Aqil Mohammad Daher

Health related quality of life among Iraqi immigrants settled in Malaysia

BackgroundMigrants everywhere face several demands for health and maintaining good health and quality of life could be challenging. Iraqis are the second largest refugee group that has sought refuge in the recent years, yet little is known about their health related quality of life (HRQOL). The study aims at assessing the HRQOL among Iraqis living in Malaysia.MethodsA self-administered Arabic version of Sf-36 questionnaire was distributed among 300 Iraqi migrants in Malaysia. The questionnaire taps eight concepts of physical and mental health to assess the HRQOL. Univariate analysis was performed for group analysis (t test, ANOVA) and Multiple Linear Regression was used to control for confounding effects.ResultsTwo hundred and fifty three participants ranging in age from 18 to 67 years (Mean = 33.6) returned the completed questionnaire. The majority was males (60.1%) and more than half of the respondents (59.5%) were married. Less than half (45.4%) and about a quarter (25.9%) reported bachelor degree and secondary school education respectively and the remaining 28.7% had either a master or a PhD degree.Univariate analysis showed that the HRQOL scores among male immigrants were found to be higher than those of females in physical function (80.0 vs. 73.5), general health (72.5 vs. 60.7) and bodily pain (87.9 vs. 72.5) subscales. The youngest age group had significantly higher physical function (79.32) and lower mental health scores (57.62).The mean score of physical component summary was higher than the mental component summary mean score (70.22 vs. 63.34).Stepwise multiple linear regression, revealed that gender was significantly associated with physical component summary (β = - 6.06, p = 0.007) and marital status was associated with mental component summary (β = 7.08, p = 0.003).ConclusionsFrom the data it appears that Iraqi immigrants living in Malaysia have HRQOL scores that might be considered to indicate a relatively moderate HRQOL. The HRQOL is significantly affected by gender and marital status. Further studies are needed to explore determinants of HRQOL consequent to immigration. The findings could be worthy of further exploration.

The Malaysia DREEM: perceptions of medical students about the learning environment in a medical school in Malaysia

Background Students’ perceptions of their learning environment, by defining its strengths and weaknesses, are important for continuous improvement of the educational environments and curriculum. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore students’ perceptions of their learning environment, among medical students in Malaysia. Various aspects of the education environment were compared between year levels and sex. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Malaysia in 2012. A total number of 438 medical students participated in this study, and the response rate was 87.6%. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Comparisons of the mean scores of Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) subscales were calculated. The t-test was used to determine statistically significant differences. Results The majority of the study participants were female, Malay, and from year 3 (68.7%, 65.3%, and 55.7%; respectively). Analysis of each of the 50 items of the DREEM inventory showed that 47 items scored ranged between 2.00 and 3.00, and three items scored below 2.00. These were identified as problem areas in this medical school that are required to be critically addressed. The overall score showed that the medical students’ perceptions were positive. The students’ perception toward educational environment was positive for all five DREEM subscales. Conclusion The study found that, in general, the perceptions of the participants about the learning environment were positive. Nevertheless, the study also found there is a need for curriculum improvement in this school and identified priority areas for such improvement.

JIS Definition Identified More Malaysian Adults with Metabolic Syndrome Compared to the NCEP-ATP III and IDF Criteria

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a steering force for the cardiovascular diseases epidemic in Asia. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of MetS in Malaysian adults using NCEP-ATP III, IDF, and JIS definitions, identify the demographic factors associated with MetS, and determine the level of agreement between these definitions. The analytic sample consisted of 8,836 adults aged ≥30 years recruited at baseline in 2007–2011 from the Cardiovascular Risk Prevention Study (CRisPS), an ongoing, prospective cohort study involving 18 urban and 22 rural communities in Malaysia. JIS definition gave the highest overall prevalence (43.4%) compared to NCEP-ATP III (26.5%) and IDF (37.4%), P < 0.001. Indians had significantly higher age-adjusted prevalence compared to other ethnic groups across all MetS definitions (30.1% by NCEP-ATP III, 50.8% by IDF, and 56.5% by JIS). The likelihood of having MetS amongst the rural and urban populations was similar across all definitions. A high level of agreement between the IDF and JIS was observed (Kappa index = 0.867), while there was a lower level of agreement between the IDF and NCEP-ATP III (Kappa index = 0.580). JIS definition identified more Malaysian adults with MetS and therefore should be recommended as the preferred diagnostic criterion.

