Oral Health Beliefs, Perceptions and Utilisation of Oral Health Care Services among the Indigenous People (Orang Asli) in Pahang, Malaysia: A Qualitative Study

@#Introduction: Orang Asli refers to the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, representing 0.6% of the Malaysian population. Vast inequality was observed regarding oral health beliefs, behaviour, and utilisation of oral health services between the Orang Asli and non-Orang Asli. The aim of the study was to explore the oral health beliefs, perceptions, and oral health service utilization behaviour among Orang Asli in the district of Bera, Pahang, Malaysia. Methods: Orang Asli’s oral health beliefs and perceptions of oral healthcare service were ascertained through four FGDs. Nineteen participants from Bera’s semi-urban and rural Orang Asli communities were convened. Emerging themes from the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Orang Asli believed that oral health is essential for an individual’s function and aesthetics. They are also aware that inadequate oral hygiene care will result in tooth decay and gum disease. Most of the Orang Asli that chewed betel nuts believed that limestone paste could cause oral cancer. The main barriers to Orang Asli accessing oral healthcare services were time constraints and distance to the nearby clinic. Conclusion: The Orang Asli believed oral health care is essential in ensuring a healthy oral condition. Despite their generational belief towards traditional healers and medication, Orang Asli in Bera had a perceived positive acceptance towards oral healthcare services.

Knowledge, Attitude, And Practices Of Non-Communicable Diseases: Comparison Between Orang Asli And Malay From Rural Area In Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia: A Comparative Study

@#The study evaluates the prevalence, knowledge, attitude, and practices of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adult Orang Asli and Malay ethnicity in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. This cross-sectional study involving 634 respondents aged 18 years and above of Orang Asli (51.3%) and Malays (48.7%) from the rural villages. Structured interview questionnaire for disease history and KAP level conducted. Weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels then measured. Prevalence of NCDs was higher among Malays compared to Orang Asli with hypertension (35.0% vs 14.8%), hypercholesterolemia (31.1% vs 5.2%), and diabetes mellitus (16.2% vs 4.3%), respectively. Malays also had a higher percentage of being abdominal obese (70.6% vs 59.7%) and increased blood pressure (54.4% vs 29.8%). Multivariate analysis indicates hypercholesterolemia [OR=6.035 (95%CI: 3.150,11.561)], abdominal obesity [aOR= 1.807 (95%CI: 1.065, 3.067)], and increased in blood pressure [aOR= 2.359 (95%C1: 1.619,3.437)] have a significant relation with Malay ethnicity. For Orang Asli, 51.7% had poor knowledge, 72.3% had a good attitude, and 16.0% had a good practice. Knowledge and attitude scores were significantly less among Orang Asli with no significant difference for practice compared to the Malays. The prevalence of NCDs among the Malays is alarmingly high, with an increasing trend among Orang Asli, which needs immediate attention. The NCDs and obesity were significant among Malays but also showed a worrying trend in the Orang Asli as the good practice on a healthy life-style was low in both ethnicities. Thus, proper education and promotion regarding NCDs needed for diseases screening and prevention.

Boarding School: A Simple Approach To Reduce Soil Transmitted Helminth Infections In Orang Asli Children Of Sungai Siput, Perak, 2017

