Nutritional Status and the Use of Protease Inhibitors Among Hiv-infected Children in Klang Valley, Malaysia

This study determined the association between nutritional status and the use of protease inhibitors (PI) containing regimen among HIV-infected children receiving treatment at the referral centres in Klang Valley. A total of 95 children currently on antiretroviral (ARV) therapy, aged one to eighteen years, were recruited using purposive sampling. Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, medical history, were collected using a structured questionnaire. Serum micronutrients levels and lipid profile were also examined using blood samples. Mean age was 8.8 3.9 years and 44.2% were on PI. Age ( 2 = 10.351, p = .006), weight-for-age ( 2 = 6.567, p = .010), serum selenium ( 2 = 4.225, p = .040) and HDL-C ( 2 = 7.539, p = .006) were significantly associated with the use of PI. Fewer children on PI were deficient in selenium as compared to those not on PI. On the contrary, more children on PI were underweight and had low HDL-C. The use of PI was found to have both positive and negative effects with better selenium level but poorer HDL-C level and weight status.

Iron Intake and Iron Deficiency Anaemia among Young Women in Kuala Lumpur

Objective: To assess the prevalence of iron deficiency, anaemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in women aged 20 to 40 years and its association with iron intake. Methods: A total of 388 women were recruited from universities and work sites in Kuala Lumpur and its suburbs. The subjects comprised 135 Malays, 130 Chinese and 123 Indians. Dietary intake was estimated using a single 24-hour food recall and a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. HAemoglobin (Hb), Haematocrit (hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and serum ferritin were determinated. Results: The prevalence of anaemia (Hb <12g/dL) was 20.9%,being highest among the Indians (26.4%) and lowest among the Malays (16.4%). About 10.3% of the women showed iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) (Hb<12g/dL + serum ferritin <15mg/L + MCV < 80fl/). The prevalence of IDA was highest in Indians (18.0%) followed by Chinese (9.9%) and Malays (4.3%). The mean (95% CI) intake of total iron was at 14.4mg/day (95% CI 13.4, 15.5), amounting to 49.7% of the Malaysian recommended nutrient intake (RNI). Intake of Iron was the highest for the Indians (16.0mg/d) and the lowest for the Chinese (11.3mg/d). Conclusions: The overall prevalence of IDA was lower compared to prevalence of anaemia. Nonetheless, the markedly higher prevalence of IDA among the Indians, despite relatively higher intake levels of iron-rich foods warrants further investigations, including the bioavailability of iron in the context of cultural practices that may influence food preferences and meal preparation

Breastfeeding Practices and Nutritional Status of Orang Asli Children (Temuan and Mah Meri) in Sepang District and Carey Island, Selangor

Objectives: There is a lack of current published information on health and nutritional status of Orang Asli children. A study was conducted to assess breastfeeding practices, dietary intake and growth status of Orang Asli children in Sepang and Carey Island, Selangor.Methods: A total of 173 children(88 Temuan and 85 Mah Meri) from 137 households were measured for body weight and height. Information on breastfeeding practices and dietary intake was obtained from their mothers. Results:Most of the mothers (98.9%) breastfed their infants with a high proportion (86.8%) initiating breastfeeding within one hour after delivery.About 53% of the mothers reported discarding colostrum due to various reasons including the perception that colostrum in undesirable and can produce ill-health. Although many of these mothers (58.3%) discarded colostrum on their own initiative, about 25% of them reported that they were advised by health professionals. Among mothers who had stopped breastfeeding at the time of the study (n=48), the mean duration of breastfeeding was 12.1 ± 8.9 months. About 33% of the mothers stopped breastfeeding before their infants were 6 months old and only 31% breastfed their children for more than 1 year. The percentages of significantly underweight, stunted and wasted were 48.9%, 5.2.2% and 4.3% respectively for children aged 1-3 years, whereas among children aged 4-6 years old, 35.8%, 50.6% and 1.3% were underweight, stunted and wasted, respectively. A higher proportion of Mah Meri than Temuan children in both age groups were significantly underweight, stunted and wasted. Despite the adequate intake of energy and most nutrients,the Orang Asli children had insufficient mean number of servings for all food groups-grain and cereals, fruits, vegetables, meat and fish, and milk and dairy products. Conclusion: In this study, undernutrition is a major health and nutrition problem among the Orang Asli children. The problem could be due to many factors that include poor infant and child feeding practices. Concerted efforts by various government and non government agencies are essential to improve the health and nutrition of Orang Asli.