Effects of Ambient Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Exposure on Calorie Intake and Appetite of Outdoor Workers.

Malaysia has been experiencing smoke-haze episodes almost annually for the past few decades. PM2.5 is the main component in haze and causes harmful impacts on health due to its small aerodynamic size. This study aimed to explore the implications of PM2.5 exposure on the dietary intake of working individuals. Two phased 13-weeks follow-up study was conducted involving 440 participants, consisting of two cohorts of outdoor and indoor workers. Ambient PM2.5 concentrations were monitored using DustTrakTM DRX Aerosol Monitor. Data on Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) and 24 h diet recall were collected weekly. The highest PM2.5 concentration of 122.90 ± 2.07 µg/m3 was recorded in August, and it vastly exceeded the standard value stipulated by US EPA and WHO. SNAQ scores and calorie intake were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) associated with changes in PM2.5 exposure of outdoor workers. Several moderate and positive correlations (R-value ranged from 0.4 to 0.6) were established between SNAQ scores, calorie intake and PM2.5 exposure. Overall findings suggested that long hours of PM2.5 exposure affect personal dietary intake, potentially increasing the risk of metabolic syndromes and other undesired health conditions. The current policy should be strengthened to safeguard the well-being of outdoor workers.

Impacts of particulate matter (PM2.5) on the health status of outdoor workers: observational evidence from Malaysia.

Ambient air pollution is a significant contributor to disease burden, leading to an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths and 103.1 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) annually worldwide. As industrialization and urbanization surge in Asia, air pollution and its corresponding health issues follow suit. Findings on disease burden in developing countries are extremely scanty. This study aimed to determine the concentration of PM2.5 and its impact on respiratory health of outdoor workers in Malaysia. A 2-cycled 3-month cohort study involving 440 participants was conducted. Workers' health status was assessed via (1) Total Ocular Symptom Score (TOSS), (2) Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), (3) St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGPQ), and (4) Asthma Control Test (ACT). The maximum PM2.5 concentration was measured at 122.90 ± 2.07 µg/m3 during third week of August 2016. Meanwhile, the minimum concentration was measured at 57.47 ± 3.80 µg/m3 and 57.47 ± 1.64 µg/m3 during fourth week of July 2016 and first week of August 2017 respectively. Findings revealed that TOSS, TNSS, and SGPQ changes were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the concentration of PM2.5. Outdoor workers were more significantly (p < 0.05) affected by changes in PM2.5 compared to indoor workers with a moderate correlation (r value ranged from 0.4 to 0.7). Ironically, no significant association was found between ACT assessment and PM2.5. Collectively, our findings suggested that changes in the concentration of PM2.5 threatened the respiratory health of outdoor workers. The existing policy should be strengthened and preventive measures to be enforced safeguarding health status of outdoor workers.

Acne vulgaris and its association with dietary intake: a Malaysian perspective.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition among adolescents and young adults. Its relationship with the dietary intake is highly debatable and equivocal. This study aimed to identify the association between acne vulgaris and dietary intake among Malaysians. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study was conducted involving 57 acne vulgaris patients and 57 age-, gender- and ethnicity-matched controls. All participants were aged 14 and above. The Comprehensive Acne Severity Scale (CASS) was used to categorise patients (grades 2 to 5) and controls (grades 0 to 1). Information such as the demographics, family history, smoking habits and dietary intake were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: In the patient arm, the gender ratio of male to female was 1.5:1. 43 patients (75.4%) had a family history of acne vulgaris. No significant association was found for acne in patients with a history of smoking. Milk consumption was significantly higher in patients (63.2%, n=36) versus controls (43.9%, n=25), (OR=2.19, p<0.05). In addition, chocolate consumption was also significantly higher in patients (43.9%, n=25) versus controls (24.6%, n=14), (OR=2.4, p<0.05). No significant association was found with the intakes of sweets, potatoes, chips, nuts, yoghurt, ice-cream or carbonated drinks. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary intake of milk and chocolate may play a role in acne vulgaris. Prospective cohort and intervention studies are recommended to explore whether a causal relationship might obtain.