@#Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infection is a major public health concern among the indigenous children of Malaysia. Precarious living conditions at home including unavailability of water, drinking of contaminated water, poor sanitation and livestock presence, are known risk factors for the infection. In order to provide better living conditions, these children are enrolled in boarding schools. This study was conducted to determine whether boarding schools is a solution in reducing soil transmitted helminth infection among Orang Asli children in Sg Siput, Perak, Malaysia. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 204 schoolchildren aged 7-17 years from three boarding schools in Sungai Siput, Perak from January to March 2017. Stool samples were collected and examined using direct smear and Kato-Katz technique. Information on sociodemographic and environmental conditions were collected using a modified Demographic Health Survey (DHS) questionnaire. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics Processor 20.0.Out of a total of 204 children, only 48% (n= 97) were infected with at least one type of STH species which showed a reduced prevalence as compared to previous studies conducted among home dwelling schoolchildren with overall prevalence of 78-97%. Majority of the children had monoparasitism (31%; n=63) with moderate intensity by T trichuira (n=51, 25%). Univariate analysis shows that unavailability of water at home has a statistically significant association with STH infection among boarding school children (OR=0.73; 95% CI= 0.56-0.95 p=0.021). Multivariate analysis proves children who had unavailability of water at home has 2.1 times more likelihood of getting an STH infection (OR= 2.08; 95%CI= 1.07-4.07; p= 0.032).This study demonstrates a reduced STH prevalence among Orang Asli boarding school children as better living condition there limits the spread of STH infection among them.

Hepatitis B virus infection: Epidemiology and seroprevalence rate amongst Negrito tribe in Malaysia

@#Introduction: Prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among the non-indigenous people in Malaysia has been well established and range between 3% and 5%. However, data from the indigenous (Orang Asli) people is still lacking. The Negrito population is the most remotely located Orang Asli tribe with limited access to health care facilities. This study was undertaken to determine the epidemiology and seroprevalence of HBV infection among the Negrito. Methods: Surveys were conducted in five Negrito settlements in Kelantan and Perak states in Malaysia. A total of 150 participants were recruited. Clinical history was taken and physical examination was performed. Five millilitres of whole blood were collected and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: Participants were mainly from the Bateq (49.3%) and Mendriq (29.4%) sub-tribes. Overall, 13 subjects (8.7 %); nine males and four females were HBsAg positive. Nine of the HBsAg positive subjects were ≥35 years old. All of them had history of home deliver without evidence of antenatal record. Six (46%) of the HBsAg positive subjects had tattoo and body piercing in the past. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV infection rate amongst the Negrito tribe is almost three-fold compared to the national rates. The reason for this finding remains unclear. Tattooing, body piercing and vertical transmission could be the main possible routes of transmission of HBV among the Negrito population in Malaysia.

Family Planning Practice Among Married Orang Asli Women in Sepang District and Its Associated Factors

Abstract@#Introduction: Family planning allows couples to have their desired number of children and optimum birth spacing. While the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) in Malaysia was reported as 52.2% in 2014, little is known regarding the practice of family planning among marginalised groups such as the Orang Asli women. This study aims to determine family planning practice among married Orang Asli women in Sepang district and its associated factors. Methods: A cross sectional study using a pretested questionnaire was conducted in five Orang Asli settlements in Sepang using cluster sampling. Chi-square test and simple logistic regression were used in bivariate analysis, whereas binary logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of family planning practice. Results: 212 (58.4%) participants were current users of family planning, with 68.3% of the users reported using oral contraceptive pills. In the logistic regression models, family planning practice was significantly more common among women who had children (AOR= 43.659, 95% CI: 5.788, 329.323), being housewives (AOR=1.973, 95% CI: 1.205, 3.230) and had higher attitude score (AOR=1.113, 95% CI: 1.006, 1.232). Conclusion: The CPR of current study was about the same as the national CPR in 2014. The predictors of family planning practice among Orang Asli women were having children, being a housewife and having a better attitude towards family planning. Future intervention to increase the CPR should focus on improving women’s attitude regarding family planning.

