TY - JOUR
T1 - An update of the general health status in the indigenous populations of Malaysia
AU - Adrian Jinam, Timothy
AU - Elvira Phipps, Maude
AU - Indran, Mathavan
AU - Rani Kuppusamy, Umah
AU - Ameen Mahmood, Abdulla
AU - Hong, Lih Chun
AU - Edo, Juli
PY - 2008/6
Y1 - 2008/6
N2 - Objectives. Health scenarios are constantly evolving, particularly in developing countries but little is known regarding the health status of indigenous groups in Malaysia. This study aims to elucidate the current health status in four indigenous populations in the country, who by and large been left out of mainstream healthcare developments. Methods. Participants were recruited from the Temuan, Jehai, Kensiu and Bidayuh indigenous groups throughout Peninsula Malaysia and Sarawak. Health parameters including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, casual blood glucose and, total cholesterol levels were measured using established methods. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) levels were measured to assess oxidative stress status. Blood films were screened for evidence of microbial or parasitic infections and leukocyte differential counting was performed. Results. The Temuan and Bidayuh who are more urbanized, had significantly higher mean body weight, BMI, total cholesterol (p<0.05) and higher prevalence of obesity and hypercholesterolemia. Low cholesterol levels, elevated eosinophil counts and increased total IgE, indicative of immune responses to infection or allergy, were recorded in the rural Kensiu and Jehai. The Kensiu had higher levels of FRAP and lower levels of MDA, whereas the reverse was found in the Temuan. This suggests reduced oxidative stress in the Kensiu compared to the Temuan. Expected correlations between FRAP and MDA levels with age, were evident in Jehai. Conclusions. Our findings reflect a shifting health burden and an epidemiological transition, particularly in the Temuan and Bidayuh. These changes could be attributed to dietary habits, lifestyles and socio-economic factors brought about by urbanization.
AB - Objectives. Health scenarios are constantly evolving, particularly in developing countries but little is known regarding the health status of indigenous groups in Malaysia. This study aims to elucidate the current health status in four indigenous populations in the country, who by and large been left out of mainstream healthcare developments. Methods. Participants were recruited from the Temuan, Jehai, Kensiu and Bidayuh indigenous groups throughout Peninsula Malaysia and Sarawak. Health parameters including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, casual blood glucose and, total cholesterol levels were measured using established methods. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) levels were measured to assess oxidative stress status. Blood films were screened for evidence of microbial or parasitic infections and leukocyte differential counting was performed. Results. The Temuan and Bidayuh who are more urbanized, had significantly higher mean body weight, BMI, total cholesterol (p<0.05) and higher prevalence of obesity and hypercholesterolemia. Low cholesterol levels, elevated eosinophil counts and increased total IgE, indicative of immune responses to infection or allergy, were recorded in the rural Kensiu and Jehai. The Kensiu had higher levels of FRAP and lower levels of MDA, whereas the reverse was found in the Temuan. This suggests reduced oxidative stress in the Kensiu compared to the Temuan. Expected correlations between FRAP and MDA levels with age, were evident in Jehai. Conclusions. Our findings reflect a shifting health burden and an epidemiological transition, particularly in the Temuan and Bidayuh. These changes could be attributed to dietary habits, lifestyles and socio-economic factors brought about by urbanization.
KW - Health
KW - Indigenous communities
KW - Oxidative stress
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=45849092902&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/13557850801930478
DO - 10.1080/13557850801930478
M3 - Article
C2 - 18568977
AN - SCOPUS:45849092902
SN - 1355-7858
VL - 13
SP - 277
EP - 287
JO - Ethnicity & Health
JF - Ethnicity & Health
IS - 3
ER -