Browsing by Author "Nor Azian Mohd Zaki"
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- PublicationA Scoping Review on Salt Reduction Intervention(2021)
;Lalitha Palaniveloo ;Fatimah Othman ;Ruhaya Salleh ;Azli Baharudin ;Cheong Siew Man ;Mohamad Hasnan Ahmad ;Nur Shahida Abd Aziz ;Syafinaz Sallehudin ;Nor Azian Mohd ZakiSuhaila Abdul GhaffarExcessive salt intake has been linked to the development of hypertension and non-communicable diseases. This study aims to explore the different types of salt reduction intervention implemented among adults aged ≥18 years and to identify the suitable settings, duration and tools used for effective salt reduction interventions. This review adapted the established structured scoping review framework by Arksey and O’Malley. Related articles from the year 2008 to 2018 were retrieved based on the study objectives using keywords in electronic databases and through a bibliographic search of books, reports, conference proceedings, posters and summaries. Out of 130 potentially relevant full-text articles assessed, 14 articles were included in the review. Suitable salt reduction initiatives for the community who regularly consume home-cooked food are through cooking and usage of a tool such as a salt-restriction spoon, together with awareness on the benefits of salt reduction in their daily diet. Healthy catering initiative should be implemented in the workplace or institution-based settings. Policy development targeting the source of salts such as mandatory usage of salt-substitutes or Front-of-Pack labelling of salt content in all food products suitable for population-level intervention. - PublicationAnemia among Men in Malaysia: A Population-Based Survey in 2019(International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021)
;S Maria Awaluddin ;Nik Adilah Shahein ;Norsyamlina Che Abdul Rahim ;Nor Azian Mohd Zaki ;Nur Hamizah Nasaruddin ;Thamil Arasu Saminathan ;Nazirah Alias ;Shubash Shander GanapathyNoor Ani AhmadThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia and factors associated with anemia among men in Malaysia. The researchers used data from the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS). The hemoglobin levels of men aged 15 years and above who gave their consent was measured using the HemoCue® Hb 201+ System©. The majority of them (87.2%) were men aged 15–59 years, referred to as the younger age group in this study. The prevalence of anemia among men was 12.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 10.9, 14.5). The prevalence was higher among older men (30.7%; 95% CI: 26.6, 35.1) than younger men (10.0%; 95% CI: 8.2, 12.2). Anemia among men was associated with older age (adjusted odds ratios (aOR) = 3.1; 95% CI: 2.1, 4.4) and those with diabetes (aOR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.1) via a logistic regression analysis. In conclusion, older men were more affected by anemia than younger men in this study. Anemia among older men in Malaysia is at the level of moderate to severe public health significance. The likelihood of developing anemia is increased among older men with diabetes compared to older men without diabetes. These often overlooked issues among men need to be detected and treated early in order to prevent complications and improve their quality of life. - PublicationChanges in body pain among overweight and obese housewives living in Klang Valley, Malaysia: findings from the MyBFF@home study(2018)
;Syafinaz Mohd Sallehuddin ;Noor Safiza Mohamad Nor ;Rashidah Ambak ;Nur Shahida Abdul Aziz ;Nor Azian Mohd Zaki ;Mohd Azahadi Omar ;Tahir Aris ;Nur Salihah Nor Hissam ;Saravanan A. L. RajaduraiNor Hafizah AyobBackground: Obesity leads to the increase of pain at different parts of the body and it is a potential marker for complications of chronic diseases. This paper aims to assess changes in the body pain among overweight and obese housewives who participated in the My Body is Fit and Fabulous at home (MyBFF@home) study. Methods: Housewives aged 18 to 59 years old from the MyBFF@home study were selected and pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaire. VAS measured the pain intensity at different parts of the body (score of 0–10). Data were collected at base line, 3 months and 6 months among the housewives in both the control and intervention group. Pain scores and other variables (age, Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference) were analysed using SPSS version 22. Results: A total of 328 housewives completed the VAS questionnaires at baseline, while 185 (56.4%) of housewives completed the