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Fulltext Coming of age, becoming obese: a cross-sectional analysis of obesity among adolescents and young adults in Malaysia

Pell C, Allotey P, Evans N, Hardon A, Imelda JD, Soyiri I, et al.

BMC Public Health, 2016 10 13;16(1):1082.
PMID: 27737680

BACKGROUND: Malaysians have become increasingly obese over recent years. The transition from adolescence to early adulthood is recognized as critical for the development of eating and activity habits. However, little obesity-related research focuses on this life stage. Drawing on data from a health and demographic surveillance site in Malaysia, this article describes obesity and overweight amongst adolescents and young adults in a multi-ethnic population.

METHODS: Data were collected at the South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO) in Segamat District, Johor. In this dynamic cohort of approximately 40,000 people, 5,475 were aged 16-35 in 2013-2014. The population consists of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indigenous (Orang Asli) families in proportions that reflect the national ethnic diversity. Data were collected through health profiles (Body Mass Index [BMI] measurements in homes) and self-report questionnaires.

RESULTS: Age and ethnicity were associated with overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9Kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30Kg/m2). The prevalence of overweight was 12.8 % at ages 16-20 and 28.4 % at ages 31-35; obesity was 7.9 % and 20.9 % at the same age groups. The main ethnic groups also showed varied patterns of obesity and overweight at the different age groups with Chinese at lowest and Orang Asli at highest risk. Level of education, employment status, physical activity and frequency of eating out were poorly predictive of overweight and obesity.

CONCLUSION: The pattern of overweight and obesity in the 16-35 age group further highlights this as a significant period for changes in health-related behaviours. Further longitudinal research is however needed to confirm the observed pattern and investigate causal factors.
Sustained clinical knowledge improvements from simulation experiences with Simulation via Instant Messaging-Birmingham Advance

Zhou D, Davitadze M, Ooi E, Ng CY, Allison I, Thomas L, et al.

Postgrad Med J, 2023 Mar 22;99(1167):25-31.
PMID: 36947426 DOI: 10.1093/postmj/qgac008

BACKGROUND: Simulation via Instant Messaging-Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) delivers simulation-based learning through WhatsApp and Zoom, helping to sustain continuing medical education (CME) for postgraduate healthcare professionals otherwise disrupted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to assess whether SIMBA helped to improve clinical knowledge and if this improvement in knowledge was sustained over time.
METHODS: Two SIMBA sessions-thyroid and pituitary-were conducted in July-August 2020. Each session included simulation of various real-life cases and interactive discussion. Participants' self-reported confidence, acceptance, and knowledge were measured using surveys and multiple-choice questions pre- and post-simulation and in a 6- to 12-week follow-up period. The evaluation surveys were designed using Moore's 7 Levels of CME Outcomes Framework.
RESULTS: A total of 116 participants were included in the analysis. Significant improvement was observed in participants' self-reported confidence in approach to simulated cases (thyroid, n = 37, P n = 79, P n = 37, P n = 79, P
Utility of Simulation via Instant Messaging - Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) in medical education during COVID-19 pandemic

Morgan G, Melson E, Davitadze M, Ooi E, Zhou D, Hanania T, et al.

J R Coll Physicians Edinb, 2021 06;51(2):168-172.
PMID: 34131679 DOI: 10.4997/JRCPE.2021.218

BACKGROUND: Simulation via Instant Messaging - Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) aimed to improve clinicians' confidence in managing various clinical scenarios during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS: Five SIMBA sessions were conducted between May and August 2020. Each session included simulation of scenarios and interactive discussion. Participants' self-reported confidence, acceptance, and relevance of the simulated cases were measured.
RESULTS: Significant improvement was observed in participants' self-reported confidence (overall n = 204, p<0.001; adrenal n = 33, p<0.001; thyroid n = 37, p<0.001; pituitary n = 79, p<0.001; inflammatory bowel disease n = 17, p<0.001; acute medicine n = 38, p<0.001). Participants reported improvements in clinical competencies: patient care 52.0% (n = 106/204), professionalism 30.9% (n = 63/204), knowledge on patient management 84.8% (n = 173/204), systems-based practice 48.0% (n = 98/204), practice-based learning 69.6% (n = 142/204) and communication skills 25.5% (n = 52/204).
CONCLUSION: SIMBA is a novel pedagogical virtual simulation-based learning model that improves clinicians' confidence in managing conditions across various specialties.
Fulltext Simulation via instant messaging - Birmingham advance (SIMBA): an innovative simulation-based learning model that helped to keep medical education continue during the COVID-19 pandemic

Morgan G, Ooi E, Hanania T, Davitadze M, Zhou D, Blaggan P, et al.

Clin Med (Lond), 2021 Mar;21(Suppl 2):34-35.
PMID: 34078689 DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.21-2-s34