674 CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PREHYPERTENSION IN MALAYSIAN ADULTS

Background & Objectives: Malaysia is facing an epidemic of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) withhypertension asa major driver. Given that cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) occur in clusters, the aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of CVRFs among Malaysian adults with Prehypertension (PreHT). Methods: This community-based, cross sectional study involving 11,288 adults aged ≥ 30 years was carried out in urban and rural areas in Malaysia between 2007 and 2010. An average of 3 readings of the brachial blood pressures (BP) was recordedwith semi-automated, validated Omron HEM 757 sphygmomanometers. Anthropometric measurements and fasting venous blood for lipid and glucose assays were obtained. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with PreHT. Results: The prevalence of PreHT was 34% (35.4% in males and 33.0% in females). Males (odds ratio [OR] 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43–2.17), rural dwellers (OR 1.29 CI 1.04–1.61), overweight (OR 1.92, CI 1.25–2.95), obesity (OR 2.58, CI 1.60–4.16), increased waist circumference (OR 1.29, CI 1.01–1.65), hypertriglyceridaemia (OR 1.23 CI 1.01–1.49) and family history of hypertension (OR 1.31 CI 1.08–1.58) were more likely to be associatedwith PreHT. Interestingly, waist-hip ratio, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and diabetes mellitus were not associated with PreHT Conclusion: Prevalence of PreHT is overwhelming in Malaysian adults and is associated with multiple CVRFs. Concerted effort must be undertaken aggressively to manage CVRFs in the community and to prevent progression of PreHT to hypertension.

682 PREVALENCE OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AMONG MALAYSIAN ADULTS AGED ≥ 30 YEARS ACCORDING TO THE NCEP-ATP III, IDF AND JIS DEFINITIONS

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (NCEP-ATP III)1, International Diabetes Federation (IDF) world-wide definition2 and the ‘harmonised’ definition by the Joint Interim Statement (JIS)3. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study involving 11,288 adults aged ≥ 30 years was conducted in urban and rural areas of Malaysia between 2007 and 2010. Demographic data, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure readings; and fasting venous blood for lipid and glucose assays were obtained. Data was analysed using STATA version 11. Results: Out of the11,288 subjects, 8836 had complete data on all the MetS components and were therefore included in the analysis. Mean age was 53.2 years (SD ± 10.6). The table shows the overall and age-adjusted prevalence of MetS according to the NCEP-ATP III, IDF and JIS definitions by location, gender, ethnicity and education attainment. Table. No title available. Conclusions: The JIS definition gave the highest overall prevalence of MetS among Malaysian adults, as well as the age-adjusted prevalence by location, gender, ethnicity and education attainment. The NCEP-ATP III gave the lowest prevalence due to the higher WC cut points. Prevalence was significantly lower in Chinese and Indigenous groups regardless of the criteria used. There was no significant difference in the prevalence between urban and rural population using IDF and JIS definitions. ReferencesNational Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) final report. Circulation 2002; 106: 3143–421.Alberti KG, Zimmet P, Shaw J, International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Epidemiology Task Force Consensus Group. The metabolic syndrome: a new world- wide definition. Lancet 2005; 366: 1059–62.Alberti KGMM, Eckel RH, Grundy SM, Zimmet PZ, Cleeman JI, Donato KA, et al. Harmonizing the metabolic syndrome. A Joint Interim Statement (JIS) of the International Diabetes Federation Task Force on Epidemiology and Prevention; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; American Heart Association; World Heart Federation; International Atherosclerosis Society; and International Association for the Study of Obesity. Circulation 2009; 120: 1640–5.