VAS at 3 months and 6 months. A decreasing trend of mean pain score in both groups after 6 months was observed. However, the intervention group showed a consistent decreasing trend of pain score mainly for back pain. In the control group, there was a slight increment of score in back pain from baseline towards the 6 months period. Older housewives in both groups (aged 50 years and above) had a higher mean score of leg pain (2.86, SD: 2.82) compared to the other age group. Higher BMI was significantly associated with pain score in both groups. Conclusion: There were some changes in the level of body pain among the housewives before and after the intervention. Older obese women had a higher pain score compared to younger obese women. Pain was associated with BMI and change in BMI appears to be beneficial in reducing body pain among overweight and obese individuals. - PublicationChanges In Nutritional Status Among Malaysian Adults Population From 2003 To 2014(2017)
;Azli Baharudin ;Mohamad Hasnan Ahmad ;Nor Azian Mohd Zaki ;Kee Chee Cheong ;Ruhaya Salleh ;Syafinas Mohd Sallehuddin ;Chan Ying YingNoorAni AhmadObesity has become a major health problem all over the world with the number of prevalence keeps on rising year after year. In Malaysia the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults has increased based on the previous National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS). This study determined the association between socio-demography characteristics and nutritional status as well as evaluated trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity from 2003 to 2014 among Malaysian adults. A total of 4,044 living quarters were selected with eligibility of the respondent defined as age between 18 to 59 years old, not pregnant or breastfeeding at the time of the interview and not on any specific diet due to illness. The mean body mass index for adult Malaysians increased from 24.4 (95% CI: 24.2-24.5) in Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS) 2003 to 25.6 (95% CI: 25.3-25.9) in MANS 2014. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 32.4% (95% CI: 30.29-34.59) and 18.5% (95% CI: 16.6-20.5) respectively, increases since MANS 2003 when the prevalence was 26.71% (95% CI: 25.5-27.96) and 12.15% (95% CI: 11.26-13.1), respectively. Our findings indicate there is a need for a more comprehensive and integrated population-based strategy to combat the growing problem of overweight and obesity in Malaysia. - PublicationDeterminants of Dietary Supplements Use among Adolescents in Malaysia(2014)
;Yeo Pei Sien ;Norhafizah Sahril ;Mohd Hatta Abdul Mutalip ;Nor Azian Mohd ZakiSuhaila Abdul GhaffarDietary supplements use is relatively widespread in some countries but knowledge of supplements consumption in Malaysia is limited, more so among adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the determinants of dietary supplements use among Malaysian adolescents using multiple logistic regressions analysis. Data from the Malaysia School-based Nutrition Survey 2012 based on a 2-stage stratified sampling was used. The prevalence of vitamin/mineral supplements and food supplements intake among adolescents was 54.1% and 40.2%, respectively. Usage was significantly higher among younger adolescents and among boys. Dietary supplements were also taken mostly by those who thought they were underweight. The most common vitamin/mineral supplements and food supplements consumed were vitamin C and bee products. The main reason for taking supplements was parents’ instruction. These findings can be useful for developing health communications on supplement use targeted to adolescents and their parents. - PublicationFactors Associated with High Sodium Intake Assessed from 24-hour Urinary Excretion and the Potential Effect of Energy Intake(2019)
;Fatimah Othman ;Rashidah Ambak ;Cheong Siew Man ;Nor Azian Mohd Zaki ;Mohd Hasnan Ahmad ;Nur Shahida Abdul Aziz ;Azli Baharuddin ;Ruhaya SallehTahir ArisDietary consumption and other environmental factors are known factors associated with sodium intake. However, little is known about the influence of energy intake on this relationship. +e aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with high sodium intake assessed from urine sodium excretion and the influence of energy intake. A nationwide, cross-sectional study was conducted from 2015 to 2016 among Malaysian health staff (MySalt 2015). A total of 1027 participants from 1568 targeted participants aged 18 years and older that were randomly selected were included in this study. Sodium intake was determined by measuring sodium excretion in the 24 hr urine test. Dietary, sociodemography, and anthropometry variables as associated risk factors were assessed. Multiple logistic regression models were used to determine the association between high sodium intake (≥2000 mg/day urinary sodium) and potential risk factors. +e prevalence of high sodium intake in this study was 70.1% (n � 733). High sodium intake was associated with male (OR 1.