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  1. Fulltext Comparison of physical activity prevalence among international physical activity questionnaire (ipaq), steps/day, and accelerometer in a sample of government employees in Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
    Hazizi, A. S., Zahratul Nur, K., Mohd Nasir, M. T., Zaitun, Y., Tabata, I.
    Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2014;22(2):401-417.
    MyJurnal
    The aim of this study was to compare physical activity prevalence estimates among the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), steps/day, and accelerometer in a sample of government employees in Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia. Ten government agencies in Kangar were randomly chosen, and all employees were invited to participate. A self-administered questionnaire was employed to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics and a physical activity assessment using the IPAQ. Anthropometric measurements, which include measurements of weight, height, body mass index, percent body fat, waist and hip circumference, were carried out. An accelerometer was used to assess total daily energy expenditure and the number of steps/day. A total of 272 respondents were involved in this study with a response rate of 83.2%. According to IPAQ, accelerometer and steps/day, the majority of the respondents (22.0%, 55.1%, and 77.6%, respectively) were classified as sedentary. The agreement between physical activity level as determined by the accelerometer vs. the IPAQ (Kappa=-0.46 {95% CI -0.384,-0.536}, p=0.238) and the IPAQ vs. steps/day (Kappa =0.037 {95% CI 0.090,-0.016}, p=0.175) was not significant, but the agreement between physical activity level as determined by the accelerometer vs. steps/day was classified as fair (Kappa=0.296 (95% CI 0.392, 0.200}, p
  2. Fulltext Nutritional status and the use of protease inhibitors among Hiv-infected children in Klang Valley, Malaysia
    Mohd. Nasir, M. T., Yeo, J., Huang, M. S. L., Koh, M. T., Kamarul Azhar, R., Khor, G. L.
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2011;7(2):73-79.
    MyJurnal
    This study determined the association between nutritional status and the use of protease inhibitors (PI)
    containing regimen among HIV-infected children receiving treatment at the referral centres in Klang
    Valley. A total of 95 children currently on antiretroviral (ARV) therapy, aged one to eighteen years, were recruited using purposive sampling. Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, medical history, were collected using a structured questionnaire. Serum micronutrients levels and lipid profile were also examined using blood samples. Mean age was 8.8 3.9 years and 44.2% were on PI. Age ( 2 = 10.351, p = .006), weight-for-age ( 2 = 6.567, p = .010), serum selenium ( 2 = 4.225, p = .040) and HDL-C ( 2 = 7.539, p = .006) were significantly associated with the use of PI. Fewer children on PI were deficient in selenium as compared to those not on PI. On the contrary, more children on PI were underweight and had low HDL-C. The use of PI was found to have both positive and negative effects with better selenium level but poorer HDL-C level and weight status.
  3. Fulltext Physical activity, eating behaviour and body image perception among young adolescents in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
    Farah Wahida Z, Mohd Nasir MT, Hazizi AS
    Malays J Nutr, 2011 Dec;17(3):325-36.
    PMID: 22655454 MyJurnal
    A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine physical activity, eating behaviour, body weight management knowledge, perception of body image and their association with body weight status of adolescents.
  4. Fulltext Familial and socio-environmental predictors of overweight and obesity among primary school children in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur
    Serene TE, Shamarina S, Mohd NM
    Malays J Nutr, 2011 Aug;17(2):151-62.
    PMID: 22303570 MyJurnal
    A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the familial and socio-environmental predictors of overweight and obesity among 1430, 9-12 year-old primary school children and their parents in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
  5. Fulltext The prevalence of MTHFR 677C-->T missense mutation, total plasma homocysteine levels and associated risk factors in Malay subjects
    Ling KH, Rosli R, Duraisamy G, Mohd Nasir MT
    Med J Malaysia, 2003 Jun;58(2):243-54.
    PMID: 14569745
    The missense mutation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene 677C-->T is associated with modest elevation of homocysteine levels. The bio-ecogenetics factors of total homocysteine levels (tHcy) were investigated in a cross sectional study involving 53 randomly selected healthy Malay subjects. Results indicated that the prevalence of the homozygous 677T/T was 3.8% and heterozygous 677C/T was 17.0%. The levels of tHcy was higher in subjects aged more than 50 years (n = 7, 11.53 +/- 4.45 mumol/l) and in males (10.99 +/- 3.77 mumol/l) especially smoking males (12.19 +/- 3.62 mumol/l). THcy levels were low in the 3 pregnant subjects (4.44 mumol/l, p = 0.036) who were under folate supplementation.
