Badminton is a court
based racquet games to be played either in single (one versus one) or double (two versus two)
in a court. Badminton is a famous sport especially in Asia and among the excellent team in
badminton includes China, Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea. Outside of Asia, badminton
is well known in England and Denmark. One of the main tasks of strength and conditioning
coach or trainer is to design and implement physical conditioning program. Well developed
and implemented training programs mainly dependable on how accurate the training program
variables being devised and manipulated, in order to serve the need and goals of involved
athletes. Appropriate manipulation of training program variables and modifications made
from time to time relies a lot on the accuracy and reliability of monitoring assessment used.
The main purpose of this review is to identify what has been done previously regarding
physiological and biomechanical profiling of badminton players. It is also the aim of this
review to discuss on the type of test previously used in previous studies, especially with
regards to strength and power assessment, were close enough to movement pattern perform
by a badminton players during an actual badminton match.
MeSH terms: Asia; China; Denmark; England; Goals; Indonesia; Malaysia; Play and Playthings; Reproducibility of Results; Exercise; Racquet Sports; Athletes; Republic of Korea
The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of the agility ladder drills in improving the dynamic balance ability of school children. Eighteen primary school male participants were assigned randomly into an experimental and control group respectively. The experimental group practiced the agility ladder drill activities for four weeks (three time a week) after school whereas the control group adhered to their normal daily routine without any intervention. Pre and post tests on dynamic balance were administered using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Statistical analyses using 2 group vs 3 tests ANOVA with repeated measures on the second factor showed no main effects between groups and tests. However, there was a significant interaction between group and test. The experimental group improved their dynamic balance score from pre- to post-test compared to the control group although no significant improvements were observed in the retention test. Agility ladder drills provide an additional approach to improve the dynamic balance of young children.
MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Child; Household Articles; Humans; Male; Research Design; Schools; Control Groups
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the ACE I/D gene polymorphism on athletic status and physical performance of well-trained Malaysian athletes. The distribution of ACE I/D gene polymorphism among 180 well trained athletes was compared with 180 sedentary controls. 20 meter Yo-Yo intermittent recovery and leg strength tests were used to measure maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and leg strength value of athletes with different ACE I/D genotype, respectively. Chi-Square and one way ANOVA tests were used for data analysis. The II and DD genotype were more prevalent among the endurance athletes and the strength/ power athletes compared to the other groups, respectively (p=0.00). The VO2max was not significantly associated with ACE genotype in athlete (p=0.828). However, athletes with the DD genotype had recorded a greater result for leg strength (113.8 ± 36.2) than those with the II (96.2 ± 28.0) and the ID (112.2 ± 33.5) genotype (p=0.047). This study supports the notion that ACE I/D gene polymorphism might be a genetic factor associated with athletic status and strength performance among the Malaysian population. Future studies with more representation of endurance athletes might able to detect the association between I allele and endurance performance.
Maintaining proper hydration status is crucial for sports performance and general well- being. Available data show that despite good knowledge in hydration, some elite and collegiate athletes did not practice proper fluid intake to maintain hydration, thus they may have risk of dehydration. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between hydration status, knowledge and fluid habit among school athletes. This study utilized survey questionnaires to assess hydration knowledge and habit and laboratory equipment to measure hydration status. The findings in this study show that there was no significant correlation (P>0.05) observed among hydration status, hydration knowledge and fluid intake behaviour among the participants. Besides, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in terms of hydration status, knowledge and fluid intake behaviour between males and female participants. In conclusion, this study provides some new insight with respect to hydration status and knowledge among school athletes.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a two week reduction in training load on selected physiological and performance among junior cyclist. Twenty seven male junior cyclists (age= 16.6±0.7 years, height=165.6±6.1 cm, weight= 54.1±8.1 kg) were matched into either the control group (n=13) or the experimental group (n=14) using their initial VO2max values. Both groups followed a 12-week progressive endurance training program and subsequently, the experimental group (EXP) engaged in a two week tapering (recovery via a reduction in training loads) phase. The control group continued with their normal training routine. A simulated 20 km time trials performance and a graded exercise test on cycle ergometer were performed before and after endurance training and after the two week tapering protocol. Following the conclusion of the two week intervention or no intervention program both groups undertook a TT20km. Results showed no significant difference in the TT20km performance. Compared to the CON group, the EXP group showed significant changes in all the selected physiological variables tested, p
