A 25-year scoping review of the organ donation system in Malaysia: past, present, and future.

Organ donation and transplantation are integral components of modern medicine. This scoping review thoroughly explores the historical evolution, current status, and future prospects of organ donation and transplantation in Malaysia. Historically, Malaysia faced significant challenges in establishing a robust organ transplantation system, with various factors hindering organ donation efforts. Currently, Malaysia continues to struggle with stagnant donation rates despite collaborative efforts from various sectors. There is an urgent need to amend the 50-year-old Human Tissue Act to strengthen the legal framework for organ donation and address ethical concerns. Looking to the future, Malaysia could adopt a soft opt-out system and prioritize advancements in organ preservation techniques by exploring new sources of organs through the donation after circulatory death program. Continued efforts are necessary to enhance education programs for professionals and the public, dispelling myths about organ donation and effectively educating on the concepts of brain death. Malaysia strives to create a more accessible future for organ transplantation, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals to reduce the burden of organ failure and improve the population's health and well-being.

Survey dataset of factors affecting Islamic donation intention in Malaysia.

The present dataset investigates the factors that influence Malaysian Muslims' Islamic donation intentions. The research model was developed based on the integration of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and social capital theory with six latent variables. A self-administrated survey of 400 Muslims with various demographic characteristics yielded the dataset in February 2024. The dataset was the basis for identifying factors that influence Muslims' Islamic donation intentions, thereby helping scholars and Islamic non-profit organisations understand how Malaysian Muslims participated in donation activities by interacting with religious commitment, institutional trust, attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.

Entry of Migrant Workers to Malaysia: Consideration to Implement Mass Drug Administration Against Intestinal Parasitic Infections.

Over the last five decades, widespread industrialisation and urbanisation have resulted in the influx of low-skilled workers, particularly from Southeast and West Asia to Malaysia. The current practice for migrant workers entry for employment requires mandatory medical screening for infectious diseases. However, screening for parasitic infections in Malaysia is woefully inadequate. Many migrants come from low-income countries where parasitic infections are common, which may have public health implications for their overall well-being as parasitic infections, although not critical, may impact their overall productivity. The high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) recorded among migrant workers in Malaysia necessitates improvement in the national health policy to include mandatory mass administration of a single dose of anthelmintic drugs to all low-skilled migrant labourers, particularly upon entry into the country, admission, and encourage continuous surveillance. A constant stream of migrant labourers is anticipated, potentially resulting in an ongoing occurrence of parasitic infections within the population. The implementation of economic measures like health awareness initiatives, routine deworming campaigns, and improved sanitation facilities holds the potential to reduce the spread of these infections notably. More often than not, taking preventive actions proves to be more financially efficient over time compared to addressing severe infections at a later stage.

First record and description of actinospore stages (raabeia, triactinomyxon, and aurantiactinomyxon types) of fish parasitic myxozoans from Malaysia.

During a 2-month survey in 2023 at Tasik Telabak, Terengganu, Malaysia three distinct actinospore types, namely raabeia, triactinomyxon and aurantiactinomyxon were identified in three invertebrate host species: Aulodrilus acutus, Branchiodrilus sp., and Bothrioneurum sp. utilizing morphometric and molecular analyses. Maximum likelihood of 18S rDNA positioned the raabeia type within the Myxobolus clade from fish of the Order Cypriniformes, suggesting a detected actinospore has a potential life cycle development in Cypriniformes and the genus Myxobolus. Both triactinomyxon and aurantiactinomyxon types were described solely based on morphology and morphometrics due to preservation error preventing the acquisition of 18S rDNA sequences. The triactinomyxon type in this study exhibited distinct morphology in spore shape and dimensions, characterized by a short style and caudal processes. Conversely, the aurantiactinomyxon type described herein possesses prominent elongated pyriform polar capsules not resembling any previously known aurantiactinomyxon types. These distinctive features, along with host species and geographical location justify their classification as novel types. Histological and microscopic analyses revealed the development of pansporocysts in the intestinal epithelium of the oligochaete host. This study marks the first descriptions of actinospore stages of myxozoans in Malaysia and the initial report of actinospores infecting host species of Aulodrilus acutus, Branchiodrilus sp. and Bothrioneurum sp.