Nutritional Status And Dietary Intake Of Semai Indigenous Children Below Five Years In Perak, Peninsular Malaysia

@#The nutrition transition in Malaysia has had profound impact on the nutritional status of national population especially in children below five years. There exists paucity in the data that address the nutritional status of aboriginal children that may impair intervention programme. Hence the study aims to assess and appraise the nutritional status of Semai Orang Asli children under five years and identify the determinants of nutritional status to strengthen baseline data. A total of 340 Semai children (179 males and 161 female children from Perak were recruited for the study. All information pertaining to demographic, socio-economic and educational status were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. All children were subjected to nutritional anthropometry and clinical examination using standard procedures. A one-day dietary record was done on a sub-sample of 140 children between 12 and 59 months. About 32.7% of the Semai children were underweight 28.2% were stunted and 52% showed wasting. Body Mass Index (BMI) revealed 52% of children with moderate to severe thinness. The existence of malnutrition was higher among female children. Twenty-eight percent were identified with any form of nutritional deficiencies and did not meet the Recommended Nutrient Intake for any measured nutrient. Poverty, illiteracy, unavailability of food, location and proximity to procure food, lack of physical activity, poor sanitation and hygiene were the contributors to the poor nutritional status. Nutrition transition has had less or marginal impact on the nutritional status of the indigenous children which calls for immediate action and intervention.

Overweight and obesity among Orang Asli adults in Krau Wildlife Reserve, Pahang: a four-year follow-up study

@# Introduction: Obesity and excess weight gain in adults are linked to an increased risk of cardiometabolic abnormalities. The changing lifestyle experienced by the Orang Asli predisposes the population to the risk of obesity and non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity as well as body-weight change over a period of four years among Orang Asli adults. Methods: Data were collected from Orang Asli adults aged ≥18 years, who were enrolled in the 2011-2012 and 2015-2016 surveys, and who were residing within the Krau Wildlife Reserve. Weight and height of the adults (N2011-2012=828; N2015- 2016=662) were measured at both time points. Follow-up data were available for 378 adults (male:113; female:265). Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 18.8% and 7.4% in 2011-2012 and 26.1% and 9.5% in 2015-2016. In the follow-up group, significant differences in body weight and body mass index (BMI) were observed in men and women, respectively. More than one-third (35.5%) of the adults had weight gain of more than 5.0%. The increasing percentage of body weight change was associated with being female, younger age, more years of schooling and reduced household income. Conclusion: Obesity is a growing health problem in the Orang Asli adult population. Weight gain was associated with socioeconomic indicators and it was more prominent in women. Effective strategies are needed to address the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in this population to further reduce adverse health outcomes.

A feasibility study of multiple micronutrient supplement for home fortification of foods among Orang Asli children in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

@# Introduction: The prevalence of child undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are higher in the Orang Asli (OA) than the general Malaysian population. The World Health Organization recommends the use of multiple micronutrient supplement (MMS) that is a blend of micronutrients in powder form that can be sprinkled onto foods for home fortification to prevent undernutrition among children. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of using MMS among OA children. Methods: A total of 25 OA children (14 boys and 11 girls) aged 6-31 months (mean±SD = 15.7±7.2 months) in Negeri Sembilan were given three sachets of MMS weekly for 5 weeks. Caregivers were instructed to add MMS to three types of food from the same food group per week varying with a different food group weekly. Written instruction for using MMS in simple language was given prior to the supplementation. Caregivers were interviewed for information on socio-demographics, compliance, acceptance, preference and adverse effect of MMS. Results: A high level of compliance was observed (85%). All caregivers reported that the instructions for use were easy to read. No noticeable changes to the foods mixed with MMS were observed and no adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: This study demonstrated feasibility of the use of MMS for future trials among OA children. The easy to read information that comes with the MMS, frequent monitoring of MMS use and support to caregivers were required to ensure compliance. Cultural feeding practices and financial constraints may limit the types of food that can be mixed with MMS.

