Nutritional and non-communicable disease (NCD) status association with fall among older persons in Malaysia : findings from National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) Malaysia 2018

Fall is a health problem for older persons. This study investigates the potential factors of concern: the nutritional status of older persons and non-communicable disease association with incidence of falls. This study used data from NHMS 2018, and conducted a cross-sectional design by applying two-stage stratified cluster sampling. Descriptive statistics such as the percentage of each variable were done. Factors associated with falls were determined at both univariate and multivariable levels using simple logistic regression and multiple logistic regression. The data were presented as standard values for each analysis and adjusted odds ratios with 95% CI with p values (<0.05). A total of 3,867 from 3,977 elderly (mean age 68.2+ 6.85) were recruited with the response rate of 97.2%. Factors associated with fall were 70 years old and above (AOR= 1.34, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.64), obesity (AOR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.98), undernutrition (AOR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.30, 1.94), persons with 2 NCDs (AOR=1.49, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.92) and persons with 3 NCDs (AOR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.23, 2.16). Advanced age, malnutrition, obesity, and having two or more NCDs are associated with falls in the NHMS 2018 study. In conclusion, falls are prevalent among older persons. There is an urgent need for public health strategies and programmes to decrease the incidence of modifiable risk factors and early identification of those at risk. Implementation of fall preventive programs which includes multifactorial interventions at hospitals and homes can also significantly reduce incidence of falls among older persons

Factors Influencing the Levels of Awareness on Malaysian Healthy Plate Concept among Rural Adults in Malaysia

Malaysian Healthy Plate was launched in 2017 as a vital component of the Malaysian Ministry of Health&rsquo;s &ldquo;Quarter-Quarter-Half&rdquo; program. It is predicted that this concept will bring positive change to the citizen&rsquo;s dietary habits; however, the residents in rural areas may experience less exposure to this campaign, or lack of understanding to the concept of Malaysian Healthy Plate. Hence, this study aims to assess factors affecting the campaign&rsquo;s awareness among the rural population in Malaysia. The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019 focused on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Data collection was carried out from July to September 2019. Questionnaires that pertained to awareness, knowledge, and practice were included in this nationwide survey. Data collected from adults in rural areas aged 18 years old and above were used as respondents for the statistical analysis. Complex sample multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between the independent variables and awareness of the Malaysian Healthy Plate concept. About four fifths (83.2%) of rural adults in Malaysia were unaware of the Malaysian Healthy Plate concept after three years of implementation. The unawareness was significantly higher in males (91.3%), adults aged above 60 years old (91.8%), adults of others ethnicity (88.5%), those without formal education (95.2%), widows/widowers/divorcees (88.1%), retirees/adults who were not working (88.4%), and household income at the bottom 40% (B40) (85.0%). Unawareness of this concept was significantly associated with male gender (aOR = 4.12; 95% CI: 3.06&ndash;5.56); age, 40&ndash;59 years (aOR = 1.46; 95% CI:1.08&ndash;1.97); without formal education (aOR = 3.47; 95% CI:1.34&ndash;9.01); working in private sector (aOR = 2.75; 95% CI: 1.59&ndash;4.77); self-employed (aOR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.58&ndash;4.87); retirees (aOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.23&ndash;4.36); and unpaid workers (aOR = 2.61; 95% CI: 1.51&ndash;4.51). Awareness of the Malaysian Healthy Plate concept is associated with rural adults being males, with older age, with lower socio-economic status, without partner, and without job. This study suggests that a more effective strategy is needed to increase the awareness of the Malaysian Healthy Plate concept among rural adults