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment and the risk of post-COVID condition over 180 days in Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: The effect of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir on preventing post-COVID condition (PCC) in the BA4, BA5, and XBB Omicron predominant periods is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to assess how nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment affected both PCC and health-related quality of life. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study enrolled 2,524 adults aged 18 years and older who were eligible for nirmatrelvir/ritonavir between July 14 to November 14, 2022. All outcomes were observed from the patient's first visit to the primary health clinic, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after testing positive for COVID-19. The primary outcome was the presence of PCC. Secondary outcomes included the effects on health-related quality of life, such as walking, bathing and dressing, activities, cause adverse emotions or signs that prevent individuals from leading normal lives over a 180-day observation period. RESULTS: There were no significant differences observed between the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and those not administered (control group) in terms of PCC symptoms at 3 months (OR 0.71 95% CI 0.31, 1.64) and 6 months (OR 1.30 95% CI 0.76, 2.21). At 3 months, the use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was associated with a 26% reduction in symptoms causing negative emotions (OR 0.74 95% CI 0.60, 0.92) and an increased likelihood of symptoms limiting walking (OR 1.58 95% CI 1.10, 2.27). However, there were no significant differences between the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and the control group in terms of the impact of PCC on health-related quality of life at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that the administration of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir does not significantly reduce PCC after 3 months and 6 months in a population with high vaccination coverage.

Setting the Priorities for LGBT+ Research and Intervention Effort in Malaysia Through Community Voices: A Brief Report.

Internationally, there is a growing acceptance of gender and sexuality diversity and acknowledgment of LGBT + identities as health determinants. However, caution is warranted when applying research and intervention priorities from Global North countries to regions where LGBT + identities remain criminalized. In 2024, Malaysia maintains legal stances persecuting LGBT + individuals and shows no intent to address this human rights issue. This study offers an overview of pivotal issues identified by LGBT + communities in Malaysia that urgently require attention and resolution. Data were employed from a large-scale community-based survey: the KAMI Survey that recruited LGBT + participants in Malaysia in late 2023 and descriptive analyses were conducted on the responses of 637 participants (mean age = 27.75). Results revealed key issues deemed 'very important' to address by participants comprised HIV/AIDS, training for healthcare providers, police mistreatment, and discrimination, with more than 80% reporting each of these. When prompted to select a single issue for urgent resolution, three-fifths (61.0%) prioritized 'criminalizing laws affecting LGBT + individuals'. Echoing prolonged advocacy by local LGBT + community organizations, the author emphasizes the need for collective allyship across stakeholders to develop evidence-based practices and policies to address the concerns articulated in this paper.

The International Breakfast Research Initiative-Evaluation and Comparison of Breakfast Nutrient Intakes in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines with a View to Proposing a Harmonised Nutrient-Based Breakfast Recommendation.

The International Breakfast Research Initiative is a global study of breakfast nutrition, involving 17 countries in four continents, aiming to derive nutrient-based regional recommendations for breakfast. This study aimed to propose a harmonised recommendation for three South-East Asian countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. For each country, data from nationally representative dietary surveys on the contribution of breakfast to daily nutrient intakes at both the adult population level and at the level of the upper tertile of daily nutrient density using the Nutrient Rich Food (NRF) Index were collated and examined. Energy intakes at breakfast ranged from 26 to 27% of daily energy intake. In all three countries, breakfast was carbohydrate-rich, providing 52 to 72% of breakfast energy intake, while it was higher in total and saturated fat in Malaysia and Indonesia. Intakes of fibre and vitamin C were low in all countries, while Malaysia tended to have higher intakes of most minerals, including sodium. Daily and breakfast nutrient intakes (at the population level and in the upper tertile of the NRF Index) were compared to the Codex Alimentarius nutrient reference values (NRVs) to assess adequacy. A decision tree was established based on these data to guide the development of recommendations for nutrient intakes at breakfast across the three countries.

Antibacterial Effects of Various Types of Bee Products in Malaysia: A Systematic Review.

Antibiotics are widely used to treat bacterial infections. The effectiveness of antibiotics is very important, but unfortunately, prolonged exposure leads to the development of antibiotic resistance in some bacteria. Hence, using natural products as antibacterial agents is an attractive alternative, given that they have been used as traditional medicine since the existence of humanity. This study systematically reviewed the antibacterial activity of Malaysian bee products such as honey, propolis and bee bread. Five electronic databases: i) PubMed; ii) ScienceDirect; iii) Scopus; iv) Web of Science Core Collection and v) Google Scholar, were searched for relevant articles. A total of 153 articles were obtained from the initial search. Of these, 32 articles, including 24 on honey, eight on propolis and one on bee bread, were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Most studies reported that honey, propolis and bee bread demonstrated antibacterial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Seroprevalence and contributing factors of transboundary animal diseases in sheep and goats: a study in Peninsular Malaysia.