MeSH terms: Body Weights and Measures; Exercise Test; Male; Ergometry; Control Groups; Biological Processes; Physiological Processes
This study aims to examine the vancomycin initial dosing and the resultant trough level in paediatric patients. In this retrospective observational study, all therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) records of paediatric patients admitted to Sabah Women and Children Hospital (SWACH) from January 2011 to September 2013 were reviewed and 116 patients without renal disease were included in the study. Of the total, 38.8% were neonates, 32.8% were infants and 28.4% were children. The majority of the patients were intensive care patients (69.0%) and the most common clinical indication for vancomycin was sepsis (44.8%). The four initial dosing regimens identified were 40 mg/kg/day (38.8%), 30 mg/kg/day (31.0%), 60 mg/kg/day (25.0%) and 45 mg/kg/day (5.2%). The distribution of initial dosing regimen was significantly different between the three age groups (p40 mg/kg/day (p=0.007). The proportions of those who achieved the target therapeutic range (10–20 mg/L) in the 2 dosing groups were 30.9% and 60.0% respectively. In conclusion, the study showed that the initial dosing of >40 mg/kg/day is more likely to achieve the target therapeutic range (10–20 mg/L) compared to the initial dosing of ≤40 mg/kg/day.
Introduction: This study aimed to determine the nutrient content of cornflakes and muesli, ready-to-eat cereal products available in the Malaysian market. Cornflakes and muesli were chosen due to their popularity as a breakfast meal especially in urban areas. Methods: A total of six brands each for cornflakes and muesli were purchased from supermarkets in the Klang Valley using stratified random sampling. All samples were analysed using AOAC official methods of analysis. The validity of the test data was monitored with the application of internal quality controls in line with the requirements of ISO 17025. Results: Proximate analysis revealed significantly higher mean levels of carbohydrate (86.94 ± 0.59 mg/lOOg), minerals such as iron (8.48±1.72 mg/lOOg) and sodium (674.83±102.99 g/lOOg), B3 as niacinamide (25.87 ± 6.14 g/lOOg) and sucrose (5.10 ± 0.90 mg/lOOg) in cornflakes than in muesli. However, muesli contained significantly more mean moisture (10.23 ± 0.72 mg/lOOg), protein (10.07 ± 0.79 mg/lOOg), total dietary fibre (12.49 ± 1.44 mg/lOOg), magnesium (113.22 ± 7.93 mg/lOOg), zinc (1.65 ± 0.16 mg/lOOg), copper (0.25 ± 0.02 mg/lOOg), total sugar (18.75 ± 2.05 mg/lOOg), glucose (7.70±1.77 mg/lOOg) and fructose (8.68±1.76 mg/lOOg) than cornflakes. Most of the fatty acids analysed were not detected or of low value in both the cereal products. Conclusion: The nutrient analysis of cornflakes and muesli suggests that both ready-to-eat cereals are nutritionally good choice as breakfast for consumers as it provides carbohydrate, minerals, fibre and vitamins. The data provides additional information to the Malaysian Food Composition Database.
Introduction: Cosmos caudatus (Ulam Raja) is rich in phytochemicals and can be utilised in diet diversification strategies to improve the health of individuals. lbis study was designed to incorporate dry and aqueous extracts of C. caudatus for the preparation of herbal noodles. Methods: For this purpose, different proportions of dry extract (2, 4 and 6% dry extract) and aqueous extract (5, 10 and 15% aqueous extract) of C. caudatus were used. The physicochemical properties of noodles evaluated were pH, cooking time, cooking loss, texture and colour. Total polyphenol contents (TPq and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay were carried out to assess the antioxidant potential. Lastly, sensory appraisal of functional noodles was carried out to assess consumer acceptance and marketability. Results: The results on physicochemical properties indicated that the pH value of noodles varied from 8.66 to 10.47. In terms of textural analysis and colour properties, firmness and greenness (a*) were higher in dry extract noodles. TPC varied between 115to149 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE/lOOg) whilst the highest DPPH free radical inhibition was exhibited in herbal noodles prepared using 4% dry extract (92.8%). In contrast, in terms of sensory appraisal, herbal noodles prepared with aqueous extract were more acceptable than dry extract noodles. Conclusion: C. caudatus can be utilised to prepare herbal noodles thus enhancing the dietary intake of phytochemicals especially antioxidants. Such functional foods can improve the health of consumers and offer the potential of protection against various ailments.
