Aim: This study aimed to determine the factors that influence perceived social support among older adults in Malaysia. Methods: We used the 11‐item Duke Social Support Index to assess perceived social support through a face‐to‐face interview. Higher scores indicate better social support. Linear regression analysis was carried out to determine the factors that influence perceived social support by adapting the conceptual model of social support determinants and its impact on health. Results: A total of 3959 respondents aged ≥60 years completed the Duke Social Support Index. The estimated mean Duke Social Support Index score was 27.65 (95% CI 27.36–27.95). Adjusted for confounders, the factors found to be significantly associated with social support among older adults were monthly income below RM1000 (−0.8502, 95% CI −1.3523, −0.3481), being single (−0.5360, 95% CI −0.8430, −0.2290), no depression/normal (2.2801, 95% CI 1.6666–2.8937), absence of activities of daily living (0.9854, 95% CI 0.5599–1.4109) and dependency in instrumental activities of daily living (−0.3655, 95% CI −0.9811, −0.3259). Conclusion: This study found that low income, being single, no depression, absence of activities of daily living and dependency in instrumental activities of daily living were important factors related to perceived social support among Malaysian older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 63–67.

Background: Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquito. Dengue has become an important public health problem worldwide. It affects tropical and subtropical regions around the world, predominantly in urban and semi urban areas. Dengue outbreaks characteristically have been associated with high rainfall as well as elevated temperatures and humidity. In Malaysia, dengue fever (DF) and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) have shown an increasing trend. This study aimed to map the spatial distributions of dengue cases in Putrajaya through integration of Geographical Information System (GIS) and spatial statistical analyses. Methodology: This study analysed 389 dengue cases from 2013 to 2014 in different precincts in Putrajaya. Data were collected from various government health agencies. Three spatial statistical analyses [Moran’s I, Average Nearest Neighbourhood (ANN) and Kernel Density estimation] were used to access spatial distribution cases. Results: Analysis showed dengue cases within the district were highly clustered and occurred at an average distance of 264.91 meters. Several locations especially residential areas had been identified as hot spots of dengue cases in the precinct by using kernel density es timation analysis. Conclusion: The study has shown that by integrating spatial analysis using GIS, it is possible to improve the understanding of the distribution of dengue cases within a particular area. GIS and spatial statistical analyses are important in guiding health agencies, epidemiologists, public health officers, town planners and relevant authorities in developing efficient control measures and contingency programmes in identifying and prioritizing their efforts in effective dengue control activities.

Introduction: Managing feeding problems and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a challenging process for professionals and parents especially if they become persistent and longstanding. The aim of the study was to assess the evidence on feeding problems and GI symptoms among primary school children with ASD. Methods: A scoping review using electronic journal databases, published reports and other types of publication in the last 10 years was conducted. Key terms were defined in the searches and a scoping review framework was used to chart the evidence on feeding problems and GI symptoms in children with ASD. Eighty three articles met the inclusion criteria and 50 articles were used in the review. Results: There is emerging literature reporting consistently on a wide spectrum of feeding problems and GI symptoms among children with ASD. In addition, there is little published literature reporting or investigating the impact of these problems in children with ASD which include financial, social and stress impact on parents, children and their families. This review indicates that many school-aged children with ASD can experience several types of feeding problems and GI symptoms. Conclusion: It is important for professionals working in the community or public health, and educational settings to be able to identify these issues at an early stage, so that professionals could support parents with appropriate information and advice. A specific tool is needed to assess feeding problems and GI symptoms in children with ASD.