Giardiasis Amongst The Orang Asli School Children At Pos Titom, Pahang, Malaysia / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

Giardia intestinalis is among the protozoa that is commonly found in the human fecal samples throughout the world. Theprevalence of infection is higher among people living in developing countries than developed countries. One hundredand eleven Orang Asli children at Pos Titom, Pahang participated in this study. The prevalence study was conducted inaccordance to gender, age groups and the diagnostic techniques employed. Fecal samples were collected and examinedfor the presence of G. intestinalis using three diagnostic techniques ie; the direct fecal smear, formalin-ether concentrationand the trichrome staining technique. The overall prevalence of G. intestinalis infection among Orang Asli children at PosTitom was 23.42%. The infection was higher among females (25%) as compared to males (21.57%) eventhough it wasnot statistically significant (p > 0.05). In terms of age groups, no positive case was observed among preschoolers whoseage were below seven-years while the school aged children (7 to 12-years old) showed 24.53% infection. The trichromestaining technique was the most sensitive with a detection rate of 22.52% followed by the formalin-ether concentrationtechnique with a detection of 19.82% whilst the direct smear technique only detected 12.61% of cases. The prevalenceof giardiasis amongst the Orang Asli children at Pos Titom, Pahang was still high despite various efforts made andimprovements in basic infrastructural facilities undertaken for their community. The health care status and personalhygiene of Orang Asli children remains poor and needs to be further improved.

Housing Infrastructure And Quality Of Life Of Orang Asli And Non-Orang Asli Populations In Kuala Langat Selangor

@#We investigated the association between housing conditions with a primary focus on basic housing infrastructure and WHOQOL BREF score among the Orang Asli and non-Orang Asli populations. A cross–sectional study was conducted between August 2014 and May 2015 among the Orang Asli and non-Orang Asli populations in Kuala Langat, Selangor. Sampling of the population was done through multistage sampling while eligible respondents participated conveniently. The socio-demographic information collected consisted of age, ethnicity, marital status, educational level, and employment status. Basic housing infrastructure variables including the types of housing unit, wall construction material, availability and types of toilet, availability of electricity, source of water supply, and availability of garbage collection facilities were obtained. Among the Orang Asli respondents, having the pour type of toilet in the house was significantly (p=0.003) associated with a reduction in the physical health domain score by 0.36 (95% CI: -0.61,-0.12). Conversely, having no toilet in the house and living in a semi-detached house had significantly (p=0.023 and p=0.026 respectively) increased the social relationships domain score by 0.81 (CI: 0.11, 1.51) and 3.90 (CI: 0.47, 7.34) respectively. Unavailability of garbage disposal facilities was found to be significantly (p<0.001) associated with a reduction in the environmental domain score by 0.70 (95% CI: -1.05, 0.35). This study have added to the evidence that housing programs of the Orang Asli population need to be further strengthened and supported by a range of policies and practices that address the critical intervention points for more potential health gains.

Human Microsporidiosis In Malaysia: Review Of Literatures

The purpose of this study is to review the literature on microsporidiosis in various high-risk groups among the Malaysian population, i.e., HIV/AIDS, cancer, hospitalised patients and Orang Asli, and to update information with regards to microsporidia prevalence, diagnosis and association of the disease with gastrointestinal symptoms in Malaysia. Hospitalised patients showed the highest prevalence (28.3%) of microsporidiosis compared to other risk groups. This review did not find any direct correlations between gastrointestinal symptoms and microsporidiosis. Since microsporidiosis is an emerging threat to the high-risk groups, greater awareness should be instilled among clinicians to consider microsporidiosis in their differential diagnosis if no other causes can be defined.

