Browsing by Person "Evans, Natalie"

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Coming of age, becoming obese: a cross-sectional analysis of obesity among adolescents and young adults in Malaysia
(BMC, 2016-10-13) Pell, Christopher; Allotey, Pascale; Evans, Natalie; Hardon, Anita; Imelda, Johanna D; Soyiri, Ireneous; Reidpath, Daniel; SEACO Team
Background Malaysians have become increasingly obese over recent years. The transition from adolescence to early adulthood is recognized as critical for the development of eating and activity habits. However, little obesity-related research focuses on this life stage. Drawing on data from a health and demographic surveillance site in Malaysia, this article describes obesity and overweight amongst adolescents and young adults in a multi-ethnic population. Methods Data were collected at the South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO) in Segamat District, Johor. In this dynamic cohort of approximately 40,000 people, 5,475 were aged 16–35 in 2013–2014. The population consists of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indigenous (Orang Asli) families in proportions that reflect the national ethnic diversity. Data were collected through health profiles (Body Mass Index [BMI] measurements in homes) and self-report questionnaires. Results Age and ethnicity were associated with overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9Kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30Kg/m2). The prevalence of overweight was 12.8 % at ages 16–20 and 28.4 % at ages 31–35; obesity was 7.9 % and 20.9 % at the same age groups. The main ethnic groups also showed varied patterns of obesity and overweight at the different age groups with Chinese at lowest and Orang Asli at highest risk. Level of education, employment status, physical activity and frequency of eating out were poorly predictive of overweight and obesity. Conclusion The pattern of overweight and obesity in the 16–35 age group further highlights this as a significant period for changes in health-related behaviours. Further longitudinal research is however needed to confirm the observed pattern and investigate causal factors.
Social support and care arrangements of older people living alone in rural Malaysia
(Cambridge University Press, 2017-05-09) Evans, Natalie; Allotey, Pascale; Imelda, Joanna D.; Reidpath, Daniel; Pool, Robert
Malaysia has an ageing population and an increasing number of older people who live alone. This study explores the social support and care arrangements of older people living alone in rural Malaysia. The study took a qualitative approach: semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of Malay (N = 20) and Chinese (N = 20) Malaysians aged over 65. Five cross-cutting themes were identified through a thematic analysis: degrees of aloneness; relationships and social support; barriers to social support; and future illness, care and death. All participants said they lived alone; living arrangements, however, were often complex. For Malays, most support came from nearby adult children and relatives, whereas Chinese participants, who less frequently had adult children living locally, emphasised support from friends and neighbours. Emigrant adult children's assistance was mostly informational and financial, instrumental assistance was either substituted for money, or provided solely during periods of ill-health. Physical decline, limited telephone use, inadequate transportation and fears of crime were barriers to social support. Participants avoided thinking or talking about future care needs. These findings have implications for Malaysian old age policy, which is currently focused on supporting families to care for older relatives. Child migration and a growing preference for a period of independent living in old age may require policies and resources directed at older people as individuals to support their own efforts to remain independent, active and age ‘in place’.