Current prevalence and predictors of protein-energy malnutrition among schoolchildren in rural Peninsular Malaysia.
Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health
;
2008 Sep; 39(5): 922-31
Artigo
em Inglês
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-35879
ABSTRACT
A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the current prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) among Orang Asli schoolchildren and to investigate the potential predictors of malnutrition. A total of 241 (120 males and 121 females) Orang Asli schoolchildren age 7-12 years living in remote areas of Pos Betau, Pahang participated voluntarily in this study. Anthropometric and socioeconomic data were collected and the children were screened for intestinal parasitic infections. The overall prevalences of mild and significant underweight conditions were 52.3% and 37.3%, respectively, and the prevalences of mild stunting and wasting were 43.6% and 43.1%, respectively, while the prevalences of significant stunting and wasting were 43.6% and 5.6%, respectively. There was a significant association between gender (male) and malnutrition (p = 0.029). The results also showed a higher prevalence of stunting among children age < or = 10 years than in older children (p = 0.001). Other independent variables, including socioeconomic status and intestinal parasitic infections, had no significant associations with malnutrition indices. PEM is prevalent among schoolchildren in rural Malaysia and therefore of public health concern since PEM diminishes immune function and impairs cognitive function and educational performance. School-based programs of prevention through health education and interventions should be considered as an essential part of measures to improve the quality of life of schoolchildren in rural Malaysia.
Texto completo:
DisponíveL
Índice:
IMSEAR (Sudeste Asiático)
Assunto principal:
População Rural
/
Fatores Socioeconômicos
/
Pesos e Medidas Corporais
/
Feminino
/
Humanos
/
Masculino
/
Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil
/
Criança
/
Fatores Sexuais
/
Prevalência
Tipo de estudo:
Estudo observacional
/
Estudo de prevalência
/
Estudo prognóstico
/
Fatores de risco
País/Região como assunto:
Ásia
Idioma:
Inglês
Revista:
Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health
Ano de publicação:
2008
Tipo de documento:
Artigo
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