ABSTRACT
The most effective and affordable public health strategy to prevent hypertension, stroke and renal disease is by reducing daily salt consumption. Therefore, this study aims to determine the association of knowledge, attitude and practice on salt diet intake and to identify foods contributing to high sodium intake. Secondary data analysis was performed on MySalt 2016 data. It was conducted from November 2015 until January 2016 which involving Ministry of Health Staff worked at 16 study sites in Malaysia. Salt intake was measured using 24 hours urinary sodium excretion. Food frequency questionnaire was used to determine the sodium sources. Knowledge, attitude and practice of salt intake were assessed using a validated questionnaire adapted from WHO. Demographic data and anthropometric measures also were collected. Sodium levels of more than 2400mg/day was categorised as high sodium intake. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 21. The mean sodium intake estimated by 24 hours urinary sodium excretion was 2853.23 + 1275.8 mg/day. Food groups namely rice/noodles (33.8%), sauces/seasoning (20.6%), meat and poultry (12.6%) and fish/seafoods (9.3%) were the major contributors of dietary sodium. In multiple logistic regression analysis, being a male (aOR=2.83, 95% CI 2.02 – 3.96) and obese (aOR=6.78, 95% CI 1.98 – 23.18) were significantly associated with high urinary sodium excretions. In addition, those who were unsure that high salt intake can cause hypertension (aOR=1.24, 95% CI 0.65 – 2.36), those who think that they consumed too much salt (aOR=2.10, 95% CI 1.13 – 3.87) and those who only use salt rather than other spices for cooking (aOR=2.07, 95% CI 1.29 – 3.30) were significantly associated with high urinary sodium excretion. This study showed that the main sources of sodium among Malay healthcare staff is cooked food. Poor knowledge and practice towards reducing salt consumption among them contributes to the high sodium consumption. The practice of healthy eating among them together with continuous awareness campaign is essential in order to educate them to minimize sodium consumption and to practice healthy eating.
ABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of secondary school students in Sana'a Yemen related to exposure to second-hand smoking. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sana'a city. The total sample size was 336 students in which 63 were males and 273 were females. These students were stratified random sampling. Data were collected by using Questionnaire comprising of 3 parts: Part 1- consists of socio-demographic data. Part 2- consists of the knowledge regarding smoking and second-hand smoking and Part 3-consists of adolescents' attitude in relation to second-hand smoking. Out of 336 students, majority were between 14-18 years old (75.9%), males (81.2%), (55.7%) of them was fathers' occupation private employee and low educated mother was (86.3%). The students who do not have smoking habit were (94.3%), and those who do not have friends with the habit of smoking was (57.4%). (57.10) having some one else at home who smokes beside them. The reaction of non printed mass media for SHS warning was (83.3%). The exposed to smoke out door was (60.1%). In this study, the majority of students had inadequate knowledge about the second-hand smoke was (52.7%). A higher percentage of students who had unfavorable attitudes toward secondhand smoke was (86.6%). We concluded that The level of knowledge and attitude about the second-hand smoke is relatively low among the secondary school student in Sana'a Yemen. The finding of this study emphasized the need of effective awareness programs to increase level of consciousness and knowledge regarding SHS.
ABSTRACT
The evolution in lifestyle and dietary habits of the Malaysian people that have taken place over the last few decades can be largely attributed to both family and social environment. These factors are known to affect the nutritional status of the community, in both children and adults. Reduced physical activity and changes in their diet have been one of the contributing factors to the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity. However, in Malaysia, in which nutrition transition has been a norm, it is worrying when the trends of overweight and obesity have been rising steadily over the years especially among children. Although numerous strategies to control obesity in Malaysia have been taking place, many had shown little effect. Analysing strategies implemented at national level is thus crucial in order to ascertain reasons for the shortfalls of these strategies especially among children. Obesity most commonly begins as early as the ages of 5 and 6 years, or during adolescence. Obesity is indeed a major public health concern due to its huge negative impact on the society at large which is well supported by evidence-based literatures. Managing this issue is complex and holistic approach is thus crucial in reducing its incidence and prevalence.
ABSTRACT
Although the Ministry of Health Malaysia has been encouraging the practice of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM)1, 2, 3, 4 but patients/clients has not been able to apply it for their need of medical treatments and sometimes it leads to negative outcomes due to lack of knowledge on T&CM and its safe applications5,6’7,8 Most of the western-trained physicians are ignorant of risk and benefits of T&CM9,10,11. This study was aimed to determine the gap between knowledge regarding T&CM and perception on education in T&CM among the medical staffs in five selected hospitals in Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey was done at five public hospitals among medical staff in Malaysia by using quantitative methods. A total of 477 medical staffs were involved in this study. The study showed that the overall knowledge of T&CM among the medical staffs were poor (61.2%). Having good knowledge regarding T&CM were significantly higher in Hospital Duchess of Kent (52%, p=0.001), among the non-Malays (44%, p=0.047) and pharmacists (47.2%, p=0.030). Positive perception on health education in T&CM among medical staffs were high (85.3%) especially among females (88.1%, p=0.002) and pharmacists (93.7%, p<0.001). The use of T&CM among the general population is relatively high in Malaysia and many patients increasingly seek the information on T&CM therapies from medical staffs. Knowledge regarding T&CM was poor in this study because most of the medical staffs have not been exposed to T&CM education. This interesting scenario between poor knowledge and high positive perception on health education in T&CM shows the demand of urgent intervention in educating the medical staffs. We recommend that medical staffs must have some basic education and knowledge about T&CM before they could offer advice to their patients. Doctors are of the utmost important in this regard because they play a very important role in patient care. Providing T&CM education to medical staff may help to integrate T&CM into the mainstream medicine.
