruits-oats’. A higher score for ‘tropical fruits-oats’ DP was associated with
    SA [Adjusted OR=1.59 (95% CI: 1.08-2.32)]. However, the association diminished
    when the model was adjusted for education level. Further analysis indicated that
    this DP increased the chance of SA among those with secondary education and above
    [Adjusted OR=2.43 (95% CI: 1.09–5.42)]. Conclusion: ‘Tropical fruits-oats’ DP is
    associated with SA among elderly with secondary education and above. There is a
    need to investigate DPs among those with lower education.
  15. Zunaidah Abu Samah, Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh, Resshaya Roobini Murukesu, Nor Azlin Mohd Nordin, Suzana Shahar, Mohd Azahadi Omar, et al.
    Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:2769-2776.
    Falls are a public health concern among older adults. There is a need to take significant measures such as screening for the risk of a fall as a means of prevention and management. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine discriminative and predictive ability of physical performance measures in identifying the risk of fall among Malaysian community dwelling older adults. Three hundred twenty-five Malaysian community dwelling older adults aged 60 years and above (67.67+ 5.5 years) participated in this study. This study was a part of a larger longitudinal study ‘LRGS TUA’. Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA), a comprehensive tool for quantifying risk of fall was used as a standard measure of comparison to 6 Meter Gait Speed (GS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Walking While Talking (WWT) tests to establish discriminative and predictive ability. Participants recorded incidence of falls in a ‘falls diary’ over a span of six months. To determine the optimum cut off scores of the test identified to classify fall risk, receiver operator curves (ROC) were used and its sensitivity and specificity were calculated. A significant mean difference between fallers and non-fallers was demonstrated only with TUG test (p<0.05). TUG test cut off score in discriminating older adults at risk of fall was established at eight seconds, with a sensitivity and specificity of 83.95% and 32.4%, respectively, in this study. Eighty-four percent older adults who experienced a fall in our study were identified to be at risk of fall when screened using this TUG cut off score. Our study results suggested TUG test to be an optimal screening tool for risk of fall among community dwelling older adults.
  16. Ho BK, Kaur J, Nainu BM, Omar MA, Saleh M, Yau WK, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Aug;68(4):332-7.
    PMID: 24145262 MyJurnal
    INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with the awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among the elderly population in Malaysia.
    METHODS: Analysis of secondary data from a cross-sectional national population based survey using stratified multistage sampling conducted from April to August 2006 throughout Malaysia National Health and Morbidity Survey III (NHMS III). Adults aged 60 and older who had participated in the survey were included in the study.
    RESULTS: A total of 4954 respondents (14.3%) were elderly from the 34,539 respondents aged 18 years and above for hypertension module in NHMS III. A total of 4933 elderly had their blood pressure examined (giving a response rate of 99.6%). The overall prevalence of hypertension among elderly was 74.0%, more in elderly female (77.4%) than men (70.1%). Only 49.3% of them were aware of their hypertensive status, 42.4% were currently treated and 22.6% of those being treated were under control. The results of multiple logistic regression showed factors associated with higher awareness and treatment rates were similar i.e. females, young-old age group (age 60-74), urban residents, Chinese ethnic group and higher education. For those elderly who were on treatment, determinants associated with controlled hypertension were Chinese and Indians ethnic groups and higher educational level.
    CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of hypertension among the elderly in Malaysia but with poor awareness, treatment and control rate. Reliable information on these aspects is important for the development of patient education programs, health policies to improve disease management and overall health care resource allocation especially among the elderly in Malaysia.
    Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2006)
  17. Khoo TB, Kassim AB, Omar MA, Hasnan N, Amin RM, Omar Z, et al.
    Disabil Rehabil, 2009;31(21):1753-61.
    PMID: 19479558 DOI: 10.1080/09638280902751964
    To determine the magnitude and impact of physical disability on Malaysian school-aged children between 7 and less than 18 years old.
  18. Hussin NM, Shahar S, Yahya HM, Din NC, Singh DKA, Omar MA
    BMC Public Health, 2019 Aug 22;19(1):1159.
    PMID: 31438929 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7508-4
    BACKGROUND: Limited information is available from longitudinal studies regarding the predictors and incidence of MCI in older Asian adults. Thus, a community-based longitudinal study was conducted to determine the incidence of MCI among multi-ethnic older adults in Malaysia. The role of health and lifestyle as predictors of MCI was also examined.