  6. Fulltext Differences in eating behaviours, dietary intake and body weight status between male and female Malaysian University students
    Gan WY, Mohd NM, Zalilah MS, Hazizi AS
    Malays J Nutr, 2011 Aug;17(2):213-28.
    PMID: 22303575 MyJurnal
    INTRODUCTION: University students are potentially important targets for the promotion of healthy lifestyles as this may reduce the risks of lifestyle-related disorders later in life. This cross-sectional study examined differences in eating behaviours, dietary intake, weight status, and body composition between male and female university students.
    METHODOLOGY: A total of 584 students (59.4% females and 40.6% males) aged 20.6 +/- 1.4 years from four Malaysian universities in the Klang Valley participated in this study. Participants completed the Eating Behaviours Questionnaire and two-day 24-hour dietary recall. Body weight, height, waist circumference and percentage of body fat were measured.
    RESULTS: About 14.3% of males and 22.4% of females were underweight, while 14.0% of males and 12.3% of females were overweight and obese. A majority of the participants (73.8% males and 74.6% females) skipped at least one meal daily in the past seven days. Breakfast was the most frequently skipped meal. Both males and females frequently snacked during morning tea time. Fruits and biscuits were the most frequently consumed snack items. More than half of the participants did not meet the Malaysian Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) for energy, vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, iron (females only), and calcium. Significantly more males than females achieved the RNI levels for energy, protein and iron intakes.
    CONCLUSION: This study highlights the presence of unhealthy eating behaviours, inadequate nutrient intake, and a high prevalence of underweight among university students. Energy and nutrient intakes differed between the sexes. Therefore, promoting healthy eating among young adults is crucial to achieve a healthy nutritional status.
  7. Fulltext Determination of factors associated with physical activity levels among adolescents attending school in Kuantan, Malaysia
    Dan SP, Mohd NM, Zalilah MS
    Malays J Nutr, 2011 Aug;17(2):175-87.
    PMID: 22303572 MyJurnal
    Introduction: Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey III (MOH, 2008) indicate a 43.7% prevalence of physical inactivity among Malaysian adults. This sedentary lifestyle can also be observed among children and adolescents.
    Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine factors associated with physical activity levels of four hundred, 13 year-old adolescents in Kuantan, Pahang. Data on socio-demographic, health-related, and psychosocial factors were collected using a self-administered questionnaire while physical activity level was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C).
    Results: About one-third of the respondents were in the low physical activity level category, 61.5% were in the moderate category and only 3.0% of the adolescents were in the high physical activity level category. Males were more physically active than females (χ2=23.667, p=0.0001) with female adolescents (45.1%) twice as likely as male adolescents (22.1%) to be in the low physical activity level category. The associations between physical activity level with socio-demographic and health-related factors, perception of weight status and body parts satisfaction were not significant. However, physical activity was found to be positively correlated with physical activity self-efficacy (r=0.496,p=0.0001), peer influence (r=0.468, p=0.0001), family influence (r=0.298, p=0.0001) and beliefs in physical activity outcomes (r=0.207, p=0.0001). Negative relationships were found between physical activity with depression (r=-0.116, p=0.021) and body size discrepancy (r=-0.143, p<0.01). Respondents who had a better perception of their current health status were more physically active (χ2=21.062, p=0.0001). Multivariate analyses for the prediction of physical activity showed that physical activity self-efficacy, sex and peer influence were the most significant contributors in explaining physical activity among adolescents.
    Conclusion: Physical activity interventions should include psychosocial components as mediator variables in interventions designed to promote regular physical activity in adolescence.
    Key words: Adolescents, physical activity, psychosocial factors, health-related factors and socio-demographic factors
  8. Fulltext Validity and reliability of the Multidimensional Body Image Scale in Malaysian university students
    Gan WY, Mohd NM, Siti AH, Zalilah MS
    Malays J Nutr, 2012 Dec;18(3):295-306.
    PMID: 24568070 MyJurnal
    This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Multidimensional Body Image Scale (MBIS), a seven-factor, 62-item scale developed for Malaysian female adolescents. This scale was evaluated among male and female Malaysian university students.
  9. Fulltext Sex and ethnic differentials in physical activity levels of adolescents in kuantan
    Dan SP, Mohd Nasir MT, Zalilah MS
    Malays J Nutr, 2007 Sep;13(2):109-20.