Subject(s)
Medicine, Traditional , Complementary TherapiesABSTRACT
There is a strong and increased worldwide interest on the aspects of prevention of oral disease and oral health promotion in dental education. However, some studies imply that dental students are not knowledgeable enough in this issue. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of, attitude towards and practice on preventive dentistry among senior dental students in Yemen. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed among senior dental students in six dental schools in Yemen. The questionnaire obtained personal information, and questions about knowledge on preventive dental care, attitudes towards and practice on preventive dentistry. Among 346 students who filled the questionnaire, a total of 91.6% has good knowledge about fissure sealant effectiveness, only 34.7% knows about the importance of fluoride toothpaste compared to brushing technique in preventing caries, with significant gender difference (p=0.005). Odds of good knowledge among non-Qat chewers was 1.9 (95%CI: 1.26-4.42). Multivariable regression analysis indicated that female gender was associated with higher positive attitudes (OR: 2.03, 95%CI:1.21-3.36,p=0.007). Attitudes were significantly associated with Qat chewing (OR = 1.95, 95%CI: 1.04-3.66, p=0.03), type of university (OR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.36-0.94, p=0.02), and mothers' level of education (OR = 1.91, 95%CI: 1.05-3.47, p=0.03). There was a high percentage of competency in practicing preventive measures among students (80.9%). Dental education should emphasize the overall aspects of preventive dentistry with early exposure of preventive dental training in order to improve students' knowledge and attitudes and consequently practice on preventive care.
ABSTRACT
An increase in physical activity is a key component for effective weight loss. It helps to control weight loss by using excess calories as well as boosting metabolism and lowering insulin levels. Physical activity also helps prevent many chronic diseases and improve the overall human health. The objective of this study was to assess weight loss practice using physical activity strategies among working women in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 639 adult Malaysian working women were screened and 120 respondents were identified based on their experience of losing at least 10% of their highest lifetime body weight, which is a criterion for successful weight-loss. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from 120 successful weight loss respondents. Physical activity was measured by using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short version. Results showed that 35.8% of women had low physical activity level; slightly above than one third of women (38.3%) had moderate activity level, while 25.8% women had high physical activity level.The most common physical activity monitoring strategies implemented were exercise at least 30 minutes per day (22.5%) and incorporate physical activity into daily life (21.7%). A total of 70.8% women regained weight after significant weight loss. A total of 40.0% who regained weight as compared to 25.7% of those who did not regain weight were physically inactive (p=0.138). There was no statistically significant different in daily sitting time between the two groups (p=0.627). As a conclusion, government working women in Kuala Lumpur have low to moderate physical activity levels. Majority women regained weight after significant weight loss. Common strategies to lose weight are exercise at least 30 minutes per day and incorporate physical activity into daily life. More education and promotion regarding the importance of physical activity should be done to all community members especially to the government working women.
Subject(s)
Motor Activity , ExerciseABSTRACT
The unstable living situation in Iraq in the last 10 years after 2003 war affected the daily life of most Iraqis, and especially the children. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of an unstable living environment on children’s health. A community-based qualitative study was done to collect data from 20 mothers of children (age 7 to 8years old) through in-depth interview (IDI). Data was recorded using tape recorders and was later transcribed and analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis techniques. The majority of mothers interviewed said the past nine years of unstable security in the capital had affected their daily life; some mothers also expressed concern about their child’s nutritional status, their eating habits during the school day, and the unhealthy food being sold at school canteens. As a conclusion, the unstable living situations in Baghdad city after the last war had affected the cognitive and nutritional development of children. More precautions should be taken by parents to ensure their children safety in the future.
Subject(s)
Child , Economics , Social Conditions , Health , IraqABSTRACT
Great importance has been attributed to birth weight all over the world because it is considered as one of the best predictors of prenatal survival and a good indicator of quality life. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of low birth weight babies (LBW) and factors related to it in Baghdad city. A cross sectional study was carried out in four general hospitals in Baghdad city, Iraq. A total of 225 newborn babies, alive, singleton and without congenital malformation were selected randomly from these four general hospitals.The result of the study showed the prevalence rate of low birth weights was 21.3%. Mothers’ educational level, monthly family income, mothers with chronic hypertension, mothers with history of previous low birth weight infants and anemic mothers were significantly associated with low birth weight babies (P= 0.03, 0.01, 0.02,<0.01, 0.02) respectively. It is clearly evidenced the lack of equity in populations and disparity in socioeconomic status are common related factors for the low birth weight babies as can be seen as a public and global health problem.
Subject(s)
Infant, Low Birth Weight , IraqABSTRACT
Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) is responsible for a lot of adverse health effects and it is one of the most common causes of preventable mental impairment. Impaired cognitive function is an outcome of impaired neurodevelopment process during early pregnancy due to iodine deficiency. A few cross-sectional studies found differences in mental performance between areas with high iodine found naturally in the environment (well water) and those with low iodine level, but other studies showed otherwise. Intervention studies with iodine also give variety of results ranging from significant improvement of mental performance to non-significant findings. Malaysia faces with challenges in iodine supplementation among the population but it can be dealt with effectively if the programme is well executed and monitored.