    METHODS: Analysis of data obtained from the Towards Useful Aging (TUA) study (2014-2016), wave 1 (baseline) and wave 2 (1½ years of follow-up) was conducted. For the baseline, comprehensive, interview-based questionnaires were administered to 1227 subjects who were 60 years old and above. MCI is a unique transitional state between normal ageing and dementia. MCI characteristics include a decline and disturbance of cognition, minimal impairment of complex activities, ability to perform regular daily functions, and absence of dementia. The incidence of MCI was assessed using comprehensive neuropsychological batteries. The study then performed a logistic regression analysis to examine the effect of each possible predictor of MCI. This analysis began with univariate analyses and a separate review of the effect of every variable. Binary logistic analyses followed hereafter.

    RESULTS: During the follow-up after 1½ years, 179 (14.6%) of the participants who did not exhibit MCI at baseline were observed to have developed MCI. Among the participants who did not exhibit MCI at baseline, the incidence rate was 10.5 per 100 person-years. Male sex and lack of engagement in mental activities were predictors of MCI among participants without MCI at baseline.

    CONCLUSION: After the 1½-year follow-up, the incidence rate for MCI was considerably high among the respondents. Being male and being less engaged in mental activities were predictors of the occurrence of MCI. Mental activities need to be promoted for the prevention of MCI incidence among older adults.

  19. Hussin NM, Shahar S, Din NC, Singh DKA, Chin AV, Razali R, et al.
    Aging Clin Exp Res, 2019 Feb;31(2):215-224.
    PMID: 30062670 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-018-1007-9
    BACKGROUND: Multimorbidity in older adults needs to be assessed as it is a risk factor for disability, cognitive decline, and mortality.

    AIMS: A community-based longitudinal study was performed to determine the incidence and to identify possible predictors of multimorbidity among multiethnic older adults population in Malaysia.

    METHODS: Comprehensive interview-based questionnaires were administered among 729 participants aged 60 years and above. Data were analyzed from the baseline data of older adults participating in the Towards Useful Aging (TUA) study (2014-2016) who were not affected by multimorbidity (349 without any chronic diseases and 380 with one disease). Multimorbidity was considered present in an individual reporting two or more chronic diseases.

    RESULTS: After 1½ years of follow-up, 18.8% of participants who were initially free of any diseases and 40.9% of those with one disease at baseline, developed multimorbidity. The incidence rates were 13.7 per 100 person-years and 34.2 per 100 person-years, respectively. Female gender, smoking, and irregular preparing of food (lifestyle) were predictors for incidence of multimorbidity, especially in those without any disease, while Body Mass Index (BMI) 22-27 kg/m2 and inadequate daily intake of iron were identified as predictors of multimorbidity among participants who already have one disease.

    CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rates of multimorbidity among Malaysian older adults were between the ranges of 14-34 per 100 person-years at a 1½-year follow-up. Gender, smoking, BMI 22-27 kg/m2, inadequate daily intake of iron and lack of engagement in leisure or lifestyle physical activities were possible predictors in the development of multimorbidity. There is a need to formulate effective preventive management strategies to decelerate multimorbidity among older adults.

  20. Cheah YK, Syed Anera SN, Kee CC, Lim KH, Omar MA
    Hypertens Res, 2022 Feb 16.
    PMID: 35173284 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-022-00858-8
    The prevalence of high sodium-related diseases is increasing across the globe. Knowledge plays an important role in disease prevention. The objective of the present study was to examine sociodemographic factors associated with knowledge of high sodium-related diseases. The Malaysian Community Salt Survey (MyCoSS) was used in the present study for secondary analyses. It is a nationwide cross-sectional survey that was conducted in Malaysia. A non-parametric test to evaluate trends and a negative binomial regression were utilised to assess knowledge of high sodium-related diseases. Income, educational level, gender, ethnicity, house locality and hypertension were found to be significantly associated with knowledge of high sodium-related diseases. In particular, higher income earners, well-educated people, women, Malays, urban dwellers and hypertensive adults were more likely to have acquired a lot of knowledge of high sodium-related diseases compared to that acquired by lower income earners, less-educated people, men, individuals of other ethnic groups, rural dwellers and nonhypertensive adults. In conclusion, sociodemographic factors and hypertension play an important role in knowledge acquired about high sodium-related diseases. The findings of the present study could inform a future policy directed towards increasing knowledge about high sodium-related diseases among the population in Malaysia.
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