Introduction: Food security, defined as consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food, remains a significant challenge in Malaysia, especially among lowincome households. This study examined associations between food expenditure, food consumption, food adequacy, and food security among lower-ranking prison officers in the B40 income group. Methods: Multistage sampling was used to select study locations and prisons in Malaysia. Purposive sampling was used to select 420 officers, who completed a self-administered, validated questionnaire. Data were analysed descriptively and through multiple linear regression to identify key predictors of food security. Results: All respondents (100%) had acceptable Food Consumption Scores (FCS), with 97.1% showing high food adequacy. However, the vast majority (89.5%) were classified as at risk of food insecurity. Food spending was predominantly directed towards staple cereals and animal proteins, such as chicken and meat, while expenditure on fruits, vegetables, and dairy products was much lower. Food expenditure was strongly linked to food insecurity (β =-0.588, p<0.001). Similarly, food consumption score (β =-0.087, p=0.038) and food adequacy (β =-0.127, p=0.003) were both negatively associated with food insecurity. Conclusion: Although Malaysian prison officers generally had adequate diets, a substantial proportion of households remained food insecure, particularly in terms of dietary diversity and micronutrient intake. Household food expenditure, consumption scores, and food adequacy were all linked to lower food insecurity.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MULTI-COMPONENT EXERCISE COMBINED WITH ART THERAPY ON MUSCLE STRENGTH AND DEPRESSION AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS: A PILOT STUDY Background: Physical and psychological declines often accompany aging, negatively impacting quality of life. Multimodal interventions may efficiently address multiple needs, but few studies have examined combined exercise and creative arts programs. Objective: This pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility and potential impacts of a multi-component exercise plus art therapy intervention for improving muscle strength and depression levels in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Thirty-seven adults aged ≥ 55 years were randomized into exercise alone (EG = 12), art therapy alone (AG = 12), or combined exercise-art therapy (CG = 13). The 8-week interventions were performed at home. EG and CG engaged in moderate aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises 3x/week. AG and CG also completed biweekly art therapy sessions involving coloring, weaving, stamping, and painting projects. Upper and lower limb muscle strength and depression levels were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results: All groups showed significant pre-to-post improvements in muscle strength and depression. However, there were no significant differences between-group, although CG tended to have the greatest gains. Conclusions: Home-based exercise and art therapy were feasible and improved outcomes. The combination group showed promising synergistic trends, supporting further research on multimodal interventions to promote successful aging through engaging programs that address both physical and mental health.

ABSTRACT This retrospective study aimed to evaluate patterns of comprehensive dental treatment under general anaesthesia (GA) for healthy children in Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. The treatment records of healthy paediatric patients who received dental treatment under GA from February 2017 to January 2021 were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: (1) less than 6 years old and (2) 6 to 16 years old. Patients’ characteristics were summarised using descriptive statistics while an independent t-test was applied to investigate the influence of “age group” on treatment duration, number of procedures and use of various restorative materials. A total of 125 paediatric patients (67 boys and 58 girls) were included. The patients’ mean age at the time they underwent GA was 5.77 ± 1.94 years old and the average duration of dental treatment was 62.58 minutes. There was a significant difference in the duration of treatment between the two age groups (p < 0.05). Tooth extraction was the most dental procedure performed (63.31%). The 6 to 16 years old group had a significantly shorter treatment duration (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found in all procedures (extraction, restoration, preventive and pulp therapy) and the utilisation of composite, glass ionomer cement (GIC) and compomer in both groups. The use of stainless steel crown (SSC) restorations was significantly higher in the less than six years old group (p < 0.05). Most of the dental procedures performed under GA on healthy children were extraction procedures. Children less than six years of old had a longer treatment duration under GA. Composite restorations and SSC were more frequently used in primary dentition.
Pediatric Dentistry ; Dental Care for Children ; Anesthesia, Dental