Diseases caused by small ruminant lentiviruses, Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP), Schmallenberg virus, and peste des petits ruminants virus (PPR) is globally recognised as serious threats to the ruminant industry due to their potential to spread rapidly across boundaries. Despite their global distribution and negative impacts on ruminant production, there is a gap in knowledge of the current trends in their epidemiology among sheep and goat populations in Peninsular Malaysia. This study was therefore designed to fill the gap of knowledge concerning the seroprevalence and contributing factors of CAEV, paratuberculosis, SBV, and PPRV among small ruminants from selected flocks in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Pahang states in Peninsular Malaysia. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect animal data and blood samples for serological assays simultaneously. The ID Screen (ID.VET, France) indirect ELISA screening tests were used to detect serum antibodies directed against CAEV/MVV (VISNAS Ver 0922), paratuberculosis (PARAS Ver 0516), SBV (SBVC Ver 1114) and PPRV (PPRC Ver 0821). There was 45.4% (95% CI = 40.74-50.74), 6.8% (95% CI = 4.66-9.69), 27.8% (95% CI = 23.35-32.77), and 2.6% (95% CI = 1.11-0.51) true seroprevalence for CAEV, paratuberculosis, SBV, and PPR, respectively. Geographical location and species were the risk factors for CAEV and paratuberculosis, while the management system and age of small ruminants were the risk factors for SBV. The present study is the first to document a large-scale seroprevalence of MAP and PPR infection among sheep and goat flocks in Peninsular Malaysia. The presence of PPRV and MAP antibodies among small ruminant flocks is signalling current or previous exposure to the pathogens or cross reactions with similar antigens. This finding further suggests the potential for future outbreaks of these devastating diseases among sheep and goats in Malaysia. The high seroprevalence of CAEV and SBV among small ruminants indicates high levels of exposure to the viruses in the environment, which is a potential threat to production.

Predictors of grit among medical students: a study at a Malaysian Public University.

BACKGROUND: Previous literature has demonstrated associations between grit and positive educational and psychological outcomes, such as higher academic grades, lower attrition rates in medical training, and protection from burnout. However, the predictors of grit have yet to be studied, particularly among medical students in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the level of grit and its predictors among Malaysian medical students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 123 medical students from a public university in Malaysia. Data on sociodemographic and educational characteristics were collected. The student's personality traits were determined using the Big Five Inventory (BFI), while grit was assessed using the validated 7-item Short Grit Scale (Grit-S). Grit was expressed as a mean score, ranging from 1 (not at all gritty) to 5 (extremely gritty). Multiple linear regression was used to determine the association between the predictors (personality, sociodemographic and educational characteristics) and grit among these students. RESULTS: The mean grit score was 3.43 (SD 0.57). Based on the multiple linear regression analysis, the grit score was significantly predicted by three personality traits which were extraversion, b = 0.2 (95% CI: 0.07-0.32), agreeableness, b = 0.28 (95% CI: 0.12-0.44) and conscientiousness, b = 0.6 (95% CI: 0.42-0.77). A 1-point increase in the mean extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness scores would independently increase these students' mean grit scores by 0.2, 0.28, and 0.6, respectively. The sociodemographic and educational characteristics did not significantly predict grit among Malaysian medical students. CONCLUSIONS: The mean grit score among Malaysian medical students is comparable to other medical students in Asia. Extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness personality traits were associated with higher grit. As grit is a dynamic trait, appropriate interventions should be implemented to foster and increase it among these students.

Association of breakfast skipping on nutrient intake and adiposity in Malaysian children: Findings from SEANUTS II.