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41, 2.64), Bumiputera Sarawak ethnicity (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.09, 0.62), and energy-adjusted sodium intake (mg/d) (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03–1.39). Our results suggested that sex, ethnicity, and energy-adjusted sodium consumption were strong risk factors associated with high sodium intake independent from energy and other potential confounding factors. - PublicationFood Label Reading and Understanding among Obese Adults: A Population Study in Malaysia(2014)
;Rashidah Ambak ;Balkish Mahadir Naidu ;Mohd Azahadi Omar ;Nor Azian Mohd Zaki ;Syafinaz Mohd SallehuddinTahir ArisIntroduction: 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. - PublicationImpact of community lifestyle intervention on anthropometric parameters and body composition among overweight and obese women: findings from the MyBFF@home study(BMC, 2018)
;Nor Azian Mohd Zaki ;Geeta Appannah ;Noor Safiza Mohamad Nor ;Azahadi Omar ;Mansor Fazliana ;Rashidah Ambak ;Siti Shafiatun MohsinTahir ArisBackground: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Malaysian women remained high over the past three decades. Collaboration with existing community at-risk may be feasible for wide-scale prevention of overweight and obesity in the country. The aims of this study were to examine the impact of community-based lifestyle intervention among overweight and obese women on their anthropometric and body composition changes as compared to the usual care group. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study conducted in low-cost flats in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 255 overweight and obesity individuals aged between 18 to 59 years old were assigned to either the lifestyle intervention group (n = 169) or the usual care group (n = 146) over a period of 6 months. Individuals in the intervention group received 6 individual lifestyle counselling comprised of physical activity, diet counselling and self-monitoring components aimed to achieve at least 5% weight loss while individuals in the usual care group obtained six sessions of health care seminars from health care providers. These individuals were then followed-up for another 6 months without any intervention as part of maintenance period. Results: An intention-to-treat analysis of between-groups at 6-month of intervention (β, 95% CI) revealed greater changes in weight among intervention individuals’ (− 1.09 kg vs. -0.99; p < 0.018) as compared to the control group. These changes were not sustained during the maintenance phase (between 6 and 12 months). Overall significant improvement at 12th month was found for visceral fat (− 0.78 vs. -0.64; p-value = 0.017), although no significant changes between groups were detected either during intervention or maintenance phase (p > 0.05). Individuals in the intervention group showed a significant increase for skeletal muscle mass (0.13 kg) than those individuals in the control group (− 0.37 kg), p = 0.033, throughout the study period. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that an overweight and obesity prevention program can be implemented in a community setting, with some reduction of several anthropometric and body composition parameters. - PublicationImpact of Palm Oil versus Other Oils on Weight Changes: A Systematic Review(2018)
;Nor Asiah Muhamad ;Normi Mustapha ;Mohd Farid Baharin ;Mohd Hatta Abdul Mutalip ;Murnilina Abdul Malek ;Ruhaya Salleh ;Nor Azian Mohd Zaki ;Fatimah Othman ;Tahir Tahir ArisShahnaz MuradObjective: The present review aimed to determine the effect of palm oil ver sus other oils on changes in body weight or Body Mass Index (BMI). Design: A systematic review was conducted. Studies were identified by database searching (EMBASE, PUBMED, CENTRAL, SCOPUS, PROQUEST, Web of Science [ISI Web of Knowledge], Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Library (CINAHL Plus), LILAC and ClinicalTrials.gov. Searching, se lecting and reporting were done according to the PRISMA (Preferred Report ing Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) Statement. Setting: Palm oil vs other