ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the true prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the Malaysian aborigines using real-time PCR. Methods: A total of 122 aborigines from seven tribes were recruited from settlements and nearby hospitals which served the communities, located in four states in Peninsular Malaysia. The stool samples were examined for the presence of soil-transmitted helminth using real-time PCR and microscopy. The latter included the direct wet mount and formalin-ether concentration technique (FECT). The infection load in FECT-positive samples was determined by the Kato-Katz method. Rotorgene real-time analyzer detected five helminth species using two sets of assays. Results: The real-time PCR detected soil-transmitted helminth in 98.4% samples (n=122), which were 1.56 times higher than by microscopy. Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura were detected in more than 90% of the samples, while hookworm was detected in 46.7% (Necator americanus) and 13.9% (Ancylostoma sp.) of the samples. Comparison with previous reports on the Malaysian aborigines showed that the real-time PCR markedly improved the detection of Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis. The real-time PCR detected poly-helminths in 92.6% of the samples compared to 28.7% by microscopy. In addition, 27 samples (22.1%) showed amplification of Strongyloides stercoralis DNA. Conclusions: The real-time PCR showed very high prevalence rates of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the aborigines and is the recommended method for epidemiological investigation of soil-transmitted helminth infections in this population.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the true prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the Malaysian aborigines using real-time PCR. Methods: A total of 122 aborigines from seven tribes were recruited from settlements and nearby hospitals which served the communities, located in four states in Peninsular Malaysia. The stool samples were examined for the presence of soil-transmitted helminth using real-time PCR and microscopy. The latter included the direct wet mount and formalin-ether concentration technique (FECT). The infection load in FECT-positive samples was determined by the Kato-Katz method. Rotorgene real-time analyzer detected five helminth species using two sets of assays. Results: The real-time PCR detected soil-transmitted helminth in 98.4% samples (n=122), which were 1.56 times higher than by microscopy. Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura were detected in more than 90% of the samples, while hookworm was detected in 46.7% (Necator americanus) and 13.9% (Ancylostoma sp.) of the samples. Comparison with previous reports on the Malaysian aborigines showed that the real-time PCR markedly improved the detection of Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis. The real-time PCR detected poly-helminths in 92.6% of the samples compared to 28.7% by microscopy. In addition, 27 samples (22.1%) showed amplification of Strongyloides stercoralis DNA. Conclusions: The real-time PCR showed very high prevalence rates of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the aborigines and is the recommended method for epidemiological investigation of soil-transmitted helminth infections in this population.
ABSTRACT
Resumen Se presentan los resultados de investigación desarrollada con dos poblaciones indígenas: la Achagua y la Piapoco, ubicadas al oriente de Colombia, municipio de Puerto Gaitán (Meta). El estudio tuvo por objetivo analizar las tensiones ocurridas al interior de la dimensión espiritual de la cultura indígena, la cual se encuentra en procesos de transición respecto al modelo religioso protestante que ha incursionado en el lugar durante los últimos años. El método desarrollado es la Etnografía, y a partir de realidades encontradas, mediante diálogo y observación; se derivan como resultado las categorías cosmovisión mágica y religiosidad protestante a través de las cuales se indica la existencia de un proyecto colonial religioso al interior de dichos pueblos étnicos.
Abstract This article presents results of an investigation carried out with two indigenous populations: The Achagua and the Piapoco located in eastern Colombia, in the municipality of Puerto Gaitán, Meta. The objective of the study was to analyze tensions that arose within these communities, where the indigenous spiritual dimension is in transition processes with respect to the Protestant religious model that has penetrated the site during last years. The method developed is ethnography and based on the realities found, through dialogue and observation, the resulting categories are the magical worldview and Protestant religiosity, through which the existence of a colonial-religious project is indicated, of said ethnic peoples.
Resumo Apresentam-se os resultados de pesquisas realizadas com duas populações indígenas: o Achagua e o Piapoco, localizado no leste na Colômbia, no município de Puerto Gaitán, Meta. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar as tensões que surgiram nessas comunidades, onde a dimensão espiritual indígena está em processo de transição em relação ao modelo religioso protestante que se envolveu no local nos últimos anos. O método desenvolvido é a etnografia, e baseado nas realidades encontradas, através do diálogo e da observação; como resultado, derivam-se as categorias de cosmovisão mágica e religiosidade protestante,por meio das quais é indicada a existência de um projeto colonial religioso dentro desses povos étnicos.
ABSTRACT
The incidence of neonatal jaundice among aborigines is increasing with the morbidity and mortality among this group are well recognized. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude status on neonatal jaundice among Orang Asli in Sepang, Selangor. Cross-sectional study was conducted within two weeks in Kampung Orang Asli in Sg. Pelek, Sepang, Selangor. A simple random sample of adults aged 18 years and above was selected. Data were collected by an interviewed structured questionnaire. Overall, out of 152 residents, 67% were aware about neonatal jaundice. Majority of them were female (72%), married (78.4%) and respondents who have children (86%). Among those who were aware, almost 68% have good knowledge, in which 70% recognized jaundice by yellow discoloration on the body. High pitched crying (12.7%) and not feeding (10.8%) were among symptoms they knew. Almost 50% of the respondents believed neonatal jaundice may cause mental retardation. As for management of neonatal jaundice at home, majority of them (47%) will expose the baby under the sun, 7.8% will take herbal medication whereas 2% will continue with breast feeding. Almost eighty percent of the respondents will send their jaundiced baby to the hospital immediately, whereas 23% prefer management by nurse at home. Although majority of respondents in Kg. Orang Asli Sg. Pelek have good knowledge & good attitude on neonatal jaundice, some mothers are still likely to resort to self-treatment with potentially harmful therapies.
