METHODS: Out of the 7247 students in the ten selected schools studied, a total of 6248 students (2928 males, 3320 females) took part. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted odd ratio.
RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 16.0% and 11.5% respectively. Obesity/overweight was significantly (p<0.05) associated with gender, age, ethnicity, education level of father, education level of mother, physical activity, disordered eating, smoking status, body size perception and body part satisfaction. The multivariable analysis results showed that the odds of being overweight/obesity were higher in males compared to females (OR 1.56, 95%CI: 1.37, 1.77). The results also showed that the odds of being overweight/obesity were highest among those in age group 12 and 13 years and among Malay ethnicity. The odds of overweight/obesity were higher in those who was dissatisfied with their body parts, (OR 1.96, 95%CI: 1.71, 2.25), dissatisfied with their body size (OR: 4.25, 95%CI: 3.60, 5.02), low physical activity (OR 1.23, 95%CI: 1.06, 1.44), current smokers (OR 1.38, 95%CI: 1.07, 1.78) and at risk of having eating disorder (OR: 1.39, 95%CI 1.22, 1.59).
CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity is high. The findings from this study can be used by policy makers to plan an integrated intervention program in schools.
METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 1,315 antenatal records of mothers with singleton pregnancies from eight health clinics of a district in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia who delivered between 1st January 2016-31st December 2017 were analyzed. Data extracted from the records were socio-demographic, anthropometric, obstetrical, and clinical data. Hb levels were extracted at booking (<14 weeks) and second trimester (14-28 weeks). Change in Hb was determined by subtracting the Hb level in the second trimester from the booking Hb level and was categorized as decreased, unchanged, and increased Hb. The associations between maternal Hb levels and their changes with GDM risk were analyzed using multiple regression, adjusting for covariates in four different models. Model 1: maternal age and height. Model 2: covariates of Model 1 added with parity, history of GDM, and family history of diabetes. Model 3: covariates of Model 2 added with iron supplementation at booking. Model 4: covariates of Model 3 added with Hb level at booking.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: Unchanged Hb level from booking to second trimester was significantly associated with GDM risk in Model 1 (AOR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.20, 5.44; p
DESIGN: Data on sociodemographic background were obtained from parents. Height and weight were measured and BMI-for-age was determined. Adolescents were interviewed on their habitual dietary intakes using a semi-quantitative FFQ. Cognitive ability was assessed using the Wechsler Nonverbal Scale of Ability in a one-to-one manner. Dietary patterns were constructed using principal component analysis based on thirty-eight food groups of the semi-quantitative FFQ.
SETTING: Urban secondary public schools in the district of Gombak in Selangor, Malaysia.
SUBJECTS: Malay adolescents aged 12 to 13 years (n 416).
RESULTS: The mean general cognitive ability score was 101·8 (sd 12·4). Four major dietary patterns were identified and labelled as 'refined-grain pattern', 'snack-food pattern', 'plant-based food pattern' and 'high-energy food pattern'. These dietary patterns explained 39·1 % of the variance in the habitual dietary intakes of the adolescents. The refined-grain pattern was negatively associated with processing speed, which is a construct of general cognitive ability. The high-energy food pattern was negatively associated with general cognitive ability, perceptual reasoning and processing speed. Monthly household income and parents' educational attainment were positively associated with all of the cognitive measures. In multivariate analysis, only the high-energy food pattern was found to contribute significantly towards general cognitive ability after controlling for socio-economic status.
CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of foods in the high-energy food pattern contributed towards general cognitive ability after controlling for socio-economic status. However, the contribution was small.