oils intervention study on weight or BMI changes. Subjects: Individuals participating in palm oil vs other oil intervention study. Results: A total of 182 studies were screened for eligibility, five studies were finally in cluded. Three studies compared the effect of palm oil vs sunflower oil on weight changes and BMI. One study examined the effect of hybrid palm oil vs extra virgin olive oil on weight changes. The last study examined the effect of palm oil vs olive oil vs lard on weight changes. Out of 292 participants in five studies, only one study (Iggman, 2014) had a low risk of bias. In this study, there was no significant difference between the group that received sunflower oil and palm oil (SMD: 0.04, 95% CI: −0.59 to 0.66). Other four studies had unclear risk of bias. Conclusions: Based on the review, there is insufficient evidence to suggest the impact of palm oil intake on weight changes or BMI. - PublicationLow potassium intake and its association with blood pressure among adults in Malaysia: findings from the MyCoSS (Malaysian Community Salt Survey)(2021)
;Lalitha Palaniveloo ;Rashidah Ambak ;Fatimah Othman ;Nor Azian Mohd Zaki ;Azli Baharudin ;Nur Shahida Abdul AzizRuhaya SallehBackground: High blood pressure or hypertension is well recognized as an important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Several studies had indicated potassium intake has a blood pressure lowering effect. This study aimed to estimate potassium intake via 24-h urinary potassium excretion and to determine the association between potassium intake and blood pressure among adults in Malaysia. Methods: Data for 424 respondents in this study were drawn from MyCoSS, a nationwide cross- sectional study conducted among Malaysians who were 18 years and above. Respondents were recruited using stratified cluster sampling, covering urban and rural areas in each state in Malaysia. Data collection was undertaken from October 2017 until March 2018. A single urine sample was collected over 24 h for quantification of potassium excreted. Information on socio-demography and medical history of the respondents were collected by interviewer-administered questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements were measured using validated equipment. BMI was estimated using measured body weight and height. Digital blood pressure monitor (Omron HBP-1300) was used to measure blood pressure. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multivariable linear regression were used to analyze the data in SPSS Version 21. Results: Mean 24-h urinary potassium excretion for the 424 respondents was 37 mmol (95% CI 36, 38). Gender and ethnicity showed statistically significant associations with 24-h urinary potassium excretion. However, potassium excretion was not significantly associated with blood pressure in this study. Conclusion: Potassium intake is very low among the adults in Malaysia. Therefore, further education and promotional campaigns regarding daily consumption of potassium-rich diet and its benefits to health need to be tailored for the Malaysian adult population. - PublicationPerspective on Obesity Problems and Associated Factors to Reduce Weight among Overweight and Obese Housewives: A Qualitative Study(2016)
;Nur Shahida Abdul Aziz ;Nor Azian Mohd ZakiNoor Safiza Mohamad NorIntroduction: The World Health Organization has declared obesity a global epidemic. In Malaysia the prevalence of obesity has reached an upward trend. Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011 indicated that obesity among women was higher as compared to men and mean Body Mass Index among housewives was highest compared to other job categories. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore perspective on obesity problems and to gain a better understanding on barriers and facilitators to reduce weight among housewives in order to develop a weight loss intervention package. Methodology: This qualitative survey is part of the “My Body is Fit and Fabulous at Home” (MyBFF@Home) which involved in-depth interviews with 28 overweight and obese housewives in low cost flats around Klang Valley. Housewives were sampled purposively and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Themes and subthemes were also coded, explored and refined using the NVIVO software. Results: Five main themes associated with obesity problems emerge from the analysis that included ‘personal feelings, beliefs, lifestyles, life issues and effort to reduce weight’. Housewives perceived that their body size were big or too big and felt dissatisfied with their weight. Six main barriers were identified which included support, attitude, safety, environment, time and life issues such as finance and health problems. Self motivation, lifestyle, mindset, appealing figure, family and peer support were identified as facilitators to motivate housewives to reduce weight. Conclusion: These findings provided tools useful to develop strategies to empower housewives to reduce and to sustain their weight loss over a period of time. - PublicationPrediction of body fat loss in relation to change in nutrient intake among housewives participating in the MyBFF@home study(2018)