Subject(s)
Jaundice, NeonatalABSTRACT
Background: Although body fat percentage (BFP) is a widely accepted indicator of total body fat, it has not been extensively used in studies conducted among the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia. Objective: This study was undertaken to determine the BFP distribution in a group of Orang Asli adults living in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. Methods: Kampung Sungai Ruil, one of the Orang Asli settlements in Cameron Highlands, was conveniently selected for this crosssectional study. A total of 138 respondents aged 18 years and above were assessed. Skinfold thickness was measured using the Slim Guide skinfold caliper to calculate BFP. Waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure and random plasma glucose were also measured. Results: The mean BFP of the females (29.7%) was higher than the males (18.9%) and the respondents with abdominal obesity (36.2%) had higher mean BFP compared to those with normal waist circumference (23.7%) Those in the age group of 18-28 years old (22.1%) had lower BFP than respondents in the age groups 29-39 years old (27.3%) and 40-50 years old (29.1%) (p=<0.001) and married respondents (26.8%) had higher mean BFP than single (21.2%) respondents. According to the BMI categorisation, respondents categorised as overweight (25.9%) had higher mean BFP than the normal weight/healthy (19.2%) respondents, and obese (32.0%) more than underweight (18.1%), normal weight/healthy (19.2%) and overweight (25.9%) respondents. Linear regression showed age (regression coefficient = 0.16, p=<0.001), BMI (regression coefficient = 1.06, p=<0.001) and being a woman (regression coefficient = 8.26, p=<0.001) were significant predictors of BFP. Conclusion: The BFP is higher in women and is significantly associated with age and BMI.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the frequency distribution of various arch shapes in ethnic Malays and Malaysian Aborigines in Peninsular Malaysia and to investigate the morphological differences of arch form between these two ethnic groups. METHODS: We examined 120 ethnic Malay study models (60 maxillary, 60 mandibular) and 129 Malaysian Aboriginal study models (66 maxillary, 63 mandibular). We marked 18 buccal tips and incisor line angles on each model, and digitized them using 2-dimensional coordinate system. Dental arches were classified as square, ovoid, or tapered by printing the scanned images and superimposing Orthoform arch templates on them. RESULTS: The most common maxillary arch shape in both ethnic groups was ovoid, as was the most common mandibular arch shape among ethnic Malay females. The rarest arch shape was square. Chi-square tests, indicated that only the distribution of the mandibular arch shape was significantly different between groups (p = 0.040). However, when compared using independent t-tests, there was no difference in the mean value of arch width between groups. Arch shape distribution was not different between genders of either ethnic group, except for the mandibular arch of ethnic Malays. CONCLUSIONS: Ethnic Malays and Malaysian Aborigines have similar dental arch dimensions and shapes.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Dental Arch , Ethnicity , Incisor , MalaysiaABSTRACT
Background: The high prevalence and impacts of orofacial pain (OFP) have caused major sufferings to individuals and society. The purpose of the study was to investigate the problems and impacts of OFP among a group of Malaysian aborigines. The objectives were to determine (i) the prevalence, aetiology, duration, severity, types and persistence of OFP during the past 3 months preceding the study; (ii) its associated impact on daily performance; and (iii) the measures taken for pain relief. Methods: This is a cross sectional study carried out in Kuala Lipis, Pahang involving 6 villages of Orang Asli Bateq and Semai. Study sample was chosen using convenient sampling including adults aged 16 years and above. Participants were invited for an interview using structured questionnaire followed by clinical examination. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS ver12. Results: Response rate was low at 20% (n = 140). Over one-quarter (26.4%) of the sample experienced OFP in the previous 3 months. Toothache was found to be the main aetiology (83.3%) followed by gingival pain (18.9%), temporomandibular joint (10.8%) and facial pain (8.1%). Mean duration of pain was 9.8 days for toothache, 162.4 days for gingival pain, 7.3 days for TMJ and 5.7 days for facial pain. Of those who had OFP, over half rated the pain as moderate (37.8%) and severe (29.7%) and most of the pain was ‘intermittent’ in nature (81.1%). Over half (62.2%) admitted the pain had disappeared during the interview. In terms of pain relief, 56.8% of the sample used traditional medicine. The pain had impacted on the chewing ability (70.3%, p=0.01), ability to sleep at night (73.0%, p<0.001), levels of anxiety (70.3%), ability to perform daily chores (33.3%) and social life (35.1%) of the Orang Asli sample. Conclusion: This study suggests the prevalence of OFP was high among the Orang Asli sample, which imposed considerable physical and psychological impacts on daily life.