Malaysian children often skip breakfast, an important meal providing essential nutrients for optimal growth and maintaining proper nutritional status. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the associations between breakfast skipping with dietary intake, diet quality, and adiposity indicators among primary schoolchildren aged 6.0-12.9 years. This study involved 1383 children from the South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS II) Malaysia. Information collected through questionnaires included sociodemography and breakfast consumption, defined as the first meal before noon. Breakfast skipping was identified as skipping breakfast at least once a week. Anthropometric measures, including height, body weight, and waist circumference, as well as percentage of body fat, were collected. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio were calculated, and BMI-for-age-z-scores was determined using WHO (2007) growth reference. A one-day 24-hour dietary recall was employed to assess dietary intake, and diet quality was analyzed using Malaysian Healthy Eating Index. Binary logistic regression was applied to examine relationship between breakfast skipping on diet quality and adiposity indicators. Over one-third (36.0%) of children skipped breakfast at least once a week, resulting in lower intakes of energy, nutrients, cereals/grains, vegetables, and milk/dairy products, though not affecting total diet quality score. Breakfast skipping was associated with higher odds of overweight/obesity (aOR 2.04, 95%CI: 1.52-2.76) and central obesity (aOR 1.87, 95%CI 1.34-2.61). In conclusion, primary schoolchildren in Peninsular Malaysia who skipped breakfast tended to have lower consumption of nutrients and specific basic food groups, as well as increased body fat. This study highlights the importance of continuing to educate parents and children about healthy eating habits, especially the need to adhere to dietary recommendations, with an emphasis on breakfast consumption.

Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae): A potentially forgotten forensically important species in Malaysia.

Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) has been collected in human forensic case work. This species is endemic in Malaysia but is not one of the most common species and is often found in outdoor cases. However, it is hypothesized that the presence of L. cuprina larvae may provide useful information in forensic case studies in Malaysia where this species has previously been ignored. This review will discuss the current background knowledge on L. cuprina, particularly when it comes to other forensic cases in Malaysia. General biology as well as key information for forensic work such as geographical distribution and developmental data will be reviewed. Finally, we discuss the potential for L. cuprina to provide beneficial and unique forensic insight into indoor cases with refuse.

Validation of the Malay version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) among Malaysian undergraduates.

The study's objective is to validate the Malay version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) among Malaysian undergraduates. A cross-sectional survey was distributed at three universities in Malaysia (N = 500; mean age = 21.66 ± 1.57). The internal consistency of the Malay PHQ-4 was acceptable (α = .78, 95 % CI [.74, .81]), while the test-retest reliability was good (ICC = .77, 95 % CI [.34, .91], p < .001). The one-factor structure showed the best fit in confirmatory factor analysis and was similar across sexes. The Malay PHQ-4 has acceptable psychometric properties and can be used for pre-clinical screening purposes among Malaysian undergraduate students.

Assessment of solar geoengineering impact on precipitation and temperature extremes in the Muda River Basin, Malaysia using CMIP6 SSP and GeoMIP6 G6 simulations.

The concept of solar geoengineering remains a topic of debate, yet it may be an effective way for cooling the Earth's temperature. Nevertheless, the impact of solar geoengineering on regional or local climate patterns is an active area of research. This study aims to evaluate the impact of solar geoengineering on precipitation and temperature extremes of the Muda River Basin (MRB), a very important agricultural basin situated in the northern Peninsular Malaysia. The analysis utilized the multi-model ensemble mean generated by four models that contributed to the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project (GeoMIP6). These models were configured to simulate the solar irradiance reduction (G6solar) and stratospheric sulfate aerosols (G6sulfur) strategies as well as the moderate (SSP245) and high emission (SSP585) experiments. Prior to the computation of extreme indices, a linear scaling approach was employed to bias correct the daily precipitation, maximum and minimum temperatures. The findings show that the G6solar and G6sulfur experiments, particularly the latter, could be effective in holding the increases in both annual and monthly mean precipitation totals and temperature extremes close to the increases projected under SSP245. For example, both G6solar and G6sulfur experiments project increases of temperature over the basin of 2 °C at the end of the 21st century as compared to 3.5 °C under SSP585. The G6solar and G6sulfur experiments also demonstrate some reliability in modulating the increases in precipitation extreme indices associated with flooding to match those under SSP245. However, the G6sulfur experiment may exacerbate dry conditions in the basin, as monthly precipitation is projected to decrease during the dry months from January to May and consecutives dry days are expected to increase, particularly during the 2045-2064 and 2065-2084 periods. Increases dry spells could indirectly affect agricultural and freshwater supplies, and pose considerable challenges to farmers.

