34 research outputs found
The 1961 Kampong Bukit Ho Swee fire and the making of modern Singapore
No full textBy 1970, Singapore’s urban landscape was dominated by high-rise blocks of planned public housing built by the People’s Action Party government, signifying the establishment of a high modernist nation-state. A decade earlier, the margins of the City had been dominated by kampongs, home to semi-autonomous communities of low-income Chinese families which freely built, and rebuilt, unauthorised wooden houses. This change was not merely one of housing but belied a more fundamental realignment of state-society relations in the 1960s. Relocated in Housing and Development Board flats, urban kampong families were progressively integrated into the social fabric of the emergent nation-state. This study examines the pivotal role of an event, the great Kampong Bukit Ho Swee fire of 1961, in bringing about this transformation. The redevelopment of the fire site in the aftermath of the calamity brought to completion the British colonial regime’s ‘emergency’ programmes of resettling urban kampong dwellers in planned accommodation, in particular, of building emergency public housing on the sites of major fires in the 1950s. The PAP’s far greater political resolve, and the timing of and state of emergency occasioned by the scale of the 1961 disaster, enabled the government to rehouse the Bukit Ho Swee fire victims in emergency housing in record time. This in turn provided the HDB with a strategic platform for clearing other kampongs and for transforming their residents into model citizens of the nation-state. The 1961 fire’s symbolic usefulness extended into the 1980s and beyond, in sanctioning the PAP’s new housing redevelopment schemes. The official account of the inferno has also become politically useful for the government of today for disciplining a new generation of Singaporeans against taking the nation’s progress for granted. Against these exalted claims of the fire’s role in the Singapore Story, this study also examines the degree of actual change and continuity in the social and economic lives of the people of Bukit Ho Swee after the inferno. In some crucial ways, the residents continued to occupy a marginal place in society while pondering, too, over the unresolved question of the cause of the fire. These continuities of everyday life reflect the ambivalence with which the citizenry regarded the high modernist state in contemporary Singapore
sj-docx-1-aph-10.1177_10105395241237635 – Supplemental material for Understanding the Food Environment and Its Impact on Diet and Health in Asia: A Scoping Review
No full textSupplemental material, sj-docx-1-aph-10.1177_10105395241237635 for Understanding the Food Environment and Its Impact on Diet and Health in Asia: A Scoping Review by Harvinder Kaur Gilcharan Singh, Pavitra Sinnasamy, Teoh Wan Yi, Chang Chiao Wei, Winnie Chee Siew Swee and Sangeetha Shyam in Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health</p
Relationship between body composition and bone mineral density in healthy postmenopausal Chinese women in Malaysia
No full textKehilangan jisim tulang adalah lebih ketara selepas menopaus. Jangka masa menopaus dan umur yang meningkat dikaitkan dengan penurunan jisim tubuh tanpa lemak, peningkatan lemak badan dan peningkatan berat badan. Kajian ini melihat sumbangan relatif jisim tubuh tanpa lemak dan lemak badan ke atas ketumpatan mineral tulang (KMT) di kalangan 139 wanita Cina posmenopaus sihat di Kuala Lumpur. KMT di kawasan seluruh tubuh, tulang belakang ( L2-L4), leher femur dan keseluruhan tulang pinggul diukur dengan alat dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DxA). Hasil kajian mendapati 80% daripada wanita posmenopaus Cina mempunyai jisim tulang yang rendah (osteopenia) manakala 8% daripada mereka mengalami osteoporosis di bahagian tulang belakang atau tulang pinggul. Secara keseluruhan, lemak badan mempunyai korelasi yang positif dengan KMT di semua bahagian diukur (keseluruhan tubuh, r = 0.265, p < 0.001tulang belakang r = 0.214, p < 0.05, leher femur, r = 0.254, p < 0.001keseluruhan tulang pinggul r = 0.332, p < 0.001). Jisim tubuh tanpa lemak juga mempunyai korelasi yang positif dengan KMT kebanyakan kawasan diukur (keseluruhan tubuh, r = 0.239, p < 0.001leher femur r = 0.365, p < 0.001keseluruhan tulang pinggul r = 0.352, p < 0.001) kecuali tulang belakang. Analisis regresi menunjukkan lemak badan dapat meramal KMT pada keseluruhan badan (p < 0.0001) dan tulang belakang (p < 0.005) manakala jisim tubuh tanpa lemak dapat meramal KMT pada tulang femur dan tulang pinggul (p < 0.0001). Hasil kajian menunjukkan kedua-dua lemak tubuh dan jisim tubuh tanpa lemak memainkan peranan dalam mempengaruhi KMT, di mana lemak badan memainkan peranan yang lebih di kalangan wanita posmenopaus. Oleh itu, wanita posmenopaus perlu elakkan mempunyai berat badan yang terlalu rendah (kurang lemak badan) dan mengekalkan jisim tubuh tanpa lemak untuk mencegah osteoporosis
Defining the Practice of Dietitians in Malaysia Using the Nutrition Care Process in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