Pap Smear Uptake and Its Associated Factors among Orang Asli Women in Selangor

Introduction: Pap smear screening may increase the quality of women’s health through early detection of cervical cancer thus providing a better prognosis for women with cervical cancer. While the benefit of Pap smear screening is well documented, the screening uptake among Malaysian women in general was unsatisfactory with only 47.3% being screened. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Pap smear uptake and its associated factors among Orang Asli women who lives in rural areas in Selangor. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Hulu Langat and Kuala Langat districts from April to July 2017. Through cluster sampling, five Orang Asli settlements in the two districts were chosen. All women in the selected village aged between 18 to 65 years were invited to participate and interviewed using a structured, pretested questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS Version 22. Univariate and bivariate analysis were conducted to identify factors associated with Pap smear uptake among the participants. All hypotheses tests were two-sided and level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: Out of the 147 respondents, 114 (77.6%) had undergone Pap smear for at least once in the past. Women aged more than 35 years (p=0.013) were shown to be significantly more likely to take Pap smear compared to women who were 35 years old and less. There were significant associations between marital status (p<0.001), knowledge (p<0.001), attitude (p<0.001) and use of oral contraceptive (p=0.001) with Pap smear uptake. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of Pap smear uptake among Orang Asli women in Selangor.

Development And Validation Of A Questionnaire On Socio-Cultural Factors Among The Orang Asli And General Population In Selangor

@#Cultural attitudes of the societies have long been identified as one of the important determinants of Quality of Life (QoL). Yet there is a dearth of socio-culturally validated instruments for local population to assess the impact of socio-cultural practice on health. The aim of this validation study is to develop and test the validity and reliabilityof a questionnaire on culture dimensions.Respondents were asked about their engagement in socio-cultural aspects including beliefs and practice oftraditional customs and culture using a set of newly developed questionnaire.A total of 275eligible respondentsparticipatedwith150(54.5%)from the general population and 125 (45.5%)from the Orang Asli population. Kaiser-Meyer Olkin measure of Sampling Adequacy (KMO) was 0.791 and 0.677 for the general and Orang Asli population respectively. Bartlett’s test for both population was significant (p<0.001). By Principal Common Analysis, four factorswere extracted (Eigen values >1.0) that jointly accounted for 54.7% and 52.0% of the total variance among the general population and Orang Asli respectively.The Cronbach alpha value score was 0.785and 0.730 for the general population and Orang Asli population respectively. The Cronbach alpha values foreach of the four domains ranged from 0.477-0.865 and 0.543-0.758 for the general population and Orang Asli population respectively.These results suggest that the newly developed questionnaire appeared to have adequate validity and reliability in measuringsocio-cultural factors in the population.

The Health Of Malaysia’s “Orang Asli” Peoples: A Review Of The Scientific Evidence On Nutritional Outcome, Parasite Infestations, And Discussion On Implications For Clinical Practice

The Orang Asli of Malaysia continue to experience poor health. There appears to be stagnation of certain aspect of their health status. Underweight (low weight-for-age) and stunting (low height-for-age) are significant amongst Orang Asli children. Worm infestation such as Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworm continue to afflict Orang Asli communities in Malaysia. Orang Asli communities can also be afflicted by other kinds of parasites, e.g. malaria parasites, microsporida parasites and Cryptosporidium parasites. Thus, primary care doctors who treat Orang Asli patients should be on the lookout for malnutrition and its effects (including anaemia, iodine deficiency, Vitamin A deficiency) as well as worm and parasite infestations. Such patients may need to undergo de-worming at regular intervals because of the tendency to get re-infected. Primary care doctors also need to be aware of possible interactions between infestations and nutritional deficiencies.

An assessment of health and social-economic status among Lanoh ethnic sub-group of Orang Asli (indigenous peoples) in Air Bah I village, state of Perak, Malaysia.

This study was conducted to assess the health and social economic status of Lanoh ethic sub-group of Orang Asli (indigenous peoples) in Air Bah I village, Malaysia. A one day study which involved health screening and structured interview was conducted on 16 April 2011. Forty five Orang Asli participated in the health screening. Fifteen subjects were newly discovered to have high blood pressure while 5 subjects had high blood glucose level. Only 37.8 % had normal body mass index and 26.7 % were pre-obese. Thirteen subjects were interviewed about their health seeking behavior and knowledge of the proper use of medications. Slightly more than half (53.8 %) of the subjects was uneducated and 69.2 % were rubber tappers with the median monthly household income of RM 400 (USD 122.31). Approximately 77 % of the subjects had visited the health centre for body checkups. The utilization of herbs as medications (23.1 %) was common and the majority (76.9 %) said that traditional medications were safe compared to modern medications. Around 46 % of Orang Asli had the opinion that medications should be kept in the refrigerator and exposed places and 61.5 % shared medications with others. In conclusion, the Lanoh are still categorized under the poverty group and their education level remains low. Therefore, education intervention is necessary to improve their knowledge on the proper use of medications.