;Fatimah Othman ;Noor Safiza Mohamad Nor ;Geeta Appannah ;Nor Azian Mohd Zaki ;Rashidah Ambak ;Azahadi Omar ;Mansor Fazliana ;Ruhaya Salleh ;Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof ;Norliza MuksanTahir ArisBackground: Diet compositions are likely to be one of the influential factors for body fat deposition. The aim of this paper was to determine the nutrient changes and its association to body fat loss among the overweight and obese housewives in the MyBFF@home study. Methods: Data of participants in the MyBFF@home study (intervention and control groups) were analysed. Participants in the intervention group received personalised dietary counselling consisted of reduced calorie diet 1200–1500 kcal/day, while the control group was assigned to receive women’s health seminars. The dietary assessment was done during the intervention phase at baseline, 1 month (m), 2 m, 3 m and 6 m using a 3-day food diary. Body fat was measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyser (In-body 720) at baseline and at the end of the intervention phase. The mean differences of nutrient intake and body compositions during the intervention phase were measured with paired t-test. The changes in body fat and nutrients intake were calculated by subtracting baseline measurements from those taken at 6 months. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the extent to which the changes in each gram of nutrients per 1000 kcal were predictive of changes in body fat mass. Results: There were significant reductions in energy, all macronutrients, dietary fibre, calcium and iron intake in both study groups after the intervention phase (p < 0.05). In the intervention group, body fat loss increased with the reduction of each gram of carbohydrate, protein and fat per 1000 kcal, (p < 0.05), and decreased with the reduction of each gram of calcium and fibre intake per 1000 kcal (p < 0.05). In the control group, body fat loss increased with the reduction of each gram fat per 1000 kcal (p < 0.05) and decreased with the reduction of each gram iron per 1000 kcal. Conclusion: Changes in the intake of various nutrients have different effects on body fat loss between the intervention and control group. - PublicationPrevalence of Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Associated Factors Among the Malaysian Population: The 2015 National Health and Morbidity Survey, Malaysia(2018)
;Hasimah Ismail ;Mohd Azahadi Omar ;Thamil Arasu Saminathan ;Muhammad Fadhli Muhammad Yusof ;Nor Azian Mohd Zaki ;Kuang Kuay LimTahir ArisBACKGROUND: The prevalence of diabetes has increased dramatically in the last decade. Compounding the problem are undiagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus. These respondents are those who do not know that they have the disease. Undiagnosed cases have substantial implications as they are at more risk to develope fatal complications. This study aims to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed T2DM and to identify its associated factors in Malaysia. METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted involving 19,935 respondents. Two-stage stratified sampling design was used to select a representative sample of the Malaysian adult population. Face-to-face interviews using structured, validated questionnaires were used to obtain data from the respondents. Respondents who claimed that they were not diagnosed with diabetes before were asked to undergo a finger-prick test. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of T2DM was 17.5% while the prevalence of undiagnosed T2DM was 9.2% (n=2103). Respondents aged 60 years old & above had the highest percentage of undiagnosed T2DM at about 13.6 %, followed by those with no formal educational at 12.9%, among Indians were 11.9%, among female at 9.2%, among non-working citizen at 9.8%, widowed/divorced (12.0%), smokers (9.5%), obesity (13.6%) and hypertensive (12.8%). Multivariable analyses revealed that age group, ethnicity, education level, marital status, obesity and hypertensive were more likely to have undiagnosed T2DM. CONCLUSION: This study showed a high prevalence of undiagnosed T2DM in Malaysia. Factors associated with undiagnosed diabetes mellitus were obesity, age, ethnicity, educational level and hypertension. Screening is essential among adults aged 30 to 60 year old to enable early intervention and prevent development of serious complications of this disease. - PublicationReliability and Validity of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) In Malay Language(2016)
