Factors Contributing to Disordered Eating Behaviours and At-Risk of Eating Disorders among Adolescent Girls in Kelantan, Malaysia

Disordered eating attitudes and behaviours, and body image disturbances are becoming more frequent among female adolescents in Eastern countries. The disordered eating behaviours such as dietary restraint (dieting) and binge eating could be the risk factors for nutritional deficiencies, and are precursors for the development of eating disorders. This study was undertaken to examine the relationships between disordered eating attitudes and behaviours with personal factors (biological, psychological and cognitive) and socio-environmental factors (parental socioeconomic status and influence of mother, peer and media) in general population of adolescent girls. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 489 secondary school girls aged 15 – 17 years (mean age = 16.2 ± 0.5 years) in Kelantan. Subjects were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire, including Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), Restraint Scale of Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ-R), Binge Scale Questionnaire (BSQ), Contour Drawing Rating Scale, Rosenberg Selfii Esteem Inventory, Fear of Fat Scale and three subscales from Perceived Sociocultural Influences on Body Image and Body Change Questionnaire. Besides, subjects were evaluated on weight management knowledge and nutrition knowledge. Anthropometric (height and weight) data were also collected on each of these subjects. On average, subjects consumed 81.1% (1663 ± 482 kcal) of recommended energy intake. Almost all nutrient intakes were less than the recommended intake for Malaysian except protein (102.6%) and total vitamin A (128.7%). Mean calcium intake (307.3 ± 133.1 mg/day) was the lowest among all nutrients, which is only 30.7% of the recommended intake. Among all subjects, 3.1% were underweight, 9.8% overweight, 8.6% obese and the remainder of 78.5% were normal weight. There were 22.3% of the subjects at-risk of eating disorders. Restrained eating and binge eating was reported by 36.0% and 35.4% of the subjects, respectively. A total of 87.3% subjects were dissatisfied with their body size and 61.5% had an incorrect perception of body weight status. More than half of the subjects were concerned about their body weight (59.1%), reported feeling dissatisfied with their body weight (58.5%) and wanted to lose weight (58.3%). Logistic regression models had explained more of the variance in the restraint scores (74.2%) and the EAT-26 scores (49.8%) than in the binge scores (34.2%). The strongest significant predictor for restrained eating was weight loss intention. In addition, dietary restraint was also significantly predicted by body weight concern, fear of being fat and influences of mother to lose weight. The three significant predictors for binge eating were influences of mother, best friend and media to lose weight. Furthermore, adolescents who were at-risk of eating disorders can be predicted by restrained eating, binge eating, fear of being fat and perceived media pressure to lose weight. The model tested in this study that based on Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory had explained a large percentage of the variance in the behavioural factors. The high predictive power of the model tested suggests that the model is applicable to the local population. So, by addressing effectively the personal and socio-environmental factors included in the model, it may be able to influence eating behaviours and prevent the onset of disordered eating among adolescents in this country. The prevalence of disordered eating attitudes and behaviours among adolescent females in Kelantan shown by this study suggests the need for multidisciplinary studies to systematically and accurately examine eating behaviours of adolescent girls in order to solve more efficiently the increased adolescent eating problems. Preventive programmes encouraging appropriate and healthy eating behaviours should be implemented and assessed

Prevalens Dan Etiologi Obesiti Di Kalangan Kanak-Kanak Cina Di Kota Bharu,Kelantan