An intestinal parasitological survey among the Jehai Orang Aslis (aborigines) of the Temenggor forest, Perak state, Malaysia

Background: In Malaysia, the most common soiltransmitted helminth infections are A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura and hookworms. However, as there have been no extensive surveys on these infections, it is difficult to estimate with certainty the current overall incidence of infection with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) among the Malaysian population including the Orang Aslis. Materials and Methods: A study was conducted to determine the infection rate of soil-transmitted helminths and intestinal protozoa among the Jehai Orang Aslis (Aborigines). The study was conducted between December 2005 and August 2006, in four Jehai villages of Perak State, Malaysia. A total of 175 stool samples was collected and personal identification such as name, age, household identification, and date of collection were recorded on the spot during collection. Faecal smears were stained with Trichrome for protozoa cysts and trophozoites and the modified Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast method for the oocyst of Cryptosporidium and Isospora. Wet mounts with tincture of iodine of both stool samples (10% formalin and PVA) were also examined to detect cysts, ova and larva of intestinal helminths. Results: The prevalence rates of Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm among the Jehai were 70.8%, 24.0%, and 10.9% respectively. The prevalence of Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Blastocystis hominis, and microsporidium was 40.6%, 33.7%, 25.7%, 91.4%, and 27.4% respectively. The difference in prevalence rates among the different age-groups and sex were found not significant. Children aged 0-9 years old had the highest prevalence rate of intestinal parasites and only 2 (1.1%) were free of any intestinal parasites. Conclusion: Intestinal parasitic infections were therefore still common among these people. Children aged 0-9 years old were found to have the highest infection rate of all the intestinal parasites examined. Further investigations are needed to determine more specific transmission of these infections, so that an attempt to control these infections can be made.

Use of Red Palm Oil in Local Snacks Can Increase Intake of Provitamin A Carotenoids in Young Aborigines Children: A Malaysian Experience

Introduction: Carotenoid-rich red palm oil (RPO)-based snacks have been provided to children in impoverished communities to improve their vitamin A status. The non-availabilty of information on the acceptability of RPO-based snacks by Malaysian aborigines (Orang Asli) children forms the basis of this study. Methods: Twenty-one Orang Asli children, majority of whom had normal body mass index for age (BMI-for-age) and aged 4.73 ± 0.92 years in Sungai Tekir, Negeri Sembilan were provided with three freshly-prepared snacks (springroll, curry puff or doughnut) each containing one teaspoon or 5 ml of RPO per serving, on separate mornings. On the fourth morning, one serving each of all 3 different snacks was provided together on a plate to every child for consumption and preference for the snacks recorded. The children’s habitual vitamin A intakes were assessed by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and carotenoid retention tests for the prepared snacks were performed by column chromatography. Results: Fifty-four percent of the children did not meet their RNI for vitamin A. Based on acceptance criterion of consuming at least one-half serving of the snacks provided, springroll and curry puff recorded 100% acceptability while doughnut had 82% acceptability. Preference of snack was in the order, springroll (47%)> doughtnut (35%)> curry puff (18%), but a Ztest test for proportions showed no statistical significance. Carotenoid retention tests showed great variation between snacks namely, doughnut (100%) >springroll (84%)>curry puff (45%). Conclusion: The overall findings indicate that the RPO-based snacks are highly acceptable and can be used to improve the dietary intake of provitamin A carotenoids of Malaysian Orang Asli children.

