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Chan DYL, Chong CY, Teh PL, Lee SWH. What drives low-income older adults' intention to use mobility applications? Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24 Suppl 1:342-350. [PMID: 38169136 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
AIM Mobility applications have the potential to support low-income older adults in facing mobility challenges. However, there is a generally lower uptake of technology in this segment. To understand factors affecting the intention to use a mobility app, we drew upon the Protection Motivation Theory, and tested a model of low-income older adults' technology adoption. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted across seven states in Malaysia among community-dwelling low-income older adults aged ≥60 years old (n = 282). Measurement items were adapted from pre-validated scales and 7-point Likert Scales were used. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was utilized to assess the hypothesized model. RESULTS Mobility technology awareness was found to shape an individual's threat and coping appraisals associated with their intention to use a mobility app. The decision of a low-income older adult to adopt a mobility app as a protective action is not a direct function of threat and coping appraisals but is indirect, and mediated by the underlying cost-benefit perceptions of non-adoption and adoption of the mobility app. In terms of technology perceptions, perceived usefulness is a significant predictor, but not perceived ease of use. CONCLUSIONS This study entails a new model by uncovering the psychological factors encompassing mobility technology awareness, threat-coping appraisals, and cost-benefit perceptions on Technology Acceptance Model studies. These insights have important implications for the development and implementation of a mobility app among low-income older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 342-350.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chun Yong Chong
- School of Information Technology, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Pei-Lee Teh
- School of Business, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
- Gerontechnology Laboratory, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Shaun Wen Huey Lee
- Gerontechnology Laboratory, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
- School of Pharmacy, Taylor's University Lakeside Campus, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
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Ang WC, Cheah YK. Inequalities in Consumption Expenditure on Pharmaceuticals: Evidence from Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND HEALTH SERVICES 2023; 53:528-538. [PMID: 37081820 DOI: 10.1177/27551938231170831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals play an important role in health improvements. This study is the first of its kind to examine the influences of household heads' sociodemographic characteristics and household profiles on pharmaceuticals expenditure among households of different income levels. The country of interest is a fast-growing developing country. Data from the Malaysian Household Expenditure Surveys 2014 and 2016 were used in the pooled cross-sectional analyses. Double-hurdle models were used to analyze consumption and amount decisions of pharmaceuticals. Analyses stratified by income were conducted. Results showed that households headed by younger adults (<60 years), males, less educated individuals, Bumiputera, and divorced/widowed adults were less likely to consume and spent less on pharmaceuticals compared with households headed by older adults (≥60 years), females, more educated individuals, non-Bumiputera, and single adults. These differentials varied across income groups. In conclusion, household heads' age, gender, educational levels, ethnicity, marital status, and household profiles are important determining factors of expenditure on pharmaceuticals among low-, middle- and high-income households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chern Ang
- Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Tuanku Fauziah, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kangar, Malaysia
| | - Yong Kang Cheah
- School of Economics, Finance and Banking, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Malaysia
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Ahmed Meelad R, Abd Hamid IJ, Zainudeen ZT, Hashim IF, Azizuddin MNA, Mangantig E, Taib F, Mohamad N, Ismail IH, Abdul Latiff AH, Mohd Noh L. Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients and Families with Primary Immunodeficiency in Malaysia: a Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Immunol 2023; 43:999-1006. [PMID: 36882668 PMCID: PMC9990971 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-023-01463-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) affects various aspects of a patient's life. However, the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of PID among Malaysian patients is poorly described. This study aimed to determine the quality of life of PID patients and their respective parents. METHOD This cross-sectional study was performed from August 2020 to November 2020. Patients with PID and their families were invited to answer the PedsQL Malay version (4.0) questionnaire, the tool used to assess the HRQOL. A total of 41 families and 33 patients with PID answered the questionnaire. A comparison was performed with the previously published value of healthy Malaysian children. RESULT Parents of respondents recorded a lower mean of total score than the parents of healthy children (67.26 ± 16.73 vs. 79.51 ± 11.90, p-value = 0.001, respectively). PID patients reported lower mean total score to healthy children (73.68 ± 16.38 vs. 79.51 ± 11.90, p-value = 0.04), including the psychosocial domain (71.67 ± 16.82 vs. 77.58 ± 12.63, p-value = 0.05) and school functioning (63.94 ± 20.87 vs. 80.00 ± 14.40, p-value = 0.007). No significant difference of reported HRQOL when comparing between subgroup of PID on immunoglobulin replacement therapy and those without immunoglobulin replacement (56.96 ± 23.58 vs. 65.83 ± 23.82, p-value 0.28). Socioeconomic status was found to be predictive of the lower total score of PedsQL in both parent and children reports. CONCLUSION Parents and children with PID, especially those from middle socioeconomic status, have lower HRQOL and school function impairment than healthy children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruwaydah Ahmed Meelad
- Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, Institut Perubatan & Pergigian Termaju, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Intan Juliana Abd Hamid
- Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, Institut Perubatan & Pergigian Termaju, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
| | - Zarina Thasneem Zainudeen
- Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, Institut Perubatan & Pergigian Termaju, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Ilie Fadzilah Hashim
- Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, Institut Perubatan & Pergigian Termaju, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Muhd Nur Akmal Azizuddin
- Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, Institut Perubatan & Pergigian Termaju, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Ernest Mangantig
- Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, Institut Perubatan & Pergigian Termaju, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Fahisham Taib
- Paediatric Department, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Norsarwany Mohamad
- Paediatric Department, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Intan Hakimah Ismail
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Lokman Mohd Noh
- Hospital Tunku Azizah, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Barriers to Breast Cancer-Screening Adherence in Vulnerable Populations. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030604. [PMID: 36765561 PMCID: PMC9913751 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer screening through periodic mammography has been effective in decreasing mortality and reducing the impact of this disease. However, adherence to screening does not meet the desired expectations from all populations. The main objective of this review is to explore the barriers that affect adherence to breast cancer-screening programs in vulnerable populations according to race and/or ethnicity in order to propose measures to reduce the lack of adherence. We conducted a search of publications in the PubMed Central and Scopus databases. The eligible criteria for the articles were as follows: original quantitative studies appearing in SJR- and/or JCR-indexed journals from 2016 to 2021 in English or Spanish. Most of them present common barriers, such as race/ethnicity (47%), low socioeconomic (35.3%) and educational levels (29.4%), no family history of cancer and being single (29.4%), medical mistrust and a health information gap (23.5%), lack of private health insurance (17.6%) and not having annual health checks (17.6%). The target populations with the lowest adherence were Black, Asian, Hispanic and foreign women. Implementing awareness campaigns focused on these populations should be promoted, as well as working on diversity, cultural acceptance and respect with healthcare workers, in order to improve breast cancer-screening adherence worldwide.
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Banna MHA, Hamiduzzaman M, Kundu S, Ara T, Abid MT, Brazendale K, Seidu AA, Disu TR, Mozumder NHMR, Frimpong JB, Khan MSI. The Association Between Bangladeshi Adults' Demographics, Personal Beliefs, and Nutrition Literacy: Evidence From a Cross-Sectional Survey. Front Nutr 2022; 9:867926. [PMID: 35464028 PMCID: PMC9020226 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.867926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Poverty and health illiteracy, combined with inappropriate systems to track disease and infection rates, contribute to children-and-mothers' poor adherence to nutrient-rich foods intake in Bangladesh. Although risk factors for child and pregnant women malnutrition have been explored, the relationship between Bangladeshi adults' nutrition literacy and their demographics and personal beliefs remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between adults' nutrition literacy, demographics and personal beliefs in a large sample of Bangladeshi adults. Methods Four hundred adults from two districts (Dhaka and Chattogram) of Bangladesh participated in a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected by interviews using a structured questionnaire containing the Nutrition Literacy Scale. Multiple linear regression models were employed to analyze associations between nutrition literacy and related factors. Results The mean nutrition literacy score was 21.6 (SD: 3.7; range: 11-32) on a scale of 32. Multiple linear regression revealed that being a businessman (β = 1.66, p = 0.013) or private employee (β = 1.08, p = 0.030), having a higher family income (β = 1.17, p = 0.009), and a higher educational level were positively associated with higher nutrition literacy scores compared to their counterparts. Participants who had ever completed a nutrition-related course (β = 4.95, p < 0.001), and who perceived themselves as having a need for accessing nutrition-related information were positively associated with the higher nutrition literacy compared to their counterparts. Conclusion Findings from this study suggest the need for an integrated response plan involving educational interventions and accessible dietary plans targeting adult populations to enhance their nutritional literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Hasan Al Banna
