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Fulltext Factors Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life among Government Employees in Putrajaya, Malaysia

Ashri MHM, Saad HA, Adznam SN

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 03 05;18(5).
PMID: 33807907 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052626

The current rapid growth of the economy has necessitated an assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its associated factors among employees. Unfortunately, there are still limited data available in this area among the Malaysian working population in government sectors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with HRQOL among government employees in Putrajaya, Malaysia. This cross-sectional study recruited 460 eligible government employees who worked in the area of Putrajaya through simple random sampling. The self-administered questionnaire was distributed to these participants to collect information on the SF-36 profile of scores, sociodemographic factors, lifestyle factors, and medical history. The results of this study signify that most of the participants were identified as having good HRQOL with the mean score of overall HRQOL was 72.42 ± 14.99. Multivariate analysis showed that being younger, receiving a better monthly personal income, a smaller household number, performing more physical activity, not having any chronic disease, and not using any long-term medication were significantly positively associated with overall HRQOL. The participants who did not have a family history of chronic disease were reported to be significantly associated with better mental component summary (MCS). Further, males were significantly positively associated with bodily pain (BP) and general health (GH) only, whereas better occupational status was limited to social functioning (SF). In conclusion, the results of this study provide motivation for future research and initiatives for improving the physical, emotional, and social well-being of government employees.

Matched MeSH terms: Government Employees*
Fulltext Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Body Weight Status and Energy Intake among Users and Non-Users of Dietary Supplements among Government Employees in Putrajaya, Malaysia

Mohd Ashri MH, Abu Saad H, Adznam SNΆ

Nutrients, 2021 Jun 29;13(7).
PMID: 34210072 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072248

The use of dietary supplements is prevalent among many groups worldwide. However, few studies have examined their use among government employees. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the association among sociodemographic characteristics, body weight status, and energy intake with dietary supplement use among government employees in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Simple random sampling was used to select a sample of 460 government employees from six ministries in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The data used in this study were collected through anthropometric measurements (height, weight, % body fat, waist and hip circumferences), a self-administered questionnaire (sociodemographic characteristics and dietary supplements use), and an interviewer-administered questionnaire (24-hour dietary recall; fruit and vegetable intake). The results indicated that the prevalence of dietary supplement use was 55.4%, with vitamin C (38.4%) being the most popular type of dietary supplement. Health issues (80.8%) were the most common reason for usage, internet (59.2%) was the main source of information, and pharmacies (71.8%) were the most indicated places to purchase dietary supplements. A multivariate analysis showed that participants who were female, married, had better monthly income, lived within a smaller household size, had a normal body mass index, classified as having unhealthily high body fat percentage, did not skip breakfast, and consumed at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day were significantly more likely to use dietary supplements. In conclusion, health-conscious groups were more prone to consume dietary supplements, and due to the high prevalence of dietary supplement use, dissemination of accurate scientific information regarding dietary supplements is highly recommended among government employees.

Matched MeSH terms: Government Employees/psychology; Government Employees/statistics & numerical data*
Physical inactivity and its associated factors among pre-retirement government healthcare workers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Dapari R, Wahab MRA, Zamzuri M'IA, Hassan MR, Dom NC, Rahim SSSA

BMC Public Health, 2024 Jul 18;24(1):1926.
PMID: 39026188 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19411-y

INTRODUCTION: The rising worldwide concern of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) is alarming as it is associated with 80% of annual global mortality. NCD threat is rising due to, among others, the increasing ageing population, thus putting the efforts to promote health ageing at the forefront of many countries' health agenda. Physical activity has been recognised as one of the significant factors in the pursuit of healthy ageing. Nevertheless, approximately one third of individuals in Malaysia are physically inactive. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of physical inactivity and its associated factors among pre-retirement government healthcare workers.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2023 among pre-retirement government healthcare workers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The sample size required was 233 and proportionate random sampling was used to recruit potential respondents who answered self-administered online questionnaires. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to measure the level of physical activity and data analysis was performed using SPSS version 29.
RESULTS: A total of 214 complete responses were received from the 233 questionnaires distributed, giving a response rate of 91.8%. The prevalence of physical inactivity among pre-retirement healthcare workers was 39.7% as compare only 29.9% in general population. Significant predictors for physical inactivity included higher education levels (SPM, STPM, or certificate holders) (AOR = 13.4, 95% CI: 2.47-72.65), non-Malay ethinicity (AOR = 4.7, 95% CI: 1.23-18.38), personal barriers (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI:1.35-1.79), social barriers (AOR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.06-1.39), and physical environment barriers (AOR = 1.468, 95% CI: 1.221-1.765).
CONCLUSION: This study shows a worrying prevalence of physical inactivity among pre-retirement healthcare workers that is even higher than the general population in Malaysia. The findings highlight the importance of focusing the preventive strategies among non-Malay workers and those with lower education levels. It is also vital to address all the physical, social, and environmental barriers towards physical inactivity. By prioritising these factors, employers and stakeholders will be able to establish better workplace health promotion and address the issue of physical inactivity more efficiently.

