Introduction: Low vegetable consumption in children is always a matter of concern. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of multiple exposures on acceptance of a test vegetable among preschoolers aged 6 years. Methods: This study was conducted in two phases. The first phase was a cross-sectional study among 68 Malay children (37 boys; 31 girls) from 6 kindergartens in Muar, Johor. This phase was aimed at determining the selection of the most suitable vegetable as the test vegetable. Data on demographics, usual preparation methods of vegetables, frequency of vegetables served and consumed by the children at home and parents’ perception of the children’s liking towards vegetables were obtained through the questionnaire. In phase 2, 42 preschoolers (20 boys; 22 girls) from 3 kindergartens from phase 1 were randomly selected. Meals consisting of the test vegetable,that is, round cabbage were provided to the children during lunch time at the kindergartens for 3 days consecutively. Thirty-six grams of stir-fried cabbage was served each time and the leftover was weighed. Results: There was a significant increase in intake of the test vegetable from first day (21.58±9.55 g) to the third day of exposure (28.26±8.35 g), z = -3.317, p=0.002. Based on feedback from the parents, the level of liking towards the test vegetable was significantly increased after the intervention (p=0.038). Conclusion: It is suggested that multiple exposures to vegetables could be a strategy to increase consumption of vegetables among preschoolers.

Dental caries are attributed to various factors including diet. The present crosssectional study determined the frequency of sugary food and drink consumption and defined its relationship to dental caries among preschool children. A total of 50 preschoolers (aged 5-6 years) in three kindergartens of the Department of Community Development (KEMAS) in Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur participated in this study. A set of structured questionnaires was used to assess the frequency of sugary food and drink consumption. Dental check ups were performed by a dentist. The dft index (decayed, filled teeth) was used to describe incidence of caries in subjects. Results showed that 62% of the subjects had dental caries. with the mean dft score being 3.72. The frequency of sugary food consumption by the majority of subjects was 2 times a day, while the frequency of sugary drink consumption was more than 3 times a day. There was no significant relationship between frequency of sugary food and drink consumption with incidence of caries. Subjects with high dft scores were more likely to report dental pain. The prevalence of dental caries in preschoolers in this study was high, indicating a need for effective dental health promotion to improve dental health status of this age group.

Introduction: The role of diet in the aetiology of dental caries occurrence has been questioned recently. Aim: This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the relationship between dietary habits and dental caries among 105 children aged 2 to 5 years old in Kuala Lumpur. Methodology: Subjects were selected using convenient sampling method. Their body weight and height were measured and their dental check-up was performed by qualified dental nurses. A Structured questionnaire and 3-day food diaries were distributed to their parents/caretakers to obtain socio-demographic data, oral health practice and dietary habits of the subjects. The dft (decayed, filled teeth) score was used to describe dental caries incidence. Results: Caries was found in 36.6% subjects with mean dft score of 1.95±3.59 (range: 0-16). Energy (r=-0.334, p=0.008), carbohydrate (r=-0.353, p=0.005), fat (r=-0.325, p=0.01), protein (r=-0.264, p=0.038), and calcium (r=-0.470, p<0.001) intake were significantly correlated with dft score. The negative association between frequency of milk consumption and dental caries was lost after other confounding factors were considered. Dental caries incidence was associated with age of subjects started brushing their teeth (Adjusted OR=5.46, 95% CI=1.74 – 17.17). There was no relationship between frequency of daily meals (p=0.800) and sugary food/drinks consumption (p=0.489) with dental caries occurrence. Conclusion: Dental caries is prevalent among young children and related with dietary factors and oral health practices. Therefore, healthy dietary habits and oral health practice should be integrated in the oral health promotion targeted to parents/caregivers and young children in order to improve their dental health status.

Introduction: The benefits of sufficient fruits and vegetables consumption for health are well known. This study investigated the adequacy of fruit and vegetable intake among older persons and its association with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The study also identified motivation and barrier factors affecting fruit and vegetables consumption. Methods: A total of 114 respondents aged 60-years and above (25 and 89 respomdents with and without MCI, respectively) from low cost housing areas in Kuala Lumpur participated in the study. Participants were interviewed using a standardised questionnaire with neurocognitive testing scales to determine their cognition level. Results: Of the non-MCI participants, 15.7% met World Health Organisation's (WHO) (2003) recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption of 400 g/ day compared to 12.0% of the subjects with MCI (p<0.05). Participants without MCI also had a significantly higher intake of fruit and vegetables (281.6 ± 77.2 g/ day) compared to those with MCI (250.4 ± 51.3 g/ day). Total daily intake of vegetables and fruits was significantly correlated with the digit span score of the participants (r=0.214, p<0.02). Total daily intake of leafy green vegetables was correlated with the verbal memory domain score of the total digit span (r=0.254, p<0.01). The main motivating factor for taking fruits, vegetables, and 'ulam' (salad) was their belief in its health benefits. The main barriers to their consumption were dental problems, and a dislike of their taste. Conclusion: Generally, the intake of fruits and vegetables among older persons was inadequate and was associated with poorer cognitive functions. Improvement of oral health status and the provision of more choices of fruits and vegetables for older persons may increase their daily intake.

Introduction: Understanding the perceptions of healthcare professionals and patients regarding gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is important for optimal pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to identify the problems faced by healthcare professionals in the management of GDM and the patients' perspectives as well. Methods: Two focus groups consisting of thirteen pregnant women diagnosed with GDM at 20-28 weeks of gestation and sixteen healthcare professionals were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The subjects were recruited purposively from a public health clinic in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Audio recordings were made of the interview sessions and transcribed verbatim before being assessed independently by two researchers. The NVivo 10.0 programme was used to extract key themes. Results: Five emergent themes consisting of views from both groups of subjects were identified. They were: (1) perceived patients' non-adherence to medical advice versus patients' own negligence; (2) poor appetite control versus patients' poor temptation control; (3) patients' lack of knowledge versus confusing information provided by healthcare staff; (4) patients 'giving up' versus being in a non-supportive environment; and (5) patients being in denial versus the disappointment when required to control diet. Conclusion: This study revealed conflicting perspectives between pregnant mothers with GDM and the healthcare staff in managing these patients. There is a need to promote positive communication between healthcare staff and patients for a better understanding of the needs of GDM patients.