Introduction: Heavy metals and other contaminants in food have been a concern to food industries, consumers and governing authorities. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of heavy metals and other elements in edible bird nests (EBNs). Methods: Raw and processed (commercial) EBNs were used in the study. Raw EBNs were collected directly from five house farms in Peninsular Malaysia - Kuala Sanglang (Kedah), Pantai Remis (Perak), Kluang Gohor), Kota Bharu (Kelantan) and Kajang (Selangor). Processed EBNs were pmchased from five Chinese traditional medicinal shops located in Peninsular Malaysia. The levels of 32 elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and findings of the study were compared to the maximum regulatory limits set by the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) for EBNs. Results: Of the seven elements with maximum regulatory limits (As, Cd, Pb, Hg, Sn, Cu, Fe), one raw EBN was detected with mercury level of 70.180 ppb which was above the SIRIM permissible limit of 50 ppb. All the EBNs had iron levels above the SIRIM permissible limit of 30 ppb. The levels of the other 25 elements with no maximum regulatory limits (Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Se, Zn, Ag, Ba, Be, Bi, B, Li, Ni, Sb, Sr, Ti, U, V, Al, Zr) were also determined. Conclusion: The data obtained for the 25 elements with no permissible limits can serve as baseline data for further studies to establish their maximum regulatory limits.
MeSH terms: Academies and Institutes; Agriculture; Birds; Industry; Iron; Malaysia; Mercury; Mass Spectrometry; Titanium; Zinc; Metals, Heavy; Food Industry
Introduction: The consumption of ready-to-eat cereals (RTECs) has been associated with lower anthropometric status as well as a lower risk of childhood obesity. This relationship has not been investigated among school children in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the association between consumption of RTECs and anthropometric status among primary school children in Kuala Lumpur. Method: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 208 school children aged 10 and 11 years were recruited from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Information on socio-demographics, RTECs consumption and anthropometric measurements (height, weight and waist circumference) were obtained. Results: The overall median body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were 17.95(IqR 6.45) kg/m2 and 57.35 (IqR 13.00) cm, respectively. The majority of the children (73%) consumed RTECs. The prevalence of obesity was 23.1%, with more boys (31%) than girls (17.4%) being obese. Meanwhile, 16.8% of the children were overweight. BMI (U=3335.50, z=-2.278, p=0.023) and WC (U=3273.50, z=-2.440, p=0.015) of those who consumed RTECs were significantly lower than those who did not consume RTECs. Meanwhile, children who did not consume RTECs were significantly more likely to develop abdominal adiposity than those who consumed RTECS, X2(2, N=208) =7.61, p=0.022. Conclusion: Children who consumed RTECs have significantly lower BMI and WC, as well as a lower chance of developing abdominal adiposity. Consumption of RTECs indicates an overall healthy lifestyle with an excellent nutritional profile to promote healthy body weight in children and decreased risk of childhood obesity.
MeSH terms: Body Weight; Edible Grain; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Life Style; Malaysia; Male; Body Mass Index; Prevalence; Adiposity; Overweight; Waist Circumference; Obesity, Abdominal; Pediatric Obesity
Introduction: Studies have found that breastfeeding problems are associated with negative breastfeeding outcomes. Unfortunately, assessing breastfeeding problems can be quite difficult. The objective of the paper is to share the process of tool development for the assessment of breastfeeding problem in an Indonesian setting. Methods: The development of the tool was a two-stage process, consisting of understanding the range and pattern of breastfeeding problems (through literature review, discussions with lactation experts, and in-depth interviews with nursing mothers) and the production of the tool (through discussions with graphic designers and communication practitioners, pre-testing the tools, and finalising a workable, viable tool). The process led the authors to use flash cards for assessing the breastfeeding problems. Each card consisted of information about age, a code number, an image and a description of the breastfeeding problem. Each set of the flash cards represented an age period of 0-1, 1-3, and 3-6 months. The final flash cards were used in a cross-sectional study of 205 mothers of infants aged 6-12 months in Maros District, South Sulawesi. Results: The flash cards captured patterns of breastfeeding problems experienced by mothers within the first month, such as sore nipple, no milk production, fatigue, breast engorgement, and sleepy baby, or those problems that persisted throughout the six-month period such as infants' refusal to breastfeed and mothers feeling fatigued. The decreasing or increasing magnitude of a problem over time was also reflected in the flash cards. Conclusion: Identification of the dynamic patterns and magnitude of breastfeeding problems was successfully captured with the use of flash cards.