;Nor Azian Mohd Zaki ;Norhafizah Sahril ;Mohd Azahadi Omar ;Muhammad Hasnan Ahmad ;Azli BaharudinNoor Safiza Mohd NorIntroduction: 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<0.01). Conclusions: In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that the PAQ-C (M) has moderate to good reliability and validity in assessing physical activity among older children and adolescents. Future validation of PAQ-C (M) against different measures such as accelerometer is recommended. - PublicationSmoking among Secondary School Students in Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia - Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study(2015)
;Hock Kuang Lim ;Huey Chien Teh ;Li Hui Lim ;Joo Keng Lau ;Cheong Chee Kee ;Sumarni Mohd Ghazali ;Ying Ying Chan ;Mohd Yusoff Sabtu ;Hasimah Ismail ;Nor Azian Mohd Zaki ;Leni Tupang Thomas ;Kuay Kuang Lim ;SM Cheong ;Normala ibrahimMuhammad Fadhli Mohd YusoffBackground: Smoking is a learnt behavior during adolescence and understanding the factor/s associated with smoking will assist in identifying suitable measures in combating the rising prevalence of smoking among adolescents. This research aimed to identify the factor/s associated with smoking among form four students in Kota Tinggi, Johor. Multistage sampling was used to select a representative sample of students in 2008 and data were collected using a self-administered validated questionnaire. This study revealed that the overall smoking prevalence was 19.0% with a significantly higher proportion of male smokers (35.8%) as compared to females (3.15%). Adolescents who were male (aOR 6.6, 95%CI 2.61-16.4), those who had peer/s who smoked (aOR 4.03, 95% CI 1.31-12.4), and those who studied in rural areas and Felda Settlements ( aOR 4.59, 95 CI 1.11-18.0; aOR 9.42, 95%CI 3.91-29.1) were more likely to smoke in the past one week. On the other hand, adolescents with better knowledge on the hazards of smoking and negative attitudes towards smoking were less likely to smoke (aOR 0.51, 95%CI 0.37-0.72; aOR 0.67, 95%CI 0.46-0.99). Future promotional and interventional programmes on smoking should be considered and the above identified risk factors integrated to reduce smoking prevalence among students of school-going ages in Kota Tinggi. Johor. - PublicationSodium intake assessed by 24-h urine excretion and its relationship with anthropometric measurements in Malaysian adults(2021)
;Syafinaz Mohd Sallehuddin ;Rashidah Ambak ;Fatimah Othman ;Nur Shahida Abd Aziz ;Lalitha Palaniveloo ;Noor Safiza Mohd Nor ;Rasidah Jamaluddin ;Azli Baharudin ;Nor Azian Mohd ZakiMohamad Hasnan AhmadBackground: Sodium intake is associated with anthropometric measurement including weight, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI). Higher intake of sodium is usually linked to higher risk of obesity among adults globally, especially in developing countries. This study aims to explore the probable relationship between sodium intake by 24-h urine excretion assessment and anthropometric measurement of adults in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2017 to March 2018 using a multi-stage stratified sampling method among Malaysian adults aged 18 years old and above. Sodium intake was determined by 24-h urinary sodium excretion, estimated from the respondents’ 24-h urinary sample. Height was obtained based on standard protocol. Weight and WC were measured twice using validated anthropometric equipment and BMI was calculated according to World Health Organization (WHO) 1998 classification. Descriptive analysis was done to describe socio-demographic characteristics. A simple linear regression and multiple linear regression tests were done to assess the relationship of 24-h urinary excretion and anthropometric measurement. All statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0. Results: Of 1047 interviewed respondents, 798 respondents had done the 24-h urine collection (76.0% response rate). Majority was between 40 and 59 years old (43.5%) and married (77.7%). Simple linear regression showed a significant