Peningkatan prevalens obesiti kanak-kanak telah banyak mendorong kajian mengenai etiologinya. Tujuan kajian ini ialah untuk menentukan prevalens kelebihan berat badan dan obesiti kanak-kanak di kawasan bandar, serta mengkaji perkaitan di antara faktorfal1: or persekitaran dan taraf pemakanan mereka. Responden kajian ini terdiri daripada 278 orang kanak-kanak kaum eina (144 kanak-kanak lelaki dan 134 kanak-kanak perempuan) yang berumur di antara 10 hingga, 12 tahun. Mereka dipilih dari sebuah sekolah rendah di bandar Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Kelebihan berat badan kanak-kanak didefinisikan sebagai Indeks Jisim Badan (UB) bersamaan atau inelebihi 85 persentil mengikut umur dan jantina. The growing prevalence of childhood obesity has provided increased impetus for the study of its etiology. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity of children in an urban area, and mapping the association between environmental factors and nutritional status in children. The respondents of this study comprised of 278 Chinese children (144 boys and 134 girls) aged between 10 and 12 years old. They were selected from a primary school in the city of Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Overweight in children was defined as Body Mass Index (HMI) equal to or greater than the 85th percentile for age and sex

Determinants of Poor Diet Quality among Elderly with Low Socioeconomic Status

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors that contribute to the elderly with low socioeconomic status eating poor-quality diets. Two hundreds and ninety three (293) senior citizens, including 136 men and 157 women, were sought out from five districts in Kelantan. Data on socio-demography, medical history, empty nest, depressive symptoms and diet history were obtained through an interview-administered method. Anthropometry measurement including height, weight and circumferences (waist, hip, calf and mid-upper arm) were measured. Body composition were measured using body composition monitor to obtain muscle mass and fat mass. Blood pressure were measured using blood pressure monitor. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) algorithm was used to determine the diagnosis of sarcopenia. 48.8% of the participants were underweight. The majority of participants fell short of the suggested daily calorie consumption. 42% of the participants had poor diet quality according to Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score. Hypercholesterolemia and poor Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score were found to be risk factors of poor diet quality. Therefore, nutrition interventions are important to help low-income families especially with older adults to improve their nutritional status for reducing risk of sarcopenia and chronic diseases

Risk Factors of Subjective Cognitive Decline among Older People with Low Socioeconomic Status

The aim of the study is to investigate the predictors associated with Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD)especially among older people with low socioeconomic status. This was a cross- sectional study involving older people with low socioeconomic status in Kelantan, which is one of the poorest states in Malaysia. Data of anthropometry, body composition, cognitive function, sarcopenia, depressive symptoms, medical history, blood pressure and polypharmacy were obtained via face-to-face interview. SCD was determined by a single item in the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Variables were analysed using the binary logistic regression model for identification of risk factors. A total of 293 older people with mean age of 69.1 years old was recruited. The SCD proportion in this study was 24.6%. One unit increase in Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score increases risk of subjective cognitive decline by odds of 1.814 (OR=0.595: 95% CI:1.441–2.283; p<0.001). Meanwhile, those with diabetes have a tendency of 2.972 to have SCD as compared to non-diabetics (OR=1.089: 95% CI:1.062–8.315; p<0.038). The prevalence of SCD in this study is high and may contribute to cognitive impairment. The predictors of SCD were larger waist circumference, having diabetes, and increasing score in GDS. SCD must be screened earlier and healthy lifestyle must be emphasized. Routine screening and monitoring of non-communicable disease risk factors are important for the prevention of SCD

Eating behaviour, body image, and self-esteem of adolescent girls in Malaysia

This cross-sectional study was undertaken with 489 secondary school girls, ages 15–17 years, to examine disordered eating behaviours of adolescent girls in Malaysia and to estimate associations with body weight, body-size discrepancy, and self-esteem. Dietary restraint, binge eating, body image, and self-esteem were assessed using the Restrained Eating scale of the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, the Binge Scale Questionnaire, the Contour Drawing Rating Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, respectively. Pearson correlations estimated associations between variables. There were 3.1% underweight, 9.8% at risk of being overweight, and 8.6% overweight girls. A total of 87.3% were dissatisfied with their own body size. Dietary restraint and binge eating were reported by 36.0% and 35.4%, respectively. Body Mass Index (r = .34, p < .01) and body-size dissatisfaction (r = .24, p < .01) were significantly associated with dietary restraint and binge eating, but self-esteem (r = −.20, p < .001) was significantly associated only with binge eating