Introduction: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is on the rise in Malaysia. Physical inactivity is common among T2DM patients and is an important aspect that warrants action as it may lead to poor glycemic control. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of physical inactivity and its associated factors among T2DM patients.
Methods: The sample consisted of 121 T2DM patients aged 18 to 65 years who attended the UKMMC primary clinic for routine follow up. A questionnaire consisting of three sections was used to collect the data: (i) socio-economic and diabetes-related factors; (ii) physical inactivity using shortened International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); and (iii) five domains leading to physical inactivity.
Results: The mean age of the sample was found to be 56.2 ± 8.5 years; 55% were physically inactive; 76% had low education; 55.4% had low income; 76% had poor glycemic control; and mean duration of illness was 7.8 ± 6.9 years. Factors significantly associated with physical inactivity were presence of health complications (x2 = 5.89; p=0.015) and factor domains of 'respondent's current physical health' (t=5.88, p<0.001), 'availability of facility' (t=3.45, p<0.001), 'availability of time' (t=3.57, p<0.001) and 'respondent's perception of possibility of sustaining pain and injury during physical activity' (t=3.64, p<0.001). Using multiple logistic regression, only factors of 'physical health factor' (Adjusted OR: 1.58, confidence interval 95% (CI 95%): 1.31-1.92, p<0.001) and 'time' (adjusted OR: 1.27, CI 95%: 1.12-1.45, p<0.001) were found to be associated with higher odds for physical inactivity.
Conclusion: The results indicate that facility availability, time management and better management of health complications could increase physical activity among T2DM patients.
Key words: Physical inactivity, type 2 diabetes
Study site: Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangssan Malaysia (PPUKM) primary care clinic, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
MeSH terms: Ambulatory Care Facilities; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Malaysia; Motor Activity; Poverty; Surveys and Questionnaires; Prevalence
Introduction: High sodium consumption over an extended period of time has been associated with hypertension, stroke, cardiovascular disease, renal damage, and other adverse health effects. This study aimed to determine urinary sodium excretion and consequently estimate dietary sodium consumption among normotensive health staff in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to acquire data on sodium excretion among normotensive Ministry of Health staff aged 20 - 56 years (mean age 35.08, SD 9.78) in 14 states and a research institute. Respondents were recruited using quota sampling. Data collection was conducted from December 2011 to February 2012. A single urine sample was collected over 24 hours for sodium concentrations and calculated as 95.0% of total daily sodium intake. Results: Among the 471 enrolled respondents, 445 (94.0%) provided complete information on socio-demography and urine samples. Mean urine sodium excretion was 142.0 mmol/day (SD 71.7), which is equivalent to 3429 mg sodium/day or 8.7 gm of salt intake (1.75 teaspoon, which exceeds the Malaysian recommendation of 2000 mg sodium/day by 1.7 times. About 79.0% (n=353) of respondents (88.0% male and 73.0% female) had daily sodium consumption that was above the recommendation. Excretion was significantly higher among males at 161.7 mmol/day (SD 78.1) (3726 mg sodium/day) than females, 125.3 mmolfday (SD 61.1) (2875 mg/day). There was a positive, low correlation between BMl and sodium intake (r=0.216, p
Introduction: Otanges in children's food habits are largely attributed to changes in the family and social environment. 1bis cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the association of socio-demographic factors with food habits among preschool children in Peninsular Malaysia. Methods: A total of 1,933 preschool children aged 4-6 years old participated in the study. Parents or guardians were interviewed on the socio-demographic characteristics and food habits of their children. Height and weight of the preschoolers were measured; BMI-for-age, weight-for-age and height-for-age were determined. Results: The mean monthly household income was RM3,610 with 59.6% of parents having attained secondary education. The prevalence of possible risk of overweight, being overweight and obesity were 3.9%, 7.9% and 8.1%, respectively while the prevalence of underweight and stunting was 8.0% and 8.4%. A majority of the preschoolers consumed breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, with the proportion of children skipping their main meals at about 15.0%. Parents' education level and household income were significantly associated with intakes of fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products, as well as fast food. However, there was no significant association between children's body weight status and frequency of main meals intake, fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products, and fast food intake. Conclusion: The preschoolers demonstrated moderately healthy food habits; nevertheless even at this young age, they were inclined towards fried foods, snacking and fast foods intake. Parents and guardians should play a more significant role in educating and promoting good nutrition and food habits among preschoolers.