No full text(1) Background: The quality of dietetic care is crucial to improve patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to measure the current practices regarding the provision of nutrition care in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among dietitians in Malaysia. (2) Methods: A 49-item online survey was distributed via Malaysian Dietitians’ Association and Ministry of Health Malaysia social media platforms. Self-reported dietetic practices in the management of T2DM were evaluated against practice guidelines. (3) Results: A total of 173 dietitians completed the survey, with a response rate of 62%. Three-quarters of dietitians in the public sector consulted patients within two to three weeks or more than four weeks versus less than two weeks (86.3%) among private dietitians (p-value < 0.001). More than 95% of private dietitians spent 31–60 min or more than 60 min on new cases versus 71% among public dietitians (p-value < 0.001). Group counseling was only practiced among public dietitians (36.0%). Different practice settings led to the current findings. A limited use of behavioral counseling theories and strategies was observed among dietitians from both sectors. Limited adherence to nutrition-related recommendations (62.8%) and lack of readiness for diet/lifestyle changes (45.5%) were the key challenges faced by dietitians when managing T2DM. (4) Conclusions: The survey indicates that there is a need for the development of comprehensive training to increase the utilization of behavioral counselling. Practice setting is an element to consider when designing training
Prevalence of Energy Intake Misreporting in Malay Children Varies Based on Application of Different Cut Points
No full textThis study aimed to identify the prevalence of energy misreporting amongst a sample of Malay children aged 9-11 years (n = 14) using a range of commonly used cut points. Participants were interviewed using repeated 24 h dietary recalls over three occasions. The Goldberg equations (1991 and 2000), Torun cut points and the Black and Cole method were applied to the data. Up to 11 of 14 children were classified as misreporters, with more under-reporters (between seven and eight children) than over-reporters (four or less children). There were significant differences in the proportion of children classified as energy misreporters when applying basal metabolic rate calculated using FAO/UNU/WHO (1985) and Malaysian-specific equations (p < 0.05). The results show that energy misreporting is common amongst Malay children, varying according to cut point chosen. Objective evaluation of total energy expenditure would help identify which cut point is appropriate for use in Malay paediatric populations.Full Tex
Effects of a Diabetes-Specific Formula on Glycemic Control and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
No full textLifestyle modification, including nutrition therapy, plays an important role in diabetes management. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effects of a diabetes-specific formula (DSF) on glycemic control and cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes. A total of 251 adult men and women with type 2 diabetes on oral anti-hyperglycemic medication(s) were enrolled, and 235 were randomly assigned to one of two study treatments: (i) DSF with standard of care (DSF group) (n = 117) or (ii) standard of care alone (control group) (n = 118). The DSF group was asked to consume either one serving of DSF (if baseline BMI ≥ 23.0 and <27.5 kg/m2) or two servings of DSF (if baseline BMI ≥ 27.5 and <35.0 kg/m2) as a meal replacement (MR) or partial MR. Blood biomarkers, anthropometry, body composition, and blood pressure were assessed at baseline, day 45, and day 90. Mean (SE) HbA1c of participants was 7.94 (0.05)% and BMI was 28.37 (0.21) kg/m2 at baseline. The DSF group had a significantly greater reduction in HbA1c than the control group at day 45 (−0.44% vs. −0.26%; p = 0.015) and day 90 (−0.50% vs. −0.21%; p = 0.002). Fasting blood glucose was significantly lower in the DSF group at Day 90 (−0.14 mmol/L vs. +0.32 mmol/L; p = 0.036). The DSF group lost twice as much weight as the control group at day 45 (−1.30 kg vs. −0.61 kg; p < 0.001) and day 90 (−1.74 kg vs. −0.76 kg; p < 0.001). Waist circumference, hip circumference, fat mass, and visceral adipose tissue were significantly lower in the DSF group compared to the control group (all overall p ≤ 0.004). The DSF group also had significantly lower diastolic blood pressure (overall p = 0.045) and systolic blood pressure at day 90 (p = 0.043). This study demonstrated that consuming DSF as a MR or partial MR in addition to the standard of care resulted in significantly greater improvements in glycemic control and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes compared to the standard of care alone
Dietary Health Behaviors of Women Living in High Rise Dwellings: A Case Study of an Urban Community in Malaysia
No full textQuality of dietary assessment methodology and reporting in epidemiology studies examining relationship between dietary outcome and childhood obesity in developing Asian countries: A systematic review