    PMID: 22691749 MyJurnal
    A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the physical activity levels of 400 adolescents (13 years old) in Kuantan, Pahang using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). The associations of physical activity levels with sex, ethnicity and body mass index were also determined. About one third (35.3%) of the adolescents were in the low physical activity level category, 61.5% in the moderate physical activity level and only 3.0% of the adolescents were in the high physical activity level category. More males (77.9%) were physically active than females (54.9%). Twice as many female adolescents (45.1%) were in the low physical activity level category compared to the male adolescents (22.1%). The associations between physical activity with ethnicity and body mass index were not significant. However, there was a significant interaction effect of sex and ethnicity in mean physical activity score (F = 2.36, p<0.01). Malay males had a significantly higher mean physical activity score as compared to Chinese males (t=2.13; p<0.05). Although Chinese females had a higher mean physical activity score than Malay females, the difference was not statistically significant. Conversely, there was no interaction effect of sex and BMI status in mean physical activity score. This study suggests that physical activity intervention to promote regular physical activity is needed since a high proportion of the adolescents fall within the low physical activity level category.
  10. Fulltext A Qualitative Study on Coping Strategies among Women from Food Insecurity Households in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan
    Norhasmah S, Zalilah MS, Mohd Nasir MT, Kandiah M, Asnarulkhadi AS
    Malays J Nutr, 2010 Apr;16(1):39-54.
    PMID: 22691852 MyJurnal
    Understanding the experiences of household food insecurity is essential for better measurement and assessment of its nutritional, physical and psychological consequences. This qualitative study explored coping strategies and their perceived severity in relation to household food insecurity. Women (n=57; 20-50 years old) from rural and urban areas in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan participated in this study. These women were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into two parts, that is, demographic and socio-economic information and women's experiences of coping with household food insecurity. Women were chosen since they were primarily responsible for food acquisition and preparation for the all household members. Thematic analysis was utilized in data analysis. Thematic analysis is a method for identifying, analysing and reporting patterns and themes of the qualitative data. Themes capture something important related to the study objectives and describe an integrating as well as relational idea from the data. Results showed that households displayed a variety of non-food related coping strategies and food-related coping strategies. Women's descriptions of non-food related coping strategies to food insecurity were categorised into five themes i.e. cloth purchasing behaviors, reduce school-going children's expenditure, delay the payment of bills, adjust lifestyle and increase cash and income earning. Food related coping strategies were categorised into four themes i.e. food stretching, food rationing, food seeking and food anxiety. Food stretching is a strategy of food insecurity that affects the quality of diet. Food rationing comprises coping strategies of food insecurity related to the quantity of food available for household's consumption. Food seeking is a strategy of acquiring food through socially unacceptable ways and food anxiety is a strategy that indicates households allocating money to buy staple food in order to prevent food insecurity. Each coping strategy showed a different level of perceived severity, that is, less severe, quite severe, severe and very severe. In conclusion, the qualitative data provide valuable information for understanding the experiences of food insecurity that can be used as a basis to develop direct indicators that can capture the core behaviours and their level of severity to measure household food insecurity.
  11. Fulltext Comparison of Food Choice Motives between Malay Husbands and Wives in an Urban Community
    Asma A, Nawalyah AG, Rokiah MY, Mohd Nasir MT
    Malays J Nutr, 2010 Apr;16(1):69-81.
    PMID: 22691854 MyJurnal
    The main objective of this study was to determine the motives underlying the selection of foods between husbands and wives in an urban community. Thiscross-sectional study was carried out in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia among 150 married couples aged 20 and above, who voluntarily agreed to participate and were not on any special diet. Data were collected using the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) which measured the health-related and non health related factor that influence people's food choices. It consisted of 36 items designed to assess the reported importance of nine factors: health, mood, convenience, sensory appeal, natural content, price, weight control, familiarity, and ethical concern. In this study, the FCQ was adapted and a new factor, religion (religious guidelines), was included. Demographic characteristics including age, occupation, education, household income and household size were also collected. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16. Results showed that 40.7% of husbands (mean age= 43.33 + 11.16 years) and 55.3% of wives (mean age= 41.28 + 10.93 years) perceived themselves as the main food shopper while 12.0% of the husbands and 85.3% of the wives perceived themselves as the main meal planner. Husbands rated religion as the most prominent factor in food choice motives with a mean average rating of 4.56 + 0.59 on a 5-point rating scale, followed by health and convenience factor. Meanwhile, the wives rated health as the most essential factor with mean average rating of 4.49 + 0.58, followed by religion and convenience factor. Sensory appeal, ethical concerns and familiarity were rated as the bottom three factors of food choice motives among these two groups. Price of foods was not considered as an important factor in making food choices for the subjects in this study. In conclusion, the husbands and wives of this urban community rated religion, health and convenience as the three most important food choice motives in food selection.
