Factors associated with sugar-sweetened beverages consumption among Malaysian adolescents: findings from the Adolescent Nutrition Survey 2017

@#Introduction: Childhood obesity is a public health problem in Malaysia. Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) is associated with obesity in children. There is a lack of studies on factors associated with SSB consumption in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the sociodemographic factors associated with SSB consumption among Malaysian adolescents. Methods: Data of 2,021 students, aged 10-17 years on sociodemographic, SSB intake and anthropometrics were drawn from the school-based Adolescent Nutrition Survey 2017. A multistage stratified cluster sampling was used to obtain a nationally representative sample of primary and secondary school students. Body mass index (BMI)-for-age status was determined based on calculated z-score using the World Health Organization 2007 reference. SSB consumption was obtained from a food frequency questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Malaysian adolescents were 16.6% and 14.7%, respectively. Malaysian adolescents consumed 1.4 cups of SSB per day. Rural children had a significantly higher SSB intake (1.5 cups) than urban (1.3 cups) children, while males (1.5 cups) had a significantly higher intake than females (1.3 cups). There were no significant differences in SSB consumption between thin, normal, overweight and obese adolescents. Conclusion: Almost all Malaysian adolescents consumed SSB during one month prior to the survey and the average amount consumed was 1.4 cups per day. Rural locality and male were associated with higher SSB consumption. There were differences in SSB consumption between Chinese and Malays, between Chinese and Indians, and between Chinese and Bumiputra Sarawak. There were no differences in consumption between the different BMI-for-age categories.

A Scoping Review on Salt Reduction Intervention

@#Excessive salt intake has been linked to the development of hypertension and non-communicable diseases. This study aims to explore the different types of salt reduction intervention implemented among adults aged ≥18 years and to identify the suitable settings, duration and tools used for effective salt reduction interventions. This review adapted the established structured scoping review framework by Arksey and O’Malley. Related articles from the year 2008 to 2018 were retrieved based on the study objectives using keywords in electronic databases and through a bibliographic search of books, reports, conference proceedings, posters and summaries. Out of 130 potentially relevant full-text articles assessed, 14 articles were included in the review. Suitable salt reduction initiatives for the community who regularly consume home-cooked food are through cooking and usage of a tool such as a salt-restriction spoon, together with awareness on the benefits of salt reduction in their daily diet. Healthy catering initiative should be implemented in the workplace or institution-based settings. Policy development targeting the source of salts such as mandatory usage of salt-substitutes or Front-of-Pack labelling of salt content in all food products suitable for population-level intervention.

Associations of Gender and BMI-for-age Status (BAZ) With Nutrient Intake Among Adolescents in Malaysia: Findings From Adolescent Nutrition Survey (ANS) 2017

@#Introduction: Adolescence is an important growth period for individuals. High prevalence of obesity among adolescents in Malaysia in recent years is worrying. This study aims to assess associations of gender and BMI-for-age status (BAZ) with nutrient intake of adolescents between 13-17 years old in Malaysia. Methods: Data of 999 respondents were drawn from Adolescent Nutrition Survey 2017; a cross-sectional school-based survey involving adolescents aged 10 to 17 years old. Respondents were selected using multistage stratified cluster sampling from 13 states and three federal territories in Malaysia to ensure nationally representative data. Data collection was undertaken from March until May 2017. Dietary intake was assessed using a single 24-hours dietary recall conducted via face-to-face interview by trained nutritionists. Nutritionist ProTM Diet Analysis Software was used to calculate nutritional intake values. Anthropometric measurements were measured using validated equipment. Nutritional status of the respondents was assessed using BMI-for-Age z-score and categorised based on WHO Growth Reference 2007. Results: The mean energy intake of the adolescents was 1972 kcal/day. Majority of the adolescents had normal BMI (74.6%) while overweight, obese and thinness were 12.0%, 7.2% and 6.2% respectively. Boys had significantly higher intakes of energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, sugar, cholesterol, thiamin, Vitamin A, calcium, iron, sodium and potassium compared to the girls. Obese adolescents had significantly higher energy, carbohydrate, fat, sugar, Vitamin A and calcium intakes compared to other BMI groups. Conclusion: The findings highlighted the need for cultivating self-awareness on healthy eating among adolescents.