Food Restrictions during Pregnancy among Indigenous Temiar Women in Peninsular Malaysia

Introduction: A qualitative comparative case study was conducted to compare and contrast food taboos and avoidance practices during pregnancy among Orang Asli or indigenous Temiar women in four distinct locations that represent different lifestyle experiences and cultural practices. Methods: Through snowballing sampling, a total of 38 participants took part in five focus groups: one group each in Pos Simpor and Pos Tohoi in Kelantan state, one group in Batu 12, Gombak in Selangor state, and two groups in a regroupment scheme (RPSOA) in Kuala Betis, Kelantan. All the transcripts were coded, categorised and ‘thematised’ using the software package for handling qualitative data, NVivo 8. Results: Variant food prohibitions were recorded among the Temiar women residing in different locations, which differ in food sources and ways of obtaining food. Consumption of seventeen types of food items was prohibited for a pregnant Temiar woman and her husband during the prenatal period. Fear of difficulties during labour and delivery, convulsions or sawan, harming the baby (such as foetal malformation), and twin pregnancy seemed to trigger many food proscriptions for the pregnant Temiar women, most of which have been passed on from generation to generation. Conclusion: The findings of this study confirm that beliefs about food restrictions are strong among those Temiar living a traditional lifestyle. However, those who have adopted a more modern lifestyle also preserve them to some extent.

Dietary Diversity Is Associated with Nutritional Status of Orang Asli Children in Krau Wildlife Reserve, Pahang

Introduction: It is known that dietary diversity improves diet quality and nutritional status of young children. This study aimed to determine the relationship between dietary diversity and nutritional status of Orang Asli children in Krau Wildlife Reserve. Methods: A total of 216 children from three Orang Asli sub-tribes (Jah Hut, Temuan and Che Wong) aged 1 to 6 years from 162 households in 16 villages participated in this cross-sectional study. Children and mothers were measured for body weight and height. Mothers were interviewed for household socio-demographic information and diet diversity of children in the last 7 days. Diet diversity score (DDS) was calculated based on 15 food groups. Results: There was a high prevalence of underweight (50.9%) and stunting (61.6%) in Orang Asli children. For mothers, 11.1%, 27.8% and 7.4% were underweight, overweight and obese, respectively. Mean DDS of children was 6.38 [95% CI-6.10, 6.65] of the possible 15. Higher DDS of children was significantly related to older age (p<0.05), the non Jahut sub-tribe (p<0.01) and longer maternal years of schooling (p<0.05). DDS was also positively related to weight-for-age z-scores (p<0.001) and height-for-age z-scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: Undernutrition remains a major nutrition problem among Orang Asli children living within the forest reserve. Efforts to promote dietary diversity should emphasise traditional and nutritious foods that could improve health and nutritional status of the Orang Asli children.

Trichuriasis among Orang Asli Children at Pos Lenjang, Pahang, Malaysia / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

A cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2006 to determine the prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection among Orang Asli (Aborigine) children at Pos Lenjang, Pahang. A total of 71 faecal samples were collected from the children (40 girls and 31 boys) aged between 1-12 years. The samples were examined for the presence of Trichuris trichiura ova using direct smear and formalin-ether concentration techniques. The result revealed that the overall prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection was 43.7%. The infection was higher in males (51.6%) compared to females (37.5%), though not statistically significant (p > 0.05). According to age group, the school-aged children had higher prevalence of infection (56.8%) than preschool children (29.4%) (p < 0.05). Low socioeconomic status, large family size, poor environmental sanitation and poor personal hygiene are possible contributing factors that increase the prevalence of infection among the Orang Asli children at Pos Lenjang. In 31 samples positive for Trichuris trichiura, a detection rate of 100% was obtained using formalin-ether concentration, compared to 25.8% with direct smear technique. Thus, it is recommended that both techniques be performed in routine faecal examination for a more accurate diagnosis.