1.Physical Inactivity and Its Associated Factors among Adults in Malaysia: Findings from National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019
Nazirah Alias ; Chan Ying Ying ; Lim Kuang Kuay ; Ahzairin Ahmad ; Halizah Mat Rifin ; Nik Adilah Shahein ; Azli Baharudin
International Journal of Public Health Research 2022;12(no.1):1536-1545
Introduction:
Physical inactivity has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for worldwide mortality with major implications towards general health. Monitoring the level of physical inactivity may reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors. This study aims to determine the prevalence of physical inactivity and its associated factors among adults aged 18 years and above in Malaysia.
Methodology:
Data was obtained from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019. It was a cross-sectional, population-based survey which employed two- stage stratified random sampling design. A total of 10,356 out of 10,472 respondents were interviewed using a short version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
Results:
Overall, the prevalence of physical inactivity among adults aged 18 years and above in Malaysia was 24.6% (95% CI: 23.2, 26.1). Results from multivariable logistic model showed that Chinese ethnicity (aOR 1.32; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.67), urban dwellers (aOR 1.30; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.57), those who were single (including widow, widower and divorcee) (aOR 1.36; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.61), students (aOR 2.10; 95% CI: 1.30, 3.40), higher household income earners (aOR 1.34; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.68) and those with hypercholesterolaemia (aOR 1.25; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.51) were significantly more likely to be physically inactive.
Conclusion
Specific and appropriate intervention towards targeted group is in crucial need to increase the level of physical activity and to promote an active living towards an active and healthy Malaysia.
2.Training is an Important Factor for Community Health Workers in Performing KOSPEN Health Screening Activities in Malaysia: Community Health Workers (KOSPEN) 2016
Tania Gayle Robert Lourdes ; Wan Shakira Rodzlan Hasani ; Muhammad Fadhli Mohd Yusoff ; Hamizatul Akmal Abd Hamid ; Halizah Mat Rifin ; Hasimah Ismail ; Thamil Arasu Saminathan ; Jane Ling Miaw Yn ; Nur Liana Ab Majid ; Mohd Ruhaizie Riyadzi ; Ahzairin Ahmad ; Rosnah Ramly
International Journal of Public Health Research 2021;11(2):1439-1447
Introduction:
Community health workers/volunteers (CHW) are health workers who are trained but do not possess a formal professional certificate. They are members of the community who live and work in that particular community. This study aimed to determine factors associated with not performing health screening
activities by volunteers under KOSPEN; a community-based intervention programme, initiated by Ministry of Health Malaysia in October 2013.
Methods:
Data from the “Evaluation of the implementation of KOSPEN programme in Malaysia 2016” was used,a cross-sectional study which was carried out in randomly selected KOSPEN localities throughout Malaysia. The response rate was 94.9%. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used. Descriptive statistics andlogistic regression analysis was applied using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.
Results:
700 volunteers were included in this study. Majority were female (65.7%), aged 50-59 years (30.9%), had secondary education (65.3%), employed (55.7%.) and married (80.4%). Several issues were identified by the volunteers; funding (47.2%), module content and comprehensibility (11.4% respectively), submitting returns (17%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that volunteers who never attended training (aOR 2.79; 95% CI:1.66, 4.67) and who felt the content of the training module was inadequate (aOR 2.693; 95% CI: 1.46, 4.98) were more likely did not perform screening activities in the community.
Conclusion
Volunteers who were not trained and those who felt the content of the training module was inadequate did not carry out screening activities. These findings will be useful for stakeholders to make improvements to the programme for a more successful implementation.