The effect of USM-IAM-based counselling vs standard counselling on insulin adherence, FBS and HbA1c among patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM): a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with T2DM on insulin are not optimally controlled despite receiving standard diabetes education counselling. Poor insulin adherence may be a contributing factor. We developed and evaluated a new module [Universiti Sains Malaysia-Insulin Adherence Module (USM-IAM)] on insulin-treated patients with poorly controlled diabetes. METHODS: Eligibility criteria are those diagnosed with T2DM, aged between 18 and 65 years, with HbA1c between 8 and 15% and on insulin therapy for 1 year. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either the USM-IAM-based counselling or the standard counselling (SC) at baseline and the second visit. Patients were instructed to adjust insulin doses based on blood glucose levels. Outcomes were changes in adherence score, FBS and HbA1c levels from baseline to 3 months and baseline to sixth month. RESULTS: Ninety patients were randomised to each group. The baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were homogenous among groups. Ninety patients were analysed for each group. Adherence score changes between baseline to 3 months were - 8.30 (- 11.47, - 5.14) in USM-IAM-based counselling group (USM-IAM) and - 7.64 (- 10.89, - 4.40) in standard counselling group (SCG), between baseline to sixth month were - 10.21 (- 13.40, - 7.03) in USM-IAM and - 10.79 (- 14.64, - 6.97) in SCG. FBS changes between baseline to 3 months were 1.374 (0.25, 2.50) in USM-IAM and 0.438 (- 0.66, 1.54) in SCG, and between baseline to sixth month were 1.713 (0.473, 2.95) in USM-IAM and 0.998 (- 0.02, 2.01) in SCG. HbA1c changes between baseline to 3 months were 1.374 (0.25, 2.50) in USM-IAM and 0.547 (0.12, 0.98) in SCG, and between baseline to sixth month were 1.03 (0.65, 1.41) in USM-IAM and 0.617 (0.20, 1.03) in SCG. Between-subjects effects for all outcomes were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Both groups had significant improvements in adherence score and HbA1c with time, with higher improvement in patients receiving the USM-IAM. FBS reductions were significant in the intervention group but not in the control group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study protocol is registered with Clicaltrials.gov with ID NCT05125185 dated 17th November 2021.

Sex estimation using post-mortem computed tomographic images of the clavicle in a Malaysian population.

Forensic practitioners need contemporary anthropological data for the identification of human remains. The clavicle possesses a high degree of variability in its anatomical, biomechanical, and morphological features that are sex-dependent albeit population specific. The aim of this study was to develop sex estimation models for Malaysian individuals using post-mortem computed tomographic images of the clavicle. Sample comprised scans of 2.0 mm resolution of 405 individuals (209 male; 196 female) aged between 19 to 88 years. These scans were reconstructed and visualized using Infinitt. Six clavicular measurements (i.e. maximum length, C1; midshaft circumference, C2; midshaft maximum diameter, C3; midshaft minimum diameter, C4; maximum breadth of the sternal end, C5; and maximum breadth of the acromial articular surface, C6) were obtained from these images. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and discriminant function analysis. Measurements taken from the images were highly precise (ICC = 0.770-0.999). There is a significant difference between all parameters and sex (p < 0.001), however none for age and ethnic group. A multivariate sex estimation model was developed: Sex = (C1*0.86) + (C2*0.236) + (C3*-0.145) + (C5*- 0.074) - 17.618; with an accuracy rate of 89.1 % and sex bias of -3.2 %. Lower accuracy rates were obtained for single variable models (61.5-83.2 %). The resultant sex discriminant models can be used for estimating sex based on the clavicle in our local forensic practice.

A novel subsurface slopes hazardous mapping with engineering geologic and geophysical characterizations.

Engineering geological characterizations, and geophysical mapping of subsurface structures to monitor some susceptible infrastructural facilities to hazardous slopes for effectiveness, safety to lives and properties, in addition to policy management for sustainable development. Novel integrated engineering geology, geoelectrical resistivity (ER), and borehole data analysis, to characterize subsurface for slope instability, determining critical zones prone to hazardous slopes in Peninsular Malaysian (PM), east coast areas was focused on. Engineering Laboratory soil investigations using disturbed and undisturbed samples collected to obtain firsthand information on the subsurface soils, and rocks physical properties, integrated with ER data to obtain subsurface geoelectric profiles. Regions delineated as loose and marked as water saturated residual soils prone to slopes corresponds to ER values < 100 Ω-m. ER values between 100 ≥ 500 Ω-m, were delineated as residual soils zones devoid of water contents. Subsurface geoelectric profiles related to hard materials were delineated as weathered and fractured bedrock zones corresponding to ER values between 500 ≥ 2000 Ω-m. Granitic bedrock units delineated as subsurface lithological zones with ER values > 4000 Ω-m. Slope Mass Ratings (SMR), was carried out to construct suitability, and slope assessment system (SAS) model ratings map for the four classes obtained.