Effect of Sacha Inchi Oil on Human Blood Pressure and Lipid Profile: A Preliminary Study in Malaysia

This uncontrolled pre-post study aimed to assess changes in blood lipid profiles and blood pressure resulting from a 2-month consumption of Sacha Inchi Oil (SIO) (Plukenetia volubilis). Investigating the effects of SIO on Malaysians is essential for tailoring interventions to the local context, considering genetic, cultural, and dietary differences. A total of 13 adult participants, comprising 8 males and 5 females aged 35 to 74 years old, took part in this intervention study. Each participant was instructed to consume 2 softgels daily, with each softgel containing 530 mg of SIO. Blood lipid profiles and blood pressure were measured at baseline and at the end of the 2-month period, utilizing venipuncture for blood tests and a sphygmomanometer for blood pressure assessment. The results indicated a significant reduction in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) levels following SIO supplementation (2 softgels daily) (p&lt;0.05). However, there were no notable improvements in Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Total Cholesterol (TC), Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), and Triglycerides (TG) after the 2-month supplementation. In conclusion, the daily supplementation of 2 softgels of SIO (1,060 mg) for 2 months demonstrated a beneficial effect on blood pressure, particularly in reducing SBP. These findings serve as preliminary data for future research into the potential health benefits of SIO in the Malaysian population

Integrated multiple neural network architecture for reading alphanumeric characters in complex scenes

IEEE International Conference on Neural Networks - Conference Proceedings74384-438917

A conceptual paper on Lahore-Pakistan pregnancy cohort study

Pakistan is among the countries with a high rate of fertility and maternal mortality, and it's in a contract with sustainable development goals (SDGs) to achieve its 5th goal (achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls). Remaining this rate high with the availability of evidence-based strategies for reducing maternal mortality and advances in medical technology in Pakistan, this study will attempt to explore the methodology of the Lahore Pregnancy Cohort Study (LPCS). The objectives of the study were to determine the nutritional status, environmental factors (socio-economic status and food insecurity) and psychological status (depression and anxiety) of pregnant women. Moreover, the study will be an ongoing two-year prospective cohort study of Pakistani pregnant women in their 2nd trimester from the outpatient department of Fatima Memorial Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. Meanwhile, during pregnancy, their interview was conducted three times in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy and postpartum

Prevalence and associated factors influencing stunting in children aged 2–5 years in the Gaza Strip-Palestine: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Stunting continues to be a major public health problem in developing countries. It is one of the most important risk factors for morbidity and mortality during childhood. In Palestine, it is another health problem, which adds to the catastrophic issues in the region. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of stunting and its associated factors among preschool children in the Gaza Strip. Methods A cross-sectional study design was conducted in the Gaza Strip. A total of 357 children aged 2–5 years and their mothers aged 18–50 years were recruited. A multistage cluster sampling was used in the selection of the study participants from three geographical areas in the Gaza Strip: Jabalia refugee camp, El Remal urban area, and Al Qarara rural area. A structured questionnaire was used for face- to -face interviews with the respective child’s mother to collect sociodemographic information and feeding practice. Anthropometric measurements for children were taken to classify height-for-age (HAZ), while maternal height was measured as well. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were applied to determine the prevalence and associated factors with stunting. Results The total prevalence of stunting in this study was 19.6%, with the highest prevalence being (22.6%) in Jabalia refugee camp. It turns out that shorter mothers had increased the odds of stunting in preschool children in the Gaza Strip. Children born to mothers whose height was 1.55–1.60 m or 1.60 m. Moreover, parental consanguinity increased the risk of stunted children (p = 0. 015). Conclusions This study showed the prevalence of stunting was of alarming magnitude in the Gaza Strip. Our results also demonstrated that parental consanguinity and short maternal stature were associated with stunting. Culturally appropriate interventions and appropriate strategies should be implemented to discourage these types of marriages. Policy makers must also raise awareness of the importance of the prevention and control of nutritional problems to combat stunting among children in the Gaza Strip