1.Use and Understanding of Nutrition Labeling among Elderly Men and Women in Malaysia
Cheong SM ; Jasvindar Kaurl ; Lim KH ; Ho BK ; Mohmad
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition 2013;19(3):353-362
Introduction: Consumers are advised to read the nutrition labeling when purchasing packaged food. To what extent consumers read nutrition labeling and understand what they read is not well established among Malaysian older persons. Methods: Data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey III (NHMS III) undertaken in 2006 was analysed to determine the use and understanding of nutrition labeling and its associated factors among free living elderly men and women aged >60 years. Descriptive analysis and binary Logistic Regression were used to analyse the data. Results: A total of 4,898 respondents provided self-reported information on their use and understanding of nutrition labeling when they bought or received food. Use of nutrition labeling was higher among elderly men [61.9% (95% CI: 59.6-64.1)] than for women [36.6% (95% CI: 34.5-38.8)]. Nutrition labeling use was significantly associated with age, formal education, higher household income levels and marital status among both elderly men and women. Understanding of nutrition labeling among elderly men and women was 91.8% (95% CI: 90.1-93.2) and 89.7% (95% CI: 87.4- 91.7) respectively and was significantly associated with formal education for both elderly men and women. Conclusion: Overall, the reading of nutrition labeling among Malaysian elderly is moderate. Elderly men and women with formal education were more likely to understand nutrition labeling. The importance of reading nutrition labels should be inculcated in consumers including older persons so that they choose foods that are nutritious and safe.
2.Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of diabetes mellitus among the elderly: The 2011 National Health and Morbidity Survey, Malaysia
Ho BK ; Jasvindar K ; Gurpreet K ; Ambigga D ; Suthahar A ; Cheong SM ; Lim KH
Malaysian Family Physician 2014;9(3):12-19
Diabetes mellitus is an important cardiovascular risk factor. The objective of this study was to
provide population-based estimates on the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rate of
diabetes among the older persons in Malaysia. Analysis of secondary data from a cross-sectional
national population-based survey was done, which was conducted in 2011 throughout Malaysia.
A total of 2764 respondents (15.5%) were older persons. The overall prevalence of diabetes
among older persons was 34.4% in which 65.2% were aware of their diabetes status. Out of
those who were aware, 87.5% had been treated. Only 21.8% of those treated had their diabetes
controlled. The results of multiple logistic regression showed that the factors associated with
higher awareness rates were women, Indians and higher income groups; factors associated with
higher treatment rates were urban residents and those who were married and widow/widower/
divorcee. There was a high overall prevalence, awareness and treatment rate of diabetes among
older persons in Malaysia but with suboptimal control rate.
Diabetes Mellitus
;
Aged
;
prevention & control
;
Therapeutics