Introduction: Mortality estimates are important parameters for health monitoring and are routinely used as evidence for health policy and planning. This study aimed to estimate the mortality component of Burden of Disease in Malaysia in 2008. Methods: The 2008 mortality data from the Statistics Department were used to estimate cause-specific mortality (by age and sex) in Malaysia. Data were coded using the ICD10 (International Classification of Disease) coding. Calculation of mortality component of Burden of Disease (ie: Years of Life Lost (YLL) was done using the standard Global Burden of Disease Methodology. Results: The total estimated deaths in Malaysia in 2008 were 124,857, of which 72,202 (57.8%) were males. The total years of life lost (YLL) for the Malaysian population in 2008 was 1.51 million in which 0.92 million (60.7%) was among males. Almost three quarter (68%) of the burden of premature deaths resulted from non-communicable diseases, followed by communicable diseases (20%) and injury (12%). Among the top three leading causes of YLL were ischaemic heart disease (17.1%), stroke (9.6%) and road traffic injuries (8.3%). Conclusions: In Malaysia, premature mortality mainly contributed by non-communicable diseases followed by communicable diseases and injury. A multi-agency collaboration is needed to prevent premature death and to improve quality of life.

Introduction: Dengue is among the most important mosquito-borne diseases, with more than half of the world’s population at risk of infection in dengue endemic countries. Environmental management, which includes any activities that involve environmental modification, environmental manipulation and changes to human behaviour have been used to mitigate the risk of dengue transmission. In this protocol, we will integrate the data from various sources to assess the overall effect of environmental management on the incidence of dengue and other entomological indices. Methods and analyses: We will conduct a systematic review of intervention that assess the effect of environmental management on the incidence of dengue and/or entomological indices. We will include any studies that include intervention through environmental management for dengue control, involving environmental modification, environmental manipulation and changes to human behaviour. A comprehensive search will be performed in electronic databases PUBMED, CENTRAL, SCOPUS, Web of Science and relevant research websites such as PROPSERO, WHO ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify studies that meet our inclusion criteria. A systematic approach to searching, screening, reviewing and data extraction will be applied based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis. Titles, abstract, keywords for eligibility will be examined independently by researchers. The quality of the included studies will be assessed using quality assessment tool for studies with diverse design and Cochrane risk of bias tool. The characteristics of the selected articles will be described based on the study design, types of intervention and outcomes of the study in various countries. These include the types of environmental management intervention methods and the effectiveness of the intervention in reducing dengue cases or incidence and impact on entomological indices. Ethics and dissemination: We will register this systematic review with the National Medical Research Register, Ministry of Health Malaysia. This protocol also had been registered with the PROSPERO. No ethical approval is necessary, as there will be no collection of primary data. The results will be disseminated though a peer-reviewed publication and conference presentation. Trial registration number: CRD42018092189.

Aim: Studies on the influence of social support on activity limitation among older persons remain limited. A better understanding of this relationship will help with resource planning and policy making aimed to reduce burden of care. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of social support on limitation in daily living among older persons in Malaysia. Methods: Data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2018, a nation‐wide, cross‐sectional survey using a two‐stage stratified sampling design, were analyzed. A representative sample of individuals aged ≥60 years identified through national sampling frames throughout Malaysia was included. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted using validated questionnaires on activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL). Social support was measured using the Duke Social Support Index. Results: The overall prevalence of the presence of any limitations in ADL and IADL was 17.0% and 42.9% respectively. Overall prevalence of the older persons with low to fair social support was 30.8% and high to very high social support was 69.2%. Logistic regression analysis identified the following factors as being associated with limitations in ADL and IADL: being female, of older age, having a monthly income <RM 1000 and reporting low to fair social support. Conclusion: Low social support was associated with limitation in daily living among older persons in Malaysia. Future studies should consider evaluating the potential benefits of increasing social support on the activity limitation of our older population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 26–32.

Based on Malaysian Dietary Guidelines, five servings of fruits and vegetables should be taken every day to meet nutrient requirement. This study aim to determine the prevalence of fruits and vegetables intake and its predictive socio-demography factors among adults aged 18 years and above in Malaysia based on the findings from the Malaysian Adults Nutrition Survey (MANS) 2014. This study was a cross-sectional population-based household survey using multi-stage stratified cluster sampling. A total of 2,820 respondents comprising of 1,302 males and 1,518 females were interviewed to obtain socio-demographic information and data on food intake. Overall prevalence of fruits and vegetables intake that met food pyramid recommendation was 22.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 20.6-25.3%]. Prevalence of those not meeting the required fruits and vegetables intake was higher [77.6% (95% CI: 74.2-80.7%)] among males compared to females. Adults of 40-49 years of age, those with a tertiary educational level and a household income level of more than RM 3,500 (USD862.06) have a higher prevalence [24.7% (95% CI: 20.9-28.9%)], 25.8% (95% CI: 21.8-30.4%) and 27.6% (95% CI, 23.2-32.5), respectively] of meeting the recommended daily fruits and vegetables intake. Knowledge on the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables is an important factor to encourage Malaysian to meet this daily food requirement. Thus, promotion and education on eating fruits and vegetables should be given to Malaysians of all ages.