676 DYSLIPIDAEMIAS IN THE MALAYSIAN POPULATION

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality globally, primarily attributed by atherosclerosis, of which dyslipidaemia is one of the main risk factors. There is limited data in Malaysia on the prevalence and awareness of having dyslipidaemia, and the proportion who are treated. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of (1)dyslipidaemia; (2)awareness of dyslipidaemia and (3)subjects with dyslipidaemia who are treated. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study involving 11,525 Malaysian subjects from various rural and urban populations, with representations from the three major ethnic groups (age mean + SD: 52.6 + 11.3years; 6487 females, 5038males). Clinical history and physical examinations were performed and fasting blood samples were collected for the measurement of lipid profiles. Dyslipidaemia was defined by mild, moderate or severe hypercholesterolaemia(HC):TC > 5.2, 6.5 and 7.8mmol/L respectively, or hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG):TG > 1.7 mmol/L, or low HDL-c:females < 1.3, males < 1.0mmol/L. Questionnaires were completed for data on awareness and treatment of dyslipidaemia. Results: Subjects with HC and HTG were 66.9% and 40.9% respectively. Low HDL-c were found in 15.2% and 74.9% in females and males respectively. Among those with HC, 42.6%, 19.3% and 5.0% had mild, moderate and severe HC respectively. Awareness of dyslipidaemia was only found in 13.9% of the population, of whom only 8.0% were on treatment. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of dyslipidaemias in Malaysia, majority of whom are unaware of having the major risk factor for atherosclerosis-related complications such as CAD. Hence, there is an urgent need for coronary risk identification, prevention and intervention to combat the global epidemic of CAD

312 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MENOPAUSE AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN MALAYSIA

Background and Objective: Menopausal women are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This study is to determine the association between CVD risk factors in women who are menopausal compared to non menopausal Design and methods: Community-based, cross sectional study involving 11,288 adults aged ≥ 30 years was carried out in urban and rural areas of Malaysia between 2007 and 2010. Women who were on anti-hypertensive and anti-cholesterol treatment were excluded. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between CVD risk factors and menopausal status. Results: Out of the 11,288 adults, 4645 women fulfilled the inclusion criteria of whom 2086 (45%) were menopausal and 2559 (55%) were non menopausal. Mean total cholesterol (p=0.001), low density lipid (p=0.001), triglycerides (p=0.001), high systolic blood pressure (p=0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.010) were significantly higher in menopausal as compared to non-menopausal women. There was no significant difference in mean high density lipoprotein level between the two groups (p=0.839). Mean body mass index in menopausal was significantly lower as compared to non-menopausal women (p=0.001). Conclusion: Menopausal women in Malaysia have higher CVD risk profile as compared to non-menopausal women. Concerted effort must be undertaken to screen and reduce CVD risk factors in these women.