- Department of Food Microbiology, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Hamiduzzaman
- College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Satyajit Kundu
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Tasnu Ara
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Home Economics, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Tazrian Abid
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Keith Brazendale
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Abdul-Aziz Seidu
- Department of Estate Management, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana
- Centre for Gender and Advocacy, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | | | - N. H. M. Rubel Mozumder
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
| | - James Boadu Frimpong
- Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Md Shafiqul Islam Khan
- Department of Food Microbiology, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
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Aged Persons Living with HIV and Nutritional Wellness: Analysis of 2013 South Africa-SAGE Well-Being of Older People Study (WOPS) Wave 2. J Aging Res 2021; 2021:6635814. [PMID: 34258065 PMCID: PMC8249153 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6635814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study sought to examine the nutritional wellness among aged persons living with HIV in Somkhele, South Africa. Methods Data were extracted from the 2013 South Africa-SAGE Well-Being of Older People Study (WOPS) Wave 2. The study sampled 440 aged persons (50 years and above). The proportion of the aged persons with high nutritional wellness by key covariates was reported with chi-square and p-values (p < 0.05). Two-level binary logistic regression models were fitted. Results Results show that there were more aged women (79.8%) than men (20.2%) and the younger old (50–64) dominated (65.7%) in the ages, among the respondents. A higher percent of the aged persons were widows (39.5%) and had no formal education (46.1%). Six in 10 aged persons were HIV infected (59.5%). Percentage distribution of men with high nutrition was higher (78.7%). Regression results show that having nutritional wellness was low for aged persons who were infected by HIV (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.69, 1.26) when compared to those who were not infected. Regarding ages of respondents, having high nutritional wellness was higher for young old (65–74 years) (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.65, 2.25) compared to younger old (50–64 years). Conclusion This study suggests that age, education, source of drinking water, household source of income, and financial situation are important for nutritional wellness of aged persons who are HIV infected in South Africa. Moreover, having HIV infection is associated with low nutritional wellness. Being a young old (65–74 years) and receiving government grants and with better financial situation is associated with high nutritional wellness. Stakeholders and agencies who have interest in aged persons affected by HIV must understand the socioeconomic status in relation to their nutritional wellness. The results are of great importance to ageing policies, specifically in health and nutrition.
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You YX, Shahar S, Rajab NF, Haron H, Yahya HM, Mohamad M, Din NC, Maskat MY. Effects of 12 Weeks Cosmos caudatus Supplement among Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020434. [PMID: 33572715 PMCID: PMC7912368 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cosmos caudatus (CC) contains high flavonoids and might be beneficial in neuroprotection. It has the potential to prevent neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of Cosmos caudatus supplement on cognitive function, mood status, blood biochemical profiles and biomarkers among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The subjects were randomized into CC supplement (n = 24) and placebo group (n = 24). Each of them consumed one capsule of CC supplement (250 mg of CC/capsule) or placebo (500 mg maltodextrin/capsule) twice daily for 12 weeks. Cognitive function and mood status were assessed at baseline, 6th week, and 12th week using validated neuropsychological tests. Blood biochemical profiles and biomarkers were measured at baseline and 12th week. Two-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis showed significant improvements in mini mental state examination (MMSE) (partial η2 = 0.150, p = 0.049), tension (partial η2 = 0.191, p = 0.018), total mood disturbance (partial η2 = 0.171, p = 0.028) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (partial η2 = 0.097, p = 0.047) following CC supplementation. In conclusion, 12 weeks CC supplementation potentially improved global cognition, tension, total mood disturbance, and oxidative stress among older adults with MCI. Larger sample size and longer period of intervention with incorporation of metabolomic approach should be conducted to further investigate the underlying mechanism of CC supplementation in neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yee Xing You
- Dietetics Programme and Centre for Healthy Aging and Wellness (H-Care), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia;
| | - Suzana Shahar
- Dietetics Programme and Centre for Healthy Aging and Wellness (H-Care), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-3-9289-7651
| | - Nor Fadilah Rajab
- Biomedical Science Programme and Centre for Healthy Aging and Wellness (H-Care), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia;
| | - Hasnah Haron
- Nutritional Sciences Programme and Centre for Healthy Aging and Wellness (H-Care), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia; (H.H.); (H.M.Y.)