Aim: Falls are a common problem among older people, leading to major morbidity and increased mortality. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of falls among older persons in Malaysia and its associated factors. Methods: Data were obtained from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2018 (NHMS 2018), a cross‐sectional study using stratified cluster sampling design. Older persons were defined as aged ≥60 years in this study. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Overall, 14.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.46, 15.84) of older persons reported having experienced at least one fall during the past 12 months. Univariate analyses revealed an association between the history of falls with not being employed (odds ratio [OR]: 1.35 [95% CI: 1.03, 1.77]), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.65 [95% CI: 1.33, 2.04]), limitation in activities of daily living (ADL) (OR: 1.90 [95% CI: 1.43, 2.54]) or instrumental ADL (OR: 1.47 [95% CI: 1.16, 1.84]). Multiple logistic regression revealed that falls were positively associated with those who had diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.55 [95% CI: 1.23, 1.94]) and limitation in ADL (OR: 1.56 [95% CI: 1.14, 2.15]); 43.9% of falls occurred outdoors. Conclusion: One in six older Malaysian people experience at least one fall over a 12‐month period. Diabetes mellitus and limitation in ADL were the factors associated with falls among older persons. A comprehensive and targeted program designed to reduce risk of falls is urgently needed. Future research should identify suitable programs for our setting to reduce the potential society burden of falls in older Malaysians. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 33–37.

Aim: Quality of life (QoL) among the older persons provides valuable insights into the potential modifiable risk factors that affect well‐being in later life. This study aimed to describe the QoL and psychosocial factors of QoL of older persons in Malaysia. Methods: We used the 19‐item Control, Autonomy, Self‐realization and Pleasure scale, a validated instrument that measures psychological well‐being related to QoL in older persons. Scores range from 0 to 57, and higher scores indicate better QoL. We included several factors as covariates. Analysis of complex samples was carried out using Stata 15. Descriptive analysis was carried out to determine QoL by sociodemographic characteristics and other factors. Linear regression analysis was used to identify psychosocial factors that influence QoL. Results: A total of 3444 individuals aged ≥60 years completed all 19‐item Control, Autonomy, Self‐realization and Pleasure items. The estimated mean QoL score was 47.01 (95% CI 46.30–47.72). Adjusted for confounders, QoL was lower among individuals with no formal education (−2.554, 95% CI −3.684, −1.424), probable depression (−1.042, 95% CI −1.212, −0.871) and food insecurity (−0.815, 95% CI −1.083, −0.548). QoL continued to improve with improved ADL score (0.302, 95% CI 0.052, 0.552), IADL score (0.646, 95% CI 0.382, 0.909) and better social support (0.308, 95% CI 0.187, 0.429). Conclusions: Lower education, depression, food insecurity, presence of limited functional status and poor social support negatively influenced QoL in older Malaysians. This study identified potentially modifiable factors that could be targeted for interventions to enhance QoL of older persons in Malaysia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 92–97.

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection is 1 of the 20 notable neglected tropical diseases according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization. In 2010, it is estimated that 1.73 billion people are infected with STH globally, of which 70% of cases occur in Asia. To date, there is a dearth of published literature on the prevalence of STH infection throughout Malaysia. Objective: The objectives of this study are to review research activity on STH infection in Malaysia, to estimate the prevalence of STH infection among Malaysians, and to identify significant risk factors associated with the infection. This review aims to provide the current state of evidence pertaining to STH infections, focusing on the main areas, limitations, and biases of research and mapping out the morbidity distribution of the diseases and their causative agents, and to identify significant risk factors for preventive measures. Methods: We will conduct a scoping review based on the 6-stage structured framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley. A comprehensive search strategy focusing on STH infection will be executed using electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase). A systematic approach for searching, screening, reviewing, and data extraction will be applied based on the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Mendeley software and Microsoft Excel will be used to manage the references and to remove duplicates. Relevant data from selected articles will be extracted using a standardized data extraction form. Results: A total of 164 potential manuscripts were retrieved. Data extraction is currently in progress and completion is expected by the end of 2022. Conclusions: Our scoping review will summarize the current state of research in this field and provide comprehensive information regarding STH infections in Malaysia for future reference. Trial Registration: National Medical Research Register NMRR-20-2889-54348; https://nmrr.gov.my/research-directory/e52ea778-d31c-4eb4-9163-a45bb3680bbf International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/36077

