Sociodemographic factors associated with consumption of high-sodium foods: Evidence from Malaysia

@#Introduction: The objective of the present study was to investigate the influences of sociodemographic factors on consumption of high-sodium foods among adults in Malaysia. Methods: Data were extracted from the Malaysian Community Salt Survey (MyCoSS) (n=1046). A seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) was utilised to assess factors associated with the number of servings of high-sodium foods (nasi lemak, roti canai, fried rice, fried noodles, and fried vermicelli) consumed per week. The independent variables were sociodemographic factors. Results: Younger individuals consumed more high-sodium foods than their older counterparts. Adults with secondary level education consumed more high-sodium foods compared with those with tertiary level education. Consumption of high-sodium foods was higher among males and Malays compared to females and non-Malays. Conclusion: Consumption of high-sodium foods was common in the population. Sociodemographic factors, such as age, education level, gender, and ethnicity, play an important role in influencing the decisions of people to consume high-sodium foods.

Stages Of Smoking Cessation Among Adult Current Smokers In Malaysia: Findings From The National E-Cigarette Survey 2016

@#Identification of the stages of smoking cessation among smokers is essential to improve the rate of smoking cessation. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and factors associated with stages of smoking cessation across the demographic distribution of adult smokers in Malaysia. Data were derived from a population-based study among Malaysian adults aged 18 years and above. Face-to-face interviews were carried out by trained staff using a validated questionnaire to obtain data related to smoking from 4,288 selected respondents. Of 4,288, 438 respondents are current smokers. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with stage of smoking cessation. Approximately 60% (n=269/438) of the current smokers were in the pre-contemplation stage and 40% (n=169/438) were in the contemplation and preparation stages of smoking cessation. The proportion of pre-contemplators was higher among smokers with higher levels of nicotine addiction (71.3%), lower education attainment (71.4%), and those who were single/widowed/divorced (66.9%). Multivariable analysis showed that males, and those who reported low to high level of nicotine addiction were more likely to be in the pre-contemplation stage whilst those in the older age groups were more likely to be in the advanced stage of smoking cessation. The study revealed that the majority of current smokers in Malaysia had no intention to quit smoking within 6 months. Specific interventions targeting males, young adults and smokers with low to high nicotine addiction should be introduced to ensure the smokers proceed to the advanced stage of smoking cessation.