220 OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY IN MALAYSIA: AN EPIDEMIOLOGY SURVEY

Background and Objective: In Malaysia, the prevalence of overweight and obesity (>18 years old) is escalating with 16.6% and 4.4% in 1996, 29.1% and 14.0% in 2006, and 33.6% and 19.5% in 2008 (1-3). This study aim at continue monitoring the prevalence and its associations as it is strongly related to cardiovascular death (4). Design and Method: A community-based cross sectional study, was carried out in Malaysia between 2007 and 2010, using cut-off points body mass index (BMI) of 23 and 27.5 kg/m2 for overweight and obese (5). Data was analysed using STATA version 11. Results: A total of 10,963 subjects with complete BMI readings, out of 11,572 adult (>18 years old) subjects’ (mean age 51.2±11.0) data were analysed. The age-adjusted prevalence of overweight and obese were 38.3% (95% CI: 37.7- 39.1) and 34.0% (95% CI: 33.0-34.8), with female was significantly more obese (36.7%, CI; 35.4-37.8) than male (30.4%, CI; 29.1-31.7) (p<0.001) and urban population was significantly more obese (36.9%, CI; 35.6-38.1) than rural population (30.9%, CI; 29.6-32.1) (p<0.001). Highest prevalence of obesity were in Malays (38.9%, CI; 37.8-39.9), followed by Indians (35.8%, CI; 30.7-41.2) and lowest in Chinese (17.4%, CI; 15.2-19.5). Obese subjects were 1.8 (CI; 1.44-2.33), 1.7 (CI; 1.04-2.81), 2.38 (CI; 1.34-4.23) and 2.4 (CI; 1.91-3.01) more likely to have dyslipidaemia, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), newly diagnosed diabetes and hypertension, when compared to normal BMI, respectively. Conclusion: This study highlights the serious rise in obesity prevalent which deem the health system into action strategy at national level, as suggested by WHO (6) in fighting globesity. References:Khambalia AZ, Seen LS. Trends in overweight and obese adults in Malaysia (1996–2009): a systematic review. Obesity Reviews. 2010;11(6):403-12.Kee CC, Jamaiyah H, Noor Safiza MN, Geeta A, Khor GL, Suzana S, et al. Abdominal obesity in Malaysian adults: National Health and Morbidity Survey III (NHMS III, 2006). Malaysian Journal of Nutrition. 2008;14(2):125-35.Mohamud WN, Musa KI, Khir AS-M, Ismail AA-S, Ismail IS, Kadir KA, et al. Prevalence of overweight and obesity among adult Malaysians: an update. Asia Pacific Journal Of Clinical Nutrition. 2011;20(1):35-41.Gaziano TA, Bitton A, Anand S, Abrahams-Gessel S, Murphy A. Growing Epidemic of Coronary Heart Disease in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Current Problems in Cardiology. 2010;35(2):72-115.MOH. Clinical Practice Guideline on the Management of Obesity 2004. 2004.

679 PREVALENCE OF DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG URBAN AND RURAL POPULATION IN MALAYSIA: IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?

Background & Objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the major cardiovascular risk factors. Its prevalence in Malaysia has showed an increased trend in the past three decades. The 3rd Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey 2006 reported that 14.9% of adults aged ≥ 30 years had DM. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of DM among the urban and rural population in Malaysia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional community-based study involving 11,288 adults aged ≥ 30 years conducted between 2007 and 2010. Demographic data, anthropometric measurements and venous blood glucose were obtained. Data was analysed using STATA version 11. Results: The prevalence of DM was 15.9 % (CI: 15.2 – 16.5), awareness rate was 76.3% (CI: 74.3 – 78.3), treatment rate was 56.1% (CI: 53.7 – 58.4) and control rate was 57.4% (CI: 55.0 – 59.7). The age, gender and ethnicity adjusted prevalence was significantly higher in the urban than rural population (15.8 % vs 14.5 %, p = 0.002). Similar trend was found for the treatment rate (57.4% vs 45.3%, p = 0.001). However, a reverse trend was seen for the control rate (47.7% vs 53.6%, p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the adjusted awareness rate observed between urban and rural population (73.8% vs 66.7%, p = 0.356). Conclusions: The prevalence of DM in the urban population is higher in Malaysia. This might reflect the effect of urbanization. However, the control rate was lower for the urban population in spite of having higher treatment rate.

678 CLUSTERING OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS AMONG MALAYSIAN ADULTS IN URBAN AND RURAL POPULATION

Background & Objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for half of non-communicable disease deaths worldwide. Rapid sosioeonomic progress caused the rural areas to have similar prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs). The aim of the study is to determine the clustering of CVRFs among Malaysians adult in urban population (UP) and rural population (RP). Methods: A community-based, cross sectional study involving 11,288 adults aged ≥ 30 years conducted in urban and rural areas of Malaysia between 2007 and 2010. Average of 3 readings of blood pressure measurements using validated Omron HEM 757 sphygmomanometers was taken. Anthropometric measurements and fasting venous blood for lipid and glucose assays were obtained. Data analysed using STATA version 11. Results: Mean age for study subjects was 53.52 ± 10.61. CVRFs is define as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, low HDL level, obesity and smoking. Table. No title available. Table. No title available. Conclusion: There was similar clustering for CVRFs among urban and rural population in Malaysia.Effective population-based interventionssuch as improved diet and increased physical activity can safely and effectively lower the CVRFs.