Literature on Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and its impact has consistently focused on not only comorbidities but also homogenous and small populations. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and trends of primary GAD in a nation wide population based study in Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Version 5.0.0 (MINI) to ascertain GAD status of subjects. All Malaysian aged 16 years and above were eligible to participate from each of the house holds selected. Face to face interview was conducted. A total of 19193 participants were identified with 330 participants having primary GAD, thus giving the prevalence of primary GAD as 1.7%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age groups of 16-19 and 20-29 years were more likely to have primary GAD compared to those more than 60 years of age. Chinese participants were less likely to have primary GAD compared to Malay participants. Indian participants were more likely to have primary GAD compared to Malay participants. Single participants were more likely to have primary GAD compared to married participants while widow/widower/divorcee were more likely to have primary GAD compared to married participants. Those who were in the private sector, being self-employed, being a home maker/unpaid worker and retirees were more likely to have primary GAD compared to government/semi government participants. Multivariate analysis showed that gender, ethnicity and occupation were significantly associated with primary GAD.

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 Results: 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.

Diabetes mellitus is an important cardiovascular risk factor. The objective of this study was to provide population-based estimates on the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rate of diabetes among the older persons in Malaysia. Analysis of secondary data from a cross-sectional national population-based survey was done, which was conducted in 2011 throughout Malaysia. A total of 2764 respondents (15.5%) were older persons. The overall prevalence of diabetes among older persons was 34.4% in which 65.2% were aware of their diabetes status. Out of those who were aware, 87.5% had been treated. Only 21.8% of those treated had their diabetes controlled. The results of multiple logistic regression showed that the factors associated with higher awareness rates were women, Indians and higher income groups; factors associated with higher treatment rates were urban residents and those who were married and widow/widower/ divorcee. There was a high overall prevalence, awareness and treatment rate of diabetes among older persons in Malaysia but with suboptimal control rate.