  12. Fulltext Socio-demographic and psychosocial factors associated with physical activity of working woman in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
    Siti Affira K, Mohd Nasir MT, Hazizi AS, Kandiah M
    Malays J Nutr, 2011 Dec;17(3):315-24.
    PMID: 22655453
    This study was conducted on 215 working women from four private corporate companies in a suburb in Malaysia to determine the factors related to their physical activity levels.
  13. Fulltext Nutritional status of children living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral (ARV) medication in the Klang Valley, Malaysia
    Mohd NM, Yeo J, Huang MS, Kamarul AM, Koh MT, Khor GL
    Malays J Nutr, 2011 Apr;17(1):19-30.
    PMID: 22135862 MyJurnal
    Nutrition and HIV are closely related. Any immune impairment as a result of HIV leads to malnutrition, which in turn, can also lead to reduced immunity, thus contributing to a more rapid progression to AIDS.
  14. Fulltext Accelerometer-determined physical activity level among government employees in Penang, Malaysia
    Hazizi AS, Aina MB, Mohd NM, Zaitun Y, Hamid JJ, Tabata I
    Malays J Nutr, 2012 Apr;18(1):57-66.
    PMID: 23713230 MyJurnal
    A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate accelerometer-determined physical activity level of 233 Malay government employees (104 men, 129 women) working in the Federal Government Building Penang, Malaysia.
  15. Effectiveness of physical activity intervention among government employees with metabolic syndrome
    Huei Phing C, Abu Saad H, Barakatun Nisak MY, Mohd Nasir MT
    J Exerc Sci Fit, 2017 Dec;15(2):55-62.
    PMID: 29541133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jesf.2017.07.003
    Background/Objective: Our study aimed to assess the effects of physical activity interventions via standing banners (point-of-decision prompt) and aerobics classes to promote physical activity among individuals with metabolic syndrome.

    Methods: We conducted a cluster randomized controlled intervention trial (16-week intervention and 8-week follow-up). Malaysian government employees in Putrajaya, Malaysia, with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned by cluster to a point-of-decision prompt group (n = 44), an aerobics group (n = 42) or a control group (n = 103) based on sample size calculation formula. Step counts were evaluated by Lifecorder e-STEP accelerometers for all participants. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the 'harmonizing' definition, in which individuals who have at least three of the five metabolic risk factors (waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose levels, systolic and diastolic blood pressure) will be classified as having metabolic syndrome. A total of 80% of the enrolled government employees with metabolic syndrome completed the programme. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows (version 20, SPSS, Chicago, IL).

    Results: There were significantly higher step counts on average in the aerobics group compared to the control group over assessments. Assessments at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up showed a significant difference in step counts between the intervention and control groups. The greatest reductions in the proportions of individuals with metabolic syndrome were observed in the aerobics group with a reduction of 79.4% in the post-intervention assessment compared to the assessment at baseline.

    Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that physical activity intervention via aerobics classes is an effective strategy for improving step counts and reducing the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.

  16. Fulltext Reliability and validity of Champion's Health Belief Model Scale for breast cancer screening among Malaysian women
    Parsa P, Kandiah M, Mohd Nasir MT, Hejar AR, Nor Afiah MZ
    Singapore Med J, 2008 Nov;49(11):897-903.
    PMID: 19037556
    Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Malaysian women, and the use of breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography remain low in Malaysia. Therefore, there is a need to develop a valid and reliable tool to measure the beliefs that influence breast cancer screening practices. The Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS) is a valid and reliable tool to measure beliefs about breast cancer and screening methods in the Western culture. The purpose of this study was to translate the use of CHBMS into the Malaysian context and validate the scale among Malaysian women.
  17. Fulltext Whole Grain Intakes in the Diets Of Malaysian Children and Adolescents--Findings from the MyBreakfast Study
    Ak N, Koo HC, Hamid Jan JM, Mohd Nasir MT, Tan SY, Appukutty M, et al.
    PLoS One, 2015;10(10):e0138247.
    PMID: 26473369 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138247
    Diets rich in whole grain are associated with several health benefits. Little is known however, about whole grain consumption patterns in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to assess whole grain intakes and dietary source in Malaysian children and adolescents.
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