Dengue is a major vector-borne disease caused by any one of four closely related dengue viruses. The viruses are transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito (Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus). The study was conducted in the Seksyen 7, Shah Alam where there is a marked increase of dengue cases evidenced during the last few years. This study aimed to establish spatial density of dengue incidence in Seksyen 7, Shah Alam using Geographical Information System (GIS) and spatial statistical tools. Methodology: We analysed 23 ovitrap index and 2389 dengue cases from 2013 to 2014. Data were collected from Petaling District Health Office and Shah Alam City Council. Spatial statistical tools were used to show spatial correlation of dengue cases and kernel density was implemented to identify dengue hotspot localities. Results: The result showed that dengue cases were spatially random (p<0.001) by using spatial autocorrelation analysis. Average Nearest Neighbour analysis showed that dengue cases were highly clustered and occurred at an average distance of 219.2 meters. Location especially residential areas had been identified as hotspot by using kernel density estimation analysis. Discussion and Conclusion: Our results showed that GIS and spatial statistical tools could be an effective mean to establish spatial density of dengue. Mapping of dengue cases would serve as guidance for stakeholders to identify source of outbreaks. It will generate more hypotheses and further investigations. Understanding the spatial of Aedes index and its impact on human health, particularly outbreaks of dengue is important in controlling the transmissions of the disease.

Malaria incidence in Perak, Malaysia has generally declined, but there remain regions of high incidence. The spatio-temporal distribution pattern of malaria in Perak was studied using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and spatial statistical tools. Malaria data cases at the sub-district level in Perak from 2007 to 2011 were analysed to determine the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of malaria incidence. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and spatial statistical tools were used to identify spatial correlation in the data and malaria hot-spots. Spatial correlation was tested by using an autocorrelation method called Moran’s I. Hot spot analysis was done using Getis-Ord G* statistic technique. Malaria incidence rates were categorized into 3 classes to map the spatial distribution. Malaria cases in Perak were geo-spatially clustered. Most of the hot spots locations were in Kenering, Ulu Kinta, Gerik and Kampar sub-districts. The prevalence of malaria among foreigners was noticeably higher than Malaysians. Improved surveillance of foreign workers can prevent outbreaks and identify high risk areas. This study implies that geographic-based mapping and information system are needed for an effective malaria control.

Among several vector control methods commonly used, environmental management is one of the control measures to mitigate dengue in such vulnerable communities. Since there is no curative treatment for dengue yet, targeted environmental and ecosystem management is increasingly relevant. Hence, this review was conducted to identify the effectiveness of environmental management intervention strategy to reduce dengue cases. We searched PUBMED, CENTRAL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CIJE, WHO ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to January 2021. A total of 521 articles were screened. Only 16 studies were included in this review. There were 6 studies that applied all three types of environmental management interventions (manipulation, modification and behavior), 8 studies applied two types of interventions (manipulation and behavior) and 2 studies applied one type of intervention (manipulation or behavior). All included studies reported reduction of Aedes entomological indices. The studies showed reduction in dengue cases and density of Aedes population through environmental interventions. It is recommended for the health authority to incorporate environmental management intervention in dengue control activities and enhanced the community involvement to ensure sustainability with high impact on dengue reduction.

Parental protective factors do play an important role in preventing Internet addiction. A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure health risk behaviors among Malaysian adolescents. The prevalence of Internet addiction was significantly higher among adolescents with perceived lack of parental supervision (30.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 28.7-31.4]) and lack of parental connectedness (30.1% [95% CI = 28.5-31.7]), compared with their counterparts. Adolescents who perceived a lack of parental supervision, respect for privacy, connectedness, and bonding were more likely to have Internet addiction: (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.27-1.52), (aOR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.16-1.31), (aOR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.02-1.16), (aOR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.00-1.12), respectively. Among girls, Internet addiction was associated with those who perceived lack in all 4 parental factors, while among boys, those who perceived lack of parental supervision and respect for privacy were more prone to Internet addiction.

Background Despite significant reductions in recent malaria cases and deaths globally, the persistence of this health concern necessitates a shift from traditional top-down approaches. Consequently, malaria control initiatives increasingly focus on empowering local communities through community-centred strategies. Therefore, this scoping review protocol systematically explores diverse community knowledge approaches adopted in malaria programmes worldwide and their associated outcomes. Methods Adhering rigorously to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, a comprehensive scoping review protocol was developed. Collaborating with a research librarian, a systematic search strategy targeted peer-reviewed literature from databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, complemented by a thorough grey literature search. Titles and abstracts will be screened, followed by extracting bibliographic details and outcome information using a standardized framework. Subsequently, the results will be systematically summarized and presented in a structured tabular format (S1 Checklist). Discussion This scoping review promises an in-depth understanding of current research regarding the impact of community knowledge in malaria programmes. The identification of knowledge gaps and intervention needs serves as a valuable resource for malaria-affected countries. The profound implications of community knowledge underscore its pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of prevention, control, and elimination efforts. Insights from this review will assist policymakers, empowering implementers and community leaders in designing effective interventions. This concerted effort aims to adeptly leverage community knowledge, thereby propelling progress toward the achievement of malaria elimination goals.