Matched MeSH terms: Government Employees/statistics & numerical data
Fulltext To examine the level of knowledge and acceptance about social protection system among paddy farmers in agricultural areas of Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA)

Mohamad Noor Firdaus Sahul Hameed

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2018;3(4):83-92.
MyJurnal

At present, social protection system is a requirement for those involved in all sectors of employment
such as pensions to Government employees and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to private sector
workers. The primary basis of the system is to provide protection to address poverty, financial
assistance and future guarantees. However, no structured social protection system was introduced to
the informal sectors workers in Malaysia such as farmers and others. The purpose of this study is to
examine the level of knowledge and acceptance of social protection systems among farmers in the
Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA). This study involved 573 respondents covering 4
regions within the MADA area. In conclusion, this study will examine the level of knowledge and
acceptance of farmers on social protection systems in their communities.

Matched MeSH terms: Government Employees
Fulltext Survey dataset on presenteeism, job demand and perceived job insecurity: The perspective of diplomatic officers

Mokhtar D, Abdullah NA, Roshaizad NA

Data Brief, 2020 Jun;30:105505.
PMID: 32368580 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.105505

This data belongs to a sample of 347 diplomatic officers from two different locations which are the National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN) in Johor and Terengganu. This data consists of the demographic characteristics of the sample and three main variables. Each variable has sub-dimension which are (1) presenteeism: ability to complete a task and avoid disturbance, (2) job demand: workload, emotional and cognitive demand, (3) job insecurity: the importance and probability of an event to take place. The data were collected using a cross-sectional questionnaire via paper-and-pencil mode and was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Pearson correlation analyses revealed a significant relationship between avoiding disturbance (sub-dimension of presenteeism) and the probability of an event happening (sub-dimension of job insecurity) and no significant correlation between other variables. Analyses of the data can provide insights into determinants of presenteeism that may be useful for researchers in the field and policymakers that are interested in this area. It may serve as a reference to expand research and to develop interventions to facilitate productivity and well-being in the workplace.

Matched MeSH terms: Government Employees
Fulltext Understanding Dieting and Previous Weight Loss Attempts among Overweight and Obese Participants: Insights into My Body Is Fit and Fabulous at Work Program

Ismail TAT, Jalil RA, Wan Ishak WR, Hamid NF, Wan Nik WS, Jan Mohamed HJ, et al.

Korean J Fam Med, 2018 Jan;39(1):15-22.
PMID: 29383207 DOI: 10.4082/kjfm.2018.39.1.15

Background: A qualitative study providing an in-depth exploration of people's view and the increasing burden of overweight and obesity is required. This study aimed to explore the understanding of dieting and previous experiences on weight loss attempts among overweight and obese government employees in Kelantan, Malaysia, prior to recruitment into the intervention program.
Methods: Thirteen focus group discussions involving 129 participants from a weight-loss intervention program were conducted within the first 1 month of recruitment. These discussions were moderated by two trained researchers in the Malay language and assisted by an interview guide. They were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was performed, and codes and themes from each discussion were constructed.
Results: The participants understood dieting with various meanings, including skipping meals and removing rice from daily diets. They applied numerous methods to lose weight and achieved various outcomes. Health and appearance, social support, and compliance with current trends were the factors motivating these participants to lose weight. Their determination to lose weight was limited by lack of self-control and motivation, experiences of unpleasant effects, influence on weight, and environmental and health factors.
Conclusion: Real-life weight loss experiences and perceptions provided relevant insights into current weight loss management strategies. Some of these issues and misunderstandings should be emphasized in weight loss strategies during health promotion.

