1.Effects of hydration practices on the severity of heatrelated illness among municipal workers during a heat wave phenomenon
Zawiah Mansor ; Rosnah Ismail ; Noor Hassim Ismail ; Jamal Hisham Hashim
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2019;74(4):275-280
Introduction: The continue rise in temperatures due to
climate change increases the risk of heat-related illness
(HRI) among outdoor workers. This study aims to evaluate
the effects of hydration practices on the severity of HRI
during a heat wave episode among municipal workers in
Negeri Sembilan.
Method: A cross-sectional study was performed in March
and April 2016. The outdoor temperatures were measured
using the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) tool. The
participants completed a self-administered questionnaire
containing sociodemographic factors prior to work shift;
while working profile, hydration practices, and HRI
symptoms at the end of work shift. The hydration status of
the respondents was assessed by direct observation of their
urine colour. Multiple logistic regression was performed to
ascertain the effects of age, working profile, hydration
practice, history of previous HRI, and hydration status on
the likelihood that outdoor workers having moderate to
severe HRI.
Results: A total of 320 respondents completed the
questionnaire. The mean (standard deviation) outdoor
workplace temperature was 30.5°C (SD 0.53°C). The
percentage of respondents who experienced moderate to
severe HRI was 44.1%. The likelihood that outdoor workers
experienced moderate to severe HRI symptoms was
associated with irregular fluid intake [odds ratio (OR): 16.11,
95% confidence interval (95%CI): 4.11; 63.20]; consumption
of non-plain water (OR: 5.92, 95%CI: 2.79; 12.56);
dehydration (OR: 3.32, 95%CI: 1.92; 5.74); and increasing
outdoor workplace temperature (OR: 1.85, 95%CI: 1.09; 3.11).
Conclusion: Irregular drinking pattern and non-plain fluid
intake was found to have a large effect on HRI severity
among outdoor workers exposed high temperatures during
a heat wave phenomenon.
2.Thirst as the threshold symptom to prevent worsening heat-related illness
Zawiah Mansor ; Noor Hassim Ismai ; Rosnah Ismail ; Jamal Hisham Hashim
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2019;74(1):1-7
Introduction: The heat-related illness (HRI) is a continuum
illness ranging from minor health effects to life-threatening
medical emergencies when the pathological effects of heat
load are not prevented. The aim of this study was to
demonstrate the threshold HRI symptom for deciding to take
simple preventative actions both by the individual workers
and employers.
3.Effectiveness of a Nutrition Education Intervention for Primary School Children: the Healthy Kids Programme, Malaysia
Chin Yit Siew ; Tee E Siong ; Zawiah Hashim ; Rasyedah Ahmad Raqi ; Norimah A Karim
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2020;16(Supp 6, Aug):1-10
Introduction: This paper discussed the effectiveness of “Healthy Kids Programme (HKP)”, specifically in improving
the body weight status as well as knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of the children. Methods: In this longitudinal intervention study, a total of 12 primary schools in Klang Valley were randomly selected and divided into
intervention and control groups. There were 386 standard three children participated at baseline. All children in the
intervention group participated in the HKP that was conducted by nutritionists. The evaluations included the pre- and
post-Immediate Impact survey (IIS) (every topic), and changes in nutrition KAP survey and anthropometric assessment of the children at the beginning and end of every year for three years. Results: School children in intervention
group reported with an increased in the IIS score for each topic and achieved a significantly higher mean nutrition
knowledge score than those in the control group over time. There were no significant differences in mean attitude
and practice scores between two groups after the intervention. Children in the intervention group had lower rates of
overweight and obesity (pre-test: 27.3%; post-test: 32.5%) than their counterpart (pre-test: 26.6%; post-test: 44.0%).
Conclusions: The HKP is effective in improving nutrition knowledge of the children. A lower rate of overweight and
obesity was observed in intervention group than control group. This approach will contribute towards inculcating
healthy eating and active lifestyle habits among Malaysian children that bring about long-term health benefits.