Analysing a private city being built from scratch through a social and environmental justice framework: A research agenda.

A growing body of scholarship examines new cities being built from scratch that are developed and governed by the private sector. While this scholarship explores discourse and rhetoric, economic objectives, and some social and environmental impacts of new private cities, scholars to date have not taken a social or environmental justice approach to analysing new city projects. In this article we examine Forest City, a private city project being built on artificial islands off the coast of Malaysia by one of China's largest property development companies, and its unique governance and claims to being 'eco', despite the significant environmental damage it has caused. Intended as a lush and exclusive gated enclave for Chinese nationals, Forest City is a productive case study through which to consider the consequences of a private city using the frameworks of social and environmental justice. We suggest more critical research that engages with social and environmental justice is needed on the many emerging projects branded as eco-cities of the future, a troubling claim that signals a growing normalisation of mega-scale privatisation and loose or absent regulations regarding social inclusivity and environmental protection.

A systematic review of the role of integrated farming and the participation of universities in ensuring food security: Malaysia's effort.

Food security is critical for promoting health and well-being and achieving sustainable development, especially in developing countries. Despite the recent efforts to improve it, food security is still a concern due to the rapid increase in populations, conflicts, and natural disasters worldwide. Universities, particularly agricultural universities, play an essential role in addressing food security issues by researching, developing new technologies, and providing education and training to farmers and other stakeholders. The main objective of this review is to discuss the role of universities and integrated farming in ensuring food security, specifically in Malaysia. It includes a brief overview of the different types of integrated farming methods that can be used to improve food security and finally discusses the Student Farmer Entrepreneur program, which can be crucial for promoting food security by increasing agricultural productivity, promoting local food production, encouraging sustainable agriculture practices, and supporting rural development. This review also considers the significant impact of the Malaysian government and universities on food security. With integrated farming and the Student Farmer Entrepreneur program, food security can be further improved.

A cross-sectional study on the dietary patterns of multiethnic Malaysian preschoolers and their sociodemographic determinants.

Early childhood is a critical developmental stage where established dietary patterns can impact lifelong health outcomes. This study investigates dietary patterns and their relationships with sociodemographic factors among Malaysian preschoolers. A total of 643 preschoolers of Malay, Indian, Chinese and other ethnicities participating in South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS II) were included. Dietary intake was assessed using a single triple-pass 24-h dietary recall method. Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis and their association with sociodemographic factors was determined using complex sampling logistic regressions. Five dietary patterns were identified: "healthy eating," "wholegrains and starchy vegetables," "high salt and sugar," "Western food," and "sugary drinks and legumes". Having older siblings was inversely associated with a "healthy eating" pattern (adjusted OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.33-0.87). Malay ethnicity was associated with higher odds of adhering to the "high salt and sugar" pattern (adjusted OR: 4.12, 95% CI: 2.20-7.75). Meanwhile, children living in urban areas (adjusted OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.03-3.01), those from middle-income families (adjusted OR: 3.20, 95% CI: 1.38-7.40) and whose fathers were overweight (adjusted OR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.58-4.94) showed a higher association with "Western food" pattern. Conversely, children whose mothers had overweight were less likely to adhere to the "Western food" pattern (adjusted OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30-0.83). Older age was significantly associated with a greater likelihood of the "sugary drinks and legumes" pattern (adjusted OR: 3.99, 95% CI: 1.75-9.06). There was no significant association between "wholegrains and starchy vegetables" pattern with sociodemographic characteristics (all p > 0.05). These findings suggest that ethnicity, age, residence area, having older siblings, parental weight status and household income level are associated with dietary patterns among multiethnic preschoolers in Malaysia. Thus, these sociodemographic characteristics should be considered when designing targeted dietary strategies and interventions for preschoolers.