| | - Hanis Mastura Yahya
- Nutritional Sciences Programme and Centre for Healthy Aging and Wellness (H-Care), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia; (H.H.); (H.M.Y.)
| | - Mazlyfarina Mohamad
- Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy Programme and Centre for Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Investigative Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia;
| | - Normah Che Din
- Health Psychology Programme, Centre of Rehabilitation and Special Needs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia;
| | - Mohamad Yusof Maskat
- Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi 43600, Malaysia;
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Yunus SZSA, Puteh SEW, Ali AM, Daud F. The Covid Impact to Public Healthcare Utilization Among Urban Low-Income Subsidized Community in Klang Valley Malaysia. Health Serv Res Manag Epidemiol 2021; 8:23333928211002407. [PMID: 33796627 PMCID: PMC7975447 DOI: 10.1177/23333928211002407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriate level of healthcare utilization is one of the aims in translating health system inputs into improving the outcome of population health. Healthcare utilization services in Malaysia remains relatively low as compared to the rate in most high-income countries and some gaps exist across socioeconomic status. After the financial handouts deemed Household Living Aid (HLA) to low-income earners, Malaysia has recently implemented a financial health protection scheme toward for low-income group known as PeKa B40 to improve their access for healthcare services. This study aims to determine the healthcare utilization among the low-income population living in urban Klang Valley, and to explore the relationship between healthcare utilization with the demographic characteristics of this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional study using face to face structured questionnaire. All 447 respondents included were low-income earners enrolled in the HLA. Chi-square analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to examine association between the risk factors and healthcare utilization. RESULTS The response rate was 93.5%. The healthcare utilization among the respondents during the partial lockdown period was 19.5% and 33.1% during the recovery lockdown period. Enrollment in the PeKa B40 scheme among the 7.6% respondents was not associated with healthcare utilization. After controlling for the variables, those aged 60 years and above [AOR: 1.87; 95% (CI): (1.07; 3.27)], self-rated poor health status [AOR: 2.16; 95% (CI): (1.07; 4.34)], having NCDs [AOR: 4.21; 95% (CI): (2.23; 7.94)], and being hospitalized in the past 12 months [AOR: 3.54; 95% (CI): (1.46; 8.62)], were more likely to utilize healthcare services as compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSION The results from this study is valuable for policy recommendations to improve on the coverage of the PeKa B40 scheme and healthcare access for the low-income population especially during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
(UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Adliah Mhd Ali
- Center of Quality Management of Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
(UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Faiz Daud
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
(UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Khor GL, Shariff ZM. Do not neglect the indigenous peoples when reporting health and nutrition issues of the socio-economically disadvantaged populations in Malaysia. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1685. [PMID: 31842826 PMCID: PMC6916214 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-8055-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this correspondence is to express our disappointment with the coverage of the BMC Public Health supplement: Vol 19 (4) titled “Health and Nutritional Issues Among Low Income Population in Malaysia”, which neglected to include the fundamental health and nutrition issues that are adversely affecting the lives and livelihood of the indigenous peoples. The Supplement comprised 21 papers. Two of these papers included indigenous peoples as study subjects. These two papers addressed peripheral, albeit important health issues, namely visual impairment and quality of life, and not the persistent and rising health concerns impacting this population. We will provide evidence from research and reports to justify our critique that the Supplement missed the opportunity to spotlight on the serious extent of the health and nutritional deprivations of the indigenous peoples of Malaysia. As researchers of the indigenous peoples, we ought to lend our voice to the “silenced minority” by highlighting their plight in the media including scientific journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geok Lin Khor
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Zalilah Mohd Shariff
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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