positive linear association between 24-h urinary excretion and household income, WC, and obese group. In the multivariate analysis, it was indicated that, an increase of 1 unit of BMI will significantly increase the sodium intake by 129.20 mg/dl and an increase of 1 cm of WC will significantly increase the sodium intake by 376.45 mg/dl. Conclusion: Our study showed a positive significant relationship between sodium intake estimated by 24-h urinary sodium excretion and BMI of Malaysian adults. More research is suggested on how sodium control can potentially contribute to obesity prevention. - PublicationThe prevalence of hypertension among Malaysian adults and its associated risk factors: data from Malaysian Community Salt Study (MyCoSS)(2021)
;Nor Azian Mohd Zaki ;Rashidah Ambak ;Fatimah Othman ;Norazizah Ibrahim Wong ;Cheong Siew Man ;Mohamad Faizul Azham Morad ;Feng J. He ;Graham MacGregor ;Lalitha PalanivelooAzli BaharudinBackground: Hypertension is one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular disease and leading cause of mortality globally. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors among Malaysian population using data from the Malaysian Community Salt Study (MyCoSS). Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study using multi-stage stratified sampling method. Data collection was carried out via face-to-face interview at the respondent’s home from October 2017 until March 2018. A total of 1047 respondents aged 18 years and above completed the questionnaires and blood pressure measurement. A person who reported diagnosis of hypertension by a physician and had systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg on three readings was categorised as hypertensive. Risk factors of hypertension were analysed using multiple logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of hypertension in the present study was 49.39% (95% CI 44.27–54.51). There was no statistically significant difference in gender. Age, household income, BMI, and diabetes were significantly associated with hypertension. Hypertension found had inverse association with the level of education. Age was the strongest predictor of hypertension (35–44 years old; OR=2.39, 95% CI=1.39–4.09, 45–54 years old; OR=5.50, 95% CI=3.23–9.38, 55–64 years old OR=13.56, 95% CI=7.77–23.64 and 65 years old and above; OR=25.28, 95% CI=13.33–48.66). Those who had higher BMI more likely to be hypertensive as compared to respondents with normal weight (overweight, OR=1.84; 95% CI=1.18–2.86; obese, OR=4.29% CI=2.56–7.29). Conclusion: The findings showed that hypertension is prevalent among adults in Malaysia. Those with older age, higher BMI, and diabetes are more likely to have hypertension. Efforts regarding lifestyle modification and education could be important in hypertension management and prevention. - PublicationTrends In Obesity and Abdominal Obesity Among Malaysian Adults: Findings From The National Health and Morbidity Surveys Of 2006, 2011 And 2015(2018)
;Nor Azian Mohd Zaki ;Azahadi Omar ;Ruhaya Salleh ;Azli Baharuddin ;Syafinaz Mohd Sallehuddin ;Nur Shahida Abdul Aziz ;Fatimah Othman ;Cheong Siew Man ;Mohammad Hasnan Ahmad ;Hasimah IsmailRashidah AmbakThe prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically and is now a global public health concern. This study examined trends in mean body mass index (BMI), mean waist circumference (WC) and prevalence of overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity (AO) among Malaysian adults obtained from the National Health and Morbidity Surveys (NHMS) in 2006, 2011 and 2015. These cross-sectional population based survey applied a two-stage stratified sampling design provided data on household members aged 18 years and above. Face-to face interviewed and anthropometric measurements, including weight, height and waist circumference (WC) were collected. Age-adjusted mean BMI is significantly increased from 24.6 kg/m2 in 2006 to 25.7 kg/m2 in 2015 (p <0.001), while age-adjusted mean WC increased from 81.9 cm to 85.7 cm during the same period of time. Prevalence of overweight significantly increases from 28.3% to 31.3% (p <0.001), that of obesity from 13.2% to 19.1% (p <0.001) and that of AO, the largest, from 39.1% to 51.0% (p <0.001). The prevalence of obesity and, in particular, abdominal obesity among Malaysian adults has increased in all age groups over the past 10 years. Thus, there is an urgent need to determine the factors associated with obesity and abdominal obesity towards developing a national program to prevent deleterious obesity-related health outcomes.