MeSH terms: Animals; Body Weight; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Fruit; Growth Disorders; Humans; Malaysia; Milk; Obesity; Parents; Social Environment; Thinness; Vegetables; Body Mass Index; Prevalence; Overweight; Fast Foods; Meals; Breakfast; Lunch; Snacks
Introduction: High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an emerging risk marker for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In Malaysia, CVD has become a major health problem and the risk factors of CVD have also increased among the middle- aged. Thus, this study aimed to determine factors that influence the level of hs- CRPamongMalaysianadultsaged30-55years-old. Methods:One-hundredand twenty-two (n=122) adults working at an institution were selected systematically in this cross-sectional study. Body weight, height, hip and waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hs-CRP level, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein were measured. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, and total cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein ratio were calculated. Results: The sample consisted of 40.2% male and 59.8% female subjects with a mean age± SD of 41.93 ± 8.26 years. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed significant positive correlations between log hs-CRP level (mean± SD= 0.22 ± 0.50 mg/L; 95% CI= 0.13 - 0.31) and age, waist circumference, hip circumference, BMI, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and total cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein ratio. However, multivariate analysis showed only BMI (R = 0.489, R2 = 0.239, adjusted R2 = 0.232, F = 37.626, p< 0.001) was a predictor of hs-CRP, the risk marker of CVD. Hs-CRP level was greater in overweight (25 - 29.9 kg/m2), and obese(> 30 kg/ m2) subjects (ANOVA p< 0.05) compared to normal weight subjects. Conclusion: BMI is a modifiable risk factor with the change being important for reducing CVD events among adults.
Introduction: Hygrocybe conica (HC), a wild mushroom commonly consumed by the indigenous people (Orang Asli) in Peninsular Malaysia, was assessed for its antioxidant content. Methods: The HC mushroom was extracted using distilled water and the crude extract partitioned using different solvents and open column chromatography to evaluate its potential antioxidant properties. The mushroom extract was partitioned using liquid-liquid extraction into the hexane (Fl), chloroform (F2), butanol (F3) and formic acid (F4) fractions. Based on solvent polarity, the water extract of the mushroom was fractionated into non-polar (FI), semi-polar (Fii), and polar fractions (Fiii) using open column chromato graphy. Antioxidant capacities were determined using DPPH, ABTS, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays while Folin-Ciocalteu reagent assay was used to determine total phenolic content (TPC). Results: The HC extract had the highest TPC and DPPH scavenging capacity compared to its extract fractions. TE values (ABTS assay) of F2 and F4 were not significantly higher than the HC extract. Among the extract fractions of different polarities, Fiii had the highest antioxidant capacities (DPPH and FRAP) compared to FI and Fii while FRAP values of these fractions were not significantly lower than the FRAP value of HC extract. The HC extract had significantly lower antioxidant capacity than antioxidant standards (ascorbic acid and BHA). Tannie acid as the main bioactive component in HC mushroom was detected using HPLC method. The presence of phenolics in HC extract was also confirmed using TLC. Conclusion: Due to the presence of potent phenolic components, the mycelia of HC could be consumed for potential antioxidative benefits.