No full textAim The dramatic rise in childhood obesity incidence in developing countries is related to nutrition and lifestyle transition. The aim of this review was to evaluate the quality and reporting of dietary assessment methods used in studies examining the relationship between dietary outcome and childhood obesity in developing Asian countries. Methods A three-step search strategy was conducted in databases between inception and 2011 with an English language restriction. Inclusion criteria were any cross-sectional or cohort studies in children =18 years who resided in developing countries in Asian region that included reporting on dietary intake. Papers were screened with standardised tools for quality and dietary methodology reporting. Results The search process identified 2080 studies and 15 studies (in 16 articles) met inclusion criteria. The most commonly used dietary assessment method was dietary questionnaires (n = 10), followed by 24-hour diet recall (n = 4), food frequency questionnaire (n = 3) and an unweighed food record (n = 1). For dietary methodology reporting, 12 out of 16 articles were rated as 'poor', 3 rated as 'acceptable' and 1 as 'excellent'. Conclusions The quality rating was influenced by the dietary assessment tool chosen, and a quality rating of 'poor' was mostly obtained by studies using non-standardised, non-validated study-specific dietary questionnaires. Significant gaps were identified in dietary intake methodological quality and hence, there is an urgent need for valid dietary measures and reporting of dietary intake among overweight children for studies conducted in Asian region.No Full Tex
The effect of milk supplementation on bone mineral density in postmenopausal Chinese women in Malaysia
No full textDietary studies often report low calcium intake amongst post-menopausal Malaysian women and calcium deficiency has been implicated as part of the etiology of age-related bone loss leading to osteoporosis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of high calcium skimmed milk (Anlene Gold™, New Zealand Milk, Wellington, New Zealand) to reduce bone loss in Chinese postmenopausal women. Two hundred subjects aged 55–65 years and who were more than 5 years postmenopausal were randomized to a milk group and control group. The milk group consumed 50 g of high calcium skimmed milk powder daily, which contained 1200 mg calcium (taken as two glasses of milk a day). The control group continued with their usual diet. Using repeated measures ANCOVA, the milk supplement was found to significantly reduce the percentage of bone loss at the total body compared to the control group at 24 months (control −1.04%, milk −0.13%; P<0.001). At the lumbar spine, the percentage of bone loss in the control group was significantly higher (−0.90%) when compared to the milk (−0.13%) supplemented group at 24 months (P<0.05). Similarly, milk supplementation reduced the percentage of bone loss at the femoral neck (control −1.21%, milk 0.51%) (P<0.01) and total hip (control −2.17%, milk −0.50%) (P<0.01). The supplemented group did not experience any significant weight gain over the 24 months. The serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level improved significantly (P<0.01) from 69.1±16.1 nmol/l at baseline to 86.4±22.0 nmol/l at 24 months in the milk group. In conclusion, ingestion of high calcium skimmed milk was effective in reducing the rate of bone loss at clinically important lumbar spine and hip sites in postmenopausal Chinese women in Malaysia. Supplementing with milk had additional benefits of improving the serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D status of the subjects
Diabetes Care in Malaysia: Problems, New Models, and Solutions
No full textBackground: Diabetes is a major public health concern in Malaysia, and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes(T2D) has escalated to 20.8% in adults above the age of 30, affecting 2.8 million individuals. The burden of managing diabetes falls on primary and tertiary health care providersoperating in various settings. Objectives: This review focuses on the current status of diabetes in Malaysia, including epidemiology, complications, lifestyle, and pharmacologic treatments, as well as the use of technologies in its management and the adoption of the World Health Organization chronic care model in primary care clinics. Methods: A narrative review based on local available health care data, publications, and observations from clinic experience. Findings: The prevalence of diabetes varies among the major ethnic groups in Malaysia, with Asian Indians having the highest prevalence of T2D, followed by Malays and Chinese. The increase prevalence of overweight and obesity has accompanied the rise in T2D. Multidisciplinary care is available in tertiary and primary care settings with integration of pharmacotherapy, diet, and lifestyle changes. Poor dietary adherence, high consumption of carbohydrates, and sedentary lifestyle are prevalent in patients with T2D. The latest medication options are available with increasing use of intensive insulin regimens, insulin pumps, and continuous glucose monitoring systems for managing glycemic control. A stepwise approach is proposed to expand the chronic care model into an Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions framework to facilitate implementation and realize better outcomes in primary care settings. Conclusions: A comprehensive strategy and approach has been established by the Malaysian government to improve prevention, treatment, and control of diabetes as an urgent response to this growing chronic disease