Matched MeSH terms: Government Employees
Fulltext Association between Platescapes, Foodscapes, and Meal Energy Intake in Government Employees from Muar, Johor, Malaysia

Lim YJ, Jamaluddin R, Er YT

Nutrients, 2018 Jun 25;10(7).
PMID: 29941848 DOI: 10.3390/nu10070819

A microscale built environment was the focus in this cross-sectional study which aimed to investigate the associations between platescapes, foodscapes, and meal energy intake among subjects. A total of 133 subjects (54 male, 79 female) with mean age 36.8 ± 7.3 years completed a self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, platescapes, and foodscape preferences. For platescapes, a plate mapping method was used, where subjects were required to place various sizes of food models on two different sized plates (23 cm and 28 cm) based on their preferences. For foodscape preferences, subjects were given a 23-cm plate and various food models differentiated by shapes and colours. Then, 24-h daily recalls (for one weekday and one weekend day) were obtained using interviews. Significant differences were observed in meal energy intake (p < 0.05) between males (1741 ± 339 kcal) and females (1625 ± 247 kcal) and also between age groups (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference (p < 0.0001) in terms of subjects’ meal energy intake when comparing 23-cm plates (419 ± 124 kcal) and 28-cm plates (561 ± 143 kcal). The bigger plate (28 cm) (p < 0.01) was significantly associated with subjects’ meal energy intakes, but this was not so for the 23-cm plate. There were significant differences in subjects’ meal energy when comparing white rice and multicoloured rice (p < 0.0001), unicoloured and multicoloured proteins (p < 0.0001), and unicoloured and multicoloured vegetables (p < 0.0001). There was a significant difference found between round- and cube-shaped proteins (p < 0.05). The colours of rice (p < 0.01), protein (p < 0.05), and vegetables (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with subjects’ meal energy. Only the shape of carrots in vegetables (p = 0.01) was significantly associated with subjects’ meal energy. Subconsciously, platescapes and foodscapes affect an individual’s energy intake, and thus these elements should be considered in assessing one’s dietary consumption.

Matched MeSH terms: Government Employees/psychology*
Fulltext Determinants of metabolic syndrome among Malaysian government employees

Chee, Huei Phing, Hazizi Abu Saad, Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof, Mohd Nasir Mohd Taib

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(1):87-92.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The metabolic syndrome comprises a collection of cardiovascular disease risks, which has been demonstrated to predict type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Metabolic syndrome is a crucial health concern in Malaysia, with a prevalence of about 42.5% in the general population based on the ‘Harmonized’ definition. The aim of this study was to ascertain the association between socioeconomic status among Malaysian government employees with metabolic syndrome, compared with those without metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, this study also aimed to ascertain the associated obesity indicators for metabolic syndrome among employees—explicitly body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage, fat mass index, and waist-to-height ratio. Methods: This cross-sectional study was
undertaken at government agencies in Putrajaya, Malaysia, via multi-stage random sampling. A total of 675 government employees were randomly sampled from a list of 3,173 government employees working in five government agencies under five geographical areas. Data on socioeconomic status, anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical assessments were collected. Results: Employees who were males had higher metabolic syndrome prevalence compared to their counterparts (p=0.019). In addition, employees aged between 20 to younger than 30 years had lowest metabolic syndrome prevalence (p=0.002). The risk of having metabolic syndrome was almost 10 times more likely in men with a waist-to-hip ratio of ≥0.90 compared to men with a waist-to-hip ratio of

Matched MeSH terms: Government Employees
Fulltext Gender differences in the attitude and strategy towards weight control among government employees in Penang, Malaysia

Aina Mardiah B, Hazizi A, Nasir MM, Zaitun Y, Jan JH

Iran J Public Health, 2012;41(1):28-36.
PMID: 23113119

Background: This was a cross-sectional study on the gender differences in weight-control behavior. The strategies used, weight status, weight satisfaction, and proportion of individuals attempting to lose weight among 233 government employees (104 men and 129 women) working in the Federal Government Building in Penang, Malaysia, were assessed.
Methods: Anthropometric indicators such as body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat percentage were measured to determine the subjects’ body weight status. A questionnaire covering the following items was used to assess weight-control behavior: social support, self-monitoring, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, planning, preparation/buying, portion control, social interactions, and cognitive behavioral strategies.
Results: About 50% of the subjects were classified as overweight. Based on percent body fat percentage, 70% of them were classified as having unhealthy levels of body fat. Women were found to be more dissatisfied with their current weight, and were more likely to attempt weight reduction compared to men. Women reported higher levels of social support for dieting and had better expectations for diet and exercise (P < 0.05). They also reported higher use of weight control strategies. For self-monitoring, although no gender-dependent differences (P > 0.05) were observed, women reported more frequent self-monitoring of diet, whereas men reported more frequent self-monitoring of exercise.
Conclusion: Health care professionals and researchers should be aware of the different strategies used by men and women in order to plan and/or implement community-wide weight management programmes.
Keywords: Weight Control, Body Weight Status, Diet, Exercise, Gender Differences

Matched MeSH terms: Government Employees