Introduction: Scientific evidence indicates that higher dietary fibre consumption protects against various chronic diseases and leads to recovery enhancement. Young corn ear is very rich in total dietary fibre (TDF). The study objective was to evaluate the effects of young corn ear addition on the nutritional composition, textural properties and sensory attributes of conventional cake. Methods: Wheat flour used in the preparation of conventional cake was substituted with different percentages (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%) of young corn ear powder (YCP). Moisture, total ash, fat, protein and TDF content of conventional cake samples were investigated. Textural properties including firmness, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess and chewiness were examined. The aroma, colour, chewiness, tenderness, flavour and overall acceptance of conventional cake were evaluated via sensory evaluation. Results: The conventional cake with addition of 15% YCP recorded the highest moisture content. There was no predictable trend observed in the ash and fat content following the incorporation of YCP. Addition of 15% of YCP increased the protein content significantly while TDF content of conventional cake increased proportionally (1.42%-2.88%) with the level of YCP added. The incorporation of YCP did not produce any trend on all the textural properties of conventional cake. Conventional cake with 10% of YCP was the most preferred manifested by the highest scores in chewiness, tenderness and flavour attributes. Conclusion: In conclusion, 10% of YCP could be recommended as the ideal formulation in order to produce a healthier conventional cake without jeopardising acceptability.
Introduction: The high prevalence of underweight among children is a serious health concern in Bangladesh. Nutritional status influences students' academic performance directly or indirectly. This study aimed to determine factors that affect the academic performance of students in primary schools. Methods: Data were collected from several schools and madrasahs in Chapainawabganj district, Bangladesh using multistage stratified sampling with proportional allocation technique. Results: The prevalence of underweight children was 32.3%, with 43.0% of them being girls and 21.4% boys. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that normal weight children were more likely (p
Introduction: Feeding difficulty and functional disability are common problems among patients with dementia but their influence on caregivers' burden has not been addressed comprehensively. Thus, this study aimed to determine the association between feeding problems, functional status and caregiver burden among patients with dementia who receive outpatient treatment at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as compared to their non-demented counterparts. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 30 patients with dementia (12 men, 18 women, mean age 75 ± 7 years old) and 60 subjects without dementia (25 men, 35 women, mean age 69 ± 7 years), as well as their caregivers. Subjects' functional status, feeding problems and also caregiver burden were assessed using Activities of Daily Livings (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) questionnaire, The Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Questionnaire (EdFED-Q) and Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), respectively. Subjects were also measured for height and weight. Results: Patients with dementia needed supervision (50%) and physical help during mealtime (40%). The mean functional status score of these patients was higher than the patients without dementia (p<0.05). Caregiver burden score was positively correlated with the EdFED-Q score (r=0.405, p<0.05) but negatively correlated with functional status score (r=0.475, p<0.01). Further, multiple regression analysis showed that after adjustment for age, EdFED-Q score and functional status remained correlated with caregiver burden at R2 of 0.210. Conclusion: Caregiver burden is associated with feeding problems and functional disability among patients with dementia. There is a need to educate the caregivers in order to improve the quality of life of both carers and the demented patients.
Key words: Caregiver burden, dementia, feeding problems, functional status, outpatient
Study site: Psychiatric and medical clinics, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Introduction: The home environment plays an influential role in affecting dietary and physical activity practices of children. This study aimed to determine the association between the home environment, dietary practice and physical activity among primary school children in Selangor. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in five primary schools selected using multistage stratified sampling. A total of 293 children (32.8% males and 67.2% females) (mean age of 11.0±0.9 years) and their parents (10.7% fathers and 89.3% mothers) completed the study. Dietary practice of the children was assessed using a two-day dietary recall. Energy expenditure and physical activity of the children were assessed using a two-day physical activity recall. Parents of the children completed the Home Environment Survey (HES). Results: The mean energy intake of the children was 1765±416 kcal/day with 75.0% not achieving the Malaysian Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) for energy. Almost all children (96.5%) were physically inactive, with a mean energy expenditure of 1269±342 kcal/day. High availability of fruit/vegetable at home was associated with high vegetable intake (r=0.128, p
MeSH terms: Energy Intake; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Energy Metabolism; Fathers; Female; Fruit; Humans; Male; Mothers; Motor Activity; Nutritional Requirements; Parents; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vegetables