Hypertension has been recognised as an important public health issue, affecting paediatric population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its relationship with obesity among different ethnic, gender primary school children in Kuching division, Sarawak. It was a cross-sectional study using multistage sampling. Data was collected using anthropometric equipment and digital blood pressure monitor. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20. A total of 1314 respondents participated. 36.9% of the respondents were overweight and obese, 31% were overfat and obese, 29% had abnormal waist circumference and 32.8% had abnormal waist-height ratio (WHtR). About 22.1% of the respondents were found to be in pre-hypertension and hypertension stage. There were significant differences in overweight and obese, overfat and obese, WHtR between males and females. Indigenous Sarawak reported to have the highest number of hypertensive at risk, overweight and obese, overfat and obese, abnormal waist circumference and WHtR. Those respondents who were hypertensive were found to be overweight and obese, overfat and obese, with abnormal waist circumference and WHtR. Screening of potential risk factors at a young age would help to reduce the incidents of chronic disease in the adulthood. Blood pressure measurement should be included in the routine physical examination, to identify high risk children for further investigation.

Introduction: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and itsassociation with nutritional status (body mass index, body fat percentage, and visceral fat) amongstudents in a public university in Sarawak, Malaysia.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among undergraduate students aged 18 years old andabove. Anthropometric measurements, such as weight, height, body composition, and bloodpressure measurements, were collected. Hypertension was defined as equal or more than 140/90mmHg. Statistical analyses were done using IBM SPSS version 20.Results: A total of 354 respondents participated in the study. Mean age for the respondents was21 years (SD 1.18 years). About 40% of the respondents were overweight or obese. Prevalence ofhypertension was 8.2%. Mean systolic blood pressure was 119.1mmHg (SD14.36mmHg), and themean diastolic blood pressure was 72.6mmHg (SD 9.73mmHg). There is a significant associationbetween male gender (odds ratio =3.519, 95% CI is 1.886-6.566), body fat percentage (odds ratio=1.944, 95% CI is 1.050-3.601), visceral fat (odds ratio = 2.830, 95% CI is 1.346-5.951), andfamily history of hypertension (odds ratio= 2.366, 95% CI is 1.334-4.194) and hypertension.Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was less than 10% and is associated with malegender, body composition, and family history of hypertension.

Background: This study aimed to determine the quality of life and its associated factors among caregivers of patients with dementia in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among caregivers for dementia patients who visited three main hospitals in Kuching, Sarawak. Using a validated questionnaire, data was obtained based on socio-demographic profile, patient and caregiving characteristics, supports needs by caregivers, and quality of life (QoL) of caregivers modified from Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Evaluation’s Scale of the Caregiver’s QoL. Results: A total of 217 caregivers participated with response rate of 99.6%, with 67.3% female and 63.1% Chinese. Most respondent provide care for their parents (62.7%), and stay with patients (67.3%). Average duration of care was 4.2 years (SD±3.72). Resource referral (M=3.52, SD±1.334) and education support (M=3.67, SD±1.054) was highest need. Majority respondents experienced little to no burden (59%). Most respondents were not depressed (98.1%). The QoL of respondents was satisfactory (M=41.36, SD±25.840). Gender of caregivers, patients with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, duration of caregiving, respite care need, caregiver disability or illness, belonging support need, education support need were significantly associated with QoL of caregivers (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study on QoL of caregivers of dementia patients in Sarawak, Malaysia shows that it can be influenced by many factors, both at the caregivers’ level as well as the patients themselves. Therefore, intervention should aim at patients and their caregivers, and within community and healthcare settings.